Abstract: A three piece stair nosing is used in new construction and the reconstruction and repair of stairs, primarily for industrial and commercial applications. The stair nosing comprises a metal sub-channel, a front channel including a tread surface, and a rear channel. The sub-channel includes one or more anchors to be embedded in uncured concrete which, when hardened, secures the sub-channel to the stair pan. The front channel includes a metal base and a tread bonded to the base to provide a skid resistant surface. The front channel is locked into place on top of the sub-channel with locking tabs and is secured to the sub-channel with fasteners after which the rear channel is press fit into place to complete the assembly.

Abstract: A system holds a panel in a held position adjacent to an opening, with the opening being defined by at least a first surface. The system includes a plurality of panel docks mounted on the at least first surface about the opening, with at least two of the panel docks being positioned on substantially diametrically opposite sides of the opening. Each of the panel docks includes: a base; an intermediate portion mounted on the base and having an aperture in which securing means is positioned to secure the base to the at least first surface adjacent to the opening; and an arm extending from the intermediate portion for applying a force to a respective portion of the panel to hold the respective portion between the arm and the at least first surface. The panels are secured by the panel docks to cover the opening without the need for fasteners or securing mechanisms directly engaging the panels and without the panel docks being visible.

Abstract: A mounting device for holding a first panel within an aperture in a second panel includes two frames. The first frame has subconnectors with hook structures. The second frame is formed as a U-shape with flanges extending at angles greater than 90.degree. from the arms of the U-shape. When the two frames are connected to each other by virtue of the interaction of the hook structures and apertures in the arms of the U-shaped structure, the U-shaped structure exerts spring-like pressure on both the wall panel and the window being held within the wall panel.

Abstract: A wire management system for use with furniture panels and being especially useful for the management of voice and data wiring includes a support plate and a plurality of vertically arranged rows of slots for receiving mounting blocks for patch panel brackets and the like. The slots may be provided in the plate itself or in a series of channel members attached to the plate. The blocks can be rotated 90 degrees to facilitate the connection of wiring to wiring connection devices when the blocks are in a first position and to a second position in which the wires and associated equipment occupy a minimum amount of space. The cover for the wire management system is preferably hinged at the top or side. A lock may be provided therefore for security, and a prop rod may be provided to hold the cover in an open position. In a most preferred embodiment, the plate may be adjusted using telescoping components to accommodate different size openings in the furniture module.

Abstract: A plumbing system, a slab therewith and a bowl for a plumbing system have been invented, the bowl, in one aspect having an outer side wall, the outer side wall being generally cylindrical in shape with a hollow interior and having a height and a top opening, an inner wall, the inner wall being generally cylindrical and having a hollow interior, the inner wall having a top opening and a bottom opening and a height equal to or less than the height of the outer side wall, a bottom wall comprising a generally circular ring, the bottom wall having an outer edge contacting a lower edge of the outer side wall and an inner edge contacting a lower edge of the inner wall, the bottom wall spacing apart the outer side wall from the inner wall around a circumference of the bowl, wherein the bottom opening of the inner wall is sized for receiving a pipe member, a coupling member positioned with a portion thereof within the bottom opening of the inner wall of the bowl, and a cap over the bowl.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerated flooring system for use athletic arenas or gymnasiums. The flooring system includes a top layer that provides a surface for the activities to be conducted on the floor. The system also includes at least one ventilation device. The ventilation device covers an air flow shaft within the flooring system, helping to prevent debris from falling in the air flow shaft, but allowing air to flow through the ventilation device. The ventilation device allows air to ventilate out of the flooring system. A support layer below the top layer provides support to the flooring system. A ventilation layer below the flooring is sized to allow air movement through the layer. The air flow shafts allow air to travel from the ventilation layer to the ventilation device. A base is below the ventilation layer and provides support for the flooring system above. A blowing device is controlled by a computer system that monitors the system using sensors.

