Abstract: A fail-safe HVAC damper apparatus comprises a duct channel with a closure comprising one or more quadri-panel hinged elements, each with four panels connected by four parallel hinge pins. A gear shaft with a toothed gear is controllably rotated to linearly drive a spring-biased plate to move one of the hinge pins of each quadri-panel element between an open and a closed position. A damper may use blades of different sizes and be driven to begin an opening and/or closing action sequentially and/or very gradually. A drive motor may be activated to open or close the closure, e.g. by a smoke detector or other controller. Melting of a fuse in the duct channel serves to disengage a gear from a gear shaft, enabling a spring mounted plate to move the hinged elements to a default closed (or alternative open) safety position. Various gear shaft and gear structures are shown.

Abstract: A faucet assembly has a stationary base body having an outer surface formed with a passage having an outlet end opening at the outer surface. A spout sleeve fitted over the base body has an inner surface radially inwardly confronting the base-body outer surface. One of the surfaces is formed with a radially open groove, open toward the other surface, and into which the passage outlet end opens. A spout projecting radially from the sleeve has an outwardly open passage opening inward into the groove. Water is supplied to the base-body passage to flow into the groove and thence through the spout passage and out of the spout. A radially expansible brake ring has an inner surface bearing radially inward against the base body and an outer surface bearing radially outward against the sleeve.

Abstract: A pressure control valve with a hydraulic system of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes a valve body defining a control chamber, fluid ports communicating with the control chamber, and a valve spool having spaced pressure control lands located in the control chamber, the valve spool urged by a compression spring in an opposite direction from an electromagnetic force developed on the spool when a solenoid is energized. In one embodiment a control land is formed with a pressure feedback orifice that communicates a control port with a feedback chamber. The valve spool can be formed with different sized control lands. The feedback orifice is substantially insensitive to fluid temperature variation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ejecting a second fluid into the near-wall region of the boundary layer of a first fluid, so that the second fluid hugs the wall. This alone reduces drag by modifying the behavior of the near-wall structure, thereby reducing the frequency of burst and sweep cycles, even when the first and second fluids are identical. Further, one or more additives, such as polymer, surfactant, micro-bubbles, a combination thereof, and/or using a second fluid having an elevated temperature as compared to the temperature of the first fluid, may be used to achieve much greater drag reduction as well as lower dissipation rates than previously possible. The second fluid is ejected using a convex Coanda surface (7) and at a controlled velocity that is a small fraction of the velocity of the first fluid moving along the wall so that the flow lines of the second fluid are substantially aligned with the flow lines of the first fluid.

Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.

Abstract: Flow enhancing restrictors are located within a fluid conduit to provide pressure reduction and flow enhancement. The restrictors may be used in combination with a conventional choke valve or as a stand-alone pressure reduction means. Alternative exemplary embodiments for flow enhancers are described. Each of the flow enhancers has a generally cylindrical base with at least one fluid passage disposed therethrough. Each of the flow enhancers also provides a dome that projects upwardly from the center of the base to assist in directing fluid flow and receiving the abrasive forces associated with the fluid.

Abstract: A multilayer pipe for conducting fuel, in particular from a vehicle pump to the engine, and which is capable of withstanding pressures of over 100 bar, is impermeable to hydrocarbon vapors, and includes at least one inner layer of elastomeric material, preferably acrylonitrile/butadiene and hydrogenated acrylonitrile/butadiene; a barrier layer having at least one polyamide, preferably nylon 6/6.6 or mixtures of nylon and polypropylene; a reinforcing layer defined by a spun fabric having aramidic fibers, preferably TWARON® or KEVLAR®; and a cover layer of elastomeric material, preferably chlorinated polyethylene.

Abstract: A steel pipe, includes an outer corrosive-preventive protective sheath, which has a surface layer of plastic material, and a crack stopper zone extending over a section of the pipe. The crack stopper zone includes a bandage which is wrapped around the pipe section and made of high-strength fiber material imbedded in a compacted matrix of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic. The bandage is comprised of a plurality of wound layers joined to one another via the matrix by welding or gluing.

Abstract: A woven strip of a zipper half is produced of warp and weft threads. The weft thread is picked in the form of double pick loops. A plastic monofilament forms windings of a closing member row on the woven strip with interlocking heads at one end and winding reversing portions at the other end. During weaving, a main knit thread is guided upwardly between the windings to the upper side of the closing member row to form loops with loop heads that are interlocked by crocheting and form a mesh structure for interlocking the closure member row with the woven strip. Simultaneously, double pick loops of the main knit thread are formed and are interlaced during weaving with additional warp threads positioned underneath the closing member row. The main knit thread is used as a weft thread in the woven strip underneath the closing member row.

