Abstract: A cushion for use in a shoe sole with resilient, arcuate, load-bearing first and second and central walls. The first and second walls are tubular and are configured for supporting and cushioning edges of a foot. They respectively form first and second tubular portions of the cushion extending generally along a lateral and medial sides of a foot shape. The central wall is configured for supporting and cushioning a laterally central part of the foot and forms a hollow central portion. The central portion is disposed between and joined with the first and second tubular portions. The central wall and first tubular wall are coupled at a coupled section such that vertical deformation of one of the central and first walls is transmitted to the other. The coupling portion has vertically spaced walls that join vertically spaced sections of the central and tubular walls. A recessed portion of the cushion isolates vertical deformation of adjacent sections of the central and tubular walls.

Abstract: A ski or other similar sport boot is provided which includes a boot base for accommodating the foot of the wearer of the boot and a soft inner boot adapted to fit inside or on the boot base and surround the lower leg of the wearer of the boot. The boot also includes an upper cuff attached to the boot base. A closure strap for securing the upper cuff and inner bladder to the lower leg of the wearer of the boot is provided. The closure strap has a non-elastic band attached to an elastic portion. It also includes a securing means for adjusting the length of the non-elastic band and securely maintaining the adjusted length of the non-elastic band in a desired position.

Abstract: A new method of making custom fitted products and products made by such a method for improving the fit and comfort of such products. The invention includes incorporating a hollow, sealed envelope into an apparatus, injecting a hardenable, liquid gel-catalyst mixture into the envelope through an inlet, and using a portion of a persons body to apply pressure to the envelope and allowing the mixture to harden while the pressure is being applied. The initially liquid mixture will conform to the shape of the body part which is applying the pressure, and once hardened will provide a product which is specifically shaped to the individual's body part. The product could be a shoe, a safety helmet, protective padding for various parts of the body, handles on tools and implements, and the like.

Abstract: A ski boot includes a two-part outer shell with a foot part and a shank part pivotally connected with the foot part. An inner boot is received in the two-part outer shell. The shank part pivots between a relaxed position and a latching downhill position, in which it may be locked by a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes an actuating device for releasing the shank part from the locked latching downhill position. A first tensioning system disposed in the outer shell retains the inner boot in the outer shell and it is released when the shank part is in the relaxed position. A second tensioning system disposed in the outer shell holds the inner boot downward against the sole of the outer shell when the shank part is locked in the latching downhill position. A rear flap is pivotally connected at the heel of the foot part, such that the inner boot can be inserted into the outer shell when the rear flap is opened.

Abstract: A snow shoe (1) has a longitudinal support structure or ridge (18) surrounded by a screen (4). The longitudinal ridge defines a plurality of apertures (180a, 180b, 180c), an upper surface (20), and lower projecting surfaces (21a, 21b, 25a, 25b). A detachable blade or knife (30) includes a central projection (33) which extends through the aperture in the central ridge and mates with portions of the lower ridge which define the aperture. The blade includes a rearward extending tab (330a) which extends through the aperture and engages the upper wall of the central ridge. A rivet or other pivot pin (34) pivotally holds a bar (35) to the upper projection of the blade. When the upper projection is received in the aperture, the bar pivots to engage the upper surface of the central ridge. A plurality of knives or teeth (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d) extend downward to engage ice or packed snow.

Abstract: A child's footwear is disclosed and includes comprises-a boot member having a foot enclosing member and a lower leg encircling member attached to the foot enclosing member, a fastening mechanism having a strap and hook-and-loop fastener components for fastening the lower leg encircling member about the child's lower leg, and a signalling mechanism constructed of reflective material. The signalling mechanism has an elongate configuration in the form of an exclamation point and extends substantially from an upper extremity of the lower leg encircling member to a juncture between the lower leg encircling member and the foot enclosing member, a non-vertical orientation, and at least two rows of stitches, one of which is spaced along each side of the signalling mechanism such that the signalling mechanism is caused to bulge convexly outwardly between the two rows of stitches.

