Abstract: The slitting assembly includes a grinding wheel with a wide flat grinding face for first cutting a multilayer sheet of soft and compressible, electronic device material, such as lithium-ion polymer material for a uni-cell battery, to a first depth and includes a cutting wheel with a blade-like edge for completing the slit by cutting through uncut layers of the multilayer sheet. The grinding face has a width of at least the thickness of the multilayer sheet, and in practice, the depth of the cut is preferably one half the sheet thickness, which in a uni-cell battery sheet is midway through a separator layer. The grinding wheel is positioned to apply cutting forces to the multilayer sheet in a direction that is substantially parallel to the feed direction to control the application of compressive forces that may compress the soft sheet material and if uncontrolled, may create short circuits between electrically conductive layers.

Abstract: A portable gas grill features a combination of quick heat up and quick cool down in a compact and truly portable self contained grill for camping, tailgating, and other activities. The gill includes a lower housing containing a multilayer metal foil insulation/reflector member, a grill surface, a radiant heating element, and a grill cover with a multilayer metal foil insulating/reflector member. The radiant heating element utilized in the gas grill includes a gas jet burner in combination with a heat radiating tube which contains the flame extending from the jet burner. The radiant heat generated by the radiant heating tube heats a grill surface of 170 square in. or greater to adequate grilling temperatures such as 700° F. and higher.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a cooktop frame with at least one decorative frame strip, which entirely surrounds a one-piece cooktop panel, and with at least one decorative separating strip disposed on a top side of the cooktop panel and separating an operating area of the cooktop panel from the cooking area of the cooktop panel. In order to simplify the construction of the cooktop, the cooktop panel is configured in one piece. The at least one decorative frame strip is formed integrally with the decorative separating strip. The at least one decorative frame strip and the decorative separating strip are preferably made from high-grade steel. The decorative separating strip has at least one bead-like elevation at least over a part of it length. The at least one bead-like elevation has an underside and defines a cavity between the underside of the elevation and the top side of the cooktop panel and the cavity is substantially filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a cooking appliance includes one or more slidable vent hoods arranged in a tabletop extending above a heating surface of a cooking appliance to exhaust gaseous byproduct developed during a cooking operation performed on the heating surface. The tabletop is vertically adjustable relative to the heating surface in order to alter the distance between each vent hood and the heating surface. Each vent hood can be retracted within the tabletop or extended to a position disposed directly, vertically above at least a portion of the heating surface. Preferably, a pair of adjacent vent hoods are provided, with each vent hood opening into a common exhaust manifold formed in the tabletop. The tabletop is preferably mounted through multiple pillars which are connected to a vertical adjusting mechanism. One of the pillars is preferably provided with an elongated duct for directing exhaust gases from the manifold to a remote exhaust location.

Abstract: A double reflecting solar concentrator utilizing a primary parabolic reflective surface which reflects incident light toward a secondary surface. The incident light reflects off the secondary surface away from the primary parabolic surface's natural focus point toward a secondary focal point positioned on or substantially near the surface of the primary parabolic reflective surface.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provid. The dilator includes an elongated substrate having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The elongated substrate can be made with resilient or spring material, or a resilient member can be bonded to the substrate to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes an aromatic or transdermal substance, or both, disposed on the dilator to further improve breathing. Ideal aromatic substances include camphor and menthol. The aromatic substance can be disposed in a segregate form or in body activatable composition.

Abstract: A protective pad device mounted onto the regulator valve assembly of a scuba tank to protect the diver's head from injury or annoyance from contacting the valve assembly with the back of the diver's head, the pad having a flexible, compressible main body with shock absorbing properties.

Abstract: A diving snorkel having a mouth portion and a main pipe molded from thermoplastic materials. There are two extending folding pieces and two matching recesses on the upper end. After the two folding pieces are pressed into the recesses by the external force, an anti-water piece is formed.

