Abstract: A light weight but strong extension chute for discharging concrete from a concrete transportation vehicle or a cement mix plant. An extension concrete chute comprising a chute assembly including a frame having a first end and a second end, with each end including an arcuate end angle member maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a pair of chute rails attached to each end angle member. The chute assembly also includes a chute skin mounted within the frame and attached to each chute rail and each end angle member, wherein the chute assembly defines a longitudinally elongated concave chute. A removable liner is mounted within the chute assembly adjacent to the chute skin. Each chute rail is provided with a hook mounted on each chute rail proximate the second end of the chute assembly and a bracket assembly mounted on each chute rail proximate the first end of the chute assembly.

Abstract: The disclosed discharge chute directional control system and method is typically used on outdoor power equipment. By moving the position of the handle portion of a spring loaded handle assembly, the operator imparts rotation to a cam assembly. Rotation of the cam assembly imparts opposing forces on a pair of cables. These opposing forces, when applied to the rotational mounting of a discharge chute, change the orientation of the discharge chute.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is disclosed. The conveying apparatus includes a conveyor with a number of levels and a number of pallets located on the conveyor. An elevator is provided at each end of the conveyor to move between the levels. Each elevator includes a number of transfer means for moving a predetermined number of pallets from at least two levels to at least two other levels. The transfer means cooperatively advance the pallets from a starting position to an end position and return the pallets to the start position along the conveyor. A method of moving objects on a multi-level conveyor is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) repeatedly moving a predetermined number of objects from at least two levels to at least two other levels, where each object moves from a starting position to an end position; and (b) returning each object from the end position to the starting position along the conveyor.

Abstract: A sorting system includes a train of carriages moving along a track. Each carriage has an electrically driven cross belt for onloading and unloading items to be sorted. Some, but less than all, of the carriages, i.e., master carriages, carry electricity generating equipment, such as a track-engaging wheel connected to an electrical alternator, for converting kinetic energy of the train into electric energy. That energy is made available to all of the carriages through wiring that interconnects the carriages.

Abstract: A conveyor between a log debarker and a flaker has three flat bottom plates which extend the length of the conveyor line, and two vertical side plates. Each of the five plates is driven to oscillate by a hydraulic piston. All five plates together move forward approximately 30 inches at a constant velocity, after the completion of the forward motion, each plate is retracted separately at approximately three times the velocity of the forward motion, to advance logs retained within a trough defined between the side plates in a stepwise forward motion.

Abstract: A two-way vibratory conveyor includes at least one trough mounted on a base and a drive which reciprocally moves the trough(s). The conveyor, which in one embodiment has two interconnected troughs and in another embodiment has a single trough, includes a drive which uses a single motor. In the two-trough conveyor, the two troughs are driven in opposite directions. In the single-trough conveyor, the single motor is used to selectively drive the trough in one of two opposite directions. The troughs are mounted to a base using springs and stabilizer arms. The stabilizer arms, which are made of ductile iron, have been found to be withstand larger loads and have a longer useful life than currently available stabilizer arms.

Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor having a conveyor motor which uses bellows to provide the driving force for the conveyor. The conveyor includes a housing within which is mounted the conveyor motor. The conveyor motor has a pair of bellows, a drive plate and a fluid control system. The drive plate is movably mounted between the bellows. The conveyor plate is mounted to the top end of the drive plate. The fluid control system includes a main control valve, a pair of limit switches, a pair of valves and a flow control valve. The fluid control system allows for inflation of one bellow at a greater rate than inflation of the other bellow.

Abstract: A conveyor transports lightweight articles with a high degree of adaptability to the space it can occupy and the path along which the conveyor units can travel. The track of the conveyor has curving track sections connecting main track sections which may reside in different vertical levels. The conveyor units are pivotally connected to the carrier means so as to allow the conveyor unit to pivot relatively to endless carrier, such as a chain. Means for counteracting or preventing article-supporting members from tilting from their position relative to the horizontal plane are provided.

Abstract: Outer ends of link members supported to a case and having their inner ends coupled to each other are coupled to a slider. A membrane sheet and a pusher are disposed one after the other on the slider, and a knob having molded therewith a surface sheet is fixed to the slider. On a bottom plate are mounted a tactile push-button switch and a light source. No matter which press area is depressed, the slider is uniformly translated by the link mechanism to actuate the push-button switch. The link mechanism, the slider, the membrane sheet except conductor portions, and the pusher are formed of a light transmitting material.

