Abstract: A measuring and cutting device, ergonomically designed, comprising a user interface with a plurality of user depressible option selection members and a user readable display. A cutting device is tethered to the apparatus base by a continuous fiberous member, wherein the distance that the cutting device has moved away from the apparatus base is continuously measured. The device provides several modes in which users may make their measurements as well as various alert options to inform users when a certain distance has been measured. The various embodiments of this invention envision several cutting apparatuses and power sources.

Abstract: A vanishing design wall operable to hold pieces of cloth in a substantially assembled position to permit evaluation of a design appearance before sewing the assembly. A preferred embodiment includes a flannel-backed vinyl-faced sheet that may be deployed to form a vertically oriented planar working surface in proximity to a foundation to expose the flannel side. Pieces of cloth may be adhered to the flannel working surface by compressing the design wall between the piece of cloth and the foundation. The design wall may then be collapsed (e.g. by furling onto a spring-loaded roller) to store the wall in an out-of-the-way location. Design elements may be trapped inside the furled design wall for temporary storage. A design wall may be placed in a stored configuration substantially inside an ornamental box and out of casual observation. A preferred box includes a structurally supportive shelf on which items may be displayed.

Abstract: A measuring and cutting device, ergonomically designed, comprising a user interface with a plurality of user depressible option selection members and a user readable display. A cutting device is tethered to the apparatus base by a continuous fiberous member, wherein the distance that the cutting device has moved away from the apparatus base is continuously measured. The device provides several modes in which users may make their measurements as well as various alert options to inform users when a certain distance has been measured. The various embodiments of this invention envision several cutting apparatuses and power sources.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a gas-impermeable outer conduit having an open end and a closed end. The interior of the outer conduit is axially divided into first and second sides. A first clean and first dirty flow path are defined within the first side. A first gas-permeable liner separates the first clean flow path from the first dirty flow path and from the open end. A second clean and second dirty flow path, are defined within the second side. A second gas-permeable liner separates the second clean flow path from the second dirty flow paths and from the open end. A control valve connects one of the first clean and second clean flow paths to an exhaust conduit, and connects the other clean flow path to a selectively pulsed supply of cleaning gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to processing particulates and apparatus therefor. More specifically, the invention is directed to processes and apparatus for separating particulates. According to various aspects of the invention, particulate separation processes and apparatus are provided comprising flowing a particulate over a foraminous wall and through a sieve.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bulk particulate material (M) includes a reservoir hopper (16) having a gas-permeable liner (42) and a gas inlet (44) connecting the reservoir hopper (16) to a pressurized flow of gas sufficient to fluidize the material (M). A transition and pipe assembly (18) receives a flow of material (M) from the reservoir hopper (16). The transition and pipe assembly (18) has an outer conduit (54), an inner conduit (52), and at least one gas inlet (64). The outer conduit (54) is substantially impervious to gas whereas the inner conduit (52) is permeable to gas. The inner conduit (52) is disposed within and surrounded by the outer conduit (54). The gas inlet (64) connects the outer conduit (54) to a pressurized flow of gas to fluidize the material (M) within the inner conduit (52). A variable orifice non-contact valve (24) controls the flow of material (M) from the transition and pipe assembly (18).

Abstract: A non-contact valve (24, 26) for controlling the flow of particulate material (M) includes a body (102) and a gas-porous element (106) associated with the body (102). A first orifice (122) is defined by the gas-porous element (106). The gas-porous element (106) directs a flow of pressurized gas into the first orifice (122). A plug member (104) receivable within the first orifice (122) is movable into and out of the first orifice (122). A channel (C) is conjunctively defined at least in part by the first orifice (122) and the plug (104). The channel (C) defines a flow path (124) for the particulate material (M). The length of the channel (C) is adjusted to thereby adjust the velocity of gas flowing through the channel (C) and, thereby, adjust the flow of material (M) therethrough.

Abstract: A ceramic armor system with built-in conductive circuit attached to a ceramic component. The conductive circuit can be accessed by a user at contacts provided in the system. The circuit is arranged so that damage such as cracks that occurs within the ceramic component can propagate into the conductive material forming the circuit and thereby cause a rupture in the conductive circuit. An electrical probe such as an ohmmeter is used to measure the conductive circuit resistance that is then checked against an expected value. The results are used to determine if the ceramic armor component is in operable condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect off-hook and intrusion conditions on a telephone line. A voltage to frequency converter is used to convert the voltage measured between the TIP and RING terminals of a telephone line to a frequency. The voltage is continuously monitored, once during each sample period. The measured frequency is compared to predetermined threshold values to determine the state of the telephone line. The predetermined threshold values are updated in each sample period.

Abstract: A cyclonic precombustion mixing chamber or prechamber has an axially extending annular cyclonic chamber to vaporize liquid fuel therein and a centerbody centrally disposed within. A fuel injection means introduces liquid fuel radially outward into the cyclonic chamber. The centerbody extends axially through an annular exit of the prechamber to define a throat and throat exit therebetween which is optimally designed for preventing backflash and autoignition. In one embodiment the diameter of the throat is sized to substantially match the diameter of the potential core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclonic precombustion mixing chamber or prechamber having an axially extending annular cyclonic chamber to vaporize liquid fuel therein and a centerbody centrally disposed within. A fuel injection means introduces liquid fuel radially outward into the cyclonic chamber. The centerbody extends axially through an annular exit of the prechamber to define a throat and throat exit therebetween which is optimally designed for preventing backflash and autoignition. In one embodiment the diameter of the throat is sized to substantially match the diameter of the potential core. The diameter of the potential core and the centerbody at the throat exit, D.sub.c, may given by the solution to the following equation;4(D.sub.c /D.sub.t).sup.4 =(.rho./.DELTA.P)V.sub.w.sup.2 (D.sub.w /D.sub.t).sup.2 [1+(D.sub.c /D.sub.t).sup.2 ]where D.sub.t is the diameter of the outer edge of the throat exit, .rho.

Abstract: A protective shield for the bite between a pair of coacting rolls in a bending machine. The shield includes a guard positioned to contact and surround one of the rolls so that rotation of the roll causes the guard to rotate and shield the bite between the rolls.