Abstract: An ion sampling method for wafer provides a wafer in a sampling chamber, wherein the wafer surface that is going to be sampled faces upward; spraying an extraction liquid continuously on the wafer surface to form a liquid film thereon; keeping the thickness of the film constant for dissolving the ion contaminants in the extraction liquid; and collecting the extract solution at the bottom of the sampling chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning semiconductor wafers includes a chamber, a bubbler having a vapor generating part for generating alcohol vapor and a spray pipe for spraying the alcohol vapor into the chamber, a gas supply nozzle for spraying gas into the chamber to dry the wafers, a liquid supply nozzle for supplying cleaning liquid into the chamber and a discharge system. The spray pipe of the bubbler has a liquid retention portion that keeps condensate of the alcohol vapor from issuing into the chamber. The gas supply nozzle has a spray outlet configured to spray the same amount of the drying gas onto all of the wafers in the chamber. The liquid supply nozzle has liquid supply openings only in a side portion thereof so that liquid alcohol will not become trapped therein.

Abstract: A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a closed outdoor table umbrella from opening. To attain this, a continuous ring fixably attached to a distal end of a long handle is placed around the body of an umbrella. In use, a user extends the ring above the umbrella, and lowers it until snug about the umbrella. In an embodiment, the long handle includes a hand-hold at its proximal end. Such a hand-hold may rest upon an outdoor table-top while an attached ring is in place about an umbrella extending up from the center of the table. Also, a method of retaining an umbrella.

Abstract: An umbrella frame has a two-part shaft, having a lower portion (10), upon which a runner (12) is slidably mounted, and an upper portion (14). When assembled the upper portion (14) of the shaft is mounted on the lower portion (10) of the shaft by means which allow it to tilt with respect to the lower portion, when the runner is rotated after having opened the umbrella frame. With the frame in the open position the runner engages with a rotating element (34) having a helical thread (36). The thread engages with teeth (30) on a gear element (28) attached to the upper portion of the shaft. Rotation of the rotating element causes the teeth to ride in the thread, which causes the upper portion to tilt. This makes it possible for a user to tilt the umbrella simply by rotating the runner.

Abstract: A slim safety umbrella runner includes a push button having a pivotal portion formed on a bottom portion of the push button and insertably engaged in a pivotal cavity formed in a bottom rim of the runner, with the push button pivotally biasing a resilient protrusion resiliently formed on a runner sleeve of an umbrella central shaft, whereby upon a depression of the push button to disengage the runner from the resilient protrusion, the runner will be lowered for closing the runner.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods assist in mobility of a person. According to an embodiment of the invention, a device for enhancing mobility of a physically-impaired person comprises: a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and a second member that is configured to slidably receive the elongated portion of the first member and to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member. According to another embodiment of the invention, there is a method for producing an apparatus for assisting in ambulation. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and providing a second member, including: forming a recess in the second member for slidably receiving the elongated portion of the first member; and tapering the recess to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member.

Abstract: A universal portable vehicle canopy unit is provided for a front engine riding lawn mower style vehicle and includes suction cup affixing to the rear fender for easy assembly and disassembly of unit to vehicle. The portable vehicle canopy is supported by two vertical upright tube assemblies that are pivotally connected to the vehicle. Front and back of the canopy framework is held upright by adjustable length straps. A flexible canopy sheet assembly constructed of light weight nylon or similar materials is supported by the top canopy framework cross beams. Main usage for the portable vehicle canopy would be protection from sun light. Secondary usage for the portable vehicle canopy would be to ward off light rain. Material of the canopy frame work structure is light guage aluminum bent tubing or plastic molded tubing.

Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic fluid system, such as an air brake system, is disclosed. The valve provides for fast release of pneumatic fluid from the delivery cavity through the exhaust port upon cessation of flow from the pneumatic fluid reservoir through the supply cavity. The valve includes a flow diverter that restricts fluid flow from the delivery cavity to the supply cavity when pneumatic fluid pressure in the supply cavity is less than that in the delivery cavity with minimal restriction of flow from the supply cavity to the delivery cavity when pressure in the supply cavity is greater than in the delivery cavity.

