Abstract: An instrument for providing ventilation access to the trachea has a hollow needle with a sharp tip, a tube extending within the needle and a spring urging the tube to project a short distance from the patient end of the needle. The rear end of the tube carries two colored flags one of which is visible at a time in a transparent window towards the machine end of the needle. When the patient end of the instrument is pushed through neck tissue overlying the trachea the inner tube is pushed rearwardly so that a flag of one color is visible. When the patient end of the instrument enters the trachea the spring can push the inner tube forwardly so that the other flag is visible. In one embodiment the instrument carries a dilator and tracheostomy tube that can be slid off the needle after penetration. In another embodiment, ventilation equipment is connected to the rear of the inner tube and the patient is ventilated through the instrument itself.

Abstract: A user-fabricated mouth guard wherein the user's teeth and gums are not directly exposed to the uncured mouth guard material. The uncured mouth guard material is pliant at room temperature and does not have to be heated to form and shape the mouth guard. The cured mouth guard can be pliant or rigid at room temperature. A kit and a method of forming the mouth guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded.

Abstract: An earplug of the type that has a stem (12) and a plurality of flanges (21–23), is constructed to be stiff enough to be easily inserted into the ear canal, and to thereafter press with minimal force against the walls of the ear canal for comfort. The earplug is molded of an elastomeric material whose stiffness decreases considerably, such as at least 4%, when it is warmed from room temperature (about 72° F.) to ear canal temperature (about 100° F.). Each flange has a radially inner portion (52) that extends straight at an angle (B) that is within 15° of a radial direction (62) (a direction perpendicular to the stem axis), and has a radially outer portion (54) that extends straight and at an angle (C) that is within 20° of an axial direction (66).

Abstract: One or more tissue bulking devices are implanted to bulk a structure within a patient. The tissue bulking devices may be implanted between the structure and an adventitial layer that at least partially covers the structure, or within the adventitial layer. In some embodiments, the structure is a luminal wall that defines an inner lumen, and the bulking devices are implanted endoscopically via the lumen. In such embodiments, the tissue bulking devices may be implanted between a muscular layer of the luminal wall and an adventitial layer that at least partially covers the luminal wall, or within the adventitial layer. In exemplary embodiments, the luminal wall is the wall of the esophagus of the patient, and the tissue bulking devices are implanted proximate to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of the patient to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Abstract: A continuous tobacco rod generated by a machine for making tobacco products is separated into reclaimable lengths by a device that comprises a pair of tension rollers designed to exert a pulling force on the rod, also a pair of brake rollers operating upstream of the tension rollers and serving to offer a measure of resistance to the action of the tension rollers; as a result of the interaction between the tension rollers and the brake rollers, the portion of the continuous rod extending between them is forced to break by tearing apart.

Abstract: A hair holder 1 having a flat tube 2 composed of a sheet 23A and a sheet 23B in such a design that a strand of hair is inserted from an opening 21 at one end thereof to an opening 22 at the other end thereof. The sheet 23A composed of one side of the tube 2 has a plurality of sheet openings 25 that are long in the width direction of the tube 2 and are arranged with a space in the length direction of the tube 2. The tube 2 has substantially no extensibility in its length direction.

Abstract: An elastic band includes an elongate elastic core, a sheath, and an elongate friction member. The elongate elastic core comprising a continuous loop and the sheath has an outer surface and surrounds the elongate elastic core. The elongate friction member is disposed in the sheath, such that at least a portion of the elongate friction member protrudes past the outer surface of the sheath.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for storing and manipulating dental floss used for cleaning a person's teeth comprises a housing, a spool, a fork, a bottom board, a fasten wheel, a block member, a sleeve, a retrieving wheel, a retaining portion and a roll of dental floss which is reeled in the spool, wherein the housing has a position base and an assembling zone at two ends thereof being opposite to each other. The fork is fitted on the position base, the block member is assembled on the housing, the retaining portion is assembled on the bottom board, and the spool, the fasten wheel, the retrieving wheel, the sleeve are defined to coaxially assemble with the assembling zone.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.