Abstract: A switch casing assembly of a ceiling fan includes a first part having a first skirt portion extending from the top thereof and a plurality of L-shaped notches are defined in the first skirt portion from a lower periphery of the first skirt portion. A second part has a bottom with a second skirt portion extending from the bottom. A plurality of protrusions extend from an inside of the second skirt portion. The protrusions are engaged with the L-shaped notches so as to connect the two parts.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch has a housing with a reciprocating plunger. The plunger is made in two parts with a hollow insert pressed in place to provide a slot inside the plunger with a longitudinally extending portion and a spirally extending portion. A rotatable shaft fits within the hollow insert and has a plurality of teeth at the lower end of the shaft. An electrical contact member with three circumferentially extending fingers is on the shaft over the teeth and with the fingers extending downwardly for contacting three electrical terminals in the housing to which contact may be made by external leads. When the plunger of the switch is depressed, the shaft moves downwardly and rotates without rotating the electrical contact member. When the plunger is released, the shaft also moves upwardly and rotates in the reverse direction whereupon a tooth engages a pawl extending downwardly from the contact member, advancing the contact member in rotation and changing the state of the switch.

Abstract: Drivers which are resiliently biased to leaf members bring portions to be pushed and slide operating portions thereof into resilient contact with pressing projections of a manipulating knob and conductive plates respectively and hence, when the portions to be pushed are pushed by the manipulating knob, the slide operating portions slide on the conductive plates. Further, contact positions between the slide operating portions and the conductive plates in a non-loaded state in which the manipulating knob is not present is set by preliminarily considering that the drivers are slightly rotated when the manipulating knob is mounted in a preloaded state. Accordingly, the portions to be pushed are slightly elevated when they are pushed by the manipulating knob.

Abstract: A limit switch sealing anon-contact type microswitch has a stainless steel actuator lever subjected to nitriding processing which is cantilever supported on a housing upper portion by a plate spring made of polyimide. A non-contact type microswitch stored inside a housing cavity is slightly adjusted for upward and downward positions by a screw mechanism, and after that, is sealed inside the cavity by the filler such as silicon rubber and the like. A piston which transmits the movement of the actuator lever to the microswitch is supported air tight by the housing at the center of a flat conical bellows, and the limit switch including a return coil spring is highly sensitive, and is excellent in water resistance, oil resistance, abrasion resistance and durability.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling stability and deposition of electrospray jets which eliminates a charge accumulation the electrospray jet, source or target is described. Utilizing an alternating rather than a direct or constant electric potential for electrospray production, accumulated charge is neutralized. Applications include improved surface deposition, controlled electrospinning, and simplified spacecraft electric propulsion, to name a few.

Abstract: Loosely packed electrically conductive material is retained within a tube of dielectric material. A sheath of electrically conductive material surrounds the tube. A pair of electrodes, adapted to be connected to a source of high voltage are electrically connected to the material and the sheath, respectively, to generate corona discharge between the material and the tube and between elements of the material to transform oxygen molecules in a gas passing through the material in the tube into ozone to produce an ozone enriched outflow of gas.

Abstract: A method for altering the initial composition of an ampholytic component containing sample by isoelectric trapping provides for selecting a first isoelectric buffer having a pI value different from the pI value of a first ampholytic sample component in the sample, contacting the isoelectric buffer with the first ampholytic sample component, and obtaining the first ampholytic sample component in a non-isoelectric state on one side of an isoelectric separation barrier at the end of an isoelectric trapping process.

Abstract: A microchip laboratory system and method provide fluid manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip chemical separations. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary, electrophoresis and electrochromatography are performed in channels formed in the substrate. Analytes are loaded into a four-way intersection of channels by electrokinetically pumping the analyte through the intersection, followed by switching of the potentials to force an analyte plug into the separation channel.

Abstract: A analyte species separation system including a fluid flow field disposed between confining surfaces, the flow field having a first flow component flowing in a first direction and a second flow component flowing in a second, transverse, direction, and an electric field configured to cause analyte species to move in the separation flow field at least in a direction opposite to the first flow component, a analyte injection channel in fluid communication with the flow field and an analyte separation target channel or otherwise a collector in fluid communication with the flow field, the system configure so that an analyte species in an analyte sample injected into the flow field traverses at least a portion of the flow field toward the collector target channel with said second flow component, enabling analyte species separation parallel to the first direction and movement in the second direction so that analyte species having mobilities outside a selected mobility range do not enter the target channel and/or an a

Abstract: A microchip laboratory system and method provide fluid manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip chemical separations. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis and electrochromatography are performed in channels formed in the substrate. Analytes are loaded into a four-way intersection of channels by electrokinetically pumping the analyte through the intersection, followed by switching of the potentials to force an analyte plug into the separation channel.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.