Abstract: A resuscitator having a collapsible bag with an inlet for attachment to a source of oxygen. The collapsible bag has a major outlet and a minor outlet. The major outlet is connected to a first arm of a three-armed connector. The minor outlet is attached to a flexible tube which, in turn, may either be connected to an adapter that is connected to the second arm of the three-armed connector or to a nebulizer or aerosolizer that is attached to the second arm of the three-armed connector. The third arm of the three-armed connector is connected to a housing containing a one-way valve to permit the flow of oxygen away from the collapsible bag and to preclude the flow of liquids and gases toward the collapsible bag. Preferably, the housing also contains, between the one-way valve and the second end of the housing, an exhaust aperture; and the exhaust aperture is preferably covered by a filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective sleeve for a chronically-implanted intravenous (IV) site. The sleeve is made of a prophylactic waterproof material, and is normally worn by a person while showering to prevent moisture from invading the IV site. The sleeve in one embodiment has two elastomeric beads which form a watertight seal between a person's arm and the beads, and the sleeve billows in its mid-section so that it does not snag the catheter. The sleeve in another embodiment has a binding at one end and at least a binding at the other end integrally formed in the sleeve or in another embodiment a plurality of indentations axially spaced on a tapered portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: Emergency support for stabilization of individual limbs or body parts for transport or for performance of surgical-treatment measures, including a granulate-filled cushion (1) which is provided with a valve (2) for purposes of alternating evacuation and filling, and which allows at least partial surrounding of the limb or body part, made of two lengths of airtight flexible material which are connected on their edges, in which within the cushion interior which contains the granulate there are chokes (7) to prevent the free flow of granulate and the cushion in the middle area of its outer surface which faces away from the body after application is provided with a Velcro strip border (8) as part of a Velcro-pile connector, for fixation on a solid structure.

Abstract: A cigarette testing apparatus includes a ventilation-characteristic measuring section having a ventilation vessel which is disposed horizontally so as to reduce the vertical dimension of the apparatus. A cigarette is supplied in a horizontal position from a cigarette supplying section to a weight measuring section where the cigarette weight is measured. The cigarette ejected therefrom is transferred to a circumference measuring section, a ventilation-characteristic measuring section and a length/hardness measuring section in this order in a condition that the horizontal position is kept unchanged. In these sections, the circumference, ventilation characteristic, length and hardness of the cigarette are measured in sequence.

Abstract: A liquid-reservoir hairbrush that is capable of evenly dispersing water-based solutions and other thin and non-viscous liquids over the user's scalp during routine hair brushing. Absorbent filler unit(s) are placed into a chamber of the hairbrush body and absorbent feed rods are placed into bores of the hairbrush bristles. The hairbrush can be provided with roller-ball or felt-tipped nozzles mounted at distal ends of the hairbrush bristles. The absorbent feed rods interconnect the absorbent filler unit(s) and the nozzles, and the liquid from the absorbent filler unit(s) is supplied to the absorbent feed rods and then to the nozzles. The chamber of the hairbrush body can be divided into multiple, hermetically isolated sections. The hairbrush body can have an optional filler inlet and can come with an optional liquid refilling unit which can hold a predetermine volume of the liquid.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus and method allow unskilled users to create attractive and intricate hairstyles easily and quickly. The apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape, is hollow, and has open ends. The apparatus is provided with a longitudinal split, allowing the cylinder to be opened and placed about the base of a pony tail. In use, the apparatus surrounds the pony tail adjacent to the wearer's scalp, and the pony tail extends completely through its interior, generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The inner surface of the apparatus is provided with a plurality of radically extending tines. The tines extend into the pony tail to provide a means for retaining the apparatus adjacent to the scalp. The apparatus is further provided with a plurality of holes within the wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: A novel hair band is disclosed. The novel hair band comprises a tube having a pre-determined diameter and having a pre-determined length, said tube being constructed with 140 denier lycra wrapped in a 40 denier nylon, said tube being be rolled from both sides so as to form a hair band having two rings. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for storing a plurality of hair bands comprising a cylindrical member having a pre-determined outside diameter and having a sufficient length to hold a plurality of hair bands to the exterior of said cylindrical member.

Abstract: An array of ultrasonic or megasonic transducers is used to clean a substrate. An interference signal that is the superposition of the signals from each transducer enhances the cleaning. The system improves cleaning by providing a higher intensity beam than is available from uncoupled transducers to facilitate removal of smaller particles. In addition, the beam can be swept across the substrate to provide a uniform cleaning of the entire surface, avoiding dead spots. The system can be adapted for use in a vessel or for single wafer processing with a stream of fluid or a puddle of fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning wafer edges is provided. The inventive wafer cleaner employs a transducer equal in length to the diameter of a wafer to be cleaned, and positioned to direct sonic energy in line with the wafer's edge. Supporting and rotating mechanisms are positioned along the wafer's edge, outside of the transducer's high energy field, and preferably such that approximately 50 percent of the wafer is positioned between the wafer supports and the transducer. Therefore, minimal sonic energy is blocked from reaching the wafer's surface. The transducer dimensions relative to the wafer, and the positioning of the wafer supports relative to the transducer enable the system to achieve an approximately 50 percent edge cleaning duty cycle as the wafer is rotated.

