Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body having threaded connections on each end. A unit handled valve mechanism includes a cage carrying a spring loaded floating valve ball. The valve mechanism is placed in and removed from the valve body without the use of special tools. The valve mechanism includes lip type polyseals allowing pressure from below to leak past a lower valve seat so pressure from below causes the valve ball to seal only against an upper seat assembly. The only segment of the valve ball in substantial compression is immediately adjacent the upper seat assembly. An actuator for the valve fits onto a connector between the actuator and ball in only one manner, so the indicator on the actuator correctly points at the correct indicia on the valve body describing the valve condition, i.e. open or closed. An improved connector between the actuator and the valve ball minimizes the potential of deformation due to abuse.

Abstract: A device and method for reading three-dimensional information involves generating a variable magnetic field in a Cartesian coordinate system and coaxially placing first and second magnetometric sensors made up of three bi-orthogonal receiver induction coils each such that a point on the device, hereinafter referred to as a peak point, is superposed on a point having unknown coordinates. The unknown coordinates are identified based on a generalized information signal E.sub..SIGMA. =e.sub.1.sup.2 +e.sub.2.sup.3 +e.sub.3.sup.2, where e.sub.1 (i=1, 2, 3) is the amplitude of signals induced in the three bi-orthogonal receiver induction coils in each of the magnetometric sensors.

Abstract: An applicator system for applying color coating on a paper web is disclosed having a color coating applicator along with a backing roll around which is wrapped the paper web. A measuring system is incorporated for measuring a predetermined property of the color coating at several points along the width of the paper web. Predetermined qualities of the color coating include weight, thickness, or surface properties of the coated surface. A control means is included for controlling the color coating arriving at the application zone. The color coating is controlled by varying the temperature, or the consistency of the color coating in a zonewise fashion across the width of the paper web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an enhanced Call Forwarding Don't Answer feature is disclosed. When an originating address calls a base address assigned the Call forwarding Don't Answer feature and the call is forwarded to a remote address, a Look Ahead feature is implemented. The Look Ahead feature determines if a call setup to a remote address is successful, unsuccessful or points out a feature assigned to the remote line. The originating address is provided with ring tone during the call setup. The call setup results are then used to make appropriate connections to implement the functions of the feature while providing a steady ring tone to the originating address.

Abstract: A pile driver arrangement including a reciprocal impact member connected to a piston rod which is also connected to a reciprocal piston located in a hydraulic cylinder having a lower rod end and an upper blind end. A hydraulic fluid tank and a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid from the tank to the lower rod end of the hydraulic cylinder to lift the piston and the impact member. A first hydraulic fluid conduit connecting the upper blind end of the hydraulic cylinder and the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder and a check valve to prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid from the lower end to the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder. A second hydraulic fluid conduit connecting the pump and the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder and a control valve in the second conduit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the lower end of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A dispensable, disposable shield for stethoscopes prevents the transfer of disease or other contaminants through the incorporation of a disc of plastic film material having a defined edge surface, a pull-tab along the edge surface of the disc, and an adhesive backing on the plastic film material disc, with the plastic film material disc having a contour for covering a diaphragm of the stethoscope and with the adhesive backing covering the entire contour of the disc and being peelably detachable from the stethoscope diaphragm after use. In a second embodiment, the pull-tab is replaced by a flap.

Abstract: Flat or curved micro heat pipe panels are fabricated by arranging essentially parallel filaments in the shape of the desired panel. The configuration of the filaments corresponds to the desired configuration of the tubes that will constitute the heat pipes. A thermally conductive material is then deposited on and around the filaments to fill in the desired shape of the panel. The filaments are then removed, leaving tubular passageways of the desired configuration and surface texture in the material. The tubes are then filled with a working fluid and sealed. Composite micro heat pipe laminates are formed by layering individual micro heat pipe panels and bonding them to each other to form a single structure. The layering sequence of the micro heat pipe panels can be tailored to transport heat preferentially in specific directions as desired for a particular application.

Abstract: An interactive projected image video display system which includes a computer for generating video images, a projection apparatus coupled to the video output port of the computer for projecting computer-generated video images onto a projection screen, and at least one video camera for visually recording the projected image. The computer includes a frame grabber board coupled to the video camera for capturing individual frames or series of frames from the video recording of projected image. The captured images are compared to the computer generated images to detect for the presence of recognizable features introduced onto the projected image by a user to instruct the computer to trigger a computer operation. The system can also simulates a mouse to be used with any off the shelf application that uses a regular mouse.

