Abstract: A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The loop yarn includes flame retardant material, such as M-Aramide fiber. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at one or both of the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 90 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

Abstract: Turbostratic boron nitride (t-BN) powder having excellent sinterability. A mixture of boric acid anhydride and urea is charged in a reaction vessel together with alkali-borate, heated step by step in the vessel in an nonoxidizing gas atmosphere of one atmospheric pressure or above, and kept at a temperature from 850° C. to 950° C. to yield an intermediate product formal substantially of an amorphous boron nitride powder (first reaction step). Then the intermediate product is heated and kept at a temperature from 1200° C. to 1400° C. to crystallize crystalline t-BN, and the product is purified by washing with water and aqueous solution to obtain pure crystalline t-BN powder.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive interface for conductively cooling a heat-generating electronic component having an associated thermal dissipation member such as a heat sink. The interface is formed as a self-supporting layer of a thermally-conductive material which is form-stable at normal room temperature in a first phase and substantially conformable in a second phase to the interface surfaces of the electronic component and thermal dissipation member. The material has a transition temperature from the first phase to the second phase which is within the operating temperature range of the electronic component.

Abstract: The invention is a multiple fuel cell layer structure with numerous fuel cell layers, each fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, a positive end and a negative end, wherein a first fuel cell layer is stacked on top of a second fuel cell layer such that the anode side of the first fuel cell and the anode side of the second fuel cell adjoin, additional fuel cell layers can then be added in a like manner, at least one seal disposed between the adjacent fuel cell layers forming at least one plenum, and a positive and a negative connector is connected to the stack to an outside load such that when fuel is presented to the anode sides of the fuel cell layers and oxidant is presented to the cathode sides of the fuel cell layers current is produced to drive the outside load.

Abstract: Thin-film micro-electrochemical energy storage cells (MEESC) such as microbatteries and double-layer capacitors (DLC) are provided. The MEESC comprises two thin layer electrodes, an intermediate thin layer of a solid electrolyte and optionally, a fourth thin current collector layer; said layers being deposited in sequence on a surface of a substrate. The MEESC is characterized in that the substrate is provided with a plurality of through cavities of arbitrary shape, with high aspect ratio. By using the substrate volume, an increase in the total electrode area per volume is accomplished.

Abstract: A positive type photosensitive image-forming material for use with an infrared laser is provided. The material includes a substrate, a layer (A) containing not less than 50% by weight of a copolymer which contains, as a copolymerization component, not less than 10% by mol of at least one of the following monomers (a-1) to (a-3), wherein (a-1) is a monomer having in the molecule a sulfonamide group wherein at least one hydrogen atom is linked to a nitrogen atom, (a-2) is a monomer having in the molecule an active imino group represented by the following general formula (I): and (a-3) is a monomer selected from acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate and hydroxystyrene, which respectively have a phenolic hydroxyl group; and a layer (B) containing not less than 50% by weight of an aqueous alkali solution-soluble resin having a phenolic hydroxyl group. The layer (A) and the layer (B) are laminated on the substrate in that order.

Abstract: A novel lactone-containing compound is provided as well as a polymer comprising units of the compound. The polymer is used as a base resin to formulate a resist composition having a high sensitivity, resolution and etching resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a low dielectric constant insulator in a monolithic substrate and the dielectric formed by the method. The method includes formation and patterning of a mask on a silicon substrate followed by anisotropic etching of the silicon to provide a dense array of deep holes. Isotropic etching may be used to form a cavity beneath the dense array of holes and coupling to bottoms of the holes. Sides of the holes are then thermally oxidized. A conventional dielectric is then formed, sealing tops of the holes. The conventional dielectric is optionally densified. Conventional chemical-mechanical polishing then planarizes the dielectric and further conventional processing may be carried out on the wafer to form active circuitry together with passive components such as high Q inductors.

