A tridimensional modeling apparatus, system and kit is for representing an exploration network. The apparatus, system and kit include a transparent hollow cube with six plane surfaces for representing an enclosed volume, a plurality of perforations on at least two of the six plane surfaces and indicia around each opening for marking polar coordinates and orientation. The apparatus, system and kit further include a plurality of transparent rods for representing exploration channels. The plurality of perforations on the cube are arranged for receiving rods for tridimensional modeling of the exploration network and each rod is inserted into an opening with an angle and a depth, thereby resulting in a visual representation of the exploration network within the represented volume.

A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively.

A cognitive disorder diagnostic system that employs cognitive cubes, gameplay associate with the cognitive cubes, and a data gathering as statistical analysis base device that may be a computer, that communicates the gathered data to a web server host according to a unique ID associated with particular cognitive cubes and further associated with a particular player. Using the statistical data gathered using the gameplay, various cognitive disorders may be successfully diagnosed and treated with higher reliability.

Various embodiments described herein facilitate multi-lingual communications. The systems and methods of some embodiments enable multi-lingual communications through different modes of communication including, for example, Internet-based chat, e-mail, text-based mobile phone communications, postings to online forums, postings to online social media services, and the like. Certain embodiments implement communication systems and methods that translate text between two or more languages. Users of the systems and methods may be incentivized to submit corrections for inaccurate or erroneous translations, and may receive a reward for these submissions. Systems and methods for assessing the accuracy of translations are described.

A receiving circuit, use, and method for receiving an encoded and modulated radio signal is provided. The circuit comprise a demodulator and a digital filter connected downstream of the demodulator for moving averaging. The filter has at least two FIFO registers and subtractors. Whereby for subtracting an output value of the FIFO register from an input value of the FIFO register a subtractor is connected to each FIFO register. Wherein the filter has a weighting unit, which is connected downstream of each FIFO register, and wherein the filter has an integrator, which is connected downstream of the subtractors for integration.

A method for generating display data comprises detecting user input via an input interface. A processor is in communication with the input interface to generate display data comprising a display object for display by a display device. The display object is representative of an action that will subsequently be performed by the processor on continuation of the user input. The display data on the display device is output while the user input is being detected. Alternatively, the display object is caused to appear on the display device over time as the user input is being performed, wherein the rate at which the display object appears is different to the rate of performance of the user input. A device and executable computer program for performing the steps of the method is also provided.

A papermaking machine for the production of a fibrous web including a plurality of rollers and a structured fabric moving along the rollers. The structured fabric includes a plurality of weft yarns and a plurality of warp yarns woven with the plurality of weft yarns to produce a weave pattern, the plurality of warp yarns being a plurality of paired warp yarn sets. Each paired warp yarn set including a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn. Within the weave pattern the first warp yarn forms a float over at least four weft yarns and weaves with a single weft yarn immediately adjacent with the float. The second warp yarn having an inverse pattern to the first warp yarn, with the second warp yarn weaving with another single weft yarn that is not adjacent to the single weft yarn with which the first warp yarn is woven.

A discharge device actively discharges a main capacitor in an electric-power system of an electric-drive vehicle and comprises a discharge branch of a circuit connected in parallel to the capacitor and including a discharge transistor biased to “conduction” mode when the capacitor must be discharged. A control device is connected to a “gate/base” terminal of and controls the transistor, biasing the transistor to the mode when the capacitor is required to fee discharged. A control transistor maintains the discharge transistor in a “non-conductive” state when the control transistor is in the mode. The control transistor is in the state for the discharge transistor to be in the mode. A safety capacitor is interposed between the terminal and a power supply and charges when the discharge transistor is in the mode, causing a progressive decrease of current at the terminal, until the discharge transistor is biased to the state.

This invention is directed to a system that generates a sufficient level of electricity through access to a municipal water supply line to run a furnace during below freezing temperatures. The system includes an inlet that draws water from a water supply line. A first conduit, in communication with the inlet, transports the water into a DC generator that includes an impeller to generate electricity. Water is then routed through a second conduit which then returns the water to the water supply line through an outlet. A solenoid valve may be positioned between the inlet and first conduit which remains closed when the electric grid runs normally but will open during a power outage to supply water to the DC generator. A lithium battery stores power created by the DC generator, which may include a voltage regulator and inverter to convert to DC.