Abstract: A method and system are described to reduce process variation as a result of the electrochemical deposition (ECD), also referred to as electrochemical plating (ECP), and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processing of films in integrated circuit manufacturing processes. The described methods use process variation and electrical impact to direct the insertion of dummy fill into an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Tin deposits having greatly reduced whisker formation are provided. Methods of depositing tin layers or films having a reduced tendency to form whiskers are also provided.

Abstract: Provided for is a solution for use in the electroplating of tin and tin alloys comprising a basis solution comprising an acid, optionally a salt thereof, the acid selected from the group consisting of fluoboric acid, an organic sulfonic acid, a mineral acid, or a combination thereof; divalent tin ions; and an antioxidant comprising a hydroxy benzene sulfonic acid or salt thereof, in an amount effective to prevent the oxidation of divalent tin ions. Also provided for is a method for electroplating comprising electroplating a substrate using an electroplating solution comprising a hydroxy benzene sulfonic acid or salt thereof in an amount effective to decrease the oxidation of tin ions.

Abstract: A process for the electrowinning of aluminium from alumina dissolved in a fluoride-based molten electrolyte in a cell operating at reduced temperature, typically below 870° C., utilising nickel-alloy based anodes, in particular nickel-iron alloy anodes. The electrolyte contains AlF3 in such a high concentration, usually above 20 weight %, in addition to cryolite, that fluorine-containing ions rather than oxygen ions are oxidised on the anodes. However, only oxygen is evolved, the evolved oxygen being derived from the dissolved alumina present near the anodes. The anodes may be porous at the surface so as to provide a high active surface area for operation at low current density.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process of producing electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD). More specifically, a method of producing EMD from geothermal brine solutions is provided. Methods for production of manganese dioxide from geothermal brines through an electrolytic process are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.

Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrochemical-mechanical processing of microelectronic workpieces. One embodiment of an electrochemical processing apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a workpiece holder configured to receive a microelectronic workpiece, a workpiece electrode, a first remote electrode, and a second remote electrode. The workpiece electrode is configured to contact a processing side of the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the workpiece holder. The first and second remote electrodes are spaced apart from the workpiece holder. The apparatus can also include an AC power supply, a DC power supply, and a switching assembly. The switching assembly is coupled to the workpiece electrode, the first remote electrode, the second remote electrode, the AC power supply, and the DC power supply.

Abstract: Method for deburring and/or rounding a side face of a thin-sheet and annular metal element (1), such as a ring element (1) for use in a push belt for continuously variable transmission, wherein the ring element (1), in a machining step, is received in a device for electrochemical machining (“ECM”) of the ring element (1), an electrode (5) being positioned in the device opposite an axially oriented side face (3) of the ring element (1), which electrode (5), as seen in a thickness or radial direction of the ring element (1), has a dimension which is at least twice as great as a dimension of the ring element (1) in the said thickness direction.

Abstract: A variety of pollutants and other contaminants may be removed from a variety of aqueous media using electrolytic treatments. The treatment includes inserting an anode and a cathode into the medium undergoing treatment, and applying a high current and voltage to the electrodes. The treatment may also include the addition of catalytic enzymes to the medium undergoing treatment. The present methods are compatible with aquatic lifeforms, and offer an effective alternative to chemical-based water treatment systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously electrolyzing waste liquid has a series (10) of tanks comprising a plurality of electrolytic tanks each having an anode (22) and a cathode (23), the electrolytic tanks being connected in series, vibrating flow generating means (16) which is equipped to each of the electrolytic tanks and generates vibrating flow in waste liquid (14) to be treated, and a power supply circuit (34) for applying a voltage between the anode (22) and the cathode (23). The vibrating flow generating means (16) has a vibration motor (16d), vibration transmitting rods (16e) which are operationally connected to the vibration motor (16d) so as to vibrate in the waste liquid (14) to be treated; and vibrating vanes (16f) fixed to the vibration transmitting rods (16e). The distance between the anode (22) and the cathode (23) is equal to 5 to 50 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes which are provided with molecules that can bind macromolecular biopolymerss. A first electric measurement is carried out on the electrodes. A medium is contacted to said electrodes in such a way that biopolymers can specifically bind to first molecules or second molecules which are applied to the electrodes, when macromolecular biopolymers are present in the medium. Unbound first or second molecules are removed from the respective electrode and a second electric measurement is carried out. The macromolecular biopolymers are detected according to the measurements.

Abstract: A novel method of assaying glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin or a fructosamine which is a degradation product thereof are disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides a method for assaying fructosamine which comprises oxidizing fructosamine by using a compound having an imidazole group as a catalyst in the presence of an appropriate mediator (an electron acceptor), and measuring the reduced form of the mediator.

Abstract: A package is described that includes a sleeve having at least one end defining an opening. The sleeve further includes at least one pair of locking tabs extending therefrom, each locking tab including a locking edge, each locking tab being folded inwards into the opening. The package further includes a rigid end cap dimensioned to fit closely within the opening, the end cap including a rim designed so that, when the end cap is inserted into the opening, the rim engages the sleeve end and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening. The end cap further includes a channel for receiving the pair of locking tabs, the channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent the end cap from being removed from the sleeve opening. Another described package provides a release mechanism for allowing an end cap to be removed without causing damage to the package.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint, and method of using the same, is used to provide support and shock isolation for missiles, torpedoes, missile canisters or the like in naval vessels. The inflatable restraint features a structural collar, at least one inflatable bladder and at least one interference member. The interference member is attached to the inside of the structural collar and the interference member is fully adjustable to ensure a snug fit during the loading of the missile, torpedo or missile canister into the structural collar. Once the missile, torpedo, missile canister or the like is properly inserted into the structural collar, the at least one inflatable bladder, which is also attached to the inside of the structural collar, is inflated to restrain the object. The pressure of the inflatable bladder may be regulated to provide variable spring constants and stiffness.

Abstract: A container for securing and uniquely identifying objects are provided for use with an asset tracking system of the type having a latching device to physically hold the container in place and to automatically sense the memory device which is part of the container. The container includes a surface for being physically latched in place, a device for securing objects such as keys and includes a circuit board which hosts the memory device. Containers are generally rectangular in shape, but include beveled surface to ensure that they can only be inserted into the asset tracking system in one direction. In one embodiment, the container is equipped with reusable metal lanyards to attach keys to the container.

Abstract: The present invention includes a garbage collection device including a garbage bag or a garbage can or both. The garbage bag has a garbage bag bottom portion and garbage bag side wall portions and the garbage can having a garbage can bottom portion and garbage can side wall portions. A disposable layer of liquid absorbing material is juxtaposed adjacent to at least one of the garbage bag bottom portion and the garbage can bottom portion to collect the liquid which drips from the garbage in the bag or can.

Abstract: Embodiments of a kit for use in servicing vehicle transmissions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit is used for conducting a transmission fluid flow test and/or installing an external transmission fluid filter. The kit comprises an improved transmission fluid container having an integral handle within the outline of the outer periphery of the body of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing device for compact disks. The housing device includes stackable and bookbindable CD trays, each of which has clip pegs with a hole defined at a center portion of each CD tray. A compact disc can be released by pushing a non-data portion thereof through a release opening defined adjoining the hole in each CD tray. An adhesive tape can be affixed to one side ends of the CD trays and a lock band can be attached to the other side ends of the CD trays, to bookbind the CD trays together.

Abstract: A storage and carrier case for preventing damage to a cement finisher's trowel has a substantially rigid, flat and rectangular base and cover. The cover is mounted on the base by a releasable snap-fit engagement to form a storage chamber therebetween for receiving the trowel through an entrance opening. The cover contains a slot along its length for slidably receiving the trowel handle. Stops are formed on the base to prevent the trowel from slipping out of the case. A U-shaped wall is formed on the base to space the base from the cover and form the storage chamber and to protect the finishing edges of the trowel blade. A hole is formed in the base for hanging the case and trowel during storage or transportation.

Abstract: A toilet plunger cabinet system for conveniently storing a plunger in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The toilet plunger cabinet system includes a base for receiving a lower segment of a plunger and a cover removably connected to the base. The base has a lower plate with an extended portion extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof defining an upper opening. A support portion extends upwardly from the upper surface of the lower plate thereby allowing liquids to be removed from the inner portion of the suction cup of the plunger. The cover preferable includes a handle member for grasping by the user, wherein the cover removably fits about the extended portion.