Abstract: The invention Described is a device (1) for dividing a stream of particulate or pulverulent material into at least two substreams. The device has a housing (2) with a substantially vertical inlet duct (3) and two or more outlet ducts (4, 5, 6, 7) emanating from separate openings, and being separated by partition walls (9) extending radially relative to the centreline of the inlet duct (3). The device also has a rotor 11) which is located in immediate extension of the inlet duct (3), with its axis of rotation coinciding with the centreline (10) of the inlet duct. The rotor (11) has a radially configured surface (11a) for directing the falling material stream radially outwards into the free space (12) above the outlet ducts. The device is peculiar in that the radial partition walls (9) can be adjusted in the circumferential direction. The result will be a freely variable ratio between an arbitrary number of outlet substreams.

Abstract: The quick coupler anchor includes an anchor body having a pair of vertical plates extending generally at right angles one to the other and spaced from one another. Planes containing the plates, when extended, intersect along a vertical line offset from the center axis of a valve received in a recess in a member connecting upper edges of the vertical extending plates. The recess has a plurality of flats for registration with the flats of the hex nut of the valve body. When the anchor is embedded in the ground with the recess about the hex nut, the anchor restrains rotational movement of the valve relative to the anchor in response to a torque applied to the valve to open or close the valve. The center of vertical support of the anchor lies generally coincident with the vertical axis of the valve to provide stability to the valve and anchor upon vertical loadings.

Abstract: A housing (10) for mounting on a mounting surface and for supporting and protectively enclosing a regulator (12) and one or more gauges (14,16) associated with providing, controlling, and monitoring a flow of gas from a pressurized gas supply, such as is commonly used, for example, in welding, cutting, and otherwise heating metal. The housing (10) comprises a front (20); a left side (22); a right side (24); a top (26), including a bolt flange (28); a bottom (30); a hinge (32); and a securement mechanism (34). The hinge (32) allows for easy access to the regulator (12) and gauges (14,16) without requiring that the housing (10) be completely removed from the mounting surface. The securement mechanism (34) includes one or more isolation mechanisms (64,68) for reducing or substantially eliminating transmission of potentially accuracy-affecting or otherwise damaging vibrations to the regulator (12) and gauges (14,16).

Abstract: A liquid pressure reducing regulator having a pressure receiving means in liquid communication with the liquid inlet passage, upon which a liquid in the liquid inlet passage can exert a balancing force, and a means for communicating the balancing force to the diaphragm opposing an overpressure force exerted by the inlet liquid on the pressure control diaphragm. The liquid pressure regulator typically employs a balancing piston that can transfer pressure fluctuations in the flow outlet into an equal and opposite force on the valve plug, and results in a net force of zero in the diaphragm plate. As a result, changes in the liquid pressure downstream of the valve plug only nominally, and typically negligibly, affect the upstream control of the liquid product.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator and intermittent flow device are disclosed. Vacuum regulation is achieved via spring forces acting on a movable piston-tube assembly disposed within a regulator body having a cylindrical hollow interior. Vacuum is supplied to an input port and regulated vacuum is provided at an output port. Vacuum at the output is cut off when fluid flow is sufficiently restricted and the piston-tube assembly is urged in contact against a fluid flow aperture within the regulator body thereby blocking fluid flow. Multiple modes of operation are provided in the regulator by way of a three position mode knob that enables regulated vacuum, unregulated vacuum and an “off” mode of operation. The disclosed intermittent vacuum flow device is attached to the output of the vacuum regulator and enables timed cyclical on and off operation of vacuum regulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting flow in a mass flow controller (MFC). The position of a gate in the MFC is sensed or otherwise determined to monitor flow through the MFC and to immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel MFC is provided. The MFC includes an orifice, a mass flow control gate, an actuator and a gate position sensor. The actuator moves the control gate to control flow through the orifice. The gate position sensor determines the gate position and/or gate movement to monitor flow and immediately or nearly immediately detect a flow failure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gate position sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the signal such that the receiver provides an indication of the position of the gate based on the signal received.