Abstract: A flexible insole insert comprises a body having a planar first member and a planar second member secured to the first member. The second member has a heel portion, with a medial portion and a lateral portion, and an arch portion. A foremost extremity of the arch portion passes beneath the second and third metatarsals of a user's foot. An inner edge of the second member passes beneath the lateral cuneiform and a medial outer edge passes under the navicular of the user's foot. The relative thicknesses of the first member and second member are dimensioned to moderate any ridging and creasing effects which might be caused in the sole of the user's foot by the second member. A metatarsal cutout, generally centered beneath the user's first metatarsal joint, has a longitudinal edge spaced between the user's first and second metatarsals and a transverse edge spaced rearwardly from the user's first metatarsal. A longitudinally shaped heel cutout is generally centered beneath the user's heel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a snow trail grooming accessory and method for use with a snowmobile to groom a snow trail surface. The accessory includes at least one cutting member and a forcing member joined to the cutting member and attachable to the snowmobile. The cutting member is forced in a downward direction by the forcing member when the forcing member is attached to the snowmobile.

Abstract: An ironing table is provided having a pivoting clamp that clamps to a vertical panel and also having a braced leg pivoted at an adjustable angle depending from the underside of the ironing table to provide adjustable support for the table, resulting in a cantilever-type support for the same. The clamp, leg, and brace pivot to closely hug the underside of the table when it is in a storage position. An optional hook pivotably mounted to the table allows for hanging storage as from a closet pole.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign having indirect illumination provided by light emitting diodes (LED). A plurality of LED's are mounted on a printed circuit board (PC board) and mounted within the sign. The PC board is offset to a side of the sign housing with the somewhat directional LED light source directed toward a reflector. The reflector is angled to convert the generally narrow directional light source of an LED into a substantially even, diffused and non-uniform light distribution pattern.

Abstract: A label holder including a mounting portion for engaging with a merchandising shelf and a display portion joined to the mounting portion is disclosed. The display portion includes an rear label panel and a second label panel in registry with said first label panel. Mutual lower edges of the rear and front label panels are joined together to form a bottom wall. An upper edge of the front label panel extends beyond an upper edge of the rear label panel. A dust flange extends transversely from the upper edge of the front label panel in a direction toward the mounting portion over the rear label panel. When the label holder is mounted to the merchandising shelf, the dust flange prevents dust and other particles from settling in a label pocket defined between the rear and front label panels. The dust flange also prevents dust and particles from settling on an upper end surface of a label positioned within the label pocket.

Abstract: An article of display removably attachable to an object includes a base having an outer surface and an inner surface. Two or more rods each having a proximal end and a tapered distal end are mounted on the inner surface of the base. One or more notches may be formed in each rod. Each notch is disposed between the proximal end and the tapered distal end of each rod. The article of display is attached to an object by applying pressure against the outer surface of the base.

Abstract: A switch plate picture frame assembly (5) for mounting to a wall switch provided in a wall, comprising a frame member (9) adapted to be mounted to the wall switch with a back surface (10) of the frame member facing the wall and the wall switch, the frame member including a switch cover portion (8) for covering the wall switch, and a display portion (6) disposed adjacent the switch cover portion. The display portion includes a recessed inner ledge (12) defining a display opening through the frame member, a recessed outer ledge (14) partially surrounding the recessed inner ledge, a substantially planar retaining member (24) removably secured to the recessed outer ledge, a substantially planar light-transmissive member (32) removably disposed within display opening, and a planar indicia bearing member (30) removably disposed within a pocket formed by the retaining member, the light-transmissive member, and the recessed inner and outer ledges.

Abstract: A display device for holding and displaying a document constituted by a thin sheet, the display device being composed of: a frame member enclosing a display area; at least one holding element for holding the document so that at least a portion of the document is visible in the display area; and support elements for supporting the frame member in an upright orientation on a horizontal support surface, wherein the at least one holding element is integral with the frame member.