Abstract: A centrifugal spray processor for processing semiconductor wafers uses larger numbers of spray nozzles. Each spray nozzle delivers a reduced volume of liquid, to reduce consumption of liquid process chemicals. The nozzles operate at a higher back pressure. The increased number of nozzles, offset nozzle patterns and groupings of nozzles, lower nozzle flow rates, and higher nozzle back pressures, provide improved processing results. The improved spray system may be provided as a retrofit kit.

Abstract: A large scale cleaning plug (L) adaptable to be placed within an interior passageway (10) of a tubular system (14) includes a frame structure (208) with a first and second end (202 and 204) supporting an outer skin member (200) for directing a fluid (F) through an interior passageway formed in the skeletal frame structure (208). A middle section (300) of the frame (208) has a generally frustoconical shaped bottom (302). A rigging (236) connected to the frame (208) controllably secures the frame structure (208) in desired positions. The frame's second end (204) supports at least one nozzle assembly (220) having at least one nozzle body (222) extending from a plate (226) preventing appreciable fluid flow therethrough and permitting a desired fluid flow through an exit opening (223) of the nozzle bodies (222).

Abstract: A method for cleaning tubes and heat exchangers provides a cavitation enhancement unit between a source of pressurized fluid an a lance. The pressurized fluid flows through jets, which impart a high speed rotation to a set of propellers, preferably square in profile canted at a 15° angle. Generation of cavitation develops a cleaning vibration in the fluid discharged from the lance.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, utilizes a rotatable wafer supporting assembly with a cylindrical body to provide stability for the substrate being cleaned, even at high rotational speeds. The rotatable wafer supporting assembly may include wafer holding mechanisms with pivotable confining members that are configured to hold the substrate using centrifugal force when the wafer supporting assembly is rotated. In an embodiment, the cleaning system may include a positioning system operatively connected to an acoustic transducer to provide meaningful control of the acoustic energy applied to a surface of the substrate by selectively changing the distance between the acoustic transducer and the substrate surface so that the substrate can be cleaned more effectively.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the metered passage of a liquid, comprising a container for the liquid, which is provided with an inlet and an outlet for supplying liquid to and discharging liquid from the container, respectively, and with a bottom and upright side walls joining said bottom. The device furthermore comprises means for regulating the extent to which liquid is supplied to the container via the inlet in dependence on the amount of liquid that is present in the container. The metering means comprise a floating element which floats on the liquid in the container and which is rigidly connected to an overflow edge that can move up and down together with the floating element between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, over which overflow edge the liquid flows into the container at the location of the inlet. The overflow edge forms part of at least one side wall of the container.

Abstract: A faucet valve cartridge includes a valve seat with a co-molded proximal end. The cartridge regulates flow in a faucet valve and provides a floating sealing arrangement with the valve seat of the faucet valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for dampening pulsations in a fluid system has a radially expandable tube connected in the fluid system. A flexible outer shell surrounds the tube to form with the tube an annular chamber. The annular chamber is pressurized by a compressed gas or other fluid to dampen fluid pulsations that act upon the tube. Annular end caps connect the tube and the shell. At each end, the tube has an extension with a threaded connection to a bushing; the bushing has a threaded connection to the inner annulus of the end cap.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is provided that facilitates an operation of opening or closing a ball valve and suppresses damage to a cylindrical seal member by the ball valve when rotated, thereby enabling an improvement in durability. A socket fluid passage (4) in a socket (1) is opened or closed with a ball valve (5). A cylindrical seal member (11) is disposed in a primary fluid passage portion (4a) of the socket fluid passage (4) in such a manner as to be in pressure contact with the ball valve (5) to seal between the ball valve (5) and the inner wall of the socket fluid passage (4). The ball valve (5) is rotatable to open when the socket (1) and a plug (2) are locked to each other by a lock mechanism (16).

Abstract: Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods in which water is only delivered to the water pipes in the building when a faucet or appliance demands water and water is delivered through a normally closed shut off water valve. During the period that the main water is shut off, the water pressure in the water pipes is continuously monitored to detect a water leak in the building. Detection of a leak causes an alarm to be sounded and a continued closure of the shut off valve.

Abstract: A tandem hydraulic valve comprising first and second axially aligned valve spools, a valve guide slidably receiving said valve spools to control, in use, the connection between respective ports of the valve guide, said first and second spools being formed as separate components and being axially interconnected, to move in unison, by an axial connection component, and, the interface of said first and second spools being connected to a predefined, external, hydraulic fluid leakage path.