Abstract: A sub-floor system for installing a monolithic slab using precast cementitious sub-floor panel sections. The panel sections are placed over the spaced-apart, parallel joists of the floor frame. Each panel has beveled edges which abut the beveled edges of its adjacent panels. The beveled edges between adjacent panel sections thus define a V-shaped seam area. Importantly, the panels are dimensioned such that the beveled panel edges running parallel to the joists are substantially on center over the joists. This allows for the insertion of anchors through the seam areas and into the joists. The anchors are only partially implanted into the joists so that the anchor heads project upwardly between the panel sections. The seam areas are then filled with an adhesive filler material, resulting in a high strength monolithic slab.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system has a plurality of ceiling panels and a plurality of clips holding the ceiling panels to the ceiling runners. Each ceiling panel has two opposed surfaces and four sides with at least two sides having an extended edge each of which are substantially perpendicular to one of the opposed surfaces. Each extended edge has at least one protruding lip.The upper portion of each clip has a flange to attach the clip to a ceiling surface by suitable means which goes through the flange and penetrates the ceiling. The lower portion of each clip has two opposed, protruding members which are substantially perpendicular to the ceiling surface when the clip is attached to the ceiling. At least one of the protruding members has a groove shaped to receive the protruding lip of the ceiling panel.

Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A supporting structure for modular building units comprising a pre-cast reinforced pre-insulated concrete slab. The supporting structure is a rectangular multi-bayed structural unit, suitable for use as a floor system or a roof, supported by composite pre-cast concrete beams integrated from the upper surface to the lower surface of the unit. At least a pair of pre-cast reinforced longitudinal beams run parallel to the length of the structure. Pre-cast reinforced composite crossbeams or purlins run in the transverse direction at regular intervals. The beams and purlins have integrated deformed reinforcing bar steel, and may include steel channel bottom reinforcement. An upper reinforcement of wire mesh is provided near the surface, welded to the reinforcing rods at intervals. The steel channel bottom reinforcement includes a plurality of spaced apart upright steel studs welded at regular intervals along the channel.

Abstract: A system for preventing damage to a building or other structure during severe meteorological conditions (high wind) or geological (seismic) activity. The system includes a tiedown bracket for securing a roof or wall panel to an underlying support member, e.g., a truss or joist, and a stud connector for attaching the stud perpendicularly to its support beam. The bracket enwraps three sides of the support member and is gusseted on each side of the support member. The gussets have extension portions which extend through joints between the roof or wall panels and then are bent over to hold down the panels so they bear on the support member. The stud connector engages three sides of a stud support beam and four sides of the stud. The bracket and connector can have particular anchors integral with the plates forming them such that conventional fastening means, e.g., nailing, can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A beam structure designed to be subjected to at least one bending load defining therealong an envelope curve of bending moments (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) comprising at least one first portion in which the bending moments are of a first sign, at least one second portion in which the bending moments are of a second sign opposite to the first, and at least one third portion in which the bending moments are of the first sign or the second sign or are zero. The beam structure includes a first body (11) whose height and length are also those of the beam structure, and a second body (13) joined sideways to the first body (11) along the full length thereof.

Abstract: A controller for propelling a carriage along a plurality of purlins, and method of using same are disclosed. A plurality of carriage sections are joined to form a continuous carnage spanning a plurality of purlins. A plurality of puller assemblies are attached to selective ones of the carriage sections. A controller is connected to the plurality of puller assemblies. The controller can be actuated to a master control mode which simultaneously engages the plurality of puller assemblies, thereby propelling the carriage along the purlins. The controller can also be selectively actuated to a selective mode which engages one of the puller assemblies.

Abstract: An impact resistant window including a frame holding a a glass composite structure including first and second glass sheets secured to each other with a middle plastic layer. The first, outer glass sheet has a larger perimetrical dimension than the second, inner glass sheet and the second glass sheet is centered on the first sheet to define a peripheral mounting portion of the first glass sheet. A resilient sealant material, such as silicone caulking, fills a space between the peripheral mounting portion of the first glass sheet and the frame structure.

Abstract: Sealing and severing equipment for packaging articles like candy pieces and the like in flexible packaging sheet material. The equipment including a table extending between longitudinal and transverse sealing means where the bottom ends of sheet material draped over articles sequentially delivered to the table inlet are subsequently longitudinally sealed and then transversely sealed and severed at the opposite ends of the wrapped articles. A pair of horizontally spaced confronting conveyors are provided on opposite longitudinal sides of said table and carrying corresponding spaced pairs of confronting fingers to be moved along opposite sides of and along the length of said table.

Abstract: Method and device for sealing closure clips between a stamp and a bottom tool, wherein the sealing distance between stamp and bottom tool is monitored by a sensor.

