Abstract: Decorative mirror frames, each characterized by a typically rectangular wooden frame having a pair of spaced-apart side frame members spanned by top and bottom frame members. Corner blocks overlap the junctions of the side frame members with the top and bottom frame members, respectively, at the corners of the frame. In a preferred embodiment various ornamental designs are provided in the corner blocks and top frame member, and a fluted molding panel is provided on each of the side and or the bottom frame members, between the corner blocks. In another preferred embodiment a mantel shelf or bottom shelf is mounted on the top or bottom frame member, respectively, and in still another preferred embodiment a decorative spindle column is provided on each side frame member, between the top and bottom corner blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powered crimping tool used to secure a cap onto a bottle or vial. The powered tool has a vertical housing portion which the user holds to activate the crimping action. The crimping action results from a motor causing a plunger to move downward, thereby initially closing a plurality of jaws and continuing downward to cooperate with the jaws to secure the cap on the bottle or vial. Means are provided to adjust the starting point of the crimping cycle or the plunger upper limit as well as the finishing point of the crimping cycle or the plunger lower limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging together series of bottles (6) by holder blanks (4) in which each one is to hold a number of bottles. The holder blanks (4) are provided in stacks (8) and are fed via a separation unit (9) to an application unit (3), into which bottles are fed on a conveyor (5) in a required formation (27). When a holder blank is applied, its laterally disposed flaps (39) are bent downwards and, at the same time, fingers (44), integrated with the flaps and possibly additional fingers are pressed upwards by the bottle caps (26) and the bottle flanges (26), respectively, and are moved downwards below their level. At the same time, the holder blank is cut through to obtain individual holders to rows of holders. The invention also relates to a device (1) designed to carry out this method and a holder (4), to be used when carrying out the method and with the device (1), respectively.

Abstract: A method for making weather resistant packaging with high quality graphics on the exterior of packaging material wherein the desired graphics are printed on a thin vinyl sheet with an offset lithographic printing process using solventless, styrene-based, ultraviolet ink on the vinyl substrate. Optionally, a water-based coating can be applied over the cured ink to increase wear resistant attributes of the desired graphics. The vinyl sheet is attached to the packaging material, and an ultraviolet clear coat is placed over the combined vinyl sheet and packaging material. Finally, the combination is cut to form the weather resistant package having the desired graphics.

Abstract: Intravenous solutions are manufactured and distributed in batches by gathering raw materials and components for manufacturing containers for intravenous solutions, and active ingredient but excluding solvent. In a central manufacturing plant, critical steps are performed such as dispensing predetermined amounts of the active ingredient into holders. The products of the central manufacturing plant are packed into shipping containers which are distributed to respective decentralized manufacturing plants where the contents are unpacked, manufacture of containers is completed, solvent is obtained, intravenous solution is mixed, and the containers are filled, hermetically sealed and sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: A system and method for sterile packaging of beverages in plastic containers forms the plastic containers and fills them with sterile beverages in a common sterile environment. The containers are formed from a blow molding process in which the containers reach elevated temperatures sufficient to at least inpart sterilize the interior of the containers, are filled with sterile beverages immediately after the containers are formed in the same sterile environment. This eliminates the need for heavy use of sterilizing fluids for the plastic containers such as hydrogen peroxide or the like.

Abstract: Packaging containers for liquid contents, for example milk, are normally manufactured from laminated packaging material including a carrier or core layer of fiber material which is coated on each side with plastic layers. In order to facilitate folding of the material, this is normally provided with a pattern of weakening crease lines which facilitate the reforming into the desired packaging container configuration. A method of retroforming or calibrating a packaging container for realizing more accurate final configuration, sharper fold lines and thereby for imparting to the packaging container improved steadiness and stability comprises the steps of surrounding the packaging container (1) with a forming device (11) adapted to the final configuration of the packaging container, and of displacing parts (12, 13) of the forming device towards one another so that the free space for the packaging container is briefly reduced.

