Abstract: The air spring of the present invention combines both traditional air spring characteristics and components with internal hydro damping. The air spring has an upper retainer, a piston, an elastomeric sleeve secured to the upper retainer at a first end and secured to the piston at the lower end, and a damping device. The damping device has an upper and a lower variable volume chamber and a channel connecting the two variable volume chambers, and a damping fluid contained within the damping device.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining or sealing two substrates which comprises: (1) applying at about 50° to 150° C. onto a substrate a solvent-free, moisture curable urethane hot melt adhesive composition comprising the polyisocyanate prepolymer reaction product of (a) a polyol and (b) a polyisocyanate; (2) contacting the adhesive disposed on the substrate to a second substrate such that a green bond is formed, and (3) exposing the adhesive bond to ambient moisture causing a crosslinking reaction within the adhesive, thereby forming a moisture-cured bond. The improvement is characterized in that the polyisocyanate prepolymer is prepared by reacting a polyisocyanate with a functionality of at least 2 with a polyol with a functionality of at least 2, the reaction product comprising at least 90 wt % “perfect” prepolymer and less than 2 wt % unreacted isocyanate monomer and the prepolymer having a free NCO functionality ranging from 0.2 to 8 wt %.

Abstract: This particular combination of steps in the overall process; the spot coating on a single side of a page, as well as on both sides of the page, in a specific pattern are new and unique. The ability to print multiple orientations on a single side of a page or in duplex fashion is not technology, but is an integral part of the overall process. The folding both horizontally and vertically for the 4-part form, or the “Z” fold for the 3-part form, is not new technology, but is an integral part of the overall process in creating this finished product. The combination of the specific patterns and locations of the spot coatings, the printing in certain areas of the page with certain orientations, and the specific manner in which each single page is folded to become a 3 or 4-part form is unique and patentable.

Abstract: A connector backshell assembly has a metal-plated plastic cylinder with castellations at its rear end through the screens of cables are threaded. A cap embraces the castellations and has internal projections that project into recesses between the castellations. A coupling nut extends around the cylinder and bears against the rear end of the cap so that the cap is clamped onto the cylinder when the nut is screwed onto the rear of a connector. This clamps the screens between projections in the cap and the recesses in the cylinder so as to make electrical connection with the screens.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of producing chitosan having a tap density of at least about 0.4 g/ml. In one aspect of the present invention, chitosan is selected having an average molecular mass of from about one thousand Daltons to about two million Daltons; a particle size that is smaller than 20 mesh; a viscosity of at least about 1 cps, and a percentage of deacetylation of from about 65% to about 98% A measured amount of the selected chitosan is then mixed with an amount of water that is from about two to about ten times the weight of the chitosan, and an amount of an acid that is at least about 0.1% of the weight of the chitosan. The acid is preferably an organic acid. The mixture of chitosan, water and acid is then mixed to a smooth paste, dried to a moisture content of from 0% moisture to about 20% moisture, and the particle size is preferably reduced to smaller than 20 mesh. In another aspect of the invention, chitosan is provided having a tap density of at least about 0.

Abstract: A method for the rotational casting of a polyurethane elastomer onto a rotating substrate which comprises mixing a polyurethane prepolymer, an amine curative and optionally a polyol in a mixing head and depositing the mixture onto the rotating substrate, the amine curative comprising:(a) 2-45 wt % aminobenzoate polyol having molecular weight of 200-3,000,(b) 55-98 wt % aromatic polyamine, and(c) 0 to <5 parts by wt carboxylic acid catalyst per hundred parts (a) and (b),the amine curative being at a temperature sufficient to melt the amines when mixed with the polyurethane prepolymer.

Abstract: A light activated back-up alarm is provided for use with a vehicle having at least one white back-up light. It includes an optical sensor for attachment to the outside lens of the vehicle back-up light and an alarm circuit and battery encased within an alarm housing. The optical sensor is adhesively attached to the light and the alarm housing adhesively attached to some other portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light activated back-up alarm is provided for use with a vehicle having at least one white back-up light. It includes an optical sensor for attachment to the outside lens of the vehicle back-up light and an alarm circuit and battery encased within an alarm housing. The optical sensor is adhesively attached to the light and the alarm housing adhesively attached to some other portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flow sensor device includes a main passage having a normally open shut off valve therein which is configured to shut off at a predetermined rate of air flow therethrough. The shut off valve includes a seating structure and a centering structure positioned within the main passage, a sealing member being positioned between the seating structure and centering structure. The sealing member is biased toward the centering structure by a resilient member. Air flow through the main passage exerts a force on the sealing member which pushes the sealing member toward the seating structure. When the force caused by the air flow exceeds the opposing force of the resilient member, the sealing member contacts the seating structure in a sealing relationship such that air flow through the main passage is substantially eliminated. The flow sensor device may also include a controllable release valve and/or a controllable reset valve, enabling control of the shut off valve of the main passage.

