Abstract: A shield is provided to protect the outer portions of the cornea and the under surface of a cap of the cornea during LASIK surgery comprising an annular body with a concave lower surface and a central opening, The central opening is sized to be a little smaller than the outer diameter of the cut made to form the cap. The shield is positioned on the upper surface of the cornea and the folded cap to protect the outer edges thereof from exposure to the ray of the laser.

Abstract: A penile clamp for inhibiting male incontinence is provided as a single, unitary, synthetic resin body having a pair of jaw-like arms, a bridge interconnecting the arms and biasing them to a penis clamping position, and a pair of ears. The ears may be pinched together to spread apart the arms, thereby permitting insertion of a penis between the arms. One of the arms includes a penis-cradling area which is concave to conform to the top of the penis, while the other arm includes a urethral pressuring area which is preferably convex to apply pressure directly against the underside of the penis outside of the urethra. The pressuring area may be either a cantilever spring extending toward the bridge from the remote end of the second arm, or an area of the second arm between its proximate and remote ends. The arms are connected to the bridge at their proximate ends and presenting an opening across from the bridge opposite their remote ends.

Abstract: A puff-on-demand cigarette smoking apparatus for decreasing unnecessary tobacco burning as well as decreasing the generation of side stream smoke. The portable cigarette smoking apparatus can be used to smoke traditional cigarettes and includes a reusable lighter box housing including an aperture into which an end of a cigarette to be smoked is adapted to be inserted into. After the cigarette is inserted through the aperture, the cigarette is directed into a cigarette extinguishing sleeve. The cigarette smoking system includes an actuable trigger which is operably connected to a cigarette advancing mechanism for advancing the cigarette a preset distance along the cigarette extinguishing sleeve into the lighter box housing upon actuation of the trigger. As a result, a portion of the cigarette is advanced beyond the cigarette extinguishing sleeve.

Abstract: A portable nail polish table generally comprises a base portion and a pair of side flaps. The base portion includes nail polish bottle holding wells and a grippable, stabilizing flange. The side flaps are proximate the base portion and are able to present a substantially horizontal work surface area. The stabilizing flange is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal works surface area when presented. Further, upon gripping of the stabilizing flange, e.g., with the knees or legs, the side flaps are maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A food washing apparatus comprising a means for generating a sheet-like water jet stream that impinges against foods such as marine products including edible jellyfish, seaweed, shucked or shell-covered shellfish and the like, farm products including vegetables, fruits, and the like by conveying the foods through a water jet stream distribution area or food wash area. A plurality of sheet-like water jet stream layers are generated at a predetermined angle from various directions and impinge against the food surfaces so as to wash them and remove foreign matter such as insects, mud, pebbles, fish scales, etc. from the foods.

Abstract: A water inlet assembly for mounting adjacent an opening provided in a tub of an automatic dishwasher wherein the tub defines a cavity having a volume for washing dishes. The water inlet assembly includes a housing forming a venting chamber and having an outlet opening mounted in sealed relationship about the opening provided in the tub. The venting chamber has a vent opening which may be located above the outlet opening. The housing further includes an inlet nozzle for receiving wash liquid and a conduit for guiding liquid from the inlet nozzle to the venting chamber from which wash liquid can flow through the outlet opening into the tub. A water trap is formed into the housing and is located along the conduit. The conduit has a siphon opening located upstream of the water trap.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure that generally comprises a symmetrical pair of base members and a pliable protective cover supported by a plurality of internal frame members pivotally connected on the axis of the hinge points for the base members. By manually rotating the first frame member about its axis, the protective cover and additional frame members unfurl over the base members and surround a vehicle or object in a shell-shaped enclosure. To store or transport the enclosure, the protective cover and frame members collapse in an accordion-like fashion and sandwich between the folded base members.

Abstract: A water storage and dispensing system includes a water storage tank, a dispenser, and a conduit system extending between and fluidly connecting the storage tank and the dispenser. The conduit system includes an outer shell conduit defining a conduit passage therein, and an inner tubing extending through the conduit passage. The inner tubing is in fluid communication with each of the storage tank and the dispenser and is arranged and configured to convey water from the storage tank to the dispenser. Preferably, the inner tubing is formed of instrument grade tubing. Preferably, the shell conduit is formed of PEX.