Abstract: A hydroxylamine-gallic compound composition comprises a hydroxylamine compound, at least one alcohol amine compound which is miscible with the hydroxylamine compound and a gallic compound. A process for removing photoresist or other polymeric material or a residue from a substrate, such as an integrated circuit semiconductor wafer including titanium metallurgy, in accordance with this invention comprises contacting the substrate with a hydroxylamine compound, an alcohol amine compound which is miscible with the hydroxylamine compound and a gallic compound for a time and at a temperature sufficient to remove the photoresist, other polymeric material or residue from the substrate. Use of a gallic compound in place of catechol in the composition and process reduces attack on titanium metallurgy by, e.g., about three times.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing glasses and other articles, includes a washing compartment and a plurality of fluid outlets. A tray for retaining the glasses and other articles is positionable in the washing compartment. The tray has at least one fluid directing nozzle which is alignable with the fluid outlets in the washing compartment to permit fluid to flow from the nozzles through the tray and to direct the fluid into contact with the glasses and other articles. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the fluid contacts the glasses substantially tangentially. A method for washing glasses and other articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A parts cleaning machine comprises a housing having a wheel with a fixture journalled for rotation thereon. The wheel comprises one or more pockets within which the fixtures may rotate. Drive mechanism comprising a wheel drive for indexing the wheel and a fixture drive for rotating the fixture at a predetermined location or locations during indexing of the wheel is provided in the housing. The wheel drive is actuated by a motor and a gear reducer operatively connected to the pocketed wheel. The fixture drive is actuated by a motor and an endless belt, or the like, is operatively connected to a drive gear on a shaft extending upwardly from the fixture. The wheel may be moved from a load station to a wash station, where spray nozzles may spray wash liquid onto the parts to be cleaned as they are rotated in the fixture at the wash station.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing a cored head of lettuce includes a lettuce head guide that fits into the cored hole of a cored lettuce head; the guide is attached to a support that has an opening through which the guide projects, and, beneath the guide, a system that delivers a wash spray into the cored hole.

Abstract: A washing machine for lamellar blinds includes a moveable wash container operationally connected to a transportable shower head, which is also operationally connected to a catch basin. For easy handling and transport, the outside dimensions of the catch basin (2) are matched to the inside dimensions of the wash container (1). The catch basin (2) is constructed such that it can be inserted into the wash container (1).

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning vertically suspended lamellar blinds in collapsed state, is provided having a supply unit with a moveable supply container and functional elements for generating a fluid stream as well as a suspended spay device which is supported by the lamellae and comprises a spray head and a jacket foil enclosing the lamellar blind. The supply container is designed to be used separately with a washing solution or a rinse solution and is equipped with a pump, a pressurized line leading to the spray head and a return line. The pressurized line comprises a dual manifold disposed at the top and the return line has a connection at the top as well as a connection at the bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning both sides of a substrate, incorporating a spin chuck for holding a substrate such that contact with at least a central portion of the substrate is prevented, a motor having a hollow shaft connected to the spin chuck to transmit rotating force to the spin chuck, a front-side cleaning mechanism for cleaning a surface of the substrate held by the spin chuck, and a back-side cleaning mechanism for rinsing a back side of the substrate held by the spin chuck, wherein the back-side cleaning mechanism is disposed to face the back side of the substrate held by the spin chuck through hollow portions of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: The present invention prevents deposition on product wafers of microbubbles generated from chemical solution circulation systems for wet etching or wet cleaning, or pure water supply systems during manufacturing processes of semiconductors or liquid crystals. A separator is provided on the inner wall of a chemical solution bath for etching or cleaning wafers to cover a process solution nozzle. The separator comprises an upper microbubble discharge tube extending upright for discharging microbubbles and lower outlets for horizontally introducing a process solution into the process bath.

Abstract: A wind-resistant umbrella. The wind-resistant umbrella includes a holder cord (8) that is arranged offset with the stretcher (3) so that the cord (8) does not contact with the stretcher (3), thus avoiding any friction that may occur on an interface therebetween during the closing or opening of the umbrella. The wind-resistant umbrella includes an upper catch (10) that is selectable from designs that vary in resistance to wind. The wind-resistant umbrella includes a runner (4) having an enlarged pushing body (14) provided with guide grooves (18, 18′) that allow the runner (4) to pass therethrough downwardly along the shaft (1), thereby preventing the runner (4) from hitting against the upper catch (10).

