Abstract: A stand for an electrically heated cigarette smoking device can removably support an electrically heated cigarette smoking device, which includes a rechargeable power supply. The stand is configured to fit in a receptacle, such as a receptacle in a vehicle. Charging electronics controls charging of the rechargeable power supply when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported by the stand, and the electrically heated cigarette smoking device or stand is electrically connected to the external power supply.

Abstract: A hair accessory includes a pouch formed from an elastic material and having an opening edge. An elastic loop is secured to the pouch at a hem formed at the open edge of the pouch. An elastic band is interengaged with the elastic loop. The elastic band is used to secure hair in a ponytail. The hair then is formed into a bun and the pouch is snapped into engagement over the bun to hold the hair in the bun shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a formulation created by reacting sodium hydroxide, water, and silicon metal which has unique properties and many uses. The instant invention is further directed to methods of producing and using such formulations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cleaning deposition systems utilizing alkylsilanes are described herein. In an embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor fabrication system comprises flushing the system with a solvent comprising at least one alkylsilane. In another embodiment, a method of removing at least one chemical precursor from a semiconductor fabrication system comprises forcing a solvent containing at least one alkylsilane through the semiconductor fabrication system and dissolving the at least one chemical precursor in the solvent. The solvent may also contain mixtures of different alkylsilanes and other organic solvents.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide snow apparatus of the present invention includes a carbon dioxide snow generation system and a propellant generation system connected to a common carbon dioxide gas source. The carbon dioxide snow generation system includes a condenser having a at least two connected segments, wherein a first segment has a lesser diameter than the a second segment to provide a stepped expansion cavity for cooling and condensing liquid carbon dioxide into solid carbon dioxide snow. Several snow generation systems, each separately controllable with separate condensers, may be integrated with the propellant generation system and common carbon dioxide source to provide for a multiplicity of carbon dioxide snow applicators for integration into both manual and automated machining processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a fluid meniscus to be formed on a surface of a substrate is provided including a housing where the housing includes a housing surface to be placed proximate to a substrate surface of the substrate. The housing further includes a process configuration receiving region that is surrounded by the housing surface. The apparatus also includes a process configuration insert which has an insert surface where the process configuration insert is defined to fit within the process configuration receiving region of the housing such that the insert surface and the housing surface define a proximity face that can be placed proximate to the substrate surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Cleaning equipment for cleaning a moving surface particularly in a paper machine includes a washing head with a chamber in it opening onto the surface to be cleaned and nozzle elements arranged inside the chamber. The cleaning equipment also includes vacuum means and removal means. The vacuum means are arranged in the washing head. In addition, the washing head is arranged to be movable relative to the removal means that are fitted in a fixed manner.

Abstract: An improved, durable and versatile umbrella frame assembly is provided to more readily endure abusive weather conditions and that may be quickly, easily and inexpensively repaired. In addition, the assembly is also easily modified to accommodate umbrella canopies of different sizes and shapes. In addition, an improved umbrella operating system is provided to permit simple opening, positioning, and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole regardless of the degree to which it is opened, while the pole is held in a stationary position. The assembly includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the main hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with a locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired position. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position.

Abstract: The pressure regulator is threadable onto the neck of a tank of gas under pressure that has a plug mounted in the neck and a rupturable disk blocking fluid flow through a plug bore. The main body includes a central reduced diameter portion extendable into the plug bore without rupturing the disk when the regulator is threaded to the neck, but when further threaded, ruptures the disk. The combination of the main body and a cap have a bore extending therethrough which opens to the tank interior when the disk is ruptured and to the regulator outlet. A piston is mounted in the body and cap bore that blocks fluid flow through the last mentioned bore when the pressure at the outlet is at or above a preselected level but permits flow therethrough when the outlet pressure is below the preselected level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change.

