Abstract: A modular structure for aeroponic cultivations comprising a plurality of prefabricated side panels which are meant to receive plants being cultivated and a plurality of prefabricated flat bases to which the side panels are joined by means of respective interlock couplings in order to form a structure which is substantially shaped like an inverted V and in which the side panels are mutually connected along an upper ridge line by respective ridgecaps; a pumping unit and a spraying apparatus are also provided in order to feed an atomized nutrient solution inside the structure.

Abstract: A tilt latch (10) for a sash window (12) has a bolt stop. The sash window (12) is disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14). The sash window (12) is comprised of a top sash rail (20), a base (22) and two stiles (24,26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) is adapted for releasably securing the sash window (12) to the master frame (14). The tilt-latch (10) is comprised of a housing (42) adapted to be supported by the top rail (20). The housing (42) has an outward end opening (44). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). A protrusion (80) is located either on the latch bolt (46) or the housing (42) and a lock wall (86) is located either on the housing (42) or the latch bolt (46).

Abstract: A drive device (2) for translatory displaceable component parts in motor vehicles, more particularly for window regulators or sliding roofs is connected by an axis (6) to a base part (1) which consists of a part of the translatory displaceable component part (1). The drive device is supported for swivel movement about the axial centre point and elastically relative the base part (1).

Abstract: A power window assembly in a vehicle includes a slidable window pane mounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to an open position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position. The assembly includes at least one mounting bracket securely attached to the window pane and having a pocket therein and a power drive mechanism for selectively moving the window pane between the closed position and the open position. Preferably, at least one connector arm is laterally coupled to the mounting bracket. The connector arm includes a locking plate and a body portion having a longitudinally extending body slot. The locking plate is longitudinally inserted into the longitudinal body slot to adjustably connect the window pane to the power drive mechanism.

Abstract: A horizontal door assembly is provided with pivotal counter balancing spring comprising an upper cylinder and a mating lower cylinder to force the cover of the door to an open position when the door assembly is unlocked wherein the upper cylinder of the counter balancing spring is configured to reduce the forces of the spring on the pivot points of the counter balancing mechanism thereby increasing the life of the counter balancing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the counter balancing spring mechanism is made of plastic and has an ear at the upper end thereof with an elongated slot opening the slot having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder for mating with a pin inserted in an opening in a yoke bracket attached to the lower side of the cover.

Abstract: A door closing device including closing means for urging a door between said first open position and second closed position having a cable mounted in a housing said cable wound about periphery of a reel regulating the speed of movement of said door between the open position and closed position; a reservoir for containing viscous fluid; and a buffer for retarding the speed of movement of said door comprising an impeller immersed in the viscous fluid for use as a brake; whereby the impeller reduces rotational speed of said reel, thus reducing closing speed of said door.

Abstract: A new interior window locking system for preventing intruders from gaining illegal entry into a building. The inventive device includes a pair of horizontally disposed guide rails secured above and below a window within a window frame. A pair of square tubing frames are slidably disposed between the guide rails. Each of the frames have a steel grate disposed therein. A spring-loaded latch assembly is disposed on corresponding inner members of the pair of square tubing frames for engagement thereof.

Abstract: A glass run 5 having an improved sealing ability is provided. The glass run 5 is fit into a door sash 2 of a car in order to guide a descending or ascending door glass 3. The glass run 5 comprises a molded connector 5B for connecting straight parts 5A of the glass run, and it has a U-shaped groove 4 for guiding the door glass 3. The U-shaped groove 4 comprises an outer side wall 6, a bottom wall 7, an inner side wall 8, an outer lip 9 extending from the outer side wall 6 into the groove 4, and an inner lip 10 extending from the inner side wall 8 into the groove 4. The outer and inner lips 9 and 10 hold the door glass 3 through frictional contact.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the single having a top surface, two side surfaces, an upper end, and a lower or butt end, defining a cavity on the underside of the shingle, with ribs positioned within the cavity. When applied to a roof, the shingle has the appearance of wooden shake shingle and provides a Class A fire barrier when tested according to ASTM test E108-93 for flame spread, burning brand and intermittent flame.

