Abstract: A retroreflective sign includes a rigid sign board and a retroreflective sheeting having a structured surface. The structured surface has cube corner elements formed therein, and is bonded to a surface of the sign board to define a plurality of cells. The cells protect the cube corner elements from moisture and dirt, which could adversely impact the retroreflective performance of the film. By sealing the structured surface directly to the sign board, rather than to an intermediate seal film and then to the sign board, a simpler prefabricated sign construction is achieved. In some embodiments, interconnected raised sections are used to define the seal cells. The raised sections can be incorporated into the structured surface of the retroreflective sheeting or into the surface of the sign board. Methods for making the disclosed sign boards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic articles. The method involves forming a binder resin by combining a polyisocyanate component with a synergist component of a C1 to C4 N-alkyl pyrrolidone, gamma-butyrolactone, or mixtures thereof. A resinated lignocellulosic mixture is formed by combining the binder resin with lignocellulosic particles having a moisture content of from 2 to 15 weight percent. The compression molded or pressed lignocellulosic article is formed by compressing the resinated lignocellulosic mixture.

Abstract: A method of laminating copper foil onto a substrate of a printed circuit board, wherein the substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface. Isolating material is coated onto both surfaces of the substrate to form isolating layers on the substrate. The isolating layers can be formed by roll coating, spray coating or screen printing. The thickness of the isolating layers can be controlled in accordance to the requirements of the circuits. Various types of metal foils can be laminated onto the adhesive layers, followed by heating and pressurization processes to secure the metal foil onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a magnetic field gradient within a magnetically enhanced plasma reactor. The apparatus comprises a cathode pedestal supporting a wafer within an enclosure, a plurality of electromagnets positioned proximate the enclosure for producing a magnetic field in the enclosure and a magnetic field control element, positioned proximate the electromagnets, for controlling the magnetic field proximate a specific region of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process chamber and voltage distributive electrode (VDE) which distributes capacitive coupling between an inductive source and a plasma in a process chamber. The VDE is preferably slotted defining energy opaque and energy transparent portions which enable inductive coupling into the chamber while distributing capacitive coupling uniformly over the dielectric window.

Abstract: For effecting a uniform temperature distribution in a wafer in a process chamber, a support apparatus for a wafer is disclosed, comprising support means for supporting the wafer, temperature homogenization means arranged peripherally regarding to the wafer to provide a uniform thermal environment for the wafer, temperature homogenization means consisting of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments being movable with regard to the other segments to enable supply and removal of the wafer to and from support means. By the fact that the at least one segment is movable with regard to the other segments, it can be elevated when introducing the wafer and can then be lowered during a process step at the wafer such that temperature homogenization means provides a uniform thermal environment for the wafer. Thereby it is made sure that in material depositioning processes an even layer thickness (uniformity) on the wafer will be achieved.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted lamination apparatus and methods of using the same to laminate a film to a substrate or two or more continuous webs together are disclosed. The apparatus includes a series of rolls and a partial vacuum source to provide pressure on a film or films.

Abstract: A tape support for an automatic wrapper includes a main frame and an internal frame. The internal frame is keyed onto the main frame and has four corners. A corner block is keyed to each corner of the main frame. A guide blade assembly is pivotally keyed onto two vertical sides of the main frame, and an adjustment assembly is keyed onto two vertical sides of the main frame. The corner block has three sides. One is concave, and the others form a right angle. The guide blades face each other and wrap around the internal frame. The arms of the adjustment assembly face each other and wrap around the blade assembly. A brush is mounted on the free ends of the adjustment assembly to guide the tape to the middle by its retaining force when the tape passes through the brush.

Abstract: A die bonding device for installing electronic components S on a metal stem, comprising a bonding nozzle for suctioning an electronic component S and positioning the electronic component S on a component mounting face of the stem, a stem carrying head for carrying the stem, a heater section for heating the electronic component S while it is positioned on the component mounting face of the stem, and an imaging camera having a light axis L extending through the component mounting face of the stem when positioned inside the heater section, which performs reciprocating motion in the direction of the light axis L.

Abstract: A refitting apparatus for a tire assembly “w” having a disk wheel “a” having engaging rims and a tire “d” fitted to the disk wheel and having tire bead rims and side walls. The apparatus is constituted to perform a refit process in which a pressing step of bringing one of the tire bead rims “e” of the tire into pressing contact with one of the engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” by supplying air into the tire “d” and a releasing step of releasing the one of tire bead rims “e” of the tire “d” from the one of engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” are repeated a predetermined number of times for each of the tire bead rims “e”.

