Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle, the valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position, the plunger has a valve end and an adjustment end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The first port is aligned with and provides access to set the stroke of the solenoid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting blended crude oils comprising the steps of; (a) admixing a first crude oil with a second, different crude oil to form a crude oil admixture; (b) determining a first value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; (c) holding the admixture for a period of time at standard conditions; (d) determining a second value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; and (e) either: (i) transporting the admixture if the second value is the same as or within a predetermined range of the first value; or (ii) taking remedial action to prevent asphaltene precipitation prior to transporting if the second value is outside a predetermined range from the first value. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the storage stability of stored crude oils and crude oil admixtures.

Abstract: A vent valve for use with a fuel containing system including a fuel tank and a vapor recovery system. The vent valve includes a housing which communicates with the fuel tank and the vapor recovery system. The housing defines a path between the fuel tank and vapor recovery system. A float valve is positioned in the housing and is responsive to the presence of fuel in the tank. The housing has at least one vacuum vent positioned in the path. An umbrella valve is carried on the housing and positioned between the fuel tank and the vapor recovery system. The umbrella valve has a wall defining an orifice extending therethrough and a cover portion extending from the wall. The orifice is selectively sealed at one end by the float valve and is selectively sealed at the opposite end by the head valve.

Abstract: A system for servicing a fluid system can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform the desired service. The fluid system can be an engine cooling system or other fluid system.

Abstract: A multiple opening sleeve valve is provided with a gate movable to control flow or pressure without the need for axial movement of a component through a pressure-containing seal. A gate actuator can include a drive rod and nut coupled to a gate substantially internal to the valve housing without the need for grease or similar external lubrication. The valve can provide for relatively high in-line gate-moving force, a reduction in force or torque requirements for operation, increased ease of wear-part replacement and decreased overall valve length, compared to previous valve configurations of comparable size or capacity.

Abstract: An air-blow valve configured for clean-in-place capability is provided. The valve comprises a valve body defining a valve seat and internal fluid passageways. The valve further comprises valve components disposed within the valve body, including a plug, a piston, and a spring. The valve is separately operatively connected to a pressurized-air source and to a sanitizing-fluid source. In operation, the spring biases the piston, causing the plug to engage the seat, to prevent undesired fluid flow between the passageways and the connecting conduits. Pressurized air is used to space the plug from the seat to achieve flow whenever desired. Periodic selective movement of the piston to space the plug from the seat, enables the cleaning solution to pass through the body and clean the internal passageways, the seat, and the plug, thereby rendering unnecessary disassembly of the valve and/or removal of the valve from the connecting conduits during valve cleaning.

Abstract: A control system for stopping a plumbing-related flooding situation in a building includes at least one sensor for accumulating water and producing a low voltage electrical control signal when sufficient water is accumulated. An actuating system receives the control signal and in turn routes 110 volt current to an electrically activated valve located in a main feed conduit of the plumbing system. The reopening of the valve is achieved by a manually operated electrical switch.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve, an adjustment pipe made of stainless steel and for adjusting a compression amount of a spring biasing a valve member is press-fitted into a cylindrical housing made of stainless steel, and a fuel injection amount is adjusted by adjusting a spring force of the spring in accordance with a press-fitted amount of the adjustment pipe. The adjustment pipe is immersed in an oxalic acid solution so that an oxalate film is formed thereon before being press-fitted into the cylindrical housing. Therefore, the oxalate film prevents a direct press-contact between an outer peripheral surface of the adjustment pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A water control fixture having an operating valve and a thermostatically controlled bypass valve disposed in the fixture for bypassing water away from the fixture until the water temperature reaches a desired level. When pressurized water from the hot water heater reaches the desired temperature level at the fixture, the bypass valve closes and hot water is made available to the fixture. The bypass valve has a thermal actuator element that is thermally responsive to the temperature of the water. The fixture can have a housing with an interior chamber for operatively receiving the bypass valve. Various passages or channels can be provided to facilitate communication between the bypass valve and the water supply lines. Alternatively, the bypass valve can be positioned in the operating valve, including the moveable ball and the replaceable cylindrical valving cartridge types. A system using the in-fixture bypass valve is also provided.

