Abstract: A professional hair styling system includes a powered base station which provides a cavity for a hair styling implement; a hair styling implement such as a curling iron which has a heatable surface and a heating element therein; and a holster unit to be worn by the user which provides holders for the hair styling implement and a first rechargeable battery pack. The hair styling implement may include a second rechargeable battery pack. When positioned in the cavity of the base station, the heatable surface of the implement can be heated or its rechargeable battery pack recharged. A power cord can connect the implement with the first rechargeable battery pack when the first rechargeable battery pack is in the second pouch of the holster unit. Whether the hair styling implement is connected to the second rechargeable battery pack or not, the user (hair stylist) can move freely about the customer during its use with no concern about entanglement with a long power cord which extends to a mains power supply.

Abstract: Ultrasonic processing apparatus and methods are disclosed, which includes multiple transducers of at least two different resonant frequencies supplying ultrasonic energy to a liquid filled tank containing components to be cleaned or processed ultrasonically. The transducers are arranged in equilateral triangular patterns along diagonal lines on a wall of the tank so that each transducer has an adjacent transducer of a different frequency. Alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more rod transducers having different resonant frequencies so that the apparatus provides a mixture of various frequencies of ultrasonic energy to the tank. Another aspect of the invention involves selecting transducers with different resonant frequencies that are outside an excluded subrange, and powering the transducers by a driving signal that sweeps through the resonant frequencies of the transducers and the excluded subrange.

Abstract: A dry cleaning apparatus which causes cleaning agent to fly in a gas current to impact an object to be cleaned so as to remove extraneous substance attached to the object includes a cleaning tank defining an interior space for accommodating the cleaning agent and the object with the attached extraneous substance, an inflow unit configured to guide a gas current into the cleaning tank through an inlet, an aspiration unit configured to discharge gas from the cleaning tank through an aspiration opening, and a separation unit disposed between the interior space of the cleaning tank and both the inflow unit and the aspiration unit, the separation unit having openings that allow the gas and the extraneous substance to pass through but do not allow the cleaning agent to pass through, wherein the inlet, the aspiration opening, and the separation unit are configured such that relative motion is created between the separation unit and both the inlet and the aspiration opening.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge from hydrocarbon storage tanks comprising introducing a hydrocarbon diluent into the storage tank to form a diluent/sludge mixture, circulating this mixture through the tank to obtain a blend of sludge and/or diluent, removing the bulk of the blend from the storage tank to leave a residuum, creating a non-combustible atmosphere in the storage tank, introducing an aqueous wash into the storage tank, the aqueous wash being at a temperature sufficient to heat the residuum to a temperature of not less than about 40° C., circulating the aqueous wash through the storage tank, separating hydrocarbons from a stream of residuum/aqueous wash removed from the storage tank to produce an aqueous wash recycle stream and introducing the recycle stream into the storage tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate by applying a plurality of chemicals and gases to the substrate. The apparatus may include: a substrate support member including a chuck receiving a substrate; a first nozzle member injecting a drying fluid onto a top surface of the substrate for drying the substrate; a low cover including an opened top and enclosing the chuck; and an upper cover selectively closing the opened top of the low cover so as to dry the substrate in a closed space. Therefore, the apparatus dries a substrate more efficiently and protects the substrate from being contaminated by foreign pollutants. Furthermore, generation of an undesired oxidation layer on the substrate can be prevented.

Abstract: Rotating turbo nozzles for use in car wash systems have a nozzle body with a hollow interior in which a nozzle member is rotated in unison with a fluid vortex created by pressurized fluid introduced into the interior of the nozzle body through passageways forming an acute angle with the hollow interior. Systems are employed for reducing the speed of rotation of the nozzle member relative to the nozzle body so as to improve the effective range in which the nozzle body can emit cleaning fluids with an acceptable impact force.

