Abstract: A coffin having a curved bottom surface and a removable cover that accommodates bodies of differing lengths having, within an enclosure, a support platform that adjusts to different angles so as to accommodate bodies of different sizes.

Abstract: A burnishing tool including a tapered cam shaft including a camming surfaces having a planar spatial orientation substantially the same as the planar spatial orientation of sides of a pyramid, wherein respective keys respectively extend along respective camming surfaces of the tapered cam shaft, the keys having respective longitudinal axis of extensions parallel to the respective camming surfaces and lying in respective planes normal to the planar spatial orientations of the respective camming surfaces, wherein the camming surfaces are arrayed about a cam shaft axis that is normal to a plane that is parallel to a base of the pyramid. The burnishing tool further includes a burnishing assembly, the burnishing assembly includes segmented burnishing components including respective cammed surfaces positioned on the tapered cam shaft adjacent respective camming surfaces. These segmented burnishing components include mate with the cam shaft.

Abstract: A fastener installation tool including an anvil member having a swage cavity, a collet having a pull section with a fastener engagement end and a plurality of teeth, and an anvil member. The plurality of teeth includes a first tooth with a first inner diameter, and each of the remainder of teeth includes a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter. The collet has a protrusion extending the length of the pull section to increase the contact area with the anvil member. The anvil member includes a swage cavity with an entrance section, a swage land located adjacent to the entrance section, and an inner bore located adjacent to the swage land.

Abstract: A pneumatic battering ram is disclosed. The battering ram has a housing, a pressurized air tank, a ramming head, and a pivotable ramming edge. Air released from the air tank into the housing forces the ramming head outward against an enclosure to forcibly open it. Where a slug is inserted into the housing, air released from the pressurized air tank into the housing causes the slug to hit the inner surface of the ramming head, forcing it outwardly against the enclosure.

Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer ring onto the lower portion of a loosely inserted drain fitting for engaging a mounting flange thereto includes a generally resilient cup structure provided with a plurality of axially aligned and resiliently cantilevered peripherally adjacent strips within which the retaining ring is received in a compressed engagement seated on a helical interior shoulder. A threaded rod extends through a centering plug received in the drain fitting and then through the cup interior to axially advance the axially aligned ring carried by the strips.

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

Abstract: Ultrasonic end stops and methods of making ultrasonic end stops are provided. The present invention relates to plastic reclosable fasteners with sliders for opening and closing the reclosable fasteners on plastic bags and the like and particularly to the use of protruding end stop structures on reclosable fasteners to prevent travel of sliders past the fastener ends. The end stop structures include at least one of high density polyethylene, to medium density polyethylene, polypropylene, a cyclic olefin copolymer, a high density material, or a high modulus material and may optionally include low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: A method for improving die-cutting involving first creating a back plate footprint, possessing impressions of the imperfections found in the cutting surface of a die-cutting machine. This method provides die-cutters a simple, inexpensive way to dramatically improve the alignment of die-cutting knives for making cuts. The method uses a malleable material that will readily receive an impression of imperfections of a cutting surface when some pressure is provided, but the material must also be capable of hardening into a useable solid material. The principles of this method may be applied to all die-cutting machines by making a back plate footprint of the die-cutter in question and by properly inserting it back into the chase where the impressions contained therein will press down on the material below it so as to better align the cutting knives of the die being used.

Abstract: A method for assembling a pipe coupling and a method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation using the pre-assembled pipe coupling. The pipe coupling is formed of segments joined end to end by fasteners. Retention elements positioned on the fasteners hold the segments in spaced apart relation. The retention elements have a first surface that engages the fastener and a second surface that engages the segment to inhibit the motion of the segments relative to the fasteners. The method includes engaging the fasteners with the segments and engaging the retention elements with the fasteners and the segments to position and hold the segments in spaced apart relation. Pipe elements are inserted between the segments and force is applied to the segments which overcomes the resistance of the retention elements to move the segments into engagement with the pipe elements.

