Abstract: The current application discloses various embodiments where a portion of a fluid end pump body is made of a first material the other parts of the pump body are made of a second material where the first material is a material having better resistance to fatigue and the second material used is a material of less quality and cheaper than the first material.

Abstract: A pump assembly having a power end and a fluid end, wherein the fluid end includes a plurality of pump bodies connected side by side between opposing end plates with a plurality of fasteners tightened to compress the pump bodies between the end plates. The power end and at least one of the plurality of pump bodies being connected together by a tie rod having a rod portion and a sleeve portion, wherein the sleeve portion surrounds the rod portion and abuts the power end at an end and at least one of the pump bodies of the fluid end at an opposite end.

Abstract: The current application discloses various embodiments where a pre-compressive force is applied to a defined zone of the fluid end of a pump so as to extend the operational life of the fluid end by reducing stress and fatigue level at the defined zone of the fluid end. In one embodiment, the defined zone comprises one or more recesses near the piston bore of the fluid end. In another embodiment, the defined zone comprises one or more recesses near the inlet bore of the fluid end.

Abstract: A multiplex fluid pump assembled from a plurality of pump bodies connected side by side between opposing end plates with a plurality of fasteners tightened to compress the pump bodies between the end plates. Raised surfaces on opposite exterior side surfaces of each pump body are engaged with an adjacent end plate or an adjacent pump body to apply a pre-compressive force at the raised surfaces and thereby inhibit the initiation of fatigue cracks.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a substantially transparent object includes a radiation source producing radiation at a predetermined bandwidth, and a radiation receiver is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. An opening is formed between the radiation receiver and the radiation source sized to allow a substantially transparent object such as a sample or reagent tip to slide between the radiation receiver and the radiation source. At least one polarizing filter is positioned between the radiation receiver and the opening, whereby a change in intensity of radiation received by the radiation receiver due to the presence or absence of the transparent object can be detected.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a substantially transparent object includes a radiation source producing radiation at a predetermined bandwidth, and a radiation receiver is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. An opening is formed between the radiation receiver and the radiation source sized to allow a substantially transparent object such as a sample or reagent tip to slide between the radiation receiver and the radiation source. At least one polarizing filter is positioned between the radiation receiver and the opening, whereby a change in intensity of radiation received by the radiation receiver due to the presence or absence of the transparent object can be detected.

Abstract: A combustion tool has a combustion-powered power source including a cylinder encircling a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade, and having at least one air port located at a bumper end of said power source located below the piston. At least one air intake is in fluid communication with the power source and is provided with an associated air filter. At least one air passageway is provided in fluid communication with the at least one air port and in operational relationship with the air filter.

Abstract: A combustion tool for use with a fuel cell having a fuel metering valve is provided. The fuel metering valve of the fuel cell emits a prescribed volume of fuel from a fuel metering chamber through a valve stem. The tool includes a fuel cell chamber configured for receiving the fuel cell. A solenoid actuator is in operational relationship to the fuel cell chamber. The solenoid actuator is configured for pushing the fuel cell against a biasing force associated with the fuel cell. When the biasing force is overcome, the fuel cell emits fuel.

Abstract: A combustion tool has a housing with an air intake end and an opposite bumper end, a combustion-powered power source in the housing including a cylinder encircling a reciprocating piston associated with a driver blade, and having at least one air port located at the bumper end below the piston. At least one air intake is located adjacent the air intake end and is provided with an air filter. At least one air passageway is provided in fluid communication with the at least one air port and in operational relationship with the air filter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image receiving layer (22) of a receiver element (20) for laser-induced thermal transfer imaging processes. The image receiving layer (22) is made from a formulation containing a caprolactone polymer and a cellulose ester. The invention is, typically, useful in proofing and color filter applications.

Abstract: A modular magazine assembly in a fastener-driving tool having a nosepiece includes a first magazine housing portion secured to the tool and at least partially defining a chamber for fasteners. An extension portion is configured for releasable attachment to the first magazine housing portion. Upon assembly of the extension portion, a resulting large capacity magazine is defined and dimensioned to accommodate at least two fastener strips.

Abstract: A multi-position hook assembly includes a hook and a holding block. The hook includes a free leg and a mounting leg joined by a top span. In addition, the holding block is configured for rotatably receiving the mounting leg of the hook and for releasably locking the hook in a plurality of positions.

Abstract: An adjustable depth of drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool includes a workpiece contact element having a contact end and an adjustment end, at least one stop configured for being secured to the tool and being normally moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the tool, and a locked position where the adjustment end is secured from movement relative to the tool, and at least one biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the tool without the use of tools.

Abstract: An adjustable depth of drive assembly for use with a fastener driving tool includes a workpiece contact element having a contact end and an adjustment end, a cage stop securable to the tool and being movable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the tool and a locked position wherein the adjustment end is secured to the tool, and a locking device associated with the cage stop and reciprocable between a locked position and an adjustment position for securing the cage stop and the adjustment end in a selected locked position relative to the tool without the use of tools. It is preferred that the adjustment end of the workpiece contact element has at least one toothed edge, and the cage stop has at least one toothed surface for engaging the at least one toothed edge in the locked position.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a combustion-powered fastener driving tool, includes a cylinder body, a reciprocating probe assembly slidably disposed relative to the cylinder body between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position, and at least one shock-absorbing member operationally associated with at least one of the cylinder body a n d the probe assembly for reducing shock load generated by the tool during combustion and transmitted between the probe assembly and the cylinder body. In another embodiment, a single spring disposed between the probe assembly and the cylinder body is configured for biasing the probe assembly into the first position.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the energy of an imaging laser for imaging of a thermally imageable element including the steps of: (a) providing an imaging unit having a non-imaging laser and an imaging laser, the non-imaging laser having a light detector which is in communication with the imaging laser, (b) contacting a receiver element with the thermally imageable element in the imaging unit, wherein the receiver element comprises a light attenuating layer having a front surface and a back surface; (c) actuating the non-imaging laser to expose the thermally imageable element and the receiver element to an amount of light energy sufficient for the light detector to detect the amount of light reflected from the thermally imageable element and light attenuating layer of the receiver element; and (d) actuating the imaging laser to focus the imaging laser in order to expose the thermally imageable element to an amount of light energy sufficient for imaging the thermally imageable element.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the energy of an imaging laser for imaging of a thermally imageable element including the steps of: (a) providing an imaging unit having a non-imaging laser and an imaging laser, the non-imaging laser having a light detector which is in communication with the imaging laser, (b) contacting a receiver element with the thermally imageable element in the imaging unit, wherein the receiver element comprises a light attenuating layer having a front surface and a back surface; (c) actuating the non-imaging laser to expose the thermally imageable element and the receiver element to an amount of light energy sufficient for the light detector to detect the amount of light reflected from the thermally imageable element and light attenuating layer of the receiver element; and (d) actuating the imaging laser to focus the imaging laser in order to expose the thermally imageable element to an amount of light energy sufficient for imaging the thermally imageable element

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.

Abstract: Improved processes and products for laser thermal imaging are described. These improved processes and products utlilize an image rigidification element and significantly reduce halftone dot movement, swath boundary cracking and banding.