Abstract:
An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for controlling motors using relays is disclosed. The invention includes causing rotation of the motor in a first rotation direction if a first control signal is asserted and causing rotation of the motor in a second rotation direction if a second control signal is asserted. The invention further includes impeding rotation of the motor if both the first control signal and the second control signal are asserted, or if both the first control signal and the second control signal are negated.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.
Abstract:
A NiAl intermetallic alloy and article is provided with improved high temperature strength, particularly stress rupture strength, through the generation of a multiphase microstructure comprising a beta matrix and at least one precipitate phase. The strength properties and microstructure are the result of alloying with at least two elements selected from Ga, Hf, and optionally Ti, Zr, Ta, Nb, and V, in defined ranges. Preferred are at least two of the elements Ga, Hf, and Ti, and specifically preferred are all three. A specifically preferred form of the invention, in atomic percent, is about 45-59% Ni, about 0.02-0.5% Ga, about 0.2 to less than 1% Hf, about 0.1-10% Ti, with the balance A1 and incidental impurities.
Abstract:
Improved padded brassieres in which the padding layer within the cup structure includes a batting of fibers formed together into a cohesive fibrous web, the batting having a plurality of areas devoid of fibers to provide a patterned openwork structure. The open areas are typically in the range of approximately 1/32 to 1/4 of an inch in length and width, arranged in rows of predetermined linear alignment to provide an aesthetic arrangement having porosity, strength, integrity and excellent drapable characteristics.
Abstract:
A system for sustained release of phenolic material into a fluid from phenolic complexes of water-insoluble, but water-swellable crosslinked N-vinyllactam or N-alkyl-N-vinylamide polymers in the form of porous beads or granules. The complexes, which are particularly suited for use in situations wherein fluids containing phenolic materials in limited quantities are desired, and are provided by leaching a limited amount of phenolic material from the complex by contacting the porous granules in a container, such as in a canister or column which is used to treat liquids or water.