Abstract: A packaging machine for processing a carton blank received from a magazine into a formed, filled and sealed carton package. The packaging machine includes an infeed sterilizer mechanism, a carton lift, a form and fill carousel and a sealing mechanism. The infeed sterilizer sterilizes an erected carton blank having an open top end and an open bottom end, and is disposed on a first level of the packaging machine. The carton lift lifts sterilized cartons from the infeed sterilizer mechanism on the first level to a second level. The form and fill carousel is located on the second level and has a central turret with a plurality of filling mandrels connected thereto. Each of the filling mandrels is in flow communication with a product supply and fills the carton as it is lowered for sealing. The sealing jaw mechanism is disposed to receive a filled carton from a mandrel on the form and fill carousel and to seal an open end of the carton.

Abstract: A unit for supplying blanks on a packing machine, wherein a wheel, rotating about a respective axis, continuously feeds a blank pickup head along an endless path through a loading station where the pickup head, oscillating with respect to the wheel about an axis parallel to the axis of the wheel, engages a bottom opening of a blank store to withdraw a blank, and then through an unloading station where the pickup head, rotating together with the wheel, feeds the blank onto a conveyor roller.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of material about an article and for automatically fastening the sheet of material about the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the sheet of material formed about the article.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: The band 10 which stores little parts 20 in many storing dents 14 arranged along a longitudinal direction and packs the little parts 20 by covering surfaces of the storing dents 14 with a cover tape 30, and is made of a flexible material having a compress-forming nature, and comprises storing dents 14 which are compress-formed from a surface to a fixed depth in a thickness direction.

Abstract: A device for molding a container having a first member including an opening defined therein. A manifold member, operatively attached to the first member for channeling a plastic fluid to an insert device is included. The insert devices are positioned within the opening located within the first member, with the insert containing a first slide and a second slide. The first slide and second slide will have an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the contracted position defines a cavity profile. The second member will have a first end that contains a plurality of core pins. A piston is adapted to the second end of the second member for reciprocating the second member into engagement with the insert so that the first slide and second slide are moved to the contracted position. During the reciprocating motion, the plurality of core pins are received in the cavity profile. The apparatus will further comprise heater means for suppling a heat to the fluidized plastic.

Abstract: A feeding device for a strapping machine comprises a feed guide mounted to a frame to receive a nylon strap from a feed coil. The feed guide comprises a housing having a triangular cross-section and an apertured transition member mounted therein which receives the strap feed and directs the strap onto a flat exit portion of the frame. The exit portion includes a pivotal cam lock which engages the flat strap to prevent recoil thereof. The feed guide includes a predetermined internal taper which directs the strap onto a flat portion of the frame despite the angle of the incoming feed strap thereby eliminating problems with shredding of the strap which occur in the strapping head.

Abstract: An exhaust gas filter having a ceramic filter body is configured such that a specific heat h (cal/g.degree. C.) of ceramic powder constituting the body, and a bulk specific gravity d (g/cm.sup.3) of the filter, satisfy the relation 0.12 (cal/cm.sup.3 .degree. C.).ltoreq.h.times.d.ltoreq.0.19 (cal/cm.sup.3 .degree. C.). The ceramic filter body includes a plurality of cells which extend axially to open at opposite ends of the body. One of the opposite axial ends of each of the cells is closed by a filler in such a manner that the closed ends of the cells and the open ends of the cells are arranged in an alternating configuration. The filter traps particulates in the exhaust gas, and the trapped particulates are removed by regeneration combustion of the filter. The filter exhibits excellent durability, thus preventing the formation of cracks in the surface and interior of the filter. When the filter is mounted on a diesel engine, the diesel engine advantageously does not discharge black smoke.

Abstract: A mower comprising a frame, a deck with a discharge located forwardly of at least one cutting blade, a baffle in the deck disposed between the blade and discharge that is spaced from the top wall of the deck defining a discharge aperture in the deck that creates suction and focuses clippings toward the discharge, and wheels coupled to the frame by a suspension preferably of independent construction. Each blade is massive for high inertia, generally planar, and disc-shaped having at least three cutting arms that each have a tab extending below the plane and having a cutting edge. Each arm preferably also has an upwardly extending suction-increasing flap. The suspension has a pair of control arms pivotally mounted to the frame with each arm having a mounting arm extending above the frame capturing a biasing element that urges the arms away from each other to keep the wheels in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with an automatic steering mechanism consists of a self-propelled machine with a cutterbar mounted in the driving direction. The harvesting machine also has generally-known locating devices to scan the crop edge, in particular, the border between the mowed and unmowed crops. The location devices produce signals that are processed by a controller and, via devices well-known in the art, are utilized by the automatic steering mechanism. The crop edge is scanned in at least two variable distances in front of the cutterbar. The controller processes at least two locating signals received in variable scanning distances in front of the cutterbar. The locating signals are used by devices well-known in the art for the automatic steering mechanism.

