Abstract: A transparent component portion includes a first weld surface and a first taper locking surface formed opposite from the first weld surface. An absorbing component portion includes a second weld surface and a second taper locking surface formed opposite from the second weld surface. The first and second taper locking surfaces cooperate to force and lock the first and second weld surfaces into abutting engagement for laser welding.

Abstract: A wheeled strike-off apparatus is movable over a surface of uncured concrete or subgrade materials and is operable to establish a desired grade of the uncured concrete surface or subgrade surface. The apparatus includes a wheeled support and a plow assembly. The plow assembly may be adjustably mounted to a front frame portion and may be vertically adjustable relative to the frame portion. The plow assembly may include a plow member for engaging and establishing the desired grade and/or may include a vibrating member for vibrating and smoothing the concrete after the plow member establishes the desired grade. The apparatus may include a user input that is adjustable by an operator to adjust a down pressure of the plow assembly at the concrete when the wheeled support is moved in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A ornamental planting landscape irrigation distribution and reservoir product and method ecosystem employing a substantially continuous panel on the soil surface on which ornamental landscape plantings is placed or produced, the panel having a primary, lateral water distribution structure which distributes water from a water charging inlet through the lateral area to the panel periphery, where it is restrained, the primary water distribution structure being such that when filled with water or completely submerged in water air is trapped by the gaps and spaces of the material for ornamental landscape plant usage.

Abstract: A floating barrier wall includes a number of individual barrier units each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either along or beneath the bottom wall, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.

Abstract: This invention entails a wind energy system for offshore use with a longitudinal direction (L) running substantially vertically to an ocean surface in the erected state and with a plurality of feet determined for making contact with the ocean bottom whose extensions in the longitudinal direction (L), especially the depth and/or relief of the ocean bottom, are adapted to a predetermined erection site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously preloading during installation and removal of steel sheet piles, steel pilings, and casing piles, with a telescoping, articulated boom having a free end for creating the downward driving force, a weighted base to provide support and stability for the boom, a connector at the free end of said boom to engage the piling, a modified resonance-free vibratory hammer, to allow for simultaneously vibrating the piling while applying to the piling the continuous downward or upward force.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: A method and a system distribute fluidizable materials from a reservoir of materials to one or more material receiving units. The distribution system has at least two hydraulic levels between the reservoir and the material receiving units. The system further includes a fluidizing element with good dynamic response properties. The system can be used for distribution of alumina and/or fluoride to feeding equipment in electrolysis cells with a reduced consumption of fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A collector assembly is configured to vent dust-laden air through at least one filter in one direction using pressure in an air conveyor, whereby dust collects on one side of the filter or filters. The collector assembly is further configured to pulse compressed air through the filter or filters in an opposite direction to dislodge the collected dust into the air conveyor without the dislodged dust entering the atmosphere around the air conveyor.

Abstract: A tool for chip removing machining includes a holder and at least one cutting insert received in the holder. The holder is provided with at least one insert pocket, in which the cutting insert is intended to be received, and an opening connected to the insert pocket. The insert pocket has a first holding member provided along the periphery of the insert pocket, and the cutting insert has an anchor section and an edge portion connected to the anchor section. A second holding member is provided along the circumference of the anchor section. The first and the second holding members are intended to cooperate when the cutting insert is mounted in the insert pocket. The periphery of the insert pocket, at least partly, is defined by one or more circular arcs with a common center of rotation.

Abstract: A cutting insert has a body formed of a superhard material or a superhard material and a cemented carbide, and has a hole through said body and a preformed hole inlay in said hole to allow securing of the insert to a holder. The method of making same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The boring tool having a basic body (2) in which a tool bit (27) is arranged which has a cutting edge (29) at a front end (27b). The basic body (2) has an opening (3) in which the tool bit (27) is pivotably mounted. Setting means (7) serve to set the pivoted position of the tool bit (27) relative to the basic body (2). Means (16) serve to fix the tool bit (27) in the set pivoted position. The tool bit (27) is pivotable about a pivot point (P) which is essentially neutral in terms of unbalance. The tool bit (27) is preferably connected at a rear end (27a) to a radially adjustable slide (7). The slide (7) can be finely adjusted radially, for example with a micrometer screw (9).

