Abstract: There is described an on-line device for predicting at least one fluid flow parameter in a process. In embodiment, the process in question comprises a flow domain having disposed therein a pre-determined portion in which a fluid flows and the device comprises a computer having: (i) a memory for receiving a database, the database comprising relative information in respect of a plurality of nodes or a plurality of particle pathways in the pre-determined portion; (ii) means to receive input data from the process, and (iii) means to calculate the at least one fluid flow parameter from the database and the input data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments for methods of removing an integrated circuit (“IC”) from a substrate, where the IC is attached to the substrate by multiple solder connections are disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the inventive methods provides the steps of heating the IC and substrate to the reflow temperature for the solder connections and pulling the IC from the substrate by means of a vacuum force. Another preferred embodiment of the inventive method provides the step of shearing the IC from the substrate after the substrate and IC are heated, but before solder reflow temperature has been reached, and where the shearing force may be programmed through a computer controlled servomotor. Preferred embodiments of certain apparatus applying the inventive methods for removing an integrated circuit from a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adaptor for simulating the presence of a PBX device in a telephone network. The adaptor connects to an external line from the central office, and a test set. When the central office seizes the line, the adaptor responds by inducing a wink. The central office, believing that it has received an authentic PBX response, sends data to the PBX site responsive to the wink. The adaptor relays these signals to the external test set for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adaptor for measuring an echo return loss in a communication system. The adaptor includes two transformers, each having a primary winding and two secondary windings. The secondary windings are cross-connected to form first and second out of phase circuits. The first circuit includes impedance elements which match an impedance of an external device. When the external device is attached to the second circuit, the first and second circuits are schematically equivalent, albeit out of phase. When an oscillation signal is input to one transformer, the matched impedance and out-of-phase connection of the secondary windings cancel the signal such that only an echo signal is output by the other transformer.

Abstract: A fuel system includes an electronically controllable high pressure fuel pump operable to supply high pressure fuel from a lower pressure fuel source to a high pressure fuel collection chamber having a pressure sensor associated therewith. The fuel collection chamber feeds an electronically controllable valve operable to dispense the high pressure fuel to a fuel distribution unit supplying fuel to a number of fuel injectors. A control computer is provided for controlling the high pressure fuel pump and valve in response to requested fueling, engine speed and fuel pressure provided by the pressure sensor. The control computer is normally operable to drive the fuel pump as a function of fuel pressure and a reference pressure, which is based on requested fueling, and to control the valve as a function of commanded fueling, which is a function of engine speed and a reference speed based on requested fueling, and fuel pressure.

Abstract: A container having a base portion including four vertical square tube members of equal length with one tube member at each corner of the base portion, and bottom surfaces of the base portion sloping inwardly to an opening assembly at the bottom of the base portion that consists of a series of uniformly spaced openings closed by a spring loaded horizontally sliding door. The upper portion of the container is formed with four additional vertical square tube members of equal length that provide support for the upper sides of the container, with the upper side walls being pinned to the lower vertical tube members such that the four sides of the container can be rotated downwardly onto the base portion when the container is empty. When the side walls are rotated to an upright position the four upper sides interlock and are held in position by pressure within the container. The structure of the base portion allows lifting and transport by forklift, pallet jacks or similar devices.

Abstract: An electronic assembly containing an active circuit, an insulating layer and a heat sink. The insulating layer comprises an unfilled thermoplastic sheet having adhesive layers on opposite sides of the sheet. The adhesives are filled with thermally conductive material while the film is unfilled. The properties of the insulating layer are such that the thermal impedance is low while dielectric strength is high. These improved films reduce costs, improve thermal and electrical properties. The layers of the invention are particularly useful for single or multiple layer printed circuit boards having surface mount components in conjunction with a sheet like aluminum heat sink.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel flow in an internal combustion engine receives a command specifying a desired fuel flow rate from an electronic control module. The system generates a feedforward estimate of actuator current required to produce the desired flow rate. This estimate is combined with a fueling current offset value generated using a proportional-integral feedback controller. A differential pressure between the fuel rail and cylinder gas is converted, by surface interpolation based on a lookup table, to an estimate of actual fuel flow rate. The difference between this actual fuel flow rate and the desired flow rate is provided to the feedback controller as an error signal. The feedback controller preferably uses different gain values depending on an operating mode of the engine (speed control and torque control modes).

