Abstract: A method for inducing strain on a workpiece includes the step of providing a testing apparatus having a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The workpiece is placed adjacent to the first or second set of teeth. The second set of teeth is disposed on a movable carriage which linearly reciprocates thereby allowing the first and the second sets of teeth to engage and disengage each other. A commanded position by time is provided to the carriage while the actual position by time of the carriage is measured. The first set of teeth are in communication with at least one load cell such that when the first set of teeth engage the second set of teeth, the load applied by the carriage is measured. The actual position by time data and the load data are manipulated to produce vast information pertaining to the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a peristaltic precision metering device, system and method of using the same. Disclosed is a metering device which includes a metering element that can engage with a compressible material line, wherein the metering device can place a selectable peristaltic effect upon the material in the line. Also disclosed is a metering system comprised of a metering device similar to above and a control system attached to the metering element and a robotic positioning system also attached to the metering device. Finally disclosed is a method of precision material dispensing comprised of providing a metering element and base, positioning a compressible material line between the metering element and base, moving one of the base, metering element, material line, or combination thereof, thereby causing a peristaltic effect upon material in the line, and dispensing a precise unit of material from the device.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: This is an improvement in a fuel cell stack assembly having a plurality of plates with grooves for accommodating gaskets to provide seals between individual fuel cell plates in the fuel cell stack assembly in order to prevent leakage of gases and liquids required for operation of the fuel cell stack assembly. The improvement comprising grooves in each fuel cell plate in the fuel cell stack assembly with a circular or an elliptical profile, and a unitary seal formed of a sealing material between each fuel cell plate in the fuel cell stack assembly having a profile corresponding to the profile of the grooves in each fuel cell plate.

Abstract: A fitness monitoring system and method for accepting, assessing, maintaining, training, monitoring, and providing direct feedback for individuals in a fitness program for improved results. The method provides feedback on a member of a fitness program utilizing a computer system database and includes performing an initial assessment of the fitness characteristics of a member to gather initial assessment information, recording the initial assessment information in the computer system database, performing a final assessment of the fitness characteristics of a member to gather initial assessment information, recording the final assessment information in the computer system database, and calculating the changes in the health characteristics of the member stored in the database between the initial and final assessments.

Abstract: This is an improvement in a fuel cell stack assembly having a plurality of plates with grooves for accommodating gaskets to provide seals between individual fuel cell plates in the fuel cell stack assembly in order to prevent leakage of gases and liquids required for operation of the fuel cell stack assembly. The improvement comprising grooves in each fuel cell plate in the fuel cell stack assembly with a circular or an elliptical profile, and a unitary seal formed of a sealing material between each fuel cell plate in the fuel cell stack assembly having a profile corresponding to the profile of the grooves in each fuel cell plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-forming compositions containing ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers with a vinyl acetate percentage that causes film-forming problems and processability problems and an alkylene bisoleamide which is used to enhance the film forming capabilities of these high VA content resins. The invention also relates to films prepared from these compositions and to coating compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-forming compositions containing ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers with a vinyl acetate percentage that causes film-forming problems and processability problems and an alkylene bisoleamide which is used to enhance the film forming capabilities of theses high VA content resins. The invention also relates to films prepared from theses compositions and to coating compositions.

Abstract: Decorative ionomeric surfaced film and sheet (e.g., multilayer co-extruded polymer) and articles made therefrom (e.g., automotive panels and parts) exhibiting good weatherability, mar resistance, and surface appearance of a high quality automotive finish (including color, haze, gloss, and DOI) and economical process for making (e.g., co-extrusion) and using (e.g., thermoforming and injection backfilling) the same.

Abstract: An exhaust fan for bathrooms and the like having two principal structural elements--a housing assembly and a motor plate assembly--wherein the housing assembly includes a generally cylindrical housing formed of injection molded plastic. The housing assembly includes a circumferential mounting flange and mounting clips carried thereon for mounting the fan in a ceiling panel or the like in an arbitrary angular orientation. Flexible mounting tabs on the motor plate assembly releasably engage notches on the housing for snap together assembly. Integral strain relief for power supply wiring is molded into a wiring compartment in the housing. An oval duct connector having an outer circumferential lip extends from an exhaust outlet and is adapted to releasably engage a round flexibly resilient spring reinforced duct thereover. The motor plate assembly also covers the wiring compartment when fitted into the housing assembly.