Abstract: A discrete low-noise amplifier designed to operate in a mobile wireless environment uses two cascaded GaAs FETs to achieve 25 dB gain and 0.9 dB noise figure at 2.5 GHz. Active bias control circuitry responsive to monitored amplifier output power automatically and continuously adjusts the drain-source currents, and the load lines, of the cascaded FETs to (i) maintain power consumption at 33 milliwatts in nominal small-signal conditions, and to (ii) provide an elevated input third-order intermodulation intercept point (IP3) and a reduced noise figure during the presence of jamming. A 15 dB improvement in the input IP3 is achieved in large-signal operation. Amplifier operation is supported by an a.c. power detector of enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness because of un-grounded operation.

Abstract: A transceiver configuration has an integrated circuit (IC) with an A/D and/or D/A converter, a VCO with a reference oscillator, which provides a sampling clock for the A/D and/or D/A converter, and a digital data processing circuit. The IC is connected to a radio-frequency section, the frequency converter stage of which is operated with a beat frequency derived from the controllable oscillator frequency foz. A capacitive resonant element of the reference oscillator is disposed outside of the IC.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of nanocrystalline apatites are presented, as well as a series of specific reaction parameters that can be adjusted to tailor, in specific ways, properties in the recovered product. Particulate apatite compositions having average crystal size of less than 150 nm are provided. Products also can have a surface area of at least 40 m2/g and can be of high density. Hydroxyapatite material is investigated in particular detail. Compositions of the invention can be used as prosthetic implants and coatings for prosthetic implants.

Abstract: A method for controlling the rheology of aqueous systems, particularly for those intended for underground use, includes injecting an aqueous fluid containing a surfactant gelling agent into the system. The surfactant gelling agents are, for example, fatty aliphatic amidoamine oxides, salts of an alkoxylated monoamine with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and salts of an alkyldiamine with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid. The surfactant gelling agents can be absorbed onto particulate supports to facilitate delivery of the gelling agent. The additives may be incorporated in the viscoelastic fluid to tailor its use in hydraulic fluids, drilling muds, fracture fluids, and in applications such as permeability modification, gravel packing, cementing, and the like.

Abstract: A one-part pourable sealant that is thermosetting, non-shrinking, and capable of quickly curing in a closed cavity to a depth of at least two inches includes a silyl-terminated polymer, a hygroscopic plasticizer present in an amount that is effective to promote rapid and deep curing, and a catalyst for promoting curing of the silyl-terminated polymer. The sealer composition is useful in a method of forming a seal around a roof penetration. The method includes dispensing the sealer composition into a pitch pocket formed around a roof penetration and allowing the sealer composition dispensed into the pitch pocket to cure by exposure to moisture in the air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polythiophenes, particularly regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (HT-PATs), block copolymers made therefrom, and their methods of formation. The present invention provides HT-PATs with well-defined, specific end-groups, functionalization of the defined HT-PATs, and incorporation of end group functionalized HT-PATs into block copolymers with structural polymers. The intrinsically conductive diblock and triblock copolymers, formed from the HT-PATs, have excellent conductivity and low polydispersities that are useful in a number of applications. The block copolymers of the present invention have been found to exhibit conductivities that range from a low of 10?8 S/cm for certain applications to as high as several hundred S/cm or more.

Abstract: An improved thickening composition for organic systems, including paints and coatings, is described. The additive provides paints and coatings more than adequate viscosity improvement without affecting intercoat adhesion characteristics. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination request no. 90/007130, filed Jul. 21, 2004, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U. S. C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e), for ex parte reexamination, or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U. S. C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) for inter partes reexamination.

Abstract: A data processing system including a processor LSI and a DRAM divided into banks, for increasing a ratio of using a fast operation mode for omitting transfer of a row address to the DRAM and for minimizing the amount of logics external to the processor LSI. The processor LSI includes row address registers for holding recent row addresses corresponding to the banks. The contents of the row address registers are compared with an accessed address by a comparator to check for each bank whether the fast operation mode is possible. As long as the row address does not change in each bank, the fast operation mode can be used, thus making it possible to speed up operations, for example in block copy processing.