Abstract: A single-piece manifold comprising a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a main conduit adapted for fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is disclosed. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and first and second check valves positioned across the main conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough until the sprinkler system is activated. The single-piece manifold has a reduced pressure arrangement comprising a valve member that vents water that may build up between the first and second check valves in order to prevent the back flow of contaminated water from the sprinkler system to the water supply.

Abstract: Described is a plumbing fixture assembly 10 for a toilet tank 14 comprising an upper portion 24 that connects with a valve 18, a lower portion 26 that is adapted for engagement with upper portion 24, and an attachment pipe 28 that connects at a first end 64 with lower portion 24 and at a distal end 66 with a supply line 16.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A poppet valve arrangement is provided and has a poppet slideably disposed therein. The poppet has an odd number of integral guide legs formed thereon about the periphery of the poppet. The odd number of integral guide legs are evenly spaced from one another and are of a size sufficient to permit fluid to freely flow thereby when unseated. The integral guide legs also function to permit the poppet to freely slide, without binding, within a bore of the poppet valve arrangement. The poppet having integral guide legs is compact, versatile, cost effective to produce and has good strength.

Abstract: The valve includes a body having five surfaces and a plurality of blind holes, grooves and channels interconnected with the blind holes to form communication net. Two rectangular diaphragms are embedded separately into the grooves so as to selectively open and close the blind holes. An internal sliding base with an external sliding base coupled to the external periphery thereof and comprises a sliding section and an internal press pillar disposed separately on two corresponding ends of the bottom of the sliding section. The two internal press pillars are capable of selectively opening and closing the two diaphragms. The external sliding base includes an external press pillar disposed separately on both corresponding ends of the concave groove. A casing for covering the external periphery of the external sliding base is secured with the body. At least one elastic member is installed between the top surface of the casing and the external sliding base.

Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precluding backflow of fluid in a mixing valve, through use of a manifold of the mixing valve including a septum wall in an intermediate divided segment of an outlet conduit of the manifold.

Abstract: An electronically controlled electro-mechanical device designed to limit a finite amount of water per flush to a tank reservoir of the common household toilet, or tank-less toilet or urinal, providing positive shutoff of water flow and anti-siphon backflow prevention. The toilet is flushed, the flush lever activates an attached tilt switch, the tilt switch actuates the countdown timer by means of electrical linkage, the countdown timer in turn activates the solenoid valve by means of electrical connection. The water enters the solenoid valve, passing through the valve and on to the float valve mounted to the toilet tank for fill up. The Countdown timer counts down from the full minutes and seconds set to 00:00 and shuts off the solenoid valve and ultimately the flow of water. The Countdown timer then resets itself to the time set in memory for the next flush operation. A float eliminator may be affixed to the toilet tank replacing the float valve, then connected to the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A combined faucet spout and diverter valve for attaching a dispensing system to a water source. In a first mode, water flows through the diverter valve to a first outlet which can be a faucet outlet. In a second mode, water is diverted to a fluid conduit which is fastened to a connecting member and a chemical dispenser. The connecting member provides movement of a shuttle valve which directs water in the second mode to the fluid conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a comminuted material contained in a bag having means disposed at an upper end portion thereof for suspending the bag and a closable discharge outlet disposed at a lower end thereof generally consisting of a support means; and a hopper having an upper inlet functional for receiving the closable discharge spout portion of the bag when the bag is disposed in a suspended position above the hopper, a lower outlet communicable with a material conveying means, a side opening through which an operator may obtain access to a lower end of the bag inserted into the hopper, and a baffle extending downwardly and transversely from a wall section of the hopper, from and below the access opening, toward and short of a hopper wall disposed opposite the hopper wall provided with the access opening, providing a flow path of material introduced into the hopper for the hopper outlet.

Abstract: A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly between a pivotable outer door and a pivotable inner door to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.

Abstract: A portable fuel assembly has a holder that securely holds a fuel pump, at least one tool and at least one spare part, while at the same time having a base, which may be attached to a fuel container in order to transport fuel for a remote controlled vehicle to a desired position.

