Abstract: This clip (10) for holding two parts together comprises means that snap into an opening in the first part and a central housing (26) for receiving and retaining a male portion on the second part by means of catches (28, 29). The clip (10) comprises spring means allowing sideways displacement of the catch (28, 29) so that it occupies either a locked position in which it projects into the central housing (26) to prevent axial movement of the male portion (27), or a position of release of the male portion (27) in which it is withdrawn from the central housing (26). The clip is also provided with means for causing the catches (27, 28) to move to their locked positions automatically by snapping the clip (10) onto the first part.

Abstract: A hook coupling with a hook body (12), which has a hook-in opening (14), and with a closure latch (16) which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position furthermore comprises: a blocking lever (26) which is displaceable between a blocking position, in which it blocks an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a release position in which it permits an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a triggering device (36) which, in its basic position, whenever blocking lever (26) is in the blocking position, prevents displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position, and which, when actuated out of its basic position, permits displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position.

Abstract: The security buckle includes a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode.

Abstract: The buckle includes a first and a second clamp member positioned substantially parallel to one another. End members are provided at the opposite ends of the first clamp member. The buckle includes a set of pliable wall directly interconnecting one of the end members to the second clamp member. The pliable walls are subjected to a permanent plastic deformation when the second clamp member is moved closer to the first clamp member.

Abstract: A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The band includes a first band element and a second band element with a planar body extending from a first to a second end. The second band element body is greater in length than the first band element body and includes a hole for receiving the first band element body. The band includes a coupling mechanism that detachably connects an outer sidewall of the first band element body to the inner sidewall of the second band element body, e.g., to allow the two band elements to be selectively disconnected and reassembled without tools. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling component extending along the outer sidewall of the first band element and a second coupling element extending along the inner sidewall of the second band element such that the two band elements are connected along the periphery of the hole.

Abstract: A generally U-sectioned cam buckle frame is modified to include a first turning roller aligned transversely across the frame proximate the free end of a release lever. A generally planar tongue having one end pivoted adjacent the first roller extends within the frame under the cam piece connected to the release lever provides a force transfer structure for a strap is inserted between the tongue and the frame bottom surface, around the first roller to pass between the cam piece and the other side of the tongue. Other transverse rollers may be included in the frame to form a pulley arrangement and one end of a frame side wall may be convolved to form a hook assembly.

Abstract: A generally U-sectioned cam buckle frame is modified to include a first turning roller aligned transversely across the frame proximate the free end of a release lever. A generally planar tongue having one end pivoted adjacent the first roller extends within the frame under the cam piece connected to the release lever provides a force transfer structure for a strap is inserted between the tongue and the frame bottom surface, around the first roller to pass between the cam piece and the other side of the tongue. Other transverse rollers may be included in the frame to form a pulley arrangement and one end of a frame side wall may be convolved to form a hook assembly.

Abstract: An urn with one or more removable and replaceable panels which allow for placement of an image, such as by laser engraving, to be done on the removable panel. The panel may be custom engraved and added to a partially complete urn. An urn with an extended base.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a tampon includes a pushing-member inserting mechanism that inserts a pushing member into an accommodating cylinder through a leading-end opening; and a tampon main body inserting mechanism that inserts a tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder from side including a cord through the leading-end opening; a drive section connecting the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder by moving one of the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder towards other one and thus contacting the guide tube and the leading-end part of the accommodating cylinder; a pressing part pressing the tampon main body inserted into the guide tube so as to insert the tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder connected to the guide tube; and an air suction device sucking air from rear-end side of the accommodating cylinder in a case where the tampon main body is inserted into the accommodating cylinder.

Abstract: A modernization method for converting a hydraulically actuated elevator system into an elevator system driven by a drive machine having a drive sheave makes it possible to convert and retain some essential elements of the existing elevator system. Car support rollers are arranged beneath an underside of an elevator car in the area of points of the underside of the elevator car located opposite each other and are connected to the elevator car. Furthermore, a support is guided along the underside of the elevator car and about the car support rollers. The support is also guided about the drive sheave so that the support can be driven by the drive sheave of the drive machine in order to raise and lower the elevator car.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a cockpit windshield with photosensitive glass that automatically and instantaneously converts from transparent state to dark state in response to, e.g., lightning strikes 16. The user may disable the photosensitive windshield by means of a power switch 22. In a preferred element of the photosensitive windshield, a variable control module 20 can be used to set parameters to suit each application and to accommodate user preference. In addition to a power switch 20 that enables and disables the photosensitive circuit, the control module provides means for the user to set shade capacity (opacity in dark state) 24, response rate 26 and light sensitivity 28. The control module 20 and windshield 12 are interconnected by means of a wire harness 32 or wireless transmitter/receiver. The system is powered by an external AC or DC power source 34. In another preferred element, the photosensitive control system provides means to control and protect multiple windows 36.