Abstract: An electronic assembly containing an active circuit, an insulating layer and a heat sink. The insulating layer comprises an unfilled thermoplastic sheet having adhesive layers on opposite sides of the sheet. The adhesives are filled with thermally conductive material while the film is unfilled. The properties of the insulating layer are such that the thermal impedance is low while dielectric strength is high. These improved films reduce costs, improve thermal and electrical properties. The layers of the invention are particularly useful for single or multiple layer printed circuit boards having surface mount components in conjunction with a sheet like aluminum heat sink.

Abstract: A barrier fabric laminate for use as a coating for a gel filled article is provided. The barrier fabric laminate comprises a fluid impermeable film and a polyurethane nonwoven web which has a friction value of less than 200 g and a fabric hand of less than 200 g. The polyurethane web is formed of fibers of less than about 50 .mu.m on average and preferably is formed with a fluorochemical melt additive by sequentially melt blowing the polyurethane web on a heated collecting drum and laminated by a nip formed by a heated nip roller and the collecting drum.

Abstract: A barrier fabric laminate for use as a coating for a gel filled article is provided. The barrier fabric laminate comprises a fluid impermeable film and a polyurethane nonwoven web which has a friction value of less than 200 g and a fabric hand of less than 200 g. The polyurethane web is formed of fibers of less than about 50 .mu.m on average and preferably is formed with a fluorochemical melt additive by sequentially melt blowing the polyurethane web on a heated collecting drum and laminated by a nip formed by a heated nip roller and the collecting drum.

Abstract: Filter media is provided. The filter media comprises a web of melt blown microfibers having one surface substantially flat and the other surface having periodic wrinkle-like undulations. A method of making the filter media is also provided. The filter media is useful in electret filters when charged.

Abstract: Filter media is provided. The filter media comprises a web of melt blown microfibers having one surface substantially flat and the other surface having periodic wrinkle-like undulations. A method of making the filter media is also provided. The filter media is useful in electret filters when charged.

Abstract: Filter media is provided. The filter media comprises a web of melt blown microfibers having one surface substantially flat and the other surface having periodic wrinkle-like undulations. A method of making the filter media is also provided. The filter media is useful in electret filters when charged.

Abstract: Filter media is provided. The filter media comprises a web of melt blown microfibers having one surface substantially flat and the other surface having periodic wrinkle-like undulations. A method of making the filter media is also provided. The filter media is useful in electret filters when charged.

Abstract: A barrier fabric laminate for use as a cover for a gel filled article is provided. The barrier fabric laminate comprises a fluid impermeable film and a polyurethane nonwoven web which has a friction value of less than 200 g and a fabric hand of less than 200 g. The polyurethane web is formed from fibers of less than about 50 .mu.m diameter on average and is preferably formed with a fluorochemical melt additive by sequentially melt blowing the polyurethane web on a heated collecting drum and laminating in the nip formed by a heated nip roller and the collecting drum.

Abstract: A viscosity sensitive, pressure divider arrangement for use as part of an engine timing control tappet system where that system includes a block oil pressure supply, hydromechanical control valve and an oil sump, the pressure divider arrangement including an inlet chamber, a divider chamber and an exit chamber. The inlet chamber is connected to the divider chamber by means of a first connecting conduit having a relatively short length. The outlet side of the divider chamber is connected with the exit chamber by means of a second connecting conduit which has a length substantially longer than the length of the first connecting conduit. Additionally, the divider chamber includes a pressure-assist outlet aperture which is in flow communication with the hydromechanical control valve. The viscosity of oil flowing into the pressure divider arrangement will be acted upon by the combination of connecting conduits wherein the first connecting conduit is less viscosity sensitive than is the second connecting conduit.