Abstract: A woven carpet backing may include monofilament warp yarns and alternating monofilament and multifilament fill yarns. The yarns may be woven using a weave, such as a non-traditional weave, that places all of the multifilament fill yarns on the face of the fabric and all of the monofilament fill yarns on the back of the fabric. Monofilament fill yarns and multifilament fill yarns are overstuffed, thereby creating a coverage factor greater than one hundred percent. The invention results in a carpet backing with the appearance of a primary carpet backing on one side of the fabric and the appearance of a secondary carpet backing on the opposite side of the fabric. The need for a secondary carpet backing is eliminated by the woven carpet backing.

Abstract: An elastomeric fabric woven in a leno weave, with the warp yarns being elastomeric yarns. The elastomeric warp yarns have a minor axis disposed in the direction perpendicular to the fabric surface. The fabric is calendered to reduce the thickness of the elastomeric yarns along the minor axis at the cross-over of the warp yarns in the leno weave.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing electronic parts in which leads can be accurately bent and maintenance operations are easy. Each electronic part so manufactured includes a resin mold section 2 with a built-in electronic device and leads projecting therefrom, and the manufacturing method comprises bending a first portion of each of leads 3 to form a first bent portion 3d, bending a second portion of the lead 3 to form a second bent portion, and pressing the lead from obliquely above to bend the lead in such a manner that a tip portion of the lead 3 is located at a bottom portion of a resin mold. In the first bending step, a V-shaped groove 3c is formed near a root of the lead 3, and in the second bending step, the V-shaped groove 3c is bent to form a second bent portion 3e.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of replacing old fluid in a transmission system by feeding clean fluid into the system from a clean fluid tank using a pump and draining the old fluid into a waste tank and using a processor to monitor the clean fluid pressure in the clean tank and the old fluid pressure in the waste tank and adjusting the pump's speed using the processor such that the old fluid is drained at substantially the same rate as the clean fluid is fed.

Abstract: A highly reliable and safe, modular automatic refill (bulk delivery) system for ultra-high purity pyrophoric metalorganic chemicals employing: a manifold that insures contamination-free operation; a liquid-level detection system with fail-safe redundancy; and an evacuation system which leaves the system's manifold and transfer lines relatively free of chemical fire hazards; leaves them free of oxygen contamination; and leaves the composition of the system's carrier gas unaffected, between refills.

Abstract: A treatment method for the internal surface of a moulded polyethylene plastics material container such as a drum, comprising the steps of: introducing an ionisable gas, such as argon, into the container; generating a plasma of the introduced gas by applying electric field of sufficient strength to the container and introduced gas, so as to cause an interaction with the internal surface of the container; coating the internal surface of the container with a curable epoxy-based first polymeric composition; and then curing the polymeric composition to form a coating on the internal surfaces of the container. A second coating, preferably with electrical conductive properties, may be applied and cured over the first coating. Conductive properties may provided by including conductive particles such as antimony doped tin dioxide, graphite or metal powders, in the second composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring liquid chlorine or other process material from a larger container to one or more smaller containers, including a valve assembly used to minimize chemical loss, is disclosed herein. The valve assembly minimizes chlorine or other process material loss to the environment by sealing the manifold and the filled cylinder from the environment while the valve assembly is disconnected. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein minimize caustic use associated with purging of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for successively subjecting objects to a processing, comprising a transporting device for transporting the objects; a feed device for feeding the objects for processing to the transporting device; at least one processing device for processing the objects transported by the transporting device; and a discharge device for discharging the objects from the transporting device, wherein the transporting device is adapted to transport the objects for processing with a uniform linear movement and wherein the processing device is adapted to perform the processing on the objects during the uniform movement.

Abstract: A bulk chemical delivery system, comprising: a bulk chemical canister that is connected to at least one manifold box, wherein each manifold box has at least two output lines, wherein each output line connects to a secondary canister. In non-limiting representative example, the bulk chemical canister may have a capacity of 200 liters. Also disclosed are novel manifolds for use in delivering chemicals from canisters and a transportation/containment cart.

