Abstract: A valve, possibly for use in a paintball marker, has a longer threaded portion that insures a canister that engages the valve must undergo many twists to become unscrewed from the valve. Alternatively, the valve has an elongated threaded portion with gas bleed channels that extend along a substantial portion of the threading. Still alternatively, the valve may use visual markings along the length of the threaded portion to indicate to a user that the canister is being unscrewed.

Abstract: A compound bow includes a base member with a longitudinal extent and has first and second ends. The base member is formed from a rigid material and has a grip location between its first and second ends, which provide mounting locations for mounting limbs to the base member. An elastomeric body is applied over, for example by molding, and at least substantially encapsulates the base member over the longitudinal extent. The elastomeric body comprises an elastomeric material, and optionally forms a grip member at the grip portion.

Abstract: A barbecue grill has a grill body, two hinge plates, a rear cover, a front cover and holding pins. The hinge plates are mounted on the grill body and respectively have a mounting foot and a mounting and adjustment panel. Each mounting and adjustment panel has a pivot hole and adjusting holes. The rear cover is connected pivotally to the hinge plates and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot pins. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot pins protrude out from the side panels and extend through the pivot holes. The front cover is mounted around the rear cover and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot collars. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot collars are protruded out the side panels and mounted around the pivot pins. The holding pins are extended through the adjusting holes and the positioning holes.

Abstract: The invention includes a fire pit having a domed firescreen fixed atop a firebox bowl fixed atop a support frame. One specific version of the invention includes a domed firescreen having an essentially triangular doming door panel that pivots at its apex while its bottom edge slides along a sliderail.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an inhalation device for dispensing medicament comprising a body (150), the body being shaped for receipt of a medicament carrier (286); and an actuator (10) having a mouthpiece (20), the actuator being reversibly movable between a dispensing position and a storage position; wherein the body includes an air channel (253), and the actuator includes an air hole (225) such that the air channel communicates with the air hole when the actuator is in the dispensing position and the air channel and air hole do not communicate when the actuator is in the storage position.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanical blocking device by means of which the user will only be able to initiate an event by activating a stroke of the button or lever past the activation point of the event. Should the movement of the button or lever be stopped or the direction changed before reaching the activation point, retaining means will hinder further movement in the first direction before the lever or button has been brought back to its starting position.

Abstract: There is provided an oral nasal cannula for sampling breath of a subject, including a main body portion, having formed therein a suction port which is adapted to be connected to a suction device for side sampling of exhaled breath of the subject, at least one nasal prong integrally formed with the main body portion and adapted to collect nasally exhaled breath of the subject and an oral scoop, integrally formed with the main body portion and adapted to collect orally exhaled breath of the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and sorting tobacco leaves includes a conveyor to convey a flow of tobacco leaves. The flow of tobacco leaves includes acceptable and unacceptable leaves and undesirable particles. An air flow source lifts and accelerates the flow of leaves and particles to a speed at which the leaves and particles are separated. A duct contains the lifted and accelerated flow. A scanning device scans the flow in the duct and generates a signal upon detection of an unacceptable leaf and/or undesirable particle. A rejection device responds to the signal and forces the unacceptable leaf and/or undesirable particle from the duct.

Abstract: In a cleaning step of a substrate-processing device, vacuum drawing is made for the space between an inner chamber and an outer chamber that receives the inner chamber. Temperature of the inner chamber is set higher than the temperature of the inner chamber during substrate processing and set lower than the temperature of a substrate support member. After that, a cleaning gas containing hexafluoroacetylaceton (Hhfac) is supplied in the inner chamber, and substances to be cleaned off adhering inside the inner chamber are removed.

