Abstract: A hoist assembly includes a housing having a body sandwiched between metal plates connected to a mounting channel. The housing supports a rotary drive shaft which supports a rotary spool defining a groove receiving a cable having an inner end portion connected to the spool. A drive mechanism connects the shaft to the spool and produces one revolution of the spool for multiple revolutions of the drive shaft. A down stop member moves radially within the groove while engaging the cable, and an alternate one-piece down stop member surrounds the cable and engages the spool on opposite sides of the groove. An elongated wheel support bracket is connected to the outer end of the cable and has opposite inclined straight surfaces for self-centering wheels with center holes of different diameters. Another wheel support bracket has opposite end portions having pins projecting upwardly into lug holes within the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of fabrics made of advanced fibers for making pre-forms for composite materials. The invention provides a sewing machine needle which can be used to join fabrics by stitching with a brittle thread. The needle, according to the invention, for stitching a brittle fiber thread through at least one layer of fibrous fabric, being characterized by the head (point) thereof having an (open eye) slit proximate to the needle point for receipt and release of the brittle thread, the slit of the needle having an arc shape with a radius of curvature of not less than 1 mm, to prevent sharp bending of the brittle thread when the thread is in contact with the slit.

Abstract: Hazardous gas abatement apparatus combines and directly couples a chemical agent treatment tank and a dynamic oxidation chamber with a quick connect clamp. Cleaning the chamber and filter and emptying and replacing the chemical agent take place without disconnecting or otherwise disturbing gas, air and exhaust connections.

Abstract: Cost-effective methods and apparatus are disclosed for measuring both absolute position and fluctuations using a moving dielectric medium between fixed electrodes. A position sensor according to the invention includes a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, an elongated dielectric that moves between the electrodes, and electrical circuitry interconnected to the electrodes to determine the position of the dielectric relative to the electrodes. To realize a linear position sensor, the electrodes are electrically conductive rods or wires, and the dielectric is also an electrically non-conductive rod or wire. The dielectric may be flexible or stiff, in which case the dielectric and the electrodes are preferably substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the spaced-apart electrodes may be concentric tubes, with the dielectric being an electrically non-conductive tube slideably disposed between the electrodes. In different embodiments, the dielectric is a liquid-receiving tube.

Abstract: Atmospheric and/or vacuum resid fractions of a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil are added to a blend of crude oil to prevent fouling of crude oil refinery equipment and to perform on-line cleaning of fouled refinery equipment. The HSDP resid fractions dissolve asphaltene precipitates and maintain suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for removing organic solvents from a marc including the steps of: continuously introducing the marc into a desolventiser; introducing an inert, gaseous stripping medium into the desolventiser; removing the organic solvents from the marc by maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure inside the desolventiser, thus providing an organic solvent-desolventised material; and continuously extracting the organic solvent-desolventised material from the desolventiser; wherein step (a) and (d) comprise compacting the marc and the organic solvent-desolventised material into a first and second plastic, substantially gas-impermeable mass respectively and extruding the first and second plastic mass through an annular gap, the opening of which is controlled by the rate of supply of the first and second plastic mass. The invention also provides a device for compacting a moist organic material into a first plastic gas-impermeable mass which is useful for implementing this process.

Abstract: A system and method for cleanup of biological samples from contaminants prior to spectroscopy analysis. The system includes a support configured to hold a sample including a liquid having at least one group of biological molecules with a surface of the support binding the molecules at a surface tension angle to the liquid of less than 180 degrees. The system includes an evaporator configured to evaporate liquid from the support, a solvent applicator configured to apply a solvent for dissolution of the contaminants in the sample, and a solvent removal device configured to remove applied solvent from the sample and thereby at least partially remove the contaminants.

Abstract: There is provided a technique capable of executing a predetermined processing while continuing a database processing. Firstly, the database to be operated is switched from the main database to a duplicate database. The predetermined processing is executed to the main database which becomes the non-operation mode by the switching. Next, a database access request is distributed to the duplicate database which becomes the operation mode by the switching, thereby performing the database processing. Update information indicating the content of the update processing performed to the duplicate database is output. The output update information is reflected on the main data base for which the predetermined processing has been executed. After this, the database to be operated is switched from the duplicate database to the main database.

Abstract: A low fluid sensor for an internal combustion engine. The sensor includes a base with helically threaded post and a float slidably mounted on the post. The float rotates about the post as it moves longitudinally along it. In the preferred embodiment, eccentric mounting of the assembly along with its lobe shape act in concert with the pitch of the screw threads and fluid viscosity to dampen the buoyant movement of the float against fluid turbulence. At a predetermined level a latch spring on the float contacts an ignition circuit terminal and grounds the engine ignition circuit. A catch holds the float at the pre-determined level, preventing engine starting, so that the sensor may only be reset by addition of fluid and re-insertion of the dipstick.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaluating chip performance of a cured coating system. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a coated substrate comprising a substrate and a cured film of a first coating composition thereon, measuring elastic work energy (We/Wtot) of the cured film, and calculating a % C.P. of the cured film via the formula: % C.P.=7.61636?0.225473 (We/Wtot) wherein a % C.P. of equal to or less than about 3.5% correlates to a total paint loss of equal to or less than 5% of a coating system comprising the first coating composition. The disclosed method predicts the gravelometer chip performance of a cured multilayer coating system comprising a first coating composition and a topcoat by measuring the measuring elastic work energy (We/Wtot) of the cured first coating system alone. In one embodiment, chip performance can be predicted without topcoat application and independent of topcoat composition.