Abstract: Skin friction reduction on a surface moving relative to a fluid can be obtained by ejecting a polymer—water mixture/solution into the boundary layer. The efficacy of the ejected polymer—water mixture/solution is closely related to polymer dissipation out of the boundary layer and conditioning (i..e, lengthening, unwinding or stretching) of the polymer molecules by liquid shear forces immediately before ejection. The invention is a method for conditioning and ejecting a polymer—water mixture/solution that improves drag reduction characteristics of the mixture/solution and maintains the mixture/solution in the boundary layer for as long as possible. By improving the drag-reduction characteristics of the drag reducing substance mixture/solution and by extending the time it remains in the near-wall region, the ejector can increase the performance and reduce the volume and storage requirements of a drag-reduction system.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring assembly includes an isolation valve assembly and a differential pressure sensor assembly. The rigid manifold has two pressure inlet ports which each communicate with respective pressure outlet ports through isolation valves. An equalization passage and valve connect the two pressure lines. The pressure sensor assembly is sized to mate directly with the monolithic manifold by having sensor inlet ports that line up with the pressure outlet ports. Pressure tight attachments releasably secure the pressure sensor assembly to the manifold, but a rigid to support the weight of the pressure sensor assembly. No bleeding valves are necessary. Orientation and the positioning and construction of the manifold effectively reduce the amount of heat transfer between the pressure lines and the pressure sensor(s).

Abstract: Backflow prevention is provided in connection with a device having one or more shut-off valves integrated with a double-check-valve backflow prevention device and/or housing. Preferably, a single housing encompasses two backflow preventer check valves, and upstream and downstream shut-off valves. Typically, end users cannot readily remove the shut-off valves (and/or their housing) from the backflow preventer check valves (and/or their housing). No flange or other connection between shut-off valves and backflow preventer check valves (and/or their housing) is required, reducing size, weight and labor requirements. The system can substantially reduce or eliminate potential for installation of double-check-valve backflow preventer devices without shut-off valves.

Abstract: A support ring adapted to support a rupturable rupture disc member in a rupture disc assembly. The support ring includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a central aperture defined by an inner peripheral edge and at least one tear-initiating projection, and having a cutting means extending inwardly from the inner peripheral edge and below the upper surface and adapted to cut the rupture disc member. The cutting means includes a plurality a curved cutting portions, each of the plurality of curved cutting portions including an inner arc section extending closer to the inner peripheral edge than other portions of the curved cutting portion.

Abstract: A bleed valve for introducing bled fluid to a mainstream fluid flowing through apparatus across which a pressure differential occurs, characterized in that the bleed valve is adapted to open so as to bleed fluid into the mainstream fluid when the pressure differential across the apparatus falls below a predetermined value. This arrangement is particularly appropriate to vacuum cleaners incorporating cyclonic dust-separating apparatus in that the bleed valve is more reliably operated in response to a reduction in airflow. This ensures efficient functioning of the cyclonic dust-separating apparatus and reduces the risk of overheating of the motor.

Abstract: A method of reducing metallic debris in a multi-component metallic housing for a fluid comprises the initial step of providing a first metallic component that includes a portion with a circular cross section and defines part of a fluid cavity when mated to a second component. A set of threads are machined on the circular portion and includes full threads separated by a beginning partial thread and an ending partial thread. Next, a substantial portion of at least one of the beginning partial thread or the ending partial thread is removed. The removal step could be performed either before or after the threads are actually cut into the first metallic component. The present invention finds one potential application in the manufacture of fuel injector components.

Abstract: A monolithic flow controller for controlling the rate at which a medicinal liquid is administered to a patient. The monolithic flow controller includes one or more virtual valves that, because of their relatively small opening size (less than 0.5 &mgr;m in diameter), only permit fluid to flow through the valve when a forward bias voltage is applied. If a reverse bias voltage or no voltage is applied, fluid flow through the opening is inhibited. The fluid rate through the device is monitored using two pressure sensors or a differential pressure sensor that determine the differential pressure along the flow path through the device or relative to the external ambient pressure. The flow through the device is equal to the product of the differential pressure and the conductance of the channel in the flow controller. A capacitive bubble sensor is optionally provided to detect bubbles in the medicinal liquid being administered to the patient.