Abstract: A sound absorbing hollow core panel of structural material based on Helmholtz resonator properties consisting of two exterior skins connected by spacers or structural connections and bounded by perimeter skins or structural connections with internal cavity or cavities that communicate with the exterior sound field through a plurality of orifices in one or both exterior skins as well as the perimeter of the panel and that have a plurality of Helmoltz resonators of different shapes and sizes tuned to specific frequencies that control the sound absorption characteristics of the hollow core panel. The internal cavity or cavities are defined by external skins and perimeters as well as internal structural elements acting as interior dividers, interior sub-volumes and perimeter structures, each of which may contain a plurality of orifices for sound communication forming a sequence of first order Helmholtz acoustical resonators with respective natural frequencies for sound absorption.

Abstract: A wall spine assembly for a modular office system comprises a plurality of individual panel assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies includes a vertical support structure and mechanically affixed lower panels in a rigid box-beam structure. Facing panels are removably attached to support brackets mounted on the vertical supports. A cavity exists between the facing panels and vertical supports to permit the lay-in of cabling through the office system. A crown member is provided on the top of the vertical support and is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of accessories above a desk or other work surface attached to the panel. The panels, and especially the crown, permit the mounting of office components such as shelves, storage cabinets, lighting fixtures and the like anywhere along the horizontal length of the wall. A horizontally telescoping vertical end post is also provided.

Abstract: A protective pole cap for installation onto the top of a utility pole has a downwardly-open, cup-shaped body formed with radially inwardly and upwardly projecting, resiliently deflectable finger-shaped projections for releasible gripping engagement with the top end portion of a pole. An external projection on the cap forms an eye for engagement by a installation pole, thus allowing one-man installation, even onto an in-service pole without disconnecting power, and without any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: Wood flooring panel is made of a plurality of parallel longitudinal wood slats situated side by side, with the slats being of the same length but staggered in their longitudinal positions. A tambour backing is adhesively secured to a back side of the slats to hold the slats together as a panel. The tambour backing is made of a material that is inextensible in the longitudinal and lateral directions, but flexible to permit bending at joints defined between said wood slats. There are clips or tabs affixed onto the back surfaces of the respective slats at the front ends. These extend about a half-inch beyond the forward ends of the respective slats. The tambour can be secured with a hot melt adhesive. The clips can be formed of rectangles of fish paper. The clips prevent the flooring adhesive from coming between the front ends of the slats of one panel slats and the rear ends of the next panel slats. The clips also help align the ends of the corresponding slats or fingers of the two panels.

Abstract: A roofing membrane for installation on a roof or parapet. Tabs are affixed to the outside of the roofing material which fold back to allow insertion of a fastener. The ends of the roofing material are first fastened to the roof or parapet to be covered. The intervening portion of the roofing material is then fastened. The tabs affixed to the outside of the roofing material cover the fasteners and can be sealed shut to waterproof the roofing material.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of localizing leaks in roof structures and novel penetrating devices utilized for that purpose. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing roof structures and methods of repairing roofs. The penetrating devices also have the capability of leak detection when used in conjunction with a barrier layer in a roof structure.

Abstract: A metal stud wall and method of assembling the same are characterized by stud spacer member comprising an elongate bar-like member and at least three equal spaced notches disposed along the elongate member for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. In the assembly of a metal stud wall comprising a row of metal studs each having at least two flanges interconnected by a web, the stud spacer member is inserted through aligned openings in the webs of three or more studs and the webs are engaged in the notches to position and hold the metal studs at a prescribed spacing. Successive spacer members may be inserted through further studs and overlapped with the preceding spacer member to position and hold the studs at the prescribed spacing.

Abstract: Molding (11), such as floor base, dressing of a door, cornice, wainscot or the like, which is provided with a channel (13) extending in longitudinal direction of the molding, designed for receiving and hiding cables (12), wires or the like. The channel (13) at least along one edge of the moulding is provided with a longitudinal opening of the channel, which is closable by means of a cap fillet (15), which is at least partly insertable in the opening, and which includes at least a compressible and/or elastic yielding part (18 and 22, respectively).