Abstract: A mower which includes a cutting mechanism connected to a carrying structure by connections wherein each connection includes a device preventing at least some of the vibrations from being transmitted between the cutting mechanism and the carrying structure. The cutting mechanism includes a gear box at which are arranged cutting members each rotating about a respective axis of rotation which is at least approximately vertical during work and the carrying structure to which the cutting mechanism is connected includes at least one connection which has a flexible element.

Abstract: Method for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting vegetation and applying chemicals to the cut vegetation. The invention comprises a housing having a cutting blade rotatably mounted within the housing for cutting vegetation to a predetermined height above the ground. A member is mounted in the housing and disposed rearwardly of the cutting blade relative to the operational direction of travel of the apparatus such that when the apparatus is disposed on the ground in an operative condition, the member extends below the level of the cutting blade for forcing downwardly stubble remaining following the cutting operation. A sprayer is disposed in the housing rearwardly of the cutting blade relative to the operational direction of travel of the apparatus and oriented to spray chemicals onto the stubble after the stubble has passed behind the cutting blade.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame subassembly, an actuator, a cable, rollers and a flexible hinge. The rollers include two rollers located at the outer edges of, and perpendicular to, the frame subassembly and two rollers located in and parallel to the plane of the frame subassembly located adjacent to the flexible hinge which is located in the center of the frame subassembly. When the actuator is actuated, the frame subassembly folds about the flexible hinge.

Abstract: A chopping apparatus for cultivating crop fields that mounts to at least one of the wheels of an agricultural vehicle, tractor or like vehicle comprising a plurality of blades attached to a plurality of spaced arms. The plurality of spaced arms extend outwardly and lock in a fully extended position to consecutively chop foliage and thereafter scoop, plunge and generally penetrate field soil when the agricultural vehicle is in motion and the corresponding wheel is rotating. A second locked arm position accommodates vehicle transportation by retracting the blades inwardly and proximate a center portion of the agricultural vehicle wheel. Each arm is spring biased to facilitate blade impact with a rigid object, such as a rock or the like, by allowing each arm to travel inwardly when a substantial force is imparted on any of the blades.

Abstract: Threads (15) are handled in spiralling or covering machines with improved efficiency by replacing traditional bobbins (20) with double-coned bobbins (10) which include flanges (22) at both ends and by providing that the outside edges of the flanges do not project beyond the level of the unwinding thread.

Abstract: A take-up unit for take-up of a synthetic filament yarn (1) onto a cop (2), with a rotary drive (3) which carries the cop (2) and which causes the cop (2) to rotate at a speed which can be stipulated, with a balloon thread guide (5) which is located in the axial direction at a considerable distance from the cop (2), with a ring holder (6) which surrounds the cop (2) at a constant radial distance with a race located therein and a ring traveler which runs on the race, with a ring holder drive (9) which carries the ring holder (6) and which moves the ring holder (6) back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cop (2) between the ends of the latter, take-up of the filament yarn (1) onto the cop (2) taking place according to stipulated cop generation factors and such that the cop (2), at the conclusion of take-up, has a roughly cylindrical middle area of large diameter and end areas with diameters which decrease towards the ends of the cop (2) except for the raw diameter of the latter.