Abstract: A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural trim feature on a structure using structural elements from connected wire assemblies such as corner aid to make a prefabricated relief form member and fastening the structural elements together such as by glue and putting a sheet of paper under the relief form member and applying plaster to form a trim.

Abstract: An aligner and a method for its use in staking a fastener. More specifically, the aligner guides a tip of a staking tool in some portion of a staking operation properly into alignment with a clinch portion of a staked fastener. As a result, the clinch portion is shaped into a head of a generally higher quality than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (140) is used for mechanically coupling an armature (124) and a diaphragm (118) of a balanced receiver (100), the linkage assembly (140) formed from a first linkage member (822) displaced from a strip of stock material (800) relative to the plane of the stock material (800) and a second linkage member (826) displaced from the strip (800) relative to the plane. The first and second linkage members (822, 826) are then joined while secured to the strip (800). At least one severable connecting member (870a-c) securing the linkage member to the strip (800) is severed to release the linkage member from the strip for assembly of the linkage member into the receiver. A method of forming a three-dimensional structure from flat stock is used to form the linkage assembly (140).

Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a manufacturing method for a disk drive unit. At least one head gimbal assembly having first terminal pads is provided. A controlling circuit for controlling the at least one head gimbal assembly is provided, with the controlling circuit having second terminal pads to connect with the first terminal pads. The at least one head gimbal assembly is disposed in a motor base. The controlling circuit is disposed in the motor base. The at least one head gimbal assembly and the controlling circuit are tightened to the motor base such that the first and second terminal pads are face-to-face and have an electrical touch contact therebetween.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive is disclosed. After installing at least one disk into a base, a media cover is coupled to the base, wherein the media cover covers at least a portion of the disk. After coupling the media cover to the base, a head coupled to an actuator arm and a voice coil motor for rotating the actuator arm about a pivot is installed into the base. After installing into the base the head coupled to the actuator arm and the voice coil motor, the media cover is removed from the base. After removing the media cover from the base, a HDA cover is coupled to the base to form a head disk assembly (HDA).

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head structure has a configuration adapted to manufacture a thin-film magnetic head configured such that a main magnetic pole layer including a magnetic pole end part on a side of a medium-opposing surface opposing a recording medium, a write shield layer opposing the magnetic pole end part so as to form a recording gap layer on the medium-opposing surface side, and a thin-film coil wound about the write shield layer or main magnetic pole layer are laminated. The main magnetic pole layer has an end face joint structure where respective end faces of the magnetic pole end part and a yoke magnetic pole part having a size greater than that of the magnetic pole end part are joined to each other, and a surface with a flat structure on a side closer to the thin-film coil.

Abstract: Stator coils are retained by an inserting blade and a setting blade. The setting blade is rotated in this state. Then, after rotation, the stator coils are set on the inserting blade. At this time, the stator coils are arranged in the inserting blade in a state where the stator coils overlap one another to form a spiral shape. Thus, the stator coils are arranged uniformly.

Abstract: A method for making a high current low profile inductor includes forming an inductor element comprising a coil having an open center and an outside surface, the coil also having first and second coil ends, making a dry mixture comprising a dry resin and an insulated dry powdered magnetic powder, and compressing the dry mixture around the outside surface of the coil and within the open center of the coil to create an inductor body without liquefying the dry mixture, whereby the inductor body engages the coil both within the coil open center and also the coil outside surface.

Abstract: In a method for magnetizing a permanent magnet for a motor, the permanent magnet has a thickness t in a radial direction of the permanent magnet satisfying the relation of t??D/(NM??), where D represents an inner diameter of the permanent magnet having a value of 20 mm or less, N represents the number of the magnetic domains of the permanent magnet, and M represents the number of alternating current phases for driving the motor. In a first magnetizing step, the permanent magnet is magnetized in one direction corresponding to the radial direction. In a second magnetizing step, the permanent magnet magnetized in the first magnetizing step is magnetized to form inverse magnetic domains that are arranged at regular intervals in the radial direction and that reverse the magnetizing direction of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heater having a heating element, an insulator and a spring is disclosed. The method includes forming a spring from an annealed superalloy material, heat treating the spring after forming, positioning the heating element in contact with the insulator, and biasedly engaging the spring with the insulator to maintain contact between the insulator and the heating element.