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool comprising a solid cutting head mounted to a shank. The cutting head comprises a cutting portion adjacent a cutting head front face and a mounting portion integrally formed therewith and extending rearwardly therefrom. The shank comprises a receiving portion extending rearwardly from a shank front face. When the cutting head is secured to the shank, the mounting portion is received in the receiving portion, and the shank front face is forwardly exposed and adjacent the cutting head front face.

Abstract: A rotatable tool includes a shank rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a drawbar mounted to an axial front end of the shank, and a cutting head mounted to an axial front end of the drawbar. The shank and the drawbar include mutually engageable screw threads which impart an axial displacement of the drawbar relative to the shank. The cutting head and the drawbar include mutually engageable serrations for transferring axial force therebetween. The serrations are axially spaced from one another and extend transversely relative to the axis.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart release system is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, removing and loading various types of carts and carriers. A release system is adapted for use with carts of the type configured for materials handling and a vehicle such as a semi-truck trailer used to transport such carts. The release system includes and a ramp that physically engages with a cart so as to retain the cart within the semi-trailer. An automated remote system may also be used, enabling an operator to release a cart without having to manipulate the release system directly. The release system is located within the floor of the semi-trailer. The release system can also be used in other arrangement, for example, within a liftgate mechanism that has the release system incorporated within the loading ramp of the liftgate. The release system utilized in the liftgate operates in the same manner as that of the release system incorporated within the floor of the bed of a semi-trailer truck.

Abstract: A molded base having a first base section and a second base section arranged at an obtuse angle so that the base has a preformed bend. The base includes a plurality of guide walls carried by the first and second base sections extending along opposing peripheral edges of each base section to define a strap receiving channel for receiving a securing strap and guiding the molded base along the securing strap during positioning. A strap biasing tab is carried by each of the guide walls extending laterally from the guide walls above the strap receiving channel for engaging a securing strap in the strap receiving channel. The obtuse angle between the first base section and the second base section biases each of the strap biasing tabs against the securing strap when under non-load bearing conditions to hold the molded base at a desired location along the securing strap.

Abstract: In the trucking industry, a wheel stud having a recess at either end to accommodate a sacrificial insert of metal higher in the electromotive series of metals than the metals of the wheel stud assembly, the lug and the components joined thereby and being of sufficient difference in color from the surrounding materials so as to be readily visible without disassembling the combination, and a method for its use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for automatically binding book blocks by machine. In a working cycle, the book blocks are conveyed on a conveyor device in an upright manner through the individual processing stations. In a fanning gluing binding station (2), adhesive is applied from underneath against the fanned book block spine. In a spine-taping station (3) the spine-taping material is directly pulled off a roll and is automatically cut to the predetermined measure by machine. The headband is likewise pulled off a roll, cut to the required dimensions, advanced to the book block by means of a slide and is ironed onto the book spine. Afterwards, the end paper of the book block provided with the headband is opened in order to attach the book cover to the book block, is pulled from the book block by suction, and is clamped in a lower station press. With the end paper opened, the book block is then placed in a covering station (5), and the book block is fixed to the book cover.

Abstract: A book binding machine has a page-forming mode and a spiral-binding mode, where a curved inexpensive piece of binding spiral coil or a convex member form a collection of pages being bound into a concavity on the spine of the pages to be bound with a proper pitch angle to accept insertion of a plastic spiral binding coil. An optional pivoting page-forming carriage and an optional pivoting cutter/crimper are respectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions. The book forming bar is optionally moved out of the way in an intermediate position while the spiral is spun into the perforations. Then the brackets place the cutter bar in position. Pulsed air is preferably used to operate the vibrator and the exhaust pulsed air is fed to a page aerating manifold to keep pages from clinging to each other prior to the sheets being clamped before insertion of the plastic spiral coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting round hay bales disposed on a bale support ground surface. The apparatus has a frame, a frame support assembly, a first and a second rail. The frame has a first and a second portion. The first portion is connectable to a towing vehicle and the second portion is pivotally movable relative to the first portion to cooperate with the first portion to move the frame between a transporting position and a loading position. The first and second rails are movable between first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the first and second rails are lowered to capture the round hay bale. In the second position, the first and second rails are raised and aligned for transporting the round hay bale. In the third position, the first and second rails are positioned generally downwardly and outwardly for unloading the round hay bale.

