Abstract: The pavilion provides both shelter and a food supply for birds of various species. It is a squirrel-proof construction that relies upon a combination of geometric configurations and support posts made of polyvinyl chloride. The support posts are maintained in a highly polished condition which prevents their being scaled by any squirrel or similar small animal. The structure comprises four tubular posts which are embedded in the ground and are connected together by horizontal tubular cross members which are used to suspend a plurality of bird feeders. A large dome covers the pavilion giving shelter to the birds and the bird food.

Abstract: A litter box having a sifter insert member that is used to remove solids and clumped matter from the litter material without removing or transferring the litter material. The sifter insert has a foraminous bottom wall, two opposed side walls, one rear end wall, and a transverse front edge extending across the front end of the foraminous bottom wall. The lower portion of the sifter insert is slidably nested in the litter box with its foraminous bottom wall resting on the bottom wall of the litter box. Litter material is sifted by lifting the sifter insert upwardly to capture a substantial portion of solid and clumped material.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the growth of fish reared in a pond, comprising injecting oxygen into the pond in a controlled quantity according to different cycles.

Abstract: An animal housing including a housing top, a housing bottom with a perforated floor, and a skirt. The skirt is configured so as to receive and support the housing bottom. A pan is disposed within the skirt such that the perforated floor of the housing bottom allows dander, urine and feces to drop therethrough onto the pan, and the pan is insertable into and removable from the skirt without disturbing the remainder of the animal housing. The animal housing further includes negative air flow means communicating with the skirt to produce a gas flow from the skirt to the negative air flow means. The animal housing may also include a frame and a bottle. The bottle includes a mouth having at least one lateral interior flange and at least one lateral exterior flange extending from the outer circumference thereof, and the frame includes a panel having at least one bottle-receiving aperture for receiving the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A dog harness having a collar mounted on a dog's neck, a girth passing around the dog's body, the girth having a first end fastened to the metal ring at the collar and a second end passing around the dog's body and then inserted through the metal ring at the collar, a retainer moved on the girth between the second end of the girth and the metal ring at the collar and secured at the desired location, a drag rope connected to the second end of the girth, and a belt connected between the collar and the girth and retained between the two front legs of the dog.

Abstract: A water tube wall or heat transfer surface for use in a circulating fluidized bed combustor or reactor having reduced erosion at a transition between a protective refractory material and the upper wall.

Abstract: A mobile water heating apparatus for rapidly heating large volumes of water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, etc., at multiple sites includes a water heater, a water pump, and a water circuit comprising flexible conduit for direct coupling between the pool of water to be heated and the mobile water heating apparatus. The mobile water heating apparatus is independent of on-site dedicated facilities, provides rapid remote site service for cold weather or emergency situations, and is fully self contained, including energy source for heat generation and power generation for operating the water heating system equipment.

Abstract: A viscous fluid type heat generator which comprises a housing assembly defining therein a heat generating chamber in which heat is generated, and a heat receiving chamber arranged adjacent to the heat generating chamber for permitting a heat exchanging fluid to circulate therethrough to receive heat transferred from the heat generating chamber. A drive shaft is rotatably supported by the housing assembly and is operationally connected to an external rotation-drive source. A rotor element is mounted onto and driven by the drive shaft for rotation within the heat generating chamber. A viscous fluid is held in a gap defined between the inner wall surfaces of the heat generating chamber and the outer surfaces of the rotor element, for heat generation under shearing stress applied by the rotating rotor element. A temperature sensor is provided to detect a temperature of a part of the viscous fluid flowing in an outer peripheral region of the gap.