Abstract: An apparatus for threading a hook is provided including a housing and a hook threader wire coupled to the housing for threading a fishing line through an eyelet of a hook such that a pair of free ends of the fishing line reside on a first side of the eyelet and the fishing line forms a closed loop on a second side of the eyelet.

Abstract: A stop is used with fishing rigs having sliding line weights on a fishing line. The stop can be clamped onto the line at any location as a stop for the weight. A long snell is no longer required. The stop can be released as required to allow the line to be reeled in as far as required to land a fish or to store the rig safely. The stop is a hollow body that will not pass through the eye of the weight, and a pin that slides into the hollow body. The line passes through a transverse bore through the pin. When the pin is drawn into the bore in the body, the line is jammed between the pin and the body, to clamp the stop in place. The pin may have a head on one end to capture the stop body between the line passing through the transverse bore and the pin head. With this arrangement, the stop may be self releasing. Sufficient tension applied to the line will pull the pin end out of the body. The stop will come free to slide along the line. Alternatively the stop may be set up for manual release.

Abstract: A mechanical device for killing fire ants by the introduction of hot water and steam to the fire ant mound. The invention uses a hydraulic cylinder to ram a metal probe deep into an ant mound. The probe has a plurality of orifices which emit jets of hot water and steam, thereby scalding and killing the ant queen before she can be removed to safety. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is adapted to be mounted on an agricultural tractor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edging strip with integrally molded stakes. The strip of the invention is a single, integrally molded piece, greatly simplifying construction, packaging, shipping, and assembly by the end user. Each strip will present an independent and usable item containing within the one piece the components necessary to position and attach the strip within the ground and to link it with other strips as desired. The integral stakes each also have broad top surfaces which provide a hammering surface for inserting the strip within the ground. The strip uses interlocking semi-stakes at its end points to connect with other strips, providing a full hammering surface when interlocked and providing anchoring points at the points of connection. The disclosed invention may also include support ribs with catches or ledges which act to resist the effects of frost heave and reduce unintentional removal of the strip from the ground.

Abstract: A pull-pull power sliding window assembly is disclosed, comprising a frame, a sliding pane slidable within the frame, and a pull-pull cable assembly for moving the sliding pane between a open and a closed position. The pull-pull cable assembly comprises a drive motor, a drive drum, and drive cable comprising a cable and a semi-rigid conduit wrapped around the cable, connecting the drive drum to the sliding pane for pulling the sliding pane back and forth. A retainer is mounted on the drive motor, a plunger is slidably received into an opening of the retainer, and the drive cable is routed through the plunger and into the retainer opening. A spring is positioned between the retainer and the plunger and is movable from an expanded condition where the plunger is biased away from the retainer and the drive cable is biased away from the sliding pane, and a compressed condition where the plunger is closer to the retainer and the drive cable extends further out of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus having a sliding leaf, a slide member, at least two rail wheels mounted on respective spindles, a mounting mechanism affixed to the slide member and extending in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the sliding leaf, and fixing lugs affixed to and extending outwardly from a lower edge of the slide member at respective ends of the slide member. The slide member is a casing having two sets of recesses. The recesses in each set of recesses increase in height from a center of the casing to a respective end of the casing. The recesses in each set extend from the lower edge of the casing towards an upper wall of casing. The spindles have ends received by respective recesses of the two sets of recesses. The recesses have a narrowing so as to lock onto a respective end of the spindles. The casing is secured in a slot formed in a lower edge of the sliding leaf. The mounting mechanism enables the casing to rock within the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss arch which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a single piece of fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss arch is made up of sections comprising tubular upper and lower arctuate truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates on each end of the sections are attached such that the top edge of said coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss arch and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss arch. The truss arch is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A cable braced, open air chapel or meeting hall is formed from a series of cables interconnected to each other in countertension to provide a rigid structural support to provide basic definition for the building structure. One set of cables is preferably tensioned through weights or spring assemblies imparting tension in the downward direction in turn transmitted to the second set of cables in countertension. The second set of cables may extend upwardly in a curved configuration for connection to the upper end of a support tower. The cables slidably pass through the tower through a series of passageways formed in a honeycomb-like mounting structure enabling the back ends of the cables to be anchored to the ground in a spread, fan-like configuration. The weighted or spring tensioned ends of the first cables and the ability of the second cables to pass slidably through the tower support enable the cabled arrangement to breathe as a result of thermally induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An eaves beam for use in constructing a conservatory roof has a channel therein for receiving a bolt for securing a glazing bar to the eaves beam, and a bolt received in the channel, the bolt having a head pivotable in the channel in order to vary the angle of a glazing bar secured by the bolt relative to the eaves beam.