Abstract: A method of advancing sheets includes the step of advancing a first enclosure sheet with a first scuffer. The method also includes the step of advancing a second enclosure sheet into contact with the first enclosure sheet with a second scuffer so that the first enclosure sheet and the second enclosure sheet create a pocket. The method further includes the step of advancing a confidential sheet within the pocket with the first scuffer. An apparatus for advancing a confidential sheet into a pocket defined by a number of enclosure sheets is also disclosed.

Abstract: To easily position and bond together a preceding strip-like film and a succeeding strip-like film and with improved operational performance, pairs of front and rear clamp members (27, 32, 28, 33) are arranged on a running path 10 of a strip-like film (F). A preceding film (F1) clamped by these clamp members is cut by a cutter (49). The rear clamp only is then released, and a portion of the preceding film (F1) backward from a cut position (C) is removed. A succeeding film (F2) is moved forwardly until the succeeding film (F2) comes in contact with the front clamp member (32) whereby the succeeding film (F2) can be positioned with respect to the preceding film (F1). The succeeding film (F2) is clamped again by the rear clamp, electricity is conducted to a heater (45) under this state whereby overlapped portions of the two films (F1, F2) are bonded. Thereafter the two clamps are released and the running of the bonded film is restarted.

Abstract: A pool box for storing a band which is either fed or reversed is arranged between a pre-feed roller and a band forward-reverse unit. A band guide path is formed by two parallel plates. The band guide path connects the pre-feed roller to the band forward-reverse unit via a pool box. An opening is provided in one of the parallel plates in the pool box. A structure for guiding an end of band so as not to jump out of the opening is also provided. Then, the band is guided through the bland guide path from the pre-feed roller to the band forward-reverse unit without the end of the band jumping out from the opening. After setting the band to the packing machine, the band which is either fed or reversed will jump out of the opening, so that the band is stored in the pool box.

Abstract: A protective lining is intended for use with a girth and the like and is provided with a plurality of air holes and elastic bodies. The air holes are arranged alternately and equidistantly. Each air hole is surrounded by a plurality of elastic bodies. The elastic bodies are provided with an uneven outer surface serving as a skidproof surface.

Abstract: A sugar cane combine harvester having a topper/shredder in advance of a crop divider mechanism with the crop divider aiding in moving sugar cane to a knock down feed roll, base cutters, a feed roll system, a chopping system including a cleaning system, and an elevator system.

Abstract: A ground-engaging shoe assembly is provided for a power mower in which a mower blade is rotated in an upright shaft. The ground-engaging shoe includes a hub support assembly which is secured to the mower housing of the power mower. A ground-engaging shoe assembly is secured to a bearing housing which is located at the lower end of a hollow rotatable shaft, the ground-engaging shoe assembly including a bearing within which the hollow shaft rotates, whereby the ground-engaging shoe assembly is stationary. The bearing housing is adapted selectively to accept different ground-engaging shoes. An adjusting bolt extends through the hollow shaft and is secured at its lower end to the bearing housing An upper tower housing is adapted to transfer loading weight through the adjusting bolt to the bearings. The adjusting bolt is vertically-adjustably-secured at its upper end with respect to the upper tower housing by means of a locking-type nut.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a frame section carrying a pair of ground-engaging wheels and a header section carrying a crop cutting mechanism and pivotably mounted to the frame section. An adjustable link arrangement is interposed between the frame section and the header section, for controlling the angular relationship of the header section relative to the frame section to vary the elevation of the cutting mechanism carried by the header section. The adjustable link arrangement includes a rear link connected to the frame section and a front link pivotably connected to the rear link. An adjustment assembly is interconnected with the front link at a location spaced from the connection of the front link to the rear link, and the adjustment assembly is interconnected with the header section.