Abstract: In an autogenous generator (1) in which electrical energy is generated by a linkage between fixed windings (2) and permanent magnets which move integrally on the alternating motion of one or more pistons of a two-stroke internal combustion engine, the cylinders (5) coupled to the pistons (4) have a conical precombustion chamber (10) opening towards the cylinders (5), the engine runs with variable compression strokes, and the magnets (3) and windings (2) are designed such that the ratio between the quantities of mechanical energy used to generate electrical energy for two different strokes of the magnets (3) is equal to the ratio between the two compression ratios obtained in the cylinders (5) in relation to the two different strokes performed by the pistons (4) integral with the said magnets (3) multiplied by the ratio between the two overall efficiency values of the engine in relation to the said compression ratios.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly (43) for an internal combustion engine. The deactivator assembly (43) is of the type having a two-stage latchable means (49) movable between a latched (FIG. 3) position, effecting normal valve opening and closing, and an unlatched (FIG. 4) position, in which valve opening and closing may either be reduced or eliminated. The deactivator assembly (43) includes a rotatable latch member (69) which is rotated between the latched and unlatched positions by a electromagnetic actuator (51), including a rotatable armature (75) which is fixed to rotate with the latch member (69). With the arrangement of the invention, having no linkage, and very little inertia, movement between the latched and unlatched positions can occur during a single revolution of the engine cam shaft.

Abstract: A valve characteristic control apparatus is provided with a simple structure in which a cam shaft having three-dimensional cams is axially displaced and the cam shaft is rotated with respect to a crank shaft by a ring gear. An axial driving mechanism axially displaces the intake cam shaft and thereby changes working angles of the three-dimensional cams. In this case, engagement of a spline formed on the cam shaft with teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface of the ring gear allows the cam shaft to axially move with respect to a pulley integrated with the crank shaft. A rotational driving mechanism axially displaces the ring gear, so that a helical spline formed on the pulley engages teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ring gear and a spline formed on the cam shaft engages teeth formed on the inner peripheral surface of the ring gear. Thus, the cam shaft rotates relative to the pulley.

Abstract: A balance shaft mounting arrangement for a four cycle overhead camshaft internal combustion engine wherein the balance shaft is driven from the crankshaft and is disposed within the crankcase chamber and is disposed below the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. The balance shaft is driven from an end of the crankshaft and is journalled, at least in part, by a detachable crankshaft journaling member.

Abstract: A method for apportioning a total fuel quantity to be injected to an engine by a hydraulically-actuated injector between a pilot shot and a main shot includes determining a pilot shot and/or main shot fuel quantity desired to be delivered during injection. The desired pilot shot fuel quantity is compared with a threshold pilot shot fuel quantity and/or the desired main shot fuel quantity is compared with a threshold main shot fuel quantity. The total fuel quantity is delivered by a pilot shot if the desired pilot shot fuel quantity is less than the threshold pilot shot fuel quantity and/or the desired main shot fuel quantity is less than the threshold main shot fuel quantity.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust system for use with internal combustion engines that uses two intake valves and one exhaust valve for each engine cylinder. The three valves are preferably circular and spaced around the cylinder centerline in said cylinder head. One or more spark plugs (or other suitable ignition devices) are provided in the head on the cylinder centerline and/or between pairs of adjacent valves. For best results, the two intake valves have substantially equal diameters. Preferably, the ratio of exhaust valve diameter to intake valve diameter is from about 0.95:1 to 1:1.2. The head typically has three substantially hemispheric depressions each housing one of said valves. Squish areas are preferably provided around said combustion chamber periphery. The piston surface may be at least partially planar and may have an angled or radiused periphery or may have a central recess corresponding generally to the valve region.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine during cold start operation utilizes control logic to determine a base fuel pulsewidth and a base spark timing according to corresponding cold-start look-up tables. A crank angle of the engine at which a peak pressure in the cylinder occurs is then sensed to obtain a crank angle at peak pressure (PPCA) value. Upon reaching stable combustion, the base fuel pulsewidth and the base spark timing are ramped to a predetermined desired fuel pulsewidth and a predetermined desired spark timing based on the PPCA value so as to control the air/fuel ratio. Upon reaching this state, combustion stability is maintained by feedback control of fuel pulsewidth and spark timing based on the statistical variation of successive PPCA values.