Abstract: A screenings washer having a hopper, a grinder downstream of the hopper, and a washer downstream of the grinder. The washer includes an auger rotor that receives the screenings ground by the grinder, a spray wash system that sprays a wash fluid directly onto a portion of said auger rotor and the ground screenings, a perforated trough, and tubular casing directly coupled to the discharge end of said auger rotor and having a severe bend proximate to the discharge end of said auger rotor. The severe bend partially obstructing transportation of the ground screenings transported by said auger rotor so as form a compaction zone that compacts and de-waters the ground screenings.

Abstract: Among the many embodiment, in one embodiment, a method for processing a substrate is disclosed which includes generating a fluid layer on a surface of the substrate, the fluid layer defining a fluid meniscus. The generating includes moving a head in proximity to the surface, applying a fluid from the head to the surface while the head is in proximity to the surface of the substrate to define the fluid layer, and removing the fluid from the surface through the proximity head by a vacuum. The fluid travels along the fluid layer between the head and the substrate at a velocity that increases as the head is in closer proximity to the surface.

Abstract: A head is provided which includes a first surface of the head capable of being in close proximity to the wafer surface, and includes a first conduit region on the head where the first conduit region is defined for delivery of a first fluid to wafer of the surface and the first conduit region is defined in a center portion of the head. The head further includes a second conduit region on the head which surrounds the first conduit region, and includes a third conduit region on the head which is defined for delivery of a second fluid to the wafer surface. The third conduit region semi-encloses the first conduit region and the second conduit region. The second conduit region enables a removal of the first fluid and the second fluid. The delivery of the first fluid and the second fluid combined with the removal by the third conduit region of the head defines a controllable meniscus.

Abstract: A portable washing device to be used to wash vehicles, consisting of a water supply tank (1), a gravity-flow supply hose (2) leading to a pressurizing pump (3), the pressurizing pump, a distribution hose (4), an underbody washer mechanism (5) of booms (6), rollers (7), and spray nozzles (8) and hand-held wands with nozzles (9) for spraying the wash water and nozzles for a final rinse, a waterproof fabric mat (10) and collection and cleaning system (11) for collecting and recycling the used wash water. Tire ramps (12) protect the distribution hose from crushing and damage as the vehicle being washed passes over the hoses.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack basket assembly that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.

Abstract: A paint implement cleaning system consists of a basic container having at least three water pressure nozzles located therein. There is at least one at the bottom of the container and others are located midway within the container and diametrically opposite from each other. The basic container has a closure cap therein which suspends cleaning implements therefrom. One implement can be a paint laden paint brush which is cleaning by way of the nozzles located within the container. A paint roller can be rotatably supported on a threaded spindle which in turn is suspended from the closure cap. A jet pipe is located adjacent to the paint roller and has a multiple of nozzles thereon which direct pressurized water streams tangentially against the circumference of the paint roller to cause the paint roller to spin while being cleaned.

Abstract: A forearm walking crutch includes an upper part mounted on a stick. The upper part carries a forearm sleeve and includes a grip. The sleeve is adapted to embrace the forearm of a user by more than 270° and is pivotably attached to the upper part. The upper part includes an upper piece and a lower piece, with the upper piece being adjustable relative to a lower piece. A device is provided to fix the upper and lower pieces against relative movement. The sleeve is pivotal between a first position which covers the device and a second position which exposes the device.

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprises a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover. Material covering two opposed upright end members of the frame and an upper support bar extending between the upright end members is connected to the tent by zipper connectors. A lower edge of the tent is likewise connected to an upper edge of the mattress cover with a zipper connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for enhance mixing of a first fluid and an injected fluid. A turbulence edge (18) is formed on an element associated with an injection lance. The turbulence edge can be an edge (18a) of a square tubing lance (16), an angle (24) added to a circular tubing lance (10) or a clip (26) added to the circular tubing lance (10).