Abstract: An interback-type device in which a substrate 9 is carried into the device from one side of the device and is inverted in the device to be carried out and returned to the same side, a plurality of vacuum processing chambers 21, 22, 23 are longitudinally-provided and hermetically connected, and a carry system which passes through these vacuum chambers for carrying the substrate along established carry lines 94, 95L, 95R is provided. The carry line includes an outward carry line 94 toward an inversion position and return carry lines 95L, 95R returning from the inversion position, and the outward line 94 and return carry lines 94, 95L, 95R are different parallel paths, and the return carry lines 95L, 95R are branched in plurality. The outward carry line 94 and return carry lines 95L, 95R are established to pass through the same three processing chambers 21, 22, 23.

Abstract: The invention relates to a funnel plate and method of use thereof which facilitates transfer of components from a first tray to a second tray assisting in the packaging, shipping, or assembly of electronic components. The invention provides a plate which includes at least one aperture having internal surfaces which are beveled. The sloped internal surfaces of the apertures precisely aligns electrical component transfer reducing the need for complex post-alignment testing. The funnel plates and processes of the present invention are easily integrated into modern in-line transfer machines.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a lifting device on a transport vehicle for handling a container, the apparatus comprising two arms. At least one arm comprises a first generally C-shaped latch member having a first opening sized to allow a passage of a latching projection therethrough. The at least one arm also comprises a second generally C-shaped latch member rotatably nested inside the first latch member. The second latch member has a second opening sized to allow the passage of the latching projection therethrough and has an inner contact surface shaped to receive the latching projection on the side of the container. The at least one arm also comprises rotating means to selectively rotate each of the second latch members with respect to the first latch member between a capture position, a locking position and a dumping position.

Abstract: A trailer of the type being connectable to a towing vehicle so as to tow a small vehicle comprises a structure supported by wheels. The structure has a connector portion, adapted to be connected to the towing vehicle. A pivoting mechanism connects a support frame to the connector portion in such a way that the support frame is pivotable about a first axis between a towing position in which the support frame supports the small vehicle for towing and a loading/unloading position in which the support frame is inclined with a loading/unloading end being adjacent to the ground. Springs are positioned between the support frame and the connector portion to bias the support frame to the loading/unloading position. A locking mechanism locks the support frame to the connector portion in the towing position of the support frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for lifting sod, in which grass blades of the sod are inserted between one or more clamps. The clamps are closed to grip the grass blades and the clamps are then moved, with the sod suspended therefrom, to a desired location. The clamps can if desired also grip the thatch, and/or a portion of the soil, of the sod slab.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus includes a first substrate transport robot, a second substrate transport robot and a substrate transfer mechanism. The first substrate transport robot includes an upper hand and a lower hand vertically arranged. The second substrate transport robot includes an upper hand and a lower hand vertically arranged. The substrate transfer mechanism includes an upper hand and a lower hand vertically arranged and a hand driving mechanism adapted to perform hand opening and closing operations to vertically move the upper and lower hands.

Abstract: A two-stage radial compressor having a ported second-stage shroud, forming a passive surge control system. Thus, some proportion of the fluid is allowed to flow between the second-stage of the compressor in the vicinity of the impeller blade tips, through a port in the shroud into an upstream portion of the compressor flow path that leads into the second-stage impeller inlet. The fluid is allowed to flow in either direction, depending on the pressure difference existing between the two locations. Surge margin at higher pressure ratios is significantly increased by the ported second-stage shroud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling arrangement in which a fractal passage network is provided incorporating several passage stages. Each passage stage 4, 5, 6, 7 has substantially the same passage cross-section for consistency with other passage stages to facilitate flow pressure control across the fractal passage network. Normally, the length of passages in each passage stage are also specifically determined in order to achieve a consistent flow pressure control. The arrangement is particularly utilized with regard to cooling within turbine engine components such as blade aerofoils.

Abstract: Propeller combination for an aft-mounted boat propeller drive unit with counter-rotating pushing propellers (8,9). The forward propeller (9) is made with blades (12) which have blade tips with an outer edge (b) which approaches a straight line. The width of the blade tip is between 40% and 45% of the maximum width of the blade.

Abstract: A diffuser includes multiple vanes rotatable about pivot pins between multiple positions. A mounting plate supports a backing plate. The vanes are arranged between the backing plate and the shroud. The pivot pins are in a slip fit relationship with the backing plate, vanes and shroud and are threadingly received by bosses in the mounting plate. The mounting plate and pivot pin arrangement better enables the backing plate and shroud to remain parallel with one another during deflection of the backing plate and/or shroud. Structure, such as integral protrusions and/or bolts, extend from between the backing plate and shroud through apertures in the vanes to better contain the vanes in the event of a catastrophic failure.