Abstract: A flow control valve with a reduced number of parts and with few restrictions on installation space is provided. A back pressure chamber of a diaphragm-type valve body communicates with a communication port through a vent hole formed in a case of the flow control valve. An air filter is integrated with the flow control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-seat valve that switches without leakage. On both the valve seat and the closing member, a respective cylindrical face is provided, and these faces together form a throttle gap. In the cleaning stroke of the closing member, pressure spikes in the leakage chamber are averted. In the cleaning of the seat, the flow of cleaning medium is also comparatively insensitive to fluctuations in the cleaning stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hydraulic valve in which the housing (1) at least and also preferably the operational parts, such as the main control piston (3), the manometer piston (6) and the like which are arranged inside said housing (1) and influence the hydraulic oil flow, are made of an aluminium alloy that can be hardened and tempered. The weight of the high-pressure hydraulic valve can therefore be substantially reduced. The surfaces of the parts made of the aluminium alloy that can be hardened and tempered are advantageously submitted to anodic oxidation in order to increase even more their wear resistance. This type of high-pressure hydraulic valve with a particularly light weight is mainly intended for use in mobile hydraulic systems such as those used in mobile cranes, in lifting platforms and in excavators.

Abstract: A gas manifold for a modular gas box system for delivering contaminant-free, precisely metered quantities of process and purge gases to a semiconductor process reaction chamber. The manifold provides the benefit of allowing the use of standard annular gaskets or o-rings for providing seals between the manifold and gas components, such as filters, valves, and pressure transducers and regulators, mounted on the manifold. The manifold includes a surface, a manifold port in the surface, and at least one station in the surface for receiving gas controlling and gas monitoring components. The station includes an inwardly facing side wall extending into the manifold from the surface to a base of the station. The base is divided into a central portion and an outer portion, the central portion having a first station port, and one of the outer portion of the base and the side wall having a second station port.

Abstract: A plug comprising a cover portion for covering an opening of an aperture; elastically deflectable legs extending from the under side of the cover portion; and anchoring nails laterally projecting from the legs for engaging the edge of the aperture characterized in that each of the legs is provided with at least one projections laterally extending therefrom in same direction as that of the anchoring nail formed on the corresponding leg beyond the tip of the anchoring nail.

Abstract: It is a question of an actuating means adapted to be activated by fluid power, which comprises a hose body (5) extending between two spaced head pieces (3 and 4) and whose interior space is able to be subjected to a fluid medium. A strand structure (6) fixed to both head pieces (3 and 4) and extending coaxially in relation to the hose body has two strand groups (18 and 19) in a crossover configuration with bendingly flexible strands (7) extending adjacent to one another with the same longitudinal alignment within a strand group. An intermediately placed yielding material (22) between the strand groups (18 and 19) serves to maintain the strand groups constantly at a distance apart.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of compositions containing at least one thermoplastic polymer and an epoxy resin modified by at least one aromatic polyamine to coat surfaces, especially pipes through which oil is transported. The polymer compositions used contain at least one thermoplastic polymer which is preferably amorphous selected from the group formed by polysulphones, polyetherimides and polyphenylene esters and at least one epoxy resin modified by at least one aromatic polyamine containing at least two primary amine groups in its molecule. Different layers of polymers are deposited on different types of surface, more particularly as internal and external coatings for conduits. The invention also provides a surface coating comprising such compositions. Multi-layer coatings are also produced.