Abstract: An injector is disclosed which comprises a nozzle body arranged to receive fuel under pressure from a pumping chamber. An injection control arrangement in the form of a valve controls injection timing, and a drain control arrangement in the form of a valve controls communication between the pumping chamber and a fuel reservoir. An electromagnetic actuator controls operation of both valves, the actuator including a single, common armature which is associated with both of the valves.

Abstract: In a fuel supply device for an engine, a clip is fitted in two grooves formed in a fuel injector through its pawls parallel with each other, and fitted with a convex portion formed on a fuel delivery pipe through its window portion. The clip is prevented from slipping out of the injector in an axial direction and the fuel delivery pipe. Even if a wire harness tends to slip out of an electric connector, a sealing member is stopped at a stopper plate of the clip to thereby prevent the wire harness from slipping out.

Abstract: A cylinder injection type fuel control apparatus secures the operation of an internal-combustion engine even if a fuel supply system of the internal-combustion engine fails. The cylinder injection type fuel control apparatus is equipped with an injector (3) which is driven by an output signal based on a computation result of an electronic control unit (2) and which supplies fuel to the respective cylinders of the internal-combustion engine. A failure of a high-pressure fuel system is detected according to the integrated number of engine stalls that take place immediately after startup, or other means, and if a failure of the high-pressure fuel system has been detected, then the control is switched to a low-pressure fuel supply system to run the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: An evaporative fuel controller for an internal combustion engine, which is designed to prevent the engine from experiencing aggravated drivability and rough idle operation with a concomitant stall, which would otherwise occur when a fuel tank is refueled during operation of the engine. The evaporative fuel controller includes a control which, when it detects that the engine is in idle operation and that the fuel tank is being supplied with fuel, then a mode of control over a purge valve is changed from one which accommodates an operating state of the engine to another which permits the continuance of engine idle operation as well as the continuance of the supply of fuel to the tank.

Abstract: A fuel vapor management valve or VMV having an electrically operated vent valve for controlling atmospheric bleed flow to a vacuum signal pressure chamber. The pressure in the signal pressure chamber controls the differential pressure acting on opposite sides of a diaphragm which moves a valve member for regulating fuel vapor purge flow from a canister to the engine intake manifold. Vacuum is applied to the signal pressure chamber through restrictive passages in a connector which prevent sonic flow choking. In one embodiment two orifices are spaced fluidically in series. In another embodiment fluidically parallel laminar flow passages are provided in an element comprising a porous filter preferably formed of fibrous material or sintered metal. In another embodiment, the laminar flow element is disposed fluidically in series with a flow restricting orifice.

Abstract: A rotary blower (26) including a pair of shafts (70,56) on which are mounted a pair of rotors (28,29), input to the first shaft (70) being by way of an input pulley (76;108;201). The first shaft (70) has a forward terminal portion (72) extending forwardly of a first timing gear (60) to a location disposed within the input pulley. A torsion damping means is associated with the input pulley (76;108;201) and includes a resilient means (94;124;213) which resists relative rotation between the input pulley and the terminal portion (72) of the first shaft. The torsion damper also includes means (88,90,92;118,122;207,211) for limiting the relative rotation of the input pulley and the first shaft. The disclosed arrangement provides a more compact, less expensive input portion of the blower which eliminates the need for the conventional "third shaft" and its associated bearings.

Abstract: A bow sight support for mounting to a bow riser including a mount for attachment to the bow riser and a movable part adjustably connected to the mount for positioning the bow sight along an arcuate path defined by the archer's draw radius. The movable part includes a pair of curved channels which slide along a corresponding pair of curved rails of the mount when an adjustment mechanism connected to the movable part is actuated. The mount is adjustable when secured to the riser to permit adjustments in the arcuate adjustment path of the sight to correspond with different draw radii. A pair of support arms are adjustably attached to the movable part to provide horizontal angular adjustment of the sight.

Abstract: A portable cooking system that includes a detachable base, a support pole assembly, a detachable charcoal holder, a circular grating, a removable cover/lid, a detachable gas burner assembly, a detachable electric burner assembly, a washer shaped flame diffuser member, a cooking wok, and a cooking system carrying case.

