Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic instrument includes first and second end effectors, a screw, and optionally a washer. The end effectors have arms which are biased away from each other. The screw has a threaded portion dimensioned to engage the distal end of the endoscopic instrument and a head portion with a pair of arm receiving grooves. In a presently preferred embodiment, the washer extends over the arms of the end effectors which pass through grooves in the head of the screw. In this manner, the arms of the end effectors are captured between the screw and the washer. The grooves are preferably provided with upstanding pins which engage mounting holes in the arms of the end effectors.

Abstract: An automatic retractable safety penetrating instrument for introduction of sleeves, such as portal sleeves, cannulas and catheters, into anatomical cavities by means of penetrating members, such as solid tip trocars, other solid configuration obturators and cannulated penetrating members, such as needles, include locking and releasing mechanisms for automatic retraction of the penetrating member into the sleeve upon the sleeve entering the anatomical cavity. Various locking and releasing mechanisms are utilized for disposition in the penetrating member hub, in the shaft of the penetrating member or partially in the shaft and the hub, and the penetrating member can be made of telescoping distal and shaft sections to minimize the length of the penetrating member hub.

Abstract: A self contained sensor apparatus generates a signal that corresponds to at least two of the three orientational aspects of yaw, pitch and roll of a human-scale body, relative to an external reference frame. A sensor generates first sensor signals that correspond to rotational accelerations or rates of the body about certain body axes. The sensor may be mounted to the body. Coupled to the sensor is a signal processor for generating orientation signals relative to the external reference frame that correspond to the angular rate or acceleration signals. The first sensor signals are impervious to interference from electromagnetic, acoustic, optical and mechanical sources. The sensors may be rate sensors. An integrator may integrate the rate signal over time. A drift compensator is coupled to the rate sensors and the integrator. The drift compensator may include a gravitational tilt sensor or a magnetic field sensor or both.

Abstract: A mobile assessment apparatus with an assessment unit for testing functional capacity of individuals. The assessment apparatus includes a base attached to vertical supports and a pair of straps which attach the tops of the vertical supports to the base for added stability. The assessment unit is located on the vertical supports and may be moved up or down to adjust a vertical position of the unit. A counterweight apparatus, such as a pair of spring-loaded spools, is attached to the assessment unit so that a user can more easily adjust its position. The assessment apparatus comes apart quickly and easily so that it can fit within a car for transporting the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel and unique orthopedic apparatus for holding, maneuvering and maintaining a body part of a patient during orthopedic surgery. The orthopedic apparatus provides for assisting the primary surgeon during orthopedic surgery by holding, maneuvering and maintaining a patient's leg, thereby eliminating any assistant surgeon in the surgery operation. The orthopedic apparatus is capable of independently accomplishing transverse sliding, up-and-down tilting, lateral swinging, longitudinal extension/retraction, and axial rotation so that the surgeon can properly positioned a patient's leg for the orthopedic operation. The orthopedic apparatus has self-locking gear mechanisms to hold the various sections of the orthopedic apparatus in position to thereby hold the patient's leg in the proper position throughout the surgical operation.

Abstract: A waist supported carrying case including a therapeutic back support for supporting the lower back region of a user in a seated position. The carrying case includes a belt for securing the carrying case to the waist of an individual and a pouch assembly positioned on the belt. The pouch assembly includes at least one sleeve having a therapeutic back support therein.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of treating tissue damage comprising applying a negative pressure to a wound sufficient in time and magnitude to promote tissue migration and thus facilitate closure of the wound. The method is applicable to wounds, burns, infected wounds, and live tissue attachments. Configurations of apparatus for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a patient's heart exhibiting arrhythmia by first detecting electrical activity within the patient's heart to determine the location of the arrhythmogenic site or conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia and then creating an infarct within the region of the patient's heart where the arrhythmogenic site or the conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia is located by delivering an occluding element to a coronary artery which delivers oxygenated blood to said region of the patient's heart. In one presently preferred embodiment the occluding element is a flaccid or limp coil which when disposed in a coronary arterial passageway forms a randomly shaped, intertwined mass which quickly forms thrombus within the coronary artery to block the passage of oxygenated blood therethrough. The flaccid coil may be delivered through an inner lumen of a catheter which has a distal portion extending within the coronary artery.

