Abstract: A feeder 1 for supplying a fiber material, a plurality of fiber opening cylinders 2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, 2.sub.3, . . . 2n (n is a natural number) mounted adjacent to one another for transferring and opening the fiber material fed from the feeder 1 and having metallic wires 2a mounted to the surface thereof, a conveyor 7 arranged for receiving the opened fiber unloaded from the fiber opening cylinder 2n mounted at the outlet end, and a suction box 8 arranged beneath the conveyor 7 for drawing the opened fiber towards the conveyor 7 by a sucking action. The fiber opening cylinders 2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, 2.sub.3, . . . 2n being enclosed in a housing 3 which has fiber transfer openings 4 between any two adjacent fiber opening cylinders and a fiber releasing opening 5 for unloading the opened fiber from the last fiber opening cylinder 2n. At least one of the fiber opening cylinders 2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, 2.sub.3, . . . 2n is driven to produce a centrifugal acceleration of more than 3.4.times.10.sup.5 cm/sec.sup.

Abstract: A clamping ring, for clamping an end collar of a protective bellows to one end of a universal joint in a vehicle transmission, is made of resilient material having two overlapping end portions. One end portion has a tongue extending through a slot defined in the other end portion. In its relaxed state, the material of the ring holds the tongue in an initial position in the slot. When the ring is placed over the end collar of the bellows, the ring expands slightly to permit this, the tongue moving towards a "high" stop at one end of the slot. The ring then resiles slightly so as to hold itself on the bellows. When the bellows, with the ring in position, is placed over the end of the universal joint, the ring once more expands slightly to permit this. The ring is then tightened by moving the end portion until a hook engages a shoulder on the other end portion, the tongue moving towards a "low" stop at the other end of the slot.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument for the natural tone system with at least one keyboard whose keys are assigned to the overtones in a predetermined sequence. According to the invention, the keyboard is optimally adapted to the conditions of the natural tone system by the fact that 16 keys are provided per octave which are arranged and constructed in such a way that the natural tones can be played in sequence on three playing levels. One peculiarity of the invention consists of the boxed arrangement of the keys on the three playing levels, whereby only the "harmonic keys" are arranged on the frontal playing level, the "melodic keys" and the tapered "harmonic keys" are arranged on the central playing level, and that the tapered section of the "melodic keys," a further tapered section of the "harmonic keys" and the "chromatic keys" are arranged on the rear playing level. The adjacent key sections on each playing level are equally wide.

Abstract: A self releasing snap receives and secures an object like a rope, cable or line, and the release of the object by the fastener is in response to a force applied to the opposing fastening end through a second line. The releasing feature is adjustable in reference to the force required on the opposing end to activate the self releasing feature. The self releasing snap may be manually operated to release the object with a lesser force than is required to activate the self releasing feature.

Abstract: In a cloth piece spreading apparatus which carries out a process in which, after a corner C.sub.1 of a rectangular cloth piece 15 and a position Ya on the side of the cloth piece which includes this corner C.sub.1 are gripped by a movable gripper 16 to which there are attached two clips 17, and the cloth piece 15 is suspended naturally, the cloth piece 15 is pulled by the gripper 16 and is moved horizontally to the upper surface of a bench 35, which consists of a belt conveyor and the like, while undergoing contact resistance with a convex shaped front edge portion 36 of the bench 35, and is then pulled up onto the bench 35, there is provided a suction duct 47 having numerous suction holes 48 in the half the surface of the cloth edge side of the cloth pulling path on bench 35.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting a warp change in weaving machines involves clamping the warp yarns of a new warp on a tying-in frame by way of clamping members. In addition, the warp yarns of the woven-out warp, the end portion of which has previously been pulled forwards over a specific length, are lifted over the tying-in frame and laid onto a roller assigned to the clamping members. The warp yarns of the woven-out warp are then fixed on the roller and pulled back out of the weaving machine over the specific length as a result of the rotation of this roller. These operations can be carried out by a single person, so that the warp change is simplified substantially. The tying-in frame and roller are mounted on a common carrier which is mountable on a warp-beam transport unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for piecing lap sheets in a textile machine, such as a comber or ribbon lap machine. The machine is stopped when a lap roll EL is nearly emptied. A pressing member 53 at a rest position C1 is moved to an operating position C2, and a breaking comb 32 is moved from a rest position A1 to an operating position A2 so that the lap sheet LP2 is broken. A full lap FL is then rolled onto a pair of feed rollers 10 and 11. A suction pipe 43 is then moved to an operating position B1, so as to engage with an end S1 of a new lap sheet LP1 from the full lap roll FL. The suction pipe 43 is then moved to a position B3 located at a distance from a nip line N1 longer the length of the lap sheet LP1 from the nip line N1 to its edge, causing the ends of the old and new lap sheets to be superimposed. A reverse rotation of the feed rollers 10 and 11 then occurs, so that the fibers of the new lap sheet LP1 at the superimposed portion are stretched.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a warp sheet onto a beam which includes a pickup beam on which the warp sheet is wound, a delivery device which is spaced apart from the beam for delivering the warp sheet at an angle, a detecting device for detecting any incremental change of angle of the warp sheet as it is delivered onto the beam and a control device which is connected to the detecting device to relatively move the delivery means or the beam in response to any change of angle to maintain a substantially constant angle between the beam and the warp sheet being wound thereon.

