Abstract: Apparatus for machining the surface of an elongated rigid workpiece passing therethrough in a predetermined direction along a path. The apparatus includes at least one station having opposed tools for engaging opposite sides of the workpiece. The tools have tool axes extending generally perpendicular to the path. The tools are mounted for movement of their axes toward and away from the path, and for tilting movement of their axes relative to the path in a plane extending generally perpendicular to the path.

Abstract: A mold for concrete test cubes of plastic-like material having a vertically extending enclosure and, about midway, radially projecting impact ledges and at the top of the enclosure vertical spacers in the form of legs or extensions of wall panels.

Abstract: The invention provides finely divided vulcanized rubber having a particle size of generally less than 20 microns for re-use in the rubber industry. Vulcanizates produced from compositions containing the finely divided vulcanized rubber, either as the sole rubber component or in admixture with unvulcanized rubber, have properties significantly better than those of vulcanizates of similar compositions containing conventional reclaimed rubbers. Vulcanized rubber is converted into the finely divided rubber by the steps of (1) contacting vulcanized rubber with a fatty acid, (2) contacting the product of step (1) with a solid alkali and (3) forming a dispersion of the product of step (2) with a liquid which dissolves the alkali but does not affect the rubber. Alternatively, the finely divided vulcanized rubber results from the steps of (1) contacting the vulcanized rubber with a liquid effective to swell the rubber and thereby weaken it e.g.

Abstract: A feed channel for elongated workpieces includes a plurality of adjustable workpiece receiving openings. Each opening is formed by a plurality of profiled segments including at least one movable segment. The movable segments are movable to expose the openings for lateral introduction thereinto of an elongated workpiece. The movable segments are then moved to reduce the size of the openings and engage the workpiece for at least partially straightening same. The movable segments are then moved to increase the size of the openings for providing longitudinal and rotational movement of the workpiece relative to the openings.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ignition system for a plurality of gas burners includes an elongated adjustably mounted flash tube of high temperature resistant dielectric material mounted adjacent each burner. A pair of electrodes are mounted on each flash tube in spaced-apart relationship to define spark gaps, and are electrically connected in series with one another across opposite sides of a single piezoelectric voltage source. The system is adapted to accommodate heavier and lighter than air combustible gases.

Abstract: A heating element assembly having a thermally conductive ceramic top sheet against the underside of which is positioned a thermally and electrically insulating base pod having a recess containing a loosely secured, planar array of thin, flat strips of apertured, foil-like, electrical resistance material. The array is spaced from the ceramic sheet a predetermined distance and disposed in such a manner as to provide a large amount of heat radiating surface adjacent to the underside of the ceramic top. The spacing between the array and the ceramic top sheet enhances even radiant heating of the ceramic top. Such a heating element assembly is low in cost and high in thermal efficiency, having particular utility as a burner for a ceramic top electric range.

Abstract: A package for coffee or the like of tubular configuration having an outer sleeve and a tubular reinforcing member within the sleeve. A tear strip is located between the sleeve and the reinforcing member at the upper end of the package to provide a common and flush end with the reinforcing member. The narrow strip peripherally surrounds the reinforcing member and projects outwardly from the package. The package has a fin-seal closure.

Abstract: A generally rectangular wheeled support and transport platform for electric welder power units or the like includes adjustable holding means for holding an electric welder power unit against sliding movement relative to the platform. Upright members extending upwardly from the periphery of the platform in spaced-apart relationship include electric cable storage means for storing input, electrode and ground cables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a peeling machine having a hollow shaft carrying a cutterhead, the improvement being characterized in that the machine includes a clamping device for feeding and removing a workpiece, the clamping device clamps each end of the workpiece, and moves through the hollow shaft and is adapted to move the workpiece axially of the cutter-head, the clamping device maintains the workpiece in a clamped position during a complete peelingoperation.

Abstract: Ball rounding apparatus includes a rotatable inner rolling die and a stationary outer die. Forged steel balls travel through an arcuate path between the dies for final rounding. The stationary outer die is made up from a plurality of segments known as die shoes. A plurality of circumferentially-spaced die shoe tension take up devices bias the die shoes toward the inner die. The die shoe tension take up devices include a one-piece plunger having an enlarged head with a flat outer surface engaging the die shoes. An integral smaller diameter shaft extends from the head of the plunger, and a small radius is formed between the shaft and head. The plunger shaft is guided for longitudinal movement through a guide sleeve, and a coil spring is positioned between the plunger head and guide sleeve for urging the head into engagement with the die shoes. The guide sleeve is adjustable for varying the distance between such sleeve and the plunger head to vary the force exerted by the coil spring.