Abstract: A brake assembly is universally mountable to any one of several different types and sizes of hand trucks. The complete brake assembly includes a brake control handle that is removably attached to the upper frame of the hand truck; a brake bar assembly having a base removably attached to the axle of the hand truck, and a horizontally extending brake bar with brake pads on its two ends adapted to engage the wheels; a cam mechanism for depressing the brake bar; and a cable coupling the brake control handle to the cam mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated ammonia/urea process and a plant for carrying out the same. The process comprises recycling a high pressure purge stream made up mostly of air from the urea synthesis cycle to the autothermal reformer in a syngas production unit of the ammonia process. In such a manner, compression energy required for ammonia synthesis can be reduced since a portion of the high pressure air feed to the autothermal reactor is supplied by the urea purge stream recycle. In addition, the equipment needed to clean up the urea purge stream is largely eliminated.

Abstract: A dryer for drying printed articles comprising a drying chamber, a plurality of conveyor belts having first and second ends, the conveyor belts located substantially within the drying chamber, a motor adapted to drive the plurality of conveyor belts, and a burner adapted to supply heated air to the drying chamber.

Abstract: A wet-press arrangement. The flexible press jacket of a shoe press roll removes the web to be dewatered in a first press nip directly from the wire on which the web has been formed. The web then passes, together with the press jacket, through a second press nip which is developed as a felted, lengthened press nip. The web then passes through a third press nip where it is transferred from the smooth outer surface of the press jacket onto the smooth outer surface of a press roll. The web then travels, together with the latter roll, through a fourth press nip, which again is developed as a felted, lengthened press nip. Following that, the web still follows the press roll up to a place of web removal.

Abstract: A multifunctional visceral catheter having a self-guiding system in the form of a pair of electrochemical sensors which are sensitive to a predetermined analyte, the analyte being one which is removed from the vascular circuit of interest to a high degree, such as galactose in the hepatic venous system or creatinine in the renal venous system. One of the sensors is disposed on the catheter so as to be positioned within the venous system of interest, while the other sensor remains outside the venous system in the inferior vena cava. A substantial difference between analyte concentration values as measured via the two sensors provides immediate confirmation that the catheter is properly positioned, eliminating the need for fluoroscopy or other x-ray techniques.

Abstract: Self-inking stamping devices are disclosed which include a frame, an encasement surrounding the frame and vertically displaceable with respect thereto between upper and lower positions, an ink pad holder supporting an ink pad at the upper end of the frame, a stamp die holder for mounting a stamp die within the frame, a turnover mechanism for operating the stamp die holder between positions in contact with the ink pad and where the stamp die is in a stamping position, and springs affixed to the ink pad holder and normally compressed between the encasement and the ink pad holder so that the ink pad can be removed from the frame without removing the ink pad holder, and the springs hold the encasement in a position from which it can be pressed downwardly against the spring into its stamping position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tooth brush having a bristle area formed of several folded bristle bundles of plastic bristles, the method including separating, with an anchor, the bristle bundles from a bristle package, folding the bristle bundles and pressing them into dead end holes, which are formed in the bristle area of the toothbrush, with the anchor, with effecting rounding off of the ends of the bristles of the bristle bundles prior to the bristle bundles being folded and anchored in the dead end holes of the tooth brush bristle area.

Abstract: The device comprises a blowing device (2) extending transversely to the screen travel direction, said device having two mutually parallel strips extending transversely to the travel direction of the screen, namely a leading strip (41) and a trailing strip (42), each of which contacts circulating screen (11) with a screen guide surface. Between the two strips is a blowing opening connected to a source of compressed air (62). Between leading strip (41) and screen (11) a wedge-shaped gap (45) is formed, tapering in the screen travel direction, in which gap a water-spraying device (3) terminates. Blowing device (2) is located inside the endless loop of screen (11), and water-spraying device (3) is located on the outside.

Abstract: A flash memory system having a controller and a flash memory device for providing BIOS, operating system and user storage capabilities is described. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, flash memory systems can be designed as integrated circuit packages which are pin compatible with conventional ROM BIOS chips so that existing systems can be readily upgraded without extensive modifications.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin powders of cellulose acetate esters in which essentially 80% or more of the particles pass through a 100 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) and essentially 50% pass through a 200 mesh screen (U.S. Sieve Series) are desirable and useful as a filler material for investment casting waxes. The cellulosic thermoplastics resin powders are environmentally safe when used as filler material for investment casting wax compositions since the powders produce essentially no carcinogenic materials on combustion. The powders are as effective as acid fillers and set relatively fast thus improving cycle time in the die but do not produce an adverse effect of shell cracking nor react with the slurry.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing comprising a housing having an opening to receive the journal of a shaft, and a plurality of foil supports extending longitudinally through the opening. The foil supports having arcuate inner and outer surfaces and are positioned to transversely surround the journal. An endless foil element encircles each foil support in a direction transverse the longitudinal axis of the element to engage and support the journal. Rods are positioned between the outer arcuate surface of each foil support and respective foil element that are movable relative to the foil support for varying the stiffness of each foil element.