Abstract: Oxygen scavenging with sulfites in boilerwater systems is dependant upon variable interrelated opposing kinetic relationships of ph, transitional catalyst properties and the ratio of bisulfite specie and sulfite specie that will vary between ph 4.5 and 9.0. The sulfite specie, SOsub.3, is formed as the preferential reactant with oxygen, FIG. 2. The oxygen sulfite reaction is second order with respect to sulfite concentrations within boilers. The sulfite specie is 100% favored at ph 8.5 to 9.0. Cobalt is a transitional catalyst that affects an oxygen sulfite reaction directly proportionally to the square root of cobalt's solution concentration but it precipitates at or above ph 8.5, or is complexed in boilerwater by chelants, or is inhibited in boilerwater by amines, or precipitated as its hydroxide by boilerwater alkalinity. Under prior art, these adverse conditions affecting the catalytic activity of cobalt or other metal ions have not been addressed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to handling the wastewater, or condensate, from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. More particularly, the present invention provides a process wherein the wastewater of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, is sent to a gasifier and subsequently reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas. The wastewater may also recycled back to a slurry preparation stage, where solid combustible organic materials are pulverized and mixed with process water and the wastewater to form a slurry, after which the slurry fed to a gasifier where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: A non woven porous material having particles (e.g. antimicrobial particles) immobilised in interstices of the three dimensional matrix structure thereof; as well as a process for the preparation thereof. The non woven porous material may be used an antimicrobial barrier (e.g. in a gas mask).

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: A motorized rack for holding the jewel cases or containers of CDs (or the CDs themselves) in a very compact manner includes a continuous loop formed of holders for the CD cases or other retainers which is driven by a pair of sprockets on which the holders are mounted for rotation. High density storage is provided by spacing the holders and their associated CD containers contiguously to one another and then removal is facilitated by allowing the holders and containers to fan out at the top the vertical tower for manual removal.

Abstract: A dish rack for accommodating dishes, particularly in a household dishwasher, includes a dish rack base having a rake-like retaining configuration with prongs. At least part of the rake-like retaining configuration is pivotable between different pivot positions. Some of the prongs have angled ends directed toward or adjacent the dish-rack base, the angled ends forming a set-down surface for dishes, in particular, hollow dishes such as glasses, vases, cups, and bowls, when the retaining configuration is pivoted.

Abstract: A flexible liner is provided. The flexible liner is formed from a sheet or web of a polymer which is soft and has non-skid properties. The flexible liner has upwardly extending ridges on its top surface which are formed from a polymer which has a higher Shore A hardness than the web. The bottom side of the liner can have ridges and valleys or can be flat.

Abstract: An insert fits into an elongate channel. The elongate channel displays a row of articles such as cans and bottles having petaloid feet. The channel is designed to receive petaloid feet articles for sliding movement along its length. The channel has a base wall and at least one sidewall upstanding from the base wall. The insert for the channel has a plurality of upwardly projecting parallel ribs extending along its length. The tops of the ribs define a plane on which the petaloid feet of articles are to be disposed. The insert has at least one railing disposed along the base wall and extending along the insert. The top of the railing extends above the plane to engage the bottom of the article to prevent rotation. A pair of railings define therebetween a groove for receiving at least one of the petaloid feet of each article to prevent rotation of the article.

Abstract: An automatic locking apparatus releasably locks together a studded end plate connector to a notched vertical frame column of a storage rack. The automatic lock includes a vertical lever positioned adjacent one surface of an end plate connector when the end plate connector is mounted on a vertical frame column. A locking pin and tension support extend from the inside face of the vertical lever through the end plate connector. The tension support has a protruding end extending past the end plate connector and a tension device mounted on the protruding end to create a force for pulling the inside face of the vertical lever toward one surface of the end plate connector. The locking pin has a length that allows it to extend through the top of a notch or other aperture in the frame column when studs of the end plate connector are positioned in the bottom of corresponding notches in the frame column, preventing withdrawal of the studs from the notches.

Abstract: A telescoping boom crane having a multi-sectioned, telescopically extending boom and an extensible pendant support system. The extending boom includes boom sections that are extensibly receivable within the adjacent boom section. The boom sections are made of a sheet material. A releasable locking mechanism may be attached to the boom sections to secure the boom sections.

