Abstract: A portable, flexible humidor for cigars is provided. A flexible cigar storage compartment and a flexible moisture control compartment are connected by a passageway having a staggered series of channels which permit moisture-laden air to flow from one compartment to another while deterring the flow of liquid. Cigars are stored in the flexible cigar storage compartment and a moist sponge is inserted in the flexible moisture control compartment. Both compartments have resealable openings which permit the user to repetitively open and close the compartments to gain access to the cigars and the sponge.

Abstract: A hairbrush includes a handle body formed with a hollow brush seat on one end. The brush seat has a bottom wall, and defines a bristle accommodating space above the bottom wall. The bottom wall is formed with a row of bristle holes therethrough. A flexible bristle retention member is disposed on the bottom wall inside the bristle accommodating space. Each of a plurality of bristles has a head portion connected to the bristle retention member, a middle portion that passes slidably through a respective one of the bristle holes, and a tip portion disposed outwardly of the bristle accommodating space.

Abstract: A mascara brush is disclosed that has a twisted wire core supporting a plurality of regularly disposed radially extending short and long bristles. The tips of the long bristles define an outer envelope of the brush. The short and long bristles are interspersed such that tips of the short bristles form a layer spaced inwardly from the outer envelope. The brush can be made without regard to bristle stiffness. Because the brush can be made without regard to bristle stiffness, the short bristles can have a degree of flexibility for a given length that is equal to or greater than a degree of flexibility for a given length of the long bristles. The brush is made by first forming a brush blank. The brush blank is made by providing a plurality of bristles of substantially equal length between a pair of parallel wire segments. The wire segments are initially twisted sufficiently to secure the bristles for subsequent steps.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a coating from an elongated metal part or a bundle of such parts is described. The disclosed system includes a soaking vessel that contains a solution suitable for degreasing the metal part and softening the coating thereon. An ultrasonic cleaning vessel containing an aqueous cleaning solution cleans the coating off of the metal part by ultrasonic agitation. The system further includes at least one rinsing vessel for rinsing the cleaning solution of the cleaned part, and a drying vessel for rapidly and thoroughly drying the part after it has been rinsed. In the disclosed process, the elongated metal part, or a bundle of such parts, is/are soaked in a solution that is maintained at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to soften the coating. The elongated metal part is then subjected to ultrasonic agitation in an aqueous cleaning solution bath at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to loosen and dislodge the coating from the elongated metal part.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a barrier metal disposed on a metallic thin film for forming a thin film resistor is patterned by wet-etching. The wet-etching produces a residue of the barrier metal. The residue is removed after the oxidation thereof. Accordingly the residue is completely removed. As a result, the patterning of the thin film resistor is stably performed, and short-circuit does not occur to a wiring pattern disposed above the barrier metal.

Abstract: A waste object containing oil has a first opening formed therein at an upper portion thereof and a second opening positioned below the first opening. The first and second openings are connected to a recovery tank. Hot water of a predetermined temperature is held in the recovery tank and is caused to accumulate inside the waste object via the second opening. Oil that has floated upwards is recovered in the recovery tank via the first opening.