Abstract: In a pelvic or peritoneal surgical method, a funnel shaped membrane is inserted in a closed configuration through a laparoscopic trocar sleeve into the abdominal cavity of a patient. The membrane is spread from the closed configuration to an opened configuration upon emergence of the membrane into the abdominal cavity. The opened membrane and an internal organ of the patient are then positioned relative to one another so that the organ is disposed essentially vertically above the opened membrane. Upon proper positioning, the organ is subjected to a laparoscopic surgical operation while the organ is disposed above the opened membrane, whereby tissue particles and fluid escaping the organ during the operation fall into the opened membrane. The membrane and collected tissue particles and fluid are removed from the abdominal cavity upon termination of the operation.

Abstract: Surgical procedures for stabilizing a spine include exposing a portion of each of adjacent vertebrae requiring fusion and placing an osteoinductive material within an area between the portions of the adjacent vertebrae in contact with the cortical bone of the portions. In another aspect, surgical procedures for stabilizing a spine are provided which include exposing a portion of each of adjacent vertebrae requiring fusion, adding an osteoinductive cytokine to a carrier material and placing the carrier material between the portions of the adjacent vertebrae in contact with the cortical bone of the portions.

Abstract: A method and machine whereby at least two strips of paper, after being supplied with respective continuous layers of shredded tobacco, are fed along a forming beam by respective conveyor belts which are deformed transversely to gradually wind the respective strips about the respective layers and so form respective tubular wrappings, each presenting a respective longitudinal lateral appendix, an inner lateral portion of which is gummed by a respective gumming device and then brought into contact with an outer surface of the respective tubular wrapping to form a respective continuous cigarette rod; the inner lateral portions of the appendixes all facing the same way, and being gummed at an intermediate point of the forming beam.

Abstract: The distributor of a cigarette rod maker has a chamber bounded at least in part by a concave guide for a flow of fragments of smokable material in a stream of transporting fluid, such as air. The stream contains a surplus which is withdrawn from a centrally located zone of the chamber by a stationary apparatus having at its underside an inlet for the entry of surplus fluid and containing a nozzle which conveys the surplus fluid to a suction pipe serving to convey the surplus from the chamber.

Abstract: Fragments of plastic fibers, such as cellulose acetate fibers, forming part of mouthpieces of filter cigarettes or like rod-shaped smokers' products tend to become separated from the respective filter mouthpieces at the end faces which develop in response to the making of cuts across filter rod sections of double unit length between pairs of plain cigarettes to obtain filter cigarettes of unit length. The fragments of fibers which tend to become separated and to contaminate the area around the filter cigarette making machine are either bonded (e.g., by heat and/or by a solvent) to the respective mouthpieces, or are removed by suction and/or by resorting to electrostatic precipitation. It is also contemplated to cause smoke-permeable layers of filter material to overlie the end faces of the mouthpieces.

Abstract: A device for treating smoking addiction is adapted to be held between the frontal teeth surfaces and inner surface of the lips of a user has a central part and a peripheral part. The central part has at least one hole and is made of plastic or rubber material. The peripheral part is made of a saliva-dissolvable material. The user draws air through the hole in the central part such that the inhalation essentially mimics draw on a smoking article.

Abstract: The present invention provides prepared materials for making a hand rolled smoking article and a sleeve section for such an article. The materials include a sleeve section having a tube-shaped sleeve and a filler made from finely cut tobacco. The sleeve section is manufactured from tobacco leaf or foil and includes a substantially rectangular base part which receives the filler and a wrapper part connected to one long side of the rectangular base part. The wrapper part is defined by a substantially straight line continuation of a short side of the rectangle and a line projecting at an angle to the above-referenced long side from an opposite corner of the rectangle to make the straight line continuation.

Abstract: A device, kit and method used in applying polish to a finger nail for obtaining a french manicure. The device can be removably engaged around a finger tip to establish a line of demarcation that approximates the curve of the tip of the finger nail. This line of demarcation allows an individual to apply a band of finger nail polish along the tip of the finger nail, while preventing the polish from contacting the portion of the finger nail away from the fingertip. The device is sufficiently flexible to be deflected from a nail-engaging position to a removing position when a force is applied against opposed sides of the device. The disclosed kit includes one or more of these devices, a container of finger nail polish and an applicator to apply the finger nail polish.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking and preserving several paint roller covers in wet suspension in a receptacle comprising a rack on which several easily removable paint roller covers are positioned in spaced relationship. The apparatus provides economical cost saving use of paint rollers, convenience, time saving and ecological advantages whereby no washing or rinsing is necessary, from a faucet or hose, for instance, thereby conserving water. The resulting apparatus allows a person the capability of extending the useful life of a paint roller covers by preserving used paint roller covers and rejuvenating them for further use.