Abstract: For piecing a yarn end at a spinning station of an open-end rotor spinning machine, the previously stopped feed roller is re-activated for a short pre-feeding period. The fiber beard, which has been thinned out by the still rotating open roller, can thus renew itself. The fibers which are combed during this pre-feeding period are removed as waste when the spinning rotor is at a standstill. After completion of the pre-feeding period, the feed roller is rotated in reverse so far back until the fiber beard leaves the area of effect of the opening roller. The feed roller is activated again for the actual piecing process.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making twisted electrical cable, such as 600 volt secondary distribution (UD) cable, and the twisted cable product are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first plurality of stationary payoff reels each wound with a length of stranded bare wire conductor. The stranded conductors are simultaneously payed off the reels to a pay out accumulator for accumulating a portion of the stranded conductors during replacement of spent pay out reels. An extruder apparatus arranged downstream of the accumulator applies a plastic insulation material to a respective stranded conductor as it passes through the extruder. A cooling trough through which water is flowed cools the plastic insulation. A take-up accumulator arranged downstream of the cooling trough accumulates a portion of each insulated conductor during changeover of the take-up arranged downstream of the take-up accumulator.

Abstract: An opening roller (1) for an open-end spinning device with a rotatably seated cylindrical roller body (7) is encircled by a sawtooth card clothing, (10, 10") molded in the form of a helical coil spring essentially entirely of a commercial ceramic material, e.g., aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, or a mixture thereof. The ceramic helical sawtooth card clothing may be directly positioned on the cylindrical roller body by the use of an interlocking base body of the card clothing or by friction fitting a square cross-sectional base body or the ceramic card clothing may be indirectly positioned on the cylindrical roller body by winding the helical card clothing around a support structure that surrounds the cylindrical roller body.

Abstract: A turbine engine is disclosed that is capable of operating in an emergency power mode, an air breathing auxiliary power mode and a bypass bleed environmental control mode. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engine comprises in working fluid flow order a compressor for compressing air, a combustion chamber and a power turbine for extracting mechanical work from heated and/or compressed air. The compressor and turbine are separately coupled by a shaft which is also coupled to a generator for supplying electrical power and a cooling turbine for supplying cooled air to the aircraft cabin and avionics. The combustion chamber has an upstream combustor inlet and a downstream combustor inlet, each of which may admit compressed air either to be mixed with fuel for combustion, or to pass directly to the combustor outlet which is operatively attached to the power turbine section inlet.

Abstract: A gas flow guide is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to an engine cowling so as to move between forward and reverse thrust positions, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening bounded by a forward edge having a deflector, an opposite lateral side edges, an inner surface of the cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, a forward inner surface of the thrust reverser door tapering toward an outer surface so as to form a cavity opening into the gas flow duct when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, wherein the gas flow guide has at least one guide vane connected to the cowling so as to be located within the cavity when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position and located rearwardly of the deflector extending from the forward edge so as to guide the gas passing through the reverse thrust opening when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position.

Abstract: A cryogenic solid hybrid engine with a solid propellant chamber, a first propellant within such chamber in which the first propellant is in solid form in the chamber and is in fluid form at room temperature, a coolant fluid chamber and a coolant fluid in the coolant fluid chamber being maintained at a temperature blow the freezing point of the first propellant. The invention also relates to a method for propelling a rocket and a method for forming a solid propellant grain for use in a cryogenic solid hybrid rocket engine.

Abstract: To optimally operate a NOx-occluded type catalytic converter installed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, there are employed an air/fuel ratio sensor for detecting an exhaust air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas downstream of the converter; and a control device for controlling an air/fuel ratio of a combustible mixture fed to the engine. The control device comprises a first section for causing the converter to effect NOx-reduction treatment by making the air/fuel ratio of the combustible mixture richer and/or stoichiometric; and a second section for learning and correcting the condition of the NOx-reduction treatment, based on the exhaust air/fuel ratio detected by the sensor under the NOx-reduction treatment.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling having a constant quantity of working fluid, the coupling comprising, a pump wheel and a turbine wheel which together form a working space for a working fluid, a first storage chamber in fluid communication with the working space; and a valve for displacing working fluid between the working space and the storage chamber in response to an external control during operation of the coupling; and further comprising a housing which is connected, fixed for rotation, with the pump wheel, the housing including the first storage chamber, the first storage chamber being rotatable with the housing.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for use in a hydraulic clutch control system including a hydraulic master cylinder and a hydraulic slave cylinder. One of the coupler members of the quick connect coupling includes a central axial passage defining an inlet at one end of the passage and including a diaphragm positioned at the other end of the passage at right angles to the passage in fluid communication with fluid flowing through the passage. The passage further includes a radial passage portion communicating with the central passage and extending to a fluid port for the coupler member. Hydraulic fluid flowing through the coupler member communicates with an inboard face of the diaphragm so that the diaphragm functions to attenuate pulsations in the hydraulic fluid and preclude transmission of the pulsations rearwardly in the system to the clutch pedal.

