Abstract: A method of coding a moving picture reduces blocking artifacts. The method includes defining pixel sets S0, S1, S2 around a block boundary, selectively determining a deblocking mode as a default mode or a DC offset mode depending on the degree of blocking artifacts. If the default mode is selected, frequency information is obtained around the block boundary per pixel using a 4-point DCT kernel, for example, a magnitude of a discontinuous component belonging to the block boundary is replaced with a minimum magnitude of discontinuous components belonging to the surroundings of the block boundary in the frequency domain and the replacing step is applied to the spatial domain. If the DC offset mode is selected and a determination is made to perform DC offset mode, the blocking artifacts in a smooth region are removed in the DC offset mode.

Abstract: Authentication and signature process with reduced number of calculations. The process involves a first entity called the “prover”, which possesses a public key v and a secret key s, these keys verify the relation v=s?t (mod n), where n is an integer called modulus and t is a parameter, and a second entity called a “verifier”, which knows the public key v. This process implies exchange of information following a “zero-knowledge protocol” between the verifier and the prover and cryptographic calculations on this information, some calculations being carried out “modulo n”. The process of the invention is characterised by the fact that the modulus n is specific to the prover that communicates this modulus to the verifier.

Abstract: An input image signal is coded by an encoder to be outputted as a basic code string, and the basic code string is delayed by a code-string delay circuit for a predetermined period of time to be outputted as an additional code string. The basic code string is synthesized with the additional code string by a code-string synthesizer to be outputted as an output code string. Thus, there is provided an image data coding system which can quickly restore data even if the data is lost due to error and in which the increased code amount is less than the cycle refresh and the error correction.

Abstract: An input image signal is coded by an encoder to be outputted as a basic code string, and the basic code string is delayed by a code-string delay circuit for a predetermined period of time to be outputted as an additional code string. The basic code string is synthesized with the additional code string by a code-string synthesizer to be outputted as an output code string. Thus, there is provided an image data coding system which can quickly restore data even if the data is lost due to error and in which the increased code amount is less than the cycle refresh and the error correction.

Abstract: An input image signal is coded by an encoder to be outputted as a basic code string, and the basic code string is delayed by a code-string delay circuit for a predetermined period of time to be outputted as an additional code string. The basic code string is synthesized with the additional code string by a code-string synthesizer to be outputted as an output code string. Thus, there is provided an image data coding system which can quickly restore data even if the data is lost due to error and in which the increased code amount is less than the cycle refresh and the error correction.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel wavelength-separating-routing (WSR) apparatus that uses a diffraction grating to separate a multi-wavelength optical signal by wavelength into multiple spectral channels, which are focused onto an array of corresponding channel micromirrors. The channel micromirrors are individually controllable and continuously pivotable to reflect the spectral channels into selected output ports. As such, the inventive WSR apparatus is capable of routing the spectral channels on a channel-by-channel basis and coupling any spectral channel into any one of the output ports. The WSR apparatus of the invention may further employ a polarization diversity scheme, whereby polarization-sensitive effects become inconsequential and insertion loss is minimized. The WSR apparatus of the invention may additionally be equipped with servo-control and channel equalization capabilities.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connection system comprising a first fiber optic connector including a ferrule within which an optical fiber is mounted and a fiber optic adapter for receiving the first fiber optic connector including a sleeve for receiving the ferrule. The first fiber optic connector is mounted within a first threaded body with the fiber optic cable extending through an opening in a distal end of the first threaded body and the ferrule accessible through a proximal end of the first threaded body. The fiber optic adapter is mounted within a second threaded body and the second threaded body adapted for mounting to a bulkhead. The second threaded body adapted to engage the proximal end of the first threaded body with the first connector engaging the adapter and the ferrule extending into the sleeve. An outer housing is threadably mounted about both the first and second threaded bodies when the second threaded body is engaging the proximal end of the first threaded body.