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: A water trap suitable for use in a mechanical ventilation circuit comprising a cap with an inlet and an outlet, a fluid collection vessel engageable with the cap, and a rotatable closure with at least one aperture interposed between the cap and the vessel. The vessel is operably linked to the closure such that engagement or disengagement of the vessel from the cap causes the closure to be rotated. The cap is formed with an internal partition extending into abutment with the closure to define a chamber via which the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication and the closure forming a base of the chamber. When the vessel is engaged with the cap, the closure has a first orientation in which the at least one aperture is located within the periphery of the skirt in the base of the chamber and the vessel is in communication with the chamber via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, particularly for hot water, has a diaphragm that is disposed with no folds that accumulate air or vapor bubbles. The diaphragm extends in a smooth curve between its outer edge and its inner edge so that the bubbles are directed to the level where the mouth of the inlet conduit enters the valve chamber. Preferably the center axis of the valve chamber and a solenoid system is tipped back to form an obtuse angle with the center axis of the inlet conduit. In addition, the inlet conduit has a portion of the upper inside wall that slopes upwardly in the direction away form the valve chamber and toward the inlet. In this portion, a discharge channel, such as a groove, extends in the direction from the valve chamber to the inlet. The discharge channel helps direct accumulated air and vapor bubbles from the valve chamber out toward the inlet.

Abstract: A combination pressure relief and vacuum relief valve for mounting on a storage tank is disclosed as having two vertical mounting connections of different elevations; a pressure relief valve mounted on one connection; and a vacuum relief valve mounted on the other connection such that said vacuum relief valve is higher in elevation than said pressure relief valve. The valve is sanitary for use in food and pharmaceutical production and storage and has highly polished surfaces to prevent processed material from sticking. The valve also includes special sloping surfaces in the body and connections to prevent processed material from standing in the valves. The pressure valve and vacuum valve may be removed separately or rotated separately for mounting. The combination valve may be attached on storage tanks or other vessels or conduits.

Abstract: A fuel tank contains a system for the removal of air, which includes an air removal line to connect the interior of the tank with the outside ambient atmosphere, whereby this line forms a siphon, and at the deepest location of the air removal line a connection section is provided with a suction opening connected to a suction source.

Abstract: An on-off controller, according to various aspects of the present invention, for controlling a pressurized fluid from a provided bottle, the bottle having a poppet valve biased in a closed position, wherein the pressurized fluid flows from the bottle when the poppet valve is open, the on-off controller includes a body, a seal, a rod, and a position mechanism. The body having a cavity, an inlet, an outlet, and a vent, the inlet and the outlet having continuous fluid communication with the cavity, the vent having sealable fluid communication with the cavity. The seal having a bore therethrough, the seal for sealing the vent. The a rod having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the middle portion having a groove therein, the rod positioned in the bore.

Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a first control valve and a second control valve longitudinally mounted to the first control valve. A first check valve and a second check valve respectively disposed in the first control valve and the second control valve such that the leakproof effect of the control valve assembly is doubled.

Abstract: A main steam valve with improved flow characteristic and enhanced reliability comprises a valve seat, a main valve body, and a bypass valve body. A side surface of the bypass valve body slidably fits into the inner surface of the main valve body and forms a steam inlet comprised of a plurality of rows of inlet openings arranged along the side surface. The openings are diametrically symmetrically arranged in the bypass valve, and the positions of the openings in each of the rows are shifted from the positions of openings in the next row.

Abstract: A high resolution flow valve may comprise a first stage valve for allowing a first flow through the flow valve and a second stage valve located concentrically within the first stage valve and also connected to the inlet for allowing an additional second flow through the flow valve.

