Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.

Abstract: A picture archiving and communication system (“PACS”) includes plural core components arranged in a cluster. These core components include an archive station which includes long-term storage for storing image data, and a reviewing station which includes a display for displaying images based on received image data. Also included is a network gateway which interfaces to a non-core component so as to receive image data therefrom, and which routes the image data to at least one of the archive station and the reviewing station based on a set of rules in the network gateway. Finally, a database server manages access to the image data, and stores information relating to the image data.

Abstract: A diagnostics tool having a graphical user interface coupled to an instrument from a remote location for inspecting instrument variables, parameters and set-points, performance testing, as well as, managing information resources necessary to repair the instrument to provide fast and accurate diagnosis of problems and faults within the instrument.

Abstract: A modular furniture seating section having a pair of side rails that define a base for the section and a pair of reclining mechanisms, one mounted on each of the side rails. Each of the mechanisms includes a seat mounting link which together carry a seat frame that in turn carries the seat of the chair. An ottoman linkage is mounted on the front of the seat mounting link in each mechanism and together they carry the ottoman which moves between retracted and extended positions. The mechanisms also include a backrest linkage which carries the backrest frame that, in turn, carries the backrest. On one side only of the chair an arm panel is secured to the seat frame and moves together with the seat in fixed relationship thereto as the chair moves between upright and reclined positions. On the same side as the arm panel, a backrest side wing is mounted on the backrest frame so as to move with it.

Abstract: Motion furniture seating having an ottoman assembly including a main ottoman and a mid-ottoman and wherein each of the ottomans includes a foot supporting panel and side panels. When the assembly is retracted the mid-ottoman nests inside the main ottoman beneath the seat and when the assembly is extended the foot supporting panels lie in substantially the same plane as a continuation of the seat and the side panels extend downwardly from the foot supporting panels and essentially hide the mechanism which carries the ottomans and inhibits access to the mechanism by a child or animal so as to avoid injury.

Abstract: A modular furniture seating section having a pair of side rails that define a base for the section and a pair of reclining mechanisms, one mounted on each of the side rails. Each of the mechanisms includes a seat mounting link which together carry a seat frame that in turn carries the seat of the chair. An ottoman linkage is mounted on the front of the seat mounting link in each mechanism and together they carry the ottoman which moves between retracted and extended positions. The mechanisms also include a backrest linkage which carries the backrest frame that, in turn, carries the backrest. On one side only of the chair an arm panel is secured to the seat frame and moves together with the seat in fixed relationship thereto as the chair moves between upright and reclined positions. On the same side as the arm panel, a backrest side wing is mounted on the backrest frame so as to move with it.

Abstract: A multi-functional furniture component has a frame, with a seat portion and a backrest portion, first motion means connected to the frame and connected to a conversion member. The conversion member has a first upholstered side and a second substantially planar side. Actuation of the first motion means enable arcuate movement of the conversion member between a first orientation to service a backrest and a second orientation in which the planar side is generally horizontal. The conversion member may also include a container member with a top panel, a bottom panel spaced apart from the top panel, and at least one side panel interconnecting the top and bottom panels and defining an interior storage region. Preferably, access to the interior storage region is provided by arcuate motion of the top of the container.

Abstract: Fecal leakage and contamination from the vent opening of an animal carcass during slaughtering and processing methods is reduced or eliminated by applying a curable adhesive composition to the vent opening and permitting the applied curable composition to cure to form a cured firmly adherent vent seal after slaughtering but prior to other processing steps. In a preferred embodiment, the curable adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate adhesive which cures in a matter of seconds under processing conditions to form a cured vent seal which retains its sealing integrity even upon exposure to high temperature and high humidity environments encountered at downstream processing stations. The curable sealing compositions are safe in the fully-cured state and do not liberate undesirable materials during curing.

Abstract: Fecal leakage and contamination from the vent opening of an animal carcass during slaughtering and processing methods is reduced or eliminated by applying a curable adhesive composition to the vent opening and permitting the applied curable composition to cure to form a cured firmly adherent vent seal after slaughtering but prior to other processing steps. In a preferred embodiment, the curable adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate adhesive which cures in a matter of seconds under processing conditions to form a cured vent seal which retains its sealing integrity even upon exposure to high temperature and high humidity environments encountered at downstream processing stations. The curable sealing compositions are safe in the fully-cured state and do not liberate undesirable materials during curing.

