Abstract: A device for connecting and locking structural panels, particularly floor panels, having a groove forming an upper lip and a lower lip over the entire length of at least one lateral border and with a tongue formed on the opposite lateral border corresponding to the groove. To lock panels that have been connected, the tongue is provided with at least one projection and the groove exhibits at least one indentation on the lip that faces the projection, which device is characterized by the indentation being longer than the projection, and on its lateral border (I3, I4) the lip provided with at least one indentation exhibits at least one recess reaching back to the indentation. The length of the recess is at least as great as the length of the projection, and seen in the longitudinal direction, the recess and the projection occupy positions that are staggered, one relative to the other.

Abstract: For securing a fitting to any point of an extruded section by a clamping device, the extruded section has two spaced apart parallel webs between which a holding part of the fitting can be inserted which is supported on the edge faces of the webs facing one another. The holding part has support flanges which can contact the outer sides of the webs. The holding part is provided with at least one bore in which a pin carrying the clamping element is rotatably held such that as a result of its turning the clamping element engages at the inner sides of the webs and tensions the support flanges against the outer sides of the webs.

Abstract: A plug-in connector for hollow sections (24), especially for spacer frames or bar sections of insulating glass panes. The plug-in connector has a middle wall (5) and two side walls (6) joining same with a plurality of lateral retaining elements (12, 13, 14) arranged one after the other in the direction of plugging-in (9) of the hollow sections. At least some of the retaining elements (12, 13, 14) are arranged at the side walls (6) offset transversely to the direction of plugging-in (9) with a said mutual distance (16, 17). The retaining elements may be arranged at various levels to engage at various points on the hollow section.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: An improved crossarm support bracket for preventing excessive bending and breakage at the midsection of crossarms caused by conventional horizontal brackets and supporting heavier crossarms. The improvement comprises a base portion for attaching the bracket to a utility pole, a pair of spaced apart flanges for supporting a crossarm, and a pair of arcuate mounting seats providing contact surfaces with outer edges of the crossarm to minimize deformation of the crossarm. By assuming a bowed position along the curvature of the seats, the arcuate shaped seats eliminate point pressure exerted by outer ends of conventional horizontal brackets which act as wedges against a crossarm receiving the combined weight of the distal ends of the crossarm. Mounting seats further minimize deformation of the crossarm by contacting the crossarm at its outer edge rather than the entire surface area.

Abstract: A method is presented for extending the lives of existing slate, fibrous cement and clay tile roofs. The method involves injecting an especially formulated, polymer material into the spaces and voids of adjoining tiles. The injection process uses pumping equipment with a custom-designed gasket at the spray gun's point of application to aid in directing the grout into the spaces and voids.

Abstract: A method of installing an insert in a sandwich panel for mounting a fastener includes making a hole in the panel and inserting a spacer having a height greater than the thickness of the panel. An entrance rim of the spacer extends above an upper surface of the panel and a setting tool exerts a force on the entrance rim to force it into the hole and to position an upper edge of the entrance rim flush with the panel surface. The spacer can include an annular groove on an interior wall of the entrance rim to facilitate the cold working deformation during an installation in the panel and a hole engaging surface to align and maintain the spacer within the hole. An outer exterior surface of the entrance rim can be indented and coated with a first sealing compound to ensure a watertight seal with the panel. A second sealant material can be provided within the entrance rim for sealing with a head of any fastener extending through the spacer. An improved floor panel with spacer is accordingly provided for aircraft.

Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the position of an envelope stopper in an envelope inserting area of a mail insertion machine. By placing an envelope of a desirable size at a desired location in the envelope inserting area and using one or more fingers to sense the edge of the envelope. When the fingers are moved from the upstream end towards the downstream end, they are supported the envelope before they are moved past the edge of the envelope. As the fingers are moved past the edge of the envelope towards the downstream end, they are allowed to drop into a gap thereby changing the position of the fingers. A photosensing device is coupled to the fingers to sense the change of the position of the fingers.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.