Abstract: Eave cladding which overlies the eave of a building, without overlying the roof of the building. A vertical portion, having a top, bottom, interior face, and exterior face overlies a sub-fascia, with a top and bottom. The interior face of the vertical portion is disposed adjacent the sub-fascia. The top of the vertical portion extends at most to the top of the sub-fascia, and the bottom of the vertical portion extends past the bottom of the sub-fascia. A horizontal lip is disposed at the top of the vertical portion, and forms a ninety degree angle with the vertical portion. The horizontal lip extends outwards from the exterior face of the vertical portion. An underlying portion is disposed at the bottom of the vertical portion, and forms a ninety degree angle with the vertical portion. The underlying portion extends inwards from the interior face of the vertical portion.

Abstract: A window assembly of the type having at least one sash which is slidably mounted between a pair of jambs defining a window case, wherein the sash includes jamb-engaging side members (i.e., stiles) which have generally flat edges. The flat or flush sides of the sash stiles allow the sash to be easily pivoted away from the plane of the window case, without pushing on, or deforming, the jamb liners, thus overcoming problems generally associated with conventional sash having recess or plows configured to be interfitted with protruding ridge-like channels projecting outwardly from the jambs, as is typically the case with wood-frame windows. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, weatherstrips are mounted to each of the jamb liners to provide weathersealing engagement between the jamb liners and the sash stiles at the sides of the windows.

Abstract: A masonry reinforcement system includes a number of tensioning rods extending from the top to the bottom of a masonry wall structure in spaced columns. In each column, several rod segments are interconnected at each floor diaphragm using a double conical connector assembly. In portions of the wall structure where rod columns cannot be placed, such as window regions, spring tensioning assemblies are installed using a similar double conical connector assembly. Each type of connector assembly is embedded in a pocket formed in the masonry wall structure using a hardenable grout. After installation, the rods are post-tensioned to provide a compressive axial load to the masonry wall structure. The spring tensioner assemblies are tensioned prior to applying the grout to the void in the wall.

Abstract: A carpet stay-nail tool for positively holding an area of carpet to a desired location during carpet stretching and laying operations. A basic necessity during carpet laying is keeping a first section of carpet temporarily secured while the balance of the carpet is stretched and fastened to its permanent position. The invention provides a plurality of nails configured together in a row which can be pounded through the carpet into the underlayment. Subsequently, the invention can be easily pried up and reused with no discemable damage to the carpet. For safety and convenience, the tool is configured in nesting pairs of nail rows so the nail points are covered and a second nail row is readily available.

Abstract: A building system and apparatus for forming a wall on a footing. U-shaped channels and H-shaped or T-shaped members coupled at their sides by rigid links hold foam panels in a desired spaced relationship. Vertically oriented panels aligned and connected by T-shaped members or horizontally oriented panels stacked with and connected by H-shaped members are inserted into the U-shaped channels to form a structure of the desired length. Concrete is poured between the panels and members where it hardens to form a structural wall. The planar surfaces of the U-shaped, H-shaped and T-shaped members enable the members to be extruded, thereby substantially reducing member production costs. Furthermore, widely available conventional foam panels can be used, reducing panel production costs.

