Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A parallel wave washer having a body member with an aperture disposed therethrough, a first groove and a first ridge are disposed across a first end of the body member, the first groove is spaced apart from the first ridge and is aligned parallel thereto, a second groove and a second ridge are disposed across an opposite second end of the body member, the second groove is located generally opposite and is aligned parallel to the first ridge, and the second ridge is located generally opposite and is aligned parallel to the first groove.

Abstract: The synthesis of a carbon-based catalyst from sludge materials such as produced by the paper mill industry and the like is described wherein the treated material is subjected to processing including chemical activation with an appropriate metal-based activating agent, light and humidity treatment, and pyrolysis to result in a desired carbon-based catalyst.

Abstract: Generally, this invention provides a toughened ceramic composite and a method of enhancing the mechanical strength of ceramic matrix composites through use of a transformation weakened interphase material. The ceramic composite provided in this invention includes a ceramic matrix, a second material as a second phase, and a metastable interphase material. The metastable interphase material is positioned between the ceramic matrix and the second phase material. The ceramic composite can include reinforcing elements such as fibers, whisker-shapes, platelets and particulates or have laminated or fibrous monolithic geometries. The metastable interphase material is capable of undergoing a shear or stress induced zero volume or negative volume, martensitic phase transformation, which may or may not be accompanied by a crystallographic unit cell shape change. In one embodiment, the metastable interphase material includes &bgr;-cristobalite.

Abstract: The fastener includes a post element, a blind aperture pivot assembly with a blind aperture into which the post element is inserted, and a rigid fastening member. The rigid fastening member secures around the post. The inclined rotationally symmetric wall deflects upon insertion into the blind aperture, but then interferes with the walls of the blind aperture to resist withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing high levels of butanol using a fermentation process that employs a mutant strain of Clostridium beijerinckii.

Abstract: A battery pack latching or locking mounting system comprises a battery case, a cell pack disposed within the battery case, a battery cap or end closure, and a spacer which is longitudinally interposed between the cell pack and the battery cap or end closure. A first latching element or detent is mounted upon the spacer, and a second latching element or detent is mounted upon the battery cap or end closure. When the battery pack is initially mounted within the tool housing socket, the first latching element or detent of the spacer lockingly engages the single aperture defined within a side wall portion of the tool housing socket so as to lock the battery pack at its first OFF position or state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a generator driven CV welding power supply includes a generator driven by an engine, and a CV electronic field controller. The generator includes a field winding and a welding output winding. The electronic field controller is connected to the field winding and has an engine feedback input. The controller also has a voltage boost circuit responsive to the engine RPM (or engine speed command signal). A wire feeder includes a motor powered by the generator output, and the boosted field current helps start the wire feeder when the engine is idling. The speed of the engine is reduced when there is no welding arc.

Abstract: A method of achieving a novel superior dispersion of insoluble sulfur comprises mixing polysulfur while it is in the rubbery state with a diluent, such as rubber, to obtain a novel uniform dispersion of the sulfur in the diluent.

Abstract: A reclosable package is provided having a front wall and a rear wall joined at the bottom and sides and an open top containing a zipper. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each including interlocking members adapted to mate with each other. One profile has a flange secured to its associated wall at a location proximal a top end of that wall. The second profile has a flange portion secured to the other wall proximal a top end of that wall and to the first wall at a location below the location at which the first flange is secured to the first wall. A line of weakness extends along the second flange portion parallel to the profile interlocking member and between the two securing points.

Abstract: A storage rack system, locking latch therefor, and combinations thereof. The latch having generally a flexible and resilient arm coupleable to a beam member and having a locking pin coupled thereto. The resilient arm biases the locking pin through a locking pin opening of the beam member so that the locking pin protrudes at least partially into a post opening aligned at least partially with the locking pin opening when the beam member is connected to the post by a headed lug. A locking flange extending generally radially from the locking pin is engageable with a portion of the beam member to inhibit withdrawal of the locking pin from the locking pin opening.

Abstract: An electrostatic mechanically actuated micro-metering device having an array of fluid chambers with orifices for ejecting fluid is designed, such that the pitch of the chamber array is independent from length and height dimensions of the actuating membrane that comprises a chamber wall, resulting in a higher resolution without requiring a substantially exponential increase in the applied voltage.

Abstract: An epoxy coating base composition and a color system of tinting the composition are provided in which a single base formulation of epoxy coating material can be combined with selected amounts of tinting compositions from one or more tinting sources to provide a selectively colored high solids epoxy coating composition. The base compositions include an uncured epoxy resin. White, light colored or neutral pigments are advantageously added to the resin. Wetting agents and other additives are also advantageously added. To this, colored pigments can be added as desired to provide a colored composition in a rainbow of colors, based on red, yellow and blue and also black and varied gray tones.

Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying across the web a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fastener profiles thereon, for sealing thereto. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.

Abstract: The grommet assembly includes a grommet head and a pin. The pin includes longitudinal guide channels and an enlarged head which may include undercuts formed immediately underneath the enlarged head. The grommet head includes grommet segments secured radially by radial bands with a nose band forming the tip of the grommet head. An aperture is formed between the grommet segments, with guide ridges formed on the interior arcuate walls to engage said longitudinal guide channels. The aperture further includes inwardly ramped surfaces which are forced apart by the enlarged head of the pin during insertion. Thereafter, in the fully installed position, the inwardly ramped surfaces engage the undercuts formed beneath the enlarged head.

Abstract: The zipper includes zipper tape with a narrow band of untreated surface on the leading edges of the flanges that permits the tack sealing of the flanges together by non-continuous sealing bars. This prevents the leading edge of the flanges from curling or flipping up thereby reducing the tendency of a leading edge of a zipper from jamming as the web moves over the collar of a form fill and seal apparatus.

Abstract: A method for reprojecting images into sinograms includes the steps of dividing a two-dimensional image into sub-images as small as one pixel and reprojecting the sub-images at a smaller number of orientations to form subsinograms. These sub-sinograms are then successively aggregated and processed to form a full sinogram. The method uses two algorithms to aggregate the sub-sinograms. In one algorithm, the aggregation is exact, and in the other algorithm, aggregation is an approximation. The first algorithm is accurate, but relatively slow, and the second algorithm is faster, but less accurate. By performing some aggregations with the exact algorithm and some aggregations with the approximate algorithm, switching between the two algorithms in one of a number of suitable ways, an accurate result can be obtained quickly.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing improved biologically active liposome products comprising a biologically active amphipathic compound in association with a liposome. Methods for producing the liposome products as well as methods of using the liposome products in therapeutic and diagnostic techniques are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding power includes a power supply that receives utility and engine power. The power supply has an engine power input and a utility power input. One of the engine power input and the utility power input is selectively connected to the power supply in response to a mode select input, controlled by an input selector. The input selector may include a user selectable input, such as a sensor circuit or a user switch on a welder control panel, preferably a three position switch having an engine mode position, a utility mode position and an off position in various alternatives. The engine is disabled when utility power is selected. Disabling the engine includes one or more of cutting the field current, starter current, and/or battery current. The power supply may include an inverter, chopper, and/or a phase controlled device. The welder is preferably a single-package, stand-alone welder, and/or includes an engine/generator having a welding and an auxiliary output.