Abstract: A toothbrush sanitizing assembly having a detachable toothbrush and receptacle. The receptacle is preferably cylindrically shaped with a closed base, an open top and a sidewall that extends from the base to the top. A receptacle cover is an integral part of the toothbrush and is attached to the neck of the toothbrush. Mateable threads, a snap fit mechanism or other type of detachable fastening means are positioned near the top of the receptacle sidewall and on the receptacle cover. A hook is positioned at the distal end of the toothbrush handle and/or on the receptacle sidewall for hanging the assembly in a vertical position. A flat receptacle base also allows the assembly to be free standing on a flat surface. In use, the brush head is immersed in a liquid antiseptic contained in the receptacle by fastening the cover to the receptacle with the detachable fastening means.

Abstract: A self-opening toolbox includes a first shell, a second shell pivotally mounted on the first shell, a retainer mounted on the first shell for retaining a tool kit in position and a pivot arranged between the first shell and the second shell for pivoting the second shell with respect to the first shell. The pivot includes a first cylinder connected with the first shell, a second cylinder connected with the second shell and a torque element connected between the first and second cylinders. The torque element is received in the first cylinder and the first cylinder is received in the second cylinder. The first cylinder includes a closed end and a clip formed on an internal side of the closed end for clamping an end of the torque element. The second cylinder includes a closed end and a clip formed on an internal side of the closed end for clamping an end of the torque element.

Abstract: A self-contained portable display for use in displaying decorative or informational objects in the home, office or the like. The display includes a base portion including a top surface and a bottom surface and an integral sheath which serves both as a storage cover and as a decorative skirt. In a preferred form of the invention, the sheath includes a first layer and a second layer, between which is arranged the base portion, and a hem extending about a peripheral edge. Arranged within the hem and extending around the peripheral edge, is a drawstring which serves both as a closure and as a handle for the display when placed in a storage configuration. In addition, a plurality of support points are arranged on a bottom portion of the base for attaching a respective plurality of removable support members.

Abstract: A packaging box with cleaning function comprising a carrier in tray shape and a top cover, several slots are on the carrier, several indentations are vertically on both sides of the slot, every corresponding pair of the indentations is to place a optical coating lens; the bottom of the slot has a long open, the bottom is inclined downward; a plurality numbers of small hole are on top of the carrier. The optical coating lenses can be placed into indentations directly for supersonic wave cleaning or washing, and drying up, then have the top cover on to achieve simplified and fast packaging.

Abstract: A display assembly for edible and non-edible objects comprises a container having an interior bottom surface, at least one tubular holder mounted to the interior bottom surface for receiving a support member, the holder having walls extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface and defining an area on the bottom surface having a minor dimension substantially less than a major dimension, and disposed along the major dimension of the holder at least two internal constrictions of the walls, the constrictions adapted so that the support member is movable between a first, second and third position to change the orientation of the support member out of the vertical.

Abstract: A container for distribution and display of goods is convertible from a first configuration for distribution into a second configuration for display. The conversion is accomplished by removing a front cover panel. The front cover panel may be attached to the container using a variety of methods, including a perforated score line, a tear-away strip, adhesives, tapes, or a combination of these methods. When the front cover panel is removed for retail display, an access opening is uncovered, allowing users to easily view and access the contents of the container. The front cover panel may further cover graphics and text provided along the front of the container so that the graphics and text are not marred or otherwise damaged during distribution. In addition, the front cover panel may be provided with distribution information thereon, which is unimportant to an end user such as a retail customer and is easily removed for display of the container.

Abstract: A product display receptacle comprises invention a one-piece cardboard or similar paperboard blank. The blank is readily and easily foldable into the finished display receptacle, which will be maintained in a self-standing position. The receptacle forms an enclosure which comprises a bottom panel, dual side panels each with an opening therethrough, and two back panels with openings which are contiguous with the side panel openings. The top of the receptacle is open, as is the front, except for lower and upper front panels which provide stability and reinforcement and an area for printed product description or advertisement. A sectioned, foldable, columnar reinforcement is provided between the back panels. Multiple receptacles are used in combination with a pegboard display system and display rack containers for the attractive and accessible display of product merchandise.

Abstract: A method for producing a lube basestock from a waxy feed is disclosed in which a feed containing to 50 wt % or more of wax is hydrotreated and stripped to lower the nitrogen and sulfur content of the feed. The feed is then hydroisomerized under conditions to 370° C. hydrocatalytically dewaxed with a catalyst comprising a mixture of a catalytically active metal on a zeolite dewaxing catalyst and an amorphous catalyst, or alternatively is solvent dewaxed and then hydrocatalytically dewaxed with the just described catalyst.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams by contacting the hydrocarbon stream, especially a gasoline stream, with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is regenerated with hydrogen or a hydrogen/H2S mixture.