Abstract: An improved threadedly engageable container closure having a frangibly interconnected tamper-indicating ring, in which the tamper-indicating ring includes a relatively thin upper portion and a relatively thicker lower portion defining a circular recess of rectangular configuration. The tabs are interconnected to an inner upper edge of the lower portion of the tamper-indicating ring by an area of cross section sufficiently thin as to impart elastic memory between the lower portion of the tamper-indicating ring and the upper portion. When the closure is installed, the tabs pivot to operative position, and remain so as the closure is installed, the relatively thinner upper portion of the ring expanding uniformly through contact of the outwardly-directed surfaces of the tab against the inner surface of the upper portion of the closure ring.

Abstract: A method 10 for making a multi-layer electronic circuit board 98 having at least one electrically conductive protuberance 15 which forms a “via” and which traverses through the various layers of the electric circuit board 98, and further having at least one interconnection portion 102 which supports a wide variety of components and interconnection assemblies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dielectric waveguide at a low manufacturing cost, the dielectric waveguide comprising a pair of conductor plates approximately parallel to each other and the dielectric strip provided therebetween, which can form a dielectric strip having accurate individual dimensions without generating cracks and chips during processing. The method comprises the steps of forming a resist pattern on a green sheet containing at least a powdered inorganic material and an organic binder, removing a predetermined amount of the green sheet corresponding to an opening in the resist pattern by the use of a mask, removing the resist pattern, and firing the green sheet. In the step of removing the predetermined amount of the green sheet, the rate of removal is continuously or intermittently changed along the depth direction of the green sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible bin (10) is described which includes side walls (11) and a base (12). The side walls (11) are adapted to receive an adjacent side wall (11) at each corner in an interengaging arrangement (15/16) and, to secure the side walls (11), an elongate strap element (14) is provided to surround the walls (11) during assembly.

Abstract: An insulating blast nozzle for a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker having a first arcing contact and a second arcing contact that separate from each other when the circuit breaker is opened subsequent to prior separation of permanent contacts, said insulating blast nozzle being secured to one of the permanent contacts and being generally horn-shaped, having a throat and defining a volume of revolution having an upstream portion and a downstream portion joined by the throat, in which the inside volume is cylindrical and closed by the second arcing contact when the circuit breaker is closed and for a few milliseconds after the arcing contacts have separated, the wall of the nozzle in its portion defining the upstream portion of said volume of revolution surrounding said first arcing contact, the downstream portion of said volume comprising a first conical portion, wherein said first conical portion is followed by a second conical portion having a flare angle that is more open than that of said first conical

Abstract: A non-woven wire mesh screen having a first planar array of stainless steel wires disposed in a longitudinal direction and a second planar array of stainless steel wires disposed transverse to the first planar array. The stainless steel wires have a tensile strength greater than 200,000 psi.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high-strength erosion electrode having good electrical conductivity. The erosion electrode is made up of a steel core, an intermediate layer of copper or a copper-containing alloy, and an outer layer containing at least 40% zinc or, alternatively, a steel core and a zinc alloy outer layer having a zinc content of from 40-60%. The steel core has a patented structure which contains between 0.6 and 1 wt. % carbon and occupies an area corresponding to between 50 and 75% of the erosion electrode diameter, the intermediate layer occupying an area of between 5 and 40% of the total diameter, the outer layer occupying an area of between 10 and 30%, and the zinc content of the outer layer being between 40 and 60 wt. %. In the alternative embodiment, the steel core occupies an area corresponding to between 50 and 75% of the erosion electrode diameter and the outer layer occupies the balance.

Abstract: An intelligent welding gun is provided with a fixed side sensor in a fixed side portion. The mechanical impedance of the fixed side portion is kept small, which permits the mechanical impedance to be set in a range where the fixed side sensor can effectively detect at least one of a position of a fixed side welding tip and a pressing force imposed on the fixed side welding tip. The fixed side sensor and a moving side sensor constitute a redundant sensor measurement system. Various kinds of methods conducted using the above welding gun include a method of calibrating a sensor (including calibration of a reference point and a gain), a control method of suppressing a welding expulsion, a re-welding feedback control method, a control method of a welding strength, a control method of reducing a clearance between workpieces, a method of correcting a welding robot track, and a method of managing a positional accuracy change at a welding point.