Abstract: A rotary shaper tool for use in conjunction with a power tool used to rotate the shaper tool in which a cutter panel is formed about a cylindrical framework. The cutter panel is formed with rows or sets of cutter teeth and an array of vent holes. Chips formed by the engagement of the spinning cutter panel with a wooden workpiece pass to the interior of the shaper tool and are ejected from the vent holes remote from the area of engagement.

Abstract: This method of making a folding coin purse involves forming a first pocket and a second pocket on a layer of rectangular material. A peripheral border is biased into an upstanding position. The peripheral border frames an access opening between the first pocket and the second pocket. A second half of the body folds over a first half of the body to close the access opening.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus is disclosed to laminate various structural articles with multiple layers of a resin impregnated fiber tape. The fiber tape is deposited with a tape laying member moving alternately in different travel directions. The tape laying member removes all backing layers from the tape being employed, then deposits the unbacked tape on the surface of the structural article and finally severs the end of the tape being deposited. An automated cut and restart procedure is employed in the present apparatus to increase throughput.

Abstract: A tape mounting system 1 mounts a product X to a strip tape T, and includes a tape holding mechanism, a mounting mechanism and a control unit 70. The tape holding mechanism has a payout roller 61 and a carry-out conveyor 64, and holds the strip tape T in a horizontal state. The mounting mechanism has a clamp 62 and a heater block 63, and mounts the product X to the strip tape T by attaching a portion X2 to the strip tape T. The control unit 70 controls the tape holding mechanism and mounting mechanism such that the portion X2 of the products X vertically overlaps the strip tape T. The tape mounting system that reduces positional deviation of the portion X2 and the strip tape T during the mounting of product X to the tape T caused by positional deviation of the tape T.

Abstract: Self-adhesive labels are formed by repetitively cutting linerless web material which is fed from a roll into and through a rotary knife cutter. The labels are then transported to and applied to articles. To improve cutting of the web and labeling, the web and or labels are contoured, e.g., they are made concave, in a plane transverse to the direction of flow path. To contour the web or labels, alternative endless belt arrangements are used, wherein the center line of the adhesive side of the web is adhered to a belt surface. Preferably, a one-piece belt having spaced apart and movable lengthwise portions is used. Different transport velocities are used for web fed to the cutter and for labels taken-away from the cutter. Cutter motion, and thus label length, in forming either linerless and lined labels, is controlled according to how printed indicia bar marks on the web are severed into portions; alternatively, according to whether or not the cut falls between two spaced apart printed indicia.

Abstract: A placement apparatus comprising an anvil roller, a die roller communicatively associated with the anvil roller, and a bump transfer roller communicatively associated with the vacuum roll. The invention also provides a process for placing articles on a web, comprising the steps of providing a stream of articles, placing the articles on the anvil roller, moving the anvil roller, moving an output web, and periodically bringing the output web into communicative association with the anvil roller whereby the articles are transferred to the output web at a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of sandwich elements (so-called panels), in which the rising reactive mixture is guided, when it rises, through guide elements arranged between the upper and lower outer layers. This process produces void-free panels having a regular cell structure. The invention also relates to an apparatus useful for the production of such sandwich elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable wheel rim support group designed to be mounted on an assembling-disassembling machine. The support group includes at least one pair of annular plate-shaped members designed to abut against the wheel rim on a side opposite to that of a removable locking device, the plate-shaped members being arranged facing and approachable to and retractable from one another about a control shaft, a plurality of friction engagement members disposed angularly displaced and partly formed in one of the annular plate-shaped members and partly in the other, and support and rotational motion transmission members between the control shaft and one of the annular plate-shaped members.