Abstract: An installation for cleaning pieces of partially deleafed leafy salad vegetables and for removing particles of small foreign bodies therefrom includes a bath for receiving the pieces to be cleaned and a means for causing the pieces to circulate in the bath. A deflector, which is permeable to the particles, deflects the pieces below the level of the bath. A source of gas bubbles emits gas bubbles below the deflector so that the gas bubbles entrain the particles and cause the particles to rise through the deflector to separate the particles from the pieces. A particle collector recovers and removes the particles which have risen through the deflector and are floating on the surface of the bath.

Abstract: A product collecting device for use in an apparatus for coating seed with gel includes a product receiving case, a top portion of which is open, arranged in a downward direction of water wash bath. A partition wall is provided for a bottom wall of the product receiving case. A product collecting port is provided for one side of the partition wall. The other side of the partition wall is provided with a draining hole located directly under a carrying out side end portion of the water wash bath. A draining chute which covers the other side of bottom wall, is inclined downward toward the product collecting port water breaking hole is provide in such a way that a length of the water breaking hole is long along the direction both of inclination and hardening.

Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes a lower runner of the umbrella ribs having a rope guiding member longitudinally formed on the runner provided with two rope grooves in two opposite sides of the rope guiding member for an easy winding of the rope on a roller rotatably mounted on the runner; a coupling spring compressibly retained between a middle shaft and an inner block adjacent to the upper notch of the umbrella ribs; at least an engaging hole formed in a lower portion of the upper shaft having a convex portion curved outwardly from the upper shaft and positioned below the engaging hole for stably engaging a wedge portion of the control device when folding the umbrella; and a resilient rib slidably coupled by a coupling ring to the middle rib and is made to prevent dogging with the coupling ring when the umbrella ribs are bent upwardly by a strong upward wind force.

Abstract: A waterproof, stain proof and nonporous crutch pad cover formed out of a material having a low coefficient of friction. The crutch pad cover includes an elongate slotted body member having first and second sides which are adapted to partially encircle the periphery of a crutch pad along a portion of its length, a first end portion having an inwardly directed flanged end section which is adapted to enclose a first end of the crutch pad and a second end portion which is adapted to cover a second, opposite end of the crutch pad. A flap securing system is utilized to secure the first and second sides of the body member about the crutch pad proximate the second end thereof. A plurality of outwardly projecting stop members positioned proximate the first and second end portions of the body member are provided to prevent the under arm area of a crutch user from slipping off the low friction crutch pad cover.

Abstract: By the unique usage of non-symmetrical loops, a pop-up tent is configured to have high substantially vertical walls with a floor area only slightly larger than the walled-in area. Thus, a pop-up tent is provided which can be used for both living and sleeping purposes. A method of folding the tent into a flat circular shape for ease of storage and transportation is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A solenoid valve control circuit for controlling an actuation current of a solenoid valve when the valve is to be adjusted from its flow-permitting position into its closed position so that the actuation current is initially adjusted to a value beyond the current value at which the valve begins to drop out. However, the actuation current is subsequently adjusted back to the range which lies between the current value at which the valve goes into the closed position and the current value at which the valve goes into its flow-permitting position.

Abstract: A lightweight blowout preventer having a low profile is disclosed. Each of the rams have a sealing ring to be positioned thereabout to seal leaks from occurring between its bonnet and the ram body, thereby permitting the use of only about four connecting bolts for each side of the bonnet to the body and torqued for ordinary holding. A hinge plate is provided to allow selection of the side of the body for two associated bonnets. The hinge plate also is a manifold for the passageways for the hydraulic fluid to the fluid hinges. The hinges each includes a telescopic balancing sub with only one side spring for applying balanced pressure with the applied closing or opening hydraulic fluid to the hinge regardless of whether opening or closing hydraulic pressure is applied. The hydraulic passageways in the bonnets are located between the guideway extensions and the outside surfaces of the bonnets. The hinge plate and the bonnets can be inverted so that they can be mounted on either of two sides of the body.