Abstract: A penetration pocket, useful to seal roof openings at protruding pipes or the like, is made of a material compatible with roofing asphalt. The penetration pocket material is asphalt-based with polymeric materials added to impart strength and toughness. Fibrous material may also be added for increased strength. The roofing asphalt, when applied around the penetration pocket, fuses with penetration pocket walls and base, and upon cooling, the penetration pocket and the roofing asphalt are welded together to effect a secure, water-proof joint.

Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with a form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. Strips of reclosable fastener material are cut and the cut ends fused together by cutter-fuser jaws. A sensor senses when the cutter-fuser jaws become fully closed and when they begin to open so that other steps in the operation can be based on when the jaws actually begin to open and when they are actually fully closed rather than when the signal is sent that causes them to open and close. Relief area that have been coated with an anti-stick substance have been provide in the engaging surfaces of the cutter-fuser jaws to avoid fusing of the flanges and to prevent sticking of the flanges to the cutter-fuser jaws. The cut strips of reclosable fastener material are held on an edge of the rotor that is remote from the film surface.

Abstract: A round baler having a tailgate, pivotally connected to a main frame, operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged. A sledge assembly, mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has at least two transverse cylindrical rolls mounted in spaced relationship along an arcuate path. An apron, supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members, includes an inner course that cooperates with the transverse rolls on the sledge assembly to define a bale forming chamber. The apron is driven along a continuous path in the same direction as the outer surfaces of the transverse rolls. A dispensing assembly dispenses wrapping material into the bale forming chamber between the adjacent outer surfaces of the transverse rolls for wrapping the cylindrical package of crop material.

Abstract: A kit to sort out pills, tablets or capsules, which comprises a recessed support, a container-defining sheet designed to fit into the support, and a sealing sheet made of self-adhesive paper as having substantially the same dimension as the container-defining sheet, so as to close the same. Positioning elements are provided on the sealing sheet and on the support and/or the container-defining sheet in order to facilitate proper fixation of the sealing sheet on top of the container-defining sheet. A pill-sorting device made of two sliding panels with hollow bottomed recesses can be used to insert the pills into the containers of the container-defining sheet.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of coffee in a pouch arrangement having first and second opposed panel sections, a base gusset member, a rib and trough closure arrangement constructed and arranged for selective closure of the pouch arrangement, and a gas filter arrangement oriented in one of the panel sections. The method includes filling the pouch arrangement with coffee to a first level no greater than the rib and trough closure arrangement and sealing the pouch.

Abstract: A process for applying a biobarrier member to a vent opening in a foil member used for medical device packaging. The process provides for cutting a biobarrier member from a roll of stock and sealing the biobarrier member about the vent opening in the foil member. The seal is tested for integrity and the biobarrier member is tested for porosity.

Abstract: Clothing apparel is vended by forming the clothing apparel into a compact shape, inserting the clothing apparel and a container, and vending the clothing material and container from a standard beverage vending machine.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing pocketed compound nested coil springs includes inserting a compressed, preferably pocketed, smaller coil spring into a horizontally oriented larger coil spring either prior to compressing and inserting the outer coil spring into pocket material or after the larger coil spring has been pocketed thereby requiring the first spring to be inserted into and through an opening in the pocket material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a web (20) comprising mutually sequentially disposed package blanks (26) and an arrangement for opening and closing the package blanks. The web has longitudinal first and second edges and a first wall (21a) opposite a second wall (21b). Transverse slits (27) are disposed at the side closures of the package blanks. Each respective wall along the second edge is provided with retainers which guide edge portions of the web when the web is displaced along mechanical devices. The walls (21a, b) of each package blank are provided with a longitudinal slit (29a). The slit (29a) in the first wall extends from the slit (27) at one side closure of the package blank, and the slit in the second wall extends from the slit at the second side closure of the package blank.

Abstract: A registration system for a packaging machine, which machine seals tray tops with thermoplastic film. The trays are carried through the machine on a moving conveyor and the sealing film is fed in a ribbon from a feed roll to move in a position above the line of trays carried on the moving conveyor. The film ribbon carries printing or decorations, in repetitive segments, which must each be centered on a respective tray top when the film is sealed thereto. Repetitive registration marks carried on the film ribbon indicate the position of each film segment as it moves toward a heat seal station. The registration marks are optically sensed in time with the timing pulses of the packaging machine. When miss-registration is sensed the film position, relative to the leading edge of the tray adjacent to and next to enter the heat seal station, is indexed forward a predetermined increment by a downward operating blade and then a heat bar contacts the film and tacks it to the leading edge of that tray.