Abstract: A harvester especially for grape harvesting that has a picking head which includes a support frame and picking rods of fingers to contact the leaves and stems in the canopy of a grape vine to thereby shake the vines to remove grapes. The picking head includes one or more oscillation aims pivotably connected to the support frame on a respective pivot axis to allow oscillation about the respective pivot axis. The oscillation arms are pivotably connected with a respective picking rod or ringer support by a connection, so that the respective picking rod support is driven by the oscillation arm to oscillate in a picking direction. An oscillation flywheel is mounted on the oscillation are to impart an oscillating moment on the oscillation arm and the oscillation flywheel connected solely with the one or each of the oscillation arms.

Abstract: Process for producing a steel cord for pneumatic tires comprising a bunch of wires, the core of which consists of wire filaments 10 arranged bunched juxtaposed in parallel. Preferably at least three wire filaments 10, 20 are provided, at least two wire filaments located juxtaposed in parallel being spirally shaped as core filaments 10 forming a core 60 and at least one wire filament spirally surrounding the two core filaments 10 as a sheathing wire 20. Spirally shaping the wire filaments 10 is achieved in accordance with the invention by false twisters 40. Due to this spiral shaping of the wire filaments 10 migration of the filaments from the core composite is avoided more particularly. The residual torsional stresses of the core filaments among each other and in conjunction with the restoring forces of the sheathing wire are advantageously cancelled. In addition, the steel cord features to advantage a flattened, more particularly, oval shape.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a yarn from at least two individual yarn components having different physical characteristics so that the produced yarn has a desired visual effect. The method includes continuously supplying at least one yarn component in the form of a bundle of continuous filaments and individually treating the bundle of continuous filaments in a treating stage. The treated bundle of continuous filaments is then conveyed to a collective compacting stage. At least one other yarn component is supplied from a spinning beam or a bobbin directly to the collecting compacting stage and the bundle of continuous filaments and at least one other yarn component are compacted collectively in a collective compacting device.

Abstract: To provide a twisting apparatus in which one of a pair of twisting rollers t1 and t2 is a hollow rubber roller t1, while the other is a hard cylindrical roller t2 in which a rubber band t16 is installed. Twisting efficiency is improved compared to the conventional twisting roller both comprising hollow rubber rollers. Thus, by applying the present invention to a spinning apparatus for manufacturing spun yarn from a fiber set, the spinning speed of the spun yarn can be increased and the spinning range extended.

Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbo-fan type turbojet-engine includes hollow, scoop-type pivoting doors (3) which, in the forward-thrust mode, are integrated into the engine and fan cowling and which, in the reversed-thrust mode, constitute scoop type flow deflecting baffles. A movable upstream visor (23), when in the forward-thrust mode, is situated between the upstream edge of the door (3) and the fixed upstream structure (6) covering the downstream structure of the forward frame (8) of the thrust reverser. The control-driven upstream visor (23) pivots about a pivot mounted on the fixed thrust reverser structure and, in the thrust-reversal mode, uncovers the downstream edge of the structure of the forward frame structure (8) and presents an aerodynamic surface to guide the reverse-thrust flow.

Abstract: An engine operating system includes an exhaust aftertreatment device and a fuel delivery system for providing fuel to the engine so as to cause the engine's air/fuel ratio to vary on a periodic basis. The exhaust aftertreatment device has a window of maximum operating efficiency characterized by storage and release of an exhaust constituent within the aftertreatment device. A controller operates the fuel delivery system and performs a statistical analysis of signals from an exhaust constituent concentration sensor downstream of the exhaust aftertreatment device, so as to assure that the exhaust aftertreatment device is being operated within its window of most efficient operation.

Abstract: A full fluid-linked steering system, especially for use in on-highway steering, in which the system includes a fluid controller (21) including a fluid meter (65) operable to provide follow-up movement to controller valving (87,89), in response to the flow of fluid through the meter. The controller (21) includes a centering or biasing spring assembly (75) which provides sufficient torque that, upon rotation of the steering wheel (W), fluid is communicated to the steering actuator (19) without relative displacement of the valving, thus providing driver with the desired road feel. The system includes an EHC valve assembly (23) which controls flow to or from the actuator (19) in response to appropriate input signals (113,115) to maintain steered wheel to steering wheel registry.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system is provided for a vehicle, in particular an industrial truck, with a hydrostatic traction drive system (16), a hydraulic work system (13) and a hydraulic steering system (9). The invention provides a drive system that is compact and exhibits improved operating behavior during the change from traction operation to coasting operation.