Abstract: A system and method installs grommets into vehicle grommet holes using vision a six axis robot with a grommet tool and a vision system. The robot arm moves to the general area of a grommet hole and then the vision system determines the exact hole location. Thereafter, the robot moves the grommet tool to the hole to install the grommet. Installation is then confirmed by the vision system.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing facility and method of construction includes a plurality of service and equipment modules which are readily sized and oriented to be packaged, shipped to a desired location, assembled and connected to local resources to form a fully operational assembly or build facility substantially or wholly independent of any resident building structure at the selected site.

Abstract: A lid for a jar and a jar and lid combination for a product is provided. The lid is configured to be selectively removable from the jar. The lid is also configured to be selectively openable when attached to the jar in order to permit access to the interior and any contents of the jar. The lid has a non-continuous bead that is positioned to engage a protuberance on a rim of the jar to secure the lid relative to the rim of the jar while permitting selective removal of the lid from the rim of the jar.

Abstract: A bearing removal tool and method are provided for removing a bearing swaged in a housing with speed and ease of use without damaging the housing, where the bearing removal tool includes a locating fixture having an annular support engaging an outer race of the bearing, with the locating fixture further including a locating mandrel extending axially from a center of the annular support into a center of the bearing locating the bearing outer race relative to the annular support; a cutter head having an axially extending shank extending from one end received in a drill press chuck, with the cutter head having at least one tooth extending axially away from the shank for cutting a swaged lip of the outer race of the bearing on a side of the bearing opposite from the side of the bearing engaged by the annular support.

Abstract: In a method for detaching wafers from a carrier unit, the wafers being formed by sawing a wafer block fastened to the carrier unit by gluing, and the wafers themselves still being glued on one side, the carrier unit with the wafers is introduced into an ungluing unit along a uniform movement plane. It remains therein and is enclosed in an ungluing basin by movable wall parts. Solvent for ungluing is applied into the ungluing basin and onto the wafers after the formation and closing of the ungluing basin to dissolve the glued bond and subsequently detach the wafers from the carrier unit.

Abstract: An artificial flower and the associated method of its manufacture. To produce the artificial flower, two films of material are laminated. The films of material have markedly different coefficients of thermal expansion. The laminate is formed into a curve shape. Petals and leafs are cut from the laminate. The petals and leafs are cut at different orientations across the curved shape. Accordingly, various petals and leaves change shape in different manners in response to changes in temperature. The various petals and leafs are then formed into an artificial flower.

Abstract: A system for applying working equipment onto an external wall of a structure. One system comprises a suspended platform anchored to the structure, operably vertically moveable at a constant speed along the external wall; and a positioning system arranged to determine and control a predefined motion pattern of the working equipment relative to the suspended platform, the positioning system mounted on the suspended platform. The predefined motion pattern is selected such as to allow continuous and uniform application of the working equipment horizontally and vertically onto the external wall during the vertical movement of the suspended platform along the external wall. The predefined motion pattern comprises a diagonal movement comprising a vertical component and a horizontal component, wherein the vertical component is equal and opposed to the vertical movement of the suspended platform.

Abstract: When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking protrusions or “teeth”, is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver housing member, which contains, a pre-installed “padlock type” frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to disengage from each other.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: Assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment, where the display fixture includes a first end assembly supported on the floor, a second end assembly supported on the floor, a first cross-piece, and a second cross-piece, each of the first and second cross-pieces extending between the first and second end assemblies and substantially parallel to one another. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture and an accessory sheath is slid over the display fixture accessory by sliding an open bottom of the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory until a top of the accessory sheath abuts a top of the display fixture accessory and the accessory sheath covers a substantial portion of the display fixture accessory. The accessory sheath includes a plurality of substantially horizontal bracket slots.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an acceleration sensing unit includes: providing an element support substrate in which a plurality of element supporting members is arranged so as to form a plane, each of the element supporting members being coupled to the other element supporting member through a supporting part and having a fixed part and a movable part that is supported by the fixed part through a beam, the beam having a flexibility with which the movable part is displaced along an acceleration detection axis direction when an acceleration is applied to the movable part; providing an stress sensing element substrate in which a plurality of stress sensing elements is arranged so as to form a plane, each of the stress sensing elements being coupled to the other stress sensing element through an element supporting part and having a stress sensing part and fixed ends that are formed so as to have a single body with the stress sensing part at both ends of the stress sensing part; disposing the stress sensing element