Abstract: A parts washer is disclosed of the type having a sink, a drum of solvent, and a recirculating system for pumping the solvent from the drum through a hose or nozzle arrangement for spraying the solvent on the parts to be washed in the sink, and then allowing the solvent to drain from the sink back into the solvent drum. In this invention, the solvent drum is fitted with an extra clean-out tube for withdrawing contaminated solvent from the drum, and a return tube for replenishing the drum with clean solvent. The clean-out tube and return tube are fitted with quick-connect couplings for releasably attaching solvent cleaning apparatus thereto, such as filtration or distillation type recycling apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and drying glasses for LCDs or PDPs while being free from leaving any spot on the glasses is disclosed. In the method of this invention, pressurized pure water is continuously sprayed onto the surface of each LCD/PDP glass when the glass is fed from a washing unit by a second conveyor unit and when the glass is loaded on a spin dryer unit by the glass holding finger of a robot. The method thus prevents the surface of the LCD/PDP glass from being partially dried, thus allowing the surface of the glass to be free from any spot due to washing water. The apparatus of this invention has first and second pure water supply pipes respectively arranged above the second conveyor unit and in the glass holding finger of the robot, with a plurality of nozzles being provided on each of the first and second pure water supply pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting containers, such as elongated, walled containers, such as truck trailers, rail cars, airplane holds, or ship containers, generally comprises a rolling trolley which produces a disinfecting mixture of ozone and water at high pressure and delivers the disinfectant by a hose to a rolling dolly which enters into the container. The trolley supports the dolly at a height conductive for entry into the container. The dolly is manually pushed into the container. Rotating spray nozzles on the dolly deliver the disinfectant at high pressure to the inside walls of the container. The nozzles are directed at an angle fore or aft of their radius of rotation such that the spray strikes the wall of the container at a sheer angle. Hose retrieval apparatus on the trolley retrieves the hose so as to pull the dolly from the container at a desired speed, thereby controlling the cleaning/disinfecting rate.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a first inflow section, provided on a first side surface of a cleaning tank having a substantially rectangular parallelopiped shape, having two inflow openings, a second inflow section, provided on a second side surface facing the first side surface, having inflow openings, and outflow openings for releasing a cleaning liquid flown in from the first and second inflow sections. The cleaning liquid flowing in from the inflow openings forms complex and strong flows in the cleaning tank, thus removing contaminants on a cleaning target evenly and efficiently without nonuniformity and preventing stagnation of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank. The cleaning liquid released in filtered by a circulatory section and is allowed to flow into the cleaning tank again through a pipe.

Abstract: A universal platform support assembly (10) provides for vertical and horizontal adjustment to secure the assembly to a wide array of walker (W) styles and sizes. A forearm receiving member (20) can be pivoted for comfort of the user and a push handle (24) associated therewith may be selectively positioned fore and aft, as well as rotated, for additional fit and comfort. Enlarged knobs (32) that may be conveniently grasped and manipulated secure the various adjustable components together allowing assembly and adjustment to proceed without using tools.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a flexibly elastic and light reflective tip for stick use, which improves the safety in use of a stick. In the present invention, this object is attained by providing an irregular reflecting surface on the upper portion of the tip by forming a cylindrical metal having an excellent light reflectivity by plating or pressing, to have a cross-sectionally serrated or wave form for more reflectivity.

Abstract: A proactive electronic steam trap device, system, and method of removing condensate from a steam plant is disclosed. The device ensures a controlled drainage of condensate to maintain condensate level within a control band. The basic invention comprises and utilizes a steam trap chamber, a condensate level sensing system, a condensate level control system, and a condensate discharge system. Alternate embodiments include an air purge system, a flashing utility which permits reuse of high temperature steam, and an electronic temperature/pressure sensing device that will constantly monitor temperature and pressure variables in the individual condensate lines to verify the integrity of the individual condensate lines that are going into a single manifold of a steam trap.

Abstract: An upright cylindrical valve body has an inlet port axially aligned with an outlet port. A valve member is retained for reciprocal movement into and out of engagement with a valve seat axial aligned with fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ports. A relief port positioned adjacent to the outlet port exhausts fluid that remains in the valve above the valve seat after it is closed. The valve member is normally maintained in a closed position. Fluid flow into the inlet port actuates the valve. A portion of the fluid flowing through the valve chamber is diverted through passageways by a pair of remote controlled solenoid valves to open the valve. When it is desired to close the valve, the solenoid valves are actuated to evacuate fluid internally within the valve so that the valve member is returned to a closed position. A relief valve in the outlet port exhausts fluid from the upper end of the valve when the fluid pressure falls below a preselected magnitude.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be nonaxisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a housing has a weight that is normally centered by springs that yield to impact force components in several directions. This movement of the weight causes closing of fuel valves and opening of electrical switches that reduce the likelihood of fire or explosion in an accident.