Abstract: A multiport diverter valve comprising a valve housing defining a valving chamber therein. A plurality of ports open into the chamber. A flow diverter is pivotally mounted in the chamber and has a concave diverter surface forming a portion of a torus. First and second ends of the torus communicate with a first adjacent pair of the ports to provide a flow path between the adjacent pair. A valve handle is adapted to pivot the diverter to a position connecting a second adjacent pair of the ports with the second pair of ports including one of the ports from the first pair. The handle is further adapted to pivot the diverter to a position connecting all of the ports.

Abstract: A control valve (10) for a fluid circulation circuit comprises a body (12) which is equipped with a fluid inlet (18) and at least two fluid outlets (20, 22 and 24) and which delimits a cylindrical housing for an adjusting member (26) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX) and to adopt various angular positions in order to control the distribution of fluid through the outlets. The body (12) comprises an end wall (14) into which the fluid inlet (18) opens and a cylindrical side wall (16) into which the fluid outlets open at axial heights and at angular positions that are chosen with respect to the axis of rotation (XX). The rotary member (26) comprises a truncated end (38) facing toward the end wall (14), this making it possible to have control over the fluid outlets using a law defined as a function of the angular position of the rotary member in the valve body.

Abstract: A valve for a hose line, the valve having an inlet having a threaded female swivel fitting, a first outlet having an external thread, and a second outlet having an external thread. The inlet and the first outlet are at a 90 degree angle to each other and the inlet and the second outlet are 180 degrees to each other. A three-port ball valve having an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port controls the directional flow within the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control valve for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid. The control valve comprises: a valve housing (10); a sleeve (11) slidable in a valve chamber in the valve housing (10); a first fluid conduit (12) for connecting the valve chamber to a source of pressurised hydraulic fluid; a second fluid conduit (14) for connecting the valve chamber to a fluid return for returning hydraulic fluid to a reservoir; and a third fluid conduit (16) for connecting the valve chamber to deliver hydraulic fluid to and receive hydraulic fluid from apparatus which uses the hydraulic fluid flow controlled by the control valve. The sleeve (11) is a tubular sleeve having, a tubular passage therethrough. The valve housing has a pair of spaced apart valve seat surfaces (22, 23), a first valve seat surface (22) which is engageable by a first end of the tubular sleeve (11) and a second valve seat surface (23) which is engageable by a second end of the tubular sleeve (11).

Abstract: A fluid pressure system (S) includes a flexible diaphragm bladder (172) located inside a pressure tank (164) installed within a fluid system such as well (168). In preferred aspects, the bladder (172) can be inflated by the introduction of air and is located within a flexible confining tube (198) or confining element (298) for preventing over expansion of the bladder (172). The bladder (172) and the confining tube or element (198, 298) are free floating in and without physical connection with the pressure tank (164) in preferred forms. The pressure tank (164) includes a flexible side wall (196) to allow folding or willing of the assembled fluid pressure system (S) in preferred forms. Confining tube (198) in a preferred form is of a cylindrical configuration and arranged concentrically around the bladder (172). Confining element (298) is carried by the bladder (172) and creates a barrier extending along a chord of a cross section of pressure tank (164).

Abstract: Pipe or tubing of crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) containing less than 2% by wt. carbon black provides improved resistance to oxidizing agents such as chlorine and hypochlorous acid in water. The pipe may be further protected with a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the carbon-containing PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.