A system, method and apparatus for automatically adapting power grid usage by controlling internal and/or external power-related assets of one or more users in response to power regulation and/or frequency regulation functions in a manner beneficial to both the power grid itself and the users of the power grid.

A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.

Disclosed is a container system that is adapted to be accessed by horse mounted users. The container system finds particular application in storing equestrian implements, such as riding crops. The container is mounted at an elevated height upon a fence and additionally includes rounded forward faces. Thus, the container is easy to access by riders and presents less of a danger to the horse and its rider. Furthermore, the container is advantageously formed from a weather resistant plastic material.

Flower vending machine and method of use of the same, with the object of preventing fogging of a display space comprised within said machine, said display space being accessible by means of at least one hatch covered by a transparent sheet to which is directed a flow of air to preventing fogging of the interior of the display space. In the method of use of said machine the cooling system is stopped, the flow of air is introduced and an air extractor external to the display space is activated. All this prevents the fogging of the display space, thereby guaranteeing excellent visibility of the flowers as well as their optimum preservation.

Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine center under control of the control means.

A fishing line reeling apparatus for loading a spool of fishing line about a reel of a fishing pole includes a clamp capable of being anchored to a ledge of an existing support surface, and a bracket attached to the clamp wherein the bracket has a dowel capable of rotatably receiving and suspending the existing spool of fishing line above the existing support surface. An arm is located subjacent to the dowel and statically mated to the bracket. The arm has an eyelet attached to a distal end thereof such the fishing line is downwardly guided from the spool and urged along a longitudinal length of the arm prior to passing through the eyelet.

The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.

An analyte sensor system including a substrate, a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a second electrode disposed on a second surface of the substrate, a third electrode provided in electrical contact with at least one of the first or second electrodes, where at least a portion of the first electrode and the second electrode are subcutaneously positioned in a patient, and where the third electrode is substantially entirely positioned external to the patient, and corresponding methods are provided.

A metal material is provided with a bismuth coating which enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion and is able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment. The metal material has a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein the percentage of bismuth atoms in the number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%.

An apparatus for servicing roadways includes a frame configured to be secured to a prime mover. The apparatus further includes a grinding drum rotatably supported upon the frame. The apparatus still further includes a driving system supported upon the frame and configured to rotationally drive the grinding drum.

A device for use in a vehicle steering system, said device comprising at least one actuator affixed to a wheel linkage of at least one wheel of said vehicle steering system. The actuator comprises a rotation assembly engagable with a first wheel linkage segment, an electric motor for actuating movement of the rotation assembly via a gear box and one or more sensors integrally contained in the actuator for sensing one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of force, speed, turns and rotation. Rotation of the rotation assembly actuates linear movement of said first wheel linkage segment into and out of said actuator to thereby adjust one or more wheel parameters of said at least one wheel, and wherein said one or more sensors provide real time data to an actuator control unit integral to said actuator to self-adjust rotational parameters of said rotation assembly.

Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A latching member disposed in the tubular body may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus include securing at least one member of the expandable apparatus in a retracted position by engaging an inner wall of a tubular body with at least one latch member disposed in at least one aperture formed in a latch sleeve.

Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies.

A coupling and various methods of use of the coupling. In one embodiment a coupling is provided for use with an appliance operated by a power supply, which coupling allows mounting/dismounting of the appliance without electrical isolation from the supply, said coupling comprising: a) a mounting member having a first encapsulated transformer element and suitable controls connectable to the power supply, said member being suitable for fixing to a structure; and b) a holder member engageable with said mounting member and suitable for holding or for connecting thereto an appliance, said holder member including a second encapsulated transformer element able to conduct power to an appliance.

Melters for glass forming apparatuses and glass forming apparatuses comprising the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a melter for melting glass batch materials includes a base portion and a rigid exoskeleton rigidly attached to the base portion and comprising a plurality of upright members interconnected with a plurality of cross members defining an exoskeleton interior volume. Connection nodes formed at intersections of the plurality of cross members with upper ends of the plurality of upright members are constrained from movement relative to the base portion in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. A tank assembly is positioned on the base portion in the exoskeleton interior volume and coupled to the rigid exoskeleton. In some embodiments, the melter has a dynamic resistance greater than 0.3.