Abstract: A method for matching a rate in a mobile communication system causes puncturing or repetition in a fixed pattern, in which puncturing or repetition is applied to each bitstream on transport channels supporting different services in a next generation mobile communication system of the W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system.

Abstract: An absorbent protective finger cover to be worn by aestheticians to protect the surface of their skin while performing facial extractions. The finger cover includes an inner sheath of protective elastomer material and an outer sheath of absorbent material attached to the inner protective sheath. An additional tip piece of absorbent material is disposed at a finger tip portion of the finger cover between the protective sheath and absorbent sheath to provide additional absorbency for body fluids released during the facial extraction.

Abstract: Rescue harness devices are designed for incorporation into protective coats of firefighter or other types of first responders such that when deployed, the rescue harness forms a closed loop that cinches around an upper torso region under the armpits of an individual donning the protective coat, to thereby positively secure the individual and pull directly on the individual's body.

Abstract: A garment, and methods of using the garment, including a main body portion, a collar attached to the main body portion, and a hood attached to the main body portion adjacent to the collar. The collar includes first and second flaps that define a collar pocket. The hood is moveable between a non-deployed position where it is received within the collar pocket and a deployed position where it is not received within the collar pocket.

Abstract: A garment with underarm externally accessible breast pockets and method of use. An upper body garment is disclosed having garment sleeves attached to a garment trunk, and a pocket mouth disposed under each garment sleeve. A pocket is attached to the garment trunk at each pocket mouth. A passenger positioned behind a driver wearing the upper body garment may insert hands and arms through the pocket mouths and into the pockets for warmth, security, and or intimacy enhancement. The pockets may terminate in conventional pocket shape, mitten shape, or glove shape, which latter two embodiments permit gripping of thumb lobes, major lobes, and/or finger lobes between the passenger thumbs and fingers, thus increasing passenger security. In another embodiment, non-slip material may be attached inside the pockets for increased passenger security. A method of use is disclosed wherein a passenger seated behind a driver inserts hands and arms into the pockets.

Abstract: A glove used for roping steer and other animals such as in rodeo competition and ranching has a front side, which covers a wearer's palm and a palm side of the wearer's fingers, and a back side, which covers the wearer's hand and the back of the wearer's fingers. The front and rear sides of the glove are joined by thread. The front side is made of a woven fabric that has an outer layer of one hundred percent aramid fiber such as Kevlar®, and an inner layer of a woven and breathable fiber, the inner layer and outer layer being joined by glue. The fibers are preferably in yarn form. Both the inner and outer layer along with the glue have a weight of about 245 gm/m2 of material, plus or minus 50 gm/m2 of material. The wearer holds the rope having it rest on the middle finger and guides the rope with the index finger and thumb.

Abstract: Swimming goggles includes lens units each made of transparent hard material, lens frame units each made of hard material and gasket units each made of soft and elastic material. Each of the gasket units is formed along an outer peripheral surface thereof with a convex rib.

Abstract: A potty bench includes a base supporting a potty seat, and a potty seat opening into the base formed in the potty seat. The potty seat opening has opposing forward and rearward ends. A basin is carried by the base underlying the potty seat opening to collect waste from the potty seat opening. A splashguard carried by the basin, which has a shield projecting through the potty seat opening at the forward end thereof from the basin and upwardly relative to the potty seat. The shield includes a urine deflecting face upwardly relative to the potty seat facing the rearward end of the potty seat opening for deflecting urine from above the potty seat into the basin through the potty seat opening.

Abstract: A bouncing cradle comprises a base frame (10) intended to rest on an underlay, a backrest (20), a pivot mounting (12) arranged for the backrest and carried by the base frame, an arm (22) fixedly connected to the backrest and situated under the backrest as well as at a distance from the pivot mounting, and an adjustment fitting (40) for setting different angles of inclination of the backrest in relation to the base frame, the base frame comprising an essentially plane support yoke (84), the branch ends of which are attached to a support plate (16). The support plate (16) consists of an injection-moulded piece of plastic having integrated tubular sleeves (85) that receive the mutually parallel ends of the yoke branches, and that the sleeves (85) are situated at a distance above the support surface of the support plate (16) facing the underlay.