Abstract: Sucker rod guide clamping devices which in a first embodiment include a scissor clamping device provided with a pair of pivotally-disposed clamping jaws pivotally attached to corresponding pivoting jaw arms. One of the clamping jaws is provided with a projecting plate for engaging a sucker rod and the oppositely-disposed clamping jaw includes a pair of engaging flanges for receiving and seating a slotted sucker rod guide, wherein the sucker rod guide is installed on the sucker rod by pressure applied to the jaw arms. In a second embodiment a piston clamping device includes a C-shaped frame, in which is mounted a fluid cylinder, with a pair of engaging flanges provided in the frame for receiving a sucker rod guide and a fluid cylinder piston adapted to engage a sucker rod. Operation of the fluid cylinder extends the piston, forces the sucker rod into the sucker rod guide slot and installs the sucker rod guide on the sucker rod.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus is provided for cutting a hole or `window` in the wall of a pipe, for example prior to joining a branch pipe to a host pipe. The apparatus comprises a chassis frame 14 carrying a cutter unit 42 supporting a cutter tool 62. The chassis is attached to and movable around the pipe 12 by means of `roller` chains 24. The cutter unit is movable with respect to the chassis frame by means of the associated slider block 38 which is slidable along longitudinally extending chassis frame members 16. Thus, the cutter tool 62 can be moved relative to the workpiece in one sense by movement of the chassis frame 14 and in another sense by movement of the cutter tool relative to the chassis frame. A combination of such movements enable the hole or `window` to be cut.

Abstract: A compliant guide assembly in a tape transport provides a precisely calibrated biasing force to an edge of a magnetic tape to precisely position the tape with respect to a read/write head. The compliant guide assembly includes a plurality of guide buttons and a spring assembly having a plurality of cantilever spring elements. Each guide button includes an elongated stem and a head. The compliant guide assembly is calibrated by exerting a calibrated biasing force against each cantilever spring element to displace each spring element from an at rest position. The stem of each guide button is then fixedly attached to a distal end of one of the cantilever spring elements such that the head of each guide button is disposed a calibrated distance from the distal end of the spring element. The calibrated distance is determined by a displacement of the spring element resulting from application of the calibrated biasing force.

Abstract: The automated container cap remover and method for cap removal includes a drive for causing relative rotation to occur between a container cap and a cap engaging unit. The drive brings the cap engaging unit into engagement with the cap and then slips to permit the cap to be unscrewed from the container. A control unit senses the torque created by the relative rotation between the cap and cap engaging unit, and when a drop in torque is sensed, the control unit causes the drive to move the cap and cap engaging unit out of engagement.