Abstract: An insulated tubing is disclosed having a liner, a pipe surrounding the liner defining an annulus between the pipe and the liner, a plurality of sets of spacers, and an insulating material located between the liner and pipe, substantially filling the annulus. The spacers within a set of spacers are spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the liner and each set of spacers is spaced apart from each other set along the length of the liner. A method for producing the insulated tubing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seamed endless papermaking fabric for use with papermaking machines. The fabric includes a plurality of CMD (cross machine direction) yarns intermeshing with a plurality MD (machine direction yarns) in a selected intermeshing pattern forming a contact surface and a support surface. The MD yarns, which are arranged to extend beyond the endmost of the CMD yarns at the opposed first and second ends of the fabric, form a plurality of spaced seaming loops across the fabric. These loops are adapted to interleaf and receive a pintle which forms the seam forming the fabric endless. A first pair of additional yarns are intermeshed in a first intermeshing pattern repeat with the MD yarns outwardly of the endmost of the CMD yarns at one of the opposed ends and a second pair of additional yarns are intermeshed in a second intermeshing pattern repeat with the MD yarns outwardly of the endmost of the CMD yarns at the other of the opposed ends.

Abstract: A fabric woven under a double weave by using a jacquard machine, which has a first layer for forming front bodies of garments and a second layer for forming back bodies of the garments. The first and second layers are connected with each other by interwoven portions along substantially closed contour lines (outlines) as repeated patterns. The fabric is subjected to a cutting along the contour lines, while the interwoven portions are at least partly left except at locations where openings for passage of parts of a human body are to be formed. As a result, a garment can be obtained without any substantial sewing process.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the safe removal of a wet, fully-plated cathode from a silver recovery cell and its replacement by a fresh cathode. The fresh cathode is brought to the recovery cell in a transport housing, which is then docked thereto. A drip tray is unfolded from the transport housing so as to extend across and surround the top of the recovery cell. The fresh cathode is removed from the transport housing and put to one side. The used cathode is removed from the recovery cell, preferably by being attached to the lid which is unscrewed therefrom. The cathode is then transferred to the housing over the drip tray which catches any liquid falling therefrom. The used cathode is screwed into the transport housing, and the housing removed to a refiner for safe disposal, whilst the fresh electrode is screwed onto the recovery cell.

Abstract: A device for the retention of multi-fuels which may be built in or used in a portable mode. It will seal at the top of the fuel fillpipe and allow for the insertion of a utility hose nozzle into the top of the fuel fillpipe. When fluid comes out of the fillpipe, it will be contained by deflection shields while still allowing air to escape due to the arrangement of the shields and basin.

Abstract: A tire component comprising a plurality of elastomers, where at least one of said elastomers has a functional group defined by the formula where R1 is selected from the group consisting of a divalent alkylene group, an oxy-alkylene group, an amino alkylene group, and a substituted alkylene group, each group having from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is covalently bonded to the elastomer and is selected from the group consisting of a linear-alkylene group, a branched-alkylene group, and a cyclo-alkylene group, each group having from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An interior automotive skin material has a thermoplastic resinous base coat/clear coat paint film bonded to the outer surface of a thermoplastically formable semi-rigid resinous backing sheet. The base coat/clear coat paint film is preferably formed by dry paint transfer techniques in which the clear coat layer and pigmented base coat layer are coated on a polyester carrier and dried, followed by transfer-laminating the base coat/clear coat paint film from the carrier to the backing sheet on which the clear coat layer forms a low gloss protective outer surface. The clear coat material preferably comprises an alloy of an acrylic resin and a fluoropolymer resin, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride. The low surface gloss of the outer clear coat is produced by a dispersed fine particulate filler such as silica combined with coating the outer clear coat layer on a matte carrier.

Abstract: The system (14, 18) for evaluating the geometry of articles transported by a conveyor (12) includes a frame (20) adapted to be mounted facing the conveyor (12), feelers (22) carried by the frame and moved relative to the frame (20) by articles transported by the conveyor (12), each feeler (22) having an end (28) for tracking the exposed surface of an article, which tracking end (28) is adapted to rest on the article and to move the feeler (22) by an amount representative of the position of the point on the article to which the tracking end (28) of the feeler (22) is applied, means (32) for measuring the position of each feeler (22) relative to the frame (20), and means (18) for calculating the geometry of the articles according to the measured position of each feeler (22).