Abstract: A window blind structure with multiple rods and blinds includes a plurality of support brackets, hook elements, head rails, and blind bodies wherein each support bracket is equipped with a fixing end with multiple fixing thru-holes disposed thereon for the secure engagement of locking screws therewith, and a suspending arm properly extending forwards from the fixing end thereof and provided with a plurality of equally-spaced retaining members each surrounded by a retaining space for the location of a matched hanging rod thereon. Both sides of the retaining member is defined by a set of left/right movement spaces to match with the hook element having a hanging portion to hook onto the hanging rod thereby and an inserting block with indented recesses disposed at the bottom end thereof to engage with an inserting groove disposed at the upper section of the head rail thereby.

Abstract: A substrate is coated by applying an essentially pure aluminum first layer to a surface of the substrate. At least a first portion of the first layer is oxidized so as to provide a protective coating of desired properties. The substrate may be a refractory metal-based investment casting core.

Abstract: An engine block mold, including at least one barrel slab core (10), the or each barrel slab core (10) including a slab portion (12), and at least one barrel portion (14) adapted to receive a cylinder liner (1), wherein the barrel portion (14) of the or each barrel slab core (10) has an outer diametral taper along at least a portion of its length, and the or each liner (1) has a substantially matching internal diametral taper along at least a portion of its length. Inserting the or each slab barrel core (10) with the or each liner (1) disposed upon it, into a substantially completed mold casing, filling the mold, and then machining the cylinder liners (1) so that they have a substantially constant internal diameter along their length.

Abstract: A method of investment casting bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, and the formation of articles of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys made by such methods are provided.

Abstract: An LNG carrier for transporting LNG from one location to another that includes a vaporizer on board said LNG carrier for vaporizing the LNG to a gaseous state, one or more heat exchangers at least partially submerged in seawater, an intermediate fluid circulating between said vaporizer and said heat exchanger; and one or more pumps for circulating said intermediate fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoduct comprises a metallic tube with multiple trenches, cupric powder and a metallic net, wherein the metallic net and the cupric powder are disposed inside the metallic tube and function as a capillary texture. The cupric powder is sintered to adhere to recesses of trenches, and the metallic net is sintered to adhere to the inner wall of the metallic tube. In the present invention, the metallic net can confine the cupric powder inside the gap between the metallic net and the inner wall of the metallic tube, which enables the cupric powder to be sintered to firmly adhere to the recesses of the trenches; thus, the thermoduct can simultaneously have capillarity, permeability and thermal conductivity, and the backflow of the liquid working fluid is speeded up.

Abstract: A fin and tube assembly for use in a heat exchanger comprising a carbon steel tube, a carbon steel fin, and an external brazing compound comprising a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, chrome, copper, aluminum, zinc, and graphite brazed to the tube and fin is disclosed. A method for making the assembly and a power plant which includes the assembly are also disclosed. The brazing compound functions to prevent corrosion of the carbon steel and also functions to attach the tube and fin together.

Abstract: A heat exchanger transfers heat between primary and secondary fluid coolants. A housing has a longitudinal central axis lying within a transverse housing plane. A bottom wall with a concave inner surface faces upward and extends along the central axis. A plurality of arcuately helical lower sector fins are spaced apart along the central axis on the bottom wall inner surface. A cover has a longitudinal central axis lying within a transverse cover plane. A top wall with a concave inner surface faces downward and extends along the central axis. A plurality of arcuately helical upper sector fins are spaced apart along the central axis on the top wall inner surface. A copper tube is assembled into the housing in a direction transverse to the housing axis with the tube closely adjacent the lower sector fins. First and second sealing means seal the tube ends to the housing. The cover is assembled into the housing in a direction transverse to the housing axis with the upper sector fins closely adjacent the tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed including a first tube, a second tube, a first inlet-connecting block, a first outlet-connecting block, a second inlet-connecting block, a second outlet-connecting block and a terminal connecting block. The first tube internally has a first flow passage through which first coolant flows. The second tube internally has a second flow passage through which second coolant flows. The first tube is connected to the first inlet-connecting block and the first outlet-connecting block. The second tube is classified into an inflow tube group and an outflow tube group. Tubes that belong to the inflow tube group are connected to the second inlet-connecting block and the terminal connecting block. Tubes that belong to the outflow tube group are connected to and the terminal connecting block and the second outlet-connecting block. The first and second tubes are disposed such that the first and second flow passages are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates with the feed-back control system of a heat exchanger by use of the flow resonance phenomenon which maximizes the heat transfer efficiency by generating the flow disturbances of a heat transfer medium. If a heat transfer medium is periodically stimulated at the characteristic frequency of a heat exchanger, the flow resonance frequency, which is dependent upon the flow conditions of heat transfer medium and the geometries of a heat exchanger, the disturbances of heat transfer medium is increased to the extent that heat transfer is dramatically high. This system is composed of the detecting part for the detection of flow characteristics, the processing part for the determination of flow resonance frequency, and the stimulating part which excites a heat transfer medium at the calculated flow resonance frequency.