Abstract: Inside the casing (1), there are three or more ribs (8) arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to the closing body's direction of movement when closing so that each rib forms a slide-way for the closing body (5) moving from open into closed position. Into each of these ribs there is cut a first groove (10) in which is placed a shaped part (11) that supports the closing spring (9). At least the ribs arranged approximately opposite to the tappet (20) have a second groove whose side facing the seat (7) forms a rest edge (18) on which the control edge may rest when the closing body is in open position. When the fusible soft solder component (21) is melting away, the tappet changes its position in axial direction under the force exercised by the closing spring. Due to this change of position, the control edge is no longer resting on the rest edge, and the closing body driven by the dosing spring switches over into its close position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved mixing eductor (10) of the type wherein the primary liquid (17), e.g., water, is in a main stream (201) flowing in a downstream direction. A venturi tube (51) is in the eductor (10) and has an annular sharp edge (131) in the main stream (201), thereby dividing such stream (201) into a primary stream (179) and a secondary stream (181) around the primary stream (179). The eductor (10) has an air gap (103) and a flow guide (47) downstream thereof. In a specific embodiment, the flow guide (47) is annular around the venturi tube (51) and the tube (51) and the guide (47) are in spaced telescoped relationship. Several embodiments of the eductor (10) and a new method for mixing liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: An air hose assembly for a portable tire pump and having the dual function of air inflation and pressure release, which utilizes the same air hose structure to perform tire inflation and pressure release without the need to remove the air hose during pressure release, so as to eliminate the problem of the user having to press the air nozzle core of the tire with a pointed object or with his finger to release the tire pressure when the tire is over-inflated. Besides, the pressure is released quickly to arrive at a normal pressure level.

Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The interlocking feature includes a screw threaded into an aperture in the sleeve, or other coupling device, and an annular channel on the liner, positioned to receive the screw. The annular channel has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner surface disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. The screw is moved so that it extends into the channel resting proximate to the upper surface, but clear of both said lower and inner surfaces. The screw can be removed after the valve cap has been installed. In this fashion, the liner and the sleeve are in a fixed axial position with respect to each other; however, the rotatability of the sleeve with respect to the liner is maintained, preventing removal of the liner from the stem.

Abstract: A seal assembly that provides a means for establishing multiple pressure zones within a system. The seal assembly combines a plate extending from the inner wall of a housing or inner enclosure that intersects with and is immersed in the fluid contained in a well formed in a tray contained within the enclosure. The fluid is a low vapor pressure oil, chemically inert and oxidation resistant. The use of a fluid as the sealing component provides a seal that is self-healing and mechanically robust not subject to normal mechanical wear, breakage, and formation of cracks or pinholes and decouples external mechanical vibrations from internal structural members.

Abstract: A piston type valve includes a piston moving in a cylindrical seat. The piston is fastened to an operating rod extending along the axis of the cylindrical seat. The perimeter of the piston carries an elastomer O-ring providing the seal between the piston and the cylindrical seat. The piston includes two piston members fixed axially together by clamping means. Each of the two members includes an annular groove of substantially circular arc shaped cross section open toward the groove on the other member. The elastomer O-ring is housed between the two annular grooves and clamped between them by the clamping means.

Abstract: An injector for delivery of a fluid into a stream of hot gas is disclosed. The injector has a valve body with an elongated chamber in fluid communication with an orifice. A valve seat surrounds the orifice. A valve plunger is disposed within the chamber, an end of the plunger being adapted to sealingly interengage the seat. The plunger is slidably movable between an open and a closed position to open and close the orifice. A fluid inlet and an outlet are disposed within the valve body to deliver fluid to an annular fluid passageway in the chamber adjacent to the valve seat. Fluid is circulated through the annular passageway to cool the valve and a portion of the fluid is expelled through the orifice when the orifice is opened. The plunger is biased into the closed position by a coil spring and movable into the open position by a solenoid actuator mounted atop the valve body.

Abstract: A handle for a shower valve has a fixed portion having a first bearing surface and a movable portion having a second bearing surface. A spring biases the first and second surfaces into engagement. The fixed portion includes a chassis that is threadedly attached to a valve body. The chassis mounts an interchangeable lower shell that has a decorative finish or shape. Rotation of the lower shell causes rotation of the chassis for installation or removal of the handle on the valve body.

Abstract: A ceramic control valve of a faucet including a water stopping seat which is provided in the periphery thereof with a retaining edge. The water stopping seat is disposed in a floating fashion in the cylindrical valve body of the ceramic control valve such that the retaining edge of the water stopping seat is retained in an annular recess of the cylindrical valve body. The service life spans of the washers of the stationary valve block of the ceramic control valve and the circular surface of the faucet are thus prolonged.

Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device includes a body defining a chamber, an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is connected in fluid communication with the chamber and is adapted for connection with a first fluid source. The outlet port is connected in fluid communication with the chamber and is adapted for connection with a second fluid source. A check valve is movably disposed in the chamber for movement between a closed position and a fully opened position by differential pressure across the check valve. When the check valve is placed in the fully opened position, fluid is allowed to flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through the chamber. When placed in the closed position, the check valve restricts fluid from flowing between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A fluid metering valve, for example as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a valve element moveable, axially and angularly, by a drive member, a sensor arranged to monitor the position occupied by a target carried by the drive member, and an adjustment arrangement whereby the axial position of the target can be adjusted relative to the drive member independently of the angular position of the target. A backlash free connection may be provided between the valve element and the drive member, the backlash free connection comprising a projection protruding laterally from one of the drive member and the valve element, the projection being received within a recess associated with the other of the drive member and the valve element, the dimensions of the projection and the recess being such that the projection engages the sides of the recess but is spaced from the base thereof, and biasing means urging the projection towards the base of the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection for connecting a measuring device (6) to a gas pipe, comprising: a connecting element (1) for arranging in the gas pipe which divides the gas pipe into a first and a second piece (2, 3); a connecting plug (4) which can be coupled to the connecting element and which is connected to the measuring device by means of a measuring line (5), wherein the connecting element comprises a valve which is actuable by the connecting plug and which normally mutually connects the first and the second piece of the gas pipe and which, when the connecting plug is coupled to the connecting element, connects the first piece of the gas pipe to the measuring line and closes the second piece of the gas pipe. As a result of these measures the valve is operated by the connecting plug, so that opening and closing of taps is no longer necessary. The operation of such a connection is therefor greatly simplified.

Abstract: A flow control means for stable, constant discharge flow from and to a body of liquid, having a float body (8) which floats on a body of liquid (9), with a main outlet pipe (5) having a mouth/upper end (4) above the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9), and into which there is passed, from the body of liquid, one or more feed outlet pipes/gates (2) which open into the main outlet pipe (5) at a desired distance below the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9).

Abstract: A valve for a faucet includes a body, a spacer fitted to the top of the body, a plunger slidingly received in a bore of the body and a tip thereof protruding from the spacer, a knob secured to the tip of the plunger, and a seat secured to a bottom of the body. The body further includes top and bottom openings, and a side entry and a side exit. A water source is connected to the entry. A first outlet is connected is connected to the side exit, and a second outlet is connected to the bottom opening. In a first flow mode, water travels from the side entry to only the side exit. In a second flow mode, water travels from the side entry to only the bottom opening of the bore. In a third flow mode, water travels from the side entry to both the side exit and the bottom opening, in a definite manner.

Abstract: A unitary, self-contained apparatus for generating microbubbles using a pipe section with a constriction device for producing a venturi effect to cause a mainstream liquid flowing under pressure in the pipe section to draw a column of additive fluid into the mainstream liquid from an aspiration tube for mixing with the liquid and a turbulence part of the pipe section immediately downstream from the constriction device. Protrusions from the inside surface of the turbulence part of the pipe section protrude to at least the theoretical interface between the column of additive fluid and the surrounding mainstream liquid and preferably beyond, where the theoretical interface is a circumference of the column of additive fluid having a radius equal to the radius of the inside surface of the aspiration tube.

Abstract: An auxiliary fuel tank system includes a permanent pressure tank for natural gas or propane is mounted on a vehicle such as a fork lift truck. The auxiliary tank is connected through fuel lines to a replaceable portable tank which supplies fuel to the auxiliary tank through check valves and a valve mechanism which may be turned on and off. The auxiliary tank is filled upon initial attachment of the portable tank to the fuel line for the truck. After filling the auxiliary tank, the valve mechanism is closed only to be reopened upon exhaustion of fuel from the portable tank. Fuel lines connect the respective tanks to the engine thereby permitting operation of the engine, even upon exhaustion of fuel from the portable, replaceable tank.