Abstract: A tool for changing first and second parts of a connector from a pre-assembly relationship into an assembled relationship. The tool is portable and has a frame with an operating mechanism thereon. The operating mechanism has a plunger that is movable to thereby change the relationship of the connector parts. The operating mechanism is operable by a pressurized fluid within a container that is connected to the frame.

Abstract: A process for forming a circuit structure includes providing a first composite-layer structure at first. A second composite-layer structure is then provided. The first composite-layer structure, a second dielectric layer and the second composite-layer structure are pressed so that a second circuit pattern and an independent via pad are embedded in the second dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer is connected to the first dielectric layer. A first carrier substrate and a second carrier substrate are removed to expose a first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern. At least one first opening that passes through the second dielectric layer and exposes the independent via pad is formed, and the first opening is filled with a conductive material to form a second conductive via that connects the independent via pad and a second via pad.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting method includes a step of applying a resin composition (3) including solder powder, convective additive and resin having fluidity at the melting temperature of the solder powder on a main surface of a wiring substrate (1) provided with conductive wirings and connecting terminals, a step of preparing a group of electronic components consisting of a plurality of electronic components (7, 8 and 9) including at least a passive component, the respective electronic components comprising electrode terminals, position-aligning connecting terminals with the electrode terminals, and making the group of electronic components abut a surface of the resin composition, a step of heating at least the resin composition so as to melt solder powder and make the solder powder self-assembled between the connecting terminals and the electrode terminals by the convective additive, and thereby connecting the connecting terminals and the electrode terminals by soldering, and a step of fixedly adhering

Abstract: A process carrier is capable of supporting printed circuit boards during manufacturing and testing. The process carrier includes a base plate, a first top plate and a second top plate. The base plate has an upper surface including a recessed area sized to receive a panelized group of printed circuit board substrates and a lower surface. The first top plate is coupleable to the upper surface of the base plate during a first manufacturing process. The first top plate includes a plurality of connected rails configured to secure the panelized group of printed circuit board substrates. The second top plate is coupleable to the upper surface of the base plate during a second manufacturing process. The second top plate is configured to cover the panelized group of printed circuit board substrates.

Abstract: A method of making a customized wireless communication device (100) is disclosed. It can include the steps of: inputting (110) customer requirements; generating (120) a checklist of customer requirements; providing (130) an extruded housing with an opening defining a pocket configured to receive electrical components; and removing (140) material from the extruded housing to form an industrial design having at least one receptacle integral to the extruded housing to receive an antenna module and display module. The method is adapted to allow a designer to customize the look and feel of an electronic device, such as wireless communication device. This method is attractive to a customer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical device is presented. An inner diameter and an outer diameter of a connector ring is machined to form a first and a second flange extending from the inner diameter. An electric discharge machining wire burner is used to form a conductor channel in the inner diameter of the connector ring. A conductor is positioned within the conductor channel. A first distal end of the first flange is coupled to a second distal end of the second flange.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine has annular cooling passage arranged in the vicinity of the piston crown and radially on the outside, which, in those regions of the pin bosses which lie close to the boss holes, has boss cooling passages which are connected to the cooling passage and are intended for improved cooling of the pin bosses.

Abstract: A fully bladed closure design for a turbine wheel with tangential entry. A set of the final three buckets including a bladed closure bucket are disposed about a wheel margin with two buckets adjacent to the bladed closure bucket secured to the wheel margin by the dovetails. The closure bucket is secured to adjacent buckets by a combination of one or more retaining keys and to the margin by one or more retaining pins. The bladed closure bucket and the adjoining faces of the adjacent buckets have flat skirts providing suppport from the retaining keys across the full axial width of the bladed closure bucket and the adjacent buckets.