Abstract: A bush cutting machine comprises a clutch case attached to a front part of an engine, an operation rod extending forwardly from the clutch case and having a brake lever, a cutting blade provided at a distal end of the operation rod, and a transmission shaft passing through the operation rod for transmitting drive power to the cutting blade. A brake drum is housed in the clutch case for braking the rotation of the cutting blade. A brake arm is swingably attached to a front wall of the clutch case closely to the brake drum. The brake arm carries at one end thereof a brake shoe for press contacting an outer peripheral surface of the brake drum. A brake wire is mounted between the brake lever and brake arm. The brake wire is disposed to extend along either external surface of the operation rod.

Abstract: An integrated doubling and twisting method includes the step of arranging at least two supply bobbins coaxially above one another in a protective pot of a bobbin support. The at least two supply bobbins are connected to one another, and the bobbin support together with the at least two supply bobbins is rotated. The individual spun yarns from the bobbin supports are removed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the bobbin support. One of the individual spun yarns is removed in clockwise direction and another one of the individual yarns is removed in counterclockwise direction. This feature can also be applied to a method in which a balloon limiter is provided and the individual yarns are guided through a hollow spindle axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing thick/thin effects in a filament yarn, whereby between inlet and outlet gallets or pairs of pinch rollers, in a stretching zone, the filament yarn contacts the periphery of at least one rotating disk which is heated and is formed with at least one region of reduced radius in which there is no contact between the filament yarn and the disk. The filament yarn is thereby stretched only in regions in which it is heated by contact with the disk periphery and remains thick in those regions in which it is unheated because of the presence of the recess.

Abstract: A cord comprising at least a first pair and a second pair of wires (2a, 2b) of different diameter randomly disposed in transverse cross section thereof, is obtained by arranging in a nacelle (7) of a double-twisting laying machine, a twister (16) operating upstream of a preformer (15). The twister (16), rotating in a direction opposite to that of the impeller (5) and at a speed which is twice that of the impeller, neutralizes the internal torsional stresses induced in the wires (2a, 2b) by effect of the double twisting carried out upon the action of the impeller itself. Thus, a better control of the preforming operation executed on the wires (2a, 2b) disposed parallel in respectively coplanar axes is enabled.

Abstract: A block connecting link for round steel chains includes two identical stirrup-like link halves each having an essentially rectangular cross-section and a rear surface without projections, planar side surfaces, convexly curved end surfaces and receiving means for round chain links located adjacent the transverse middle plane and facing the middle plane of division between the link halves. At one end of each link half is provided a projection which protrudes beyond the middle plane of division, wherein the projection includes a convex bracket protruding at a distance toward the adjacent end surface, and at the other end of the link half a projection which also protrudes beyond the middle plane of division and has a concave recess adapted to the bracket and arranged at a distance from the adjacent end surface.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle of a variety for dispensing an atomized fluid spray into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The nozzle includes a first fluid conduit extending along a longitudinal central axis from an upstream end to a downstream end portion terminating to define a primary discharge orifice, a second fluid conduit which is received coaxially over the first fluid conduit as extending along the central axis from an upstream end to a downstream end portion terminating to define a secondary discharge orifice disposed generally concentrically with said primary discharge orifice, and a third fluid conduit which is received coaxially over the second fluid conduit as extending along the central axis from an upstream first end to a downstream second end. The outer surface of the downstream end portion of the first fluid conduit and the inner surface of the downstream end portion of the third fluid conduit define therebetween a generally annular, internal mixing chamber.

Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser mechanism comprises a thrust reverser moveable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of gas flowing through the aircraft engine is redirected in a non-rearward direction and a stowed position in which gas flowing through the engine is not redirected. A thrust reverser lock is provided to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser. The thrust reverser lock comprises a locking element rotatable about a pivot between a closed position in which the locking element prevents deployment of the thrust reverser and an open position in which the locking element permits the thrust reverser to be deployed. A retractable blocking element prevents the locking element from moving to the second position unless the blocking element is first withdrawn.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes converging and diverging nozzles joined together at a throat and attached to a frame. An injection slot is disposed at the throat in flow communication with a transition duct for channeling injection air therethrough as controlled by an injection valve for fluidically varying throat area for exhaust gases discharged through the exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: A method and engine control strategy is described that enables improved catalyst performance after having been exposed to severe operating environments. More specifically, rhodium-containing catalysts are reactivated by being subjected to fuel-rich spikes after being exposed to high temperature, excess oxygen conditions which typically arise during programmed fuel-cut engine control strategies. Thus the present invention represents a departure from current control strategies by providing fuel-rich spikes during engine control modes when conventional practice is not to provide rich-fuel spikes.

Abstract: The temperatures of exhaust gas streams into a black smoke eliminating device are uniformly raised to assuredly burn and eliminate the black smoke at the black smoke eliminating device. Accordingly, the restoration of the black smoke eliminating device is uniformly carried out while avoiding melt damage of the filter. Further, the exit temperature of the black smoke eliminating device is descended by a simple device of lower cost. For accomplishment of the present objects, the heating device and black smoke eliminating device are provided in a plural and divided manner and there are provided a baffle member and a space portion, to thereby equalize the volume quantities and temperatures of exhaust gas flows flowing into these devices. Further, the fuel is atomized into fine particles by injection into pressurized air and the obtained mixture is uniformly mixed into the exhaust gas, so that there are uniformly raised the temperatures of exhaust gas streams into the black smoke eliminating device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an exhaust gas purification device for an engine having an exhaust passage, the device comprising a catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage and having an upstream end and a downstream end, a purification ratio of exhaust gas by the catalyst becoming more than a predetermined ratio when a temperature of the catalyst is within a predetermined temperature range, cooling means for cooling the upstream end of the catalyst, heating means for heating the downstream end of the catalyst, and control means for controlling the cooling means and the heating means to maintain the temperature of a portion of the catalyst, which portion is positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end, in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered fan system for the cooling system of a vehicle. Two hydraulic motors, powered by a hydraulic pump, drive a common fan which cools a radiator. When hydraulic flow in excess of that required to power a single motor is present, a second motor is placed in parallel with the single motor, thereby reducing system pressure, and reducing the power consumed by the pump.

Abstract: A cosmetic storage and refrigeration unit (10) comprising an insulated cabinet (12) having a storage chamber (14) for holding various cosmetics and other small articles (16) therein. A system (18) is for lowering the temperature within the storage chamber (14) of the insulated cabinet (12), so as to keep the various cosmetics and other small articles (16) cool, thereby increasing the life expectancy of the various cosmetics and other small articles (16).

Abstract: An orifice pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) having a pulse tube and a reservoir with a compliance value C is provided with a variable acoustic impedance connecting the pulse tube and the reservoir. The variable acoustic impedance includes two or more variable impedances, which may be an inertance and valves forming variable resistive members, wherein the resulting acoustic impedance has a phase angle that is variable for improved cooling efficiency. The inertance may also be variable to further provide for varying the phase angle. In another improvement, an acoustic transmission line connects the pulse tube and a driver unit for recovering power from the pulse tube for return to the driver to further increase the PTR operating efficiency.

Abstract: A reverse cycle refrigeration apparatus for air dehumidification is employed having an evaporator and a condenser and employing first and a second heat transfer coils for this purpose. Both coils are positioned in the air stream. In a first cycle the second coil functions as the evaporator for cooling and dehumidifying the air stream and accumulating frost and the first coil acts as the condenser, warming the cooled and dehumidified air stream and thawing frost having accumulated on it. In a second cycle the first coil acts as the evaporator, cooling and dehumidifying the air and providing the heat for defrost and the second coil acts as the condenser, thereby being defrosted. Dampers are provided for stopping air flow over the defrosting coil.