Abstract: A sunshade has a sunshade body with a front side adapted to face a light source, and a rear side opposite to the front side. A light-catalytic coating layer is provided on at least one of the front side and the rear side, and includes a light-activable catalyst capable of oxidizing and decomposing air contaminants.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for making mechanical pulp, such as thermomechanical or chemi-thermomechanical stock. The mechanical pulp is utilised as a raw material for printing paper, and its freeness value is 30-70 ml CSF. According to the method, the refined stock is screened in several stages into accept and reject stock portions. The stock is screened at a consistency of not less than 10%.

Abstract: Provided is a process for bleaching pulp with ozone. The process involves preparing a slurry of cellulosic pulp having a consistency in fibers of from 1-5 weight %. Such a low consistency slurry is then mixed with ozone under high shear conditions. The ozone is then maintained in contact with the cellulosic fibers to effect bleaching of the fibers. The present process offers the advantages of bleaching using a low consistency slurry, with the added advantages of employing ozone.

Abstract: A paper web is smoothened by passing the web through a pre-calender device on a paper machine before the application of a coating. The pre-calender device comprises at least one pair of steel rolls, one of which is heated, and a liquid application device which applies a thin film of water to the surface of the web which contacts the heated roll before the web enters the nip between the rolls. The web is then dried after exiting the nip either by wrapping the heated roll and/or by applying heat externally to the web.

Abstract: Apparatus including a chamber and a coil system for converting a field-generating current into a RF magnetic field in the chamber when the chamber contains an ionized gas which interacts with the RF magnetic field to create a plasma. The plasma is contained within a cylindrical region enclosed by the chamber, which region has a longitudinal center axis, and the region is considered to be made up of a plurality of annular zones concentric with the center axis and disposed at respectively different distances from the center axis. The coil system is composed of: a plurality of individual coils each positioned and dimensioned to produce a RF magnetic field which predominantly influences a respective annular zone.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a vessel defining a reservoir with a controlled heater and an agitator for maintaining the bath of semi-solid metal in a homogeneous isothermal state, a transfer system capable of transferring a known quantity of metal in its semi-solid state to a mold cavity in a die casting machine, the transfer system including a heated suction tube, a vacuum source for vacuum ladling semi-solid metal from the bath to a die, and a plunger tip providing a path for free air flow to allow evacuation of the suction tube during casting and a metal replacement system for replacing the known quantity of transferred metal with a similar amount of liquid metal so that a stable homogeneous isothermal bath of semi-solid metal is controllably maintained to be available for die casting operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting molten metal onto a moving strip of material includes a stationary die having upstream and downstream portions with a casting portion, past which the strip of material is capable of being moved. The casting portion has a casting channel extending from the upstream portion through the downstream portion for facing the moving strip to contain and shape the molten metal into a profile against the moving strip. A heating arrangement heats the upstream portion of the stationary die to prevent the molten metal from solidifying within the casting channel at the upstream portion, thereby allowing the molten metal to fill the casting channel. The casting channel at the downstream portion allows the molten metal to cool while passing therethrough to solidify sufficiently to retain the shape of the casting channel when exiting the stationary die.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying molten steel and a continuous casting method therewith are described. The apparatus is equipped with a tundish 1 having an upper nozzle 2 at the bottom, a flow control mechanism 3 disposed below the upper nozzle 2, an immersion nozzle 4 formed by a refractory material having a good electrical conductivity, one electrode 5 disposed in the inner space of the tundish 1, the other electrode 6 disposed in the immersion nozzle 4, and a power supply 7 connected to the electrodes 5 and 6. In the method, the molten steel is supplied into a mold in the state of supplying an electric current between the inner surface of the immersion nozzle 4 and the molten steel 8 passing through the inside thereof by utilizing the apparatus for supplying molten steel. The deposition of the Al oxide or the like in the molten steel onto the inner surface of the immersion nozzle and others can be prevented, and thereby the generation of the surface defects in the products can also be prevented.

Abstract: An oil cooler for an internal combustion engine includes an oil circuit and a cooling circuit arranged in a housing with inlet opening and outlet openings. The housing has a generally annular, C-shaped structure which forms a central, axial cylindrical bore and a radially extending slot. The housing is attached to an annular plate. The bore may receive engine components, such as shafts and the like.