Abstract: Packaging apparatus modules include a frame with a base adapted to reside on a support floor, the frame having opposing right and left hand frame sides and at least one lateral beam that extends therebetween, the right and left hand frame sides comprising respective upwardly extending frame portions which are configured to reside on opposing sides of a longitudinal product travel path having an axially extending centerline; and a clipper mechanism configured to selectively attach to either one of the right and left hand frame sides in a manner that positions the clipper mechanism at a substantially common operative full-clip location in the product travel path when mounted to either the right or left hand frame sides to thereby allow build options with selectable mounting orientations.

Abstract: Protecting material from contamination by an illicit substance or object during unauthorized or illegal action, performed by children, teenagers, animals Providing material inside a closed container having an access opening, aligning a trap with access opening, mounting aligned trap within the container, and adding decoy material to trap Closed container having access opening, for containing the material, and trap mountable within container, alignable with access opening, and suitable for holding decoy material Trap with decoy material intercepts and traps illicit substance or object introduced via access opening into container, preventing the illicit substance or object from contacting protected material inside container Unique alignment and mounting via appropriate shape, configuration, dimensions, of trap relative to access opening, and amount of decoy material, produce a protective visual illusion against a perpetrator performing unautho?zed or illegal action Optional automatic in-situ testing/monito?ng q

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a first zone comprising graphics and a second zone comprising graphics, wherein the first and second zones have different elastic properties. Further, the absorbent article may comprise a first absorbent article component and a second absorbent article component having substantially different elastic properties, wherein the first absorbent article component comprises an elastomer. Additionally, the absorbent article may comprise a third absorbent article component overlapping the first and second absorbent article components, wherein the third absorbent article component comprises graphics on at least the portions which overlap the first and second absorbent article components.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a first zone comprising graphics and a second zone comprising graphics, wherein the first and second zones have different elastic properties. Further, the absorbent article may comprise a first absorbent article component and a second absorbent article component having substantially different elastic properties, wherein the first absorbent article component comprises an elastomer. Additionally, the absorbent article may comprise a third absorbent article component overlapping the first and second absorbent article components, wherein the third absorbent article component comprises graphics on at least the portions which overlap the first and second absorbent article components.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of an ink absorber, which is a fiber assembly in which intersections between fibers are not fused together, is charged into a compression and insertion apparatus. A rectangular parallelepiped-shaped insertion block is moved to an upper surface portion of the absorber, and one face of the ink absorber is pushed by a side plate. As such, a part excluding the part of the ink absorber which faces the side plate is compressed and surrounded. In this state, the ink absorber is compressed by the side plate. The ink absorber is inserted into a tank case by making a bottom plate slide, thereby opening the bottom face of the ink absorber and by moving down the insertion block.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a product or pharmaceutical product in an improved production layout are disclosed. The layout includes a production area which includes a hub which is at least partially surrounded by a manufacturing area. The manufacturing area comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

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: A patch antenna includes: a dielectric layer made of an insulation material, and having upper and lower surfaces, and a through hole; a radiation metal layer disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, and having a first plate body, a first aperture aligned with the through hole, and a first protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the first aperture into the through hole; and a grounding metal layer disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer, and having a second plate body, a second aperture aligned with the through hole, and a second protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the second aperture into the through hole. The first and second protruding portions contact each other in the through hole so that the radiation and grounding metal layers are electrically connected. A method of making a patch antenna is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for assembly of a segmented reflector antenna, including coupling a central segment upon an antenna mount. Attaching a peripheral segment to a bottom portion of the central segment. Rotating the central segment to present a bottom portion of the central segment without a peripheral segment, and attaching a peripheral segment to the bottom portion. In additional steps, a secondary ring of peripheral segments may be applied, each connected to an outer edge of a peripheral segment connected to the bottom portion of the central segment.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for combining multiple windings on a magnetic core. An integrated winding structure has a winding base and multiple winding extensions. The multiple winding extensions and the winding base are formed from a single sheet of electrically conductive material. Each of the multiple winding extensions has a base portion that extends from the winding base, a wrapping portion that extends from the base portion, and a connection portion that extends from the wrapping portion. The connection portions and the winding base each have electrical connection surfaces. Each of the multiple winding extensions forms one or more windings on the magnetic core.