Abstract: A semiconductor package having an optical device and the method of making the same, includes a transparent substrate, a chip, an optical device and a carrier substrate. The transparent substrate has a plurality of first contacts and second contacts, wherein the first contacts are electrically connected to the second contacts. The chip is connected to the transparent substrate and forms a gap therebetween. The chip has a plurality of third contacts that are electrically connected to the first contacts. The optical device is disposed in the gap. The carrier substrate has a receiving space and a plurality of fourth contacts, wherein the receiving space accommodates the chip and the optical device, and the fourth contacts are electrically connected to the second contacts of the transparent substrate. Therefore, no connecting wires are needed and the step of wire bonding is omitted. Also, only one transparent substrate is used in the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A connector for underwater connection of two fluid carrying conduits comprises initial engagement means to provide an initial engagement between a male component and a female receptacle. The final connection is made by operating a drive which reacts against the initial engagement means to move the component into a fully connected position. A number of sealing means may be provided to enable a pressure tight connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activated sludge process and apparatus for effectively removing organic matters, nutrient salts, particulates, etc. dissolved in sewage/waste water by operating activated sludge process of a high biomass concentration combined with a down-flow solid-liquid separation process utilizing a float-concentrated sludge blanket layer. The present invention provides a process for biologically treating sewage/waste water using activated sludge, comprising the steps of (a) floating a sludge by having micro bubbles rise to form a float-concentrated sludge blanket layer and (b) down-flowing mixed liquor, including activated sludge and solids, into the sludge blanket layer, thereby resulting in a solid-liquid separation and an apparatus for operating the process.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates which face each other with a liquid crystal layer therebetween, a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of drain signal lines, and a plurality of pixel regions which are formed on one substrate. A planar counter electrode which is formed on each pixel region, and a pixel electrode having a plurality of slits is formed in overlapping relation with the counter electrode. A first contact hole is provided for connecting the pixel electrode and a source electrode, and a connection line is provided for connecting the counter electrode of one pixel region and the counter electrode of an adjacent next pixel region. The counter electrode has a notch in the position of the first contact hole.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly for a truck includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat cushion supports an occupant above the floor of the vehicle. The seat cushion has opposite and spaced apart front and rear ends. The seat back supports the back of the occupant while seated on the seat cushion. The seat back is operatively coupled to the seat cushion to allow selective angular adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between a plurality of seating positions. The seat back is also movable between any one of the seating positions and a folded flat position overlying the seat cushion. The rear seat assembly is movable along the floor of the vehicle between a full rear position, where the rear end of the seat cushion is adjacent a rear wall, and a full forward position, where the front end of the seat cushion is spaced apart from the rear wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalytic converter is described where the catalytic converter is comprised of an outer tube member having a monolith substrate internally compressed therein with a wrapped mat material surrounding the monolith substrate and intermediate the outer tube. One or more monolith members can be applied within the outer tube and heat shields may also be applied internal to the outer tube and adjacent to the monolith substrate. The assembly of the catalytic converter includes measuring the sequence of compression of the mat material to the monolith substrate in order to understand the possible force characteristics which can be applied during the assembly thereof. The mat material is therefore compressed within the outer tube by way of compression jaws, by compression rollers, and/or by spinning. The compression of the mat material can be in single or multiple steps.

Abstract: A glove box assembly incorporated into a vehicle instrument panel, along which extends a reinforcing bar. The assembly includes a three-dimensional and interiorly open receptacle fixedly mounted within the instrument panel. The receptacle includes one or more integrally formed structural projections extending from a rear side thereof and in a direction towards the reinforcing bar, typically spaced a slight distance from the receptacle structure. A bin secures within the glove box receptacle and includes a door exposed to adjoining surfaces of the instrument panel. Upon experiencing a collision event resulting in a passenger's knees impacting the door, inward deformation of the receptacle transfers forces both to the instrument panel and through deforming the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible storage bin for use in a motor vehicle. In particular instances, the collapsible storage bin can have a generally planar lower rigid member and a generally planar upper rigid member oppositely disposed from said lower rigid member. The upper rigid member can have a recess for placement of an item and an opening providing access to a collapsible storage bin underneath the upper rigid member. A collapsible support brace pivotally attached to and adjoining the upper rigid member to the lower rigid member is included. The support brace is operable to move between an extended upright position and a collapsed down position, the extended upright position defining a spaced apart relationship between the lower rigid member and the upper rigid member. A flexible sidewall is included and is attached to the upper rigid member and defines a side surface of the collapsible storage bin underneath the upper rigid member when the collapsible support brace is in the extended upright position.

Abstract: A cationic conductive polymer is described herein which generally comprises a proton donating polymer and an oxocarbonic acid. The cationic conductive polymer exhibits a high conductivity in low humidity environments.