Abstract: An isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol composition consisting essentially of a polyether polyol of 350-2000 equivalent weight and a low molecular weight polyol of 62 to<300 molecular weight, in an equivalent ratio of low molecular weight polyol to polyether polyol of 0.25-2.7:1. A polyurethane-urea elastomer having good dynamic properties can be prepared by reacting the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with an aromatic amine chain extender at an equivalent ratio of 0.9-1.1:1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that automates the database recovery process. A person not technically skilled in the use of a computer can operate the new procedure. The process operates under a system in which menus known as "panels" prompt the user for information and process selection. The user merely selects one of the panels to start and operate the system. Each recovery procedure follows the same general series of steps comprising of initialization of system location and variables, selection by the operator of major functions including research, recovery, and cleanup, process of the function and function options, and execution of the mode in which the function will be processed. This panel driven system results in a significant reduction of the amount of time required for recovery, at least a twenty percent decrease for the period.

Abstract: A nasal dilator device comprising two molded, rigid, substantially cylindrical insert pieces fixed to each other by a connecting strip at the respective bases thereof. Each insert piece is inserted into a vestibule of the nose to expand the area of the nostril, thereby enhancing breathing.

Abstract: A truck bed liner comprising a tailgate liner having top and bottom hook-shaped flanges adapted to conform to and receive the top and bottom edge surfaces of the tailgate of a truck bed so that the tailgate liner may be snap-fastened to cover the interior surface of the tailgate, without any separate or independent fastener members.The truck bed liner also includes transversely spaced longitudinal rib members having widthwise dimensions greater than the width of any longitudinal rib members on the bottom wall of a truck bed, to provide longitudinal ventilation spaces between the bottom wall of the truck bed liner and the bottom wall of the truck bed.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the demineralization of crustacea shells and the like, before or after protein removal therefrom, with sulfurous acid, thus to convert the calcium carbonate of the shell to calcium bisulfite solution which may be separated from the solid residual shell, and regenerating sulfurous acid from the said solution for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which is movable to a pedal-lock position for preventing a brake pedal from returning from a brake-engage to a normal brake-release position. The pawl is biased toward a pedal-lock position but is normally held in a pedal-release position through means of an actuator rod that is biased to a pawl-retain position. The rod has a foot-engageable portion so located that an operator can use one foot to simultaneously move the brake pedal to its brake-engage position and move the actuator to a pawl-release position permitting the pawl to move its pedal-lock position.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the use of chitosan as a coating or packing in fluid filtration and other systems to provide a high ratio of surface-to-volume of reactive material that exposes a maximum number of reactive amino groups for rapid reaction with fluid media passed therethrough.

Abstract: A control linkage for controlling operation of a control valve of a remote hydraulically operated device is mounted in a vehicle cab and includes a control lever located between the vehicle seat and a door to the cab so as to be within easy reach of a seated operator. When in a normal working position, the lever is located such that it may present an obstacle to operator entry and exit and may be accidently bumped so as to effect actuation of the control valve.

Abstract: Modal test method and apparatus is described for use in automotive engine plants, vehicle inspection stations, diagnostic centers, etc., for quickly, accurately and repeatably measuring the principal air contaminants; i.e., carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in engine exhaust gas emissions. Quantitive measurement of oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) and oxygen (O.sub.2) may also be measured if desired. While O.sub.2 is not an air contaminant, a measure of its concentration in the exhaust gas has diagnostic value. The engines are tested at prescribed modes of operation (usually three; high cruise, low cruise and idle) at which emission-related engine malfunctions, if they exist, are most likely to be exposed. CO and HC (NO.sub.x and O.sub.2 if desired) evaluations are made at each test mode and may be recorded on a "report card." The measured test values of the air contaminants are compared at each test mode with prescribed permissible values either automatically or manually.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the performance of wheeled, land vehicle brake systems is described wherein means are provided for driving the vehicle wheels at a predetermined speed and the operator or computer controlled brake actuator selectively applies the brakes in a series of simple successive steps comprising the test sequence. The pedal force, or other actuating force, the brake effort exerted by each wheel, and the imbalance between the braking effort of opposite wheels is measured and recorded on a strip chart or fed to a computer, to determine if the measured values fall outside of a predetermined range of values representing acceptable deviations from standard values. Any deviation of the brake effort from the acceptable values, or excessive imbalance between opposite wheels at any point in the test sequence, may be used as a basis for diagnosing and identifying a specific brake malfunction. The system can be enlarged to simultaneously test the brakes on all wheels of a land vehicle.