Abstract: Ultrasonic processing apparatus and methods are disclosed, which includes multiple transducers of at least two different resonant frequencies supplying ultrasonic energy to a liquid filled tank containing components to be cleaned or processed ultrasonically. The transducers are arranged in equilateral triangular patterns along diagonal lines on a wall of the tank so that each transducer has an adjacent transducer of a different frequency. Alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more rod transducers having different resonant frequencies so that the apparatus provides a mixture of various frequencies of ultrasonic energy to the tank. Another aspect of the invention involves selecting transducers with different resonant frequencies that are outside an excluded subrange, and powering the transducers by a driving signal that sweeps through the resonant frequencies of the transducers and the excluded subrange.

Abstract: In some illustrative embodiments, a home furnishing treatment system and method includes: compressively engaging a home furnishing item with an implement to inject hot and cold gases, removing contaminants from the item. Additionally, various embodiments include a vehicle-based system, detachable mobile system, and a portable system for use indoors. Among other things, some embodiments can be used for removing insect pests, such as bed bugs, mites and the like; and for removing allergens, such as mold, pet dander and the like.

Abstract: A self-contained, maintenance free, rechargeable, and portable device with a photovoltaic canopy that provides electricity to a variety of electrical devices while under direct sunlight and in the absence of sunlight. The system operates and functions accordingly in the absence of a direct power source. By utilizing solar energy, the system is free of electrical cords, thereby making it usable in a variety of applications where electrical outlets are either not readily accessible or may present a safety concern.

Abstract: A pagoda-shaped umbrella includes a center post, a crown fixed to an upper end of the center post, a runner movable along the center post, a plurality of ribs each coupled to the runner by a stretcher, and a canopy supported by the ribs. A canopy retainer is mounted to the canopy to move to the topmost position when the canopy is open. A collar movably fits over the center post between the runner and the crown and a pair of slide bars extending from the collar, along opposite sides of the center post and movably through openings defined in the crown. Upper ends of the bars are fixed to the canopy retainer. When the runner is moved upward to drive the stretchers and the ribs for opening the canopy, the runner gets into contact with and thus drives the collar upward, which in turn causes upward movement of the retainer to the topmost position thereby shaping the canopy as a pagoda.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe umbrella frame, which includes a shaft, a runner, and an umbrella frame being composed of several frame units. Each frame unit includes one or more main ribs and at least one U-shaped branch rib, wherein the opening ends of the branch rib are folded inward to make the sharp rims of the branch facing inside. Hence, user will not be hurt as opening or closing the umbrella if he contacts with the bottom of the branch rib in accident. That obtains the safe purpose of the present invention.

Abstract: A convertible wheelchair and walker having a frame constructed of two front legs connected to each other by upper and lower front cross members, each cross members having a u-shape that is affixed to the front legs by a bracket attached to the arms of the cross member and front legs, and two rear legs pivotally connected to the front legs and connected to each other by at least one upper rear cross member also having a u-shape and affixed to the rear legs by a bracket attached to the arms of each cross member and rear leg. Two front wheels are attached to the front legs which are curved forward to elongate the frame and provide increased stability. Two rear wheels attached to the rear legs, and footrests are attached to the front legs.

Abstract: A collapsible device including at least one retraction device, at least one collapsible compression frame having compression members, at least one tension member having at least one end connected to the at least one retraction device and running through a channel in each of the compression members and a flexible barrier attached to the at least one compression frame. The barrier having at least one channel through which the at least one compression frame passes.

Abstract: The invention (FIG. 3 #30) comprises a brace (FIG. 4 #40) and a mount (FIG. 5 #50) that secures and positions an item so that it is partially protruded into a tent (FIG. 1 #10) via an opening (FIG. 7 #70). The brace is a multi-faceted engagement feature providing a means for attaching it to a tents frames and a mount to it. The mount is an engagement feature that facilitates securing an item to it. This feature is also a means for attaching the mount and an item and to the brace. Curl pins (FIG. 6 #60) are an engagement feature that provides a means for locking the brace and the mount, into their respective epositions.