Abstract: A system for reducing NO.sub.x gases found in the exhaust stream of the internal combustion engine is provided which includes an internal combustion engine having associated therewith a means for supplying fuel and oxygen to the engine, a manifold system for directing or channeling the exhaust gases from the engine, and an NO.sub.x reducing catalyst assembly communicating with the manifold which includes a housing having an NO.sub.x reducing catalytic structure of apertured thin metal foil positioned therein which comprises a durable, chromium containing corrosion resistant metal substrate having bonded thereto an effective amount of a NO.sub.x reducing catalyst selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese and mixtures thereof. In addition, an article composed of a catalytic material for reducing the oxides of nitrogen in exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: A metal peeling machine for workpieces such as rods and tubes having a clamping carriage movably mounted on the machine bed. The carriage also receives a clamping arrangement which not only engages the workpiece but also is adapted to engage a workpiece guide sleeve, if and when the guide sleeve has to be moved for service purposes. The guide sleeve is provided with clamping means which are constructed to co-act with the aforementioned clamping arrangement on the carriage.

Abstract: Packaging method and apparatus for positively nesting a plurality of individual pieces or articles in a nesting media for containerizing or storage. This nesting media comprises a base member of permanently deformable material such as cellular polystyrene. The individual pieces to be nested are initially placed on the upper surface of the base member in a desired oriented position relative to each other. Thereafter, the base and pieces are conveniently moved along a work path which includes a movable force member disposed thereabove over a portion thereof. As the base member is moved beneath the force member, the force member is moved toward the work path and base member a distance sufficient to engage the pieces or articles and force them at least partially into the base, thus creating the nested relationship between them. The force member is then moved away from the work path and base member in preparation for receiving another base member with pieces or articles positioned therein.

Abstract: A system for reducing NO.sub.x gases found in the exhaust stream of the internal combustion engine is provided which includes an internal combustion engine having associated therewith a means for supplying fuel and oxygen to the engine, a manifold system for directing or channeling the exhaust gases from the engine, and a NO.sub.x reducing catalyst assembly communicating with the manifold which includes a housing having a NO.sub.x reducing catalytic structure of apertured thin metal foil positioned therein which includes, in one aspect, a plurality of sheets of expanded metal foil wherein at least one sheet of expanded metal foil has at least some openings therein which are of a different size than at least some openings in a juxtapositioned sheet of expanded metal foil. In another aspect, it includes a sheet of expanded metal foil having at least some openings of different sizes.

Abstract: A heating element assembly for a ceramic top electric range is disclosed. The assembly includes a base pod comprising a block of insulating material having a recess in one surface. A grooved path is formed in the recess in the form of a spiral and a thin, flat strip of apertured, foil-like, electrical resistance material is inserted in the grooved path. That strip is only partially received by the groove so that a major portion of its width projects toward but not beyond a plane defined by the face of the block. Electrical terminals are provided at the ends of the strip and the block is adhered to the bottom surface of the ceramic top to encapsulate the heating element.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing expanded sheet stock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stationary knife having a cutting edge defining one edge of a strip feed slot. While the strip is fed through the slot, a movable knife passes across the slot to form half-diamond-shaped openings in the strip with each stroke. The movable knife has a cutting edge which is defined by a plurality of adjacent obelisk teeth and those teeth form the half-diamond openings during each stroke. The movable cutting knife is driven relative to the stationary knife in planar alignment therewith and in simple harmonic motion while the strip is fed through the slot so that any point on the cutting edge of an obelisk tooth sequentially shears the strip in a recurring sequence to provide half-tooth spacing between successive cuts. Such spacing results in a characteristic diamond-shaped opening in the expanded metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing expanded sheet stock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stationary knife having a cutting edge defining one edge of a strip feed slot. While the strip is fed through the slot, a movable knife passes across the slot to form half-diamond-shaped openings in the strip with each stroke. The movable knife has a cutting edge which is defined by a plurality of adjacent obelisk teeth and those teeth form the half-diamond openings during each stroke. The movable cutting knife is driven relative to the stationary knife in planar alignment therewith and in simple harmonic motion while the strip is fed through the slot so that any point on the cutting edge of an obelisk tooth sequentially shears the strip in a recurring sequence to provide half-tooth spacing between successive cuts. Such spacing results in a characteristic diamond-shaped opening in the expanded metal.

Abstract: Device for welding and parting thermoplastic foils to form bags or the like, having a pair of heated opposing tools arranged to close against foils introduced between them. The foils are welded and parted along a compression line formed between a compression edge of one tool and a hard, wear-resistant, but resilient surface of the opposing tool.

Abstract: A method and means for catalytically removing impurities found in the exhaust stream emanating from the internal combustion engine is provided. Such exhaust gases are initially brought into contact with a metallic oxidation catalyst at a temperature sufficient to cause a significant amount of the unreacted oxygen present to be removed therefrom by reacting it with oxidizable materials in the exhaust gases, with the oxidation catalyst employed being characterized by its lack of activity with respect to converting nitrogen and hydrogen found in exhaust gases into ammonia. The so-treated exhaust gases are then brought into contact with a nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) reducing catalyst, which is also characterized by its lack of activity with respect to converting nitrogen and hydrogen found in the exhaust gases into ammonia, at a temperature sufficient to cause nitrogen oxide gases in the exhaust gases to be catalytically reduced.