Abstract: A variable pitch stator vane stage, said vanes being moved by an automatically-centered rotary actuator ring. The casing carries a stationary coaxial annular rail projecting from its outside surface, and circumferentially spaced apart moving equipments are provided that are constrained to move along said rail, each moving equipment being coupled to the actuator ring via a radial guide arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for delivery systems of agents, including therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, detection agents, nucleic acid sequences and biological factors. In general, these vector compositions comprise a colloidal metal, derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol) and an agent. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such colloidal metal compositions and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive cannula is sized by including indica on a cannulated dilator that is used to measure the depth of a body cavity, and in one embodiment with the use of a cuttable fixture inserted into an initially enlarged dilator retractor made from a cuttable material the excess of the dilator retractor is snipped by a commercial cutter. A tool engaging the end of the cannulated dilator provides leverage on the cannulated dilator for rotation as it is forced into the body cavity, a pusher tool provides leverage on the dilator retractor for inserting the dilator retractor into the body cavity. A clamp that fits the top of the dilator retractor serves to support the dilator retractor through an arm to a rigid structure. In an alternate embodiment one of a series of sized dilator retractors are selected commensurate with the measurement attained by the scaled cannulated dilator.

Abstract: A method of securing a graft in a bone tunnel, in which graft is secured within the tunnel at both the entrance and the exit ends of the tunnel to provide bicortical fixation of the graft in the bone. Interference screws or other fixation devices are used to secure the graft within the tunnel. For tibial tunnel fixation using an interference screw, the back end of the distal screw is angled so that it closely approximates the angle of the outer tibial tunnel rim. The distal screw is non-cannulated to prevent hematomas from being formed by blood flowing from the tibial tunnel into the surrounding soft tissue. The proximal screw has a restricted cannula to minimize the flow of synovial fluid entering the tibial tunnel. Advantageously, the space between the two screws fills with blood to promote faster healing and incorporation of the graft in the tibial tunnel.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for providing a virtual directory to facilitate a quick, direct search for a web site on the Internet. A user is provided with an extensive number of first level search categories. By clicking on a first level search category, the user is linked to a plurality of corresponding second level search categories which are pre-selected by a service provider. By clicking on a second level search category, the user is linked to a plurality of corresponding third level search categories, which are also pre-selected by the service provider. The third level search categories are preferably URLs corresponding to the search. The user can click on any one of the URLs to access a web site. A button is provided on a bar of the web site by which a user can return to one of the first or second level search categories directly from the current web page bypassing all the intermediate web pages the user reviewed.

Abstract: A reporting system capable of reporting the end of a scanning session to a user through existing computer peripheral devices is proposed. By reporting at the end of a scanning session, the user can proceed with subsequent scanning operations with no delay. Hence, idle time of the scanner is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air supplying device for a welding mask, capable of supplying clean air into a face shield of the welding mask. According to an embodiment of the present invention, more specifically, the air supplying device comprises a housing connected to the face shield, a connection member connected to a supply port of the housing, a first opening/closing member connected to a first outlet part of the housing, and a second opening/closing member connected to a second outlet of the housing. Therefore, the air supplying device is capable of conveniently adjusting direction of a bellows hose connected to supply the air and also adjusting quantity and direction of the air being supplied.

Abstract: A goggle is provided that can include a goggle frame and a bend control component. The goggle frame can define opposing lateral portions and a central portion. The goggle frame can include a bridge disposed at the central portion of the goggle frame. The goggle frame can be generally flexible upon exertion of a bending force on the goggle frame. The bend control component can extend along the bridge of the goggle frame. The bend control component can be configured to enhance flexural strength of the goggle at a bridge thereof for reducing bending of the goggle frame at the bridge. In some embodiments, the bend control component is formed separately from the goggle frame. In other embodiments, the bend control component can be secured to the frame using fasteners and/or one or more protrusions and corresponding recesses.