Abstract: An upper coupler table for facilitating the removal of an upper coupler plate from a semitrailer. The upper coupler table includes a support frame which supports a jack and a guide tube. A vertically adjustable center plate has a support tube attached thereto which extends through the guide tube. The jack contacts the support tube and can be operated to raise the center plate to a position where it can support the upper coupler plate while the upper coupler plate is detached from the semitrailer. After the upper coupler plate has been detached, the jack can be operated to lower the center plate until the upper coupler plate is supported on the support frame. The upper coupler table includes a plurality of casters attached to the support frame, allowing the table to be easily moved.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of biofilm support structure modules from individual sheets of biofilm support structure. The apparatus consists of a number of dowel rods protruding from a base. Hollow tubes are placed over the rods. Alignment holes are made in the biofilm support structure sheets such that the sheets may be slid over the tubes. When the required number of biofilm support structure sheets have been stacked in this fashion, caps are attached to the ends of the tubes, holding the biofilm support structure sheets in place. The assembled biofilm support structure modules may then be placed in a wastewater treatment plant. The tubes may also be used as passages for outside air or water, allowing the biofilm support structure sheets to be cleaned while still inside the treatment plant.

Abstract: A method of producing a rotatable brake component and bearing assembly is disclosed wherein the brake friction surface of the brake component is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to an inner race of a bearing unit. In accordance with this method, a rotatable brake component (e.g., a rotor or drum) defining an axis and including a brake friction surface and a hub portion having a cylindrical bore formed therein is provided. Next, the bore of the hub is machined. A bearing unit is then installed in the bore of the hub portion. The bearing unit includes an outer race which engages the bore and an inner race rotatably supported relative thereto. The brake component and bearing assembly is then supported on a machining apparatus by the inner race of the bearing unit. Using the machining apparatus, the brake friction surface is machined whereby the brake friction surface is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the inner race of the bearing unit.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled tank includes forming the two containers, and removing the top of the containment shell and filling it with hot water so that the containment shell expands temporarily increasing the diameter of the side wall of the containment shell. The primary container is positioned in alignment over the containment shell and is lowered into contact with the hot water, and is filled with cold water of a temperature at least about 70.degree. F. less than the temperature of the hot water so that the primary container contracts temporarily decreasing the diameter of the side wall of the primary container, and allowing the primary container to sink into the containment shell while displacing the hot water from the containment shell until the primary container is resting on the bottom of the containment shell.

Abstract: In order to fix a perforated plate (2) to the bottom (1) of a vessel, the plate is fixed by closed-die forging, in particular by cold striking so as to make the metal of the bottom (1) penetrate into the openings (4) in the plate (2). At the same time as the closed-die forging operation, a series of reliefs (5) is formed on the surface of the perforated plate (2) as well as on the surface of the bottom (1) of the vessel.

Abstract: A hose construction, coupling therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a tubular hose and a coupling secured to one end of the tubular hose, the coupling having an insert disposed in the one end of the tubular hose and being radially outwardly expanded into sealing relation with an inner corrugated hose of the tubular hose, the insert having an outer peripheral surface defined by a plurality of outwardly directed projections with recesses therebetween, the projections of the insert being respectively received in recesses of the inner hose and projections of the inner hose being respectively received in the recesses of the insert whereby the interior of the tubular hose is substantially sealed to the interior of the coupling, the projections of the insert each having a substantially flat outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing hot strip steel includes a continuous slab caster adapted to cast a strand of 4 inches or more in thickness. The strand is cut to slab length and heated in a roller hearth furnace or a walking beam furnace prior to entry into a multi-stand tandem reversing mill. The slab is rolled in a downstream direction through the mill in a first reducing pass. The mill is reversed and the elongated slab is rolled in an upstream direction through the mill in a second reducing pass. The intermediate bar exits the upstream end of the mill and is coiled in a coil box positioned intermediate the furnace and the reversing mill. The bar is then unwound from the coil box for rolling in the downstream direction through the mill in a third and finish pass. The finish gauge strip moves down a run out table downstream from the mill for coiling in a down coiler apparatus.

