Abstract: An air filter assembly including abutting, cylindrical housing halves, with toothed outer ends, joined via spaced, T-shaped appendages; a cylindrical air inlet of abutting semi-cylindrical housing inlet portions; a primary filter pack, for slip-fit insertion into either housing half, having an end cap integral with a cylindrical primary filter pack having sealing material on its inner end; a filter outlet end with a toothed peripheral portion, for slip-fit insertion into and angular adjustment relative to either housing end, and a plurality of ribs defining locating surfaces for an air outlet portion, and main and safety filters; the latter having a truncated cone body and an inverted conical portion; and a filter attachment base having curved bed portions, for receiving a housing periphery portion, including spaced support pads and slot portions for angularly adjustably receiving like numbers of T-shaped appendages, with a locking mechanism joining the housing and attachment base.

Abstract: A sol-gel mixer based upon a supply of water or alcohol solvent, a supply of acid, a supply of zirconium alkoxide, and a supply of organosilane, has a series of valves and pumps which provide a first supply of acid and zirconium alkoxide to an agitated pre-mix vessel where the components are allowed to dwell. The solvent and organosilane are then combined with the output from the pre-mix vessel, which is agitated in a final-mix vessel to create a sol-gel. The mixed sol-gel may be aged within the final-mix vessel until ready for use. A series of automated control elements, including valves and pumps, are placed throughout the system to automatically control the volumetric flow of the components through the system in accordance with predetermined parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for continuous surface preparation of metal materials. The metal material is grit blasted with a mixture of fine particles of aluminum oxide in air and water. The metal material is rinsed with water to remove the grit. The metal material is subjected to a caustic solution of sodium hydroxide and then rinsed with water to remove the caustic solution of sodium hydroxide. A sol-gel coating is applied to the metal material and the water portion of the sol-gel coating is evaporated. A liquid adhesive coating is applied to the sol-gel coating on the metal material and the solvent portion of the adhesive coating is evaporated.

Abstract: A sol-gel mixer based upon a supply of water or alcohol solvent, a supply of acid, a supply of zirconium alkoxide, and a supply of organosilane, has a series of valves and pumps which provide a first supply of acid and zirconium alkoxide to an agitated pre-mix vessel where the components are allowed to dwell. The solvent and organosilane are then combined with the output from the pre-mix vessel, which is agitated in a final-mix vessel to create a sol-gel. The mixed sol-gel may be aged within the final-mix vessel until ready for use. A series of automated control elements, including valves and pumps, are placed throughout the system to automatically control the volumetric flow of the components through the system in accordance with predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal material to increase the metal's ability to adhere to other objects is provided. The metal material is prepared to receive a sol-gel solution coating. A sol-gel solution is prepared and the sol-gel solution is applied to the metal material. Subsequently, an epoxy-based adhesive coating is applied over the sol-gel solution, thereby creating an adhesive layer on the metal material.

Abstract: A pin for Z-pinning at least two composite material layers to each other which comprises generally circular first and second ends of first and second diameters, respectively. Extending between the first and second ends is a central portion defining at least two radially extending flange sections which are each of a diameter exceeding the larger of the first and second diameters. In an alternative embodiment, the pin comprises generally circular first and second ends which are of first and second diameters, respectively. Extending between the first and second ends in the second embodiment is a central portion defining a generally hyperboloidal outer surface having a maximum diameter which does not exceed the smaller of the first and second diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for the ergonomic positioning of a computer pointing device comprising a generally planar support member, an armrest attachment member, an adjustable coupling for attaching the support member to the armrest attachment member, and a plurality of straps for mounting the armrest attachment member onto the armrest of a chair. The adjustable coupling provides for rotational positioning of the support member around an axis parallel to the user's line of sight to the monitor, tilt positioning of the support member around an axis perpendicular to the user's axial line of sight to the monitor, and lateral positioning of the support member relative to the armrest attachment member. The armrest attachment member has a generally U-shaped cross-section adapted to fit over the existing armrest of a chair, and the attachment straps, which have Velcro™ fasteners or the like, fasten the armrest attachment member securely onto the armrest.

Abstract: A folding picnic table with separately removable seats running parallel to long edges of a table top, requires three removable bolts at each end to assemble, and two removable bolts to hold in folded position for storage. A seat support is connected to pairs of folding legs. The seats and seat supports have holes for receiving the bolts in the folded condition.