Abstract: A device for connecting and maintaining a sports pad to a skate, contains a cord having a first end and a second end. A first hook portion is removably connected to the first end of the cord, wherein the first hook portion contains a first anchoring portion and a first clasping portion, the first end of the cord being removably connected to the first clasping portion. The device also contains a first outer cylinder for maintaining the first end of the cord within the first clasping portion and a second hook portion removably connected to the second end of the cord. The second hook portion contains a second anchoring portion and a second clasping portion, where the second end of the cord is removably connected to the second clasping portion. The device also contains a second outer cylinder for maintaining the second end of the cord within the second clasping portion.

Abstract: A protective garment for nuclear environments is formed of a tri-laminate 30/30/30 water resistant barrier fabric. The garment can be incinerated so as to provide a disposable, one time use coverall particularly adapted for use in nuclear/radioactive environments. The coverall provides integrated elements for water resistant (i.e., splashproof), breathable, comfortable contamination protection. It is adapted for use with various types of breathing apparatuses, included external air lines, back-mounted self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), and emergency breathing bottles or apparatuses. Air tanks and bottles are covered by the garment and thus do not need to be decontaminated. The garment also includes elements for use with air sampling devices and/or dosimetry equipment that are often worn by such workers.

Abstract: A tree climbing suit 10 formed as a one-piece suit has a long-sleeved upper torso portion 12 and a lower torso portion 22. The long-sleeved upper torso portion 12 has two long sleeves 14 for covering the arms and a shirt portion 16 for covering the chest region. The lower torso portion 22 covers the waist region and has a pair of pant legs 24 for covering the leg portion of the wearer 2. The tree climbing suit 10 has a plurality of tree contacting gripping patches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 sewn or otherwise affixed to the suit in locations for gripping a tree. The tree-gripping patches are located at least on the regions that are in direct contact with the tree when attempting to climb it. The tree-gripping patches 30, 32, 34 are respectively located at least on portions of the long-sleeves 14, in the chest region on the shirt portion 16, and the inseams 25 of the pant legs 24 preferably extending from pant leg 24 to pant leg 24 traversing across the crotch region of the inseam 25.

Abstract: An adjustable garment includes an article of clothing and a plurality of unique adjustment features. The unique adjustment features includes a plurality of spaced apart pocket members and elastic band members disposed along sleeves, inseams and interior front and back portions of a shirt body portion, pants inseams, interior front and back pants leg portions, waist section of pants, interior portions of foot or bootie portions and associated extended body portions on one-piece garments. The spaced apart pocket members include a lower closed end and an upper open end with a fastener adjacent thereto. The elastic band having a first end cooperating with the lower closed end and a second end extending partially out of the open end with a plurality of fastener holes thereon. Adjustment of the garment is achieved by pulling the second end to connect a desired fastener hole with the pocket member fastener.

Abstract: A drag harness for use with a protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell having a main body portion and at least two limb covering portions. The drag harness includes a wearer loop and at least two gripping portions. A first gripping portion is located at a first limb covering portion while a second gripping portion is located at a second limb covering portion. Each of the gripping portions is located adjacent the outer shell in a non-deployed state and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state whereby a rescuer can drag a wearer.

Abstract: A full coverage, over the head, disposable medical gown is described. The gown includes a front member, a left rear member, and a right rear member. The left rear member and the right rear member are folded over the front member to define a body portion of the gown. The left rear member and the right rear member are attached to one another to define a neck opening for the gown. This attachment occurs in an area that lies between the neck and the shoulder blades of a person wearing the gown. At least one of said left rear member and said right rear member includes perforations therein that extend from the neck opening to an edge of the respective rear member proximate the attachment area.

Abstract: A damage tolerant cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell, a knitted cut resistant liner comprising a cotton yarn and at least one cut resistant yarn, the liner being infiltrated with a soft nitrile or polyurethane layer such that the liner bonds to the shell. The soft nitrile or polyurethane layer seals interstices of the cut resistant liner and replicates its rough texture on the external surface of the glove, providing enhanced grip properties. A thin nitrile latex layer applied to and cured together with the polyurethane layer to protect the polyurethane layer from oil or chemical degradation. The intimate seal thus created between the shell and the liner prevents accumulation of liquid there between, which prevents formation of a liquid boundary layer and interference with grip properties of the glove.

