Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies and hybrid magnetic apparatus are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient's body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.

Abstract: Permanent magnet assemblies are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnet assemblies for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a restricted part of the patient's body in a region either adjacent to the surface of one permanent magnet assembly or between a set of a first and second permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to the patient's body. The assemblies consist of a plurality of annular concentric magnets spaced-apart along their axis of symmetry. A method for constructing such annular permanent magnetic assemblies is disclosed, using equi-angular segments permanently magnetized.

Abstract: Yoked permanent magnets are disclosed for use in medical applications, particularly permanent magnets for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance therapy (MRT), and interventional magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI) to produce a volume of substantially uniform magnetic field in a part or organ of a patient's body disposed in an open region between a set of a first and second opposing permanent magnet assemblies, leaving open access to a part or organ of a patient's body. Each of the assemblies consists of a plurality of coaxial concentric permanent magnets. The magnets within each of the assemblies may be spaced-apart along their common axis of symmetry and may be tilted with respect to the common axis of symmetry. The magnets include an open yoke made from a ferromagnetic material for increasing the magnetic field strength within the imaging volume by providing a path for closing magnetic flux lines of the opposing permanent magnet assemblies.

Abstract: An open yoked magnetic apparatus for producing a substantially homogenous magnetic field. The apparatus includes an open ferromagnetic yoke, and two complementary permanent magnetic assemblies attached to opposing sides of the yoke. Each magnet assembly includes a ferromagnetic pole-piece and a first magnetic structure disposed between the pole-piece and the yoke, at least one annular ferromagnetic collimator concentric with said pole-piece and radially separated therefrom by a gap, and at least a second magnetic structure radially separated from the first magnetic structure by a gap and disposed between the at least one collimator and the yoke. The magnetic structures may be solid structures made from magnetic material or may be segmented or may include a plurality of magnetic blocks. A method for designing such an open yoked magnetic apparatus with improved properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage cabinet suitable for storing cigars, wherein relative humidity and temperature levels in the cabinet are maintained within a programmed range. More specifically, an ideal relative humidity to temperature ratio is maintained within the cabinet. An indicator displays real-time temperature, relative humidity and/or moisture level of the interior of the cabinet. A temperature control system comprises thermoelectric chips, rather than compressors, to maintain the temperature inside the cabinet. A humidity control system comprises a water container and fans directed at the water container for distributing humidity throughout the cabinet.In an alternate embodiment, a moisture level is programmed and maintained despite fluctuations in temperature and/or humidity within the cabinet.

Abstract: A nozzle for spraying deicing liquid onto surfaces lies flush with surfaces to prevent obstruction of surface treatment. The nozzles may be integral nozzles formed with the surface and may have relief channels designed to spread spray into a stream or a flatter pattern by adsorption of the streaming spray to the relief channel. The nozzles may be adapted for mounting and have an alignment base. An integral check valve and a flow switch are provided in the system. Additionally, either combined with the movement of the nozzle assembly or independently, a pump is regulated to vary the substance flow and pressure to get the desired spray distance and droplet size. Different programs may drive the nozzle and pump assembly depending on the target surface and rheology of the substance under the conditions to be sprayed. The nozzle may be of composite material, stainless or other metal, cast or molded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine that applies chemical anti-icing agents to any surface to be protected from snow and ice, i.e., driveways, walkways, rooftops, etc. More specifically, the device is affixed to stationary surfaces and permits adjustment to spray nozzles. Thus liquid chemical anti-icing agents are applied to the target surfaces by spraying the liquid in a manner intended to prevent snow and ice from forming a bond with the target surface. The device permits the permanent installation of spray nozzles on, in or near the surface intended to be protected by anti-icing agents. The device is easily maintained and left in a state of preparedness for use in the event of icing conditions. The invention provides a durable, adjustable and permanent point of attachment for spray nozzles for anti-icing purposes. The device may be surface mounted or embedded in an existing structure. Use of the device greatly increases the margin of safety for users of the driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a stationary, portable deicing machine for preventing snow and ice build up on any targeted surface, such as driveways, walkways and rooftops. The invention is a compact, integrated reservoir/pump/controller system that may be operated manually, automatically or by remote control. The invention is easily maintainable and may be left in a state of preparedness for use in the event of icing conditions. The liquid chemical deicing agent is contained in a temporary reservoir tank that is manually replaced. The temporary reservoir tank is placed upon the watertight base. The deicing agent is pumped from the watertight base to the distribution system. Apertures in the distribution system allow for the deicing agent to be distributed to any targeted surface. A primary benefit is a greatly increased margin of safety for the users of driveways, walkways, etc. to which the invention applies the deicing agents.