Abstract: A convertible support apparatus for supporting an object over a ground surface is convertible between an operating configuration and a storage configuration. The support apparatus may comprise side members, a support area configured to connect to the side members, and a bow truss configured to bow. When the device is assembled in the operating configuration, both the support area and the bow truss are connected between the side members and the bow truss is configured to bow and place the support area under tension. The bow truss may comprise a bow tube connected between two foot fixtures. In one embodiment, when the apparatus is supporting a sufficiently heavy object, the bow tube will bow and contact the ground surface and provide additional support to the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-storing combination blanket and neck roll assembly which can be draped over a person and supported on a seat back, having a flat, generally rectangular fabric panel with two sides and four side edges, a flexible neck roll centrally located and removably disposed adjacent to a portion of the fabric panel, disposed adjacent to one of the side edges and a pouch having an opening which is attached to a side edge of the fabric panel adjacent to the neck roll so that the opening of the pouch opens towards one of the sides of the fabric panel. The fabric panel and neck roll are movable between a folded stored position within the pouch and an open position disposed exteriorly of the pouch. When the assembly is in its open position, the opening of the pouch can be received over and atop of a seat back.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus that can be ergonomically and movably connected to a patient support apparatus. The control apparatus comprises a control module which is operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and can provide a means for controlling the plurality of patient support apparatus functions. The control module is adapted for connection to a housing and the housing is movably connected to the patient support apparatus by a coupling device. The coupling device enables the relative movement of the housing and as such the control module relative to the patient support apparatus. In this manner access to the control module, and therefore to the functionality of the patient support apparatus, can be provided independent of the configuration of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a decreased length foot deck to allow the bed to be converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a substantially vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a frame assembly, a deck supported on the frame assembly, and a mattress supported on the deck. The deck has a length extending from a head end of the head section to a foot end of the foot section when the deck is in a substantially horizontal position. The mattress has head, seat and foot mattress portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat and foot sections of the deck. The mattress has a length extending from a head end of the mattress to a foot end of the mattress when the mattress is in a substantially horizontal position. The length of the mattress is greater than the length of the deck, such that in one embodiment the mattress has a foot end that overhangs and is cantilevered from the edge of the foot deck section.

Abstract: A composite rod design having a core element, the core element made of at least one flexible and resilient core, a foam cell material shaped into annulus configuration and having the core element snuggly located therein, the foam cell material having a length of at least equal to the length of the core element, and an outer covering provided upon the foam cell material and wrapped around the composite rod design to the extent necessary to provide the necessary diameter for the composite rod for convenient usage.

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed frame and a bed deck supported by the bed frame. The bed deck comprises a step deck, including a lower deck, an upper deck, a side wall connecting the lower deck to the upper deck, and a recess defined by the lower deck and the side wall. The side wall at least partially surrounds the recess. A mattress comprises a safety mattress extending across the lower bed deck and having air cells including air cells resting on the upper bed deck.

Abstract: A package opener (10) includes first and second opposed elongate members joined together for scissor action about a pivot joint (16). The first member (12) includes a first handle grip (18) at a rear end and a first cutting element (20) having a first blade (26) at a front end. The second member (13) includes a second handle grip (19) at a rear end and a second cutting element (21) having a second blade (27) at a front end thereof. The cutting elements include a leg portion (40,41) positioned between an arm segment (30,31) on which the pivot joint is located and the blade. Each cutting element also has a gap (G) in the blade portion. The leg portions and the gap enable the cutting elements, when opened, to fit over a package lip of a blister-type package so that the package opener can cut around the interior perimeter of the package lip to open the package. The multi-function package opener may also have a miniature utility knife blade (50) and at least one screwdriver (60).

Abstract: A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.

Abstract: A construction worker may adapt a reciprocating handheld power saw to multiple additional applications including brushing, scraping, sanding, and polishing. A simple adapter is attached to the power tool in place of a saw blade. Multiple attachments for the various applications are easily press-fit onto the adapter.