Abstract: There is provided a freezing and cooling system as well as a condensing heat exchanger device capable of reducing in size of a condensing heat exchanger device, promoting a cost reduction of the device in a freezing and cooling system as well as energy saving and promoting to keep a global environment, wherein a freezing cycle is formed such that condensing gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure discharged from a compressor 1 is divided to flow, the over-half amount of condensing gaseous refrigerant is sent into an inner box 6 of a condenser 5 comprised of a double-box type heat exchanger of the inner box 6 and an outer box 7 enclosing the inner box 6, a residual amount of condensing gaseous refrigerant is sent to a capillary coil 8 acting as to increase flowing speed of refrigerant flowing in it, liquid refrigerant of low temperature and low pressure attained through condensing, reducing pressure and expanding at the capillary coil 8 is sent to the outer box 7 of the condenser 5 so as to p

Abstract: A floor system having the versatility to be used for ice or in-line skating, ice, in-line, or floor hockey, or any other of a whole host of activities. The floor system includes a number of floor elements that extend the length of the playing or skating surface. The floor elements are interlocked with its adjacent floor elements to form a completed continuous upper planar surface. Supports, having fluid channels therein, support the planar upper surface a fixed distance from a foundation. The upper planar surface has a plurality of holes therein to permit fluid communication between the passages below the upper surface and the region immediately above the upper surface. This arrangement enhances the strength of the ice surface as the water that freezes inside the holes prevents portions of the ice from shearing off. Ice level indicators are frozen within the ice to provide a visual warning when the layer of ice falls below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of and means for producing ethylene by chilling the ethylene plant demethanizer heat exchange train with a refrigerated stream or streams from a cryogenic natural gas plant effective to provide ethylene level refrigeration, by condensing the ethylene distillation tower overhead with ethylene level refrigeration stream or streams from the cryogenic natural gas plant, by refluxing the ethylene plant demethanizer distillation column with a predominantly liquid methane mixture from the cryogenic natural gas plant, and by combinations thereof. Significant advantages in capital and operating costs associated with ethylene production.

Abstract: A flat glass panel 1 for a picture display device of the flat type, is formed by two glass cover plates (3, 5) with at least one glass plate (4, 4', 4", . . . ) between them, and a vitreous frit (8) between the cover plates along the outer edges of the cover plates so as to obtain a box-type glass panel in which a channel structure is present. After heating to the melting temperature of the frit (8), the panel is cooled down to a transitional temperature of the frit, while the space between the cover plates is partly exhausted during the cooling-down phase at a temperature which lies between the melting temperature and the transitional temperature of the frit. Then the temperature is kept constant at approximately the transitional temperature until the frit has become undeformable, said space (13) between the cover plates (3, 5) being fully evacuated then. Finally, cooling-down continues to room temperature, and the space (13) inside the panel is hermetically sealed off.

Abstract: A core/clad glass optical fiber is made by melting a core glass rod and a adding glass rod in separate crucibles which are not concentric with respect to each other and the respective core and cladding glass melts passed out of contact with each other to a glass melt contacting zone proximate a fiber drawing orifice in which the cladding glass surrounds the core glass and a core/clad glass fiber is drawn. This process enables the clad glass fiber to be drawn directly from core and cladding glass rods without the need for a preform or forming a melt from glass chards or chunks, thereby reducing the cost of producing the fiber and also producing a glass clad optical fiber of high purity and excellent concentricity. Chalcogenide glass fibers having a concentricity of 100% have been made.

Abstract: In a broadening course, a yarn feeder of which front and back agree with the front and back of a fabric is used as a preceding yarn feeder, and a yarn feeder of which front and back are reverse is used as the succeeding yarn feeder,(a) the preceding first yarn feeder is used to knit the first fabric, and to newly feed yarn to needles of the opposing needle bed on the lower side of the knitting direction of the course, and to needles of the original needle bed, and(b) the succeeding yarn feeder is used to knit the first fabric, and to feed yarn again to either one of needles to which yarn was newly fed by the first yarn feeder in the above-mentioned step a.

Abstract: Plural carrier rails are arranged radially relative to a trick gap, and yarn carriers are made to run on the rails. In the yarn carrier, a feeder rod is mounted on a yarn rod guide so that the the rod can slide up and down. The feeder rod is pushed up by a spring coil, and the feeder rod is pushed down by a catching member toward the trick gap.