Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A rotor hub assembly and method for controlling movement of a rotor blade relative to a swashplate. The hub assembly having an attachment device operably associated with the rotor blade and the swashplate. The attachment device provides pivot and rotational blade movement relative to the swashplate. A dual spring-rate damper is operably associated with the attachment device. The damper switches between a first spring rate and a second spring rate during flight to control movement of the rotor blade. The method includes the process of switching the damper between the first spring rate and the second spring rate during flight.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a rotatable nacelle that supports a rotor assembly and is pivotally attached to the air-craft's fuselage. A wing extension attaches to an outboard section of the nacelle. The wing extension provides additional yaw control during helicopter mode and additional lift during airplane mode. A method for controlling at least a portion of yaw movement includes positioning the rotor assembly in helicopter mode, creating rotor wash with the rotor assembly, and pivotally rotating the wing extension in the rotor wash.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A machine produces foam-in-bag from foam precursors mixed within the bag. The machine comprises a base and a shell. The base and shell are moveable relative each other between a base/shell disengaged position and a base/shell engaged position. In the base/shell engaged position, the base and shell divide the bag so that a mixing chamber is isolated from the remainder portion of the bag. First and second nozzles inject foam precursors into the mixing chamber. A mixer engages the mixing chamber to provide mixing energy to facilitate the foam reaction.

Abstract: A pitch control system for blades on a rotor of an aircraft has a gimballing rotor hub (31) and a plurality of step-over arms (61) connected to the hub and capable of pivoting relative to the hub about a pivot axis. Each of a plurality of pitch links (55) connects one of the step-over arms (61) to a flight control system for pivoting the connected step-over arm (61) about the pivot axis and relative to the hub in response to inputs from the control system. Each of a plurality of step-over links (69) connects one of the step-over arms (61) to one of the blades for rotating the associated blade about the pitch axis in response to pivoting of the associated step-over arm.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a rotatable nacelle that supports a rotor assembly and is pivotally attached to the air-craft's fuselage. A wing extension attaches to an outboard section of the nacelle. The wing extension provides additional yaw control during helicopter mode and additional lift during airplane mode. A method for controlling at least a portion of yaw movement includes positioning the rotor assembly in helicopter mode, creating rotor wash with the rotor assembly, and pivotally rotating the wing extension in the rotor wash.

Abstract: A mold assembly for making a molded foam article generally includes a housing having an internal cavity and an opening into the cavity, a movable support member movable between an inner position and an outer position, an object supported by the support member and having a three-dimensional shape, and a closure. A method for making a molded foam article generally includes moving the support member to the outer position, positioning a film web over the object to form a substantially convex envelopment, moving the support member to the inner position while maintaining the film web in contact with the object to reconfigure the substantially convex film envelopment into a partially concave film envelopment, and dispensing a predetermined amount of a foamable composition into the hollow space provided by the concave envelopment.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A mold assembly for making a molded foam article generally includes a housing having an internal cavity and an opening into the cavity, a movable support member movable between an inner position and an outer position, an object supported by the support member and having a three-dimensional shape, and a closure. A method for making a molded foam article generally includes moving the support member to the outer position, positioning a film web over the object to form a substantially convex envelopment, moving the support member to the inner position while maintaining the film web in contact with the object to reconfigure the substantially convex film envelopment into a partially concave film envelopment, and dispensing a predetermined amount of a foamable composition into the hollow space provided by the concave envelopment.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions includes a first module comprising a first housing, a fluid flow fitting in the first housing, a shutoff valve in the first housing and in fluid communication with the fluid flow fitting. The dispenser further includes a second module comprising: a second housing, a valving chamber in the second housing for receiving fluid from the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting; and an attachment for securing the first and second modules to one another with the valving chamber in fluid communication with the shutoff valve and the fluid flow fitting so that foam precursors can travel from the foam fittings to the valving chamber, and be dispensed from the chamber to form foam.

Abstract: A hand held dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions is disclosed that is particularly useful for foam-in-place packaging systems. The hand held dispenser comprises a housing; a motor in the housing; a transmission in the housing and driven by the motor; and a valving cartridge in the housing and driven by the transmission for dispensing foamable compositions upon demand. The motor is positioned below the valving cartridge for providing a clear line of sight along the top of the housing.

Abstract: A hand held dispenser for dispensing foamable compositions is disclosed that is particularly useful for foam-in-place packaging systems. The hand held dispenser comprises a housing; a motor in the housing; a transmission in the housing and driven by the motor; and a valving cartridge in the housing and driven by the transmission for dispensing foamable compositions upon demand. The motor is positioned below the valving cartridge for providing a clear line of sight along the top of the housing.

Abstract: A modular high shear mixer has a shaft guard substantially enclosing the rotating mix shaft thereof and a mixing member guard substantially surrounding the mixing member formed upon the lower end of the mix shaft so as to enhance safety without undesirable affecting the performance of the mixer.. Modular construction facilitates both mechanical and fluid shearing utilizing a plurality of interchangeable mixing members. The mix shaft is driven by a AC motor, the speed of which is determined by a controller so as to eliminate the need for multiple pulleys.

Abstract: A media mill having a cylindrical vessel which is vertically oriented and a motor-driven rotor extending through the vessel to agitate grinding media and a liquid product within the vessel. A tubular outlet housing extends radially outward from the vessel and forms an opening through which a screen assembly is removably mounted. The screen assembly comprises a stack of adjacently positioned annular rings which are supported on a tubular carrier element. Adjacent screen elements retain the grinding media within the vessel while openings between the elements permit the milled product to flow therethrough and into an interior cavity terminating in an outlet. The screen assembly extends into the interior of the vessel and is removably secured to the outlet housing by a quick disconnect retainer means.

Abstract: A sandmill outlet screen is formed by a stack of rings which have projections and corresponding recesses stamped into them. The projections provide a gap between rings whereby flow passages between the rings are created. These passages permit the liquid being processed by the sandmill to flow out of the sandmill, but keep a grinding media in the mill. With the projections of one ring nested in the recesses of an adjacent ring, a small gap is provided. With the rings oriented to prevent nesting, a larger gap is provided. With the rings arranged so that the projections of adjacent rings abut each other, a still larger gap is obtained. This variable flow passage capability is further enhanced by varying the height of the projections.

Abstract: A horizontal media mill comprising a cantilevered shaft extending from a motor into a vessel in which a rotor mounted on the shaft agitates a grinding media and the product being milled. A cup-shaped screen and a cup-shaped end cover fit over the free end of the rotor and are removably mounted on the end of the vessel. The screen filters the media from the milled product as the product flows to an outlet in the end cover. The rotor is of a one-piece polymeric construction and slides off the shaft to be removable when the screen is removed. The mill is tiltable to facilitate cleaning, and includes an integrated hydraulic system which tilts the mill, cools the vessel, drives the product pump, and provides pressure for a seal where the shaft enters the vessel.