A coal nozzle assembly for a pulverized coal burner includes a diffuser. A flow conditioner also may be used with the assembly. The assembly conditions the coal/air flow before the coal/air flow is introduced to the furnace. The flow conditioner directs the coal into the diffuser where it is swirled to form a fuel rich outer ring disposed about an air rich inner portion before the fuel is delivered to the coal nozzle.

A combustion device in the form of an elevated fixed-grate that includes arcuately shaped solid refractory brick with ribs placed thereunder so as to allow horizontal air flow for fuel combustion. The brick are arranged atop one another in a stacked concentric configuration that forms a central fuel passageway and allows cascading of a fuel pile throughout the combustion stages. The device provides the benefit of proper de-ashing online while distributing the underfire air radially around the fuel pile. The elevated design of the bricks allows the air to be evenly distributed throughout the fuel pile and further allows the isolation of overfire and underfire air. Segregating overfire and underfire air in an evenly distributed manner allows the burner to combust a wide range of fuel moisture contents without modifying the mechanical components of the burner.

An organic compound and a photoelectric conversion device containing the organic compound are disclosed. The organic compound and device realize high photoelectric conversion efficiency, low dark current and high-speed responsivity. It has been found that when this organic compound and an n-type semiconductor are used in combination, high-speed responsivity can be realized while maintaining high heat resistance, an aspect of which has not been seen when the connection part between a donor part and an acceptor part is a phenylene group.

A nano power cell and method of use are described wherein the nano power cell absorbs electromagnetic energy is nano particles in an optical fluid that flow in microchannels of the nano power cell.

A vacuum roller for a web handling system comprises a hollow, cylindrical, rotably driven drum and an end cap threadingly mounted onto the rear end of the drum. Together, the drum and the end cap define a plurality of individual, externally communicable vacuum paths. A spherical, metal movable element is internally disposed within each vacuum path and regulates the passage of air therethrough. A plurality of magnetic elements is fixedly mounted on a stationary annular holder. In use, each magnetic element selectively displaces each movable element when disposed in close proximity thereto to the extent necessary so as to permit the passage of air through its corresponding vacuum path. As such, the vacuum roller is provided with a predefined range of suction, or vacuum zone, about the outer surface of its rotating drum that directly corresponds to the angular arrangement of the plurality of stationary magnetic elements.

A memristor-based emulator including a memristor circuit for use in digital modulation that includes a first current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) having multiple terminals in communication with a capacitor Cd and in further communication with a resistor Ri. A second CFOA having multiple terminals is in communication with the first CFOA and is adapted to be in further communication with a voltage vM to provide an input current iM for integration by a capacitor Ci. A nonlinear resistor is in communication with the second CFOA. A third CFOA having multiple terminals is in communication with the nonlinear resistor and is in further communication with the first CFOA and a resistor Rd. The third CFOA and the resistor Rd act as an inverting amplifier associated with the nonlinear resistor to increase a current gain to increase a difference between ON and OFF values of a resistance of a realized memristor.

Containers and components thereof for use in the medical industry and methods to manufacture the same are described. An example tab for use with a medical container includes opposing sheets sealed to define an open ended chamber into which a port is to be at least partially positioned. The port is to enable access to the medical container. The tab includes a tear seal defined by each of the opposing sheets and a first guide positioned on a first side of each of the tear seals. The tab includes a second guide positioned on a second side of each of the tear seals, wherein the first and second guides are to enable a tear to propagate substantially between the guides and adjacent the tear seals.

The present invention relates to a packing box for accommodation of plate bodies, which comprises a backplane, and a side plate vertically arranged at the periphery of the backplane, the plate body including a main body, and a PCB plate connected through a flexible sheet to the edge of the main body, a positioning member being further arranged in the space enclosed by the backplane and the side plate for preventing the PCB plate from moving relative to the main body. The positioning member of the present invention can prevent the PCB plate from moving relative to the main body of the plate body, playing a role in protecting the circuit on the flexible sheet and having low costs.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to reusable notecard. In one embodiment, the reusable notecard is comprised of a trifold panel having a left panel, a center panel and a right panel and a reclosable closing mechanism, connected to the trifold panel, to releasably secure the left panel to the right panel when folded over one another. In one embodiment, the adjustable left panel is comprised of a plurality of left panel fold lines and the right panel is comprised of a plurality of right panel fold lines, the plurality of left panel fold lines and the plurality of right panel fold lines for adapting to dimensions of contents inside the notecard. In one embodiment, the trifold panel is made of a material allowing for non-permanent markings.