Abstract: A double check valve reduced pressure backflow preventor assembly is configured to have a relatively small length, volume and/or weight. The assembly defines parallel, preferably coaxial, inlet and outlet directions. In one aspect, first and second check valves are at an angle, preferably of 90°, to the in-line axis and preferably intersect the in-line axis. In one aspect, a relief valve is positioned spaced from the in-line axis. First and second shutoff valves are enclosed in the same integral, unitary housing which encloses the check valves and, preferably, some or all of the relief valve. The shutoff valves are preferably positioned along the in-line axis.

Abstract: A flow control valve coupling structure that does not require complicated machining and facilitates the installation of a flow control valve. The coupling structure includes a fitting portion having a male thread that is formed on a peripheral surface of the flow control valve. A coupled member has a coupling hole to receive the flow control valve. A cylindrical elastic sealing member is engaged with the coupling hole to seal the space between the flow control valve and the coupling hole. The elastic sealing member has an inner surface defining a mounting hole in which the fitting portion is fitted. A female thread is formed on the inner surface and is mated with the male thread of the fitting portion.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves, multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's), and a manifold. This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. The unit is particularly desirable because the solenoids associated with the valves are attached directly to the underneath of the manifold, thus eliminating the need for tubing between the solenoids and the valves.

Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a socket including a cylindrical main body having an axial bore for a fluid, an annular valve seat at the forward end, a ball type valve body rotatable relative to the valve seat and having a through hole and a casing fitted over the main body and rotatably retaining the ball valve in cooperation with the valve seat, and a plug inserted in the through hole. The casing has a long hole including a wider area and a narrower area. The ball valve communicates the through hole with the axial bore when the trough hole is aligned with the narrower area and closes the axial bore when the trough hole is aligned with the wider area. The coupling comprises a guide for guiding the ball valve along the long hole from a position in which the through hole is aligned with the wider area.

Abstract: A spiral bellows structure having a longitudinal axis includes at least one peak portion extending spirally around and along the longitudinal axis and at least one valley portion extending in parallel with the peak portion to thereby define a flow passage. The spiral bellows structure has a reduced flow resistance because of its tendency to suppress turbulence and eddies while allowing to keep the original characteristics, such as flexibility, of a straight bellows structure substantially unchanged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping at least two tool parts movable relative to each other for processing carriers for electronic components in a press. The invention also relates to a press adapted for co-action with the clamping device. The invention also describes a tool part and a tool assembled from tool parts and adapted for co-action with the clamping device. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for mounting a tool in a press.

Abstract: Methods for filling transducers of a fully implantable hearing aid system with liquids having either a high or a low vapor pressure are described. Methods are also described for avoiding damage to transducers during their testing and shipment.

Abstract: A veneer dehydrating apparatus which has a pair of rotatable dehydrating roll assemblies disposed one above the other and having their axes extending parallel to each other, at least one of which is positively driven. The paired roll assemblies includes a first roll assembly having formed on the peripheral surface thereof a number of tooth-like projections extending radially outward from the peripheral surface and a second roll assembly having a steel core shaft which is clad with covering of elastic material such as urethane rubber with a predetermined thickness. The axes of the roll assemblies are spaced radially to form a clearance or a nip between the peripheral surfaces thereof which is smaller than the thickness of the veneer sheet to be dehydrated.

Abstract: A push-through delimber device having a frame, a blade lattice, a trough, a throat and a saw so that trees can be topped and delimbed in the throat and pushed through the delimbing blade lattice to further delimb the trees.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus which cuts certain wood pieces, commonly referenced as “mill ends,” such that the chips can be used to make paper, cardboard and other recyclable materials. The use of a horizontal drum in combination with a horizontal anvil and a “moving cavity” which orients elongate elements, is likewise contemplated.

Abstract: A roller for grasping a log for axial movement or rotation of a log, the roller including spike bars fastened on the cylindrical surface of the roller. The spike bars are formed of alloy steel feature an improved type of spike having planar side surfaces that converge to a pointed end. The improved spikes grip and hold logs at lower average pressures over an extended period of use than conventional conical spikes.

Abstract: A push-through delimber device having a frame, a blade lattice, a trough, a throat and a saw so that trees can be topped and delimbed in the throat and pushed through the delimbing blade lattice to further delimb the trees. The delimber device can also include pivoting arcuate blades for delimbing trees.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting oversized wood chips smoothly and uniformly, such that the resulting chips are of optimum size and shape for use in making paper, cardboard, and other recyclable materials. A method is provided for aligning and guiding oversized wood chips through an array of spaced-apart saw blades using a reciprocating plunger controlled to continuously align and sweep the wood chips completely through the saw blades. The method and apparatus can be adapted to produce a variety of desired wood chip sizes.