Abstract: A ball valve has a ball with resilient, opposed facing spaced-apart locking arms which engage a stem having outwardly projecting flanges to allow the stem to be inserted externally into the valve body and snap-locked to the resilient opposed locking arms of the ball. In one embodiment, the stem includes a breakaway groove to prevent over torquing of the stem. In another embodiment, a retainer carrier for the ball includes slots for receiving integrally formed projection tabs on the underside of the valve handle which are spaced and sized to interfit with the slots of the threaded retainer carrier such that, if ball or seal replacement becomes necessary, the valve handle itself can serve as a removal tool for the retainer carrier.

Abstract: The method for identifying lateral pipes includes printing identifying indicia on the interior surface of a liner assembly positioned adjacent the lateral pipe. The apparatus includes the liner assembly in place with the identifying indicia visible from the interior of the main pipe line.

Abstract: A retractable hose extension for a vacuum having an expandable hose within a containment structure, a first coupling at the first end of the hose and in the first end of the containment structure for connecting the hose to a vacuum, a valve at the second end of the hose, and either a door or other releasable retention device for the hose. Preferably, the valve is an iris valve. Two fixed embodiment and one portable embodiment exist. The first fixed embodiment is inserted within a wall. The second fixed embodiment is rotatably attached to a tube contained within or running below a ceiling and extending from a vacuum system.

Abstract: A fuel hose which is excellent in antistatic property, sour gasoline resistance, a sealing property and the like. The fuel hose includes a polyamide resin inner layer 1 and an electrically conductive coating layer 2 which is formed by the following essential components (A) to (C): (A) fluororubber; (B) an electrically conductive agent; and (C) a crosslinking agent including (a) polyhydroxy aromatic compound and a quaternary ammonium salt or (b) an amine crosslinking agent, the electrically conductive coating layer being provided on the inner peripheral surface of the polyamide resin inner layer over the entire length thereof.

Abstract: In a lower surface side layer of an industrial two-layer fabric, warps are formed by sequentially arranging a repeating design unit, in which one warp passes over six successive lower surface side wefts, passes under one lower surface side weft, passes over two lower surface side wefts, and passes under one lower surface side weft while shifting the design by three lower surface side wefts. Two adjacent lower surface side warps simultaneously weave therein, from the lower surface side, one lower surface side weft, whereby the lower surface side weft passes over two lower surface side warps and then passes under eight lower surface side warps to form a weft long crimp corresponding to eight lower surface side warps on the lower surface side surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a droplet target provided with a chamber for receiving a target liquid and maintained under pressure, an electromagnetic valve switched at a ms rate for feeding target liquid from the receptacle to a heated expansion channel for converting the target liquid to supersaturated vapor and connected to a supersonic nozzle wherein the supersaturated vapor is cooled and condensed to droplets before they are discharged.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A capless seal door for a fuel tank filler tube employs a door valve with a flexible annular seal which, upon closing against a seat on the undersurface of a nozzle-receiving orifice formed in a bulkhead across the tube, initially wipes on the seat and is subsequently compressed thereon.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A rubber composition is provided with a large friction force even on a body having, for example, an ice face of a low friction coefficient. The composition is constituted by a foamed rubber having a rationalized foaming state. The composition is applied to an upper-layer rubber part of a tread rubber constituting at least a ground contact face to enhance a gripping force on a frozen road surface or a snow covered road surface. The foamed rubber has continuous cells 6 each continuously extending substantially along a particular direction 4 and sealed with a resin protection membrane 5. Also, a method is provided for producing such a tire.

Abstract: A tire inflation system and wheel speed sensor system having a hollow shaft rotatable with a drive mechanism. The shaft extends into the hollow end of an axle. A angular velocity system rotates with the shaft within the hollow end of the axle. A sensor, mounted within the axle, senses the rotation of the angular velocity system. The hollow shaft is a conduit for air from an air source to at least one tire.