Abstract: A shroud segment is incorporated in a gas turbine engine so as to suppress influence of hot combustion gas on a turbine case which has a groove and a hook for engagement with the shroud segment. The shroud segment is provided with a back plate formed in an arc shape, a front end of the back plate being supported by the groove so as to allow displacement in an axial direction of the gas turbine engine, a slot circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the back plate, the slot being engaged with the hook so as to be immovable in the axial direction and a touching member integrally formed on an inner surface of the back plate for touching with a rotating turbine blade. The slot is configured so as to satisfy an inequality of v<t?(v+0.1 mm), where v is a length of the hook and t is a width of the slot.

Abstract: A zero running clearance system for gas turbine engines includes a gas turbine engine compressor having one or more first rotor assemblies and one or more first stator assemblies disposed adjacent the one or more first rotor assemblies; a gas turbine engine turbine having one or more second rotor assemblies and one or more second stator assemblies disposed adjacent the one or more second rotor assemblies; one or more shroud segments having blade seal surfaces disposed radially outside of the tips of blades of both the first and second rotor assemblies and a clearance distance extending between the blade tips and blade seal surfaces; and, an actuator selectively operable to axially move the first and said second rotor assemblies to alter the clearance distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotor assembly for a steam turbine including a stacked rotor section having rotor plates. The rotor plates include a main body portion having a plate shape and a first axial face and a second axial face opposite to the first axial face. The rotor plates also include an airfoil base surface at an outer radial edge of the main body portion. The rotor plates further include buckets which extend radially outward from the airfoil base surface. And the rotor plates yet further include a seal disposed to prevent steam exposure to the first and second axial faces.

Abstract: A centrifugal multistage stage pumps described herein. The centrifugal multistage pump includes a pump body having a longitudinal axis, an inlet for receiving a fluid from a first location and an outlet for discharging a pressurized fluid to a second location and a hydraulic assembly disposed within the pump body and adapted to pressurize the fluid. The pump further includes a motor, a first circuit board inverter disposed within the pump body, a microcontroller disposed on the first circuit board inverter, a pressure transducer disposed within the pump body, a heat sink adjacent the first circuit board inverter, a control panel connected to the circuit board inverter and the microcontroller. The pump has a mounting system adapted for rotation of the pump body around the longitudinal axis. In addition, the pump includes software imbedded within the memory, wherein the software includes protection, monitoring and control the features of the pump.

Abstract: A progressing cavity pump or a motor includes, in one embodiment, an outer tube 12, an inner tube 14, and a plurality of apertures 16. A pair of annular seal glands 18 seal the stator material to the outer tube. The stator material is injection molded into the inner tube and passes through the plurality of apertures and into an annular gap between the inner tube and the outer tube. In other embodiments, the outer housing for a progressing cavity pump or motor is provided with one or more grooves, with each groove having an outer surface radius less than the outer housing surface radius. A plurality of apertures are provided in fluid communication with the grooves. According to the method of the invention, the stator material is injected into the apertures and fills a space radially outward of the apertures to bond the stator materiaal to the outer housing.

Abstract: An inner motor is structured to increase the discharge rate of an internal gear pump by making it possible to freely adjust the eccentricity e between the inner and outer rotors. Each tooth of the inner rotor includes a tooth bottom defined by hypocycloidal curves, an engaging portion to be brought into engagement with the outer rotor and defined by involute curves, and a tooth top defined by a predetermined curve such as a part of a circle or an oval or an epicycloidal curve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic machine with a toothed set comprising a toothed ring with an inner toothing, whose circumferential surface extends in parallel with its axis, and a gear wheel (3) with an outer toothing, whose circumferential surface (24) extends in parallel with its axis, at least one tooth flank having an edge as an axial end of a section, which is located between the circumferential surface and a surface directed radially inwards. It is endeavored to reduce the wear. For this purpose it is ensured that in the radial direction an edge (22, 23) ends so as to be offset inwards in relation to the circumferential surface (24).

Abstract: An arrangement for removeably fixing a stretching rod (22) on a movable slide by an attachment device including a casing (24) and a bearing element (42) clamped onto the rod (22), characterized in that the top end section of the bearing element (42) is formed by at least two radial lugs (64) of rounded profile, in transverse section, which form a top transverse bearing surface (44), and in that the transverse profile formed by the peripheral edge (65) of the top opening (36) of the casing (24) substantially matches the profile of the lugs (64).