Abstract: A mop for cleaning a surface is provided. The mop includes a base and a scrubbing area connected to the base by a living hinge so that the scrubbing area can be deflected towards the surface upon application of a scrubbing force.

Abstract: The cleaning item of the present invention comprises: a brush part constructed from fibrous material; an inserted part with an inserted space into which a gripper is detachably inserted and which is formed by a pair of sheets, the inserted part being disposed in the brush part; and a joining member which joins the brush part and the inserted part.

Abstract: A quick-release paint roller having a roller cover that can be removed from a frame without requiring the user to apply a force directly to the roller cover. The frame includes a pair of arms having base portions received in a hand grip. The arms diverge outwardly to form a Y-shaped frame, wherein distal ends of the arms have mounting cones configured to receive opposing ends of the tube-shaped roller cover in a rotatable manner with respect to the frame. The paint roller has a roller capture mechanism that pivots the arms between a roller-capture position in which the roller cover is captured between the arms and a roller-release position in which the roller cover is decoupled from the arms. A roller-release button is configured to actuate the capture mechanism to pivot the arms between their roller-capture positions and their roller-release positions.

Abstract: A cleaner system having an improved connecting position and structure between a robot cleaner and a docking station for achieving an improvement in dust removal performance of the docking station. The docking station performs manual cleaning. The robot cleaner has a dust outlet at a top wall of the robot body to discharge the dust collected in the first dust collector into the docking station, and the docking station has a connection port at a position thereof corresponding to the dust outlet to receive the dust discharged from the dust outlet. The robot cleaner or docking station includes a connector to connect the dust outlet to the connection port. The docking station includes a suction part, suction pipe, and suction hole for manual operation. A channel switching member is mounted in the docking station to selectively apply power required to suck dust to the connection port or suction hole.

Abstract: A wet/dry canister vacuum cleaner has a base assembly, a recovery tank, and a solution tank. A hose interface adapted to mount a vacuum hose is pivotally mounted on the base assembly for selective fluid communication with the inlet to the recovery tank. The hose interface is moveable between a position in which the hose interface is coupled with the recovery tank and a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank can draw fluid through the hose interface and the recovery tank, and a second position, in which the hose interface is removed from the recovery tank and the recovery tank can be removed from the vacuum cleaner without having to disconnect the vacuum hose from the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner can further comprise a diverter assembly for switching between dry and wet mode cleaning, where the diverter assembly forms an inlet to the recovery tank.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that including suction device that provides suction force, a suction nozzle that draws air by the suction force provided from the suction device, a dust collecting box that cleans and discharges the air drawn through the suction nozzle, the dust collecting box having an opening in an upper surface thereof, a filter assembly including an upper holding part selectively fastened to an edge of the opening, the upper holding part having an air discharge hole at a central portion thereof, a lower holding part spaced a distance downward from the upper holding part, and a filter between the upper holding part and the lower holding part that filters dust from air, the filter having a discharge passage therein, and a lower cover that selectively opens/closes a lower portion of the dust collecting box. This structure permits easy cleaning and replacement of the dust collector assembly in a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle; a dust collecting assembly including a dust collecting container having an opened top surface, a top lid for opening and closing the top of the dust collecting container, an inlet, a filtering device provided in the dust collecting container, a separation plate for preventing the impurities collected in a lower part of the dust collecting container from being risen by air flow, and an outlet for discharging clean air; and a cleaner body including a dust collecting assembly receiving recess for detachably receiving the dust collecting assembly, a polluted air outlet coupled with the inlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air inlet provided on an inner wall of the dust collecting assembly receiving recess, so as to face the direction of mounting the dust collecting assembly, and communicating with the outlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air conduit having a fan provided therein and discharging the clean air to the outside of t

Abstract: A door closer to adapt a storage device having a body and a swinging door for automatic closing includes a hinge having first and second hinge elements. Each of the hinge elements include a length dimension and a height dimension parallel the axis of the hinge and are configured to rotate about the axis. A panel is provided which is coupled with the second hinge element and has a length dimension greater than a length dimension of the first hinge element. The door closer is configured via a spring force of a biasing device to bias a swinging door of a storage device toward a closed position against the body of the storage device, at least in part via an interaction between one of the hinge elements and the door, and an interaction between the other of the hinge elements and the body via the panel.