Abstract: A belt durability is improved by effectively suppressing an interlayer separation between each widthwise outer end portion of a belt reinforcing layer 41 and a belt layer 34, in which each widthwise outer end 45 of one widest-width inner belt ply 35a is located outward from each widthwise outer end 46 of widest-width reinforcing plies 42a, 42b in the widthwise direction and hence reinforcing elements of the belt plies are not crossed with each other at the outside from the each widthwise outer end 46 in the widthwise direction. Therefore, the each widthwise outer end portion of the inner belt ply 35a is easily reduced in the widthwise direction, whereby shearing deformation in section to the each widthwise outer end portion of the reinforcing ply 42a, 42b is reduced.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for manufacturing a filtering screen, a frame of plastics coated metal or reinforced plastics material is located in a jig and at least two sheets of wire cloths are placed over the frame and their edges gripped by pneumatically operated clamps carried by the jig. The clamps are pneumatically driven outwardly of the frame to tension each cloth in orthogonal directions. The tensioned cloths are pressed against the frame and heated in order to bond the cloths to the frame. The heated material is allowed to cool, and after completion of the bonding step the clamps are released, allowing the frame to be removed from the jig. Where necessary the cloths are trimmed back to the edges of the frame. A separate set of pneumatically operated clamps may be provided for gripping all four edges of each wire cloth layer to allow each layer to be individually tensioned.

Abstract: A protection device for tool in a tire assembling-disassembling machine, which tool (2) has at least one working slot or groove (3) designed to slidingly engage, in use, with a peripheral edge of a wheel rim (C) located on the tire assembling-disassembling machine. The protection device comprises a laminar body (1) designed to be seated in the working groove (3), and retaining means (8a, 8b) between the laminar body (1) and the tool (2) provided removably to keep in position the laminar body (1) in the working groove (3).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a casting system is provided which broadly comprises a core and a wax die spaced from said core, a refractory metal core having a first end seated within a slot in the core and a second end contacting the wax die for positioning the core relative to the wax die, and the refractory metal core having at least one of a mechanism for providing spring loading when closed in the wax die and a mechanism for mechanically locking the wax die to the core.

Abstract: A method for controlling and manipulating solidification of a molten material includes generating a gradient pattern on at least a portion of a substrate and depositing the molten material on at least a portion of the substrate with the gradient pattern.

Abstract: An investment casting pattern is formed by installing a first core to a first element of a molding die to leave a first portion of the first core protruding from the first element. After the installing, the first element is assembled with a feed core and a second element of the molding die so that the first portion contacts the feed core. A material is molded at least partially over the first core and the feed core. The first portion has one or more surface area enhancements.

Abstract: A fluid-containing cooling plate includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and metal wire or tubing formed into a circuit and sandwiched between the plates to form a chamber. The wire is plated or otherwise coated with a brazeable or solderable alloy which bonds it to the plates when the assembly is heated, thereby sealing the chamber. To make a two-phase cooling plate, slugs of plated metal are placed in the chamber and are bonded to the plates to provide support against collapse. The chamber is provided with a wicking structure, and is partially filled with an evaporable fluid via an inlet. A partial vacuum is then drawn, and the inlet is closed off. To make a single-phase cooling plate, wire partitions serving as baffles are provided in lieu of the slugs. These partitions can be arranged to provide a serpentine flow path between the inlet and an outlet, and are likewise plated with an alloy which melts to bond them to the plates.