Abstract: A method for welding parts using the thermo-electrical output of the metals to be welded to control and evaluate the welding process in which a single energy pulse, such as an electric current or a laser, containing a known amount of electricity is applied to the metals to heat the metals to be welded. Then the thermo-electric output of the metals to be welded is used to determine the mass of the metals. The energy necessary to effectively weld the metals is then determined as a function of the mass.

Abstract: A process for operating a plasma torch having an improved start up and shut down sequence to substantially increase electrode element life. The first shut down mode is controlled such that plasma gas flow through the swirl ring and nozzle prevents the formation of an oxide layer upon the electrode. The shut down method is especially useful for torches which operate at 100 amps or greater. The inclusion of an aluminum jacket surrounding the electrode outer walls has been found to contribute to the ability to avoid formation of oxide layers on the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quality control of laser shock processing. The method includes measuring emissions and characteristics of a workpiece when subjected to a pulse of coherent energy from a laser. These empirically measured emissions and characteristics of the workpiece are correlated to theoretical shock pressure, residual stress profile, or fatigue life of the workpiece. The apparatus may include a radiometer or acoustic detection device for measuring these characteristics.

Abstract: A system and methodology for laser mass customization of integrated circuits including a mask exposure subsystem operative to configure at least one conductive layer forming part of an integrated circuit and a laser customization subsystem operative to individually customize the at least one conductive layer.

Abstract: A laser machining device is capable of simultaneously machining two- or three dimentional patterns on the surface of a workpiece. A micromirror array positioned within a laser cavity generates a patterned plurality of laser beamlets which can be homogenized and deflected by a second micromirror array onto the surface of a workpiece to create a two-dimensional pattern. Alternatively, the second micromirror array can deflect laser beamlets of unequal energy density to produce a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A single pass actuator (70, 200), such as a deformable mirror (70), quickly changes, preferably in less than 1 ms, the focus and hence the spot size of ultraviolet or visible wavelength laser pulses to change the fluence of the laser output (66) at the workpiece surface between at least two different fluence levels to facilitate processing top metallic layers (264) at higher fluences and underlying dielectric layers (266) at lower fluences to protect bottom metallic layers (268). The focus change is accomplished without requiring Z-axis movement of the laser positioning system (62). In addition, the spot size can be changed advantageously during trepanning operations to decrease via taper, reduce lip formation, increase throughput, and/or minimize damage.

Abstract: A welding system and method of use which allows a single welding operator to perform quick, easy and high quality vertical welds. The welding system comprises a welding fixture with a pair opposing, positionally adjustable welding shoes, and lock screws for attaching to a workpiece such as an I-beam. The welding fixture is located adjacent the end of an articulating boom, and a welding torch and oscillator are included on the welding fixture. A rotary straight wire feeder removes the cant and helix from welding wire as it is fed to the welding torch. The welding torch prevents welding wire from fusing to a guide tube in a manner which would interrupt a welding operation. The invention includes a distributed welding control system comprising a plurality of controller modules interfaced with a common bus. The control system allows a welding operator to program automated welding cycles for various welding operations.

Abstract: A moisture control device and method has a heat generating source in electrical devices that is powered to operate independent of the electrical device for reducing, minimizing or preventing condensation, nucleation and degradations on electronic parts and circuit boards of the electrical device. A power supply is connected to the heat generating source and a switch connected to the power supply. The switch may be manually operable or automatic and is used for controlling operation of the heat generating source. A sensor senses on/off status of the electrical device and automatically operates the switch in response to the sensing. Power is supplied to the heat generating source when the electrical device powers down and disconnected when the electrical device powers on.

Abstract: The appliance comprises a heater base, at least two removable cooking receptacles capable of being centered and held on said heater base, one of them being constituted by a leakproof pan and the other by a grill plate, and also a removable lid adapted to close the top portion of said pan so as to make up a cooking enclosure. The grill plate is provided with at least one through orifice and has means enabling it to be positioned above said pan in order to perform steam cooking in said cooking enclosure. The appliance is applicable to cooking.

Abstract: In a sake/milk heating process, the field of view of an infrared sensor is moved by a predetermined pattern in a heating chamber as an initial search. When the field of view is fixed after the initial search, if the temperature variation of an object within the field of view after a predetermined time has passed is equal to or lower than a specified value, various determinations are made, and the field of view of the infrared sensor is again moved in the heating chamber as a re-search. Thus, even if the field of view is fixed at a position where no food item is placed for some reason in the initial search, the field of view will not be fixed in the incorrect position and can be moved again.