Abstract: Apparatus for compression molding plastic articles includes a plurality of molds mounted for travel around a first axis. Each mold includes an upper mold section and a lower mold section, with at least one of the upper and lower mold sections being moveable in a non-circular first endless path, and being moveable with respect to the other mold section to form a mold cavity. A mold charge delivery system delivers individual mold charges to the mold cavities and includes at least one delivery mechanism that travels in a second endless path around a second axis spaced from the first axis, wherein the second endless path overlies a portion of the first endless path.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes a manifold having at least one manifold melt channel therethrough, a mold plate defining a gate for transmitting melt flow to a mold cavity, and at least one nozzle including a nozzle body and nozzle tip defining a nozzle melt channel in communication with the manifold melt channel. The nozzle tip includes a substantially conical forward portion having a terminal end that is aligned with and spatially offset a predetermined distance “d” from the gate, the nozzle melt channel having a discharge opening that is located rearward of the terminal end for discharging melt flow from the nozzle melt channel towards the gate.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream from a source. A nozzle having a nozzle channel receives the melt stream from the manifold channel and delivers the melt stream to a mold cavity through a mold gate. A valve pin bushing is provided between the manifold and the nozzle and includes a bore for receiving a valve pin. A chamber is provided in said valve pin bushing and communicates with the bore. An inlet channel extends between an inlet, which is located in an outer surface of the valve pin bushing, and the chamber. A vent channel extends between the chamber and an outlet, which is located in the outer surface of the valve pin bushing. A forced fluid source communicates with the inlet channel to force fluid through the inlet channel, said chamber and the vent channel.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus is disclosed that improves oxidation efficiency without increasing either combustion apparatus size or residence time, where the apparatus includes a combustion zone having a static mixing zone along a length of the combustion zone.

Abstract: A steam generator in a heat regenerative engine includes a cylindrical combustion chamber that encloses a circularly wound coil of densely bundled tubes. The tube bundle is heated by two combustion nozzle assemblies, each having an air blower, a fuel atomizer, and an igniter. The igniter burns atomized fuel that exits the atomizer and is mixed with preheated air. The flames and heat from the combustion nozzle assemblies are directed in a centrifuge within the circular combustion chamber. This cyclonic circulation of combustion gases within the combustion chamber creates higher efficiency in the engine by subjecting the coil of tubes to multiple passes of heat, thereby promoting greater heat saturation relative to the amount of fuel expended. The relatively small diameter and large surface area of the tubes in the bundle allows the water and steam in the tubes to be heated to higher temperatures and pressures within a compact space, providing a highly efficient steam generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the area of assistive technology, and specifically discloses an apparatus and method for teaching proper letter sizing and spacing to autistic children and others having deficiencies in the areas of visual processing, motor control and sensory processing, through the use of a novel writing guide and graduated method for using same.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: A simulation unit which comprises at least two separated sections that are visually, odorously and thermally different and have means for creation of a given simulated environment and providing information for influencing the human senses and making the impression having effect on human memory, whereby said means comprise multimedia technique, air-conditioning units, mechanical odour sprayers, colour modifications and accessories of such spaces.

Abstract: A wired circuit board includes an insulating base layer, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer, and an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer for covering the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes terminal portions for connecting with external terminals. The insulating cover layer has an opening formed correspondingly for the respective terminal portions. A position determining zone for determining whether or not a margin of the insulating cover layer facing the opening is located in a proper position is provided in proximity of the terminal portions.

Abstract: A modular board to board mezzanine ball grid array BGA connector includes a plug, a receptacle and if needed an adapter. The plug and the receptacle can be made form the same base pieces to accommodate different stack heights. If a greater stack height is needed, spacers can be used in the plug and the receptacle to accommodates a greater selected stack height. The plug and the receptacle both include a base having an interstitial diamond recesses in which the solder balls are disposed and in which one end of a contact is inserted. The plug may further include a plug cover that can be connected to the base, and the receptacle may include a receptacle cover that fits over its base. The plug can have a plug contact assembly, and the receptacle can have a receptacle contact assembly. The plug and the receptacle can be mated by mating the plug cover to the receptacle cover and the receptacle contacts to the plug contacts.