Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid flow prevention apparatus for a wet barrel fire hydrant which is simple and inexpensive to install and effectively cuts off water flow while reducing water hammer. The fluid flow apparatus includes an in-line valve member for closing a flow passageway connected to the hydrant that is operably movable from an open to closed position upon damage to the hydrant. An adjustable damping member controls the rate of closing of the valve member to reduce the effects of water hammer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a self-cleaning valve assembly. The valve is adapted to cycle and thereby clean the valve assembly in response to one or more predefined parameters which are programmed into a programmable controller. The valve is additionally configured to cycle according to one or more of several different methods which have been shown to efficiently clean the valve assembly. In this manner, the valve assembly is automatically cleaned improving the efficiency thereof and eliminating stuck valve warranty returns.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a rupture disk assembly having a rupture disk and a rupture disk holder. The rupture disk holder has a first annular member downstream of the rupture disk, a second annular member upstream of the rupture disk, and an optional third annular member upstream of the second annular member. An outer peripheral portion of the rupture disk is sandwiched between the first and second annular members; and, if a third annular member is present, (a) the second annular member is sandwiched between the outer peripheral portion of the rupture disk and the third annular member, and (b) the third annular member includes a fluid port aimed at the rupture disk. However, if the third annular member is not present, the second annular member includes a fluid port aimed at the rupture disk.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow control valve includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passageway coupling the inlet to the outlet, and a cavity with first and second chambers. The valve further includes a hollow piston disposed in the first chamber and a seal separating the first and second chambers. The seal has a section within the piston that is exposed to the fluid in the first chamber. The section of the seal defines a first effective area. The valve also includes a biasing member configured to urge the piston, and a reference pressure passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the second chamber. The valve can further include a piston seat that has a second inner effective area at least approximately equal to the first inner effective area.

Abstract: A regulating insert for insertion in a valve housing or the like in a flowing medium, comprising comprises a pre-setting means for regulation and/or setting of amounts of liquid in installations with flowing media for the limitation of the medium to a pre-set maximum amount, independently of a differential pressure working across the valve. The insert further comprises a tubular regulating element which is displaceable in a housing (3) in the longitudinal direction of the regulating insert, and lies up against a spring element (13) so that upon displacement the tubular regulating element (2) respectively opens or closes a number of openings (9) in the housing (3). The tubular regulating element (2) is influenced for regulation by a membrane, where the membrane (14) is a roller membrane, the roller membrane (14) being fastened along an outer diameter to the inner side of the housing (3) and along an inner diameter is fastened to the outer surface of the regulating element (2).

Abstract: A backflow assembly including a housing with a passage having at least one check valve positioned therein to permit fluid flow in one direction while preventing fluid flow in the reverse direction. The check valve includes a valve head connected to a stem having an outer surface. A hump extends radially outward from the outer surface of the stem. The stem is guided by a bushing during opening and closing of the valve. The bushing includes at least one retention member that moves along the outer surface of the stem during opening and closing of the valve. The interaction between the retention member and the hump on the outer surface of the stem causes a higher friction loss during opening and closing of the valve than other portions of the outer surface.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical variable fluid flow restrictor includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting an electronically controlled variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in a flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.

Abstract: In a water-hammer preventing unit for a check valve according to the present invention, a retainer pipe having openings at two edges thereof is provided inside a short pipe to form a circular space with the short pipe, and openings are formed on this retainer pipe. Further an elastic tube is provided on an external peripheral surface of the retainer pipe and covers the openings, and a communication path is formed between the short pipe and the valve body holder, and the communication path communicates the circular space to the flow path in the upstream side of the valve body and, when a fluid flows in the reverse direction, a portion of the fluid is accommodated from the opening into the circular space by expanding the elastic tube toward the circular space, and also flows a portion of the fluid in the said circular space to the flow path in the upstream side from the valve body.

