Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to methods and systems for bleaching textiles using ozone gas. Embodiments also incorporate a color removal step. In one example, there is provided a hybrid machine that incorporates certain features of a washer, but that also includes an integrated blower for gas distribution inside the machine. There is also provided an ozone dosing control system that allows for maintenance of a constant concentration of ozone in the machine. In one embodiment, the ozone output measured in grams/hour at this constant concentration in conjunction with the weight of product measured being treated may be referred to as the “bleaching factor.” There is further provided a drain sump design that helps minimize water volume in the presence of fabric lint, various added materials, and other processing chemicals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for bleaching textiles using ozone gas that incorporates a color removal step. In one example, there is provided a hybrid machine that incorporates certain features of a washer, but that also includes an integrated blower for gas distribution inside the machine. There is also provided an ozone dosing control system that allows for maintenance of a constant concentration of ozone in the machine. In one embodiment, the ozone output measured in grams/hour at this constant concentration in conjunction with the weight of product measured being treated may be referred to as the “bleaching factor.” There is further provided a wastewater dye removal step, in which ozone is used to clean the water and remove dyes and other colors that may be deposited via denim or other garments.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided to enable an individual to perform a variety of massages by applying targeted pressure to effected muscle groups. In one embodiment, the massage apparatus includes a plurality of generally spherical balls and an oversleeve shrink-fitted over at least a portion of the plurality of balls. The oversleeve includes a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a massage apparatus includes selecting a plurality of balls having a desired density, shape, and outer diameter, arranging the plurality of balls within an oversleeve, and subjecting the oversleeve to heat to longitudinally and radially contract the oversleeve between an original position and a contracted position around at least a portion of the balls.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for bleaching textiles using ozone gas that incorporates a color removal step. In one example, there is provided a hybrid machine that incorporates certain features of a washer, but that also includes an integrated blower for gas distribution inside the machine. There is also provided an ozone dosing control system that allows for maintenance of a constant concentration of ozone in the machine. In one embodiment, the ozone output measured in grams/hour at this constant concentration in conjunction with the weight of product measured being treated may be referred to as the “bleaching factor.” There is further provided a wastewater dye removal step, in which ozone is used to clean the water and remove dyes and other colors that may be deposited via denim or other garments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide systems and methods for bleaching textiles that are more reliable and reproducible. This disclosure provides for process control that allows a particular dosage rate or concentration of ozone to be held throughout the process. This disclosure also provides a hybrid washing machine that includes a blowing system for recirculating ozonated air during the bleaching process. The hybrid washing machine may incorporate features of a sealed vessel, a washing machine, and the air circulation volume typically associated with commercial dryers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide systems and methods for bleaching textiles that are more reliable and reproducible. This disclosure provides for process control that allows a particular dosage rate or concentration of ozone to be held throughout the process. This disclosure also provides a hybrid washing machine that includes a blowing system for recirculating ozonated air during the bleaching process. The hybrid washing machine may incorporate features of a sealed vessel, a washing machine, and the air circulation volume typically associated with commercial dryers.

Abstract: An ozone laundry system and its method of use with continuous batch or tunnel washers is provided, wherein ozone can be injected into a plurality of different chambers along the continuous batch or tunnel washer and wherein the interfacing of a plurality of system controls occurs on a centralized HMI controller along with DOM and ORP monitoring. Vacuum sensors over vacuum switches are used to compensate for a slightly positive pressure at the ozone outlet, due to a long tube run with a weak vacuum.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided to enable an individual to perform a variety of massages by applying targeted pressure to effected muscle groups. In one embodiment, the massage apparatus includes a plurality of generally spherical balls and an oversleeve shrink-fitted over at least a portion of the plurality of balls. The oversleeve includes a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a massage apparatus includes selecting a plurality of balls having a desired density, shape, and outer diameter, arranging the plurality of balls within an oversleeve, and subjecting the oversleeve to heat to longitudinally and radially contract the oversleeve between an original position and a contracted position around at least a portion of the balls.

Abstract: A method for determining coverage gaps within a geographical area served by a wireless communication network includes: (a) receiving a location report from each of a plurality of mobile units; (b) storing all location reports received from the mobile units in a database; and (c) searching the database for a position within the geographical area at which an acceptable quality wireless signal has not been received. The location report may include a measured signal quality metric of the wireless link, which may be the signal strength of the wireless link, a bit error rate of the wireless link, or both. Location reports may be displayed on a map to show coverage quality and gaps. Statistical technique and quantitative techniques can be applied on the signal quality metrics reported.

Abstract: An ozone laundry system and its method of use with continuous batch or tunnel washers is provided, wherein ozone can be injected into a plurality of different chambers along the continuous batch or tunnel washer and wherein the interfacing of a plurality of system controls occurs on a centralized HMI controller along with DOM and ORP monitoring. Vacuum sensors over vacuum switches are used to compensate for a slightly positive pressure at the ozone outlet, due to a long tube run with a weak vacuum.

Abstract: Reinforced moulds for a casting machine include a wall for containing a cast article, the wall including a lip region. The lip region includes a reinforcing element cast internally in the lip region. The reinforcing element provides enhanced resistance to tensile tearing and cracking of the moulds. Methods of making and using the reinforced moulds also are provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency ("RF") power sensor providing RF signal power sensing with reduced dependency upon its input signal power level includes multiple series-connected diodes for detecting the power of an input RF signal and providing an output voltage representing that power. The multiple series-connected diodes couple the input node shunted by an input load resistor to the output node shunted by an output filter capacitor. Using multiple series-connected diodes results in reduced reverse bias voltages across the diodes (presented by the charged output filter capacitor), thereby increasing their junction capacitances. These increased junction capacitances, in turn, result in reduced fractional changes thereof (e.g. capacitance "modulation") over changes in the input RF signal power. This reduction in fractional capacitance changes as a function of input signal power variations, further in turn, results in reduced input signal power dependency of the sensors' impedances and sensitivities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting small shapes of ferroalloys, slags and like remelt metals in multi-cavity iron or steel moulds wherein the mass of the mould is about 6 to 25 times greater than the mass of the castings. The molten metal or metallic slag is poured into the moving train of moulds which have been previously spray coated with a refractory slurry. The moving train of moulds is subjected to water sprays shortly after pouring to quench the castings and to stabilize the mould temperature below 500.degree. C. High production yields and improved mould life are obtained.