Abstract: A two compartment motor has a frame, a pair of end shields disposed adjacent opposing ends of the frame to define a first compartment, a stator winding supported by the frame within the first compartment, an armature rotatably supported by the end shields and disposed within the first compartment adjacent the stator winding, a cover mounted to the motor adjacent one of the end shields to define a second compartment between the cover and the end shield, and a control plate mounted within the second compartment. The control plate serves as a mounting surface for securing a plurality of electrical components used in the control and operation of the motor in position within the second compartment. The control plate is a molded plastic component having integrally formed mounting mechanisms for at least one of the electrical components. The electrical components may include a starting capacitor, voltage and/or speed control switches, an overload device and electrical terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and/or replacing a valve on an existing pipe which may be under fluid pressure. A first version of the apparatus includes a main housing having a pair of separable housing members together defining a first bore extending along a first axis for receiving the pipe and embracing the same. These housing members also define a second bore extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis in transverse relation thereto. An annular cutter disposed in said second bore is capable of being advanced along said second axis for cutting and removing a section of the pipe located within said main housing. A further member is axially movable with said cutter along said second bore into a predetermined axial position adjacent the ends of said pipe after said pipe section has been removed by said cutter.

Abstract: A multiple layer printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing multiple layer printed circuit boards which incorporate integral edge shielding in combination with top and bottom shielding to effectively provide a sandwich arrangement within a Faraday Cage. Electromagnetic emissions radiating from an outside surface of either the top or bottom shielding layer are substantially reduced. In one structure, a multiple layer printed circuit board having a sandwich arrangement which includes at least one inner conductive layer for providing a ground plane disposed between the outer shielding layers, the inner conductive layer being electrically connected directly to the edge shielding means and hence to the outer conductive layers. The larger and more continuous surface area provided by the direct connection to the edge shielding effectively provides an electrical connection having a low inductance and hence in operation results in all ground planes having a more constant non-varying potential.

Abstract: A method for making a direct acting tappet in which an oil groove and interior structure defining a weld interface are formed in a cupshaped body by a rolling process, the body is heat treated, a web and hub structure is positioned against the weld interface and the resulting assembly is subjected to a localized, capacitive discharge welding process in the weld interface area. The weld interface is formed to a specific shape to enhance the integrity of the weld. Further, a baffle member can be assembled to the web and hub structure prior to its positioning within the body member.

Abstract: A method of repairing a combustion chamber assembly 32 from an axial flow gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed. Various details are developed which facilitate repair of the combustion chamber assembly of the engine. In one detailed embodiment, a laser beam 80 separated the bulkhead of the combustion chamber assembly from the remainder of the assembly to allow independent repair of the bulkhead and the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: Blade attachment slots for gas turbine engines are prepared by grinding to a stepped, generally straight sided configuration, semi-finish grinding to an envelope about 0.005 inches to 0.010 inches above the blueprint configuration, and finishing by broaching. This reduces the overall cost of the manufacturing process, permits a more economical use of existing broach machines, and allows greater versatility for short model runs and "just-in-time" production.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade includes a compaction fixture for assembling and compacting blade subassembly components and a sheath spreading/insertion apparatus for spreading and inserting a leading-edge sheath onto the blade subassembly during the compaction process. The compaction fixture includes a lower assembly having a contoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with a support structure and an upper assembly having a pressure bag affixed in sealed combination to a contoured backplate affixed in combination to a structural support truss. With the upper and lower assemblies in locked combination, the pressure bag is pressurized to compact the assembled blade subassembly components. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus includes a movable stanchion, upper and lower elongate carriage members mounted in synchronized movable combination with the stanchion, and a row of suction cups mounted in combination with each carriage member.

Abstract: Method of making a piston ring assembly by providing a metallic (i.e. cast aluminum) piston with a crown and an annular depending side wall; machining a stepped annular groove in the side wall having a total height of at least 4 mm (preferably having a combined total height equal to the groove height less 60 microns or less); fabricating a pair of metallic (i.e. aluminum based) split annular compression rings nestable within said groove and effective to operate together as a superimposed unit to seal against both said step and groove; coating said groove and the non-mating surfaces of said rings with solid film lubricants (i.e. graphite, BN and MoS.sub.2); and inserting said pair of coated rings into said coated groove with their split ends out of superimposed alignment.

