Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel containing wire and a wire tail extending from the spool or reel, the apparatus comprising a wire tail sensor, wherein the wire tail sensor identifies the location of the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel and a label application mechanism, wherein the labeling mechanism applies a label to the spool or reel and wherein the label does not contact the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the printing on wire or cable. The apparatus including a processor, a bus connected to the processor, a user input connected to the bus, a display screen connected to the user input and the bus, a first storage system connected to the bus, data stored in the first storage system and displayable on the display screen, wherein the data includes manufacturing and print information, a printer connected to the bus, wherein the printer prints the data on the wire or cable, a communication device connected to the bus, and an identification device connected to the bus, wherein identification device receives information from a user.

Abstract: A method for molding a chalcogenide glass lens includes providing a mold. A preformed lens of chalcogenide glass is placed within the mold. The lens has a top surface and a bottom surface. An amount of chalcogenide glass is deposited within the mold and on the top surface of the preformed lens. The mold is heated, such that the chalcogenide glass on the top surface of the preformed lens softens, melts, and bonds to the top surface of the preformed lens. A lens surface is formed in the melted chalcogenide glass to form a molded lens which is bonded to the top surface of the preformed lens. The molded lens and preformed lens assembly is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: A valve including a resilient seal which contacts in a sealing relationship an annular valve seat having an offset annular surface area at the valve inlet against which the resilient seal of the valve is compressed by an overlying rigid member to reduce the liquid pressure against the valve seal, thereby easing the effort to close the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve to accommodate liquid flow having a rotatable ball element formed with a plurality of reaction faces which when contacted by liquid flow through the valve serve to generally counterbalance the normal self-closing forces exerted upon the ball element by the liquid flow.

Abstract: A fluid valve having a housing with an inlet and outlet. A valve closure is carried between the inlet and outlet by a stem journaled within the housing. A handle which is rotative relative to the stem and which is utilized to rotate the valve closure is provided. A lock member is carried by the valve housing and is contacted by the handle which, upon rotation, causes the lock member to rotate with the handle relative to the valve housing. A connector extends between the valve stem and the lock member so that, upon movement of the lock member, the connector causes the valve stem to rotate, thus rotating the valve closure within the valve housing.

Abstract: A fire valve having a cooperating valve seat and shiftable valve part. The valve part is carried by a floating valve stem. The first valve includes a piston and cylinder combination which is operatively associated with the valve stem and which causes the valve part to be selectively spaced from the valve seat in response to fluid pressure in the valve.

Abstract: A fire hose nozzle having a tubular body part and a pressure responsive valve assembly shiftable in the body part. A barrel member spacedly encircles parts of the pressure responsive valve assembly and is shiftable toward and away from the valve head of the assembly for the purpose of allowing flushing of the valve.