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are methods for transferring heat, for heating and cooling, and there is a solid state heat pump. The solid state heat pump can include a power supply that provides an electric field, a first metal layer, a dielectric layer disposed over the first metal layer, wherein the dielectric layer absorbs a first amount of heat upon application of the electric field and releases a second amount of heat upon alteration of the electric field, and wherein the second amount of heat is greater than the first amount of heat, and a second metal layer disposed over the dielectric layer. The alteration of the electric field can be achieved at least by one of reducing, removing, and/or reversing the polarity of the electric field. The solid state heat pump can also include a series resistor.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a solar battery, in which residues such as a flux and organic matters remaining on cell surfaces are preferably removed and in which an energy conversion efficiency is largely enhanced, and the method comprises: a flux applying step of applying a flux to the surfaces of cells; a tab disposing step of disposing the tabs over the adjacent cells to which the flux has been applied; a tab string step of connecting the tabs to the cells by soldering; and a cell heating step of heating the cells connected to the tabs.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and an interconnect comprising an electrically insulating carrier and at least one electrical conductor which electrically connects the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and a collector-connector which is configured to collect current from the first photovoltaic cell and to electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell with the second photovoltaic cell. The collector-connector may include an electrically insulating carrier and at least one electrical conductor which electrically connects the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A precursor film having a required gallium component proportion is formed easily at low cost. A precursor film for use in forming the light absorption layer of a CIS type thin-film solar cell, etc., or a method for forming the film are provided. A Cu—Ga layer having a high gallium component proportion (Ga/(Ga+Cu)) of X % by weight Ga is formed as a first layer by sputtering using a precursor film comprising a Cu—Ga alloy layer having the gallium component proportion of X % by weight Ga as a target (deposition step A). Thereafter, a copper layer is formed as a second layer on the first layer by sputtering using a copper layer as a target (deposition step B) to thereby form a precursor film having the required gallium component proportion of Y % (X>Y) by weight Ga as the sum of the first layer and second layer. A method of film formation by simultaneous vapor deposition is also possible.

Abstract: A solar cell geomembrane assembly including a solar cell integrated with a geomembrane, the geomembrane including a flexible floating cover material that floats partially submerged below a water surface.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off circuit for a gas-fired device and method of operating the circuit. The thermal cut-off circuit includes a thermal cut-off switch and an ambient thermal switch. The thermal cut-off switch is positioned in a combustion chamber and the ambient thermal switch is preferably positioned in a flow of air entering the combustion chamber. The thermal cut-off circuit ensures a gas valve is closed upon detecting a possible incomplete combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing having a seal portion disposed facing a connecting passage and projecting in annular configuration towards a valve chamber; and a float mechanism having a float which rises and falls due to increasing and decreasing buoyancy according to the fuel level within the valve chamber. The float comprises a flexural depression-enabling recess situated on its upper surface at a location in opposition to the seal portion, for enabling the seat portion to undergo flexural depression when pressed by the seal portion. The casing has a regulating portion on the outside perimeter of the seal portion, for regulating the level of elastic deformation at which the seat portion elastically deforms into the flexural depression-enabling recess.

Abstract: A sleeve valve comprising a conduit, a gate, and a shut-off member. The conduit and the shut-off member are fixed in position relative to each other. The gate is movable relative to the shut-off member between opened and closed positions. The gate engages the shut-off member when the gate is in the closed position in a manner preventing fluid from flowing through the fluid passageway of the gate. The opened position of the gate allows fluid to flow through the valve. The valve is devoid of any structure within the fluid passageway of the gate attaching the shut-off member to the conduit.

Abstract: A universal valve for refrigeration systems including an investment-cast, stainless-steel valve body, a piston and one of a plurality of an anodized aluminum adapter plates. Each adapter plate configured to be removed and replaced with another to operate the valve to perform a different function. The investment-cast, stainless steel valve body includes an inlet and an outlet which each include a flangeless distal end configured, as cast, with an unmachined, weldable rim for integration without mechanical connections in a leak-free configuration.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly comprising: a regulator body having a housing, an inlet portion at one end of the housing and a cap at an opposite end of the housing, the inlet portion and the cap in substantially coaxial alignment along a regulator body axis; a pressure regulator module received in the housing, interposed between the inlet portion and the cap, with a pressure regulator module center axis inclined at an angle to the regulator body axis; the pressure regulator module incorporating a plunger movable toward and away from a valve seat in axial alignment with the plunger; a flow path passing through the plunger and in communication with the inlet portion and the cap; and wherein the cap is removable from the regulator body housing to provide access to the pressure regulator module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propulsion gas exhaust assembly, in an aircraft propelled by hot gases produced along the axis of the latter by a gas generator, comprising a duct and a nozzle, wherein said duct comprises a first cylindrical duct element (21) receiving the gases and communicating downstream with two second duct elements (22, 23), the directions of which are divergent in a first plane, each of the two duct elements communicating downstream with a third duct element (25, 27) which emerges in an axial gas-ejection half-nozzle (24, 26).

