Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable thermal insulation composite based on poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) includes immersing powdered date palm fibers in a silane-grafting solution to produce silylated date palm fibers. The silylated date palm fibers are then suction filtered, washed with deionized water, and dried. The silylated date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite. The biodegradable thermal insulation composite may then be hot-pressed in a mold and may be further annealed. Alternatively, polylactic acid or poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) is dissolved in chloroform to form a solution. The solution is heated and poured on a volume of powdered date palm fibers such that a surface thereof is completely covered with the solution. The covered date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite, followed by hot-pressing in a mold and annealing.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable thermal insulation composite based on poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) includes immersing powdered date palm fibers in a silane-grafting solution to produce silylated date palm fibers. The silylated date palm fibers are then suction filtered, washed with deionized water, and dried. The silylated date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite. The biodegradable thermal insulation composite may then be hot-pressed in a mold and may be further annealed. Alternatively, polylactic acid or poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) is dissolved in chloroform to form a solution. The solution is heated and poured on a volume of powdered date palm fibers such that a surface thereof is completely covered with the solution. The covered date palm fibers are then melt extruded with poly(?-hydroxybutyrate) pellets to produce the biodegradable thermal insulation composite, followed by hot-pressing in a mold and annealing.

Abstract: An integral radiator and charge air cooler for an internal combustion engine includes a first heat exchanger fluidly connected to a closed loop engine cooling system and a second heat exchanger fluidly connected in an open loop compressed combustion air supply system. The first and second heat exchangers are integrally formed as a unit and are internally fluidly isolated. The engine cooling system includes a coolant pump for circulating coolant through the engine. The combustion air supply system generally includes an air compressor, and the compressed air flows from the air compressor through the second heat exchanger to a combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A cartridge type valve is disclosed which is capable of having the flow of hot and cold water to the valve reversed. An adapter is provided which is receivable in a valve body and has two independent passages. In one position, the adapter effects respective fluid communication between hot and cold water inlet pipes and hot and cold water inlets in the stationary valve portion. In a second position, when the adapter is removed from the valve body and turned over, communication between the hot and cold water inlet pipes and the hot and cold water inlets in the stationary valve portion is reversed. An adjustable temperature control feature is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid control valve is disclosed. Preferably, a plastic body member of the cartridge is provided. A valve stem is provided that includes a pair of metal stop elements extending radially outward. A metal stop table is mounted around the stem to limit rotational movement of the valve stem through contact with the stop elements. The legs have radially-projecting extensions which are designed to fit in recesses within the valve housing to prevent rotation of the stop table. Excess rotational forces applied to the valve stem after the cartridge reaches a fully open or closed position are translated through the stop table and directly into the valve housing without stressing the plastic body member.

Abstract: A delayed closing metering type valve is provided which has a bleed control and entry device utilizing a single air passage and a minimum number of parts. In one embodiment, the air passage is generally T-shaped and a metering pin with a conical portion fits into a straight wall portion of an air passage. In another embodiment, an elongated screw member is positioned against a flexible ring member having a passage therein for compressibly increasing or decreasing the air passage in the flexible ring member. The metering valve is fabricated in a manner so as to be easily attached in a faucet housing or removed therefrom as a cartridge unit.

Abstract: A faucet has a body with a hollow inner cavity and a spout which opens into the inner cavity. A valve assembly is located within the inner cavity to control the flow of water from a source into the spout. The valve assembly comprises a housing with an inlet chamber which opens into a ring-shaped channel, an outlet chamber having an opening centrally located with respect to the ring of the channel, and a diaphragm to selectively close the communication of the inlet and outlet chambers. A solenoid includes a plunger that is biased by a spring against the diaphragm and an electromagnetic coil to pull the plunger away from the diaphragm. A proximity sensor is included to detect the presence of an object adjacent the faucet and energize the coil. A safeguard alarm mechanism is provided to deenergize the coil after a given interval if the object continues to be detected and thereafter periodically briefly energize the solenoid until the object is removed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a three way diverter valve assembly is provided which can divert water to a bathtub in one instance and to a shower or a hand held shower in two other instances. The valve assembly is easily assembled or disassembled while affording a positive shut off between the two shower outlets. A vacuum breaker feature is also provided which reduces "welding" to the valve body. In addition, a vacuum effect is reduced when operating between the shower outlet positions and the bath outlet. Also, the valve is constructed to reduce water hammer.

Abstract: A removable cartridge type valve is provided which has a minimum number of parts yet affords right and left hand conversion for cold and hot water usage in the same valve. A cross shaped groove is provided on the top of the movable disk, and the stem selectively is inserted into one or the other arm of the groove. The valve also provides a secure fitment of the valve stem in the valve body through the use of a grooveless type retaining member. Further, any tendency for bottom gasket members to be forced down out of the valve housing is eliminated by the use of an L-shaped gasket. Binding is also reduced by thinning the gasket adjacent the intersection of the arms of the L on the gasket.

Abstract: A mixing valve assembly includes a housing and a mixing valve positioned therein, with the mixing valve having a mixing member extending outwardly therefrom. A stop tube is positioned about the housing and there is a control element attached to the mixing member to vary the temperature of water discharged from the mixing valve. There are cooperating means on the stop tube and control element for limiting rotation of the control element and mixing member. An adjustable temperature stop sleeve extends within and is interlocked to the stop tube with the sleeve having a projection thereon which can be variably positioned for contact by the control element for limiting temperature adjustment movement thereof.

Abstract: A fluid valve includes a sleeve having inlet and outlet ports. There is a stem movable within the sleeve between open and closed positions and having an inlet port and an outlet port. The stem inlet port is in communication with the sleeve inlet port and the stem outlet port is movable into registration or communication with the sleeve outlet port to define a path of flow through the valve. A seal is carried by the sleeve and cooperates with the movable stem to close the path of flow. There are means for reducing noise normally attendant to opening the valve which includes a passage in the sleeve directly adjacent the sleeve outlet port. The passage is in communication with the stem outlet port as the stem outlet port initially moves to open the path of flow to divert water and reduce pressure at the communicating outlet ports.