Abstract: A device for treatment of exhaust gases includes a housing, a fragile structure resiliently mounted within the housing, and a non-intumescent mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile structure. The mounting mat includes a plurality of inorganic fibers that have undergone a surface treatment to increase the holding force performance of the mounting mat. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes an outlet header extending along an outlet axis to define an outlet cavity and an inlet header defining an inlet cavity. A plurality of refrigerant tubes extends from the inlet header through the outlet header and into the outlet cavity. A collector conduit having a generally semi-circular conduit cross-section defining an arced surface and a chord surface interconnected with rounded ends is disposed in the outlet header and includes a conduit body portion and at least one conduit end portion interconnected by a conduit transition portion with the conduit body portion being offset from the conduit end portion. The conduit body portion is engaged to an interior surface of the outlet header to space the conduit body portion from the refrigerant tubes and the conduit end portion is coaxial with the outlet header axis to provide a central outlet for the refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.

Abstract: A self-aligning flange includes a flange member, a collar member and a stop member. An inner perimeter of the collar member is sized to receive an outer perimeter of a pipe. The flange member extends outward from an outer perimeter of the collar member. The stop member extends inward from the inner perimeter of the collar member. A large diameter extruded pipe includes a continuous cross section of at least six inches in diameter. It is preferable to weld a flange to one end of the large diameter extruded pipe. Immediately after the large diameter extruded pipe has been formed in an extrusion press, it is sprayed with a coolant to increase the surface hardness thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.

Abstract: An example grille badge includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features.

Abstract: The invention concerns the assembly of a cross-member and an instrument panel. The invention concerns an assembly method including assembling a ventilation element (40, 42) on a cross-member (26, 28), and assembling the panel instrument on the cross-member (26, 28) such that a centering device penetrates into the orifice. The method includes: prior to assembling the ventilation elements (40, 42) on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging thereon a base (10) of the centering device of reduced height so that it does not obstruct the assembling of the ventilation elements (40, 42), and, prior to assembling the instrument panel on the cross-member (26, 28), arranging, on the base (10), a body of the centering device. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle cockpits.

Abstract: A working fluid injection apparatus has an upper chamber that stores a working fluid and a lower chamber that removably receives a bearing unit having a housing and a shaft that is inserted in the housing to form between the shaft and the housing a gap into which the working fluid is to be injected. A partition divides the upper chamber and the lower chamber into top and bottom parts, respectively. A first exhaust system brings the inside of the upper chamber to a decompressed state. A second exhaust system brings the inside of the lower chamber to a decompressed state. A valve unit opens and closes an internal cavity of the lower chamber relative to an external environment. A tapered hole is formed in the partition and communicates the upper and lower chambers to one another. A tapered shaft is inserted into the tapered hole from the upper chamber. A shaft drive unit moves the tapered shaft in the axial direction in the tapered hole.

Abstract: A hair trimmer includes a main body, a cutter block and a comb attachment. The cutter block has a stationary blade and a movable blade, both of which are comb-shaped and are slidably in contact with each other. In addition, the cutter block is protrudingly installed at one end of the main body. The comb attachment has a plurality of comb tooth-shaped sections and covers the cutter block. The comb tooth-shaped sections are provided with cut-off hair deflectors to prevent hairs cut by the cutter block from outwardly scattering away from the comb attachment. Furthermore, cut-off hair deflectors located between two neighboring comb tooth-shaped sections are disposed at relatively inner and outer positions.

Abstract: A bayonet includes: a blade having a sharpened portion and a tang integral with the sharpened portion; a handle that encloses the tang of the blade and has a first end proximate to the sharpened portion of the blade and a second end proximate to an end of the tang of the blade; a guard between the sharpened portion of the blade and the first end of the handle; a clip that is affixed to the second end of the handle and is further affixed to the end of the tang of the blade; and a positioning access point on the handle proximate to the second end of the handle.