Abstract: A pellet fuel burner includes a compact thermally insulated firebox for providing hot gases to a boiler, furnace or dryer. The apparatus includes a grate that includes a reciprocating arm for removing clinkers and ash from the grate. Pellet fuel feed is provided by a hopper that is isolated from the firebox by an airlock. A combustion air manifold is provided around the firebox to preheat primary and secondary combustion air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for assembling and mounting a built-in cooktop such as a glass-ceramic cooktop wherein the cooktop is seated latchably secured from above in a countertop cutout provided therefor. Tolerance problems between the built-in cooktop and the countertop cutout are avoided in that, in the assembly into the countertop cutout, an ancillary assembly frame is premounted with a precise fit to the built-in cooktop. The built-in cooktop is seated in the ancillary assembly frame and is secured via clamping connections or latch connections.

Abstract: An inflatable solar oven is comprised of two sheets of flexible material which are sealed at their edges to form an enclosure. The top sheet is clear and the bottom sheet has a reflective layer. The two sheets can be inflated to form a spherical enclosure by passing air through an edge opening that is also large enough to access a water or food holding receptacle which can be placed with the inflated enclosure. Extended portions of the sheets that form the opening can be rolled up to form a closure for it. The inflated enclosure can be secured to the ground in an appropriate position to receive the sun's rays which pass through the clear sheet and reflect from the bottom sheet to heat the receptacle therein.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device and method for actively loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a user's trachea and bronchial passages and lungs while a user is breathing normally through the device comprises a housing containing a base portion and a cap portion forming at least a portion of a sonic coupling chamber adapted to be held in a patient's mouth during normal breathing activity. The cap portion also includes breathing passages out of the chamber so that the user can breath normally through device during operation. The base portion contains an acoustic generator behind a sanitary flexible diaphragm separating the portions. The acoustic generator produces an audio waveform which may be controlled by the user or automatically controlled by a feedback signal to optimize a sensed parameter indicative of the user's breathing efficiency such as the sound of the user's exhaled breath, blood oxygen levels, or ultrasonic signature changes of mucus plugs.

Abstract: A snorkelling device for supplying air to a person by unassisted lung function to a depth of approximately one meter. The device may be used upon or below the surface of the water. It comprises an air intake incorporating a float valve (14) for closing the air intake when it becomes submerged. A mouthpiece (16) is connected to the air intake by a flexible hose (18). The mouthpiece (16) has an inlet valve (20) to prevent the return of expelled gases up the flexible hose (18) during exhalation, and an outlet valve (22) to allow expelled gases to escape to ambient water during exhalation. A float (24) is provided adjacent the air intake to normally hold the air intake above the surface of the water. A weight (28) is provided in connection with the flexible hose (18) and is sufficiently heavy to exert a downward force on the flexible hose (18) so as to cause the float (24) and air intake to maintain a generally upright position.

Abstract: A hand held ultrasonic instrument is provided in a portable unit which performs both B mode and Doppler imaging. The instrument includes a transducer array mounted in a hand-held enclosure, with an integrated circuit transceiver connected to the elements of the array just behind the transducer. The transceiver is controlled by, and provides received echo signals to, a digital beamformer mounted in the hand-held enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for light transport measurements on a test object with a measuring head which includes a contact surface for placing against an interface of the test object, light irradiation device with a light transmitter for irradiating light through the contact surface and an interface into the test object, and detection device with a light receiver for detecting light leaving the test object. The contact surface comprises at least one optically transparent light passage point for the light, on which a large number of rigid light-conducting elements are arranged, wherein an optical connection with a light transmitter or light receiver assigned to a light passage point is produced by the whole of the light-conducting elements of the light passage site.