Abstract: A protective covering device having a weather-resistant sheet of material wound about a spring-loaded roller, which material may be extended off the roller and over an object to be covered in a relatively easy manner, and which material may then be spring-assisted back onto the roller during the uncovering of such object. Simple air buffered deceleration of the cover as it settles over the object to be covered is designed into the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: An Adjustable Canopy, for use in combination with a picnic table or the like, to protect the users from the elements and which is quickly and easily removable in anticipation of severe conditions. Furthermore, a new design of Picnic Table, for use with the Adjustable Canopy, which has no significant obstructions to entry or exit and which can be Pivotable, thereby allowing an unlimited range of adjustments to impede the elements, regardless of the originating direction.

Abstract: A boatlift storage net for storing a plurality of items under a boatlift canopy. The inventive device includes a support member comprised of a netting material, a perimeter support secured about the outer perimeter of the support member, a pair of corner straps secured to opposing corners of the perimeter support, a plurality of side straps secured to the perimeter support on three sides, and a plurality of male fasteners and female fasteners secured to the side straps and the corner straps. The side straps are positioned about the side members of a canopy frame while the corner straps are secured about the corner arced members within the front end of the boatlift. Various items may be positioned upon the support member out of view and protected from the elements of weather.

Abstract: An inexpensive, compact, on-site gas storage facility for the storage of natural gas uses steel pipes affixed end to end in a serpentine arrangement. The facility has a compressor, a decompressor or a pressure reducing regulator, a steel pipe storage system, and components for containing the gas in the system, controlling the delivery of gas to the system and expelling gas from the system for use or delivery of natural gas to end users. The facility includes monitors, filters or strainers, dryers, test stations and cathodic protection systems. The gas storage facility is usable in industrial, commercial, utility and residential applications.

Abstract: A control system for positioning a control valve is disclosed. The control system employs first and second control loops, and a plug and seat valve assembly. The first control loop monitors a position or variable of the valve or device being controlled and compares it to a provided setpoint to generate a setpoint for the plug and seat valve. The second control loop compares the measured position of the plug and seat valve to the second setpoint to generate a correction signal to accurately position the plug and seat valve. By employing first and second control loops, the accuracy and responsiveness to which the control valve is positioned is improved.

Abstract: There is described herein an apparatus for charging a fluid line through a coupler such as a penetrator. The apparatus comprises a body formed from a sidewall defining a bore positioned along the longitudinal axis and extending therethrough. The first end of the body forms a substantially flat face. There is a stem positioned within the bore of the body and being movably mounted in the body for movement from a first position to a second position with respect to the body. There is a valve means attached to the apparatus for filling the body with hydraulic fluid. The substantially flat face of the body is fastened to a coupler. There is also an adjustment means attached to the stem for adjusting the position of the stem within the body. A method for charging a downhole hydraulic system is also described. There is also a method for installing a tubing hanger having a production string depending therefrom in a subsea wellhead while maintaining a hydraulically actuated downhole valve in an open position.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control apparatus on a motor vehicle fuel tank including a vapor storage canister, a plurality of vent valves on the fuel tank, a plurality of vapor ducts between the vent valves and the vapor storage canister, a plurality of primary liquid traps, and a secondary liquid trap which cooperates with the primary liquid traps in preventing liquid fuel leaking through the vent valves from reaching and contaminating the vapor storage canister. The primary liquid traps are segments of respective ones of the vapor ducts defining standpipes above corresponding ones of the vent valves when the fuel tank is inclined. The primary liquid traps retain liquid fuel leaking through the vent valves and drain by gravity to the fuel tank when the incline of the fuel tank is reduced to zero. The secondary liquid trap is a secondary tank on the top of the fuel tank interposed between the vapor storage canister and the segments of the vapor ducts defining the standpipes.

Abstract: A movement detector and fluid shut-off device, including a housing having an ingress and egress for fluid flow. The device including a valve shut-off means for selectively blocking fluid flow. The valve shut-off means includes a plunger normally urged towards the egress. The plunger has a front end which is capable of sealing the egress. The device also includes a detector means for detecting movement. The detector means includes a free weight hung on internal structure of the housing defining support structure. The detector means further includes release means which holds the plunger in a first position away from the egress allowing fluid flow and releases the plunger to its second, activated, position upon sufficient oscillation of the free weight.