Abstract: A front end of a ball screw shaft driven by a motor is connected with a binding line clamp apparatus (513) including three clamp plates (514, 515, 516). The left and right clamp plates (515, 516) are constituted to be brought into elastic contact with the center clamp plate (515) and close the left and right clamp plates by operation of cams (527, 528) when a sleeve is moved rearward. In a state of opening the clamp plates, a binding line is fed out to an upper side by passing through an interval between the right clamp plate (515) and the center clamp plate (514), formed in a loop shape and moved into an interval between the left clamp plate (516) and the center clamp plate (517). When the sleeve is moved rearward by driving to rotate a ball screw shaft, the left and right clamp plates are closed to grasp a front end and a rear end of the binding line loop and thereafter, the binding line clamp apparatus is rotated to twist the binding line to bind a reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A gas recovery system designed to recover vent gas emanating from a gas processing system and return the gas to the processing system. The gas recovery system includes a pressurized motive gas that is directed through a vacuum generating apparatus. The vacuum suctions the vent gas into the vacuum generating apparatus and mixes the vent gas with the motive gas to create a mixed gas stream. The mixed gas stream is transported away from the vacuum generating apparatus by a mixed gas outlet line. A vent gas pressure regulator is fluidly connected between the vent gas supply line and the mixed gas outlet line. The vent gas pressure regulator maintains the vent gas supply line pressure above a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A spilled fuel containment apparatus including a drive-on substrate and at least one side that is substantially vertically extendable. The at least one side being substantially fluidically sealed with the substrate when the at least one side is substantially vertical.

Abstract: A fuel bib which connects over and about gas tank filler tube door of a vehicle includes a semi-flexible plastic cover having an outer protective surface and an inner surface material which is made to removably adhere to the vehicle's body, a precut inner portion which is of a size and configuration substantially that of the gas tank filler tube door, wherein the precut inner portion, an outer remaining portion of the fuel bib surrounding the precut inner portion is intended to remain on the vehicle surrounding the fuel door, and at least one detachable portion interconnecting the precut inner portion and the outer remaining portion.

Abstract: A powder leveling method and apparatus conducts leveling a thin layer of powder containing fiber to a uniform thickness so as to form friction material having a multi-layered structure. A cavity of predetermined shape having an opening in a flat surface is filled with powder containing fiber so that the powder overflows the opening of the cavity in the flat surface. A cylindrical leveling device is moved in a first direction across the cavity and then in a second direction intersecting with the first direction at a speed greater than the speed with which the leveling device moves in the first direction, so as to trim away the excess powder and make the power in the opening flush with the flat surface.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle having an operating lever pivoted at its forward end to a plunger, a clip pivoted to the lever, the clip engaging a holding structure and holding the lever open when the plunger is elevated and the lever lifted, and at least one protrusion on the lever or the clip for mechanically forcing the clip out of engagement with the structure when the plunger drops.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container filling machine, and a filter apparatus for filtering a liquid beverage. The filter apparatus has a plurality of filter chambers which are each provided with an individual valve in the outlet for filtered liquid from a filter chamber to optimize filtration. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle guard, in some embodiments, comprises a static control material. When a consumer grabs the fuel nozzle, his or her hand will touch the static control material, thereby, safely dissipating any electrostatic charges at a controlled rate of discharge without a spark. The fuel nozzle guard, in some embodiments, slides onto the nozzle interfacing with the nozzle so that retaining edges secure the fuel nozzle guard to the nozzle, without removing the nozzle from its hose. The material, in some embodiments, lacks plastisol and allows labels to adhere directly to it.

Abstract: A uniquely configured quad wedge allows for the creation of a tip-up log splitter that is capable of multiple splits in a single stroke of the drive mechanism. The quad wedge is attached to the piston of a hydraulic cylinder, and is slidably mounted to a framework to allow for movement through a splitting zone. The quad wedge further includes a main splitting blade, along with a pair of splitting wings extending outwardly in a perpendicular manner. The blades each have structures on the ends thereof which are configured to help contain a log during splitting operations, thus avoiding undesired movement or wandering. The log splitter further includes a stripper mechanism positioned near the cylinder housing to allow jammed logs to be easily removed, which includes a recess to house the quad wedge when retracted. A jammed log will necessarily contact the stripper mechanism, causing it to be removed from the blade.

Abstract: The guide controls the angle of stock on the working surface of a workbench. The guide is slidable along a guide rod and has a rotary element to which a backing block is attached for supporting the stock. The rotary element is provided with a detent which causes the element to move in predetermined increments as it rotates. The guide is rotatable about the guide rod so that it may be swung away from the working surface when the guide is not in use.