A machining system that includes an ultrasonic machining assembly, wherein the ultrasonic machining assembly further includes a machining tool; a collet adapted to receive the machining tool; and an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to transmit acoustical vibrations to the machining tool; and a machining apparatus, wherein the machining apparatus is adapted to receive and secure the ultrasonic machining assembly, and wherein the machining apparatus is operative to transmit torque to the machining tool by applying rotary motion to the ultrasonic machining assembly.

This invention provides for a novel retractable, telescoping, surgical needle cover and a collapsible needle, such that the sharp tip of the needle is covered after use thereby protecting the user from accidental needle sticks. In one embodiment, the needle cover is hollow and holds the needle at the tip. When the sharp tip is struck on a hard surface, the needle collapses inside of the needle cover. A second embodiment of the invention provides for a cover which slides back and forth along the length of a needle and is held in a forward position by a lever which is movably disposed within a groove at the base of the needle. In the third embodiment, the needle cover only partially the covers the outer surface of the needle, and when the needle is held by a needle holder such that the needle holder contacts both the cover and the needle, then the needle tip is exposed. When the needle is gripped by the needle holder such that only the needle cover is held, the tip of the needle is struck on a hard surface and the needle cover slides forward to cover the tip.

The present invention relates to devices and systems that alter intracranial compliance, cerebral blood flow and/or intracranial pressure pulsatility/waveform by oscillating the contraction and expansion of a compressible composition within the cranial or spinal cavities such that they increase intracranial capacity. The contraction and expansion of the compressible composition in the oscillating compliance devices can be due to an individual's intracranial pressure, the result of the expansion and compression of a reservoir which is mediated by the contractility of the heart or driven by a pump gaited to a biorhythm. The invention also relates to methods for protecting an individual's brain from abnormal arterial pulsations and for altering an individual's cerebral blood flow using the devices and systems of the invention. The oscillating compliance devices can be used to treat several diseases and/or conditions characterized by altered/abnormal intracranial compliance, cerebral blood flow and/or intracranial pressure pulsatility/waveform, including hydrocephalus, stroke, dementia and migraine headaches, vasospasms, congestive heart failure, cardiopulmonary bypass or carotid endarterectomy.

The invention relates to an energy-efficient apparatus driven by compressed air and equipped with a dual piston function for tensioning, or clamping, or centering, or punching, or welding, or clinching, for use in body construction in the automotive industry. The apparatus is driven by a pressurized fluid, in particular by compressed air. It is shown how a significant amount of operating costs can be saved while, at the same time, conserving the environment and consuming a low amount of pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air. In addition, the pivoting angle of a toggle joint assembly and thus of an apparatus connected thereto, for example, a tensioning arm of a toggle tensioning apparatus, can be continuously adjusted in both directions while, at the same time, adjusting a sampling device using sensors, for example, microswitches, or inductive switches, or pneumatic switches, or limit switches.

High pressure pump systems with reduced pressure ripple for use with waterjet systems and other systems are described herein. A pump system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes four reciprocating members operably coupled to a crankshaft at 90 degree phase angles. The reciprocating members can include plungers operably disposed in corresponding cylinders and configured to compress fluid (e.g., water) in the cylinders to pressures suitable for waterjet processing, such as pressures exceeding 30,000 psi.

The invention is an accumulator system in which multiple elastomeric accumulators are attached in series or parallel in order to generate total differential pressure in excess of that generated in a non-series system. Also disclosed is a “stacked” accumulator system. The system stores energy when the accumulators deform from their original shape in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is available for use when the fluid is released from the accumulators and the accumulators return to their original shape.

A cylinder liner for insert casting which is excellent in heat conductivity with a cylinder block is provided, the cylinder liner for insert casting of the present invention comprising a cylinder liner for insert casting 2 which is formed with projections 5 with heights of 0.3 to 1.2 mm and undercut parts 6 in a ratio of 20 to 80/cm2 on an outer circumferential surface 4 over which, in turn, a thermally sprayed layer 7 is covered, wherein the thermally sprayed layer 7 is comprised of a ferrous material and wherein a ratio of a surface area of a thermally sprayed layer 7 surface at a certain region on the outer circumferential surface 4 of the liner with an area of the region is 12 to 23. The thermally sprayed layer preferably has a thickness of 0.01 to 0.2 mm. The thermally sprayed layer is preferably formed using a wire shaped thermal spraying material.