Abstract: A rivet tool capable of measuring size of blind rivet has a body and multiple interchangeable nosepieces. The body further has multiple rivet body measuring holes formed through the body. Diameters of the rivet body measuring holes match rivet bodies of corresponding blind rivets. Accordingly, the rivet tool of the present invention employs the rivet body measuring holes to measure a size of a rivet body of a blind rivet to rapidly, conveniently and correctly obtain a size of a rivet body of a blind rivet and further to correctly choose a nosepiece with a matching size.

Abstract: An assembling jig for lens module comprises a crutch, a mobile carrier and a pressing mechanism. The crutch includes a level mounting base and an erect support wall joined to one side of the mounting base. A firm carrier is fixed on the mounting base. The mobile carrier fixed on the firm carrier comprises a carrier base, several positioning blocks disposed around the top surface of the carrier base, the positioning blocks surrounding a restraining groove in which a PCB with a lens socket is received. The pressing mechanism disposed on the support wall includes a pressing member can move up and down and a drive gear connected to one end of the pressing member. This kind of lens module component assembling jig features in assembling lens component steadily and can be applied to different kinds of lens component. Thus it abates the cost of assembling the lens component.

Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS accelerometers and methods for fabricating same. An exemplary accelerometer comprises a substrate, and a proof mass that is a portion of the substrate and which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension anus that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. Capacitive sensing is used to derive electrical signals caused by forces exerted on the proof mass, and the electrical signals are processed by the processing electronics to produce x-, y- and z-direction acceleration data. Electrostatic actuation is used to induce movements of the mass for force balance operation, or self-test and self-calibration.

Abstract: A wiring board and method of forming a wiring board. The wiring board includes a first substrate and a second substrate having a smaller mounting area than a mounting area of the first substrate. A base substrate is laminated between the first substrate and the second substrate such that the first substrate extends beyond at least one edge of the second substrate. At least one of the base substrate, the first substrate or the second substrate comprises pliable resin, and at least one other of the base substrate, the first substrate or the second substrate comprises an inorganic filler.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the highly efficient formation of a uniform, high-quality film with which increased line speed, improved productivity, and cost reduction can be envisaged. A method for forming a rustproof film on a PC strand, wherein a PC stranded (1) is untwisted to separate surrounding wires (1b) from a core wire (1a), a synthetic resin powdered coating material is uniformly adhered by being applied and heated over the outer periphery of the core wire and surrounding wires in this untwisted state, the product is cooled to form a resin film (26), and then the surrounding wires are twisted back to the original state with respect to the core wire. Pre-heating is performed before the coating step and post-heating is performed after the coating step, the pre-heating temperature is set 30 to 130° C. higher than the post-heating temperature, a synthetic resin powdered coating material having an average grain size of 40 to 50 ?m is used, and the process line speed is 5 to 10 m/min.

Abstract: To provide a method of setting a performance characteristic of a pump for setting a performance characteristic of a pump, the pump including an impeller that takes in fluid from a suction port and that sends out the fluid toward a discharge port, and a diffuser provided in a flow passage between the impeller and the discharge port, where the diffuser includes a hub arranged in a central portion of the flow passage, a shroud arranged around a periphery of the hub, and a plurality of diffuser vanes radially arranged from an outer peripheral surface of the hub toward an inner peripheral surface of the shroud, and the method includes a mounting-position setting step of setting a mounting position of each of the diffuser vanes to be mounted on the hub according to the performance characteristic of the pump in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction extending from the hub toward the shroud.

Abstract: A procedure for repairing subsurface defects in a shell member laminate of a wind turbine blade includes detecting the location and boundary of the subsurface defect and drilling a fill hole from an external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to a boundary of the defect. A vent hole is drilled from the external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to an opposite boundary from the fill hole. A flowable bonding material is injected into the fill hole until the bonding material flows from the vent hole. The repair zone is reinforced with at least one mechanical fastener defined through the laminate either within the boundary of the defect or outboard of the boundary of the defect.

Abstract: A nail clipping system comprises two opposed surfaces (relatively flat, curved or ergonomically or functionally non-planar) hinged at one end. The hinge may be a living hinge made from the same or similar structural material as the opposed surfaces, or may be a spring-loaded hinge connecting the two opposed surfaces. Associated with an upper one of the opposed surfaces is at least one (relatively) downward exterior plate, and associated with a lower one of the opposed surfaces is at least one (relatively) upward interior plate directly opposed to a downward exterior plate. The at least one downward exterior plate has a slot therein accessible to finger nails. The slot may be linear or curved (to accommodate the curve of nails). The at least one upward interior plate has a blade element that slides along an interior surface of the downward exterior plate and across the slot therein.