Abstract: An appliance for preventing snoring and sleep apnea includes a headgear and a mouthpiece. The headgear includes an adjustable headband encircling the upper portion of a user's head at the forehead; an adjustable chin strap passing over the crown of the head and under the chin of the user to maintain the user's mouth closed about the mouthpiece; a back strap passing from the forehead over the crown of the head and down the back of the user; a means secured to the rear end of the back strap for exerting a restraining force on the back strap and the upper portion of the headgear to keep the user's head from slouching forward; and an object secured to the rear end of the back strap for making it uncomfortable for the user to lie on his/her back.

Abstract: Restraining methods and apparatus for restraining violent detainees, including a rigid binder for binding the upper and lower legs of the detainee, a waist belt, and suspender straps for joining the binder to the waist belt. An erection tether for maintaining the detainee erect by being tautly stretched between an attaching ring at the back of the waist bait and an overhead hook provided for the purpose of maintaining the detainee erect. An alternate embodiment comprises a continuous sheet or sectioned sheets of relatively non-flexuous support material as leg flexure preventing means.

Abstract: A therapeutic gait harness worn by a patient includes a padded thoracic harness that substantially encircles the patient's waist and which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced hand holds and clamp-engageable rings that facilitate lifting, holding, manipulation and guidance of a patient who requires help in sitting, standing, or walking. An adjustable belt spans the gap between the opposing ends of the thoracic harness and is used to comfortably tighten the thoracic harness about the wearer's waist. A pelvic support harness depends from the thoracic harness and is detachably secured to the thoracic harness by an elongate zipper. A pair of flat leg straps depend from the pelvic support harness and terminate in thigh straps. Hook and loop fasteners are employed to comfortably secure the thigh straps to the wearer's thighs.

Abstract: An abdominal decompression apparatus is used to treat a variety of disorders including acute abdominal compartment syndrome, increased intra-abdominal pressure related morbidity in severely obese persons, and pre-eclampsia and other complications associated with increased abdominal pressure in pregnancy. The abdominal decompression apparatus is worn for an extended period of time (e.g., 6-12 hours at a time), with relatively low levels of pressure being applied (e.g., -20 to -45 mm Hg). Preferably, abdominal decompression is performed on a continuous basis with the final pressure being gradually achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the patient's urinary bladder pressure is used as a measure of intra-abdominal pressure. The sensed urinary bladder pressure can be used to gauge the effectiveness of treatment as well as to control parameters of the abdominal decompression device (e.g., time of use, pressure utilized, etc.).

Abstract: A bypass procedure for connecting a bypass conduit to a blood vessel to channel a flow of blood around an occlusion. The procedure involves attaching a bypass conduit to a portion of the blood vessel at first and second locations. A collar is utilized to suture the graft to blood vessel. A punching device is inserted into one of end of the bypass conduit. The punching device preferably includes a punch and a block. The block is inserted through a cut formed in the blood vessel wall. Concomitant actuation of the block and punch toward one another severs a section of the blood vessel wall to form a channel into the bypass conduit. The present invention also discloses preferred implements for use in the bypass procedure. A cutting device can be utilized to form the cuts in the vessel wall and may be either integral with or separate from the block. In one embodiment, the block is expandable between a collapsed state and an expanded or inflated state.

Abstract: A medical vest (10) and a method of using the vest to provide emergency medical care to a patient (102), are described. The vest includes an IV container (28) and a medical supply container (58) which are mounted on mounting pads (22, 24 or 26) on the front (12) or back (14) of the vest. The containers are also connected to the shoulders (16) of the vest by shoulder straps (27). The IV container is configured to carry an IV bag (150) as well as all the medical supplies necessary to provide an IV to a patient. The container is constructed so as to remain in the open position to allow the user to use both hands to tend to the patient. A clip strap (46) with a self-closing hook (48) is provided with the container to allow the container to be hooked near a patient for transport with the patient. The medical supply container has a variety of uses and can be provided with inserts with loops (69) for holding airway equipment or inserts without loops to hold additional emergency medical supplies.