Abstract: A ball for use in a constant-velocity joint, which is adapted to be interposed between an inner race and an outer race for transmitting rotational power therebetween, is produced by nitriding a surface of a ball made of bearing steel or a material equivalent thereto, and processing the nitrided ball for increased resistance to a crushing load. The nitrided ball is processed for increased resistance to a crushing load by tempering the ball at a temperature ranging from 180 to 230° C. The surface hardness of the ball should preferably be adjusted in the range from HRC 60 to 64.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface for prolonged use as a liquid mirror. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) contacting the surface of liquid gallium or gallium alloy with an aqueous solution of a halogenic acid to cause dissolution of any gallium oxide present on the surface, thereby obtaining an oxide-free liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface covered with a layer of the acid solution; (b) adding to the acid solution an aqueous solution of a surfactant present in an amount to form a single bimolecular layer of surfactant at an interface between the liquid gallium or gallium alloy and water; and (c) allowing a uniform passivating oxide layer to gradually form on the oxide-free liquid gallium or gallium alloy surface, the passivating oxide layer having surface irregularities smaller than 40 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rare-earth sintered magnet exhibiting desirable magnetic properties in which the amount of Nd and/or Pr forming a non-magnetic phase in a grain boundary phase is reduced. Specifically, the present invention provides a rare-earth sintered magnet having a composition of (R1x+R2y)T100-x-y-zQz where R1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of all rare-earth elements excluding La (lanthanum), Y (yttrium) and Sc (scandium); R2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Y and Sc; T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of all transition elements; Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B and C, and including, as a main phase, a crystal grain of an Nd2Fe14B crystalline structure, wherein: molar fractions x, y and z satisfy 8≦x≦18 at %, 0.1≦y≦3.

Abstract: A soft magnetic steel alloy contains in weight percent, about 1.0-5.0% manganese, about 7-17% cobalt, and the balance is essentially iron. The disclosed alloy provides a highly acceptable level of magnetic saturation induction combined with good electrical resistivity with a substantially reduced amount cobalt relative to the known Co—Fe soft magnetic steel alloys.

Abstract: A nickel-base single-crystal superalloy, essentially consists of, in percentages by weight, 4.0% to 11.0% of cobalt, 3.5% to less than 5.0% of chromium, 0.5% to 3.0% of molybdenum, 7.0% to 10.0% of tungsten, 4.5% to 6.0% of aluminum, 0.1% to 2.0% of titanium, 5.0% to 8.0% of tantalum, 1.0% to 3.0% of rhenium, 0.01% to 0.5% of hafnium, 0.01% to 0.1% of silicon, and a balance being nickel and inevitable impurity, a total amount of rhenium and chromium being not less than 4.0% and a total amount of rhenium, molybdenum, tungsten and chromium being not more than 18.0%.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a steel sheet comprises providing a slug of steel selected from the group consisting of austenitic 301 steel and austenitic 301N steel. The thickness of the slug is reduced by passing the slug through a hot rolling mill while the slug is at a temperature of about 1000° C. to about 1200° C., until the slug is formed into a steel sheet. The steel sheet is quenched to lower the temperature of the steel sheet after the steel sheet is hot rolled. The thickness of the steel sheet is further reduced by passing the steel sheet in multiple passes through a cold rolling mill. The steel sheet is reduced in thickness between about 3% and about 13% in the last of its passes through the cold rolling mill.