Abstract: A modular based heat sink which can be easily optimized for a given heat source relies upon both phase change based heat transfer and condenser modules that combine the efficiency of folded fin cooling and the efficiency of the two phase heat transfer.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus, such as a condenser, is provided. The apparatus includes a first component with a first heat transfer element that has first component inlet and outlet ports through which a first fluid may pass. A second component is also included and likewise has a second heat transfer element with second component inlet and outlet ports to pass a second fluid. The first component has a body that can receive a third fluid for heat transfer with the first heat transfer element. The first and second components are releasably attachable with one another so that when attached both the first and second heat transfer elements effect heat transfer with the third fluid. Attachment and removal of the first and second components allows for the heat transfer rate of the apparatus to be varied. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An insert snaps into position in a manifold of a fluid device to perform a baffling function. The insert includes a cradle having a base portion and opposed spring fingers for retaining the insert in position. The base portion can be completely closed to prevent flow through the insert, or have a spring flapper valve or bimetallic flapper valve to permit partial or full flow through the insert under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A tubing string rotator for rotating a tubing string in a well having a downhole pump. The tubing string rotator includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. At least the second portion of the housing is adapted to be operatively connected to the end of a length of the tubing string such that rotational torque applied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump is transferred to the second portion of the housing. The rotator further includes means to permit the controlled rotation of the second portion, together with the tubing string connected thereto, relative to the first portion of the housing when the ability of the first portion to rotate is retarded or eliminated, and when rotational torque is supplied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid collecting device with two shells pivotally movable relative to each other wherein the fluid collecting device is movable between an open position in which the shells are distanced from each other and a closed position in which the shells touch, an actuator and a lever assembly wherein the operation of the actuator results in equal but opposite movement of the shells and the mechanical advantage increases as the shells move toward the closed position. A rigid frame which substantially surrounds the two shells, actuator and lever assembly is provided. Optionally, the apparatus can be equipped with an integral pipe spinner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, particularly useful for isolating zones in a hydrocarbon wellbore. The apparatus includes a tubular section, such as a length of casing or liner tubular, arranged to be run into and secured within the wellbore which may be open hole or already cased. At least one sleeve member is positioned on the exterior of the tubular section and is sealed thereto. A pressure control device, which typically consists of a pressurised hydraulic fluid delivery device, can be used to increase the pressure within the sleeve member to cause the sleeve member to move outwardly and bear against an inner wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Grip between a tubular being expanded and the surrounding tubular is enhanced by disposing a wire in a groove. The wire is preferably harder than the surrounding tubular so that it can dig in upon expansion. The wire is mounted in the groove so that it is not stretched due to the expansion and for that reason doesn't increase the effort required for the expansion. The wire can take the shape of the groove that it is in or it can have some other shape. The wire can be solid or hollow and can be in segments such as rings or can be a longer continuously extending wire in a groove that, for example, can be helically disposed on the tubular being expanded or even on a sleeve surrounding it.

Abstract: A method of introducing an oil field or gas field production chemical into a hydrocarbon-bearing porous subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising: injecting a gelling composition comprising an aqueous liquid, an oil field or gas field production chemical, and a gellable polymer through the wellbore into the porous subterranean formation wherein the gellable polymer forms a gel within the pores of the subterranean formation thereby encapsulating the production chemical in the gel; and controllably releasing the production chemical from the gel into a formation fluid.

Abstract: A water well bailer. In one embodiment, the bailer includes a tubular housing composed of any polymer used as a plastic, such as, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoride, polyacrylonitrile, or chemical derivations there of for storing within the housing a sample of well water. A texture may be on the housing. The texture of the bailer reduces the surface area of the bailer in contact with the inside wall of a water well such that the bailer does not stick to the wall of the water well during incidental contact. The reason a bailer sticks to the side of a well is due to adhesive and cohesive forces acting between the well wall and the bailer. Adhesive and cohesive forces are generated between the bailer and well wall because of humidity and condensation of water on the well wall, and water on the outside of the bailer after initial contact with groundwater.

Abstract: A method of consolidating a proppant particulates comprising substantially coating proppant particulates with an integrated consolidation fluid comprising a hardening agent that itself comprises a piperazine, a derivative of piperazine, or a combination thereof; placing the coated proppant particulates into a portion of a subterranean formation; and, allowing the integrated consolidation fluid to substantially cure. A method of stabilizing a portion of a subterranean formation comprising applying a preflush solution to the subterranean formation; applying an integrated consolidation fluid to the subterranean formation, wherein the integrated consolidation fluid comprises a hardening agent component itself comprising a piperazine, a derivative of piperazine, or a combination thereof; and, allowing the integrated consolidation fluid to substantially cure.

Abstract: The Invention is a Well Cleaning Method and Apparatus using detonating cord having Additional Reliability and a Longer Shelf Life. The method and apparatus employs one or more subassemblies, each subassembly having a combustible material, means for igniting the combustible material, and one or more high-strength sleeves attached around portions of the combustible material to attenuate the outwardly-directed pressure wave created by ignition of the combustible material. The assemblies further exhibit staggered detonation with the simultaneous application of electrical current to all assemblies. The combustible material is further modified to add an additional outer impervious layer such that the combustible material exhibits prolonged shelf life and durability.