Abstract: A boosted braking system for a motor vehicle having a master cylinder (200) equipped with a main hydraulic piston (30) for causing an increase in pressure (P.sub.1) of brake fluid and a pneumatic booster (22) which is controlled by the application of an input force (F.sub.2) to a control rod (26). The control rod (26) being integral with a plunger (28) which controls the opening of a three-way valve (24). The booster (22) having a rigid casing (10) which is divided in a leaktight fashion into at least first (12) and second (14) chambers by at least one moving partition (16). The moving partition (16) being acted on by a difference in pressure between the first (12) and second (14) chamber on the opening of the three-way valve (24). The moving partition (16) driving a pneumatic piston (22) which carries the three-way valve (24) and contributing to at least in transmitting a boost force (F.sub.1) to the main hydraulic piston (30) of the master cylinder (200).

Abstract: According to the supercharging pressure control device of the present invention, a supercharging pressure of a supercharged engine for an aircraft is controlled by adjusting an opening of a waste gate valve (WGV) of an exhaust gas turbocharger. The control device controls the opening of the WGV to the opening given as a sum of a feed forward amount determined from an atmospheric pressure and an engine speed, and a feedback amount set based on a deviation between a target supercharging pressure and an actual supercharging pressure detected by a sensor. Further, the control device corrects the feed forward amount in accordance with the deviation amount of the atmospheric temperature and an intake air pressure loss from the values in the standard condition and makes the range of fluctuation of the feedback amount smaller.

Abstract: A method of controlling the airflow into a compression ignition engine having an EGR and a VGT is disclosed. The control strategy includes the steps of determining the engine speed and fueling rate and, retrieving desired values for the intake manifold pressure (P.sub.1 *) and compressor mass flow rate (W.sub.a *) as a function of the engine speed and fueling rate wherein the desired values P.sub.1 * and W.sub.a * correspond to desired values for the air-fuel ratio and burnt gas fraction at each engine operating point. The desired values are then compared against measured values for the intake pressure (P.sub.1) and mass airflow (W.sub.a) to generate an EGR valve position command and VGT guide vane position command as a function of the weighted sum of the differences between P.sub.1 and P.sub.1 *, and W.sub.a and W.sub.a *. These position commands are then applied to the EGR valve and turbocharger turbine guide vanes, respectively, to drive the EGR valve and VGT vanes to the respective desired positions.

Abstract: If rotor blades have such form that between them are formed channels which have between their inlets and outlets a narrow cross section, then when the rotor rotates a fluid flowing from the inlet into the narrow cross section accelerates reaching there an increased velocity which is so directed that the reaction of fluid's momentum drives the rotor. The rotor then generates power consuming the fluid's mechanical energy. When the fluid flows from the narrow to increasing cross section of the channel, the momentum is absorbed by the downstream increasing the fluid's pressure. The fluid thus converts its own heat directly into its mechanical energy which equals the sum of the energy which drives the rotor and the kinetic energy of the fluid issuing from the channels, whereat the fluid issuing from the channels is correspondingly cooled.

