Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a vertically oriented roll of web material is disclosed. The roll comprises a lower surface, an upper surface and a circumferential surface. The apparatus comprises: at least one drive element adapted to rotate the vertically oriented roll, a sensor adapted to measure a tension of the web, and a controller adapted to adjust a speed of the web according to the tension of the web. The method comprises steps of rotating the roll, determining a desired web tension, and adjusting the speed of the roll according to the desired web tension.

Abstract: A herbicidal mixture, comprising a) a herbicidally effective amount of an imidazolinone herbicide selected from the group consisting of imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr; b) an adjuvant comprising at least one of the following components: a partial phosphoric ester or a partial sulfuric ester of a monohydroxy-functional polyalkyl ether and optionally c) a further additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid pesticide concentrate compositions which comprise at least one organic pesticide compound that is sparingly or even insoluble in water and which upon dilution with water form stable aqueous nanoparticulate formulations. The liquid pesticide concentrate compositions of the invention comprise: a) at least one organic pesticide compound C having a water solubility of not more than 1 g/l at 25° C./1013 mbar, b) at least one organic solvent S having a water solubility at least 10 g/l at 25° C.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly (28) for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing (42) in which is captured the articulating ball portion (32) of a stud (30). A shank (34) extends from the ball portion (32), outwardly from the housing cap (42), to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member (16) or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member (16) is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor (54) mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region (48) on the stud (30). On its outer surface, the adaptor (54) has a broad tapering feature (56) designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare (58) in the anchoring suspension member (16).

Abstract: A dust boot with enhanced protection from contaminants and improved lubrication characteristic includes a dust boot body having a housing opening on one end and on an opposing end a stud opening in an upper boot wall. The boot also includes a wiping lip located on an inner face of the upper boot wall in the stud opening, a grease channel on an outer surface of the upper boot wall bounded circumferentially by a rim seal, an offset opening hole through the upper boot wall into the grease channel which is offset from the wiping lip, and a flexible flap portion of said rim seal which is spaced away from said offset opening hole. The dust boot may also include an insert made from a plastic such as nylon housed in the upper boot wall such that the offset opening hole extends through the insert. The insert may also form a portion of the grease channel. The offset opening is preferably spaced opposite the flexible flap to promote the flow of grease around the outer surface of the stud.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing web materials. The apparatus comprises a first nip roller, a second nip roller and an adhesive roller. The apparatus further comprises a first wind up roller and a second wind up roller. The apparatus also comprises a pair of infeed web cutting elements, and a pair of outfeed web cutting elements. First and second webs are received from upstream web supplies. One web proceeds downstream and the other is wound on a wind up roller. Adhesive is applied to one web and the two webs together with the adhesive pass between the nip rollers. One web is separated between the upstream supply and the splice and the other is separated between the splice and the wind up roller. The splice may proceed downstream.

Abstract: An improved compression load ball joint assembly consisting of a metal housing having an open end and an internal cylindrical chamber which at least partially encloses a portion of a movable stud member, a lower metal bearing, an upper metal split bearing, and a Belleville washer. The upper metal split bearing is disposed opposite the lower metal bearing to engage the movable stud member and the housing simultaneously. The upper metal split bearing is configured to slide within the housing to provide for a constant wear surface against the movable stud member. The lower metal bearing, upper metal split bearing, Belleville washer, and movable stud member are contained within the housing by a cover plate concentrically disposed about the movable stud member and secured within the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing breathing and vocal tract sound production of a user. The system comprises a first sensor generating a vocal tract sound signal representing vocal tract sounds produced by the user, a second sensor generating a breathing signal representing breathing movement of the user, and a signal processing unit for processing the vocal tract sound and breathing signals. The method comprises the steps of sensing vocal tract sounds produced by the user and providing a vocal tract sound signal representative thereof, sensing breathing movement of the user and providing a breathing signal representative thereof, receiving the signals via an analog input for processing the signals, generating a combined signal by superimposing the vocal tract sound and breathing signals, and displaying the combined signal to the user.

Abstract: An aeration and filtration system for eliminating waste products in a fluid body having a surface floor is disclosed. The aeration and filtration system includes a support bed disposed above the surface floor of the fluid body and a filter bed of porous media disposed above the support bed. The system further includes a pump having a plurality of inlets adjacent the fluid body level, at least some of the inlets being a plurality of perforated pipes connected to the pump for drawing fluid to and through the filter bed, and a motor connected to the pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to a contoured neck pillow. The invention consists of a central pad of polyurethane foam having a compression of about seven pounds, which is relatively softer and more elastic than a surrounding ring of polyurethane foam having a compression of about fifteen to twenty pounds. Two convoluted foam sections enclose the ring and pad, and are in turn encased within a protective cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides hygroscopic pesticidal salt formulations in the form of dispersible granules.