Abstract: A radiator for a motor in an air compressor has a tubular casing enclosing the motor. The tubular casing has a plurality of fins radially formed on a body thereof. Two of the fins are longer than the others, and each has an opening defined at an edge thereof. The long fins are engaged with a base of the air compressor by fasteners extending between the base and the openings of the longer fins. A cooling fan is rotatably mounted on an axle extending from the motor and adjacent the fins.

Abstract: An evacuated jacket for thermal insulation comprises a discontinuous or porous, organic or inorganic filling material arranged inside an envelope made with at least one multi-layer barrier sheet (1) of substantially rectangular shape, which comprises at least one polymeric or inorganic central layer (2) having barrier properties towards atmospheric gases, an upper layer (4) and a lower layer (3), both of a polymeric material. The polymeric material which forms said upper layer (4) and the polymeric material which forms said lower layer (3) of the barrier sheet (1) are mutually heat-sealable and said barrier sheet (1) is folded up so as to superimpose two opposite sides (5, 6) thereof which are welded to each other by melting said upper layer (4) at one margin (6) and said lower layer (3) at the other margin (5). The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing said evacuated jacket for thermal insulation.

Abstract: A shell-and tube reactor including at least one reaction tube with a measuring means, substantially same solid particles being filled in the reaction tubes with or without the measuring means, a length of the filled solid particle layer, and a pressure drop thereof while passing a gas through the reaction tube, per each reaction tube, being substantially the same, respectively. By measuring the temperature of the catalyst particle layer, such a temperature as a representative can be gasped.

Abstract: A condenser coil assembly is described and methods for forming such a device. The condenser assembly maximizes heat transfer surface area within a reduced volumetric area without significantly increasing the static pressure on the condenser fan system. The coil assembly is made up of a coil element through which refrigerant is transmitted and a plurality of wires that are affixed to the coil element to assist in dissipating heat from the coil element. The coil element is formed into a compact three-layer arrangement by first bending the coil element into a flat, zig-zag configuration. Secondly, the zig-zag shape is folded in a transverse direction to create three folds or flaps that are essentially equal in length. It is preferred that rounded bars be used to assist in creating the folds.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for enabling the flow of a heat exchanging medium disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a collecting box having a peripheral edge; a tube bottom having a peripheral edge and a plurality of openings, the peripheral edge of the tube bottom being coupled to a peripheral edge of the collecting box; an intermediate bottom having a plurality of openings and a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge coupled to the peripheral edge of the tube bottom; and a plurality of flat tubes coupled to the plurality of openings in the intermediate bottom. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger is also disclosed. The method comprising the steps of coupling a collecting box to a tube bottom; coupling an intermediate bottom to the tube bottom; and coupling a plurality of flat tubes to the intermediate bottom.

Abstract: A header box for a heat exchanger includes a hollow unitary body having four generally flat sides forming a generally quadrilateral cross-section. End plates are located at, and coupled to, each end of the unitary body. One generally flat side has a plurality of plug openings located. The flat side opposite the one generally flat side having the plug openings includes a plurality of tube openings.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube having an integral restricting and turbulating structure consisting of dimples formed by confronting indentations pressed into the sides of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples are comprised of indentations disposed in pairs which extend into the tube to such a depth as is necessary to significantly reduce the cross sectional area of the heat exchanger tube and provide a pair of converging, diverging flow nozzles to promote turbulence of the flue gases. The turbulence characteristics of the tube can be controlled by varying the size of the aperture of the nozzles. In certain applications, the dimples are located along the sides of the heat exchanger tube, thereby providing unobstructed drainage for liquids even when the tube is bent into a serpentine shape.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube with a finned inner surface is divided into at least two zones (Z1 to Zm) in a peripheral direction. The fins extend at an angle of inclination &agr; with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, are arranged in the individual zones (Z1 to Zm) in any desired periodic combination and sequence of at least two fin heights (H1 to Hn, H1>H2> . . . >Hn). Adjacent zones border thereby on one another so that the fin sequence is staggered for at least one fin in longitudinal direction of the tube. Modifications include the finned inner surface being divided into groups of zones, in which the angle of inclination of the fins is uniform, however, varies between adjacent groups.