Abstract: A vapor-driven piston-type engine having multiple stages that may be constructed as a single block or unit. Each stage has its own separate vapor power source and the fluids in each stage are different and have different heat/temperature characteristics such that the waste heat from one engine can be used to drive a succeeding engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine of an aircraft has an inlet fitting, a fuel nozzle, and a housing stem fluidly interconnecting and supporting the nozzle on the fitting. An internal heatshield assembly comprising an internal fuel conduit extends in a bore in the housing stem. An upper end of the fuel conduit has a rigid, fluid-tight connection with a fuel inlet passage in the fitting, while the lower end of the fuel conduit has a rigid, fluid-tight connection with the fuel nozzle. The bore closely surrounds the fuel conduit and a stagnant air gap is provided between the internal walls of the bore and the outer surface of the fuel conduit. The bore can be completely enclosed with a vacuum drawn in the bore, or can be open at its lower end to an air swirler in the fuel nozzle. The fuel conduit can have a single or dual internal fuel flow passages, and a coiled or convoluted portion within an enlarged cavity in the bore to allow for thermal expansion of the fuel conduit.

Abstract: A compact, portable, thermoelectric cold trap for capturing certain gaseous species for analysis in gas chromatographs is disclosed. The U-shaped heat exchanger and T-shaped cold block for holding the adsorbent tube and heater allow the unit to operate over a temperature range from -45.degree. to 300.degree. C. The thermoelectric cold trap is portable and may be retrofitted to new or existing gas chromatographs. The adsorbent tube and heater are also replaceable. A method of assembling the thermoelectric cold trap and a method of operating the thermoelectric cold trap are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved integral cryogenic refrigerator, or cryocooler, for cooling an electronic device to cryogenic temperature includes a regenerator sleeve having a cylindrical base portion and an integrally formed cold well tube. The cold well tube includes a thin outer wall and a longitudinal bore passing therethrough for providing an expansion cylinder for receiving a pressurized refrigeration gas therein. An outer surface of the thin outer wall of the cold well tube has an outer diameter substantially centered with respect to the longitudinal bore thereby providing a circular cross-section to the thin outer wall. At least one facet is formed onto the outer diameter by removing material from the outer diameter to reduce the thickness of the thin outer wall in the region of the facet thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the outer wall.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system and method for delivery of a gas from a liquified state. The system includes: (a) a compressed liquified gas cylinder having a gas line connected thereto through which the gas is withdrawn; (b) a gas cylinder cabinet in which the gas cylinder is housed; and (c) means for increasing the heat transfer rate between ambient and the gas cylinder without increasing the temperature of the liquid in the gas cylinder above ambient temperature. The apparatus and method allow for the controlled delivery of liquified gases from gas cabinets at high flowrates. Particular applicability is found in the delivery of gases to semiconductor process tools.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving efficiency of a temperature conditioning system which employs a cryogenic liquid. A vapor powered ventilation motor is normally powered by vapor from the low pressure end of the evaporation coils. However, supplemental vapor is provided at start-up to provide immediate ventilation. In addition, vapor which bleeds off valves is cycled through the vapor powered motor or used to maintain a slight positive pressure when the system is shut down.

Abstract: In order to produce a frozen, composite food product including at least two components, a continuous flow of pieces of the first component is advanced along a mixing tank in which the pieces are simultaneously tossed and a continuous flow of at least one second component is spread on the first component as it advances through the mixing tank.

Abstract: A process for cooling a continuously inflowing liquid, in particular a dispersion, in vacuo which comprises subjecting the liquid to a flash evaporation in a separator.

Abstract: A heat exhaust system for installation in the space behind the refrigerator of a recreational vehicle for disposal of heat that builds up behind an RV refrigerator from the operation thereof. The system operates automatically to turn on a fan to dissipate the heat at a predefined high temperature, and operates automatically at a predefined low temperature to turn off the fan thereof.