Abstract: A tubular thin film resistance heater including a substrate (10) having an electrically non-conductive surface on which is deposited a thin film electrical conductor (12), such as tin oxide. A pair of electrical terminals (14, 16), preferably bus bars, are electrically connected at spaced apart locations on the conductor (12), such as at longitudinal spaced opposed ends or at circumferentially spaced opposed edges of the conductor (12). The thin film conductor (12) is molecularly bonded to the substrate (10) for durability and efficient heat transfer. A method of forming a tubular thin film resistance heater also is disclosed.

Abstract: A fully submersible immersion heater having reduced dimensions. The immersion heater includes a waterproof housing, an electric heating element, a thermostat, an end cap, a temperature control, a power cable and a sheath. The waterproof housing has an opening at one end. The electric heating element, which generates a heat output, is placed inside of the housing. The thermostat is also placed inside of the housing. The thermostat is electrically connected to the heating element for regulating the heat output of the heating element. The end cap sealingly engages the opening in the housing to form a watertight seal between the end cap and the opening in the housing. The end cap has a first conduit and a second conduit that extend through the end cap from a first surface of the end cap outside of the housing to a second surface of the end cap inside of the housing. The temperature control, which controls the thermostat, is seated adjacent to the second conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a workpiece of an inductively heatable material, for example a turbine blade. Such a turbine blade consists of a massive blade base and a low-mass blade leaf. To enable the blade base and blade leaf to be heated in a manner appropriate to each an induction coil is provided, which surrounds the blade base and the blade leaf. By suitable choice of the alternating currents which flow through the induction coil and/or through the interposition of a susceptor between turbine blade and induction coil, the blade base and blade leaf can be heated in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: An RF power supply that is capable of tracking rapid changes in the resonant frequency of a load and capable of quickly responding to varying load conditions so as to deliver the desired amount of power. The present invention also provides an RF power supply capable of delivering a wide range of power over a broad frequency range to a load that is remotely located from the power supply.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus including a cavity for heating food, a first antenna, which projects into the cavity and is arranged to pass into or through the food in order to irradiate the food internally, and a second antenna arranged to supply microwave radiation into the cavity in order to irradiate the food externally. The heating apparatus further includes at least one magnetron for supplying microwave energy to the first and second antennae, and control means for allowing a user to independently control the levels of microwave energy irradiated by the first and second antennae.

Abstract: A microwave oven has an oven cavity with a wall (2) formed with a hole (6) covered on an external side of the wall by a metal launch box (8) and choke plate (7). A metal match plate (10) is mounted on the internal side of the wall (2) so that the match plate (10) and the launch box (8) form a launch cavity for delivering microwave energy to the cavity. The choke plate (7) has a peripheral choke channel which prevents leakage of microwave energy between the launch box (8) and choke plate (7), enabling the choke plate (7) and match plate (10) to be bolted to the wall (2).

Abstract: A new and improved microwave oven is disclosed which would be transportable and possess alternate power means other than a standard household alternating current connection. The present invention would be analogous to a standard microwave oven but would be approximately the size of a small to medium-sized toaster oven. In addition, the present invention could use one of several possible power sources, including a cigarette lighter adapter, a 12 volt battery, or a rechargeable battery. The present invention would be very convenient for a driver or passengers of a vehicle, and would also be convenient for outdoor use in a wide variety of situations.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method and a device for reducing the number of water vapor molecules per unit volume in a housing (1) by providing an end (11) of the housing (1) which has a lower thermal inertia than the rest of the housing with perforations (15). When the temperature outside the housing (1) falls some of the more energetic water vapor molecules in the housing (1) will leave the housing (1) via the perforations (15) and a small number of the less energetic molecules will enter the housing from the surroundings. This will lead to a nett flow of water vapor molecules out of the housing (1).

Abstract: A segmented fluid container formed from (i) two or more semi-cylindrical canister segments having hollow interiors, (ii) which canister segments are capable of being joined longitudinally (side-to-side) to form a unified construct having the generally elongate cylindrical shape of a fluid canister, with (iii) each of these segments being separately accessed-i.e.-having its own separate end opening by which its contents are dispensed or reached, and (iv) with non-permanent means being provided for holding these segments together to form said fluid canister shape. The invention described can be produced from glass, plastic, steel, aluminum, or other materials suitable for the purposes of this invention or, more generally, for the production of canisters and/or canister segments of this type.