Abstract: A metering device has a filling material container with a metering disk. Metering bores for products such as microtablets are disposed in the metering disk. Underneath the metering disk in a transfer region, there is a capsule filling shaft which is disposed in line with prepared capsule bottoms. The invention proposes supporting the filling material container so that it can rotate on an axis which is disposed inclined in relation to the vertical. This permits the microcapsules to be easily dispensed into the metering bores, permits the microtablets to be handled in a manner that is gentle on the product, and permits a high performance of the metering device.

Abstract: A packaging system which comprises a first container (24) having a valve (27) controlling the opening of an outlet and which contains a first ingredient (25), and a second container (28) having an openable entry portion (14) and containing a second ingredient (29). The packaging system further comprises means for connecting the first and second containers together in order to allow said first ingredient to be displaced from the first container into the second container via the entry portion thereof, so that said first and second ingredients are admixed in said second container to form a final product.

Abstract: A proximal end of a coolant nozzle is inserted into a large-diameter portion provided at an end of a shaft's coolant passage. The coolant nozzle is urged toward the distal end thereof, by a coil spring, and is prevented from coming out, by a stopper screw. Provided at the distal end face of the coolant nozzle is an O-ring, as a sealing member, that contacts to the periphery of an opening to a coolant passage of a tool holder. The O-ring may be easily replaced because the O-ring can be removed together with the coolant nozzle after the removal of the stopper screw.

Abstract: An inlet filler pipe comprises a pipe main body having a fuel passage for fueling fuel through an inlet into a fuel tank, and a flange formed on the pipe main body, for attachment to an outer wheel housing. A reinforcing element comprising a plurality of first ribs and second ribs arranged so as to surround the pipe main body is formed on the flange. The portion along the outer periphery of the pipe main body between first ribs and second ribs serves as a fragile portion, ensuring breaks at a load over a predetermined level.

Abstract: A disc cutter is rotatably mounted on a self-contained power unit which is detachably mounted on lift arms of a hydraulic excavator for locating the disc cutter at a position on the opposite side of a stump from the excavator and providing curling movement of the rotating disc cutter through the stump towards the excavator in the line of sight of the operator for discharging the debris away from the operator.

Abstract: A tree harvester head structure is connected to a mounting structure on a mobile tree harvester by a compact coupling which provides lateral pivotal movement of the harvester head structure. An antifriction bearing and a fluid powered rotary actuator have a concentric relationship and are in substantial radial alignment, thus creating a compact design and avoiding additional side loading of the bearing. A brake prevents rotational movement of the tree harvester head structure except when the rotary actuator is operated.

Abstract: A money clip a first leaf, a second leaf, a spine and a clip. The first leaf has a first end and a second end. The first leaf includes a first main portion, an inner pocket and an outer pocket. The second leaf includes a second main portion, an inner pocket and an outer pocket. The inner pockets are attached to the first main portion and the second main portion to provide a first opening proximate the first end and a second opening proximate the second end. The outer pockets are attached to the second main portion to provide an opening proximate the first end. The spine is operably attached to the first ends of the first leaf and the second leaf. The clip is pivotally attached to the spine.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having improved snow traction and tread wear, and improved noise and handling properties, has 80 to 105 pitches and a sipe density of 1.0 to 1.1. The tire has a substantially rounded footprint, and has a footprint shape factor (FSF) of 1.2 to 1.5. The tire has an open central and intermediate region, as compared to the shoulder region, and has lateral groove depths that vary from 50% to 100% of the tread depth, wherein the shallower grooves are disposed toward the central and intermediate regions of the tire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the interface of various components of an automatic tire inflation system and an anti-locking braking system through the inside of a stationary axle of a vehicle.

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: A method for producing by electrochemical reduction a carbon-containing material with its surface modified by organic groups, in particular functionalized organic groups, contacting the carbon-containing material with an organic diazonium salt in solvent, optionally in the presence of an electrolyte; negative polarisation of the carbon-containing material relative to an anode also in contact with an electrolyte solution separate from the diazonium salt solution. The electrochemical reduction is carried out on an organic diazonium salt in protic solvent in an acid medium.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a part and a part support with the intermediary of intermediate members are disclosed. The method and apparatus are capable of assembling the part and part support while easily and accurately maintaining the intermediate members in a positional relation for adhesion relative to the part and part support.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a repair surface. The pressure applicator device is provided with a generally annular suction member for providing suction attachment to the repair composite surface about the repair patch. The pressure applicator device is further provided with a cover member which is disposable above and across the suction member. The cover member is attached to the suction member. The pressure applicator device is further provided with a flexible pressure bladder formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material which is disposed beneath the cover member and interior to the suction member. The pressure bladder defines upper and lower chambers. The upper chamber is disposed between the cover member and the pressure bladder. The lower chamber is disposable between the pressure bladder and the repair surface.