Abstract: A shaving unit (10) comprises at least one blade (13) and a blade support of moulded polymeric material which provides skin-engaging guard (11) and cap (12) surfaces, and the cap portion (12) and/or the guard portion (11) of the blade support is formed of at least one lubricious polymeric material which is more water-soluble under the conditions present during shaving than it is under other conditions, or of a mixture of such a lubricious polymeric material with one or more other materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scissors combined with a cutter knife. Since scissors and a cutter knife are connected together, a user can easily and conveniently change cutting instruments from scissors to a cutter knife or vice versa depending on his need, in addition to a convenient, easy and simultaneous keeping of both scissors and the cutter knife for later use.

Abstract: A pair of scissors with replaceable blades, comprising a pair of blades, a pair of grips each having a blade-connecting mechanism which permits the blades to be replaceably engaged with the grips includes a pair of locking members, a pair of controlling push blocks, a pair of cover members and a pair of springs. Each of the blades has a lower end portion grips formed with reverse hook-like teeth and each of the grips is formed with an engaging recess for receiving the lower end portion of the blade. A projecting block and a notch are respectively formed on upper and lower sections of inner side of the recess. A slide channel is formed beside the notch and a rib is formed on an outer and a lower sides of the recess. Three locking teeth are formed on an outer side of each locking member and a slant triangular cut is formed on an inner lower corner of the locking member.

Abstract: A combination surgical blade holder allows simple insertion sequentially of a plurality of blades, each blade having an opening for receiving a cleat and/or an abutment in a blade receiving area on the holder. The holder includes a fixed portion and a rotatable portion that pivot relative to one another in the same longitudinal plane around a pivot point positioned adjacent the blade receiving area and lock together to securely hold the blade in the blade receiving area. While the fixed portion of the holder is gripped in one hand, the thumb or finger of the same hand is used to unlock and rotate the rotatable portion to release and eject the blade singlehandedly, without touching the blade. The fixed portion of the holder includes a cleat and/or an abutment that mate with an opening in the blade. Alternatively, the blade includes a tab that mates with a depression in the blade receiving area to lock the blade in the holder.

Abstract: A cutting attachment for use with a vegetation cutting device. The cutting attachment has a body with a generally planar coupling portion and a central axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the body further includes a conical central wall portion extending radially outwardly and in a first direction from the coupling portion and the axis and a circular outer wall portion adjoining the central wall portion and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom. The central wall portion defines a conically-shaped self-cleaning inner cavity disposed symmetrically about the axis. The outer wall portion has a generally smooth outer surface which serves as a skid plate. An outer self-cleaning cavity is formed by an outer surface of the central wall portion and an inner surface of the outer wall portion. A coupling assembly, which can include an adapter having first and second clamping elements, is carried by the coupling portion for coupling the body to the cutting device to cause rotation about the axis.

Abstract: In an electric hand-operated machine tool, particularly a hand-operated circular saw, with a drive spindle which is driven by an electric motor via a gear unit, a spindle locking arrangement is provided for locking the drive spindle when changing the rotary tool, and includes a slot disk provided with at least one locking slot and arranged on the drive spindle or on the power take-off shaft of the motor so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative thereto. The spindle locking arrangement also has a locking pin which is insertable in the locking slot against the force of a restoring spring.

Abstract: The invention is a unit that is attachable to a side face of a handle of a can opener, which unit is manually operable to engage a magnet upon the lid of a can so as to magnetically hold the lid from dropping into the contents of the can as it is cut away, and which unit is manually operable, upon the lid being cut away, to effect at the will of the user release of the hold of the magnet from the lid so as to allow the cut lid to drop for disposal from the unit and the can opener. In making use of the unit embodying the invention, the user avoids manually touching the cut lid, and in doing so he avoids soiling his fingers with the contents of the can, and avoids cutting his fingers upon the sharp edges of the cut lid.

Abstract: A device for circumscribing selectively both circles and also ellipses of variable proportions includes a housing in which is rotatably mounted an armature. The armature is constrained to move on two axes disposed at right angles to one another, so as to enable elliptical shapes to be generated. One such axis is provided by a rectilinear channel in the base of the device, in which is engaged a follower operatively attached to the armature; the other axis is provided by a rectilinear slot formed through the cover of the device. A hub is engaged in the cover slot and is assembled with the armature; it can be moved to any selected position along a rectilinear axis of the armature without disassembly, and can be secured in position by tightening of a clamping mechanism. In one position the axes of rotation of the hub and the armature are aligned, to thereby cause the device to circumscribe a circle; in other positions the axes are offset, thereby conditioning the device for circumscribing ellipses.