Abstract: A system for heating and dispensing foam-in-bag packaging bags comprises a housing that rotatably supports a roll of a continuous web of interconnected foam-in-bag packaging bags, and at least one heater for heating bags to an elevated temperature prior to the bags being dispensed from the housing. A heated bag is dispensed and is detached from the web, and is then manipulated to mix foam precursor chemicals contained in separate compartments in the bag to begin a foam-forming reaction in the bag.

Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns includes a vacuum turntable comprising a perforated plate which is driven by a belt extending around the periphery of the vacuum turntable and actuated by a motor. A first transfer apparatus includes a pusher plate which moves groups of wrapped bakery products onto the vacuum turntable and which retracts to facilitate the formation of a subsequent group of wrapped bakery products as a previous group is being transferred to the vacuum turntable. A second transfer apparatus includes a pusher plate which moves assembled patterns of wrapped bakery products from the vacuum turntable into bakery trays and which is retractable to the facilitate the assembly of a subsequent pattern of wrapped bakery products as a previous pattern is being transferred to a bakery tray.

Abstract: A cover for an leg or tail strap for securing a blanket to a horse having a rectangular cover material secured at opposite edges to form a tube that is sized to fit over the leg or tail strap. The cover material is selected for its anti-chafe and washability characteristics. A securing mechanism is attached at each end of the tube for securing the cover to the ends of the straps. The cover is stretchy and replaceable. Using the covers over the straps allows the handler to tighten the straps much tighter than without the covers. This helps prevent chafing, discomfort, disease, and the likelihood of tripping on the straps.

Abstract: A carriage device for a string trimmer includes an axle frame supporting at least two wheels. A main frame includes an axle mounting section for adjustably securing the axle frame and a shaft receiving section shaped to receive the shaft of a string trimmer. The axle mounting section includes a plurality of connecting areas for selectively adjusting a height of the axle frame. Additionally, the axle frame is preferably laterally adjustable relative to the main frame. Alternative arrangements of the main frame enable the axle frame to be rotationally adjusted relative to the string trimmer. Additionally, the carriage device is particularly suited for a mulcher system and can be readily adapted to support a sizable DC battery for cordless operation of an electric string trimmer. The device enables multi-functioning of a string trimmer including mowing, edging, blowing, mulching, etc.

Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.

Abstract: A windrow merging implement with a pick-up, a conveyor and a connecting hitch or structure is provided in combination with a mowing vehicle, with the connecting hitch being releasably secured to a rear end of the vehicle chassis. The mowing vehicle is operative to form windrows of crop in one or more of three locations, namely, a central location passing longitudinally between the wheels of the vehicle and one on each side of the vehicle. The windrow merging implement may be positioned at either side of the vehicle for picking up the windrow deposited there, and includes a conveyor structure for either depositing the picked up windrow upon or alongside the centrally deposited windrow. Also disclosed is an embodiment where the windrow merging implement picks up and displaces transversely the centrally deposited windrow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a discharge stopper unit for a mowing machine having a mower deck. The discharge stopper unit has a discharge stopper adapted to block a discharge opening in the mower deck and an arm connected to the discharge stopper. Preferably, the arm has a biasing member which produces a securing force on the discharge stopper.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a power source for rotationally driving an output shaft. A housing has an interior space having a generally spiral-shaped portion. A cutting blade is disposed in the interior space of the housing and is connected to the output shaft for rotation therewith to cut grass while the spiral-shaped portion of the interior space generates a swirling airflow allowing the cut grass to swirl within the interior space. An enclosure is connected to the housing and has a grass discharge passage having an inlet opening disposed in communication with the interior space of the housing for discharging grass cut by the cutting blade and swirling within the interior space of the housing. A guiding member is disposed in the interior space of the housing for gradually changing a direction of the swirling airflow and the swirling cut grass and for guiding the swirling airflow and the swirling cut grass toward the grass discharge passage of the enclosure.

Abstract: In a piston press for bales of harvested material, comprising a plunger piston (K) movable forwards and backwards, a feeding channel (Z) including a reel (R), driven by a crank mechanism, with reel levers (10) on a crankshaft journal (8) of the crank mechanism, a control drive, and a switching device (V) for changing the movement path (l, f) of the reel tips between loading and feeding strokes, wherein a control arm (11) elongating the reel lever (10) is coupled with a control rod (13) supported in a displaceable control joint (G) and the control joint (G) is fixable in at least one position corresponding to a feeding stroke movement path, the control joint (G) is fixed only in the position for a feeding stroke (l) while it remains freely movable during each loading stroke (f).

Abstract: A biomass fuel combustor for use in the pressurized combustion comprising of biomass fule particles to produce a pressurized exhaust gas, the combustor comprising: a cyclonic combustion chamber having a combustion region and first and second fuel inlets, the first inlet being for the entry into the chamber of gas and/or liquid secondary fuel for combustion in said combustion region and the second inlet being for the entry into the chamber of biomass fuel particles also for combustion in said combustion region, the chamber being so constructed and arranged that the heat generated by the secondary fuel combustion will, in use and at least during stan-up of the combustor, promote fragmentation of the incoming biomass fuel particles.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, which allow detecting a function of at least one actuating element in an exhaust branch without an additional sensory system. The internal combustion engine includes exhaust-gas recirculation via which exhaust gas is conveyed from the exhaust branch to an intake manifold in an activated state. The internal combustion engine includes at least one actuating element in the exhaust branch. In at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine, given activated exhaust-gas recirculation, a first intake-manifold pressure is ascertained in a first position of the at least one actuating element in the exhaust branch, and a second intake-manifold pressure in a second position of the at least one actuating element in the exhaust branch. The function of the at least one actuating element in the exhaust branch is monitored as a function of a difference between the first and the second intake-manifold pressures.

Abstract: A method for improving NOx conversion efficiency of a lean exhaust gas aftertreatment device by determining an accurate amount of reductant required is presented. The method includes calculating a base reductant injection amount based on a steady state amount of NOx in the engine feedgas and adjusting the base amount to compensate for transient NOx emissions. The method further teaches using an air assist heated reductant delivery system to inject the adjusted base reductant amount into the device, thus further improving NOx conversion efficiency of the device.

Abstract: A method for operating a catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The composition of exhaust gas being controlled in front of the catalytic converter by adding a reducing agent that promotes the regeneration of the catalytic converter. The composition of the exhaust gas being detected with the aid of an exhaust-gas sensor positioned downstream from the catalytic converter. A time lag between the start of controlling the composition of the exhaust gas in front of the catalytic converter and the detection of a change in the composition after the catalytic converter are evaluated. In order to be able to determine the end of a regeneration phase of the catalytic converter in a safe and reliable manner, the gradient of an output signal of the exhaust-gas sensor is evaluated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for regenerating a particulate filter. A first temperature corresponding to a temperature of a catalyst that is thermally coupled with a particulate filter is determined. A second temperature corresponding to the temperature of the particulate filter is determined. Substantially no unburned hydrocarbons are delivered to the catalyst when the first temperature is below a first threshold and unburned hydrocarbons are delivered to the catalyst when the first temperature is above the first threshold and the second temperature is below a second threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a pneumatic booster having an ejector, which achieves space-saving and enables easy piping. An ejector 4 is provided within a constant-pressure chamber 3 formed in an outer shell 2. A connecting pipe 19 communicated with an outlet of a diffuser and a connecting pipe communicated with an inlet of a nozzle extend outward of the shell, and a suction port is open to the inside of the constant-pressure chamber 3 through a check valve. The connecting pipe 19 is communicated with the constant-pressure chamber 3 through a check valve 10, and is connected to a suction pipe of an engine (a source of a negative pressure). The connecting pipe on the inlet side of the nozzle is connected to an air cleaner (the atmosphere). A negative pressure is directly supplied from the connecting pipe 19 to the constant-pressure chamber 3 through the check valve 10. The ejector 4 is operated to supply a high degree of vacuum to the constant-pressure chamber 3 through the suction port.

Abstract: A regenerator for a thermal cycle engine and methods for its manufacture. The regenerator has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network. A method for manufacturing a regenerator has steps of providing a length of knitted metal tape and wrapping a plurality of layers of the tape in an annular spiral.

Abstract: A master cylinder (10) for a vehicle hydraulic brake system has a housing (12), which has a bore (14), which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and is sealingly closed at one end by an end wall forming part of the housing (12) of the master cylinder (10) and at the other, opposite end by a closure element (16). A piston (18), which is guided in the bore (14), extends in a sealing and axially displaceable manner through the closure element (16). A central valve (20) is formed on the piston (18) and enables a fluid connection between a fluid reservoir and a pressure chamber (28) delimited in the bore (14) by the end wall and the piston (18) and, in the non-actuated state of the piston (18), is held in open position by an abutment component (34) acting upon the closure element (16).

Abstract: A supercharger injects air into the engine exhaust manifold of an engine to dramatically improve turbocharger boost at low engine speeds, while cooling the gases in the exhaust manifold to reduce NOx formation. The injected air additionally reduces other exhaust emissions through secondary combustion, allowing the air/fuel ratio to be controlled closer to the stoichiometric ratio for improved thermodynamic efficiency. The engine is particularly well suited to high torque, low speed applications, such as a vehicle hydrostatic drive in which the engine is connected to drive a variable capacity hydrostatic pump at a low and substantially constant speed.

Abstract: Applicant's preferred embodiment utilizes municipal wastewater effluent to replenish a depleted geothermal field. Condensate produced by expanding steam produced in the geothermal field through a steam turbine-generator may be pooled with cooked water collected from said field, and then directed through a penstock from a higher elevation to a lower elevation where further energy is extracted through a traditional hydroelectric turbine-generator. The cooked water and condensate may be treated to produce potable water and/or distributed for public consumption either before or after being directed to the hydroelectric turbine-generator. The effluent is pumped up to the geothermal field during off-peak periods of electric consumption, and the hydroelectric generation is accomplished during periods of peak electric demand. A fraction of the effluent may be used as cooling water for the steam turbine-generator and its associated condenser before injection into the geothermal field.

Abstract: Hybrid drive containing a clutch between an engine power-output shaft (4) and a transmission power-input shaft (16) arranged axially with respect to the said power-output shaft; a first electric machine (6) connected to the engine power-output shaft (4) in a torque-transmitting manner; a second electric machine (14) connected to the transmission power-input shaft (16) in a torque-transmitting manner; preferably also a torsional vibration damper (8), which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the engine power-output shaft (4), the first-electric machine (6) being connected to the engine power-output shaft (4) in a torque-transmitting manner, ahead of the torsional vibration damper (8) in terms of the direction in which the torsional vibration damper (8) transmits the power of the propulsion drive engine. The parts of the hybrid drive are nested axially one inside the other.

Abstract: This pilot nozzle has a fuel oil supply pipe disposed at the center of a heat-shielding air layer that is provided along an axial core, and a plurality of atomized-fluid supply paths are disposed in the circumferential direction of a cylinder unit that surrounds the outside of the heat-shielding air layer. The atomized-fluid supply paths and the fuel gas supply paths are disposed alternately and uniformly. Based on this structure, it is possible to take a large thickness for the heat-shielding air layer to a maximum extent in a radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to protect the fuel oil supply pipe disposed at the center, from high temperature at the outside of the pilot nozzle.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine facilitates reducing an amount of emissions from a combustor. The combustor includes a mixer assembly including a pilot mixer, a main mixer, and an annular centerbody extending therebetween. The method comprises injecting at least one of fuel and airflow into the combustor through at least one swirler positioned within the pilot mixer, and injecting fuel into the combustor through at least one swirler positioned within the main mixer, such that the fuel is directed into a combustion chamber downstream from the main mixer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for the production of microparticles and nanoparticles of materials that can be dissolved. The system and method of the present invention provide quicker freezing times, which in turn produces a more uniform distribution of particle sizes, smaller particles, particles with increased porosity and a more intimate mixing of the particle components. The system and method of the present invention also produce particles with greater surface area than conventional methods. One form of the present invention provides a method for the preparation of particles. An effective ingredient is mixed with water, one or more solvents, or a combination thereof, and the resulting mixture is sprayed through an insulating nozzle located at or below the level of a cryogenic liquid. The spray generates frozen particles.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment having a freezer door, an ice maker in communication with an ice dispensing system, the ice dispensing system has an ice delivery conduit extending through the freezer door, and a heating element positioned proximate to the ice dispensing system to provide heat to the ice dispensing conduit. The refrigerator further includes a controller operationally coupled to the heating element, the controller providing variable wattage to the heating element.

Abstract: A heat pump and air conditioning system for a vehicle that has at least one coolant loop selectively connecting an engine cooling system with a heater core, a first coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger, and/or a second coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger, in order to warm a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The system also includes a refrigerant loop that includes a first expansion device between a condenser and evaporator, and a second expansion device between the first coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger and the second coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger. The refrigerant loop provides for cooling of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as well as operating as a heat pump, together with the at least one coolant loop, to provide heat to the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle climate control develops a fog factor signal based on a water vapor mass flow between the windglass and the air in the vehicle cabin, and uses the index to override the normal control settings. The potential for windglass fogging is characterized as a vapor concentration differential, normalized to form a dimensionless indication of fog potential, and fog potential values within a calibrated range are applied to a variable path function for transitioning between normal climate control and full defog control.

Abstract: A water-cooled auxiliary condenser device 200 receives refrigerant from an external refrigeration system 210 just downstream from its air-cooled condenser 110. The refrigerant passes through a water-cooled condenser 250, and the refrigerant state is sensed by a temperature or pressure sensor 226. If the sensed state of the refrigerant rises above a first threshold, the flow of water through the water-cooled condenser 250 is increased, e.g., turned ON, using a controllable water valve 234. When the sensed state of the refrigerant drops below a second threshold, the water flow through the water-cooled condenser 250 is decreased, e.g., turned OFF. The refrigerant returns to the refrigeration system just upstream from its liquid receiver 120. In the event that air-cooled condenser 110 fails, device 200 automatically activates the water-cooled condenser 250 to maintain safe refrigeration temperatures in the appliance. When not required, device 200 remains passive and does not use any water or electric.

Abstract: A semiconductor cooling device includes at least one cold plate for cooling a semiconductor element, a condenser adapted to be cooled by a fan, and a refrigerant pump. The refrigerant pump is electrically connected to an inverter controller that controls the number of revolutions of the refrigerant pump.

Abstract: A cooler chest and can dispensing structure is described for individually dispensing cans therefrom. The structure comprises a cooler chest having a can dispensing structure positioned in the cooler compartment which extends between the opposite ends of the cooler chest. The can dispensing structure is sealed from the interior of the cooler chest to prevent ice and water therein from coming into contact with the cans.

Abstract: In a vapor-compression refrigerant cycle having an ejector, a mixture refrigerant of a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant is used. When the mixture refrigerant is decompressed and expanded in a nozzle of the ejector, the first refrigerant has an adiabatic heat drop that is larger than that of the second refrigerant. Further, the second refrigerant has an evaporation latent heat that is larger than that of the first refrigerant. In a gas-liquid separator, a gas-phase amount of the first refrigerant is made larger than that of the second refrigerant, and a liquid-phase amount of the second refrigerant is made larger than that of the first refrigerant. For example, the first refrigerant is propane, and the second refrigerant is butane. Accordingly, expansion energy recovered in the nozzle can be effectively converted to pressure energy in a pressure increasing portion of the ejector while cooling capacity of an evaporator can be improved.

Abstract: An article of jewelry including a body having an outer major surface and a decorative pattern formed on the outer surface of the body, and a method for forming the decorative pattern, the pattern including pairs of intersecting grooves and an optically transparent synthetic decorative element formed in a respective well created by the intersection of each pair of intersecting grooves.