Abstract: Compact disk labeling systems for use in applying an adhesive label to a CD card compact disk. The system includes a base with a generally flat upper surface and a compact disk hub that protrudes above the upper surface of the base for holding the CD card compact disk by means of its central hole. A rotatable lid is attached to the base and has a generally flat surface with an tab section and a flexible section that is flexible relative to the tab section. A compact disk label hub protrudes from the tab section that is used to hold the adhesive label. A compact disk registering member is provided on the base that is used to register and align the CD card compact disk. A compact disk label registering member may be provided on the lid that may be used to register labels having different widths. Removal of the compact disk registering member permits labeling of mini round compact disks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a roll core with a polymeric material, preferably a high performance thermoplastic material, is disclosed. The method includes first providing a cylindrical roll core having two ends, a length, and an outer surface. A spacer assembly is attached proximate one end of the roll core, the spacer assembly having a circumference greater than that of the roll core. After preheating to a desired temperature, the roll core is then placed within an apparatus in a substantially vertical orientation and held therein by suitable fixtures, e.g., opposed universal chucks. A length of mold tape is helically wound over the length of the roll core in a spaced-apart relationship therewith to define an application zone between the mold tape and the roll core outer surface. A filament formed of the polymeric material is extruded within the application zone and helically wound over the roll core outer surface so that the roll core is covered with the material.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.

Abstract: A laminator assembly and lamination method which comprise: a first roller located on a first side of a media passage; a second roller located on a second side of said media passage so as to oppose said first roller, wherein a nip portion is defined between said first and second rollers so as to apply pressure to media in said media passage which passes through said nip portion; and wherein at least one of said first and second rollers is a roller comprising a substantially solid layer (42), a deformable layer (48) surrounding said substantially solid layer, and a perforated layer (46) surrounding said deformable layer forming an outer surface of said at least one of said first and second rollers.

Abstract: A laminator assembly utilizing either an endless multi-ply belt (27) or a half-lap belt and another endless belt and a roller arrangement (43) to apply pressure to media (55) to be laminated and to convey the media (55) in a controlled manner to pressure rollers.

Abstract: An applicator for transferring a transfer material like a correction paint or paste from a transfer tape to a substate surface comprises an elastic tongue piece 8 having a tip 8′ as part of a transfer head 7. The tip 8′ has a curved discharge or downstream surface 10 whose radius of curvature is between 0.75 and 1.5 mm and a curved transfer or upstream surface 11 whose radius of curvature is between 1.5 and 2.5 mm. Both of these curved surfaces 10 and 11 are connected with each other to provide a large transferring surface 12 which ensures that the transfer material can properly be transferred onto a substrate surface over a wide range and that the transfer tape can pass the tip in a smooth and continuous manner.

Abstract: A method of recycling a disk recording medium includes the steps of retaining the disk recording medium in a liquid medium, the disk recording medium having a layered structure including a substrate, a dye layer, a reflective film, and a protective layer; radiating ultrasonic waves onto the disk recording medium such that the substrate and the reflective film are separated from each other: and bringing a solution into contact with the substrate separated from the reflective film such that the dye layer is separated from the substrate in order to recover the substrate, the solution dissolving the dye layer.

Abstract: A retractable doorway gate device for providing a safety gate preventing pets and kids from gaining access to unsafe areas in and about a building structure. The retractable doorway gate device includes a bracket assembly including a plurality of bracket members being adapted to be attached in a doorway; and also includes a gate support assembly being mounted to the bracket assembly; and further includes a gate member being carried by the gate support assembly and being adapted to extend across the doorway with the gate member being a mesh screen.

Abstract: An improved hopper vent is provided which includes many novel features. The hopper vent includes a removable sash window that is removable from the interior side of the hopper vent. The removable sash window is spring loaded into the frame of the hopper vent and is injection molded for easy manufacture. The hopper vent also includes a removable screen which is also removable from the interior side of the hopper vent. The hopper vent also includes a pivot system to allow the removable sash window to pivot open instead of rotating open like in previous, hinge-based systems. Also, the hopper vent includes a dam system which prevents water from draining to the interior of the hopper vent. The dam system includes a front riser to prevent water from draining to the interior of the hopper vent and a drain, such as weep holes or a gap between the frame and the screen of the hopper vent, to allow water to drain to the exterior of the hopper vent.