Abstract: A toxic material pressure relief valve is formed by a valve body having a lateral bore and an inline bore forming a fluid passageway intersected by a valve seat in axial alignment with the lateral bore. A bonnet closes the lateral bore and slidably supports a stop in a fluid leak collection chamber and one end of a valve, with the other end of the valve stem normally closing the valve seat. A pin cage axially supports a collapsible pin normally maintaining the valve stem on seat while the working pressure of the toxic material is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: An air release valve comprising a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve plate within the housing between the inlet and outlet, the valve plate having an aperture therein; a valve seal assembly including a reinforced portion engageable with the valve plate overlying the aperture and a flexible portion having an elongated groove formed therein and at least partially overlapping an edge of the aperture; one end of the valve seal assembly secured to the housing; a float located in the housing upstream of the valve plate, with the opposite end of the seal assembly connected to an upper end of the float.

Abstract: A valve coupler for a quick inflation device includes a sleeve having a longitudinal passage. A sealing member is mounted in a first end of the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve further includes a shoulder formed on an outer periphery thereof. A first jacket is mounted around the first end of the sleeve. The first jacket includes a first end bearing against the shoulder of the sleeve. The first jacket further includes a second end extended beyond the first end of the sleeve. A second jacket includes outer threading on an end thereof for engaging with inner threading of the first jacket. The inner threading of the first jacket and the outer threading of the second jacket are fixed together. The end of the second jacket includes an end face that encloses the sealing member. The sleeve is not moved when the valve coupler is engaged with a tire valve for inflation, thereby preventing damage to the sealing member.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided that can produce a relatively constant outlet pressure over a range of flow rates. A spring backed diaphragm reacts against the inlet pressure to produce this desired outlet pressure. To provide a range of outlet pressures with a variety of inlet pressures, a spring may be selected from a set of springs having different strength characteristics. The regulator includes a housing with the liquid inlet being located at 90° with respect to the liquid outlet and with a dry chamber on the back side of the diaphragm in which the spring is positioned. Thus, it is easy to remove a cap enclosing the dry chamber and position the desired spring within that chamber. For handling even higher output pressures, a pair of springs may be concentrically positioned in the dry chamber of the housing to react against the inlet pressure.

Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises a valve housing, a valve member mounted within the valve housing, and a valve stem supporting the valve member within the valve housing for rotation between open and closed positions. At least one magnet is mounted on the valve stem for rotation with the valve member. At least one sensor is positioned for actuation by the magnet to indicate that the valve member is in its fully closed position.

Abstract: In the stem set configuration for a double block and bleed plug valve, the improvement provides an operator which can be significantly shorter and more compact than conventional operators for such valves. The invention makes use of a novel nesting of the threading section whereby a conventional female thread is replaced by a nested male thread surrounded by the translation section. The translation section, in turn, houses the indication section inboard of the nested male threads thereby compacting three functions into one location. This design lends itself nicely to investment casting technology obviating conventional machine shop practices. The invention also combines by use of a long plug stem pin, the plug connection and L slot functions into one location. The input function still remains separate, however, combining ultimately all functions in only three discrete locations and what appears at this time to be the ultimate compacted or nested arrangement.

Abstract: The processing installation comprises a processing machine 12 provided with a tank 14 and a recycling device 22 linked to the tank 14 by a feeding pipe 26 enabling a first pump 24 firmly attached to the recycling device 22 to take the liquid from the tank with a set flow rate, to treat the liquid taken and to send the treated liquid back to the tank through a return pipe 28. The feeding pipe has at least one zone that is situated at a lower level than the tank level and that is provided with two conduits 30 and 32 arranged parallel, and a second pump 34 arranged on one of the two conduits 30 as to automatically un-primed the first pump 24.

Abstract: A directional control valve comprises a spool which is movable in a chamber and which carries shear seals urged against a respective wall of the chamber, the spool being movable between a first position in which a fluid supply inlet is in communication with a functional outlet and a second position in which the fluid supply inlet is cut off from the functional outlet, and a safety piston which is spring-loaded towards engagement with the spool in a sense to move the spool to the second position. An intermediate piston is interposed between the spool and the safety piston so that the intermediate piston can allow relative movement between itself and the spool. The chamber includes a port coupled to a pressure transducer which can monitor the position of the valve spool or the function line pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping fluid flow comprises a body having upstream and downstream ends and formed with a characterizing channel. The characterizing channel has a first cross-section adjacent the upstream end that gradually changes to a second cross-section adjacent the downstream end that is different in configuration from the first cross-section.

