Abstract: A steam distributor that uses a porous metal plate to replace the conventional screen plate of a steam shower for distributing steam to a moving web such as the web of a paper making machine. Steam showers using a steam distributor with this porous metal plate can deliver extremely uniform steam to the surface of a paper web. Profiling steam showers constructed by using an array of the steam distributors are able to deliver the best profiling results for various paper products. The porous metal plate can be considered as an equivalent of a screen plate with thousands of micro-orifices arranged tightly in both the machine direction and the CD direction.

Abstract: A radio frequency paging service has one or more TDMA return channels (R) in which terminals (14) acknowledge receipt of messages having an acknowledge flag set. In one alternative, slots are allocated in the return channel (R) by a slot allocation field in the respective messages. In another alternative, each terminal (14) monitors the messages addressed to other terminals (14) to determine which of them require a response, and determines, from the order of a message addressed to itself among the messages requiring a response, which slot to use for acknowledgement. The TDMA return channels (R) include unreserved slots which terminals (14) access on a contention basis. The frequencies of transmissions in the slots are randomized within a predefined limit to reduce the probability of interference between different terminals (14) in the same unreserved slot. The predefined limit is based on the maximum differential Doppler shift between terminals (14).

Abstract: In a messaging system, message traffic is transmitted on one or more traffic channels T1, T2 and the allocation of groups S1, S2 of receivers to the traffic channels T1, T2 is controlled by information transmitted on a bulletin board channel BB. A predetermined number of frames before a change in the traffic channel allocation, a countdown value is transmitted in the relevant traffic channel T1 and the countdown value is decremented in each subsequent frame. Before the countdown value reaches zero, the groups of receivers S1, S2 retune to the bulletin board channel, receive their new channel allocations and retune to the traffic channel indicated for their group.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to use steam to atomize water to produce a mixture of moisture and heat for application to the web of a paper machine for both production improvement and paper quality control. The method allows independent droplet size and heat control in the mixture, resulting in flexibility that can not be offered by conventional steam showers or water spray systems individually. In one embodiment the apparatus consists of a plurality of actuator nozzle modules which control the water volume flow feeding the nozzle through a pneumatic pressure signal. Pressurized steam feeding the nozzle is used to break the water into fine droplets. The resulting nozzle spray is a mixture of moisture in fine water droplets and steam vapor, and heat stored in the steam. Alternatively, a plurality of steam valves can be used to regulate the steam volume flow feeding each atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A fully biodegradable fibre reinforced composite adapted for use as a medical implant which is shaped and processed by means of a resin reaction injection transfer molding process adapted for predetermining shape, physical properties and degradation profile, shaped preform and/or composition for preparation of the shaped composite, process for the production of the shaped composite comprising obtaining a shaped preform and impregnating with resin with simultaneous processing thereof, shaped composite comprising thermoplastic matrix and fibres adapted for use as a medical implant, characterised by a differential degradation of matrix with respect to fibres adapted to degrade via an intermediate shaped structure comprising residual porous matrix or residual fibre form respectively and selection of composite is made for primary growth of a preferred cell type, throughout voids created by degraded matrix or fibre respectively, according to the desired healing or reconstruction locus, the shaped composites for use

Abstract: A frame and system for adding buoyancy to a riser used in connection with floating platforms is provided which, in some example embodiments, includes a stem attached to multiple supports which include flanges arranged to take impact and abrasion loads off an internal buoyancy module. An air management system is also provided.

Abstract: In a messaging system, message traffic is transmitted on one or more traffic channels T1, T2 and the allocation of groups S1, S2 of receivers to the traffic channels T1, T2 is controlled by information transmitted on a bulletin board channel BB. A predetermined number of frames before a change in the traffic channel allocation, a countdown value is transmitted in the relevant traffic channel T1 and the countdown value is decremented in each subsequent frame. Before the countdown value reaches zero, the groups of receivers S1, S2 retune to the bulletin board channel, receive their new channel allocations and retune to the traffic channel indicated for their group. The frame timings of the different traffic channels T1, T2 are staggered to reduce the peak power required to transmit message bursts in these channels.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle for use with a rewet shower or a steam box. The nozzle has first and second orifices and a pressure port which allows the pressure between the orifices to be measured. The nozzle also has a pressure port upstream of the two orifices that allows for the measuring of the regulated water pressure from an actuator attached to the atomizing unit. The measured pressures can be used to determine if either orifice is completely blocked or if one orifice is partially blocked or the other orifice is worn.