Abstract: Fecal leakage and contamination from the vent opening of an animal carcass during slaughtering and processing methods is reduced or eliminated by applying a curable adhesive composition to the vent opening and permitting the applied curable composition to cure to form a cured firmly adherent vent seal after slaughtering but prior to other processing steps. In a preferred embodiment, the curable adhesive comprises a cyanoacrylate adhesive which cures in a matter of seconds under processing conditions to form a cured vent seal which retains its sealing integrity even upon exposure to high temperature and high humidity environments encountered at downstream processing stations. The curable sealing compositions are safe in the fully-cured state and do not liberate undesirable materials during curing.

Abstract: A system is provided for heating and storing a liquid within a tank. Disposed within the tank is a heating unit which effects stratification of the tank into upper and lower liquid storage sections whereby the liquid in the upper storage section is at a first predetermined temperature which is higher than the temperature of the liquid within the lower storage section. A first control element is operatively connected to the heating unit and controls the operation thereof so as to maintain the liquid in the upper storage section at the first predetermined temperature. The upper and lower storage sections are interconnected by a passage assembly. The passage assembly includes a pump for effecting controlled circulation of the liquid from the upper storage section to the lower storage section.

Abstract: An improved heating and cooling system for an associated home or office environment is provided which facilitates efficiency and enhances overall system operation. The operative elements of the heating and cooling system including a compressor, desuperheater, pump, water heater tank, blower, heat exchange unit and central electrical control unit are all contained in a single, common cabinet providing thermal and noise insulation and drain pan-spillage containment. Ambient and stand-by thermal loss is minimized by reason of the cabinet and the proximity of the operative elements therein. Facilitation of the desuperheating function is further provided through defining three distinct water temperature layers within the water heater tank and maintaining predetermined water temperatures within those layers through selective operation of the desuperheater and a bypass arrangement.

Abstract: A cold water inlet tube located in a horizontal position adjacent the bottom of a commercial water heater. Intermittent discharge openings or nozzles are provided in the bottom of the tube and directed at an angle to discharge jets of incoming cold water to the bottom of the water heater in which the tube is assembled to agitate any sediment tending to be deposited on the bottom head of the heater. Similarly, a single generally centrally located opening or nozzle is provided in the top or upper portion of the tube to discharge a jet of cold water upwardly towards the hot water in the upper portion of the water heater to reduce stacking of the water stored in the water heater.

Abstract: A solar water heating system in which piping arrangements and solenoid operated valves are combined with a water storage heater and solar heater or collectors in a manner to protect the system against over temperature and against freezing without the use of antifreeze or auxiliary heat exchanger systems.

Abstract: An anode adherred to a flue pipe which consists of anodic metal like zinc, aluminum or magnesium flame sprayed in the form of a ribbon, strip or ring onto exposed metal at the upper end of the flue pipe beneath the upper head of a water heater. The anodic metal overlaps the glass coating on the flue at the joint between the glass and anodic metal and has a press fit with the upper head to eliminate any problem of corrosion at the joint area between the flue and upper head.

Abstract: Apparatus for pushing or pulling a pipe, rod or the like through subterranean areas, such as beneath sidewalks, roadways, etc. It is lowered into a pit and braced against opposing walls thereof by jacking out an extensible frame. Once positioned within the pit, a motor and pump unit supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder which reciprocates through a lever arm a gripping means slidably mounted on the frame. When moved in one direction, the gripping means grips the pipe or rod while when moved in the other direction it disengages from the pipe or rod. The pipe or rod is thereby driven longitudinally into the ground. To pull the pipe or rod, the gripping direction of the gripping means is reversed by shifting the gripping member.

Abstract: Purging passages are machined or cast into the casing of a liquid ring compressor through which soluble or nonsoluble contaminants which may be present in the liquid ring may be removed from the compressor. These passages in single lobe pumps are located in the outer peripheral zones of the casing approximately 240.degree. from the pump land in the direction of rotation of the rotor in the area of the drive and idle ends of the rotor.