Abstract: An internally pressurized fluid vessel, in particular for liquids and/or gases exerting pressure outwards from the container has a sandwich structure capable of withstanding the internal pressure. The vessel has an interior container, an outer jacket in which the container is positioned and a material filling the space between the container and the outer jacket.

Abstract: In a system of packaging of foodstuffs in containers (12), each container (12) has a closure of aluminium/LDPE laminate formed with a central tear panel (322) which either has a pull-tab (402) rivetted thereto or is connected to a pull-tab (321) at an, edge of the closure (1) by a narrow tear strip (323) extending up, over and down the rim of the container (12). The closures (1) are conveyed in horizontal positions pneumatically from a closure-manufacturing machine towards a downwardly inclined, vibrating, tranpsort box (110) and tilted pneumatically into vertical positions as they approached the box (110) for stacking in the box (110).

Abstract: A roller assembly for curtains and the like includes a rod jacket (1) on which the curtain is wound, a plate wheel (5) , a fixed shaft (2) , a chain wheel (3) , plates (6) and a spring (7). The plate wheel (5) is mounted on the shaft (2) so as to enable it both to rotate and to be axially displaced relative to the shaft. Every second plate (6) is attached to the fixed shaft (2) and the others to the plate wheel (5). Furthermore, the plates (6) operate in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to the part to which they are attached, but can be axially displaced. The curtain is fixed by the spring (7) pressing the plate wheel (5) leftwards. The plates (6) lock the plate wheel (5) at the fixed shaft (2) because of the frictional action. When the height of the curtain is to be changed the chain wheel (3) is rotated in relation to the plate wheel (5). The plate wheel (5) is moved rightwards, because the contact area between the chain wheel (3) and the plate wheel (5) is saw-toothed.

Abstract: A metering apparatus, which may be single- or double-acting, includes a valve device including a closure member, an inlet port, an outlet port and one or two other ports communicating with a metering chamber of the single-acting apparatus or respective metering chambers of the double-acting apparatus.The closure member prevents communication between the inlet port and the outlet port during normal working, but, to allow flushing of the apparatus by cleaning fluid, the closure member can be displaced to an abnormal position in which the inlet port communicates with the outlet port by way of the other port(s).

Abstract: A nozzle and valve assembly comprises a cylinder having an open end and a piston having a conical deflecting surface on its lower end. A first supply pipe is connected to the interior of cylinder through an aperture in its wall. A second supply pipe is connected through a bore formed in the wall of the cylinder to an inwardly directed orifice positioned at the bottom of the cylinder. In use, with the piston in a raised position, a solid product is supplied through the first supply pipe and discharged through the open end of the cylinder into a container. The piston is lowered, thereby closing off the aperture in its wall and hence the first supply pipe, until its lower end is level with the inwardly directed orifice. Liquid is then supplied through the second supply pipe. The liquid washes away any solid on the conical deflecting surface and is formed by the conical deflecting surface into a smooth slow flowing column of liquid.

Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.

Abstract: A metering apparatus, which may be single or double acting, includes a valve device including a closure member, an inlet port, an outlet port and one or two other ports communicating with a metering chamber of the single-acting apparatus or respective metering chambers of the double-acting apparatus. The closure member prevents communication between the inlet port and the outlet port during normal working, but, to allow flushing of the apparatus by cleaning fluid, the closure member can be displaced to an abnormal position in which the inlet port communicates with the outlet port by way of the other port(s).

Abstract: The invented interconnect casing includes first and second flanges, a spacer associated with and intermediate the first and second flanges, an aperture in the spacer, and a bracket arm attached to one of the flanges for supporting a driven device. The invented power divider includes an engine having a drive shaft, a first flange mounted to the engine adjacent the drive shaft, a second flange mounted to a first device, a spacer that is associated with and intermediate the first and second flanges, an aperture in the spacer allowing access to the drive shaft, and a bracket arm attached to and extending from one of the flanges for supporting a second device.

Abstract: A dosing system for filling containers with a particulate/liquid mixture includes three piston-and-cylinder devices, of which a first device delivers the mixture downwards to containers advanced beneath it, a second device feeds a thick particulate/liquid mixture via a conduit to the first device, and the third device feeds a thin liquid via a conduit to the first device. A liquid supply port is disposed peripherally in the cylinder of the first device and is swept by the piston thereof, and a conduit in continuous communication with the port extends through the piston to a lower axial end of the piston.