Abstract: A lifting mechanism and method for lifting materials onto a structure having a first elongated section having a winch lifting mechanism and a second section slidably mounted on the first section for moving upward and downward and roller guide members for engaging the first and second sections to allow the sliding and a lockable support frame pivotally connected to the second section for securing materials on one side of the first section for lifting onto a structure and rotating to an upper unloading position on the other side of the first and second sections.

Abstract: The invention provides a transmission assembly and a power tool. One form of the power tool includes a rotatable driven member for releasably gripping and rotating a working element and a transmission assembly for transmitting rotation from a motor to the driven member. The transmission assembly includes a rotatable input shaft and first and second rotatable output shafts. In a first speed setting the input shaft is selectively lockable together with the first output shaft so that the locked input shaft and first output shaft rotate in unison to drive rotation of the driven member at a first speed of rotation relative to a speed of rotation of the motor. In a second speed setting the input shaft is selectively lockable to the second output shaft so that the locked input shaft and second output shaft rotate in unison to drive rotation of the driven member at a second speed of rotation relative to the speed of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A filtration cassette is described. The filtration cassette can include one or more filtrate channel spacers and one or more feed channel spacers. Each of the feed channel spacers and each of the filtrate channel spacers define an open interior volume bounded by an inner perimeter and include at least one feed port and at least one filtrate port. The filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers are arranged such that the feed ports and the filtrate ports are positioned in respective alignment. The filtration cassette further includes one or more membranes disposed between the filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers, and one or more retaining members at either end of the filtration cassette. A thin film of adhesive binds together the filtrate channel spacers, the feed channel spacers, and the membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a body with two planar sides, wells contained in the body, the wells being accessible from one planar side, a plurality of membranes for separating the wells into compartments, wherein each of said membranes is isolated one from another.

Abstract: Filtration devices that include filtration cassettes that feature a plurality of stacked subassemblies, wherein at least one of the subassemblies includes a porous membrane having a front side and a back side and a perimeter; and an overmolded frame that encapsulates the membrane around the perimeter of the front side and the back side of the membrane; wherein the overmolded frame forms at least one retentate port, at least one feed port, at least one filtrate port, and a flow channel proximate a perimeter of the frame; and an overmolded plastic jacket that penetrates the flow channels of the subassemblies to seal the stacked subassemblies; and methods for making the filtration device and cassettes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a body with two planar sides, wells contained in the body, the wells being accessible from one planar side, a plurality of membranes for separating the wells into compartments, wherein each of said membranes is isolated one from another.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a risk assessment regarding a software implementation project includes accessing a previously specified importance value and maximum score for each of a multiple of risk factors. The importance value for each risk factor reflects experience of an implementing entity regarding the extent to which the factor may negatively impact a software implementation project if the factor is not adequately addressed, the importance value and maximum score for each factor being multiplied to define a potential weighted score for the factor. An actual score for a particular software implementation project is received for each factor based on an analysis specific to the particular project. An actual weighted score for the particular project is generated for each factor by multiplying the importance value and actual score for the factor, and a relationship between the potential weighted score and actual weighted score for each factor.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprises plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of a plurality of hung elements which are supported from at least one cooled support tube. The plurality of hung elements cooperate with one another at adjacent ends thereof to form a collecting channel which opens toward a flow of flue gas along the length of the support tube. Each hung element includes two mutually inverted U-shaped parts; the first U-shaped part opens towards the oncoming flow of flue gas, the second U-shaped part embraces the support tube, and the first U-shaped part is shifted relative to the second U-shaped part by some fraction of a height of the hung element. The hung elements may be made of metal or ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transferring a photo image to an article by first converting a photo image into an electronic format. The next step is to edit the photo image as needed using image editing software. After the photo image has been edited, if editing is needed, the photo image can then be converted into a format that compatible with a computer aided laser system. Following the appropriate formatting of the photo image, the photo image can then be modified via image editing software to produce a desired effect in the article. Finally, the photo image can be carved or etched into the article via the computer aided laser system. Thus, a process of the present invention can enhance the personal appeal and overall allure of an article such as a wood frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprises plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of a plurality of hung elements which are supported from at least one cooled support tube. The plurality of hung elements cooperate with one another at adjacent ends thereof to form a collecting channel which opens toward a flow of flue gas along the length of the support tube. Each hung element includes two mutually inverted U-shaped parts; the first U-shaped part opens towards the oncoming flow of flue gas, the second U-shaped part embraces the support tube, and the first U-shaped part is shifted relative to the second U-shaped part by some fraction of a height of the hung element. The hung elements may be made of metal or ceramic.

Abstract: A carbon friction material, preferably a woven carbon friction material, wherein a binder such as an epoxy or phenolic resin is used to strengthen and impart rigidity to the friction material. The friction material has a graded concentration of the binder such that the friction surface may have substantially no binder. A reinforcing substrate such as a fiberglass backing may also be present. The coefficient of friction at the friction surface may be further increased by, for example, shaving the surface such that a plurality of fibers become oriented in a direction perpendicular to the friction surface.