Abstract: A hand-friendly rubber glove article comprising a dried coating of an emulsified hand-friendly mixture comprising at least one water-soluble humectant moisturizer, at least one water-soluble lubricant, at least one water-soluble surfactant, and at least one water-insoluble occlusive moisturizer, which is finely and substantially uniformly dispersed within the mixture, which is transferred to the skin of a wearer upon activation with skin-generated moisture, and, optionally, a fabric-adherent cuff region and/or a texturized surface and methods of making the emulsified hand-friendly mixture and the glove article.

Abstract: A detachable magnetic holder having a top side to gather implements and a bottom side that is interchangeable therewith top side for removable attachment from a base by a handle incorporated into a utility shape to gather, find, and hold ferromagnetic implements used by hobbyists and professional craftsmen engaged in fabrication of finished goods.

Abstract: A hat cover protects the face and neck of a wearer. The cover can be designed to fit almost any type or style of hat. The cover is adapted to slip over the outer area of the hat and to be easily attached and detached. The cover includes rear and side wing portions that drape below the rim of the hat to cover the neck and face of the wearer. The hat may be provided with a pouch for containing a cooling medium (ice), if desired. The hat cover may include frames specially designed for use with the cover if no hat is worn.

Abstract: An opening and closure mechanism for a zipper, the mechanism including a resilient elastic band or strap secured to the zipper handle with opposing ends of the resilient elastic strap being secured to at least one side of the waist band closure, and preferably opposing ends of the resilient elastic strap being secured to opposing sides of the waist band closure such that separating the waist band closure causes the resilient elastic strap to open the zipper closure mechanism by retracting the zipper handle downwardly; and closure of the waist band fastener releases tension on the resilient elastic strap allowing the resilient elastic strap to retract the zipper upwardly to a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a comfortable sock free from tightness in a sole portion. The sock is constructed so that a bottom extension portion 13, in which the number of courses on the side of a sole portion 8 is larger than that on the side of an instep portion 9, is formed between a toe portion 5 and a heel portion 3, and length in the longitudinal direction of the sole portion 8 is larger than that of the instep portion 9.

Abstract: A shock absorbent device capable of securely protecting physical parts such as the lumbar part and femur part from a shock even imparted intensively to a narrow area of the physical part to be protected. Also, the shock absorbent device or a protective pad and protective clothes using the shock absorbent can be brought into close contact with the physical part to be protected while improving air permeability around the physical part covered with the protective pad or clothes and vary the area contacting with the physical part to be protected. The shock absorbent can be used for a protective pad for protecting physical parts such as the lumbar part and femur part from an external shock exerted thereto and includes a shock dispersing member (2), embedded in a shock absorbing member (1), for absorbing the external shock.

Abstract: Earmuffs for use with protective headgear, primarily helmets for use in outside sports such as bicycling, skiing and the like, wherein the earmuffs are in the form a sleeves with flaps that overlap the edges of the sleeves, include a base element that spans a wearer's head and couples left and right sleeves, and include a chin cover that receives the portion of a chin strap that extends beyond the sleeve.