Abstract: A sexless coupling for coupling a fire hose to the externally threaded neck of a fire hydrant. The coupling comprises an internally threaded collar portion for threading onto the neck of the fire hydrant, the internally threaded collar portion having a flapper valve and an externally threaded portion. The coupling further comprises an external ring having an internal thread for threading the external ring onto the externally threaded portion of the collar. The external ring carries hooked lugs for forming a male connection and arcuate grooves for forming a female connection with a complementary coupling of a fire hose. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a flat neoprene rubber seal is disposed between facing surfaces on the internally threaded collar and external ring.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating a fluid from admixtures has at least a first and a second separation unit. The separation units are of the type using an increased pressure or pressure difference for their function and have improved performance with increased pressure. The second separation unit is supplied with the fluid by a pressurising pump device. The first separation unit furnishes fluid of reduced concentration of admixtures to the pressurising pump device. It is supplied with supply fluid having reduced, the same, or elevated concentration of admixtures, preferably either taken directly from an outlet of the pump device or from an outlet of the second separation unit for fluid of increased concentration of admixtures. Overall, the concentration of admixtures in the fluid supplied to the second separation unit is decreased, leading to an increase in overall performance.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical fluid ejection device configured for detecting a fault condition is provided. The device comprises a mechanical actuator, drive circuitry and a switch device. The actuator is displaceable upon receipt of an electrical current from the drive circuitry and the displacement causes ejection of fluid from an aperture in the device. The switch device determines an extent of displacement of the actuator and comprises a contact element positioned for contact with the actuator; and processing circuitry for detecting when the actuator makes contact with the contact element.

Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.

Abstract: A vibration damping bellows with a high vibration absorbing effect and whose a simple structure. In a vibration damping coupling, for example, the vibration damping bellows is formed by interposing viscoelastic material, material with low elasticity, or combination thereof between an inner member and an outer member, which are made of stainless steel. The stainless steel inner member and/or outer member may be omitted when occasion demands. The material of the stainless steel plate, for example, may be SUS 304 that is austenitic stainless steel. Further, flanges to perform connection with pipes may be provided in both ends of the bellows. The viscoelastic material may comprise elastomer such as silicone rubber and vibration damping alloy.

Abstract: A device and weaving machine using the device for cutting discarded pile loop weft yarns in a fabric that is composed of a backing fabric consisting of weft yarns and warp yarns and that contains pile warp yarns by which, in one or several zones, pile loops are formed over discarded pile loop weft yarns, device being provided with a cutting blade to cut the discarded pile loop weft yarns, the device comprising a guiding needle that extends between two rows of pile positioned side by side in the direction of the warp, and the device being provided with two or several guiding yarns in the direction of the warp that push this side by side positioned pile away from the guiding needle and the cutting blade in the direction of the weft and that, at the same time, pull the discarded pile loop weft yarns away from the backing fabric in order to present them over the guiding needle to the cutting blade so that they can be severed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seam for use in joining a first end and a second end of a papermakers' fabric. The seam may include a first seaming spiral element attachable to the first end and a second seaming spiral element attachable to the second end. At least one of the first or second spiral seaming elements is transparent.

Abstract: A thread section of a weft thread is held precisely ready for a receiving rapier in a feed rapier on a rapier loom despite the effects of retarding forces. Deflections of the thread section by the head of a receiving gripper are compensated for, whereby the feed rapier is provided with a thread clamp on the side facing the feed device for the weft thread, which releases on tension forces occurring in the thread section and permits a deflection of the thread section.

Abstract: Using a punching tool for a strapping unit for producing an auxiliary-free connection of ends of a strapping band, the tool having a recess of different widths, in the case of which at least one section of a recess-bounding wall is provided with a rounded portion in the region of at least one change in width, on the one hand, the intention is to make a fixed closure between the band ends possible. On the other hand, the intention is for this tool to be produced as easily and cost-effectively as possible and, in addition, for uniform cutting forces to be made possible. For this purpose, it is proposed that the rounded portion is of circle-arc shape with a certain radius, and that the largest width of the recess is equal to or less than four times the radius of the wall.

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding articles to a blister band, a box-like container, situated close to said band, is fed by a delivering device with a quantity of articles such as to allow accumulation of the articles on the surface of the band. A brush strikes and pushes the articles in a direction opposite to a forwarding direction of the band. A sensor, downstream of the brush, detects the thickness of the layer of articles on the band and interacts with the brush to maintain substantially constant the thickness of the layer of articles.

