Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas flow duct, an elongate central tubular structure extending within the gas flow duct, a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes, inflow and outflow cooling water passages within the central structure, and a nose portion provided with one or more water cooling passages. The flow directing vanes are provided with internal water cooling vane passages. In use, water flow is communicated through the vane passages from the water inflow passage in the central structure to the water flow passage in the nose portion of the central structure such that at least some of the inflowing water will pass successively through the vane passages and the nose passage or passages and thence to the outflow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel supporting a metallurgical process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas flow duct, an elongate central structure extending within the gas flow duct, and a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes disposed about the central tubular structure adjacent the forward end of the duct. The flow directing vanes are formed with internal water flow passages for flow of cooling water internally along each vane and the elongate central structure is formed with a cooling water supply passage for supply of cooling water to the internal water flow passages in the vanes and a water return passage for outflow of cooling water which has passed through the internal water flow passages in the vanes.

Abstract: A glove for use by a soccer goalie includes several adjustment mechanisms, such as straps. The straps allow the glove to be adjusted for fit, such as by manipulating the width of the glove across the palm or the size of the wrist opening. Additionally, the glove includes a pull tab that allows the wearer to adjust the position of the fingers of the hand within the glove quickly so that the webs of the fingers remain in contact with the inside of the glove at the bases of the finger stalls.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas flow duct, an elongate central tubular structure extending within the gas flow duct, a plurality of flow directing swirl vanes disposed about the central tubular structure, and cooling water passages within the central tubular structure. The forward end of the central structure has a nose portion comprised of a domed outer shell, an inner component disposed within the outer shell and formed with an internal nozzle to receive water from the cooling water passages and to direct that water in a jet against the inner surface of the outer shell to produce an outwardly and backwardly fanning flow of water around the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between said first component and said second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology.

Abstract: A method for making a low or reduced carbohydrate dough for making snack food products with a reduced carbohydrate content. Legumes such as soybeans are cooked near boiling, drained, and milled. Dry ingredients such as starch, fiber, and/or protein can be added to lower the dough moisture content so the dough can be sheeted and cut into pre-forms. The pre-forms can then be cooked, by frying or baking, and seasoned to make a low carbohydrate tortilla-like snack food.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for fried nut-based snack chips that have a hearty, crunchy, blistered texture. Ingredient formula ranges and processing steps are disclosed that provide improved dough sheet integrity during processing, and improved flavor, texture, appearance and structural integrity of the fried snack chip. The dry ingredients are combined with water to make a dough, which is then sheeted and cut into pieces. The pieces are toasted and fried to produce nut-based snack chips.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit includes a pull spring is attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly. Each pull spring includes a generally M-shaped spring. A first end of the M-shaped spring includes a first pin carrying a knob. The first pin extends through an opening in the bezel and the knob is disposed within a recessed portion of the bezel and is generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in a normal constrained position. In an extended position when the M-shaped springs return to a substantially uncompressed state, the knobs are pushed forward and are spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a person to grip and pull each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly from the unit in which it is installed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preparing a metal substrate having a uniform textured surface with a plurality of indentations with a diameter in the nanometer and micrometer range. The textured surface is produced by exposing the substrate to an etching fluid comprising a hydrohalic acid and a mixture of a hydrohalic acid and an oxyacid, a chloride containing compound, and an oxidant. The etching solution can be used at ambient temperature. This textured surface enhances adherence of coatings or cells onto the textured surface, improves the retention of proteins on the surface, and encourages bone in-growth.

Abstract: A video terminal may be provided. The video terminal may include internal hardware. The video terminal may include a cabinet, the cabinet enclosing the internal hardware. The video terminal may include a door movably attached to the cabinet, the door having a door opened and a door closed position. The video terminal may include a display screen movably attached to the cabinet separately from the door and having a screen opened and a screen closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a printed circuit board (PCB) and bezel assembly from a unit includes a pull spring is attached to opposing sides of the PCB and bezel assembly. Each pull spring includes a generally M-shaped spring. A first end of the M-shaped spring includes a first pin carrying a knob. The first pin extends through an opening in the bezel and the knob is disposed within a recessed portion of the bezel and is generally flush with a front face of the bezel with the M-shaped spring compressed in a normal constrained position. In an extended position when the M-shaped springs return to a substantially uncompressed state, the knobs are pushed forward and are spaced apart in front of the bezel, enabling a person to grip and pull each knob to remove the PCB and bezel assembly from the unit in which it is installed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for plasma coating the inside surface of a polyolefin or a polylactic acid container to provide an effective barrier against gas transmission. The method provides a way to deposit rapidly and uniformly very thin, adherent and nearly defect-free layers of polyorganosiloxane and silicon oxide (or amorphous carbon) on the inner surface of the container to achieve more than an order of magnitude increase in barrier properties.

Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.

Abstract: The exemplary aircraft anticollision beacons are constructed around a faceted aluminum support structure. The support structure has a cylindrical central post portion with an outside surface having at least six vertically oriented substantially planar faces. An array of LEDs is mounted in thermally conductive relationship on each face of the central post portion. Each LED is partially surrounded by a trough-shaped reflecting surface that re-directs off axis light into a horizontal plane. Adjacent trough-shaped reflecting surfaces combine to form annular reflecting troughs that extend around the circumference of the central post portion. The support structure defines a thermal pathway from the LEDs to a heat radiation surface on the base portion. The base portion is also configured to act as a heat sink for heat generating components of the LED driver circuits.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer is constructed of a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylate. The ethylene portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to the polymer of the first layer, whereas the acrylate portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to commonly utilized bone cements. A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An axle assembly bearing preload positioning and load adjustment device and associated method. A differential case 51 is rotatably supported in a housing by a pair of bearing assemblies. A pair of threaded adjusters having a substantially cylindrical body are each disposed within and threadingly engage the housing for selectively positioning the case 51 relative to the housing. The adjusters each include gear teeth for engaging a rotatable tool to facilitate both position a and bearing preload. The threaded adjusters are simultaneously adjustable to provide for either selective positioning of the differential case 51 relative to the housing or establishing a preload to said bearing assemblies. The tool head may be automatically controlled with an electronically controlled indexing machine.

Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns.