Abstract: A microprocessor-based apparatus is provided for determining odor levels in gas streams. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing gas from a gas supply to be tested with air to form a gas-air mixture. The mixing chamber includes a gas inlet port through which the gas is received, an air intake port through which the air is received, and an outlet port through which the gas-air mixture leaves the mixing chamber. The apparatus includes a flow control valve that can be connected to the gas supply to enable a user to selectively adjust the flow rate of the gas from the gas supply to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a mass flow sensor positioned between the flow control valve and the gas inlet port of the mixing chamber for measuring the mass flow rate of the gas flowing into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A non-sticking, field replaceable valve seat and pallet assembly for use in a pressure vacuum relief valve. The valve seat is adapted for positioning within a valve orifice inside the valve housing. The valve seat has three guide vanes spaced around and radiating inwardly from an inner wall of the valve seat, the guide vanes each having a tip. The pallet includes a pallet disc for sealingly engaging the valve seat and a cylindrical guide stem, a lower portion of which extends below the pallet disc for riding between the tips of the guide vanes. Both the valve seat and the lower portion of the guide stem are located "inside" the process where they are less apt to freeze. The distance between adjacent guide vane tips is less than the diameter of the guide stem; thus, the guide stem is prevented from moving out from between the guide vanes.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that include at least one hydrocarbon and at least one fluorinated species. Such compositions may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for foams such as polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents, among others.

Abstract: Pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying small pieces of frozen food (e.g., chopped vegetables, diced meat, or preferably ice cubes or crushed ice) on an as-required basis to one or more locations remote from a food source. The system is configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken "off line" from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central food providing apparatus. The apparatus includes a food source, a feed auger (preferably reversible) for moving the food from the source into the conveying conduit, use of pressurized air to convey the food through the conduit, and a receiver bin in the terminal container to collect the conveyed food for subsequent dispensing or use. Appropriate sensors and controllers, which may be microprocessor-based, may be used to automate the system.

Abstract: Compositions disclosed include hexafluoropropane and a hydrocarbon having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or dimethyl ether. These compositions are useful as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the removal of fluid from a human being. A member is provided for supporting the human being above a ground plane. An end of a tube is connected to a catheter which in turn is inserted in or attached to the human being. The other end of the tube is connected to a fluid retrieval container. The fluid retrieval container is attached to the member. A holder is disposed on the member to retain and release an excess length of tube extending between the human being and the fluid retrieval container. The holder retains the excess tube in an operative position which assists in the gravitational effects of fluid flowing through the tube.

Abstract: A system for automatically encrypting and decrypting data packet sent from a source host to a destination host across a public internetwork. A tunnelling bridge is positioned at each network, and intercepts all packets transmitted to or from its associated network. The tunnelling bridge includes tables indicated pairs of hosts or pairs of networks between which packets should be encrypted. When a packet is transmitted from a first host, the tunnelling bridge of that host's network intercepts the packet, and determines from its header information whether packets from that host that are directed to the specified destination host should be encrypted; or, alternatively, whether packets from the source host's network that are directed to the destination host's network should be encrypted.

Abstract: An inertia sensitive latch mechanism for preventing a motor vehicle seat back from folding from a normal upright position to a folded forward position when the seat is exposed to deceleration loads above a predetermined level including a pendulum pivotally mounted to the movable seat back having a notch and tooth for engaging a striker bar. The center of gravity of the pendulum is located such that when the seat back is urged from the upright position to the folded position when the vehicle is exposed to a predetermined deceleration load, the pendulum engages the striker bar to prevent movement of the seat back. The striker bar is movably mounted to the seat support and the latch mechanism includes a guide member adjacent the pendulum for moving the striker bar to a predetermined location relative to the pivot point of the pendulum as the seat back is moved into its normal upright position.

Abstract: A seat assembly with an inflatable bladder for adjustable seat support having an air delivery system for both inflating and deflating the bladder. The air delivery system includes a single, one-directional pump and valve means selectively operable to communicate the pump outlet with the bladder and the pump inlet with atmosphere for inflating the bladder and selectively operable to communicate the pump inlet with the bladder and the pump outlet with atmosphere to deflate the bladder.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in a hinge for an automotive vehicle seat assembly comprises a pair of identical interlocking sleeves, each having a pair of opposing tangs extending in an axial direction from an annular portion. Each of the tang portions has a shoulder which is radially outwardly directed and is deflectable. The shoulders on the tang portions engage corresponding recessed ledges on the interior wall of the annular portion of the opposite sleeve so as to snap fit together to form an integral bushing assembly through which a hinge pin is passed. The bushing assembly is positioned around the hinge pin and between the hinge pin and the frame members of the vehicle seat assembly to allow rotation of the upright back of the seat. The sleeves may also be stacked together such that each of the tang portions snap into engagement with the annular portions of the adjacent sleeve to form a flexible bushing assembly of variable length.