Abstract: Devices for filling portable gas containers and, more specifically, devices to facilitate usage of portable gas cylinders in accordance with the safety criteria for a wide range of gases and commercial applications. The present invention provides a gas supply device to fill a portable container with an electronic label attached. The gas supply device includes a read device, and a control unit. When the portable container is connected to the device and to a gas source, the read device reads the electronic label, thus allowing a control unit to then control the supply of gas to the portable container based on the information encoded by radio frequency induction in the electronic label.

Abstract: A drop tube segment includes a conduit with a first end portion and a second end portion. The drop tube segment further comprises a valve assembly with a valve member associated with the first end portion, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected with respect to the valve member. The linkage device is adapted for communication with the float such that the float may facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the first end portion of the conduit in response to a liquid level in a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment further includes a fastening section located at the second end portion of the conduit for fluid tight fastening with an end portion of another drop tube segment. The fastening section comprises a sealing surface and a threaded portion adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded portion of another drop tube segment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrochemical system, a hydrogen gas fueling system, a cascade system, and methods for using the same. The hydrogen gas fueling system comprises a multiple-stage compressor disposed in fluid communication with a hydrogen gas source, the compressor configured to cool hydrogen gas received at a stage of the compressor, a cascade section comprising at least two hydrogen gas storage zones disposed in fluid communication with the compressor at the outlet of the compressor, and a hydrogen gas dispensing section disposed in fluid communication with the cascade section.

Abstract: A receiving pit has a grid covering an uppermost opening through which grain or other material is deposited into the pit. The grid including a series of generally parallel and spaced bars and a dust control device according to this invention includes a number of flights each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid. The dust control device includes a number of generally vertically extending bulkheads each adapted to be positioned beneath the grid and juxtaposed to a free end of one of the flights to thereby inhibit the escape of dust from the receiving pit. Each flight includes a series of blades capable of independently deflecting in response to an amount of material deposited through the grid and onto the blade. The dust control device also includes a release mechanism coupled to each of the flights to manually deflect at least selected blades and allow material remaining atop the blade to fall into the receiving pit.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system including reconstitution of medication and its delivery to a syringe. An automated fluid delivery device that is movable in at least one direction and is adapted to perform at least one of the following operations: receiving and discharging diluent in a prescribed amount to reconstitute the medication in a drug vial; and aspirating and discharging reconstituted medication from the vial into the syringe. Further including a transfer device that includes a first section for piercing a septum of the vial and a second section for releasably mating with the fluid delivery device. The transfer device can remain within the vial for multiple uses without the need to repierce the septum. The transfer device has a first channel for carrying diluent or reconstituted medication and a second channel in fluid communication with a vent formed as part of the transfer device to permit airflow into the vial.

Abstract: A refueling arrangement for a direct oxidation fuel cell. A refueling cartridge includes a coupling which is geometrically keyed to a fueling port associated with the fuel cell. By properly engaging the coupling with the fueling port, a fuel flow path is opened which allows fuel to pass from the cartridge to the fuel cell. Disengaging the coupling from the fueling port closes the fuel flow path. Refueling is accomplished in rapid, trouble-free and safe manner.

Abstract: A device for dosed allocation of a flowable material component with at least one supply container for receiving the material component has an outlet and an associated removal device having an inlet via which the material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw and a controllable drive. The supply container and the removal device can be moved relative to each other to connect the outlet of the supply container to the inlet of the removal. The screw is disposed, without drive, in the region of the outlet of each supply container and comprises an outlet-side coupling means. The controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal device and comprises a drive shaft with a terminal coupling which can be connected to a coupling of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith. A supply container and a removal means for such a device as well as container scales with a removal means of the above-mentioned type are also proposed.

Abstract: A non-spilling detachable pouring spout configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. This spout having a spout body defining an open passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end this open passageway having a generally tubular shaped hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway, and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is configured for attachment to the device and is further configured to seal against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body. The movement of said sleeve is controlled by movement of a child resistant sheath.