Abstract: A multi-track fastening apparatus which may be implemented on a bag with a hideable handle wherein the fastening apparatus is capable of closing a pocket of the bag when the handle is hidden within the pocket and when the handle is exposed out of the pocket.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a tread portion having a pair of lateral tread edges, a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewalls that each extend radially from one of the lateral tread edges of the tread portion to one of the bead portions, an inner liner, and a pair of sidewall inserts. Each of the sidewall inserts is disposed between one of the sidewalls and the inner liner. Each of the sidewall inserts includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are each made of high modulus, low hysteresis run-flat stock. Each of the sidewall inserts also includes a center portion made of sidewall stock disposed between the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A bonding device for fabricating a liquid crystal display includes a vacuum chamber, an upper stage and a lower stage within the vacuum chamber, a stage moving system moving at least one of the upper and lower stages, a plurality of first observation holes formed through regions of the upper stage, a plurality of second observation holes formed through an upper portion of the vacuum chamber, each aligned to one of the plurality of first observation holes, and a plurality of alignment cameras, each camera aligned with the each of the first and second observation holes.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire derimming device adapted to separate the rubber portion of a tire from its rim and ring. The derimming device generally comprises a power actuator that contacts and bends the rim until the bead pops from the rim and the rim falls out of the tire thereby separating the rim from the ring. The device further comprises a shearing assembly for cutting the rubber portion of the tire into multiple pieces after the rim has been removed from the tire.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temporary window shade that may include an elongated cover having a top end and a bottom end, and that may be adapted to be oriented in a retracted position, an extended position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The temporary window shade may also include a top rail that may be attached to the top end of the elongated cover, a cord having a first end that may be connected to the top rail, and a bottom rail that may be attached to the bottom end of the elongated cover. The bottom rail may have a slot disposed through a surface of the bottom rail, and the slot may be adapted to receive the cord. At least a portion of the slot may have a width less than the thickness of the cord such that the slot may engage the cord to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the elongated cover when the cord is engaged by the at least a portion of the slot.

Abstract: A venetian blind includes a headrail, a storage rail, a covering unit and a retainer. The storage rail has front and rear sidewalls, each of which is formed with a horizontal rib. The storage rail further has two ends and an upper end opening disposed between the two ends. The retainer is configured as an inverted U-shaped plate, and bridges the front and rear sidewalls. The covering unit includes a plurality of horizontal slats. Lowermost ones of the slats are received within the storage rail, and are capable of being removed from the storage rail through the upper end opening. The retainer includes front and rear retaining-plate portions with open-ended slots engaging respectively the ribs of the storage rail, and is capable of being removed forcibly and upwardly from the storage rail.

Abstract: An injection-molding process for molding a metal alloy into a near net shape article that is characterized in that the processing temperature of the alloy at injection is approaching the liquidus, preferably having a maximum solids content of %, whereby a net-shape molded article can be produced that has a homogeneous, fine equi-axed structure without directional dendrites, and a minimum of entrapped porosity. Advantageously, the resulting solid article has optimal mechanical properties without the expected porosity and solidification shrinkage attributed to castings made from super-heated melts.

Abstract: A baseboard system includes baseboard units through which conduits extend carrying heated fluids, and moldings about the free ends of the baseboards, to provide a generally uniform external surface configuration. The moldings are in the nature of conventional moldings made of wood, pressed wood, plastic or the like. The use of the moldings with the baseboards provides an efficient, cost-effective system that produces a uniform appearance and facilitates cleaning.

Abstract: A manifold apparatus, system and method for thermally controlling a substrate whereby a manifold body having a microjet array and a drain array traversing there-through in a direction orthogonal to a substrate surface and parallel to each other is attached to the substrate surface for heating or cooling thereof. A cavity of the manifold body resides over the substrate surface such that liquid is emitted from the liquid microjets into the cavity for contact with the substrate surface, while the drains orthogonally remove spent liquid from the cavity. The manifold body is designed and configured into a plurality of cooling cells, whereby each cooling cell has a liquid microjet surrounded by at least three drains for preventing interactions between adjacent liquid microjets within adjacent cooling cells. Gas microjets may also traverse through the manifold body to form an atomized liquid spray for contact with the substrate surface.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a heat-radiating device and a centrifugal pump provided in a closed circulation passage for circulating refrigerant. The centrifugal pump contacts and absorbs heat from heat-generating electronic parts by heat exchange of the refrigerant therein to radiate the heat via the heat-radiating device. The centrifugal pump includes a lower casing that comes into contact with the heatgenerating electronic parts, an upper casing disposed to face the lower casing to form a pump chamber, and an impeller sandwiched between the upper casing and the lower casing. The lower casing includes a recessed conical surface facing the impeller, at least one protrusion provided in a center portion of the recessed conical surface and a contact face with which the heat-generating electronic parts come into contact formed directly below the protrusion on an opposite side of the recessed conical surface.