Abstract: A geometrical instrument for use with a straight edge to mark positions on a flat surface is described. The instrument has a receiver slot on its rear side. The receiver slot extends the width of the instrument such that the instrument can be slideably mounted on the straight edge, The instrument includes a holder to position a writing implement above the receiver slot such that the writing implement marks the flat surface. The instrument also includes a positioning hollow with a centering point aligned with the center of the holder. Additionally, the instrument may include a slot for inserting a knife blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for certifying a coordinate measuring machine includes a certified ballbar, having a pair of spherical surfaces connected with a bar and having certified diameters separated by a certified distance, that is positioned with a positioning device. The positioning device includes a bar support that supports the ballbar at a midpoint of the bar between the balls, wherein the ballbar is supported free of attachment to the balls. The positioning device includes a first rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the ball support for rotation motion about a horizontal axis and a second rotational assembly for rotatably supporting the bar support about a vertical axis. The first rotational assembly provides rotation of the bar support in a clockwise direction to position the ballbar in a first set of angular orientations and in a counterclockwise direction to position the ballbar in a second set of angular orientations.

Abstract: The invention comprises a contacting block step gage in which the individual blocks are fastened together under extremely high compressive forces by a tension tube and four individually adjustable screws. The screws can be individually torqued to compensate for bending of the gage.

Abstract: The retractable tape of the present invention includes a housing from which a flexible, metallic retractable tape can be withdrawn. The tape has, at its outer end, a telescoping arm which extends at right angles to the zero-mark on the tape. A second telescoping arm is fastened to the housing from which the tape is withdrawn and is positioned at right angles to the tape and housing at a point where the tip of the telescoping arm is in alignment with the index marker on the housing. The telescoping arms can extend twelve inches from the tape and housing. The tape can be retracted into the housing, and the arms can be telescopically contracted so that when the tape is retracted into the case and the arms are contracted, the device occupies a minimal space in a mechanic's toolbox.

Abstract: A tape measure and accessory combination comprises a housing (10), with a retractable tape measure (12) housed therein, which can be extended through a slot (13) in the housing, a blade (15) mounted adjacent the slot so that said blade can use the tape (12) as a straight edge for cutting and scoring. A flashlight bulb (16) is mounted so as to shine along the tape measure when extended, and other accessories can be provided, such as a note surface (21) or pad (120), a pencil (22) or (121), and an angle finder (115) incorporating a bubble vial (116).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting or measuring movements in geological and other formations and capable of carrying out such measurements on a three-dimensional basis. The apparatus has a housing acting as a support and an elongated arm, e.g., a stiff measuring rod of adjustable length, projecting from the housing and acting as a movement following element. One end of the rod is secured within the housing by sliding and pivoting connections so that the remote end of the rod may move freely in three dimensions relative to the housing. Three movement sensors are positioned within the housing. A first one of the sensors measures translational motion of the rod in the axial direction. A second sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a first plane. A third sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a second plane which intersects the first plane at right angles. The first movement sensor is preferably a linear potentiometer and the second and third sensors are preferably rotary potentiometers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a calliper, useful for measuring how much fat can be pinched beneath the skin, having jaws (4,6) pivotally mounted for relative pivotal movement. The movement is amplified by a gear train (24, 26, 28, and 30). The final gear wheel (30) drives a toothed wheel the movement of which is sensed by an opto sensor (34). A digital readout indicates the spacing between the jaws for indicating the spacing between measuring surfaces of the jaws. In contrast to conventional callipers, which are used only to transfer a dimension from an object to be measured to a measuring device, the callipers disclosed give a direct reading of the spacing between the measuring surfaces.