Abstract: A non-nicotine method and apparatus for use to reduce the need to smoke tobacco and which utilizes one or more constituents from black pepper or red pepper which are introduced into the user's respiratory tract by inhalation from either a vapor delivery system or an aerosol delivery system. Subsequent to inhalation, the constituents from black pepper or red pepper create respiratory tract sensations similar to those created by tobacco smoke and thereby serve to reduce the need to smoke tobacco. The one or more constituents from black and/or red pepper include essential oils of black and/or red pepper as well as pepper irritants including capsaicin, piperine and phellandrene.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to high opacity cigarette wrapping papers. The wrapping paper made according to the present invention contains a mixture of a white pigment and a black pigment. The white pigment, which can be, for instance, calcium carbonate, has a median particle size of from about 0.1 microns to about 0.5 microns, and particularly from about 0.2 microns to about 0.4 microns. It has been discovered that this particular particle size range, which is equal to one-half the wavelength of visible light, greatly increases the opacity, brightness and whiteness of the paper. Small amounts of a black pigment, such as carbon, are then added to further increase the opacity without significantly decreasing the whiteness or brightness of the paper relative to conventional cigarette paper.

Abstract: Foundation is applied to a preselected area of the face that is centered therewithin and encompasses the eyes, nose and mouth thereof, the process for its application comprising the steps of: (a) placing a sizable first dot of foundation at a first position on each side of the nose near the nostrils; (b) stroking upward from the first position to meet the bridge of the nose; (c) blending the foundation of the first dot to cover the entire front and sides of the nose, whereby the nostrils retain enough of the foundation to cover red skin thereabout; (d) placing a sizable dot of the foundation on each side of the nose at a second position, the second position being under the corner of each eye immediately adjacent to the nose; (e) spreading the foundation of the second dot away from the nose while maintaining heaviest coverage at the second position, thereby covering the skin very close to the lower eyelashes; (f) blending the foundation downward; (g) applying more of the foundation in a back and forth motion a

Abstract: A permanent wave end paper comprising an absorbent paper impregnated with at least one pH indicator whereby, when a length of hair to be permanently waved is rolled with a strip of the permanent wave end paper, the strip of permanent wave end paper exhibits a chromatic indication of whether the strip of permanent wave end paper and the length of hair have been saturated with a permanent wave liquid chemical. The permanent wave end paper may comprise a high purity cellulose paper impregnated with a wet strength resin such as urea formaldehyde or melamine. The permanent wave end paper may be included in a kit for imparting a permanent wave to hair that comprises in addition to at least one strip of permanent wave end paper a permanent wave lotion and a permanent wave neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A replacement sleeve for a heat insulative thumb tab that fits over a lever on a heated tool such as a hair curling iron. The replacement sleeve is preferably constructed of three parts: a base layer, a patch layer, and an insert layer. The base layer is an elongate strip of material, preferably made from leather. The patch layer is preferably made from a soft leather, such as suede. The insert layer is preferably made of a resilient type of material, such as cotton. The elongate strip of material is folded about a transverse fold line which separates the base layer into an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is secured to one side of the upper portion to define a channel therebetween. Secured to the opposite side of the base layer upper portion are the intermediate layer and the upper layer. The assembled sleeve is sized and configured for insertion of a curling iron lever into the channel, such that all three layers provide the user with protection against heat retained by the lever.

Abstract: A decorative fashion accessory is formed of an elastic band having a plurality of layers of fabric material held in a gathered condition around the band. The layers are held to the band in such a manner that each rim portion may bunch individually as the elastic band contracts to provide a decorative fashion accessory which can resemble attractively a flower or similar ornament.

Abstract: A hairstyling implement with detachable decorative piece includes a hairstyling body for substantially binding, tying or holding a user's hair, a hairstyling base firmly connected to the hairstyling body, at least a fastening device each comprising a first fastener and a second fastener integrally affixed to the hairstyling base for detachably connecting with the first fastener, at least a decorative piece having a decorative front side and a connecting back side to which the first fastener is integrally affixed thereon. Therefore, the decorative piece can be firmly attached to the hairstyling base by connecting the first and second fasteners together. Besides, the decorative piece may also be detached from the hairstyling base by separating the first and second fasteners. Whereby, the user is able to selectively mount various decorative pieces on a hairstyling base in order to increase the variety of hairstyling implement.