Abstract: An essential oil reclaim method for use with a corresponding apparatus, comprising the following steps: the apparatus grabs the tree parts, the tree tops or the tree limbs, and shakes them with rotating drums provided with chains (under whiplash effect); the needles are segregated through a vibrating sieve; the needles are compressed for a first essential oil extraction under mechanical compression; the needles are then pushed into a sealed chamber comprising an endless screw which upwardly conveys the needles; steam is sprayed on the needles, so as to thermally extract essential oils from condensate; the needle residues, or “muka”, escapes from the top end of the thermal chamber. This essential oil reclaim apparatus also relates to the invention.

Abstract: An agricultural wheel tire has a tire tread having first and second lateral edges defining the width of the tire tread, and two sets of lugs. Each lug of the first set extends from a center of the tread width and terminates at the first lateral edge of the tire tread. Each lug of the second set extends from the center of the tread width and terminates at the second lateral edge of the tire tread. The first and second sets of lugs extend in an alternating manner in a circumferential direction of the tire tread so that corresponding side and end surfaces of adjacent first and second lugs and corresponding surfaces of the tire tread form substantially spherical-shaped depressed portions of the tire tread.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire which comprises a tread portion with a pair of tread edges, and a tire shoulder extending radially inwardly from one of the tread edges, provided with a curved surface comprising a convex curve, wherein, on a cylindrical surface centered on the tire axis and intersecting the curved surface, the convex curve swells axially outwards and has a curvature, and the curvature gradually diminishes towards the radially inside from the tread edge. It is possible that the tread portion is provided along the tread edges with a circumferentially extending rib and/or a circumferential row of blocks. In case of circumferential rib, the rib is provided with the curved surface comprising a plurality of the convex curves and a plurality of convex curves alternating therewith so that the curved surface is waved in the tire circumferential direction. In case of blocks in a circumferential row, it is preferable that each block is provided with the curved surface comprising at last one convex curve.

Abstract: A tire for a two-wheeled motorized vehicle and more particularly a motorcycle includes at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure, formed of reinforcement elements, anchored one either side of the tire to a bead intended to be mounted on a rim seat. Each bead is extended radially towards the outside by a sidewall, the sidewalls meeting up radially towards the outside with a tread. Under the tread is a crown reinforcement structure including a layer of circumferential reinforcement elements. In accordance with the profile of the tire in a radial plane, the layer of circumferential elements is at least in part radially to the inside of the part of at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure radially to the outside of the two points of tangency of the curvilinear abscissa of the carcass-type reinforcement structure with perpendiculars to the axis of rotation, and the circumferential reinforcement elements are distributed in the transverse direction with a variable pitch.

Abstract: An ATV radial tire has a block pattern including a chamfered block. The chamfered block has a notch which comprises an inclined surface obtained by chamfering a corner between an upper surface of the block and a wall surface of the block on an outer side edge of the block which is directed outward of a vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A carcass 7 includes first and second carcass plies 9 and 10. The first carcass ply 9 has a body portion 9A extending from a tread portion 2 to a bead core 5 through a sidewall portion 3, and a wound up portion 9B which is folded back from inside to outside around the bead core 5. The body portion 9A is provided with the wound up portion 9B. The second carcass ply 10 includes an inserting portion 10B2 which passes between a wound up portion 9B and the body portion 9A of the first carcass ply 9 from the tread portion 2 through the sidewall portion 3. The inserting portion 10B2 enters a bead apex 6 and is terminated therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing components for a tire being worked is provided. The apparatus includes a toroidal support for carrying the components of a tire being worked. The toroidal support has an outer surface substantially matching an inner shape of the tire. The apparatus also includes means for feeding at least one elongated element through at least one delivery member disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the toroidal support. The apparatus also includes means for circumferential distribution arranged to drive the toroidal support in rotation around a geometric axis of rotation of the toroidal support so that the at least one elongated element is circumferentially distributed on the toroidal support.

Abstract: Device for fabricating a tire reinforcement by laying a cord 4 on a core 1. An arm 131 is mounted on a carriage 130, which is itself mounted on a rail 132 in such manner that it can slide parallel relative to the rotation axis of the core 1.