Abstract: A non-woven, flame resistant fabric and a disposable coverall made from the fabric. The non-woven, flame resistant fabric is made of a plurality of NOMEX® synthetic fibers, a plurality of KEVLAR® synthetic fibers, and a plurality of electrostatic dissipative fibers. The coverall has an upper section for covering the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal regions of a wearer. The upper section has long sleeves to cover the arms of the wearer and a collar to cover the neck region of wearer. The coverall also has a waist section contiguous with the upper section for covering the waist region of a wearer, and a pair of leg sections for covering the legs of the wearer. Each leg section has an upper portion contiguous with the waist section. The coverall also has a seat section contiguous with the waist section and the upper portions of the leg sections. The coverall has a two-way zipper extending from the collar section to the waist section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flushing water guiding arrangement (1) for a toilet bowl (5) or similar, comprising a housing which can be inserted into the edge (4) of the toilet bowl, an inlet (6), at least one outlet (7, 8, 10) and a dispensing device (11) which is used to dispense at least one liquid active substance as a supplement to the flushing water. The dispensing device (11) comprises at least one container (12) which is used to receive the active substance and at least one dispensing opening (13) which is arranged between the inlet (6) and the outlet (J, 8, 10). The flushing water guiding arrangement is characterized in that low pressure is set in the container (12) when the active substance is dispensed and that, essentially, only air reaches into the container (12) which is suctioned by the low pressure in the container (12).

Abstract: A toilet seat which comprises of a recess (1) located at its posterior end with a supporting means (2) situated within it, such that the tip (3) of the supporting means (2) provides the much needed support to the anoccocygeal part of the pelvic floor of the human body.

Abstract: A modular occupant bench unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the wall panels and an elongate bench protruding from the vertical wall between the top and bottom thereof into the pool substantially beyond the plane formed by the vertical wall of the pool, the upper side of the bench defining an occupant seating area and the underside being spaced from the floor of the pool. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the upper side of said bench and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a cover from a spa or other housing includes a frame member having one end that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the housing. Another end of the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the cover. In one embodiment, the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the proximate cover portion via a pin attached to the proximate cover portion and extending through a slot defined by the frame member. A motor is likewise attached to the exterior of the housing and is pivotally coupled to the frame member. The motor causes the frame member to rotate thereby lifting the cover off of the housing.

Abstract: A waste fitting for a basin, or similar item, comprising a first open end, a second open end and an inlet between the first and second ends. The waste fitting comprises a first seat for a plug, the inlet being located between the first seat and the second end, and a second seat for a plug, the second seat being located between the inlet and the second end. The inlet is connected in use to the overflow of the basin or similar item. With the plug in the second seat, the portion of the waste fitting above the plug, and the overflow system, may be filled with and may retain a cleaning or disinfecting product.

Abstract: A portable self-contained bed-on-demand system is presented which includes a portable collapsible self-contained storage bed and support assembly and a portable self-contained peripheral support system, or headwall, adapted to the bed that supplies medical-grade power, ventilation, and an oxygen treatment system. The bed-on-demand system duplicates, in a self-contained package usable outside a hospital environment, the critical facilities provided to a patient in a traditional hospital room.

Abstract: A bunk bed having a staircase and chest unit that can be mounted to either end of the bunk bed frame. The staircase opens to the front side of the bunk bed whereas drawers pull outwardly in a direction from the end of the bunk bed. The drawers may be mounted to either end of the bed frame with the drawers being reversible.

Abstract: A bed siderail has a vertical siderail extension, a horizontal siderail extension, or both. A bed siderail has dual vertical siderail extensions. A bed has gap fillers pivotally mounted to the headboard and/or footboard, either in the manner of a hinge, or by means of a dual axis pivot, to fill gaps between the headboard/footboard and a siderail. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers directed toward the headboard, footboard, or an adjacent siderail. A bed has slidably mounted gap fillers. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers, to fill a gap between the siderail and a mattress, the gap fillers being either gravity- or cam-activated, or being integrally formed in the siderail support arms. A bed siderail is rotatable from a deployed to a stowed position, and is simultaneously stowed close-into or underneath the bed frame.