Abstract: A peel assembly is provided for separating a label from a releasable backing. The peel assembly includes a housing, structure for driving the backing and labels through the housing, a peel bar for bending the backing therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the peel bar for deflecting the backing away from the label and towards the peel bar, and a plurality of supporting rollers proximate to the deflector rollers for supporting the label as it exits the peel assembly. After the backing, which has the labels thereon, passes over the peel bar, the backing is passed between the peel bar and the deflector rollers and the label passes over the deflector rollers and then over the supporting rollers.

Abstract: A process of positioning a riser sleeve about a plug of a mold cavity pattern. The riser sleeve is positioned to engage the plug to prevent sand from entering the interstitial space between the riser sleeve and the plug. The riser sleeve may comprise a deformable annular lip for engagement with the perimeter of the plug. The riser sleeve may engage the plug in sealing relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a pour hole and main sprue in an investment mold for lost wax casting. A sprue having a flared base, a base member adapted to receive the flared base of the sprue for vertically supporting the sprue, and a flask for containing investment material immersing the sprue, define the casting apparatus of the present invention. The present investment casting sprue apparatus forms a pour hole in the hardened investment material suitable for smoothly introducing liquid metals into the cavity formed by the sprue, thereby reducing the number of casting defects related to turbulent filling. This is accomplished as a result of the flared base of the sprue, which forms a gentle transition into the sprue. The current practice, by contrast, uses a sprue having a cylindrical base which is simply inserted into a hole in a finger or button formed in the supporting base member for the sprue without regard to this smooth transition.

Abstract: To form a mold for casting a metal article, metal pins are inserted through a pattern. End portions of the metal pins are bent after the pins have been inserted through the pattern. The pattern and opposite end portions of the metal pins are then covered with wet ceramic mold material. A mold structure is formed by drying the wet ceramic mold material. The pattern is then removed from the mold structure to leave a mold cavity with the metal pins extending through the metal cavity between opposite side sections of the mold structure. Molten metal is conducted into the mold cavity and force is transmitted between opposite side sections of the mold structure through the metal pins to retard movement between the side sections of the mold structure. The molten metal is solidified in the mold cavity and a metallurgical bond is formed between the metal in the mold cavity and the metal pins. The cast article is then removed from the mold structure. The cast article has a thin wall section with a thickness of 0.

Abstract: A heat removal system for removing heat from an electric device. The heat removal system includes a heat sink coupled to an electric device. The heat sink absorbs heat generated by the electric device, and may be in direct contact or remotely thermally coupled to the electric device. A gas source is provided to flow or direct a gas stream such as air onto the heat sink. A liquid source is provided from which liquid droplets such as water are dispensed onto the heat sink. The liquid droplets absorb heat from the heat sink and evaporate into the gas stream moving across the heat sink from the gas source. The thermal efficiency of the heat sink is improved by exploiting the energy absorption characteristics of the vapor phase of the liquid.

Abstract: A fin-tube heat exchanger with a vortex generator is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes at least one heat transfer tube extending therethrough. A vortex generator is formed on the fin and includes a plurality of protuberance ribs projected from the fin and centralized with the heat transfer tube. An air flow inlet is defined between adjacent two of the protuberance ribs and an air flow outlet is defined between other adjacent two of the protuberance ribs. The air flow is guided from the air flow inlet, through channels defined between the vortex generator and the at least one heat transfer tube, and passes out of the air flow outlet, thereby speeding the air flow and promoting the heat transfer efficiency of a stagnation area behind the tube, and generating vortexes at the protuberance ribs and the air flow outlet for draining outer air into the surface for better air mixing and promoting the heat transfer efficiency of the fin.

Abstract: A heat sink comprises at least one row of many tonguelike fins formed on one surface of a heat dissipating base plate and each having a circular-arc outer end. The midportion only of the entire circular-arc outer end portion is bent forward into a curl portion. The fin end portion has opposite side parts other than the midportion and remaining unbent as arcuate portions.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A drill pipe for oil and gas drilling rigs, the drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section positioned between the ends of the drill pipe. The enlarged diameter section of drill pipe has a shoulder which corresponds with and is engaged by a shoulder located on wedge members of a holder in a drilling rig for supporting the drill pipe without crushing or otherwise damaging the drill pipe.

