Abstract: A method of assessing a membrane, including calculating fluid dynamic characteristics of at least one of a membrane and a material to be passed through the membrane, where the material comprises particles; obtaining characteristic of at least one force acting on the particles of the material to be passed through the membrane due to the interaction between the particles and the membrane, the at least one force being an intermolecular force; combining the calculated fluid dynamic characteristic and the obtained characteristics to assess the flow of the material through the membrane; and optimizing at least one characteristics of the membrane in relation to the material. The membrane includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of teardrop structures arranged in the plurality of rows. The teardrop structures in each row are arranged at substantially the same angle with respect to an anticipated direction of flow through the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus, and process for insulating a splice with a heat shrinkable tube. The spliced wires and tube are transferred inside an oven by moving means, and after the tube is heat shrunk in the oven the wire assembly is then removed from the oven and automatically ejected.

Abstract: A force absorbing device and a force transmission device are provided including at least one member having a tubular configuration. A second member extends into one end of the tubular member and engages it in an interference fit to form a permanent joint. The tubular member and the second member have complementary bends at the permanent joint. The force absorbing device may include one or two such permanent joints. In the force transmission device, two such permanent joints are provided. The joints are made by cutting a tubular member to a desired length, press fitting a portion of a second member into one end of the tubular member to form a reinforced zone, and bending the second member and the tubular member at the reinforced zone to form the complementary bends and the permanent joint.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a drive member and a driven member. One of the members includes a curved polyhedron and the other of the members includes a socket for receiving the curved polyhedron with an interference fit. The improvement comprises the curved polyhedron having at least two sides of different widths. A further improvement comprises a coating on the curved polyhedron which is preloaded with stored energy upon insertion of the curved polyhedron into the socket.