An adjustable air diffuser is disposed in an airflow channel into which a travelling wind is directed through an opening provided in a bumper face. The diffuser opens and closes the channel by movable louver blades driven by an actuator. An upper part of the diffuser is disposed to face a rear wall of the bumper face and is attached to a bumper beam extending along a vehicle width direction. A lower part of the diffuser is attached to a vehicle body structural member. The attachment structure includes a column that is disposed behind the adjustable air diffuser. A lower end of the column is attached to a lower end of the adjustable air diffuser. Weak portions are provided on the column such that the column breaks when the column interferes with another member behind the column.

A railroad coupler assembly having at least a body and a knuckle both formed in a no-bake manufacturing process, the body and the knuckle having dimensional tolerances of distances between features that wear during operation that are about half those obtained from a body and a knuckle manufactured by a green sand process, resulting in increased fatigue life compared to the body and the knuckle manufactured by a green sand process. The body and the knuckle resulting from the no-bake manufacturing process have no observable laps, scabs, chaplets or welding in critical areas of the body and knuckle, which are reflected in surface conditions matching SCRATA (Steel Castings Research and Trade Association) values of: D1 (laps); E1 (scabs); F1 (chaplets); and J1 (welds).

A self-contained automatic access port unit having a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and to activate a direct current motor, solenoid, or drive cylinder which in turn moves a drive arm to open a cover to permit refuse to drop through the access port unit into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. A switch or timer causes the access port unit to close its cover. Motion of the drive arm is initiated by the motor, solenoid or drive cylinder, but continues through momentum imparted to the drive arm and cover. The cover engages a seal ring to provide a uniform impervious countertop surface.

A material reduction apparatuses and methods suitable for performing cutting operations on a variety of materials, including food and nonfood products. The apparatus includes a machine having a cutting head, an impeller adapted for rotation within the cutting head about an axis thereof, means disposed on the cutting head for reducing the size of a material forced therethrough by the impeller, and an electric motor unit disposed in-line with the axis of the impeller. The electric motor unit supports the cutting head and impeller and has a shaft coupled to the impeller to rotate the impeller within the cutting head. The apparatus further includes means physically coupled to the electric motor unit for supporting the machine within a duct in which the machine is entirely enclosed. The supporting means includes arms that extend from the electric motor unit.

A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.

A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.

A material-channeling tray comprising a tray surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a sidewall extending from the tray surface and bottom surface. The tray surface has a plurality of channel openings and a handle opening extending through the tray surface and the bottom surface. The sidewall has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the interior surface and tray surface defining a tray volume. The sidewall extends away from the tray surface forming an angle between the interior surface and the tray surface that is at least ninety degrees. The invention further comprises a plurality of channel walls, each forming a channel, wherein the plurality of channel walls are attached to and extend from the bottom surface, and each of the channels is positioned subjacent to one of the channel openings.

A cover for covering a spout of a fuel dispenser when the fuel dispenser is not in use includes a sheath having an elongated cavity which is shaped and dimensioned to longitudinally receive the spout of the fuel dispenser. The sheath is fabricated from a fuel absorbent material. After the fuel dispenser is used, the sheath is installed over the spout of the fuel container, absorbs any residual fuel, and prevents contaminants from collecting on the spout. In an embodiment, the sheath has a hole which receives the hanger of a fuel nozzle and holds the sheath in place on the spout.

A counterbalance mechanism for counterbalancing weight of a bottom-hinged door (such as a clamshell-type airstair door of an aircraft) includes an operator handle, a hoist rod pivotally connected at one end to the operator handle and at an opposite end thereof to the door near a bottom region thereof. A force accumulator assembly is provided which includes a force biasing member which accumulates and dissipates a bias force when opening and closing the door, respectively, to provide mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the door. A bellcrank assembly operatively connects the operator handle to the force accumulator. In such a manner, weight counterbalancing of the door is achieved.

Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described.