Abstract: A fuel conversion device comprises a restriction in a carburetion system configured to draw a gaseous fuel and air into the carburetion system. The fuel conversion device comprises an air inlet and a fuel air outlet coupled within the restriction. The fuel conversion device includes a throat and a fuel supply passage near the throat. The fuel supply passage is located between an air inlet first end and a fuel air outlet second end from about 40 to about 55 percent of a venturi length measured from the fuel air outlet second end. A ratio between a restriction diameter and the venturi length comprises at most about 1.38 to 1. The air inlet has a radius with the fuel supply passage formed as slots, or a radius with the fuel supply passage formed as bores, or a taper with the fuel supply passage formed as slots.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a method for making a collapsible funnel is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the collapsible funnel may be provided with a screen for filtering fluids placed into the funnel. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a funnel is provided which includes multiple adjacent panels and a glue strip adjacent to one end, which enables the funnel to be manufactured with conventional process machines.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification tag and tape applicator. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an applicator that includes a tag and tape handling system having a base, a tape supply holder attached to the base, a tag supply holder attached to the base, a tag applying mechanism attached to the base for applying a tag to a length of tape and that includes a taping head for applying the tag and the length of tape to an object. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a radio-frequency identification tag applicator that includes a tag supply holder, a carrier roll holder, a carrier path from the supply roll holder to the carrier roll holder, a tag dispensing mechanism along the carrier path between the supply roll holder and the carrier roll holder for applying a tag to an object, and an interrogator for writing information to tags along the carrier path between the tag supply holder and the tag dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: The present welding device is a device for welding webs W, the device including: a drum 20 and an anvil 21 rotating about an axis; a transfer section 22 provided on a periphery of the drum 20 to rotate together with the drum 20; a horn 11 which, together with the anvil 21, applies a vibration energy to a layered portion of the webs; a cutter 30 which comes into contact with the anvil 21 to cut the webs; a sensor 40 for measuring a distance between the anvil 21 and the horn 11; and a control section for controlling a relative positions of the anvil 21 and the horn 11 based on the measured distance between the anvil 21 and the horn 11 as measured by the sensor. While the horn 11, together with the anvil 21, applies the violation energy to the webs W, the cutting of the webs W by the cutter 30 is not performed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electronic monolithic ceramic components, including a sheet supplier for supplying a plurality of ceramic green sheets of a plurality of types in a predetermined order, and a laminator for laminating the ceramic green sheets supplied by the sheet supplier. A plurality of trays is set in two vertical columns in a rack which is vertically movable. Each tray holds a stack of a plurality of ceramic green sheets of the same type. A particular tray positioned to a predetermined level by the vertical movement of the rack is drawn by a tray drawer device, and one ceramic green sheet is picked up from the tray, and is then conveyed to the laminator. The utilization efficiency of area in the sheet supplier is thus increased.

Abstract: A splicing machine (10) to join strip material, the strip material being intended to be delivered to a packaging machine. The splicing machine (10) supports two rolls of strip material on supports (12, 13), with the strip material being taken from one of the rolls. When the material taken from one roll becomes depleted the trailing end of the material is engaged by a first web securing member (18). A second web securing member (19) engages and retains the leading portion of the next roll. The trailing portion of the first roll is then joined to the leading portion of the next roll so that the strip material is continuously delivered to an associated packaging machine.

Abstract: A tape dispenser includes base plate, a handle, a tape reel and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a base, a cutter with a blade at an end, a shield, a shield base and a wiper plate. The shield is moved between a first position, in which the shield covers the blade of the cutter to protect users from hurt by the cutter, and a second position, in which the shield exposes the blade of the cutter to cut a tape off. The wiper plate has an elastic member with an end urging the shield toward the first position. No independent spring is included to reduce a number of elements and a cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A film peeling device for peeling a film which has been stuck onto a film sticking face of a wafer including: a wafer sucking means for sucking the wafer so that the film sticking face of the wafer can become an upper face; a peeling tape feeding means for feeding a peeling tape onto the film of the film sticking face; a pushing means for pushing only one portion of the peeling tape against the film at an edge portion of the wafer so that the adhesive strength between the peeling tape and the film can be enhanced in the one portion of the peeling tape; and a peeling means for peeling the film from the film sticking face of the wafer by the peeling tape while the one portion of the peeling tape, the adhesive strength of which has been enhanced, is used as a peeling start portion.