Abstract: In a motor brake arrangement for an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbocharger having a turbine, a compressor and an exhaust duct leading from the engine to the turbine, a shutoff valve is arranged in the exhaust duct upstream of the turbine and a bypass line is connected to the exhaust duct upstream of the shutoff valve and extends to the turbine to supply gas under pressure from the exhaust duct to the turbine adjacent the turbine wheel.

Abstract: An electric power generating system and method of operation is comprised of a waste-heat boiler adapted to a Rankine cycle provided with turbines for driving an electric generator. The waste-heat boiler uses exhaust combustion products from a fuel-fired device as a thermal heat source for vapor regeneration of an organic heat exchange fluid mixture used in the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: A low emissions combustor can 18 for an aircraft gas turbine engine includes a louvered combustor liner 24 with three arrays of dilution holes 52, 54, 56. The first hole array comprises twelve equally sized, equiangularly distributed holes that penetrates the liner about midway along its axial length. The second hole array comprises twelve equally sized holes, smaller than the holes of the first array, that penetrate the liner a predetermined distance aft of the first hole array. The holes of the second array are equiangularly distributed and each second hole is circumferentially aligned with a first hole. A third hole array penetrates the liner a predefined distance aft of the first array. The third holes are nonuniformly sized and nonequiangularly distributed to regulate the spatial temperature profile of combustion gases exiting the combustor can. The quantity, size, distribution and location of the holes mitigates undesirable exhaust emissions without affecting the performance or durability of the engine.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for an x-ray detector includes a box having an inlet, an outlet, and a drain. A thermo-electrical element includes a cold plate disposed inside the box for cooling air channeled therethrough, and an opposite hot plate disposed outside the box for liberating heat. Air is cooled inside the box for condensing moisture therefrom which is removed by the drain, and the cooled air is heated for reducing relative humidity thereof. The resulting dry air is channeled to a housing protecting the x-ray detector.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system comprising a vessel for holding a fluid at a desired pressure. The vessel has a pressure regulator associated with a port of the vessel, and set at a predetermined pressure. A dispensing assembly, e.g, including a flow control means such as a valve, is arranged in gas/vapor flow communication with the regulator, whereby the opening of the valve effects dispensing of gas/vapor from the vessel. The fluid in the vessel may be constituted by a liquid which is confined in the vessel at a pressure in excess of its liquefaction pressure at prevailing temperature conditions, e.g., ambient (room) temperature. A phase separator such as a gas/vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane, may be associated with the regulator, as a barrier to flow of liquid into the regulator, when the contained fluid in the vessel is in a liquid state.

Abstract: Apparatus to form and maintain a vent between the top and bottom surfaces of an ice core formed by ice extruders is disclosed. The vent is initially formed in one embodiment by a hollow member suspended within the freezing cell of the apparatus with one end of the hollow member forming a seal with a projection on the plunger that lifts the ice core upward during the extrusion of ice. After the vent is initially formed, the hollow member is removed and the plunger and projection begin a reciprocating motion causing the plunger to scrape ice from the walls below the ice core. The continuing motion of the plunger presses the ice chips against the bottom of the ice core and simultaneously causes the projection to seal the bottom opening of the vent, thus preventing the ice chips from closing the vent.

Abstract: A method for separating water from a chemical mixture is provided. In the process of the invention, water is separated from a chemical mixture by contacting the chemical mixture with a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A temperature control device is provided in a refrigerator having at least one compartment (RC or FC) defined by top, bottom and opposite side walls (TW; BW; and SW), and a heat insulating material (12) exteriorly encircling the compartment. One of the side walls (SW) has a mounting hole (2) defined therein and a front surface thereof confronts the compartment (RC or FC). The device includes a box-like console (C), and a circuit carrier board (3) fixedly connected to a rear surface of the console (C). Electric wiring (11) extends outwardly from the circuit carrier board, and a display panel (30) is disposed on a front surface of the console (C). At least one manipulatable temperature control element (31a, 31b, 31c: PB, LED) is mounted on the console (C), and a hat-like console casing (13) having a peripheral flange (10) is fixedly secured to the side wall (SW) in alignment with the mounting hole (2).