Abstract: During the heating of glass melting furnaces having a combustion chamber with regenerators for preheating oxidation gases, with port necks that open into the combustion chamber, with primary burners and with secondary burners that are installed in a cascade arrangement relative to the primary burners, the secondary burners are operated as cascade burners with a relatively low proportion of the fuel, the secondary fuel. Flames are thereby created in over- and sub-stoichiometric conditions and the flame gases formed are mixed with one another so that the complete combustion process in the combustion chamber is more or less stoichiometric. The secondary fuel is supplied by the secondary burners to a step, installed in the port neck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a glass article such as an optical fiber having a substantially matching viscosity across an interface associated with a first section and a second section of the optical fiber is disclosed herein. The first section has a first halogen concentration and the second section has a second halogen concentration. At least one of a partial pressure of the second halogen provided to a substrate tube and a temperature of the substrate tube is configured to affect the concentration of the second halogen in the second section. Optical fiber embodiments are also included.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing glass fibers by centrifugal force are provided. Molten glass is fed into a hollow cylinder of rotating member which rotates at high speed by means of a driving device and is heated. The molten glass is ejected to an outside of a peripheral wall by centrifugal force generated by high speed rotation of the rotating member through orifices, each of which has different diameter, and which are provided alternately in a circumferential direction of the peripheral wall. A primary steam of molten glass is ejected. The primary streams is introduced into flame flow ejecting from drawing burners located at outside of the peripheral wall to form secondary fibers. A compressed gas flow is ejected to a direction at an acute angle through an ejecting outlet of an ejecting nozzle to collide the compressed fluid with the secondary fibers to thereby produce glass fibers by continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to double-layered socks with inner and outer layers for warmth preservation and exercise. The double-layered socks according to the invention are formed by knitting the starting part (1) corresponding to the toe tip of the inner layer (10) at first, then the toe part (2), sole part (3), heel part (4) and ankle part (5) in that order, and then continuously knitting the ankle part (5?), heel part (4?), sole part (3?), toe part (2?) and finishing part (1?) belonging to the outer layer (20) in succession. Then, the inner layer (10) is arranged to be confronted with the outer layer (20) so as to knit the starting part (1) of the inner layer (10) together with the finishing part (1?) of the outer layer (20) to join them. Finally, the inner and outer layers (10, 20) are sutured at the toe part (2?) of the outer layer (20) to leave a single suturing line (7).

Abstract: A sealing device is provided between a bullseye-shaped porthole of a loading door and a housing wall in washing machines or laundry dryers and includes a one-piece, substantially annular sealing collar. The porthole has an edge section, which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the loading door. The sealing device includes, at its end facing the porthole, a head section that is supported by a projection on an edge section of the housing wall limiting the door aperture. Furthermore, the sealing device includes a narrow, substantially annular sealing disk that, with the loading door closed, presses sealingly in the axial direction against the edge section of the porthole.

Abstract: A protective lock assembly for preventing unauthorized access to a pintle receiving hitch which assembly includes opposing plate members which are mounted on opposite surfaces of the hitch and wherein a tongue carried by one plate member is engageable by a lock whose shackle is protectively seated within a housing which extends from the other plate member.

Abstract: A locking device for locking one or more objects together includes a lock stud defined by an elongated shaft having a head at a first end and an annular recess at a second end, and a lock body that slides over and locks onto the second end. The lock body includes an outer housing having an aperture for receiving the second end of the elongated shaft. A cylinder lock mechanism is positioned in the outer housing, and the cylinder lock is rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The cylinder lock is rotationally coupled to a locking disc that is eccentrically disposed in the outer housing with respect to the aperture of the outer housing. The locking disc has an aperture therein that engages the annular recess in the elongated shaft when the cylinder lock is rotated to the locked position. The locking device also includes a sleeve that is dimensioned to slide over the elongated shaft to allow the locking device to be used for locking through several different sized apertures.

Abstract: A locking device for locking golf clubs in a golf bag and the like, comprising a continuous chain of hinged links, where the links are formed so that two adjacent links in a first mutual position enclose the golf club shaft so as to prevent the golf club from being taken out of engagement with the links, while the links in a second mutual position partly enclose the shaft of the golf club, allowing the golf club to be removed.