Abstract: Novel packers for repairing ruptures in straight-line conduit systems as well as lateral conduit lines are described and illustrated herein.

Abstract: A bibcock nozzle extension for use with an outdoor bibcock is disclosed for facilitating an easy manual connection of a bibcock's threaded nozzle to a hose. A bibcock nozzle extension has a contoured outer surface which conforms to the palm of a human hand and facilitates an easy, manual, leak-proof connection between a bibcock's threaded nozzle and a bibcock nozzle extension. The extra length provided by a bibcock nozzle extension allows a user to easily make a hose connection to a manually difficult bibcock access to provide sufficient space to manipulate the operator's hands when connecting a garden hose to the bibcock extension without touching the wall or the bibcock handle.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant tube comprises a metal tube having an outer surface. A zinc layer is electrostatically bonded to the outer surface, wherein the zinc layer is selected from the group consisting of powdered zinc, powdered zinc nickel alloys, powdered zinc cobalt alloys, and powdered zinc aluminum alloys. Optionally, one or more polymeric layers may be electrostatically bonded to the zinc layer, or to a surface treatment layer, wherein the polymeric layer(s) comprises powdered thermoplastic materials selected from the group consisting of powdered nylons, powdered fluoropolymers, powdered polyesters, and mixtures thereof. Optionally, the polymeric layer(s) may be electrostatically bonded directly to the outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing metal or non-metal vessels, including straight and curved pipes and various pipe connections, such as T's, elbows, swages, etc., and pressure containing vessels such as tanks, with an external composite lining of a webbing of biaxial or triaxial weave preferably composed of fiberglass which is pre-impregnated with a high temperature heat curable polymer composition capable of being heat cured at a temperature range of from about 275° F. to about 375° F. The vessel is prepared for bonding by abrasive cleaning and by solvent cleaning. Metal imperfections are then filled with an epoxy. A small amount a quick setting epoxy is employed to attach one end of the web to the external surface of the vessel in oriented position for wrapping of the web in intimate surface-to-surface contact with the vessel. During wrapping only enough tension is applied to the pre-impregnated webbing to eliminate any wrinkles.

Abstract: A “triple layer” fabric having upper and lower systems of interwoven yarns interconnected into an integral fabric by a system of stitching yarns. Preferably, the fabric is a forming fabric having upper and lower layers of uniformly sized machine direction (MD) yarns. Upper and lower layer cross machine direction (CMD) yarns weave, respectively, with the upper and lower MD yarns to define the upper and lower yarn systems. The lower layer CMD yarns are preferably larger in diameter than the MD yarns. The lower layer CMD yarns weave in a repeat pattern with respect to the lower layer MD yarns such that the lower layer CMD yarns weave in a repeat defined by floats under groups of at least three lower MD yarns and over pairs of adjacent lower MD yarns. Each lower layer MD yarn is in at least two different pairs relative to at least two different lower layer CMD yarns within the repeat which maintains a substantial degree of stacking of the lower layer MD yarns below respective upper layer MD yarns.

Abstract: A gripper weaving machine with a plurality of guiding devices(28) for guiding gripper carrying rapiers (1,2). The guiding devices (28) have two rows of guiding elements (35,36) with two guiding surfaces (37,38) that are associated with the bottom side of the rapiers (1,2). The guiding elements (35,36) are oriented relative to the bottom side of the rapiers (1,2) such that they form, at the side facing the reed (13), obtuse angles (B,B′,C,C′) with the bottom side of the rapiers (1,2).

Abstract: A high purity chemical storage and delivery system and process with secondary containment, comprising; a cabinet for containing a canister of high purity chemical, a manifold in the cabinet for fluid connection between the canister and the cabinet for controllably dispensing high purity chemical; a control unit for controlling the dispensing of high purity chemical from the canister and the cabinet for a downstream use, a closeable opening in the cabinet for allowing loading and unloading of the canister from the cabinet, at least one door for closing the opening, a liquid tight secondary containment door in the opening for closing off a portion of the opening such that the secondary containment door is sized so that the portion is sufficient to define a volume in conjunction with the cabinet to contain the entire high purity chemical liquid contents of the canister.