Abstract: A polymer processing device includes an extruder unit configured to receive, melt, and mix an adhesive and a dispensing valve unit configured to dispense adhesive onto a substrate. Additionally, the dispensing valve unit may include a positive displacement type valve that provides discrete dispensing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of detecting and locating a micro-interface abnormality within an electrical system having a plurality of conductors and a plurality of electrical connections includes identifying a subset of the plurality of electrical connections by detecting an acoustic signal within the electrical system and analyzing the detected acoustic signal and determining that the detected acoustic signal is indicative of an electrical fault, measuring a contact resistance of each of the subset of the plurality of electrical connections, and identifying at least one of the subset of the plurality of electrical connection points as having a micro-interface abnormality based on the measured contact resistances.

Abstract: A method of detecting and locating a micro-interface abnormality within an electrical system having a plurality of conductors and a plurality of electrical connections includes identifying a subset of the plurality of electrical connections by detecting an acoustic signal within the electrical system and analyzing the detected acoustic signal and determining that the detected acoustic signal is indicative of an electrical fault, measuring a contact resistance of each of the subset of the plurality of electrical connections, and identifying at least one of the subset of the plurality of electrical connection points as having a micro-interface abnormality based on the measured contact resistances.

Abstract: An example calling system includes a dialer, a user interface via which a user can select one or more call lists from a plurality of call lists from different call list providers, and software stored in computer readable memory configured to cause at least in part phone numbers to be streamed from the one or more user selected call lists to the dialer so that the dialer can dial the phone numbers.

Abstract: A solicitation method comprises the steps of: providing a WAN accessible client prospects database, wherein the database includes an encrypted lead telephone number; installing a solicitation software program into a user computer system wherein the computer system has an automatic phone dialup feature and a WAN accessing feature; interconnecting the computer system with the client prospects database through the WAN over a phone network; and, for each of the client telephone numbers, presenting a client identity on a monitor of the computer system; executing automatic dialup of the respective client telephone number without disclosing the client telephone number to the user; communicating a connection result, as good or bad, to the database; and compiling a service billing based on only the good connections.

Abstract: A joystick controller comprises an operating shaft mounted for pivotal movement relative to a housing. The joystick controller is configured such that when the operating shaft is in a null position a release of pressure applied on the operating shaft is effective to lock the joystick so as to prevent further pivotal movement. Re-application of pressure on the operating shaft is effective to unlock the joystick.

Abstract: A system for providing the ability to obtain consumption data from a communication device used to transmit accumulated data from the meter register. The system includes a programming port formed as part of the communication device. The programming port includes the programming coil that allows the accumulation data received from the meter register to be read by an interrogation device. Further, the programming coil allows programming information to be transferred to the communication device from the interrogation device. The system can also include a reading module coupled to the programming port of the communication device through an inductive coupling. The reading module can extend through a pit lid such that the reading module can be accessed without removing the pit lid.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid includes a dispenser body having a liquid passage and an air passage. A valve stem is mounted in the dispenser body and reciprocates between an open position allowing liquid flow and a closed position preventing liquid flow. A pre-assembled unitary seal assembly is threadably engaged with the dispenser body and includes a housing having a bore therethrough. The housing includes a first and second seal members positioned within the bore that each form a dynamic seal with the valve stem to prevent air and liquid from leaking out of the air and liquid passages. The housing further includes a static seal between the outside of the housing and the dispenser body. The valve stem may be moved to an open position by pressurized air acting on a piston and moved to the closed position by a spring-return mechanism to selectively dispense the liquid.

Abstract: A spring-biased filter assembly for a liquid dispenser is disclosed that permits ready removal of a filter assembly from a filter housing. The filter housing includes a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passageway therebetween. The filter housing also has an opening in communication with the liquid passageway. The filter assembly comprises a closure element positioned in the opening and releasably coupled to the filter housing through movement between connected and disconnected positions with respect to the filter housing. A filter element is positioned in the liquid passageway and coupled to the closure element. A biasing member is coupled to the closure element and the filter element and biases the closure element into the connected position.

Abstract: A manifold for distributing liquid and process air to at least one dispensing module including a manifold body adapted to overlie at least a portion of a substrate. The manifold body includes a front surface having a liquid outlet vertically spaced above a process air outlet. The front surface of the manifold body is configured to carry at least one dispensing module having a liquid inlet and a process air inlet in communication with the liquid outlet and process air outlet in the manifold body. A groove is formed in the front surface of the manifold body between the liquid outlet and process air outlet and adapted to collect any liquid dripping from the liquid outlet toward the process air outlet when the dispensing module is removed from the manifold body thereby preventing the liquid from reaching the process air outlet.

Abstract: A manifold for a liquid material dispenser has a unitary manifold body with process air and liquid material passages formed therethrough. Heaters for heating the process air and liquid material are both coupled directly to the manifold body and cooperate to simultaneously heat both the air and liquid material. The air and liquid material heaters may be arranged in either a generally vertical orientation, or a horizontal orientation with respect to the manifold body. In one embodiment, the process air heater includes a cylindrical member which is substantially exposed to the process air to optimize heat transfer from the cylindrical member to the process air.

Abstract: A method or device is provided for connecting a centrifugal blower to a process requiring the flow of forced air such that the flow of air may be reversed. The method is applied to a process that benefits from the switching of the direction of air flow to either positive pressure or suction. The method was developed primarily use in the forced aeration composting process but may have other applications. The invention consists of a damper with a plurality of vanes rotating on parallel shafts, which is closely coupled to both the inlet and outlet of a centrifugal blower. When set to provide positive pressure, the vanes direct outside air to the blower intake and direct the blower discharge to the process requiring aeration. When set to provide suction, the vanes direct air from the process to the blower intake and direct the blower discharge to a port that may be connected to an air pollution control device.