Abstract: The absence or shortage of a heat transfer medium can be detected without any time lag. While the medium is circulated through a water jacket and an exhaust gas heat exchanger 9 which receives heat from the exhaust gas, the heat generated by the engine 2 can be recovered. A first sensor TW1 is provided at a waste heat recovering location in a circulation path 12 of the medium. A second sensor TW2 is provided at the downstream of the sensor TW1. When the medium is absent, there is developed a difference in the temperature measurement between the sensor TW1 and the sensor TW2 which is greater than a reference level. A heat transfer medium shortage signal is outputted when a difference in the temperature measurement between the first sensor TW1 and the second sensor TW2 exceeds the reference level.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner comprises a housing having an air flow passage defined therein. The housing includes mutually opposed side walls between which a part of the air flow passage is defined. A fan is installed in an upstream part of the air flow passage to introduce air into the air flow passage. An evaporator is installed in the air flow passage at a position downstream of the fan. The evaporator is of a stack type including a plurality of flat tube elements which are stacked on one another. Every adjacent two of the flat tube elements leave therebetween a clearance which has inlet and outlet sides. The evaporator is postured in such a manner that the flat tube elements extend between the mutually opposed side walls of the housing having the inlet sides of the clearances of the flat tube elements directed upstream toward the fan.

Abstract: The level winding system described has a storage reel, a knuckle boom and a roller guide head for control the winding and unwinding of coiled tubing from the storage reel. The knuckle boom has a crane attached to a rotatable, elevatable, and extendible boom with an attached roller guide head. The described level winding system is easy to control, robust, very adaptable to different rig geometries and tubing sizes, and easy to maintain.

Abstract: The present invention is a wellhead system for use in completing at least two well bores from within a single conductor housing. The wellhead system comprises at least one wellhead housing which is supported on the conductor housing and which comprises a top portion that is adapted to be connected to a lower portion of a wellhead component, a casing hanger which is supported within the wellhead housing and from which a casing string is suspended, and a connector for securing the wellhead component to the wellhead housing. In accordance with the present invention, the connector is selected from the group consisting of a latch ring and a segmented clamp assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining the extent of recovery of materials injected into a oil well comprising the steps of: a) preparing a material to be injected into an oil well; b) admixing therewith a chemical tracer compound at a predetermined concentration; c) injecting the admixture into an oil well; d) recovering from the oil well a production fluid; e) analyzing the production fluid for the concentration of the chemical tracer present in the production fluid; and f) calculating the amount of admixture recovered from the oil well using the concentration of the chemical tracer present in the production fluid as a basis for the calculation. Fluorinated benzoic acids are disclosed as a preferred tracer.

Abstract: The present invention provides oil based compositions and methods of using the compositions for temporarily sealing subterranean zones. The compositions are basically comprised of oil, a hydratable polymer, an organophillic clay, a water-swellable clay, and an acid soluble material such as calcium carbonate. These compositions will form a viscous gel when contacted with water. The gelled mass may then be dissolved with an acidic fluid, such as 15% hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions and methods for cementing casing strings in deep water offshore formations penetrated by well bores. The cement composition basically comprises hydraulic cement, water, an environmentally degradable water reducing and dispersing additive, an environmentally degradable set retarding additive and an environmentally degradable compressive strength and set accelerating additive.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The formation to be treated may be chosen so that the mixture produced from the formation will have a desired amount of condensable hydrocarbons and non-condensable hydrocarbons. The formation to be treated may be chosen based on an initial vitrinite reflectance of the formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for cleaning wellbore walls, tubing or casings.

Abstract: A wellhead system for petroleum producing wells comprises a “stack-down” casing hanger configuration. In this stack-down system, the hanger for each successively smaller diameter casing string is landed or “nested” within the hanger for the next larger casing string. This approach allows the pack-off for each casing hanger to be retrieved independently, thus allowing fluid communication to be established with any of the casing annuli after all of the casing strings and hangers have been installed. Thus the pressure in each annulus may be monitored while the well is in production mode.

Abstract: A horizontal spool tree assembly 10 is provided for supporting a production tubing string 22 within a well below a BOP. The spool body 12 includes a laterally extending passageway 36 which is in fluid communication with a similar laterally extending passageway 34 provided in a tubing hanger 20. The tubing hanger includes a central bore for fluid communication with the production tubing string, and a workover flow path 30 extending axially through the tubing hanger, with a workover valve 32 provided for controlling the fluid flow in the workover passageway. An annulus port 70 extends laterally through the spool body, and an annulus valve 72 controls fluid flow through the annulus port.

Abstract: A device for use in removing and installing an inline component from a drill string that is depending downward over a deck. The device has an elongate member with a flange adapted to abut the deck and support the elongate member in a substantially upright orientation, and an engagement member on the elongate member adapted to rotably engage the inline component.