Abstract: Objects formed of engineering and tool steels are quenched from above 850° C. by immersion in an aqueous suspension of inorganic particles. The greater the proportion of particles, the slower the quench. The suspension may be saturated with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing hot-rolled aluminum strip for can making, especially in rolling plant whose yearly production capacity is below 250,000 tons, having a reversing roughing stage for the feed material, which is used hot, and immediately thereafter finishing rolling of the strip, which is followed by heat treatment of the strip coiled up into coils. In this case, during the last finishing rolling passes, recrystallization in the rolled material is suppressed by means of controlled temperature management of the hot strip and the recrystallization is specifically brought about only outside the rolling train, directly following the finishing rolling.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly of a pneumatic tire and a rim. The tire has at least one carcass ply 2 and a belt layer 8. The ply 2 is composed of ply cords and has end portions. The belt layer 8 is composed of belt cords provided outside of the ply 2. Each belt cord extends in a direction intersecting the ply cord. Each of the end portions is held in the rim 12. The width of the tire is maximum in a circumferential cross section “T” with a cylindrical shape with respect to the center axis “D” of the tire. The cross section “T” extends through the rim 10. When the tire is rolled under a load and a stress is applied on the tire as an arrow “X”, a neighboring portion 2d near the end portions 2a, 2b is considerably bending-deformed as arrows “Y” to absorb the stress. The roundness of the belt layer 8 is thus preserved to reduce the rolling resistance of the tire considerably.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises: a carcass comprising a carcass main extending from a bead core in one of bead portions to a bead core in the other bead portion, and a pair of carcass turnups axially outside the carcass main; a tread rubber disposed in the tread portion; a sidewall rubber disposed in each of the sidewall portions; and a wing rubber interposed between the tread rubber and sidewall rubber. Each of the carcass turnups extends from the axially outside of the bead core to a point in the sidewall portion. While extending from the axially outside of the bead core to the point in the sidewall portion, the carcass turnup approaches the carcass main and adjoins the carcass main from a first radial height to a second radial height and then separates from the carcass main from said second radial height so as to form a separating part.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion having a plurality of slant grooves, in which each slant groove has a steeply slant groove portion and a gently slant groove portion, and the steeply slant groove portion comprises a pseudo-land part of a given shape, and can improve a drainage performance without sacrificing the other tire performances.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing continuous polyester filament yarn for technical applications from a polymer over 90% of the chains of which are composed of ethylene terephthalate units, via a one-step spinning process, with the undrawn filaments having a crystallinity smaller than 16% and the yarn being wound at a rate larger than 6000 m/min. The yarn obtained in this fashion is particularly suitable for use as reinforcing material in rubber articles, notably as reinforcing material in pneumatic tires for cars.

Abstract: Runflat tires are generally made by including a stiff insert in the sidewall thereof. This insert should be as stiff as possible to help support the weight of the vehicle to which the tire is mounted in situations where there is a loss of air pressure. During periods of operation after loss of air pressure the stiff insert carries most of the load on the tire which leads to the generation of heat. Heat build-up can then lead to thermal degradation in the insert. A reduction in crosslink density and a change in the distribution of crosslink types is the result of this thermal degradation. This invention is based upon the discovery that thermal degradation in the inserts of runflat tires can be inhibited by including a bis-citraconimido compound therein as an antireversion agent.

Abstract: To assure a positive camber thrust for a radial-ply tire including a belt of four or more plies on a carcass with rubber pads interposed therebetween, the width of the outermost belt ply is increased over the width of the adjacent belt ply and the ratio of the difference found by subtracting the tread width from the maximum belt ply width to the difference between the maximum tire width and the tread width is not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.4.

Abstract: A heavy-duty pneumatic radial tire and rim assembly ha s a support ring within the tire to support the tire in a deflated condition, wherein the inner diameter Di of the inside bead portion which is inside with respect to the vehicle is substantially 80 to 200 mm larger than the inner diameter Do of the outside bead portion.