Abstract: A manual shaving apparatus comprising plurality of blade stacks. Each said blade stack comprises a plurality of identical blades. Each blade includes at least two cutting edges. The blades in each stack are orientated to be in register with each other. Each blade in a stack is arranged to allow rotation about a common axis and to present a cutting edge of each blade in each stack in a common plane.

Abstract: A cutting head for an electric razor is provided. The cutting head has at least one upper blade and a lower blade associated with the upper blade, which upper and lower blades are movably supported relative to one another and can be driven accordingly by a drive device. The upper blade has a contact surface for the skin to be shaved, which contact surface is formed by a plurality of webs that are each bounded by slots. The longitudinal extent of the webs runs substantially perpendicular to a threading edge bounding the contact surface. The contact surface is designed to be concave and rises towards the threading edge, where the threading edge has an outer radius and this outer radius encloses an angle of less than 90°.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating a reference impulse for a position measuring device, wherein the position measuring device includes a scale with at least one incremental track and at least one reference mark and a scanning unit for generating position signals by scanning the at least one incremental track and for generating an analog reference impulse by scanning the at least one reference mark. The arrangement includes a reference impulse memory unit that receives the analog reference impulse and stores the received analog reference impulse as a stored reference impulse.

Abstract: A length measuring device for measuring a relative position of two objects, the length measuring device including a scale in a housing and a scanning unit displaceable in a measuring direction X relative to the scale and the housing, wherein the scanning unit is disposed inside the housing and including a heat-generating electrical component. The length measuring device further including a thermal conduction path designed for transferring heat generated at the heat-generating electrical component to the housing.

Abstract: An adaptor can convert a conventional hot air clothes dryer to draw air from outside instead of inside a building, and comprises an adaptor housing securable over the air intake region of the dryer in fluid communication with the air inlet of the dryer, with an adaptor housing inlet connectible to an air intake linkage. A filter and filter bypass assembly can be used in combination with the adaptor. The assembly comprises an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure inside the outer enclosure. An inner enclosure inlet and inner enclosure outlet define a first airflow path through the inner enclosure and an outer enclosure inlet and outer enclosure outlet define a second airflow path through the outer enclosure and bypassing the inner enclosure. The inner enclosure and the outer enclosure have a common aperture for insertion of a filter into the inner enclosure across the first airflow path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehydrating biological materials, such as vaccines and microorganism cultures, in which the materials are dehydrated in an evacuated container which is in a microwave waveguide that is open to the atmosphere. The apparatus comprises means for freezing the container of biological material, a microwave generator, a waveguide, means for introducing the container into the waveguide, means for applying a vacuum to the container and means for removing the dehydrated material from the waveguide. In the method of the invention, the container of biological material is put in a microwave waveguide open to the atmosphere, a vacuum is applied to the container, the material is frozen and is radiated to dehydrate it. The dehydrated material is then removed from the waveguide.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.

Abstract: A novel clothes dryer, and an adaptor for a conventional clothes dryer, are disclosed. The novel clothes dryer and the adaptor enable a method for operating a clothes dryer located inside a building. The method comprises the steps of drawing air directly from outside the building into a dryer inlet, heating the air to produce heated air, circulating the heated air among moist textiles in a dryer drum to evaporate moisture from the textiles to produce moist heated air, and then venting the moist heated air from a dryer air outlet directly to outside the building.

Abstract: A condensation dryer includes a housing having a wall area which forms a rear side, and a process air circuit for circulating process air. The process air circuit has a first section outside the housing and running along the wall area and a remaining second section inside the housing. The first section which is located at the wall area is formed by a profile part placed on the wall area and is covered by a hood placed in sealing fashion on the wall area. A fan is arranged in the process air circuit for circulating the process air, and a drying chamber is arranged in the process air circuit for holding objects to be dried. A heat pump is disposed in the housing and includes a heat sink which is thermally coupled to the process air circuit, and a heat source, which is thermally coupled to the process air circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoe cover which has an open ended bottom. When the shoe cover made from stretchable fabric is placed over a shoe, the top portion of the shoe is covered while the sole of the shoe is exposed. An opening at the top allows for the foot to have access to the shoe and at the bottom so the sole will have traction. A band of stretch material secures the cover across the instep and around the bottom edge of the shoe with no slip strips.