Abstract: A telephone operator signal analysis and manipulation subsystem (50) is configured to be interfaced with various signal transport paths of input/output devices of the operator's (personal computer-based) workstation (12). The subsystem is operative to intercept, analyze and selectively modify signals distributed among components of the workstation, including those that may prompt an interactive response from the operator, so as to alleviate the workload of the operator, and improve the efficiency and response time of the operator position. Because the subsystem analyzes and operates only on information that is presented to and sourced from the operator, it is able to automate various functions of the operator position, including initiating the generation of personalized audio messages, without knowledge of the communication protocol of the telecommunication switch to which the operator's workstation is coupled.

Abstract: A telephone operator signal analysis and manipulation subsystem (50) is configured to be interfaced with various signal transport paths of input/output devices of the operator's (personal computer-based) workstation (12). The subsystem is operative to intercept, analyze and selectively modify signals distributed among components of the workstation, including those that may prompt an interactive response from the operator, so as to alleviate the workload of the operator, and improve the efficiency and response time of the operator position. Because the subsystem analyzes and operates only on information that is presented to and sourced from the operator, it is able to automate various functions of the operator position, including initiating the generation of personalized audio messages, without knowledge of the communication protocol of the telecommunication switch to which the operator's workstation is coupled.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for densifying one or more porous preforms, including the edges and surfaces of one or more preform, when using a liquid precursor. The method includes covering at least a portion of the porous preform with an insulating material to insulate at least a part of the preform. The preform is submerged in a precursor liquid which is heat-decomposable. The preform is heated in the precursor liquid at a temperature sufficient to decompose the precursor liquid within the preform and to deposit a decomposition product of the precursor liquid within the preform. The heating of the preform is continued in the precursor liquid until at least part of the insulated portion of the preform, which would not densify in this process without insulation, is densified.

Abstract: A refractory brick particularly suited for constructing a diffusor wall for an industrial heat source. The brick includes a substantially tubular body having a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an inner surface defining a passageway extending in the longitudinal direction of the body from the first end to the second end, and an outer peripheral surface extending from the first end to the second end. The outer peripheral surface has a complementary shape that allows mating of a plurality of the bricks to form cooperatively a diffusor wall. Mating means is formed on or in the outer peripheral surface for engaging corresponding mating means formed on or in outer peripheral surfaces of adjacent bricks when assembled as a diffusor wall.

Abstract: A porous preform is densified by heating while emersed in a precursor liquid. Heating is achieved by passing a current through the preform or by an induction coil immersed in the liquid. Ways to control the densification process are also described.

Abstract: Ceramic filter of various configuration have been used to filter particulates from hot gases exhausted from coal-fired systems. Prior ceramic cross-flow filters have been favored over other types, but those previously horn have been assemblies of parts somehow fastened together and consequently subject often to distortion or delamination on exposure hot gas in normal use. The present new monolithic, seamless, cross-flow ceramic filters, being of one-piece construction, are not prone to such failure. Further, these new products are made by novel casting process which involves the key steps of demolding the ceramic filter green body so that none of the fragile inner walls of the filter is cracked or broken.

Abstract: Insect repellent compositions are provided comprising mixtures of:(a) from about 5 to about 95%, by weight, of an N-alkyl neoalkanamide having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are alkyl groups and the sum of the carbon atoms therein is from 6 to 12, and wherein R.sub.4 is either a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having one to two carbon atoms, and wherein R.sub.5 is methyl, ethyl, or propyl; and(b) from about 5 to about 95%, by weight, of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET).Preferred repellent composition comprise mixtures of N-methyl neodecanamide (MNDA) and DEET which provide synergistic repellency effects against a variety of insects including cockroaches, silverfish, mosquitoes, flies and ants. The repellent compositions may be applied directly to surfaces to be treated or they may be incorporated in detergent compositions such as laundry detergents, floor and wall cleaners, rug cleaners and shampoos, hair shampoos and liquid and bar soaps.

Abstract: A stable oil-in-water microemulsion cleaning composition is provided which is essentially effective for the removal of oily and greasy soil from a hard surface and for repelling insects therefrom. The aqueous phase of said microemulsion comprises by weight of the total composition: (A) from about 0.1 to about 25% of a surfactant mixture of (i) an anionic surfactant; (ii) an ethoxylated glycerol-based nonionic surfactant mixture; the weight ratio of (i) and (ii) being from about 1:1 to about 5:1; and (iii) a salt of a multivalent metal cation in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.5 to 1.5 equivalents of cation per equivalent of (i); the anionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant and amount of multivalent metal cation being selected so as to provide a cloud point of at least about 45.degree. C. in the finished microemulsion composition; (B) from about 0.1% to about 30% of a water-soluble cosurfactant having substantially no ability to dissolve oily or greasy soil; and (C) the balance water.

Abstract: A stable oil-in-water microemulsion cleaning composition is provided which is essentially effective for the removal of oily and greasy soil from a hard surface and for repelling insects therefrom. The aqueous phase of said microemulsion comprises by weight of the total composition: (A) from about 0.1 to about 25% of a surfactant mixture of (i) an anionic surfactant; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; the weight ratio of (i) and (ii) being from about 1:1 to about 5:1; and (iii) a salt of a multivalent metal cation in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.1 to 1.5 equivalents of cation per equivalent of (i); the anionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant and amount of multivalent metal cation being selected so as to provide a cloud point of at least about 45.degree. C. in the finished microemulsion composition; (B) from about 0.1% to about 30% of a water-soluble cosurfactant having substantially no ability to dissolve oily or greasy soil; and (C) the balance water.