Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.

Abstract: A system comprising a pulper configured to (i) accept surfactant, a liquid and fiber stock and (ii) generate a foam that suspends the fiber stock, wherein the foam has a half-life; a headbox configured to receive the foam-suspended fiber stock from the pulper and displace the foam-suspended fiber stock onto a forming wire, wherein a time it takes the foam-suspended fiber stock to move from the pulper to the headbox is less than the half-life; and a foam return device that removes at least some of the foam from the forming wire and returns the at least some of the foam to the pulper.

Abstract: A roll-out flame detector mounted proximate to the lower edge of the outside of the flame wall between the combustion chamber and the control chamber of a swimming pool heater. The flame detector includes an elongated thermal fuse element exposed to potential roll-out flames and electrically connected in the electrical control for the fuel control valve to shut down the flow of fuel when the fuse element is ruptured by the roll-out flame.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device particularly adapted for receiving and holding in sealing engagement with a pair of opposed ends of first and second pipe sections, a coupling element or valve member also having opposed end portions. The coupling device includes a pair of opposed sets of valve holders, each set including a pipe flange connectable to the end of a corresponding adjacent pipe section, inner valve guide members for slidably receiving the opposite end portion of the valve member, and an annular gasket between each of the sets of end flange members and guide members. The two sets of valve holders are secured together by a pair of transversely spaced upper tie rods and a lower tie rod to permit the free insertion of the valve member between the upper tie rod and into operative position within the respective guide members.

Abstract: A strainer mill mounted in the intake opening of an impeller pump in a swimming pool water circulating system, including a perforated strainer plate mounted transversely of the flow path of water into the impeller pump and a rotary cutter mounted on an extension of the impeller shaft on the intake side and in close proximity to the strainer plate for shredding leaves and other debris received from the swimming pool before entering the impeller pump. The strainer mill is also characterized by a collector receptacle having a sump and an inlet and outlet mounted in the flow path between the swimming pool and the strainer mill for collecting heavier and harder particles which cannot pass through the perforated strainer plate and which are thrown back by the rotary cutter blade.

Abstract: A chlorinator including a housing adapted to be submerged below the pool deck of a swimming pool, including a lower liquid chamber and an upper control chamber, and a chlorine container depending from the control chamber into the liquid chamber, a water inlet line extending through the pool wall below the normal water level of the pool communicating with the housing and the chlorine container, and a liquid outlet conduit connecting the lower liquid chamber to the return line on the downstream side of a Venturi orifice within the return line for discharging chlorine-treated water from the liquid chamber into the return line on the discharge side of the pump into the swimming pool.

Abstract: A backwash system for a swimming pool including a pool discharge line and a return line and a filter, characterized by a forward pump in fluid communication between the pool discharge line and the filter and a reverse pump in the return line, and a strainer housing of unique construction in fluid communication between the forward pump and the pool discharge line. The strainer housing includes a strainer basket separating the strainer port from the pool discharge line and the strainer port communicating with the forward pump. A pressure-actuated valve operates within the strainer housing to open fluid communication between the pool discharge line and the strainer when the flow of liquid is in the forward direction and to close the strainer port to the pool discharge line when the flow of fluid is in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A disassemblable exhaust muffler and cabin air heater suitable for use on aircraft engines or the like comprising a plurality of assemblable modules which can be readily disassembled to facilitate periodic inspection and repair of the muffler assembly in accordance with prescribed maintenance and inspection schedules. The muffler assembly includes a perforated exhaust gas conduit having a gas flow obstruction at a position intermediate of the inlet and outlet ends thereof and around which an inner shell is removably disposed defining an inner chamber for sound attenuation which in turn is encircled by a removable outer shell defining an outer chamber through which cabin air is adapted to be passed in heat exchange relationship with respect to the periphery of the inner shell. The outer shell and inner shell are readily disassemblable to expose internal areas to inspection for the presence of any structural defects and for effecting any repair thereof.