Abstract: A heat exchanging apparatus including a gas fuelled flameless heater and a heat exchanger loop. The heat exchanger loop includes a heat absorbing section which is contained within the flameless heater so that the flameless heater provides a heat source for the heat exchanger loop, and the heat exchanger loop further includes a heat transferring section for transferring heat from the heat exchanger loop to a heat sink.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.

Abstract: A stimulator device and associated method is provided for a subterranean liquid well comprising a pump adapted for selectively evacuating vapor from the borehole of the well above a liquid column in the borehole to opposingly impinge the liquid column to hydrostatically agitate a subterranean formation from which the liquid originates.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of subterranean formations, and more specifically, treatment fluids containing vitrified shale and methods of using these treatment fluids in subterranean formations, are provided. An example of a method is a method of displacing a fluid in a well bore. Another example of a method is a method of separating fluids in a well bore in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition is a spacer fluid comprising vitrified shale and a base fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a servicing fluid comprising carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbon blend, wherein the hydrocarbon blend comprises at least about 65% hydrocarbons having from six carbons (C6) to eleven carbons (C11); and placing the servicing fluid into the subterranean formation. A subterranean servicing fluid comprising carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbon blend wherein the hydrocarbon blend comprises and at least about 65% hydrocarbons having from six carbons (C6) to eleven carbons (C11).

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downhole coring while receiving logging-while-drilling tool data. The apparatus includes core collar and a retrievable core barrel. The retrievable core barrel receives core from a borehole which is sent to the surface for analysis via wireline and latching tool The core collar includes logging-while-drilling tools for the simultaneous measurement of formation properties during the core excavation process. Examples of logging-while-drilling tools include nuclear sensors, resistivity sensors, gamma ray sensors, and bit resistivity sensors. The disclosed method allows for precise core-log depth calibration and core orientation within a single borehole, and without at pipe trip, providing both time saving and unique scientific advantages.

Abstract: A hydraulic jarring tool may be suspended in a well from a wireline, tubular string or drill string, and may be activated to release a tool stuck in the well, or to release the drill string. Each of an upper and lower jarring section include a housing, a piston, a piston biasing member, a fluid metering device and a release mechanism for holding an hammer in a downward position and releasing the hammer to strike an anvil in response to movement of the piston. A timing mechanism results in a timed delay between the impact of one hammer striking the anvil and the other hammer striking the anvil.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus for sinking shafts and removing shaft material from the shaft, the apparatus having at least two decks; hydraulic means for allowing movement of the decks relative to one another; releasable anchoring means associated with the decks for engaging walls of the shaft to secure the apparatus in a stationary position; whereby the releasable anchoring means of one of the decks engages the wall while the releasable anchoring means of the other deck is released from the wall to allow motion of the other deck along the shaft, in cooperation with the hydraulic means. The apparatus also includes guide means for forcing a bucket for hoisting shaft material from the shaft along a predetermined path, and an in-stage cut-boom drill.