Abstract: A muntin for attachment to a construction block structure is constructed of a tubular member having a top and a bottom. A channel extends along the length of the bottom. At least one prong, having a generally triangular head extends outwardly from the channel. The muntin is placed into a grout groove of the construction block structure such that the prong and head are received within the grout and the grout seeps into the channel. Once the grout dries, the muntin is securely held to the construction block structure.

Abstract: Contraction joint rail for fitting in a wall (4) to be concreted and the use of such a rail which consists of a strip-like bar (1) with a device fitted to it forming an injection channel (2) extending over the length of the bar (1). The bar (1) may consist of a thin-walled plastic component, sheet zinc or the like. The device forming the injection channel (2) may be a foam strip (12) applied to the bar (1). The bar (1) may be fitted on both sides with a device forming an injection channel (2) and/or have perforations (5) permitting the penetration of a sealing material. The contraction joint rail of the invention is applied to an area of the wall (4) to be concreted and extends over the entire height of the wall (4), whereby after the wall (4) has been concreted, sealing material is sprayed into the injection channel (2) thus formed.

Abstract: There is described a building component in combination with one or more spacers. The building component comprises a base element adapted to be positioned on a surface of a building structure and a pair of mutually spaced side members which project from the base element to define a longitudinal channel for the receipt of a supporting batten to which a further surface layer may be secured. The building component is adapted to allow the insertion of the or each spacer between the base element and the supporting batten in the direction transverse to the longitudinal channel.There is also described a spacer comprising a base section and a pair of mutually spaced side walls in which the base section of the spacer is adapted to overlie the base element of the building component and extend transversely of the longitudinal channel.There is also described a building component comprising one or more frangible regions spaced at intervals along the length of the channel.

Abstract: A plastic siding panel for forming a weather-resistant facade on an exterior wall of a building, and which is resistant to being dislodged from the building wall by relatively high apparent wind velocities, which are frequently encountered during transportation of a prefabricated building module. The panel comprises a contoured sheet of a plastic material typically having an ornamental facing, a generally flat nailhem strip at an upper end thereof, and an elongate rib located on the nailhem strip. The rib provides additional strength and rigidity which makes the plastic siding panels of the invention significantly more resistant to dislodgement from a building wall, upon exposure to relatively high winds, than conventional plastic siding panels.

Abstract: A angular interlocking floor tile is provided with a generally flat top surface, a parallel bottom surface, wherein the tile includes two elongated sides which converge to a point or short inner side at one end and which sides diverge at an internal angle of less than 90.degree. to be joined at their other ends by a beveled outer edge surface. The elongated sides are formed with a plurality of female cavities located adjacent to each of the sides. Each of the female cavities is positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting member of a neighboring tile of a runner mat whereby the runner mat is able to make variety of turns. Alternatively, each of the elongated sides may be formed with an additional integral interlocking strip having male connecting members which may be used to mate with a corresponding female cavities of a neighboring tile. When the interlocking strip is not needed it may be removed.

Abstract: An elongate truss 10 comprises a framework 14 of spars 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. The truss 10 is open on one aspect and has the transverse cross section of a regular trapezium. This enables identical trusses to be stacked up for storage or transporting an internested manner one on top of the other. In addition, lights 62 may be mounted inside the truss 10 and drapes 72 are hung from one side of the truss 10. A removable cross brace 42 may be provided for connection at the open aspect of the truss between lower longitudinal spars 18 to prevent splaying of the truss when under load. The brace 42 may be stored by attachment to intermediate cross chords 22. A stack 10' of trusses may be stored on a trolley 28 and easily manhandled. A substantial number of the trusses, when stacked, may be stored in a set volume.

