Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the product is not defective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a complex product in a parallel process system wherein a collection of components are provided for assembling the complex product. The present invention involves transferring the collection of the components to one of a plurality of similar computerized assembly cells through the use of a transport system. The collection of components is automatically assembled into the complex product through the use of the computerized assembly cells. The complex product is then transferred from one of the assembly cells to a computerized test cell, where the complex product is tested to ensure for the proper dimensioning and functioning of the complex product. The complex product is then transferred from the test cell via the transport system to either a part reject area or conveyor, if the complex product is defective, or to an automatic dunnage load or part return system, if the complex product is not defective.

Abstract: A cantilevered roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a non-rotating shaft, a sprocket, a roller, a sleeve, and a clutching spring. The non-rotating shaft has a first end with a first retention feature and second end with a second retention feature. The sprocket is rotatably disposed over the shaft. The roller is rotatably disposed over the shaft adjacent the sprocket. The sleeve is slidably and rotatably disposed over the non-rotating shaft. The sleeve has a first end in non-rotatable engagement with one of the sprocket and the roller on a first end and has a second end with an adjusting nut threadably disposed thereover. The clutching spring is axially disposed between the second end of the sleeve and the second end of the shaft. The clutching spring induces a clutching load between the sprocket and the roller. Rotation of the nut varies the clutching load between the sprocket and the roller.

Abstract: An air driven dental handpiece is disclosed for rotating a bur in an angled housing that utilizes an arrangement of cooling water, chip air, and light services which are configured at their terminus into a form resembling a human eye. These services are integrated into an oval shape which is totally contained within the handle structure of the handpiece, and exit from the handle immediately adjacent the housing.In the handpiece, light is transmitted by optic fibers that are enclosed within a rigid, metallic sheath. Light is provided by a flexible fiber optic which abuts the entrance face of the handpiece sheath in a readily detachable, threaded coupling. A spring in the coupling presses the cable fibers firmly against the sheath fibers for maximum light transmission, and also holds the cable securely in the coupling.A flexible, multi-cavity supply hose includes four cavities which provide the five services of turbine air, turbine exhaust, water, chip air, and light.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed for rotating a bur in a housing having an enclosing cap, utilizing an air-driven, axial-flow turbine mounted on a shaft between two ball bearings, the assembly forming a removeable cartridge. Air is directed to the turbine through a combination plenum and nozzle ring. The cartridge is acoustically isolated from the cap and housing by two elastomeric rings having separate radial segments and axial pads. The radial segments support the cartridge bearings, prevent outer race rotation, compensate for dimensional variation of the elastomeric rings and cap and housing bores, and provide a means to vary suspension stiffness. The axial pads of the elastomeric ring around the front bearing provide a bearing pre-load force independent of the radial forces exerted on the bearing.

Abstract: A method of pretreating coal fly ash is presented having an essentially monomolecular partial coating of under 100 angstroms thickness for obtaining improved compatibility with organic polymers and resins. The partial coverage is selected from the long-chain organic group including organotitanates, organofunctional silanes and stearic acids, with the former being preferable. The amount of chemical pretreatment compound required is preferably from 0.01 to 0.09 parts, per 100 parts of coal fly ash.

Abstract: An electrolytic device adapted for mounting on the interior wall of a container housing sorbent chemicals for detection and display of moisture content. A sandwich or tab-type probe includes superhydroscopic MgClO.sub.4 or CaSO.sub.4 particles which resist electrical current flow when dry and have a higher affinity for moisture than the sorbent chemicals in cartridges or filters. Moisture intrusion is drawn to the anhydrous MgClO.sub.4 or CaSO.sub.4 particles changing their ohmic resistance and thereby enabling visual and nondestructive detection of the moisture intrusion into the container or cartridge. The probe is spaced away from the sorbent chemicals avoiding the transfer of mechanical stresses and any additional pressure drop through the sorbents, thereby permitting the device to be used in combination with a wide range of sealed containers and air filters.