Abstract: A sliding hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device and has a stationary leaf, a moving leaf, a resilient device, a main linkage and a secondary linkage. The stationary leaf is connected to the base. The moving leaf is connected to the cover and is mounted slidably on the stationary leaf. The resilient device is mounted pivotally on the stationary leaf. The main linkage is mounted pivotally on the stationary leaf and is connected pivotally to the moving leaf and the resilient device. The secondary linkage is mounted pivotally on the stationary leaf and is connected pivotally to the moving leaf. The cover is moved to slide relative to the base by the moving leaf and the main and secondary linkages. Furthermore, the resilient device keeps the cover closed or fully opened without external forces.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is used in a notebook computer and has a rotating bracket, cover panel, stationary bracket, limiting assembly and indicator ring. The notebook computer has a display and a base. The display is rotatably mounted pivotally upon the base. The rotating bracket is attached to the display and has a keyed shaft. The cover panel is mounted around the rotating bracket, is attached to a top surface of the base and has a gap. The stationary bracket is mounted rotatably around the keyed shaft and is mounted securely on the base. The limiting assembly is mounted on the stationary bracket and allows the keyed shaft to rotate 360°. The indicator ring is mounted on the limiting assembly and has two indicators. The indicators show up in the gap when the display is rotated to a rotational limitation to indicate direction of allowed rotation.

Abstract: A feeding device for fiber flocks or opened fibers for feeding a textile machine, especially a carding machine, has a first, upper vertical fiber chute which supplies the fibers or fiber flocks to rolls for opening of the fibers, and a lower fiber chute which accepts the fibers released by the rolls and discharges a fiber mat at the bottom end of the fiber chute by way of discharge rolls. The feeding device also has a segmented intake trough with several intake trough segments which cooperate with a segmented, clothing-covered first roll, which is divided into several roll segments, wherein the torque of the roll segments can be controlled individually and the widths of the gaps between the intake trough segments and the associated roll segments can be adjusted on a segment-by-segment basis.

Abstract: The device for the guided transport of a card web has a card web transport means and a card web guiding means consisting of a plurality of curved tongues arranged at a spacing next to each other. The tongues are arranged opposite to a contact surface of the card web transport means and extend in the direction of movement of the card web. Each tongue is movable individually in a direction away from the contact surface of the card web transport means against a biasing force.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning foreign matter from separated tufts of fiber uses a revolving open reel type structure mounted within a porous housing to separate a conveying air stream from tufts of fiber conveyed thereby and deliver the tufts to a toothed cleaning cylinder which passes beneath a plurality of cleaning bars. The open reel utilizes brush like outer surfaces to sweep tufts of fiber from the housing back into the air stream adjacent the cleaning cylinder.

Abstract: A two-piece cable tie is provided that is capable of usage with an automated cable tie installation tool. The two-piece cable tie accommodates improved gripping of large or small bundles. By including a cored-out region near the neck, the cable tie can secure a near zero bundle size. By including a transverse pad on the bottom side of the cable tie strap near the cable tie head, the cable tie can be prevented from rotation relative to the bundle to which is it secured. A preferred cable tie strap has a wide recessed center section and high side rails that increase lateral clamping force. To resist barb inversion, the cable tie preferably includes a reinforcement area underneath the metal locking device when used with a strap having a recessed area. By maintaining relatively high side rails and a thin web section in the tip, the cable tie can achieve zero insertion force while maintaining sufficient strap rigidity and size to enable feeding of the strap through an automated cable tie installation tool.

Abstract: A cable clamp having a retainer component and a plunger component. The plunger component includes serrated prongs that insert within slots formed in the retainer component.