Abstract: A device for oral hygiene which is a disposable assembly and comprises a toothbrush with a quantity of dentifrice packed into the bristles. The toothbrush has a hollow handle for storing a quantity of antiseptic mouthwash. The mouthwash may be accessed by breaking away a plug from the bottom of the handle. A toothpick is contained in a slot on the handle, and a strand of dental floss is strung longitudinally down the handle. The toothpick and dental floss are attached to the handle by a strip of sanitary tape.

Abstract: A flossing device for flossing the teeth as part of a dental care program. The device includes a central arch made up of two legs connected by a central segment. A length of floss is secured to the free ends of the legs. Two rings sized to fit over finger tips are secured to the outside of each arch leg. Two fingers are inserted into the rings so that the floss can be brought into well controlled contact with teeth interstices. The rings may be metal rings embedded in or bonded to the arch or may be plastic rings with the arch and rings molded as a unitary structure. With plastic rings, the rings may be circumferentially divided so as to be expandable to fit larger finger tips.

Abstract: A method for cleaning molding compound tablets while the molding compound tablets are transferred from a tablet container to a molding equipment for encapsulating a microelectronic device. The method includes the steps of loading the molding compound tablets from the tablet container to a tablet parts feeder; transferring the molding compound tablets from the tablet parts feeder to the molding equipment along the transfer line; blowing hot air downwardly on the molded compound tablets as they move along the transfer line; commencing melting of the molded compound tablet, and any contaminants on the molded compound, with the hot air, such that the contaminants are incorporated into a resulting soft tablet dough; and injecting the soft tablet dough into the molding equipment.

Abstract: Method for scrubbing flat disc-like work pieces in a running wash liquid, by the use of a wash liquid flow vessel 2 maintaining a continuous flow of a wash liquid in one direction, a work carrier 18 for holding a plural number of work pieces 4 in an immersed state and in parallel relation with the flow direction of the wash liquid, a slidable carriage 28 for transferring the work carrier 18 in a direction reverse to the flow direction of the wash liquid, and a scrubber means 20 having scrubbing brushes 38 for washing and scrubbing the work pieces 4 on the carrier 18 in an immersed state in the flow of the wash liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for flushing a blood treatment apparatus. The blood treatment apparatus has a first compartment and second compartment separated by a semipermeable membrane substantially impermeable to gas. A flushing circuit is set up by connecting an inlet of the blood treatment apparatus to a flushing liquid source and an outlet of the blood treatment apparatus to a discharge pipe. Liquid is circulated through the flushing circuit in pressure waves. These pressure waves dislodge air bubbles adhering to an inner wall of the blood treatment apparatus and discharge the air bubbles in the flushing liquid.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator is disclosed for providing oscillating flow to outlet ports (172, 173). The fluid oscillator (100) in one embodiment has no fluid communication between a pair of diverging diffuser legs (163, 164) downstream of the upstream edge (169) of a splitter (165) and no fluid communication between a chamber (162) and either of the diverging diffuser legs downstream of the splitter edge. In other embodiments, a turbulent flows generator is formed by use of bump step (202), pins (220, 230), surface discontinuities (250) or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A seismically triggered valve is designed to shut off gas supply during an earthquake. A valve member is pivoted within a valve body, the valve member being mechanically movable to the open position and movable by gravity to the closed position. A magnet is fixed to the valve member, and a ferromagnetic ball is free on a concave surface. The center of the concave surface is aligned with the magnet; but, when the valve is shaken, the ball moves and releases the magnet so the valve member closes by gravity. The valve body is formed integrally with an open top, and the sensor is received within the open top to close the top and properly locate the sensor. The valve can be closed at will by moving the ball off center, for example by a plunger, or by magnetically attracting the ball. To prevent inadvertent closing of the valve, baffles direct the incoming fluid away from the loose edge of the valve member.