Abstract: A sewer relief valve (40) made out of a durable plastic material comprises: a raised head or float housing (52) that serves as a gripping means during it's removal and installation; said housing (52) has male threads (53) which circumference the lower vertical exterior of said float housing (52); said housing (52) surrounding a central passageway (58) through which a hydrostatic pressure relieving float (54) may pass unobstructed; a cap (50) attached to an upper portion of float (54) effectively sealing said central passageway (58) and cosmetically dressing up said float housing (52) of said sewer relief valve (40) to give it the appearance of a conventional raised head plug (28).

Abstract: A hand pump for engaging with different tire valves includes a pipe laterally secured on top of a tube for receiving two gaskets and a plug member. The pipe includes two valve seats. The plug member includes two plug portions for engaging with the valve seats of the pipe so as to seal the valve seats. A handle is pivotally coupled to the pipe and has a cam engaged in the plug member so as to move the plug member and so as to engage the plug portions with the valve seats. The gaskets may be engage with different tire valves.

Abstract: The device for inflating pneumatic tires comprises an inlet of pressurized air and an outlet for sending the air into a pneumatic tire. A first circuit of the device is divided into an initial tract and a final tract, which connects the inlet with the outlet, passing through a first on-off valve provided with a membrane. A second circuit of the device connects the inlet with a first chamber of the first on-off valve. The first chamber is also connected to a pressure regulator connected at outlet to a second on-off valve, which intercepts the air flow. A third circuit connects the outlet to a first chamber of the second on-off valve.

Abstract: A leak resistant, switching, double valve system consists of two sliding valve bodies in a valve housing with connecting lines. The two sliding valve bodies, which can be actuated independently of one another, are in contact in the closed position with valve seats in the valve housing, and are located at some distance one behind the other, forming a leak cavity between them. During the opening process, the first sliding valve body, before it leaves its valve seat, while simultaneously reducing the size of the leak cavity, can be placed in contact with the second sliding valve body, which is provided with a tubular extension which exits the valve housing in a sealed manner and connects the leak cavity to the environment of the valve system.

Abstract: A water heater stand with overflow catch basin having a flat, horizontally elongated stand member having a generally round shape and surrounded by a continuous vertical wall circumscribing the perimeter. A drain is provided, as well as a plurality of elevated support members, each said support member formed integral to said bottom surface and extending upward. Drainage channels are formed between adjacent support members, and a curved, laterally extended area projecting outward accommodates the tank drainage valve of a hot water heater tank. Additionally, a vertically extended splash guard attachable in order to extend the vertical height of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A device for use in evacuating fluid from a tubular refrigerant line comprises an elongated hollow tubular frame, which has a line seating extension attached to an open end of the frame and spaced from the end for engaging a refrigerant line in a position centered at right angles to the central axis of the elongated tubular frame. A reciprocating hollow inner tube is mounted for movement within the hollow frame and it has a piercing point on one end for movement into and out of engagement with a refrigerant line seated in the line seating extension. A resilient seal surrounds the piercing point for movement with it; and a cam mounted on the frame is used to move the inner tube to cause the piercing point to engage and pierce a refrigerant line located in the line seating extension.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for supplying liquid to a container until the surface of the liquid reaches a predetermined level includes a valve body disposable in the container and defining a cavity, an inlet port for communication with a liquid source and an cutlet port communicating with the interior of the container. A valve seat is provided in the cavity adjacent to the outlet port, and a valve member in the shape of a ball is disposed within the cavity and moveable between a normal closed condition and an open condition relative to the valve seat for respectively closing and opening the outlet port. A guide tube depends from the valve body in communication with the outlet port and has a float coupled to it. A valve actuator includes a base seated in the container and a rod extending upwardly therefrom into the guide tube. The actuator rod is engageable with the valve member for holding the valve member in its open condition when the surface of the liquid in the container is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: A plug-type coupler consisting of male part (P) and female part (M), particularly for the connecting of conduits (2, 3) conducting fluids (4), which coupling has, within the region of the abutment place (1) between male part (P) and female part (M), a metallic ring packing (D) which is expandable in its cross section as a result of its arrangement and of a surface slot (18) by fluid (4) which is under pressure and, in this connection, rests in part on the male part (P) and in part on the female part (M), and, in order to obtain a solution which is simple in manufacture and reliable in use, the ring packing (D) which is arranged on the male part (P), with its slot (17) facing radially inward is gripped over, on the other side of the slot edge lying in the insertion direction (arrow x) by an annular shoulder (24) from which there extends a frustoconical surface (25) which tapers down towards the axis (y--y) of the plug-type coupler and opposite which there is a mating surface (27) of the female part (M) which e

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control valve includes a cylindrical valve body and a valve spool coaxially fitted therein, each having oil grooves and lands alternately provided on and along the respective peripheral inside and outside surfaces, the opposing oil grooves and lands having throttles therebetween whose throttling extent, are changeable in accordance with a relative angular displacement between the valve body and the valve spool such that the flow of a working oil is concentrated in wider throttles. Thus noise due to cavitation is reduced.

Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe incorporating, from the inside outward, an inner sealing sleeve or tube, and an armoring comprising a plurality of armoring webs. The armoring includes a first armoring web on which the inner sealing sleeve or tube rests. The first armoring web includes a plurality of interlocked wires wound with an angle, (A1) that is less than 80.degree. in relation to the axis of the flexible tubular pipe. The armoring also includes a set of armoring webs placed on the outside of the first armoring web, each having at least one armoring web and non-interlocking wires. The winding angle of the wires is complementary to the angle (A1), so that a balanced flexible tubular pipe is created.

Abstract: A high pressure subsea pipe, particularly for underwater use, has the ability to flex while being transported and installed. The pipe has a friction reinforcement structure made of overlapping layers increasing substantially the capacity of the pipe in longitudinal direction. The reinforcement layer may be a helical wrap, either cylindrical or conical, or conical sleeves nested within one another. An articulated carcass has turns of a helically wrapped main and ancillary wires, offering no axial slack in either tension or compression or in both directions while remaining flexible.

Abstract: In a weaving machine a control unit for controlling the movement of the shaft frames or harnesses creates a feedback function through load cells and AC-servo motors that enables accurate shaft frame adjustment in forming an open shed. The weaving machine includes detecting mechanisms that detect parameters regarding condition the shaft frames. An individual control unit controls each of the shaft frames. The control units adjust the shaft frames in one or more positions to create open and closed sheds in the warp threads to enable the weft threads to be inserted by the shuttles as the warp threads change position. The control units receive feedback data of at least one of the parameters from the detecting mechanisms, such that operation of the control units incorporates the feedback data. Control systems control the control units to create a substantially constant level in the butting edge of the fabric irrespective of the positions of the shaft frames.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric having a system of flat monofilament yarns interwoven in a balanced weave pattern with preferably the flat yarns being machine direction yarns woven in stacked pairs with a single layer of cross machine direction yarns. The preferred weave pattern is selected such that the machine direction yarns impart crimp to alternate cross machine direction yarns by selectively weaving floats over multiple adjacent CMD yarns and knuckles under single CMD yarns. The invention provides for the use of flat yarns having an aspect ratio greater than 3:1.

Abstract: A refillable distributing container for liquid media, particularly an aerosol can, has two valves, whereof an upper valve is constructed as the distributing valve (5) for exclusively distributing the container content. The second valve is constructed for filling the container both with liquid medium and with pressurized gas. The invention also relates to a filling device for refilling the distributing container and a process for the same. The filling device has a filling connection (9), which is connectable with the distributing container filling valve (8). The liquid is preferably forced in to the distributing container with the aid of the pressurized gas.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump comprises a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a means for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle has a modular construction wherein valve, venturi and spout modules are mounted in a bore formed in a nozzle body. The main fuel valve is controlled, independently of fuel pressurization, in response to a mechanical signal input, acting through a servo valve. The mechanical signal input is provide by a finger displaced trigger, acting through a pivotal lever arm and latching means that form part of the automatic shut off means for preventing overfill of a fuel tank. The venturi module has a venturi passage for generating a vacuum employed in the automatic shut off mechanism. The venturi module includes a bypass passage that enables sufficient vacuum force to be generated at both high and low flow rates. The spout module comprise an extruded spout (including a venturi vent passage) and a pair of mechanical adapter shells that are mechanical locked onto the spout and mechanically locked to the nozzle body, to secure the several modules in assembled relation.

Abstract: A method and assembly (10) to prevent the dripping of a liquid dispensing nozzle (100) after deactivation of the nozzle and to automatically deactivate the nozzle when it is removed from the fuel tank (150), is described. The non-drip valve assembly is attached to the dispensing end (104B) of the nozzle and includes a housing (12) within which is mounted a valve (14) comprised of a stopper (16) and a spring (18). When the nozzle is activated, the liquid pressure on the extreme end (16D) of the stopper moves the stopper out of the opening (12E) in the proximal end (12A) of the housing which allows the liquid to flow into the housing around the stopper and out through the apertures (12G) in the sidewall (12C) of the housing. When the nozzle is deactivated, the spring biases the stopper into the opening which prevents liquid remaining in the spout from escaping. A shut-off sleeve (112) is mounted around the spout of the nozzle and has a spring and ball plunger (116) and a locating detent (124).