Abstract: An electrical powered transmission tower is modified to also support a telecommunications antenna. The tower has a plurality of legs interconnected by lattice braces. A support column is erected within the enclosure of the tower. The support column has a base anchored in the ground on a concrete foundation. The column extends upward through the tower and protrudes through the top. The antenna is mounted to the upper end of the column. Fasteners secure the column to the tower for lateral support.

Abstract: A system of construction based on the use of polystyrene boards for constructing partition walls as well as extradoses, these said boards being equipped with grooves for electrical and plumbing ducts, as well as for the formation of structural ribs, while their vertical edges are equipped with grooving and tonguing for their interconnection. Boards are put into place between the floor and ceiling, with the interposition of perimetrical perimeter strips made of the same material. Plaster with an additive is then used to coat the surfaces of the said boards as a finish which forms an adhesive paste. Vertical fixing strips facing each other on opposite sides play a role in the emplacement of the boards, while plastic mesh is placed at the joints between the boards and walls, to improve the joint and prevent cracks.

Abstract: A modular building panel and a method for constructing the same provides a framework composed of structural members, typically formed of metal, and a backer board typically formed of a cementacious composite for receiving an exterior wall coating surface. The backer board and the framework are separated from, and insulated from, each other by a layer of foam that is applied in liquid form and that expands and cures into a solid form. Substantially no fasteners extend between the backer board and the metal framework to reduce conduction of heat therebetween. The foam serves as an adhesive to hold the backer board rigidly in place at a predetermined spacing from the framework and to anchor the backer board to the structural members. The structural members can comprise U-shaped and C-shaped channel beams for further rigidity and enhanced anchoring. Upon assembly, the backer board and the framework are overlaid upon each other, typically using spacers of a predetermined spacing thickness.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.

Abstract: A stirrup includes a crossbar, a first U-shaped member, a second U-shaped member slidably connected to the first U-shaped member, and a retraction mechanism. The crossbar connects two sides of the first U-shaped member. The second U-shaped member is adapted to slide between first and second positions on the first U-shaped member. The retraction mechanism is biased to retract the second U-shaped member from the first position to the second position. A method for facilitating mounting of a riding animal is provided. The method includes extending a first portion of a stirrup, climbing onto the riding animal by putting a foot on the extended first portion of the stirrup, and retracting the extended first portion of the stirrup in response to releasing foot pressure from the first portion. The act of extending includes sliding the first portion downward along a second portion of the stirrup.

Abstract: A control system is used with an associated mower having a cutting blade, a drive shaft for rotating the cutting blade, first and second drive wheels, and a power train for driving the first and second drive wheels. The control system has an electric clutch for selectively coupling the cutting blade to the drive shaft, first and second handles for independently driving the first and second drive wheels, first and second switches selectively switchable between first and second positions, a relay for electrically connecting the first and second switches to the electric clutch and control rods for mechanically connecting the first and second handles to the first and second switches. First and second handles are placeable into reverse positions. This causing first and second bell cranks to rotate about a control shaft which lifts first and second control rods. When the control rods are lifted, first and second switches are switched and power is disconnected to the electric clutch.

Abstract: Mowing mechanism for lawn mower with a housing (10) and at least one motor driven blade disc provided in the housing (18, 20), on which cutting blades (20, 24) are secured. Pairs of each other opposing cutting blades (20, 24) extend outwardly from the blade disk and parallel to them, wherein each pair is comprised of an upper blade (22) and a lower blade (24). The cutting blades (22, 24) can exhibit shovel like bent edges (32) for achieving a ventilator effect. When desired two identical blade disks (18, 20) can be provided to each other in the housing, wherein the areas of coverage of the respective blades (22, 24) overlap with each other.

Abstract: A yarn false twist texturing apparatus which includes a serially arranged heater, cooling device, and twisting unit. In order to collect and remove the oil vapors arising within the false twist zone, the cooling device is configured as an elongate hollow body, and the yarn is conveyed for cooling in contact with the inside wall of the hollow body. A vapor extraction system is provided which communicates with the interior of the body. In another embodiment, a tubular protective body is arranged between the heater and the cooling device, and the interior chamber of the tubular protective body encloses the yarn and is connected to an extraction device. The advancing yarn may be wetted with a cooling fluid at a location between the heater and the cooling device, to facilitate the volatilization of the oil constituents in the yarn as well as cool the yarn.