Abstract: A permeation barrier fuel tank for a vehicle includes a tank shell having a wall formed from a plurality of layers. The layers include at least an inner layer, an outer layer, a fuel permeation barrier layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and a nanocomposite outer layer disposed adjacent to the outer layer.

Abstract: A plastic pressure vessel structure includes a diaphragm mounted in a plastic outer barrel for dividing the plastic outer barrel into an upper chamber containing a liquid, and a lower chamber containing a pressurized gas, and a plastic inner barrel fully mounted in the lower chamber. In such a manner, the wall of the inner barrel and the wall of the lower chamber are overlapped with each other, such that capillary pores of the wall of the inner barrel and capillary pores of the wall of the lower chamber are arranged in a staggered manner, thereby reducing the capillary action, so as to provide a tight sealing effect in the lower chamber, thereby preventing the pressurized gas contained in the lower chamber from leaking outward, and thereby preventing the pressure contained in the lower chamber from being reduced.

Abstract: A pump, spray or suction actuated dispenser with a suction tube extending into a container, wherein the suction tube is used to mount an ornamental figure.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spreading device for spreading fluids, especially for devices for applying adhesives, with a distributing block which has a fluid canal and an inlet opening for introducing fluid into the fluid canal and an outlet opening for discharging fluid from the fluid canal. At least two distributing blocks may be positioned and fixed adjacent to each other in such a way that the fluid canals of adjacent distributing blocks are connected to each other, so that fluid can flow from the fluid canal of one distributing block into the fluid canal of the adjacent distributing block.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container and a coupler adapted to receive and connect with the container. The coupler comprises a body that defines an internal passage adapted to deliver fluid to an interior space of the container, and a supply passage that is in fluid communication with the internal passage such that fluid can be delivered to the internal passage through the supply passage, and a locking member that is adapted to engage a locking groove of the container so as to securely hold the container in place within the coupler.

Abstract: A reusable pouring cap for a container capable of receiving potable liquids for human consumption. The cap comprises a cap body having threads for retaining it onto the container and the cap body further comprises an integral upright passageway defining a pouring opening. The cap also comprises a valve for maintaining the passageway closed to prevent discharge of a liquid contained in the container through the pouring opening, an actuated shutter for covering the pouring opening and a single actuator responsive to finger pressure for moving the valve and the shutter.

Abstract: A storage arrangement includes a generally planar back panel. A plurality of storage compartments are connected to a front surface of the back panel. A securing mechanism attaches the back panel to the planar surface of the pedestal. The back panel is generally horizontally oriented, with a width substantially greater than its height. The storage arrangement can be provided in the context of a recreational vehicle having a cushioned support component elevated on a pedestal having at least one exposed, vertically oriented, planar surface. In such an environment, the back panel will have a height less than the height of the planar surface of the pedestal. The back panel and storage compartments can be made from a flexible material, preferably a textile material such as canvas. The securing mechanism can be provided as a plurality of apertures passing through the back panel. A plurality of fasteners, for example, screw fasteners, are secured through the apertures and into mounting surface.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.

Abstract: A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.

Abstract: A controlled attenuation bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a substantially uniform first diameter; a second cylindrical section having a first end coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section having a substantially uniform second diameter less than the first diameter; and a third section having a predetermined taper, a first end of the third section coupled to an end of the second cylindrical section.

Abstract: A pair of soldering irons are fixed to a sliding plate at a predetermined interval. The soldering irons are integrally moved so as to reciprocate in a rectangular direction relative to a conveyor belt. One of the soldering irons is conveyed to a working position of the conveyor belt and the other of them is separated from the conveyor belt. While one of the soldering irons solders a circuit board, the other is cleaned. The circuit board has a slit into which a metal plate is inserted and soldered. For the slit, a soldering land constituted of a main-land and a sub-land is provided. The main-land is formed along one of longer sides of the slit. The sub-land is elongated from the main-land along a shorter side of the slit. The soldering land is not formed all around the slit so that the slit is not closed by solder when the circuit board is dip-soldered.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for measuring the cooling rate and temperature differential between the top and bottom surfaces of a printed circuit board. The method is intended to facilitate control over the temperature differential which is encountered between the top and bottom of the printed circuit board so as to prevent warpage thereof during the formation of solder joints in a reflow solder oven.