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure, and a method for attenuating energy in such a system, are provided. The apparatus includes a hose or tubular casing having an inlet opening for receiving liquid from the system, and an outlet opening for returning the liquid to the system. An inlet conduit extends concentrically into the hose or tubular casing, with an annular space being formed between the inlet conduit and the tubular casing. At least one aperture for introducing liquid into the annular space from the inlet conduit is provided on a portion thereof that is disposed in the tubular casing.

Abstract: A multi-layer plastic tube comprises a base tube and a barrier layer surrounding the base tube, the barrier layer being impermeable to oxygen, and a protective layer applied on the barrier layer for protecting the barrier layer from damage, wherein the material of the barrier layer and protective layers may include a lubricant.

Abstract: A fuel hose comprises a single layered or multi-layered tubular rubber body and a thin film resin layer formed on the inner circumferential surface of the innermost layer of the tubular rubber body. The resin layer is formed of a resin such that an amount of permeation of 10% ethanol-mixed gasoline is 2 mg/cm2/day (at 60° C.) or less when the thickness of the resin layer is 0.1 mm. A preferred example of such a resin is EVOH with an ethylene content of from 35 to 50 mol % or polybutylene aromatic ester. The fuel hose has necessary flexibility and shows excellent impermeability even to an alcohol-mixed gasoline.

Abstract: A rubber composition includes acrylonitrile butadiene,polychloroprene and polyoctanamer. The rubber composition is particularly useful in making the tubular portion of reinforced rubber base which has brass-coated metal braiding therearound. By using this rubber composition, the process of manufacturing reinforced rubber hose is enhanced because the compound is easily mixed, the need of process aids is minimized, and the freezing temperature necessary to crystallize the rubber is reduced.

Abstract: An account has been given for corrosion-protection of metal constructions, e.g. in the form of a pipeline consisting of interconnected pipelines (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) and, possibly, incorporatable in a larger pipe system. Said metal construction is, for purpose of corrosion-protection, assigned one or more sacrificial anodes in the form of one or more bodies made of a metal or a metal alloy which is less noble than the metal to be corrosion-protected. In order to utilize the sacrificial anode(s) beyond its corrosion-protecting ability within said construction, said one or more sacrificial anode bodies are included in the metal construction as at least one functional part thereof, e.g. in the form of at least one pipe length (10).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises at least one movable member (1) for the reception of the thread, a coupling arrangement (2) and a winding (3) which produces a magnetic field and is intended to produce different polarities in the coupling arrangement through which the magnetic flux passes and to bring the coupling arrangement into engagement with the member. The member (1) consists of magnetic or non-magnetic material and the coupling arrangement (2) of ferromagnetic material. The apparatus ensures a reliable coupling at high rhythm.

Abstract: When preliminarily storing yarn on a drum-shaped storage body of a feeding device in which the yarn is placed on the storage body by an electrical winding drive with relative rotational movements between a winding element and the storage body, with running periods and resting periods, during each resting period a holding torque is generated in the winding direction. The holding torque is generated electrically in the winding drive mechanism. A backturn detent device serves to block a reverse rotation of the winding element during resting periods. The backturn detent device is actuated by a holding current during each resting period.

Abstract: An improved tool head for use with an automatic cable tie installation system providing improved reliability, and reduced jamming and/or failure. The improved tool head incorporates a structurally rigid frame which locates and supports the interacting and cooperating components of the tool head in a precise relationship despite such factors as flexing and twisting of the housing, thermal expansion and contraction of the housing, and operational wear.

Abstract: A portable hands-free gas pumping device and method therefor, comprising a elongated body which can be inserted between a bottom surface of an activation lever and a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame in order to maintain the activation lever in an activated position during the fueling process.

Abstract: A system and a method for delivering and metering a fixed volume of liquid, such as a liquid sterilant from a container into a vaporization system. The method for the delivering system includes the steps of sensing a requirement for additional liquid sterilant, determining whether the liquid sterilant to be added is acceptable for use, and delivering the liquid sterilant from a container into an accumulator. The method of metering the liquid sterilant into the vaporization system includes creating a vacuum in a chamber connected to the vaporizer and delivering the liquid sterilant into a vaporizer while continually sensing the flow of the delivery. The metering system maintains a slow, controlled flow in order to achieve efficient vaporization of the liquid sterilant and to provide accurate sensing of the gas/liquid interface.