Abstract: A turner holds a wood blank while positioning it adjacent a cutting bit of a router to cut the blank into a shaped cylindrical object. The turner includes a mandrel and two mandrel wheels attachable to ends of the mandrel, which each have finger gripping portions. A wood block is disposed on the mandrel and the wheels are attached to the mandrel. Spacers may be used to position the wood block. The mandrel/wood block assembly is then moved adjacent a cutting bit, such as a router bit, to remove wood from the wood block. This enables generally cylindrically shaped objects to be formed which may then be polished and finished and used in pens, mechanical pencils, handles and like holders.

Abstract: The device has a winding drum (5) mounted fixedly in terms of translation in a frame (1) and to insure that the cord is wound in even turns without overlapping there is of a traveling nut (6) engaging with a screw thread formed on the winding drum and an eyelet for guiding (8) the cord at its entry into the frame (1). The nut moves between an end of the cord (7a) fixed to the drum and the guiding eyelet (8). In the traveling nut is furthermore advantageously mounted a retractable stop (13) controlled by the cord (7) in order to oppose the rotation of the drum in the direction of unwinding when the cord is slack.

Abstract: A vehicle sunshield includes a folding blind shaped and sized to substantially cover a vehicle rear windscreen. An array of parallel transversely extending spars support the blind at spaced intervals. A guide track is mounted vertically towards the center of the windscreen between upper and lower edges thereof. Carriages supporting the spars are mounted slidably to the guide track, so as to allow the blind to be guided between a folded position in which the windscreen is unshaded and in the deployed position. A remotely operable drive motor is provided for driving the blind up and down along the guide track. The invention includes a similar sunshield for covering a vehicle front windscreen.

Abstract: A casting nozzle joint structure capable of easily positioning and jointing a nozzle without any holder for fixing and supporting a continuous casting nozzle therethrough. The joint structure comprises fitting mechanism formed in and on the mating faces of the continuous casting nozzle and the pressure clamper. The fitting mechanism includes a convex portion and a concave portion formed in and on the mating faces of the continuous casting nozzle and the pressure clamper so that they fit one another. The concave or convex portion formed in the mating face of the continuous casting nozzle is fitted on or in the convex or concave portion formed in the mating face of the pressure clamper, and this pressure clamper clamps the fitted engagement. Thus, the nozzles can have their outlet bores positioned, and the submerged entry shroud can have its discharge port oriented.

Abstract: A tundish used in a continuous steel casting operation is sealed to permit effective purging of the tundish to eliminate free oxygen and nitrogen by providing a plurality of generally rectangular planar sealing boards of refractory fiber material having sufficient density to be self-supporting and placing the boards in side-by-side relation on the open top of the tundish prior to installation of the refractory cover whereby the sealing boards form a gasket between the cover and tundish top wall, and form a continuous panel underlying the cover. The refractory fiber material may be penetrated by the ladle shroud tube and/or the tundish stopper rod(s).

Abstract: A block assembly is disposed in close relation to a support beam in a continuous block caster. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by simultaneously actuating a plurality of discreet fixing devices by applying a force to a single point.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a resistant heating element as a temperature regulation means on a circuit board. A semiconductor chip of the device is connected to the circuit board through connecting electrodes. A difference in temperature between the semiconductor chip and circuit board is kept at a fixed value by controlling the resistant heating element.

Abstract: A liquid refrigerant distributor for use within a heat exchanger having a body of heat exchange tubes. The distributor comprises a mesh screen and a liquid refrigerant sprayer. The liquid refrigerant sprayer is adapted to spray refrigerant on the mesh screen. The mesh screen being adapted to pass liquid and vaporous refrigerant but also to direct liquid refrigerant onto the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: A vehicle radiator allows a tank oil cooler to be selectively installed or left out, with no weight penalty when it is left out. A displacement device consisting of a simple blow molded, hollow block, of equal volume to the oil cooler, is installed in place of the oil cooler when the oil cooler is not installed. This avoids the addition of an extra volume of coolant, and the attendant weight penalty.