Abstract: A ship with snow making capabilities utilizing seawater including a ship capable of floating in sea water. The ship has bridge controls to control all functions of the ship. The bridge controls are in communication with substation controls, navigation controls, and propulsion controls. The bridge controls further includes snow making and water harvesting controls. The ship has a sea water intake. The ship has an air intake. The air intake is in communication with an air compressor disposed within the ship. The air compressor has controls associated therewith. A snow making machine is positioned within the ship. The snow making machine is in communication with the sea water intake for receiving sea water therefrom. The snow making machine converts the sea water to snow for being stored in holds on the ship. A brine bilge system accumulates brine drained from the snow. The brine bilge system includes a sump and controls for monitoring the brine in the holds and pumping the brine out of the holds.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of a fluid between a plurality of ports including at least one high pressure port and one low pressure port, includes: a base mounting the plurality of ports; and a valve member rotatable to a selected operational position with respect to the base. The control face of the valve member is formed with a low pressure cavity in the central region, and with an annular high pressure cavity in the outer region completely circumscribing the low pressure cavity. Such an arrangement produces a balanced valve construction which permits the valve member to be selectively rotated to the selected operational position, or to any intermediate position, while substantially isolating the high pressure from the low pressure in all its positions.

Abstract: A decompressing device for decompressing refrigerant that is discharged from a compressor is provided at an inlet of a hot-gas bypass passage. The refrigerant flows in the hot-gas bypass passage after being decompressed by the decompressing device to bypass a condenser at a heating mode. In this case, because the refrigerant flows in the hot-gas bypass passage with a temperature that is lowered by the decompression, heat loss at a pipe portion of the hot-gas bypass passage is effectively decreased.

Abstract: The invention entails the use of a positive displacement pump (41) magnetically coupled to a drive motor (42) located in a conduit arrangement (60) which is parallel to the liquid line (22) of the refigeraton system as in FIG. 5. This parallel conduit arrangement (60) also includes a pressure regulating valve (45) that will regulate the amount of pressure added to the liquid line (22) by the parallel pump and piping arrangement (60). In addition, a check valve (47) is located in the liquid line (22) to maintain the pressure differential added to the liquid line. This parallel piping arrangement (60) is desirable in order to allow a constant predetermined pressure to be added to the liquid line regardless of variations in flow rate of the liquid refrigerant. The present invention involves the use of a controlled variable speed drive on the pump meter so the flow rate through the pump will more closely match the variable system flow.

Abstract: A device for use in regulating the flow of a working fluid, such as a refrigerant, includes a body defining an axial opening, and a piston received within the axial opening. The piston is moveable in the body and has first and second ends. An actuator, which in one embodiment, is a stepper motor, is coupled to the first end of the piston for providing a force to the piston. An inlet and an outlet are coupled to the body such that the input, the output and the body define a passageway for the working fluid. An articulating seat assembly is coupled to the second end of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporative concentration apparatus for waste water having an evaporating vessel 2 for evaporatively concentrating waste water and a heater 3 for circularly heating an in-vessel liquid in the evaporating vessel 2, in which the whole or part of thermal energy of generated steam 6 discharged from the evaporating vessel 2 is recovered by an absorption heat pump 29, and the thermal energy is supplied to the heater 3. According to the present invention, evaporative concentration can be effected efficiently in the evaporating vessel by effectively utilizing the thermal energy of generated steam, and also the operation of evaporative concentration apparatus can be performed stably by stably securing heating steam quantity.

Abstract: An indoor grille for an air conditioning unit is provided with a horizontal slot through which a substantially rectangular filter element is adapted to be installed. The filter receiving slot is provided with latching structure thereon which is adapted to latchingly engage mating structure on a horizontally extending structural portion of the filter to thereby latch and retain the filter in its desired position when installed in the grille assembly. The latching structure is manually releasable to facilitate easy withdrawal of the filter from the grille. The latching structure also serves to protect the filter from falling out of the slot under the influence of gravity when the grille is oriented upside down.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing material, such as a beverage, in at least a partially frozen state. The apparatus includes a tank in which the material is stored under pressure and a manually operable valve for controlling the dispensing of material from the tank. The valve includes a generally cylindrical stem and seat. A distal end portion of the stem is tapered at an angle of about 15 degrees. When the valve is first opened, the tapered end portion gradually relieves the pressure buildup in the valve bore so that a sudden surge of material under pressure does not occur in the dispensing passageway to which the valve is connected. An upper edge of the seat acts as a scraper to remove particulate matter from the stem as the stem is moved into engagement with the seat when the valve is closed, thereby enhancing the fluid-tight seal between the stem and seat.

