Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling arc/short between a wire and a work piece is described. A current path parallel to the wire/work is provided. The voltage drop across the parallel path can be preset, to limit the wire/work voltage, or it can be controlled to a desired level. The control can be in response to feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a garment configured to deliver electrical current from a remote power supply to electrically stimulate tissue of a foot of an individual. The garment can comprise a fabric and can be shaped to fit over the foot and a portion of a leg of the individual. The fabric can be configured to cause the garment body to conform to the foot when worn by the individual. The garment can further comprise a first electrode region integrated within the garment body and configured to engage a plantar region of the foot. The garment can further comprise a second electrode region integrated within the garment body and spaced from the first electrode region and configured to engage the plantar region of the foot.

Abstract: A pump includes a conduit defining an inner volume and formed from a flexible material, the conduit movable between an expanded state and a relaxed state. A coil is disposed within the conduit and includes an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit, the coil substantially maintaining its outer diameter when the conduit is moved between the relaxed state and the expanded state. A manifold is in fluid communication with the inner volume and is operable to permit fluid to enter the inner volume in a first mode and expel fluid from the inner volume in a second mode.

Abstract: The dual output pinion rack drive includes an epicyclic gearbox which permits the division of power of a single motor to first and second spur output pinions which are subjected to slightly different loading conditions based on rack geometry, rack tolerances and gear tolerances. A motor drives an input sun gear which drives planet gears which drive large and small ring gears in opposite rotational directions at similar torque levels while the carrier floats rotationally. None of the gearbox components, the sun gear, the planet gears, the large ring gear, the small ring gear, the planet carrier, and the housing are fixed rotationally. Each ring gear couples to first and second spur output pinions, respectively, and power is transferred through intermediate gear reductions and final planetary gear systems to first and second rack driving output pinions rotating in opposite directions driving the platform up a central rack.

Abstract: A torque sharing drive and process for sharing torque accommodates tooth inaccuracies on the rack and outer pinions. A driving pinion mates with first and second gears. The driving pinion is radially, bidirectionally, movable in response to gear separation forces only along the line between the centers of the driving pinion, the first gear and the second gear. First and second outer pinions are rotatable with the first and second gears, and as the driving pinion moves radially toward the first or second gear in response to gear separation forces, the first or second gear is angularly and rotationally advanced with respect to the other gear accommodating inaccuracies in the teeth of the rack and outer pinions. Alternatively, when gear separation forces are balanced, the driving pinion resides approximately equidistantly intermediate the first and second gear and the first and second outer pinions are approximately in phase.

Abstract: The dual output pinion rack drive includes an epicyclic gearbox which permits the division of power of a single motor to first and second spur output pinions which are subjected to slightly different loading conditions based on rack geometry, rack tolerances and gear tolerances. A motor drives an input sun gear which drives planet gears which drive large and small ring gears in opposite rotational directions at similar torque levels while the carrier floats rotationally. None of the gearbox components, the sun gear, the planet gears, the large ring gear, the small ring gear, the planet carrier, and the housing are fixed rotationally. Each ring gear couples to first and second spur output pinions, respectively, and power is transferred through intermediate gear reductions and final planetary gear systems to first and second rack driving output pinions rotating in opposite directions driving the platform up a central rack.

Abstract: A torque sharing drive and process for sharing torque accommodates tooth inaccuracies on the rack and outer pinions. A driving pinion mates with first and second gears. The driving pinion is radially, bidirectionally, movable in response to gear separation forces only along the line between the centers of the driving pinion, the first gear and the second gear. First and second outer pinions are rotatable with the first and second gears, and as the driving pinion moves radially toward the first or second gear in response to gear separation forces, the first or second gear is angularly and rotationally advanced with respect to the other gear accommodating inaccuracies in the teeth of the rack and outer pinions. Alternatively, when gear separation forces are balanced, the driving pinion resides approximately equidistantly intermediate the first and second gear and the first and second outer pinions are approximately in phase.

Abstract: A method for high speed melt spinning of binder fiber by melting a polymer having a melting temperature range of greater than 0° C. to 160° C., spinning said polymer at a speed of greater than about 2000 meters per minute to form the binder fibers; and winding the binder fiber onto a spin bobbin.

Abstract: Flux management systems and methods are provided for filtering vaporized flux from the gas of a reflow soldering oven. A flux management system includes a cooling chamber having a cooling medium through which the gas passes. The vaporized flux condenses on the surfaces of the cooling chamber and drips into a collection pan, thereby preventing it from dripping onto circuit boards passing through the oven. The flux management system may further include a self-cleaning feature that includes a compressed gas, which is allowed to enter the cooling chamber through a solenoid valve. The compressed gas may then be directed through a heater, which increases the temperature of the cooling chamber, thereby causing a decrease in viscosity of the flux, which allows it to flow freely into a drain tube. The flux may then be transported by gravity into a collection container.