Abstract: A utility blade for use with conventional retractable and fixed blade utility knives comprising a blade body having a generally trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, an opposite back edge, a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the side edges and the cutting edge. The blade further defines a pair of score lines, each proximate to one of the side edges. The score lines enable the user to remove a dulled or damaged cutting point, which in turn provides the user with two additional cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the score lines and the cutting edge. Further, the blade is configured with one or more notches strategically located on the back edge of the blade, such that each cutting point can extend from the utility knife at approximately the same distance.

Abstract: A tool assembly is disclosed that provides reciprocating motion to a tip of the assembly. The tool assembly has a drive assembly, a shaft assembly and a retraction mechanism contained within a housing. The tip of the shaft assembly protrudes from the housing during a portion of the stroke of the drive mechanism and upon disengagement of a motor of the drive assembly, the tip of the shaft assembly is recessed within the housing of the tool assembly.

Abstract: An eye alignment assembly for targeting systems. A sight point of an optical fiber is positioned within a housing behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system permits the sight point of the optical fiber to be repositioned relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly provides an indication of orientation of a user's eye in the pitch and yaw directions relative to the housing. The eye alignment assembly can be a discrete component or integrated into a targeting system, such as a bow sight.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction to locate the magnetic centre of the valve and to determine the setting of the valve. The device comprises a magnetic compass (10), an alignment mark for aligning the magnetic compass (10) with respect to the direction in which the fluid flows, a reference plane (Pr), and a magnetic indicator (12), which is mounted such that it can pivot in all three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve. The magnetic indicator (12) includes at least one magnet capable of receiving a magnetic field and having a north-south direction, wherein the north-south direction is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr) when the magnetic indicator (12) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr).

Abstract: Multiple instances of a geomagnetic field are calculated. Multiple instances of an average magnitude of a subset of the instances of the geomagnetic field are also calculated. When the average magnitude changes by more than a first predetermined threshold, the user is informed that compass accuracy has degraded. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring verticality of a sinking caisson having a tip. A pole is inserted into the earth to a pole depth substantially corresponding to a desired final depth of the caisson tip, one or more levels are coupled to the pole, and an elevation of the levels(s) is established. Scales are carried on an interior surface of the caisson in spaced circumferential locations and in reference to the caisson tip, and the level(s) is applied to the scales to indicate heights from the caisson tip corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales. Tip elevations corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales are determined by subtracting the indicated heights from the established elevation of the level(s). Any tilt of the caisson is calculated from any differences among the determined tip elevations.

Abstract: A tool for aiding marking or cutting is described. A V-shaped member having an edge formed at an exterior apex of the V for guiding a marker or cutting tool. The exterior surfaces of the V-shaped member may have a material applied having a higher coefficient of friction than that of the V-shaped member. The edge at the apex of the V may have two substantially planar surfaces, each of which forms a complimentary angle with the interior apex angle of the V, or a thin metal portion formed in the exterior apex of the V so that an edge thereof protrudes sloping towards a surface on which the tool is laid. A graduated scale may be applied to an exterior surface of the tool at a location near the apex.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a measurement device for use in measuring a machine component. The method includes providing a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The method also includes combining ultrasonic inspection (UT) capabilities and CMM capabilities to form an inspection probe. The inspection probe is installed on the CMM so that the inspection probe measures external boundaries of the machine component with the CMM capabilities and substantially simultaneously measures internal boundaries of the machine component with the UT capabilities.

Abstract: A drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises the steps of removing moisture, separating cold air from hot air and mixing the cold air with the hot air. Under the condition of no cooling medium, the above-mentioned steps separate the moisture from the compressed air, separate the cold air from the hot air and mix the cold air with the hot air. The system using the drying and freezing method without cooling medium comprises at least one air dryer having an air-moisture separation chamber for separating air from moisture and at least one separator having a separation chamber for separating cold air from hot air. The separator is connected to a pipeline to mix the cold air with the hot air.

Abstract: A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.