Abstract: A hemodialysis assist device including a normally nonflowing aqueous sorbents slurry medium chamber and at least one blood flowthrough passage separated therefrom by a semipermeable membrane of the flat plate, pleated flat plate, hollow fiber or hemicapillary type. The sorbents medium is in the form of a thixotropic network slurry of fine charcoal powder, fine phosphate ion-binding particles, or both. The sorbent particles are substantially retained in place even during ultrafiltration of excess body fluids across the membrane. This retention is assisted by the addition of a small quantity of fine cellulose-based polymer binder capable of forming an interlocking thixotropic network with the sorbents. The assist device may be used in conjunction with a conventional hemodialyzer to reduce dialysis treatment time, as well as to effectively remove urea. In addition, this blood detoxification device can be used also to treat the problems of hyperphosphatemia and hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: Portable hepatic-assist closed loop method and apparatus utilizing hemofiltration membrane and sterilizable disposable sorbents cartridge for adsorption of hepatic toxins.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering precious metals such as gold, palladium, rhodium and platinum as well as copper and zinc from respective waste solutions laden with such metals, such as stop baths, stabilizers, solution tailings, and waste plating drag out and rinse solutions. The metal ion-laden solutions are treated with mechanically worked narrow aluminum foil strips, threads or chaff, substantially completely covered with a few microns thick imperfect layer of aluminum oxide. The resulting metal-free solution may be repeatedly used and restored.The method provides high metal recovery efficiency, and little maintenance, while providing the capability for repetitive use of various solutions employed in plating and other processes.

Abstract: A dental handpiece and a wrench adapted to be used in combination with the handpiece for securing a dental bur in the handpiece. The handpiece includes a turbine housing, a rotor shaft and a collet threadedly secured in the rotor shaft. The wrench has a plurality of fingers which are adapted to be received in the rotor shaft, and a shaft rotatably mounted in a tube from which the fingers project. The wrench shaft is adapted to threadedly advance or retract the collet relative to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A mixed polymeric resin including a comminuted filler from the front end of a solid waste system in a continuous phase of a resinous adhesive binder (e.g., polyethylene). The filler includes glass, cellulose, inorganic oxides and mixed polymer resins. A method for forming the filled resin.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering metallic silver from used silver-laden solutions, such as spent photographic fix, stop baths, stabilizers, electrolytic fix tailings, and waste silver-plating drag out and rinse solutions. The silver-laden solutions are treated with mechanically worked narrow aluminum foil strips, threads or chaff, substantially completely covered with a few microns thick imperfect layer of aluminum oxide. The resulting silver-free solution may then be chelated with a suitable chelating agent to provide a rejuvenated solution, which may be repeatedly used and restored.The method provides high silver recovery efficiency, and little maintenance, while providing the capability or repetitive use of various solutions employed in photographic development, where silver is obtained.

Abstract: A composition comprising an intimate bonded mixture of (a) 30-90 parts by weight of a particulate reinforcement filler formed of the pyrolysis or incineration residue of industrial or municipal solid waste products, and (b) 10-70 parts by weight of a resinous thermosetting (e.g., polyester or epoxy) or thermoplastic (e.g., nylon) adhesive polymer. The filler comprises a combination of silica and alumina and for pyrolysis residue, carbon. The individual particles are characterized by non-porous structure and irregular rough shapes, having a heterogeneous distribution and a size less than 50 microns.

Abstract: A dental handpiece and a wrench adapted to be used in combination with the handpiece for securing a dental bur in the handpiece. The handpiece includes a turbine housing, a rotor shaft and a collet threadedly secured in the rotor shaft. The wrench has a plurality of fingers which are adapted to be received in the rotor shaft, and a shaft rotatably mounted in a tube from which the fingers project. The wrench shaft is adapted to threadedly advance or retract the collet relative to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A dental pin used in building a superstructure on a tooth having a substantial portion thereof that has been removed. The pin comprises a shaft having a flute at the lower end thereof. The remainder of the shaft is threaded. The flute taps a hole that has previously been drilled in the tooth, and the threads on the shaft are retained in the tapped hole. Thus, the shaft is self-tapping. The shaft also includes an integral handle which permits the rotating of the pin into the tooth. A plurality of the pins are inserted in the tooth in a non-parallel relationship, and a superstructure is built on exposed portions of the pins. A fracture point is formed on each pin in order to break the head off after the pin has been inserted.