Abstract: An actuator for facilitating filling of an aerosol contain by a button-on-filling process, the actuator comprising an exterior housing having an outer wall with a product discharge outlet formed therein. The exterior housing further having central post supporting an internal bore which establishes fluid communication between a product inlet and the product discharge outlet to facilitate dispensing an aerosol product via the actuator. At least two spaced apart reinforcement ribs are provided for interconnecting the exterior housing with the central post and thereby define at least two compartments where any remaining filling component may collect. A base of the exterior housing has an annular skirt portion which facilitates sealing engagement with a pedestal portion of a mounting cup during a filling operation.

Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is also adapted to detect the position of the orifice of the fuel-tank filler pipe relative to the position of the robot head. A computer receives position signals from the sensor and guides a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap to open the flap, and to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle within the fuel-tank filler pipe orifice.

Abstract: A valve is described for the dosaged filling of fluids in packages, with a housing (1) with feed pipe (24), a mouthpiece (2) on the front face and an outlet device (14), with a closure body (3) able to be driven movably in the housing (1), able to be brought into engagement with a valve seat and having at the front a valve cone (32) and there behind a thickened central part, and with rear sealing devices (5).

Abstract: A closure for a tank, in particular a fuel tank for a motor vehicle or the like, that has a tank filling pipe which can be closed with a closure flap, is described. The closure flap has a locking device with which it can be locked and unlocked and is also connected by a hinge or the like, so that it can move into the interior of the tank filling pipe. The locking device is located completely beneath the closure flap so that the closure flap can be locked and unlocked. Thus the locking device is not accessible from the outside, so it cannot be damaged or operated by an unauthorized party. The tank filling pipe can also be sealed airtight by the closure flap or by a closure valve arranged in the tank filling pipe.

Abstract: A leak proof package for fluid materials in which the end of a tubular nozzle from a container is closed by a wall and dispensing openings are formed in the side of the nozzle to extend radially. The dispensing openings are closed by a sleeve which initially is fixed to the wall. The sleeve is separated from the wall along a line of frangible webs by twisting the sleeve relative to the nozzle to fracture the webs after which the sleeve slides axially of the nozzle between positions opening or closing the dispensing openings in the nozzle.

Abstract: A wood planing machine includes left and right pairs of posts fixed uprightly at left and right mounting sides of a machine base. A cutter carriage is disposed above the machine base, and has opposite end portions mounted respectively, vertically and movably on the posts. A cutter unit is disposed on the carriage. A carriage locking mechanism locks the cutter carriage at a selected height relative to the machine base. A thickness adjustment device is mounted on the cutter carriage for adjusting thickness to be removed from a workpiece by the cutter unit, and includes a pointer-retaining case that is fixed on the cutter carriage, and that is formed with a vertical row of positioning groove units, a vertical measuring disposed on the pointer-retaining case, and a vertical stop shaft. The shaft extends rotatably and is mounted vertically and movably on the pointer-retaining case, and has a lower contact end abutting against the machine base.

Abstract: The subject basic method and its modifications are used to provide logs reconstituted from smaller diameter trees up to 12 inches diameter at their bases. The basic method is practiced using the following steps: 1. Cutting felled trees at cutting points into a plurality of segments which, naturally, are tapered, each segment having a length, a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end, the length being in a range of random lengths such that the larger end diameter is in a range of 0.2 to 2.0 inches larger than the smaller end diameter, with 0.2 inch preferred; 2. selecting from the plurality of segments cut from one or more trees, a plurality of groups of segments which have smaller end diameters no more than ½ inch different; 3. joining segments from each group end-to-end to form reconstituted logs of optimum lengths for processing into wooden structural units. In one modification of the basic method, flawed portions are removed from the logs prior to cutting them into segments.

Abstract: A new class of non-pneumatic tires is proposed, comprising an exterior torus and an interior torus and in the space between them a waveform undulating ribbon like structure having a constant wavelength and the undulating direction being perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the tire, an example of this class of non-pneumatic tires being where the undulations are in the form of a succesion of semicircular modules alternating one after another in the space between the two toruses;the new class of non-pneumatic tires has a superior capability for fatigue and load compared with the prior art.