Abstract: A device for feeding a fabric in a continuously decatizing autoclave, provides improved steam tightness characteristics. A rotating cylinder suitable to close the slot through which the fabric and associate back cloth are passing is provided at the inlet and at the outlet of autoclave, the feed and respective withdrawal of the fabric is at the same speed as a consequence of the friction between the cylinder and two opposite resilient elements, preferably inflatable tubes acting as a gasket. An anti-friction material is interposed to reduce wear. Preferably the cylinder is formed in two parts, with two end resilient rings and two disks of anti-friction material at the ends for a seal against fixed side walls or a portion thereof resiliently biased against the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A process and a device for evacuating a drying room filled with one or more evaporable fluids or one or more non-evaporable fluids or mixtures thereof. The device includes a turbo engine, a liquid seal pump and a condensor. The pressure of the fluids or mixture of fluids is raised by the turbo engine, the resulting volume flow is reduced by condensation in the condensor, and the resulting reduced volume flow is pumped off with the pump.

Abstract: A device (10) for tempering substances has a metal block arrangement (12) th at least one zone (32) the temperature of which can be set at a determined mean value, as well as at least another zone (32'). The device (10) has a metallic base plate (31) with a receptacle for the substances, and at least one of its outer surfaces can be brought into thermal contact with the metal block arrangement (12). In addition, a pressure generator (49) generates a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure between at least one outer surface and the metal block arrangement. The device (10) further has a conveyor (33) that selectively conveys the base plate (31) into one of the zones (32, 32') of the metal block arrangement (12) along a conveying path (44). The pressure generator (49) is capable of generating an overpressure or a depression.

Abstract: An athletic shoe which has a sole, an upper body disposed on the sole and having a throat opening for insertion of a foot, a vamp having a U-shaped forward opening elongated from the throat opening, and a shoe tongue means disposed to cover the U-shaped forward opening of the vamp. The vamp constitutes a part of the upper body. The shoe tongue means has a first shoe tongue piece and a second shoe tongue piece. The first shoe tongue piece is disposed along one of a pair of opposed side rims defining the U-shaped forward opening formed in the vamp and covers a part of the U-shaped forward opening along the side rim. The second shoe tongue piece is disposed along the other of the pair of opposed side rims defining the U-shaped forward opening formed in the vamp and covers the other part of the U-shaped forward opening.

Abstract: A tightening member for a shoe having two straps disposed on the inner and the outer sides of the shoe and an adjuster disposed on the heel reinforcement portion. One end of the strap has lace holes. The strap is divided into two branches at the other end; one of the branches passes through a hole in the adjuster, and is connected to one end of a lateral strip member of a skeleton-shaped reinforcement portion. The other branch is attached to a stretchable member located on the heel reinforcement portion.

Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe with an ankle support system and a foot comfort and support system is provided. The ankle support system, which includes an integral brace with removable ankle support elements, may be modified by the wearer to vary the amount of support provided as needed. The foot comfort and support system includes a composite insole with a spongy, moisture absorbing layer and an air layer with an air-filled arch support and an air-filled upper foot comfort cushion located around the shoelace-holding eyelets. Air-filled pockets in the shoe upper provide design elements and contribute to the reduction in the weight of the shoe.

Abstract: A reactive energy apparatus providing a custom fit and ankle support in a shoe upper is comprised of a pair of fluid filled pads that are positioned in the upper on opposite sides of the Achilles tendon of the wearer. The fluid filled pads each contain one or more interior chambers containing fluid, and the pads are connected in fluid communication by a series of conduits extending between the pads and around the Achilles tendon of the wearer. The conduits are constructed to enable the free flow of fluid between the two pads, enabling the apparatus to provide a continuous custom fit and dynamic support for the wearer's ankle while avoiding exerting any pressure on the Achilles tendon of the wearer that could potentially injure the tendon.

Abstract: An improved pipeline padding apparatus includes a separator for separating fine material out of spoil which is piled along side an excavation, an elevator for transporting spoil to the separator, and a pair of spaced-apart guide projections for guiding spoil into the elevator. The spaced-apart guide projections form a substantially open bottom extending the width of the elevator between the guide projections. A conveyor is provided to transport the separated fine portion of the spoil back into the excavation, thereby padding the pipeline. The separator, the elevator, the guide projections, and the vehicle are all mounted on a support vehicle. According to one aspect of the invention, one or more rotary feeder assemblies is mounted to the guide projections for assisting in moving spoil through toward the elevator. The rotary feeder assemblies have a low profile so that spoil material and rocks do not become stuck as they move toward the elevator.