Abstract: The invention improves tire flat spotting by providing a bead assembly that has bead filler elements disposed outside the body cords so that the turn up portion of the ply of body cords is disposed immediately back against the main portion of the ply of body cords above the bead core. This carcass structure increases the stiffness of the lower sidewall and decreases the flat spotting experience by the tire. In one embodiment of the invention, a reinforcing ply is wrapped around the bead filler elements to further increases the stiffness of the lower sidewall. In another embodiment, a bead filler element is disposed inside the body cords so that an air pocket is not formed in the carcass during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Linerless label stock 102 is fed to a printer that prints on the front face 104 of the label stock 102 and then to a media cutter 224. The cutter 224 cuts the strip into discrete labels, which are fed to a tag application station 226. A strip of electronic tags is fed through an encoder that detects defective tags and then to a tag cutter 246 that cuts the strip into discrete tags. Defective tags exiting the cutter 246 are diverted away from the tag application station. Non-defective tags are conveyed to the tag application station 226 where they are secured to the back face of labels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vinyl-backed carpet is described wherein the carpet is assembled in a single continuous finishing line. The method includes the application of a vinyl plastisol reinforcing layer directly to the back of unfinished woven or tufted carpet material. The method allows the use of a thinner vinyl layer that results in savings in material, processing steps, and energy required for curing.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus comprising a novel ramped anvil roll for cooperating with a rotary ultrasonic horn and creating ultrasonic bonds in a work piece passing between the anvil roll and ultrasonic horn. A relatively smaller radius portion of the anvil roll extends about a first portion of the circumference, and a relatively larger-radius raised bonding element extends about a second portion of the circumference. An outer surface at at least one of a front and rear end portion of the raised bonding element defines a transition gradient between the raised operating surface and the relatively smaller radius portion. The transition gradient defines a modified sinusoidally-shaped curved loading surface including an inflection locus, the curved loading surface representing a relatively constantly changing angle as measured against respective radii of the anvil roll in combination with advancing along the corresponding portion of the circumference.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for intermittently creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing work piece segments, in a nip. The work piece segments are up to about 0.25 inch thick. The apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus supporting an anvil, and horn support apparatus supporting an ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic horn and anvil are collectively mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and anvil can be brought together to define the nip. The frame, anvil support apparatus, and horn support apparatus collectively are sufficiently rigid that the horn and anvil can be brought together with interference levels of about 0.000 to about 0.008 inch at a raised bonding portion in combination with defining sufficient nip pressure to develop ultrasonic bonds in work piece segments passing through the nip. The method comprehends bringing a back-up roll, mounted above the ultrasonic horn, into engagement with the ultrasonic horn, to directly support the horn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a device for sealing a ceramic package of a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filter are disclosed, in which when making a ceramic package of an environmentally sensitive SAW filter such as a SAW duplexer filter or a SAW filter, a first sealing is carried out between a ceramic main body and a metal case so as to protect the chip component, and then, a second sealing is carried out also between the metal case and the ceramic main body again, so that the shielding effect against external electromagnetic fields would be superior, that a cost curtail and a workability improvement can be realized, and that the sealing can be made sure. The first sealing is carried out on a step which is formed on the top of the ceramic main body to bond the metal case thereupon. The second sealing is carried out on the top of the ceramic main body to bond the metal case on the ceramic main body.

Abstract: A thermoplastic binder applied in the vicinity of the roots of a pile surface structure, typically before stitching, is raised above its melting point but below the critical exposure temperature that can adversely affect the properties of the material forming the pile elements. While at this elevated temperature the pile surface structure is mechanically flexed, as by repeatedly bending the backing with the pile loops thereon into and out of its plane. This flexing action assists the molten (but not freely flowing) binder to propagate into the roots of the pile elements and into the interstices between the fibers forming the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of building a tire having at least one cord reinforced belt ply. The method is comprised of layering various tire components on a tire building drum. Prior to placing the belt ply on the building drum, at least one belt ply is longitudinally cut, forming a plurality of belt ply segments. The belt ply segments are placed onto the building drum and the cords in each belt ply segment are oriented in the same direction. Also disclosed is a longitudinal cutter for dividing belt ply material into the plurality of belt ply segments. The cutter has at least a pair of shear cutters and a cutting surface against which the shear cutters rotate to cut the continuous belt ply. The shear cutters are mounted on a rail and are moveable along the length of the rail.

Abstract: A method and equipment for mixing hard granules into tire tread bodies and into sundry rubber strips and tread stock. Rubber stock is extruded into tread bands of a suitable shape which are rolled under control, in a suitable thickness and number of layers, in a circular process over a pre-treated tire, or other object. The tire is subsequently patterned and vulcanized. The hard granules are distributed according to a predetermined configuration onto at least part of the surface of the extruded rubber tread band before the next layer is rolled in a circular process onto the pre-treated tire, using dedicated equipment so that the granules will be mixed into the patterned wearing surface of the tire after profiling and vulcanization.

Abstract: A method and a plant for manufacturing a belt structure of a green tire are described, wherein the portions (49a, 49b) of the belt strips (19a, 19b) constituting the belt structure are produced in a substantially continuous manner immediately upstream of at least one assembly drum (50, 51).