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank A cover can close an opening formed in an upper portion of the fuel tank. A receptacle is provided on the cover. A controller can control the operation of a motor of the fuel pump. The controller includes an earth terminal and noise-generating electrical elements. The receptacle has an electrically conductive wall surrounding at least the electrical elements of the controller. The electrically conductive wall is electrically connected to the earth terminal of the controller.

Abstract: A rotary slide valve, in particular for speed-dependent power steering systems in motor vehicles, has a torsion bar, a rotary slide, and a control bushing. The control bushing is pressed onto a pinion and the torsion bar is inserted into a torsion bar bore of the pinion. The control bushing is connected rotation-fast to the pinion by shaping. The torsion bar has teeth that are pressed into the torsion bar bore of the pinion and that connect the torsion bar to the pinion rotation-fast.

Abstract: A valve body has a bore in an exhaust flow path extending from a supply port to an exhaust port. The bore is bounded by a cylindrical inner surface with a stationary throttling corner. A cylindrical outer surface of a throttling member has a movable throttling corner. The movable throttling corner on the throttling member is sized to constrict the exhaust flow path upon moving coaxially toward the stationary throttling corner on the valve body. The movable throttling corner and the cylindrical outer surface are together sized to close the exhaust flow path upon moving coaxially past the stationary throttling corner and into the bore.

Abstract: The inventive bursting diaphragm arrangement (B) for components and/or containers subjected to the action of internal pressure, particularly for use in mobile R744 refrigerant circuits in vehicles, comprises a housing (1) with a sealing seat (4), which is surrounded by a collar (3) and which serves to hold a bursting film (5) connected in a fluid-tight manner to the housing (1), and comprises a holding element (6) for holding the bursting film (5) on the sealing seat (4) of the housing (1). The housing (1) is open to the exterior, and the holding element (6) is formed by a disk with a central borehole. According to the invention, the holding element (6) is pressed onto the bursting film (5) by a plastic deformation of the collar (3).

Abstract: An accumulator comprises a housing connected to a hydraulic system, an elastomeric bladder separating a gas compartment from a fluid compartment, and an anti-extrusion device. A method for operating an accumulator comprises connecting the accumulator to a hydraulic system, injecting an inert gas into a gas compartment to a precharge pressure, moving an anti-extrusion device to prevent a bladder from extruding into the hydraulic system, running the accumulator and the hydraulic system downhole, moving the anti-extrusion device to allow fluid communication between the hydraulic system and a fluid compartment, generating pressure fluctuations within the hydraulic system, and expanding or contracting the bladder in response to the pressure fluctuations without moving the anti-extrusion device.

Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

Abstract: A machine and process function to fill cavities with metered amounts of particulate material. An applicator wheel includes a series of equally spaced apart peripheral pockets each having a perforated bottom wall, and a vacuum manifold inside the wheel includes a vacuum chamber for supplying vacuum to the perforated bottom walls of the pockets as the wheel rotates. Particulate material from a filling chamber of such material outside the wheel is withdrawn into the pockets by the vacuum chamber. A downstream vacuum relief on the vacuum manifold functions to discharge particulate material from the pockets into the cavities at a predetermined discharge location on the wheel. Adjustment structure is connected to rotatably adjust the position of the vacuum manifold within the applicator wheel to thereby advance or retard the discharge location depending upon the speed of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for container filling machines, particularly for glass bottle fillers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve unit (1), particularly for container filling machines (8), comprising a hollow body (2) in which there is slidably housed a plug (3), wherein said plug (3) is hollow and comprises an outer duct (23) and an inner duct (24) coaxial to said outer duct (23), a probe (28) having a smaller diameter than the opening of said inner duct (24) being coaxially housed within said inner duct (24), characterized in that said inner duct (24) is made of electrically isolating material.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a fuel tank and a canister of a vehicle includes: an acoustic refrigerator; a low temperature circulation line transmitting a low temperature circulation fluid cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging portion to the fuel tank; a low temperature heat exchanger installed within the fuel tank and connected to the low temperature circulation line so as to transfer heat within the fuel tank to the low temperature circulation fluid; a high temperature circulation line sending the high temperature circulation fluid heated by the high temperature heat exchanging portion to the canister; a high temperature heat exchanger installed to the canister and connected to the high temperature circulation line, so as to transfer heat of the high temperature circulation fluid to the canister; and a control unit controlling the acoustic refrigerator.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a continuously-operating machine for filling containers with at least one granular product, each container is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device, which withdraws the product from a tank, feeds the withdrawn product into the container, and has a metering cylinder defined at the bottom by a piston which moves, along the metering cylinder, to and from a feed position in which to feed the product in the metering cylinder to a drop chute for unloading the product into the relative container; the piston having a cam follower which is maintained contacting a cam by a pneumatic push assembly.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system of “Double cap for the handling and transfer of hazardous materials” between two vessels containing radioactive or toxic materials or pathogenic microorganisms. This system includes a particular metal-metal sealing embodied between the cap and flange of a first container or water-tight compartment, and the cap and flange of a second container, the latter being a 200-litre standardized barrel or container. This double cap system for the handling and transfer of hazardous materials comprises a first cap (4) of a first container subject to being coupled to a second cap (2) of a second container “a”, made of metallic materials that are coupled to form a double cap wherein said caps have metallic flanges (1a)(1b)(3) for mutual coupling thereof.

Abstract: A worktable includes two first rails arranged in parallel on a base, two guide rods movable along the first rails in a first direction and a second direction reversed to the first direction, two second rails respectively slidably coupled to the guide rods, a sliding plate fixedly mounted on the second rails, and a positioning device for locking the sliding plate to stop the sliding plate from movement relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low thermal expansion Ni-base superalloy containing, in terms of mass %, C: 0.15% or less; Si: 1% or less; Mn: 1% or less; Cr: 5% or more but less than 20%; at least one of Mo, W and Re, in which Mo+½(W+Re) is 5% or more but less than 20%; W: 10% or less; Al: 0.1 to 2.5%; Ti: 0.10 to 0.95%; Nb+½Ta: 1.5% or less; B: 0.001 to 0.02%; Zr: 0.001 to 0.2%; Fe: 4.0% or less; and a balance of inevitable impurities and Ni, in which the total amount of Al, Ti, Nb and Ta is 2.0 to 6.5% in terms of atomic %. The low thermal expansion Ni-base superalloy of the present invention has a thermal expansion coefficient almost equal to that of 12 Cr ferritic steel, excellent high temperature strength, excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, good hot-workability, and excellent weldability.

Abstract: New alloys for potential use in applications such as in lower wing skins and fuselage skins are disclosed. Specifically, Mn-free 2×24 alloys potentially suitable for thick plate and thin plate and sheet applications are believed to be novel and to provide unexpectedly superior properties.

Abstract: A rolling, sliding member is formed from a steel containing 0.9 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % C, 0.5 wt. % to 3.0 wt. % Si, 0.05 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % Mn, 2.0 wt. % to 5.0 wt. % Cr, and 0.05 wt. % to 0.5 wt. % Mo, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The average grain size of spheroidal carbide is 0.6 ?m or less, and the spheroidal carbide content is 6.0% or less as percent area. In a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the rolling, sliding member is used as at least either disks 4 and 9 each having a concave raceway surface on a side surface thereof, or rollers 16 rolling on raceway surfaces 4b and 9b of the disks 4 and 9. The toroidal-type continuously variable transmission using the rolling, sliding member of the present invention exhibits long life.