Abstract: An expandable tire building drum, having alternating fixed (226, 326, 426) and expanding (228, 328, 428) segments (e.g., 24 of each) in a center section (220, 320, 420) of the drum. The expanding segments are axially-extending and circumferentially spaced from one another, and are contoured (have recesses, or grooves) to accommodate tire components such as sidewall inserts. Two different mechanisms for expanding the center section are described. A first mechanism includes two wedge elements (358) which are axially moveable away from one another to expand the center section. Ramp elements (348) associated with the expanding segments (328) may thus be moved radially outward. Rubber bands (358) provide a restoring force for collapsing the center section. A second mechanism includes two guide rings (458) which are axially moveable towards one another for expanding the center section, and away from one another to collapse the center section.

Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, such as would be used with a copier or high-speed printer, an applicator places stickers on a folded sheet or booklet, to prevent the sheet or booklet from unfolding or opening. At one point in the operation, the folded sheet or booklet is “backed up” in its basic process direction to receive a sticker on its trailing edge, and backed up further so that the sticker is folded over the trailing edge by a pair of crease rolls.

Abstract: An automatic device (1) for mounting and dismounting a tire (100) onto/from the rim (201) of a wheel (120) associated with a tire-dismounting machine (100) comprising a lower base (101) on which are associated rotating support and locking means (102) of the rim (201) of a wheel, a pole (103) extending vertically associated with said base (101), a horizontal support arm (104) associated with said pole (103), said device comprising a mobile shaft (2b) that can slide vertically inside a pipe (2) supported so that it can slide horizontally on said arm (104), an articulated quadrilateral made up of a tire-dismounting tool (4), a pair of opposite connecting rods (13, 14) and a body (6) fixed to the lower end of the mobile shaft (2b), and a manoeuvring lever (7) articulated with said quadrilateral and suitable for deforming it to transmit the roto-translating motion to the tool (4) that goes from a seeking configuration to an extraction configuration of the bead (202?) from the rim (201).

Abstract: An assembly of sashes containing investitures, such as venetian blinds and/or mesh screens, for application adjacent the inside surfaces of sliding glass doors. In one embodiment, the sashes are suspended from inner and outer tracks of a rail in sliding overlapping relationship. The rail can be secured to the underside of a header disposed along the inside width of the sliding glass doors.

Abstract: A fabric window blind includes a head frame, a roller, an adjustment mechanism, slats, a bottom rail and a light-admitting shade. The roller is horizontally rotatably mounted inside the head frame. The adjustment mechanism has a control axle horizontally pivotally mounted inside the head frame below the roller, and two cord member sets having top ends connected to the control axle and bottom ends vertically downwardly suspended from the control axle. The slats are arranged at different elevations below the control axle. The slats each have two opposite lateral sides respectively joined to the cord member sets. The bottom rail is fastened to the bottom ends of the cord member sets below the slats. The shade has a first end fastened to the head frame, and a second end extended downwardly over the bottom rail and turned upwards toward the head frame and fastened to the roller.

Abstract: A Venetian blind includes a main body, a transmission mechanism, and a motorized drive mechanism. The motorized drive mechanism is operated to lift and lower the slats automatically. Thus, the Venetian blind does not need a lift cord, thereby preventing a child from being tangled by the lift cord so as to ensure the environmental safety of the house.

Abstract: A door system including a sectional door having adjacent panels hinged for moving between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, the adjacent panels including at least a top panel, an intermediate panel, and a bottom panel, sets of lower rollers provided proximate the interfaces of the adjacent panels and proximate the lower extremity of the bottom panel, upper rollers carried proximate the upper extremity of the top panel, vertical track assemblies including vertical track sections and reverse angles, the reverse angles interconnecting with a header to form a door mounting system, transitional track members having first track sections and second track sections, and dual horizontal track assemblies having lower horizontal track sections and upper horizontal track sections, wherein the lower rollers are carried by the vertical track sections, the first track sections and the lower horizontal track sections and the upper rollers are carried by the second track sections and the upper horizon

Abstract: The adjustable tension shade includes a spring motor, an axle, and a shade roller. The spring motor is mounted to the axle and drives the shade roller. The axle has an adjustable telescoping shaft and the free ends of the axle are spring-biased outwardly away from each other. The shade roller has a tubular body that surrounds the axle and the spring motor and serves as a mounting point and storage unit for a shade. A pair of feet is connected to each end of the axle and each has a soft rubber gripping surface thereon.