Abstract: A novel method and device for sealing a borehole that is filled either partially or completely with water. A water-permeable sleeve is capable of expanding to the diameter of the borehole, and is constructed of a material that will allow the passage of water in and out throughout its length, with a series of apertures, but will prevent an explosive charge from escaping. Once the sleeve is in place, a hose, to introduce the explosive charge, is lowered through the sleeve to the bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to protect an instrumented firefighter's fire hose nozzle from shock and undesirable environmental pollutant penetration. The invention provides for doing this through the use of a rugged cover on the equipment as well as soft equipment mounts. The cover provides the instrumentation with protection from impact as well as protection from contamination by environmental pollutants. On the inside of the cover, the shock sensitive equipment is seated on an island that is mounted by one or more soft vertical posts, which protect this equipment from shock.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device of the explosive type is disclosed for use in interior or localized exterior conflagrations, wherein the force of detonation of the device is minimalized through the use of low density/low mass components; no part of the device having sufficient mass or density to typically constitute a safety hazard as flying debris, nor be dangerous in concussive shock due the explosive burst. The present invention is composed of a lightweight casing of rigid plastic foam or other suitably frangible material, with an abrasion-resistant, thin plastic, protective, exterior sheathing. Within the internal cavity of the device, a low explosive yield detonator is located at or near the center of mass, and is actuated by fuse cord(s) extending from the detonator, the end(s) of which extend(s) from the interior detonator to a mounting at or near the exterior surface.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are treated by introducing a fire extinguishing media comprising frozen projectiles onto the surface of the burning liquid. The media is applied across the surface of the burning fluid to extinguish the fire and prevent its re-ignition.

Abstract: A universal optical adapter assembly for use with a planar automatic grading system for an earth-moving vehicle having a grading implement that defines a graded surface. The automatic grading system includes an energy beam receiver mounted on the earth-moving vehicle and operable for detecting the height at which a datum energy beam strikes the receiver along a detection portion thereof. A control device is operably coupled to the energy beam receiver and the grading implement to control the elevation of the grading implement in response to the position at which the datum energy beam strikes the detection portion of energy beam receiver. The optical interface adapter assembly includes an optical interface apparatus having an energy source emitting one or more implement controlling energy beams strategically onto selected positions of the detection portion the energy beam receiver to control the elevation of the grading implement.

Abstract: A method and a power wrench for detecting the attainment of a target torque level in a screw joint tightening process, wherein an override type torque responsive release clutch (17) is used in the power wrench for defining the target torque level, comprising a microphone (22) mounted in the power wrench for recording the “click” sound developed in the clutch (17) during the release movement, and a control unit (20) including motor operation governing means, and a signal identifying device is connected to the microphone (22) for recognising the release “click” sound and delivering a stop signal for interrupting the power supply to and braking the power wrench motor (15) as the clutch (17) has released and the target torque level is reached.

Abstract: A power tool includes a linear motor and a maximum reciprocal movement amount setting unit. The linear motor has a movable member driven to move reciprocally and a tool connector for connecting work bits to the movable member. The maximum reciprocal movement amount setting unit is for setting maximum reciprocal movement amount at which the linear motor drives movement of the movable member to a selected one of a plurality of maximum reciprocal movement amounts. Also, a position information region is provided on the movable member. A movable member region detector detects the movable member position information region of the movable member and a control unit sets, as the initial position of the movable member, position of the movable member at the time the movable member region detector detects the movable member position information region.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held power tool including an arrangement for actively damping vibrations applied to the tool handle (2) and arranged between the handle and the hammer mechanism module (3) with a possibility of a limited axial displacement along the percussion axis (A) with respect to the hammer mechanism module (3) and having at least one electromechanical actuator (5a, 5b) surrounded by an elastic spring (8a, 8b), a sensor for sensing vibrations acting on the handle (2), and a microprocessor (7) for dynamically controlling the actuator (5a, 5b) in accordance with the signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A concentric valve for a hydraulic rock drill featuring simple and direct fluid connections, especially suited for use with fluid storage volumes.

Abstract: An operating system for a hydraulic rock drill in which the impact piston and rotation motor are hydraulically connected in series. The advantages are simplicity of connections, automatic torque increase when required without reducing impact power, and automatic reduction of impact power if the rotation stalls.

Abstract: A wire capable of operating at high temperatures and a method of making the same is disclosed. The high temperature wire comprises a clay-like compound encircling the conductor. The clay-like insulation eliminates the glass layer or mica tape layer used in wire for applications 450° C. and above.