Abstract: A control and suspension system for a retractable covering mounted on a rotating element includes an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-extensions of the covering and an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-retractions of the covering. The control and suspension system also includes an apparatus to compensate for any undesirable skewing of the covering that might occur. Finally, the control and suspension system also includes a bottom rail that attaches to the bottom of the covering by trapping a portion of the covering between a compression plate and a bottom plate.

Abstract: An arrangement employing first and second upright partitions positioned in laterally overlapping relationship and connected along upper and lower edges by a slide arrangement permitting one partition to be manually moved lengthwise thereof. The slide arrangement includes slide rails fixed to each partition adjacent upper and lower edges thereof. Slide brackets are fixed adjacent upper and lower edges of each partition and have sidewardly cantilevered portions which slidably engage within channels of the slide rail on the laterally adjacent partition. Removable top caps mount over the upper slide rails.

Abstract: A flexible, retractable assembly for use as a door, space divider, covering or the like which comprises a sheet such as Mylar polyester film having a permanent memory set to roll up on itself or otherwise retract automatically into a coil, accordion, or other compact configuration. The assembly is adapted to be stored on one side of an opening and then guided across the opening to fully or partially cover the opening. The permanent memory set of the sheet permits it to retract at least partially under its own force to eliminate or minimize the need for separate rewinding apparatus. The sheet may substitute for a variety of standard products including entryway doors, closet, cabinet and shower doors, screen doors and windows, room dividers, machinery guards and covers for various items such as florescent light fixtures. The sheet may be combined with decorative finishes including a tambour composite structure providing aesthetic and functional advantages.

Abstract: A fingerprint jewelry includes any jewelry with a person's fingerprints cast in relief onto its surface. It is made by pressing a finger on a sheet of pliable wax medium to imprint it with fingerprints in relief. In a first embodiment, the wax medium is comprised of a soft wax medium soft enough to be imprinted at room temperature. In a second embodiment, the wax medium is comprised of a soft wax medium supported on a hard wax medium. The imprinted wax medium is positioned in a hollow form. A mold is created around the wax medium by pouring a mold material into the hollow form. An oven is used to harden the mold material and melt away the wax to leave a mold cavity. Molten precious metal is cast into the mold cavity with a casting machine to produce a casting with the fingerprints in relief. The casting is freed by breaking the mold. Additional work may be performed on the casting to produce a finished piece of jewelry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cooled cast part for a thermal turbo machine by using a known casting process. Between a wax model of the cast part and a ceramic core, a wax seal is applied by hand above a step, only on an additional shoulder. The material that is created during the casting process at this point by the shoulder and the wax seal can be ground off without causing rough areas on the step to form. This simplifies the welding or soldering of a cooling plate to the step.

Abstract: Fully dense long ingots are produced by the bottom pouring method and apparatus of the present invention. A solidification sequence is achieved which is conducive to eliminating solidification shrinkage and piping. The set-up of the bottom poured ingot molds facilitates a solidification sequence starting from the top and then down the ingot mold and then up the down pour pipe.

Abstract: A cooling passage is formed to have a helical configuration so that a flow rate of a cooling medium supplied to the cooling passage is controlled to be in an optimum cooling region. Accordingly, the contact surface area and the cooling volume of cooling water are decreased respectively. Further, it is possible to stably obtain an optimum casting quality with ease.

Abstract: A method of fastening core elements together without the use of foreign agencies, such as adhesives, screws or other such fasteners, uses the same core sand and resin that form the core elements themselves. Core sand elements are retained in an assembly by bodies of cured core sand and resin in holes or cavities that span the interface between the core elements and fasten the core sand elements together. Core sand elements are provided with alignable holes, or cavities, into which a mixture of core sand and a curable resin, preferably the same resin used in forming the core sand elements, is added and the curable resin is cured to provide a body of cured core sand and resin, preferably adhering to the core sand elements, fastening the core sand elements together.

Abstract: Hot-chamber diecasting machines for processing magnesium melts include a casting vessel, an inductive heating system, and an additional ring inductor in an area of the neck of the casting vessel in order to achieve a heating also in this area. The ring inductor is formed of a one-piece tube made of an elastic material which is open at one point and can be bent open by the extent of the diameter of the neck of the casting vessel and can be pushed laterally onto the casting vessel, and through which air can also flow for the cooling.