Abstract: A method for disposing of an offshore platform jacket comprises suspending the jacket in one piece under a tow vessel, towing it to the disposal site and safely and quickly releasing the jacket at the disposal site. Once the jacket foundation piles have been severed, the first end of the jacket is lifted using a derrick barge crane or winch connected to a first lift rigging device until the first lift rigging device engages with a first release device. The second end is lifted in a similar manner with a second lift rigging device and a second release device until the jacket is suspended substantially beneath the tow vessel. The lift rigging device include a spreader bar having at least one skid shoe attached thereto, at least two padeyes attached at opposite ends of the spreader bar, a lift sling attached to the padeyes and at least two jacket support slings. Each release device is attached to the tow vessel and includes at least one rocker beam having a connector.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for disposing of an offshore platform jacket by suspending the jacket in one piece under a tow vessel, towing it to the disposal site and safely and quickly releasing the jacket at the disposal site. Once the jacket foundation piles have been severed, the first end of the jacket is lifted using a derrick barge crane or winch connected to a first lift rigging means until the first lift rigging means engages with a first release means. The second end is lifted in a similar manner with a second lift rigging means and a second release means until the jacket is suspended substantially beneath the tow vessel. The lift rigging means include a spreader bar having at least one skid shoe attached thereto, at least two padeyes attached at opposite ends of the spreader bar, a lift sling attached to the padeyes and at least two jacket support slings. Each release means is attached to the tow vessel and includes at least one rocker beam having a connector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: Described is a pneumatic animal stunner that includes a physical catch for the piston that drives the stunning element. This allows pressure to build up behind the stunning element immediately prior to firing rather than requiring the introduction of pressurized air or fluid at the time of actuation, as is common in the prior art. The result is a faster, more effective stroke. The animal stunner also includes a dual trigger mechanism for safety. The animal stunner has a conventional trigger that is activated to pressurize the stunner and an activation means located in its front end. The activation means releases a physical catch that retains the piston in place. Preferably, the activation means is operated when depressed against the animal. The animal stunner is designed so that the stunning element may not be fired more than once for each time the trigger is pulled. In addition, the animal stunner includes exhaust vents that are directed toward the front of the device.

Abstract: A machine for exercising and/or testing the lumbar muscles including a movement arm mounted for rotational movement about a generally horizontal axis against a resistance provided by a weight stack. Movement of the movement arm is transmitted to the weight stack by means of a transmission including a cam fixed to the movement arm, a pulley belt fixed to the periphery of the cam and trained about one or more pulleys mounted with respect to the stationary frame of the machine. The pulley belt is connected to an actuating lever connected to the weight stack pin to drive the same. One of the pulleys is mounted for movement towards and away from the pulley belt to increase or decrease tension in the pulley belt to thus control the drive between the movement arm and the weight stack.

Abstract: An adductor machine including a pair of movement arms movable about a vertical axes between an open position extending laterally from the seat and a closed position extending forwardly of the seat. The movement arms are movable to the closed position by the user engaging with the inner sides of his thighs, pads respectively located on the movement arms. Movement of the movement arms is transmitted to move a resistance in the form of one or more weights in a weight stack. Such transmission is accomplished by a linkage and cam follower arrangement operatively connected between the movement arm and a weight stack pin included in the resistance weight stack. An auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided to move the movement arms between the open and closed positions independently of engaging the pads with the legs. This actuating mechanism includes a handle engageable with the cam included in the transmission to operate the cam independently of a linkage which extends between the movement arms and the cam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: A bi-directional or reversible multi-notch positioning device for use in an environment requiring clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, including tactile and audible feedback to facilitate position changes in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. In one use of the present invention, the bi-directional multi-notch positioning device can be used as a three-way switch on a lamp socket for use with a three-way light bulb. The bi-directional three-way switch used in conjunction with a light socket allows either increasing or decreasing illumination by rotating a turnkey in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: An exercise machine or apparatus having a movement arm to be moved upon exertion of a body part against a resistance including a weight that pivots about an axis as the movement arm is moved by the exerciser. To change the resistive force imposed by the weight, the weight is moved relative to its pivotal axis to thereby increase or decrease the effective resistive force. The movement arm is operatively connected to the resistance by a cam connected to the movement arm and engaged with a follower which in turn is connected to the weight to pivot the weight about its pivotal axis. The cam is operatively connected to the movement arm by a strain gauge and a releasable lock mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for exercising muscles of the human body which includes a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis by the user against a resistance provided by a weight stack. A drive shaft is connected to the movement arm and extends vertically downwardly below the weight stack where it is connected to a lever which in turn is connected to the lower end of a pin included in the weight stack. When the movement arm is rotated and pivoted in one direction it will move the drive shaft and the lever to raise the pin in the weight stack. The weight stack includes upper and lower stacks of weights independently connectable to the stack pin.

Abstract: A machine for exercising muscles of the human body which includes a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis by the user against a resistance provided by a weight stack. A drive shaft is connected to the movement arm and extends vertically downwardly below the weight stack where it is connected to a lever which in turn is connected to the lower end of a pin included in the weight stack. When the movement arm is rotated and pivoted in one direction it will move the drive shaft and the lever to raise the pin in the weight stack. The weight stack includes upper and lower stacks of weights independently connectable to the stack pin.

Abstract: An adductor machine including a pair of movement arms movable about a vertical axes between an open position extending laterally from the seat and a closed position extending forwardly of the seat. The movement arms are movable to the closed position by the user engaging with the inner sides of his thighs, pads respectively located on the movement arms. Movement of the movement arms is transmitted to move a resistance in the form of one or more weights in a weight stack. Such transmission is accomplished by a linkage and cam follower arrangement operatively connected between the movement arm and a weight stack pin included in the resistance weight stack. An auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided to move the movement arms between the open and closed positions independently of engaging the pads with the legs. This actuating mechanism includes a handle engageable with the cam included in the transmission to operate the cam independently of a linkage which extends between the movement arms and the cam.