Abstract: A method for high speed melt spinning of binder fibers by melting a polymer that exhibits substantially no exothermic crystallization peak as measured by DSC when it is cooled to solidification from a molten state according to test A, spinning said polymer at a speed of greater than about 2000 meters per minute to form said binder fibers; and winding said binder fiber onto a spin bobbin.

Abstract: A method for high speed melt spinning of binder fibers by melting a polymer that exhibits substantially no exothermic crystallization peak as measured by DSC when it is cooled to solidification from a molten state according to test A, spinning said polymer at a speed of greater than about 2000 meters per minute to form said binder fibers; and winding said binder fiber onto a spin bobbin.

Abstract: A carpet fiber yarn having carpet fiber and binder material, the yarn being subjected to singeing to remove protruding fiber ends, and subjected to heat sufficient to melt the binder fiber, wherein initial appearance and trafficked appearance of a first test carpet having a pile comprised of the yarn is improved over a corresponding second test carpet having a pile comprised of an unsinged yarn with the carpet fiber and the binder fiber, the unsinged yarn also being subjected to heat sufficient to melt the binder fiber.

Abstract: Flux management systems and methods are provided for filtering vaporized flux from the gas of a reflow soldering oven. A flux management system includes a cooling chamber having a cooling medium through which the gas passes. The vaporized flux condenses on the surfaces of the cooling chamber and drips into a collection pan, thereby preventing it from dripping onto circuit boards passing through the oven. The flux management system may further include a self-cleaning feature that includes a compressed gas, which is allowed to enter the cooling chamber through a solenoid valve. The compressed gas may then be directed through a heater, which increases the temperature of the cooling chamber, thereby causing a decrease in viscosity of the flux, which allows it to flow freely into a drain tube. The flux may then be transported by gravity into a collection container.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserver used with a single-tube cannula. The conserver includes a body having first and second cavities. A main diaphragm divides the first cavity into first and second chambers. An inlet passage delivers oxygen from a supply to the first chamber, and an outlet passage delivers oxygen from the first chamber to the cannula. The main diaphragm is movable between a closed position preventing oxygen flow through the outlet passage and an open position permitting flow. A first flow control passage connects the inlet passage and the second chamber, and a first flow control orifice in the passage restricts flow. A sensing diaphragm divides the second cavity into third and fourth chambers. A second flow control passage connects the second and third chambers, and a second flow control orifice in the passage restricts flow. The sensing diaphragm is movable between a closed position preventing flow through the second passage and an open position permitting such flow.

Abstract: A walk-through fly trap for cattle and similar livestock is provided with a steel tubular frame on which is provided a roof and sides of pressure treated lumber. The sides support panels bearing electric grates, which grates are accessible to flying insects on both the inside and outside of the trap. Insects are attracted to the grates by lights mounted proximal to the grates on the panel, the warmth associated therewith, and attractive colors of the panel. The grates may be electrified with sufficient voltage to explode flying insects on contact, so as to prevent accumulation of insects thereon.

Abstract: A gauge block assembly for use in conjunction with the refilling of high pressure gaseous oxygen cylinders. The gauge block is used in an oxygen transfill header or manifold and includes a gas transfer control unit that allows rapid evacuation of the spent oxygen cylinder but that prevents rapid refilling of the oxygen cylinder with fresh oxygen. The gas transfer control unit includes a valve assembly having a restricted orifice therethrough. During the evacuation process, the check valve opens, bypassing the restricted orifice, to allow rapid evacuation of the oxygen cylinder at a first rate of flow. During the refilling process, the check valve closes. The incoming oxygen must flow through the restricted orifice at a second rate of flow less than the first rate of flow thereby regulating the flow of oxygen.

Abstract: A walk-through fly trap for cattle and similar livestock is provided with a steel tubular frame on which is provided a roof and sides of pressure treated lumber. The sides support panels bearing electric grates, which grates are accessible to flying insects on both the inside and outside of the trap. Insects are attracted to the grates by lights mounted proximal to the grates on the panel, the warmth associated therewith, and attractive colors of the panel. The grates may be electrified with sufficient voltage to explode flying insects on contact, so as to prevent accumulation of insects thereon.

Abstract: Certain arylterpenoid compounds having excellent potential as insect control agents. The compounds are highly active as eclosion inhibiting agents against four species of flies and three species of mosquito.

Abstract: A gauge block assembly for use in conjunction with the refilling of high pressure gaseous oxygen cylinders. The gauge block is used in an oxygen transfill header or manifold and includes a gas transfer control unit that allows rapid evacuation of the spent oxygen cylinder but that prevents rapid refilling of the oxygen cylinder with fresh oxygen. The gas transfer control unit includes a valve assembly having a restricted orifice therethrough. During the evacuation process, the check valve opens, bypassing the restricted orifice, to allow rapid evacuation of the oxygen cylinder at a first rate of flow. During the refilling process, the check valve closes. The incoming oxygen must flow through the restricted orifice at a second rate of flow less than the first rate of flow thereby regulating the flow of oxygen.