Abstract: A durable sealing curtain assembly preferably comprising a pair of tracks slidably attached to opposite sides of an opening such as a door or window, a curtain having its lateral edges engaged by the tracks, and spring systems attached to each track, whereby the spring systems urge the tracks outwardly to maintain the curtain taut yet allow the tracks to slide inwardly towards the center of the opening so that the curtain does not endure excessive pressure upon application of an external force. At least one track preferably also comprises a cam mechanism that is operative to urge the track inwardly to release tension from the curtain and thereby allow the curtain to be more easily raised or lowered, after which, the cam mechanism can be disengaged to allow the track to return to its outwardly biased position, thus returning the curtain to a taut condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for retractable coverings for architectural openings utilizing a control system having a single operating element allowing a user to move a retractable covering between extended and retracted positions by imparting a repetitive motion to the operating element. The control system may include an input assembly, a transmission, and an output assembly cooperatively engaging to convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement of a head roller in the required direction to provide movement of the covering in the desired direction and distance. The input assembly may convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement imparted to the transmission. The input assembly may also engage the transmission to effect the direction of rotational output from the transmission. The transmission imparts rotational movement to the output assembly, which interfaces with the head roller to rotate the head roller and to provide a braking feature.

Abstract: A fabric display includes a fabric arm having a main segment that extends forward and terminates in a reverse bend segment at a front end of the fabric arm. A bend arm extends rearward from the reverse bend segment and is adapted to support a leading “salvage” edge of a fabric sheet that is displayed on the fabric arm so that a relatively clean “roll” edge of the fabric is presented to viewers at a front end of the fabric arm adjacent the reverse bend segment. Opposing fabric arms may be attached to a pivotable support arm to allow viewers to easily observe two separate fabric sheets supported on the opposing fabric arms.

Abstract: The invention provides a plunger tip for die casting machines which is excellent in slidability and sealing properties. The plunger tip comprises a tip main body (20) and is slidable inside a plunger sleeve (60) for pushing out a molten metal into a die. The tip main body (20) is made of a metal material and covered over an outer peripheral surface thereof with a slide sleeve (40) made of a rigid resin material exhibiting high slidability and excellent sealing properties on the inner surface of the plunger sleeve.

Abstract: A composition and method for forming investment casting shells includes using colloidal silica, zircon flour, and fused silica in a slurry which is applied to a pattern. After the slurry is applied to the pattern, it is allowed to partially or completely solidify. After the shell has solidified, the pattern may be melted or otherwise removed. A molten material is introduced into the shell and allowed to cool to form an article. Finally, the shell is broken away or otherwise removed from the article. The improved shell slurry composition and corresponding method minimizes pattern-to-pour cycle times and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A method of reducing vibration in a tube bundle includes inserting at least one elongated longitudinally extending support strip within at least one tube lane, wherein each elongated longitudinally extending support strip having a pair of opposing faces and a plurality of successive transverse tube support rows located at successive longitudinal locations along the strip, wherein each tube support row having a plurality of raised, tube-engaging zones, wherein the plurality of raised, tube-engaging zones extend laterally outwards to engage with tubes in the tube bundle on opposite sides of a tube lane, and orienting the at least one elongated longitudinally extending support strip such that each tube adjacent the tube lane contacts at least one of the transverse tube support rows.

Abstract: A heat sink according to the present invention is configured to comprise: a plurality of heat dissipating fins having at least bottom portions which form a heat receiving surface thermally connected to a heat generating electronic component; and a heat-transfer connecting member for, by passing through each of said plurality of heat dissipating fins arranged in parallel, connecting said plurality of heat dissipating fins in such a manner that said bottom portions form said heat receiving surface.

Abstract: A staggered fin array has a plurality of dissipation fins disposed upright on a substrate. Each dissipation fin has at least one staggered structure at one side or on opposite sides thereof. The staggered structure has two stair structures. Each stair structure has many step surfaces parallel to the airflow direction. An interval surface is formed between adjacent step surfaces. The interval surface is designed as an opening. No more than two leading ledges, formed by the openings, are formed in a single airflow route.