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

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a housing having a base and defining an interior. A plurality of coils are located in the interior of the housing and are arranged to extend upwardly from the base to define a coil depth. A blower is adapted to move air through the plurality of coils in a direction of the coil depth. A water distribution system is preferably located around a circumferential periphery of the plurality of coils to spray water on an outer surface of the plurality of coils along substantially the entire coil depth thereof. At least one air inlet opening is located in the housing to allow airflow across the plurality of coils. Additional embodiments of improved heat exchangers are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly. A plurality of parallel tubes conveys fuel cell stack exhaust gas from a first manifold means to a second manifold means. The tubes are highly corrugated to increase the wall area and decrease the wall thickness. The tubes are disposed in a jacket through which is passed incoming air to be heated. The tubes may be linear between two manifolds, or they may be curved such that the first and second manifold functions are accommodated within a single component.

Abstract: A protruding portion protruding toward the outside a tank is formed on a core plate in a range corresponding to a straight portion of a flat tube inserted and joined to the core plate. Due to this structure, a joining portion of the tube to the core plate is three-dimensionally formed and a joining portion length is extended. Therefore, thermal stress generated in the tube can be diffused from the joining portion of the tube to the core plate.

Abstract: An insert adapted to connect to opposite walls in a heat exchanger tube, including a corrugated sheet having alternating wave crests and wave troughs connected by wave flanks having openings therein, wherein at least some of the wave crests have a length different than the length of the wave troughs, and/or adjacent sections have different wavelength waves. Such inserts may be produced by transporting material sheets through a press, where the sheet feed rate and/or the press stroke speed may be selectively varied.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange core, an introduction tank for introducing a heat transfer medium into the heat exchange core, and a discharge tank for receiving the heat transfer medium discharged from the heat exchange core. Materials used to form the introduction tank and the discharge tank are different from each other. The properties desired for the respective tanks may be attained, and while unnecessary increases in the costs for manufacturing the heat exchanger is may be reduced or avoided, the performance of the heat exchanger may be improved.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating and air conditioning system equipped with actuators, preferably vents, is provided. Interior conditions are detected by an interior sensing system, with at least the seat occupancy with occupants being automatically recognized by an object recognition system on the basis of the data supplied by the interior sensing system. An optimized adjustment of the heating and air conditioning system to the seat occupancy is automatically performed as a function of the recognized seat occupancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations, and more particularly to an apparatus useful in loading cementing plugs and darts into tubulars, and methods of using such apparatus in subterranean cementing operations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of placing a compressible object having a cross-section within a tubular, including the steps of: reducing the cross-section of the compressible object; placing the compressible object with the reduced cross-section in a tubular; and releasing the compressible object within the tubular. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of reducing the radial cross-section of a compressible object. Other examples of apparatus of the present invention include apparatus for placing a compressible object into a tubular.

Abstract: A convertible rotary seal has a housing for receiving a polish rod. A mandrel is rotatably mounted in the seal housing and surrounds the polish rod. A wear sleeve surrounding the mandrel engages a primary seal. A secondary seal engages the mandrel and polish rod and rotates therewith but may be converted for use as a static seal if necessary. A locking mechanism selectively secures the mandrel in a stationary orientation with respect to the seal housing. Fluid that leaks past the primary seal will be detectible through an external orifice. If a leak in the primary seal is detected via the external port, then the mandrel may be secured in a stationary orientation with respect to the housing and the secondary seal may be reconfigured to operate as a stationary seal until such time as the rotary sealing unit can be overhauled.