Abstract: A bedsheet, a system, and a method for use thereof for elevating at least one leg or heel of the patient lying on a mattress is disclosed. The bedsheet has a plurality of overlapping longitudinally spaced pockets into which a pillow is insertable. The orientation and configuration of the pockets of the bedsheet allows for insertion of the pillow into the bedsheet at a desired location with minimal interruption to or movement of the patient, and holds the inserted pillow in a relatively fixed position relative to the bedsheet. The system includes the bedsheet and the pillow. The method includes placing the bedsheet on the mattress, inserting the pillow into one of the pockets of the bedsheet to create an elevated portion of the bedsheet, and positioning the leg or heel of the patient on top of the elevated portion of the bedsheet.

Abstract: A bedclothes apparatus includes a blanket sized to cover two occupants of a bed, first and second coverlets, a first fastener assembly operable to secure the first coverlet to a central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across a first segment of the blanket and to release the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment and the central section of the blanket, and a second fastener assembly operable to secure the second coverlet to the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across a second segment of the blanket and to release the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment and the central section of the blanket.

Abstract: Method for changing a pillow in a pillowcase includes providing two members unattached to one another and each having opposed smooth surfaces, inserting the members at least partially into the pillowcase containing a pillow such that the members are each between a respective side of the pillow and an adjacent side of the pillowcase, and then causing relative movement between the pillowcase and the members until the pillow is at least partially outside of the pillowcase. Thereafter, the pillow is grasped and withdrawn from between the members and then without removing the members from the pillowcase, a new pillow is inserted between the members. Then, the individual causes relative movement between the pillowcase and the members until the new pillow is inside of the pillowcase; and withdraws the members from the pillowcase.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a lifting unit for a patient support. The lifting unit includes a base plate, a motor drive, a lifting drive driven by the motor drive and received in the base plate. The lifting drive is adapted to carry out a lifting movement and a movement in the opposite direction. A triggering element is activated when the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate falls below a defined minimum value. The movement of the lifting drive is stopped in response to the activation of the triggering element. If the patient support collides with an obstacle during lifting, the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate is reduced. The reduced pressure is detected by the triggering element and the movement of the patient support is stopped.

Abstract: Stimulation actuators that exert any desired movements on the underspringing arrangement. The underspringing arrangement has lifting members (11) that are mounted elastically by means of elastic elements (14). The elastic elements (14) are arranged such that at least a main direction of work extends at an angle with respect to the direction of the movement of the lifting member. In this way, the lifting member (11) can have a particularly low overall height. The supporting surface of the underspringing arrangement can be moved up and down by the lifting member (11) and the elastic element (14), thereby permitting an individual stimulation and movement of a person lying on the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: What is shown is an upholstery element for a bed of an operating table, with a baseplate, two elongate side parts comprising dimensionally stable foam, which are arranged along two mutually opposite edges of the baseplate, and an upholstery part which consists at least partially of soft foam and fits between the elongate side parts such that it bears at least with its outsides at least partially against the respectively adjacent side part, at least one projecting portion being formed and arranged at least on one side part such that the said portion engages into an associated recess on the outside of the upholstery part when the upholstery part is arranged between the side parts.

Abstract: A mattress has at least one cavity that is covered by a flap formed by the top quilt or covering of the mattress. The cavity is formed by eliminating one or more foam layers corresponding to the size, shape and depth of the desired cavity. In a preferred embodiment, two or more cavities are provided, each at a corner of the mattress. The top quilt, forming the flap, is secured with the use of releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, to completely conceal the pocket when closed. The releasable fasteners allow the flap to be conveniently opened and closed so that jewelry, currency or other valuables and items can be placed within or removed from the one or more hidden cavities. The manner of creating the hidden cavity allows for ease in manufacturing without additional cost, labor or materials other than the releasable fasteners.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a patient support surface having a cover defining an interior region, with a plurality of inflatable zones and a plurality of control nodes located within the interior region. Each control node comprises an air control system including an air supply and a processor.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided. The method includes calculating a quantity of a detergent in a washing operation, setting a washing pattern based on the calculated quantity of the detergent, and performing a rinsing operation according to the set washing pattern, thereby improving rinsing capacity of the washing machine.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: A scraper tool for removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, the scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.