Abstract: Described is a method of making a densified fiber batt that includes the steps of: a) providing a fiber batt with a first plurality of fibers having a first melting point and a second plurality of fibers having a second melting point different from the first melting point; and b) subjecting the fiber batt to heat and pressure in a static press, thereby forming a densified fiber batt having a first surface and an opposed second surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a missing coalescing element in a CV system are described. In some arrangements, the described systems and methods prevent the assembly and/or re-assembly of the CV system without an appropriate coalescing element positioned within the CV system housing (e.g., during a coalescing element service operation). In some arrangements, the coalescing element depresses a spring-loaded component of a shaft that provides flow of bypass gases to the CV system. If the spring-loaded component is not depressed, significant restriction is introduced to the CV system, and an on-board-diagnostic system may detect high-crankcase pressure through existing crankcase pressure sensors and de-rate the internal combustion engine. In other arrangements, a spring-loaded mechanism within the shaft prevents a housing cover (e.g., a lid to the housing of the CV system) from being repositioned when a coalescing element is not installed within the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a missing coalescing element in a CV system are described. In some arrangements, the described systems and methods prevent the assembly and/or re-assembly of the CV system without an appropriate coalescing element positioned within the CV system housing (e.g., during a coalescing element service operation). In some arrangements, the coalescing element depresses a spring-loaded component of a shaft that provides flow of bypass gases to the CV system. If the spring-loaded component is not depressed, significant restriction is introduced to the CV system, and an on-board-diagnostic system may detect high-crankcase pressure through existing crankcase pressure sensors and de-rate the internal combustion engine. In other arrangements, a spring-loaded mechanism within the shaft prevents a housing cover (e.g., a lid to the housing of the CV system) from being repositioned when a coalescing element is not installed within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting a tree from insects by injecting the tree with a fungicide and/or an antibiotic, and applying a composition to the surface of the tree, said composition comprising water, an insect repellent, an antihistamine, and an insect poison.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for converting heat energy into electrical energy. The method includes the steps of (1) obtaining heat energy, (2) transferring the heat energy to a gas, (3) transferring the gas containing the heat energy to a compressor, (4) operating the compressor to compress the gas containing the heat energy, thereby concentrating the heat energy, (5) bringing the gas containing the concentrated heat energy into contact with a liquid in a heat transfer device, thereby converting the liquid into steam, (6) converting the heat energy into mechanical energy, and (7) passing the mechanical energy to a generator where the mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy. The present invention can be performed in various structures. For instance, it is possible to break water apart and store it in one or more double-walled containers attached to an automobile, to power the automobile; a non-imaging heat concentrator may be used according to the disclosed method to run utilities, cell-phone antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smoker device which is effective in imparting a smoky flavor to food as it cooks and is also conveniently portable. The device includes two pairs of opposing vertical panels, each panel having substantially rectangular shape and having four substantially straight edges, and an attachment mechanism located on at least one straight edge of each vertical panel for attaching that side edge to a side edge of an adjacent vertical panel. The two pairs of vertical panels cooperate with hot coals or another heat source, when in operation to form a platform having four top edges and to smoke food. The first pair of vertical panels and the second pair of vertical panels are capable of being folded into a substantially planar shape. A lid covers the top edges of the platform. An adjustable vent is located on the surface of the cover, which in its open position permits maximum smoke to exit the smoker device and in its closed position substantially blocks smoke from exiting the smoker device.

Abstract: An isolated mimetic of functional myostatin comprising part of the amino acid sequence of functional myostatin, such that the mimetic is capable of inhibiting muscle growth.

Abstract: A dehumification/refrigeration system has a first suction stop valve, first evaporator and first timer control contact and a second suction stop valve, second evaporator and second timer control contact. The first suction stop valve is adapted to inactivate the first evaporator upon the detection of ice and to activate the second suction stop valve and second evaporator. The second suction stop valve is adapted to inactivate the second evaporator upon the detection of ice and to activate the first suction stop valve and first evaporator. A supplemental relay and an associated third timer control contact simultaneously activate the first timer and second control contacts. A timer sequentially activates one timer control contact to the exclusion of the others.

Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing a polyethylene jacket of the type used in pre-insulated piping systems. A mandrel is first coated with a brittle polymeric coating. A melt profile of polyethylene is then extruded onto the mandrel and spirally wound to produce adjacent windings. The adjacent windings make contact to form a finished jacket which is in engagement with the brittle coating. After the jacket has set, an external compressive force is applied to the tubular member thus formed sufficient to crush the internal brittle coating, thereby freeing the polyethylene jacket from engagement with the mandrel. The jacket can then be removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing a polyethylene jacket of the type used in pre-insulated piping systems. A mandrel is first coated with a brittle polymeric coating. A melt profile of polyethylene is then extruded onto the mandrel and spirally wound to produce adjacent windings. The adjacent windings make contact to form a finished jacket which is in engagement with the brittle coating. After the jacket has set, an external compressive force is applied to the tubular member thus formed sufficient to crush the internal brittle coating, thereby freeing the polyethylene jacket from engagement with the mandrel. The jacket can then be removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A filter (10) has a housing (12) extending along an axis (18) between first and second axial ends (20 and 22), and has a closed loop primary filter element (24) extending axially in the housing, and a closed loop safety filter element (48) in the hollow interior (30) of the primary filter element. A detent member (60) engages and retains the end cap (54) of the safety filter element independently of the primary filter element to retain the safety filter element in housing upon removal of the primary filter element from the housing.