Abstract: A water pressure system includes a pressure tank installed underground within the well casing of a well. The water pressure system includes a submersible pump connected to the inlet of the pressure tank by a drop pipe. The outlet of the pressure tank is connected to a second drop pipe and in turn to a discharge pipe for distribution of pressurized water to a house or other building. A pressure switch is connected to the pressure tank for controlling the submersible pump. The pressure tank includes an outer sidewall with an inlet end and an outlet end. An expandable diaphragm bladder located within the outer sidewall is connected between the inlet and outlet of the tank. A tube extends through the center of the bladder between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The tube has a plurality of holes therein to allow water to flow through the tube and into and out of the expandable bladder. Pressurized air fills the empty space between the bladder and the outer sidewall to pressurize the water in the bladder.

Abstract: Downhole tools and systems can be actuated chemically by placing a chemical sensor downhole and introducing a chemical slug into fluids being pumped downhole. When the slug reaches the sensor a reaction in the sensor may be employed to trigger an event (e.g., actuation) or may cause a count to increase by one on its way to a full count and actuation of a tool or system downhole.

Abstract: A disconnect tool includes a housing that has a first segment and a second segment. A first collet is coupled to the first segment and has a first plurality of fingers, each of the first plurality of fingers is bendable between a first position in which the fingers engage the first segment and prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments, and a second position in which the fingers do not engage the first segment and do not prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments. A first piston is positioned in the housing and has a third position wherein the piston engages and prevents the fingers from bending from the first position, and a fourth position wherein the piston does not engage and prevent the fingers from bending from the first position. The disconnect tool includes means for selectively retaining the first piston in the third position and means for moving the first piston from the third position to the fourth position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to from a branch well includes a branching sub defining a branching chamber and multiple branching outlet members connected to the branching chamber. A stiffening structure or rib is provided at least at a juncture between two of the branching outlet members. The stiffening structure is adapted to reduce deformation of the branching chamber at the juncture as the branching outlet members are being deformed (such as being expanded).

Abstract: The present invention provides a space-out compensating apparatus and method for sequentially and simultaneously landing an anchor seal assembly into a previously run downhole packer, and landing a tubing hanger into a wellhead, so that the integrity of the seals in the anchor seal assembly of the tool is not compromised, and the completion can be concluded in a single run.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system and method for selectively sealing a drill string or other tubular member. In one aspect, a sealing member, such as a valve, allows a certain level of flow of drilling fluids and/or other fluids through one or more flow channels when the valve is open. To close the valve, the flow rate is increased so that a backpressure develops and urges the valve to a closed position. The valve can remain in position in the drill string and alternately open and close depending on the flow rate and/or the pressure drop through the valve. The valve also comprises a removable plug disposed in the valve to provide access with, for example, wireline tools to a region below the valve in a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for actuating a hydraulically controllable device (102) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a downhole hydraulic fluid source (134), a hydraulic fluid passageway (136) providing a communication path between the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) and the hydraulically controllable device (102), a valve (144) disposed within the hydraulic fluid passageway (136) and a downhole electronics package (138). The downhole electronics package (138) receives a signal from the surface to operate the valve (144) from the closed position to the open position such that hydraulic pressure from the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) actuates the hydraulically controllable device (102).

Abstract: A stock from which circumferential lengths can be cut to be used as horseshoes, the stock comprising a helical coil of plastics materials wound about an axis such that the cross section of the coil in a plane containing the axis is constant in shape for any such plane and substantially corresponds to the cross section of a horseshoe in the same plane.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of material having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks, as flame arresters, as anti-explosion barriers, and as shields against mechanical impact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining optimal cultivation of a parcel of land. A soil working machine with drivable working members, such as a rotary harrow, is provided with soil working members which rotate about approximately vertically orientated axes, and cooperates with a geographic positioning system such as DGPS, GPS, Lorean or a dead reckoning system to determine on a continual basis the actual position of the soil working machine on a parcel of land. Simultaneously, the condition or the composition or both of the underlying soil is determined and data of same is transmitted to a processing unit which maps the parcel of land into subareas wherein the states of the soil are the same. A control unit applies this mapping for controlling the soil working members during the soil working machine's operations so that each subarea of the same soil state is optimally cultivated.