Abstract: A carrying bag with a removable insert for retaining personal items of a user and make the personal items easily transferable between several bags or purses. The insert has a plurality of organizing compartments and pockets formed therein for the personal items. The outer walls of the insert and the inner walls of the carrying bag hollow shell are provided with strips of securing members, for instance hook-and-loop fasteners. The insert is formed from a flexible material with stiffening elements to allow the insert to remain in an upright orientation outside of the carrying bag shell.

Abstract: A golf club cover comprised of a cover and a snap. The golf club cover is intended for use on a golf bag having a snap for securing a rain cover to the golf bag. The cover is shaped and sized to cover the head of a golf club. The snap is integrally and directly attached to the cover and is adapted to mate with the golf club bag rain cover snap. Hook and loop fasteners may be used in place of snaps. A fastener may be placed upon an article of the golfer's clothing to allow the golf club cover to be attached to the article of clothing.

Abstract: Inflatable protective covers for motor vehicles including automobiles and motorcycles has a flexible bladder with respective upper and lower sheets of a waterproof, air-tight material shaped to cover the motor vehicle. The sheets have mating outer peripheries affixed together in an air-tight manner at a peripheral seam to form a single inflatable pocket therebetween. The single inflatable pocket may be sub-divided into a plurality of interconnected inflatable pockets by affixing together the upper and lower sheets in airtight manner at one or more partial length seams disposed inside the peripheral seam with gaps therealong to keep the inflatable air pockets interconnected. A resilient nipple with stopper is affixed to the bladder to permit inflation and retention of air within the bladder. A quick deflation device has a tubular base affixed to the bladder and a removable screw cap to allow quick removal of air from the bladder.

Abstract: A deflection device for an anti skid chain includes a chain wheel rotatably stored in a housing for the accommodation of a chain which can be inserted into the chain wheel, and an actuating element that can be moved between a locking position, in which the movement of the chain wheel is blocked in one direction, and an unlocking position in which said blocking is released, and which engages, via a locking pawl actuated by said actuating element, a toothed ring non-rotatably connected to the chain wheel, which is in the form of an internally-toothed ring of the chain wheel. The locking pawl is pivotally mounted within the interior space surrounded by the toothed ring. The locking pawl engages the toothed ring in the locking position but disengages the same in the unlocking position of the actuating element.

Abstract: A tire insert attachment apparatus includes a pin attached to a first part of the insert and extending into a second part of the insert to engage an actuator that draws the bolt into the second part. The actuator includes a tool engagement head that transmits rotational motion of a tool to a translator via a converter, the converter transforming the rotational motion of the head into linear motion imparted on the translator. The translator can be a rack and pinion setup or can be a thread arrangement. Preferably, the head rotates a worm, which rotates a pinion that has threads formed on an inner surface and engaging mating threads on the pin, the pin taking the form of a bolt, such as an eyebolt.

Abstract: A circumferential sipe extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the tire in the center region of the tread surface section of a rib defined between circumferential grooves. Widthwise sipes are disposed at prescribed intervals in the circumferential direction of the tire in the tread surface section, the widthwise sipes extending in the widthwise direction of the tire in crossing relationship to the circumferential sipe, the widthwise sipes each having opposing terminal ends open to the circumferential grooves. The circumferential sipe changes in depth periodically in such a manner that the circumferential sipe is shallow between adjacent widthwise sipes. The widthwise sipes changes in depth in such a manner that they are greater in depth in the center region and end regions of the tread surface section.

Abstract: A method of forming a gypsum-based panel product including the steps of: mixing calcined gypsum, water, a foaming agent and a core strengthening agent to form a foamed slurry; depositing the slurry; shaping the slurry to form a board having a core and core surfaces, optionally sandwiched between sheets of liner; and allowing the core to set, and drying the board, wherein the strengthening agent is dextrin, used in an amount not less than 0.1% by weight, based on the amount of calcined gypsum, so that, after drying, there is provided a strengthening dispersion of dextrin throughout the core. Less than 5% dextrin in preferred.