Abstract: A method for generating refrigeration, especially over a wide temperature range including cryogenic temperatures, wherein a non-toxic, non-flammable and low or non-ozone-depleting mixture is formed from defined components and maintained in variable load form through compression, cooling, expansion and warming steps in a refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a shaping sheet including a support frame and a shaping rail supported on the frame. The shaping rail has a sheet shaping surface that conforms in elevation and outline to a final desired shape of a marginal edge of a glass sheet to be shaped. An auxiliary rail having a sheet shaping surface which generally corresponds to a preliminary shape of a selected marginal edge portion of the sheet is positioned along a section of the shaping rail having a sheet shaping surface portion which generally corresponds to the final desired shape of the selected marginal edge portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A bending mold for bending glass sheets is provided. The mold comprises a frame having longitudinally parallel side walls and a bottom. Support devices having support surfaces are connected between the side walls. An elongated member is provided on the bottom of the frame and is movable in relation to the frame. Support arms are connected by joints between the support device and the elongated member. Movement of the elongated member twists the support devices about a horizontal twisting center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a glass stream comprising a first inner layer and a second outer layer, comprising a generally vertical orifice, and delivering glass from a second source such that the glass from said second source provides an outer layer about the glass from the first source as it flows through said orifice. A resistance heated tube assembly is made of platinum or material having similar resistance heating properties and extends from a glass source to an orifice through which the glass flows from a glass source for the inner layer. The tube assembly includes a tube portion having an inlet end that communicates with the source for the outer layer and an outlet end that communicates with the source. The tube portion has an axis positioned at any angle ranging between the horizontal and vertical but preferably has an axis which is more vertical than horizontal. Flanges are secured to the ends of said tube portion, and the flanges are connected to an electric power supply.

Abstract: An optical fiber is rolled by a swing motion of a swing guide roller in order to impart a predetermined twist to it effectively, and its polarization dispersion is suppressed equivalently as in a perfectly circular concentric optical fiber. A method of manufacturing such an optical fiber is also provided. As a swing guide roller swings, the optical fiber is rolled on its roller surface, so that a clockwise twist and a counterclockwise twist are imparted to the optical fiber alternately. At this time, the optical fiber is fitted in a V-shaped narrow groove formed at the central portion of the roller surface of a next-stage first stationary guide roller provided just beside the swing guide roller. Rolling of the optical fiber on the roller surface of the first stationary guide roller is suppressed, thereby helping smooth rolling of the optical fiber on the roller surface of the swing guide roller.

Abstract: A warp knit fabric for a clear zipper has imaginary longitudinal axes arranged in parallel. First knitting yarns are respectively lapped around the imaginary longitudinal axes to form respective longitudinal series of crochets. Second knitting yarns are respectively lapped around every two adjacent imaginary longitudinal axes and advanced alternatively and knitted between a left side and a right side. Third knitting yarns are respectively lapped around every three adjacent imaginary longitudinal axes and advanced alternatively and knitted between a left side and a right side. At least one reinforcing knitting yarn is respectively lapped around at least two adjacent imaginary longitudinal axes and advanced alternatively and knitted between a left side and a right side and overlapped on top and bottom sides of the second knitting yarns or the third knitting yarns, forming at least one longitudinally extended reinforcing zone.

Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a check valve fixed to the lower side of a rear panel of a pocket type filter for confining the flow of the washing water introduced into the pocket type filter. The check valve has a fixing portion which is fixed to the lower side of the rear panel by being inserted into a fixing recess formed at the lower side of the rear panel, a moving plate which is extended from the fixing portion to be inclined toward the front panel and opens/closes the space between the front panel and the rear panel, and a connecting portion for connecting the fixing portion to the moving plate and having a thickness thinner than the moving plate in order to reliably move the moving plate.