Abstract: Wristlet comprising at least three rows of links side by side, the links of two lateral rows with the links of the center row forming modular units articulated between them around transverse axles. The two lateral opposed sides of the center link on the one hand and the internal lateral die of the lateral links of each modular unit on the other hand are interdependent with means to fit these links laterally one in each other in a defined position. The organs for articulating the contiguous modular units are associated to locking organs, elements joining these locking organs to the fitting means to maintain the links of each modular unit fitted one in each other.

Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine having a bypass duct enclosing a cowling with an outer cowling surface and a reverse thrust opening extending through the cowling. The thrust reverser has a thrust reverser door in the opening movable between a forward thrust position, in which the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position in which the thrust reverser door is moved within the thrust reverser opening, which is then uncovered, into a gas deflecting position at which position a portion of the door extends into the bypass duct. The thrust reverser door has an inner panel defining a part of the gas duct and an outer panel having an outer surface substantially flush with the outer cowling surface when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position. The inner panel is sealed against the cowling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts time-resolved sensor signals into frequency domain signals using Fast Fourier Transforms and power spectral densities. A signal, as a means to assess catalyst performance such as a signal based on sensing oxygen concentration in motor vehicle exhaust in accordance with the present invention is in the time domain and has multiple components at different frequencies. The use of Fast Fourier Transforms isolates the various spectral density which arise from different frequency components of the complex time domain signal. The analysis has been found to be substantially independent of operating conditions. The power spectral density has found to be a precise indication of oxygen storage and release of the catalyst and catalyst performance. The catalyst performance can be signaled to the vehicle operator for on board diagnostics (OBD) of the catalyst.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine including a nitrogen oxide reducing catalyst capable of adsorbing nitrogen oxide under a lean atmosphere and a nitrogen oxide sensor disposed downstream of the nitrogen oxide reducing catalyst, the nitrogen oxide reducing catalyst and the nitrogen oxide sensor are disposed in the exhaust gas system operated mainly under a lean condition, respectively. An output value of the nitrogen oxide sensor is compared with a predetermined value, and an operation condition of the internal combustion engine is temporarily changed into a stoichiometric condition or a rich condition, or a fuel is injected upstream of the nitrogen oxide reducing catalyst, so that the nitrogen oxide adsorbed to the nitrogen oxide reducing catalyst is detached or decomposed, and again the internal combustion engine is operated under the lean condition.

Abstract: An exhaust gas temperature control system for a two-stroke engine, the exhaust gas temperature control system including an electronically controlled water injection system. The electronically controlled water injection system includes a water supply conduit section for supplying water to a solenoid valve, and a spraying conduit section for injecting water into an exhaust pipe to thereby control exhaust gas temperature, and hence sonic wave speed within the exhaust pipe. A through-filter is provided as a splitting junction to provide filtered water to the electronically controlled water injection system and unfiltered water to the engine for cooling. A smoothing device in the form of an elastomer hose made of low durometer material or a pressurized bladder is included within the spraying conduit section for maintaining smooth water pressure within the water injected into the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A system for adapting a particular sprag unit to an existing stator of a torque converter having a ring-shaped body with an inner surface and a driving member. The system includes an annular retainer possessing an outer surface which fits along the inner surface of the stator. The retainer further includes an inner surface which slidingly engages a particular sprag unit having a plurality of sprags. The outer surface of the annular retainer is connected to the inner surface of the stator to prevent relative movement between these two elements. The sprag unit also contacts the surface of an inner race which possesses a central opening for meshing with a driving member may include a race having an outer surface which also engages the sprags of the clutch.