Abstract: A window covering for an oddly-shaped window includes a panel, having a flexible bottom edge, and a top edge attached at a top of the window. The panel is configured to be drawn upward by the bottom edge to uncover the window, and to lower to a substantially planar configuration to substantially cover the window. The bottom edge is configured to at least partly conform to a shape of the top of the window when drawn up thereagainst. At least two pull cords are attached to the bottom edge, and are configured to raise and lower the panel.

Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of a plurality of lift cords from a window covering assembly together. Each lift cord is individually secured to the assembled connector via its own securing system. A pull cord extends downwardly from the connector for use in raising or lowering the window covering.

Abstract: A carriage house replica garage door (20) is formed from first, second, and third door sections (22, 24, 26). Each of the door sections (22, 24, 26) includes a sheet metal layer (30). A trim board assembly (232) includes a backing (234) configured for attachment to the sheet metal layer (30) and a channel section (236) installed over the backing (234). Brace means in the form of insulating foam board (238) is juxtaposed between the backing (234) and the channel section (236). The insulating foam board (238) is adhered between the backing (34) and the channel section (236) so that physical contact is inhibited between the backing (234) and the channel section (236) at an attachment location.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for casting liquid metals into molds in a casting furnace comprising a controlled environment melt chamber and a mold lock chamber. A mold is supplied to the controlled environment melt chamber for a pour, and removed from the same chamber via a mold lock chamber. A mold transport system moves the mold through the mold lock chamber. The mold transport system comprises a rotary screw drive, a cylinder screw drive, or hydraulic drive located external to the furnace. Alternatively the mold transport system comprises a rack and worm screw drive.

Abstract: A mold assembly device for use in sand casting of engine cylinder blocks is disclosed, the mold assembly device includes a magnet for securing a cast-in-place cylinder bore liner during assembly of a mold package, wherein the magnet militates against undesirable movement of the bore liner during assembly of the mold package.

Abstract: A heating/cooling method, a manufacturing method of an image displaying apparatus, a heating/cooling apparatus, and a heating/cooling processing apparatus, in which the heating and cooling of a substrate can be executed at a high speed are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the point at which a tubular is stuck within another tubular or a wellbore by applying a tensile or torsional force to the stuck tubular and measuring the response of various locations within the tubular. In addition, the apparatus may be combined with a cutting tool to separate the free portion of the tubular from the stuck portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system including a heater. The heater includes one or more electrical conductors. The heater is configured to generate a heat output during application of electrical current to the heater. The heater includes a ferromagnetic material. A conduit at least partially surrounds the heater. A fluid is located in a space between the heater and the conduit. The fluid has a higher thermal conductivity than air at standard temperature and pressure (STP) (0° C. and 101.325 kPa). The system is configured to provide (a) a first heat output below a selected temperature when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater, and (b) a second heat output near or above the selected temperature when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater.

Abstract: An improved plunger mechanism apparatus to increase well flow production levels. Efficiency of well flow is increased by a two-piece plunger assembly apparatus that is mechanically latched during lift, separates at the well top, and allows a bottom assembly to efficiently fall to the well bottom. The top plunger piece is held at the well top for a set time or condition and when released, its open internal orifice allows it to fall to the well bottom in an efficient manner, and when at the well bottom it mechanically latches, either via a magnetic or mechanical connection, to the bottom assembly.

Abstract: A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.

Abstract: A downhole tool (10) for use in oil and/or gas well bores. The tool has a tubular body (20) and a sleeve (22) including stabilizer blades (30). The tool is ball (76), activated, weight activated or hydraulically activated to selectively jet fluid from the body through jetting ports (44A, 44B, 44C) on the blades. Thus the tool provides the features of a stabilizer, cleaning tool and circulation tool in-one.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well comprises a structure having at least a first portion formed of a first material, and a detector to detect a signal associated with a component located either within or beyond the structure. The first material has a property that reduces attenuation of the signal.