Abstract: An apparatus for making carbonated beverages is disclosed which is comprised of a refillable bottle having a resealable passageway for filling, pressurizing and emptying the bottle and a carbon dioxide source connected to the bottle through a conduit. Preferably, a rounded interior bottom and projections are provided on the interior of the bottle. A diptube is also provided which preferably has radially extended vanes. The rounded bottom, interior projections and vanes will promote fogging when a bottle containing liquid and carbon dioxide is shaken. Consequently, carbonated water can be made easily by filling the bottle with water and carbon dioxide preferably at 60 p.s.i. and shaking the bottle, then repeating the process until the desired carbonation level is reached.

Abstract: A molded detectable earplug assembly includes a pair of earplugs into which a metal, magnetic or X-ray detectable insert is provided. Preferably the earplugs are in pairs connected by a cord. The metal, magnetic or X-ray detectable sphere is detectable by metal, magnetic or X-ray detecting equipment and will announce the presence of an earplug in a product which was processed in a food, beverage, tobacco, or pharmaceutical processing line.

Abstract: A miniaturized DNR monitoring device is adapted to communicate over a telephone line, or otherwise, with a remote unit which may also communicate with other monitoring units. The monitoring device includes a computer chip program to select target DNR data from non-target DNR data, a memory for storing a limited amount of data, a DNR output line, means for downloading stored data over its output line to its remote unit on command or upon the occurrence of preselected events, and means for identifying transmissions to and from its remote unit by a handshake routine.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which overcomes the problems which tend to occur in application low-NOx burners to coals in which the volatile matter is low in heat content. A gaseous or volatile liquid fuel is introduced into the ignition zone and/or the primary flame immediately downstream of the burner. This fuel will have the same effect as increased quality and quantity of the volatile content of the coal.

Abstract: A weight lifting apparatus for holding a barbell for regular bench press exercises and lock out exercise has a pair of sides positioned to accommodate a bench press therebetween. Each side has a base and a top separated by at least one upright. A hook having a mouth of sufficient size to hold one end of the barbell at a point within the mouth is pivotably attached to the top so that the point will move through an arc when the hook is pivoted, said arc being created when a lifter moves a barbell from a position above his eyes to a position directly above his shoulders. Adjustable lock-out bars are attached to the upright so that they can be positioned to permit lock-out exercises.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine is disclosed in which a chamber is provided for receipt of a refillable bottle with a resealable opening through which a probe may extend. Centering means extend into the housing to center the bottle on the base of a chamber. Then a probe extends into the chamber and engages an opening in the refillable bottle to fill and pressurize the bottle. After filling, the probe retracts allowing the filled bottle to be removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A suction cup and integral fastening device for hanging ornaments or other decorative objects is disclosed. A tether extends outward from a neck portion of the suction cup. Stopping members and protuberances of various shapes and sizes on the tether permit the tether to be inserted into a suitable opening in the neck member and prevent it from being removed. Alternatively, a ribbed rivet can be provided on the unattached end of the tether. This rivet can be inserted into a ribbed bore provided in the neck member. The ribbed surfaces interact to securely fasten the unattached end of the tether to the suction cup.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant metal alloy having improved formability and workability is disclosed which alloy contains in weight percent about 25% to 45% nickel, about 12% to 32% chromium, of at least one of 0.1% to 2.0% columbium, 0.2% to 4.0% tantalum, and 0.05% to 1.0% vanadium, up to about 0.20% carbon, about 0.05% to 0.50% nitrogen and the balance being iron plus impurities and wherein the carbon and nitrogen content are controlled so that the amount of free carbon and nitrogen defined as ##EQU1## is greater than 0.14% and less than 0.29%. The alloy may also include in limited amounts one of aluminum, titanium, silicon, manganese, cobalt, molydenum, tungsten, boron, zirconium, yttrium, cerium and other rare earth metals.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding articles is disclosed in which a suction cup of the type having a neck extending from the back of the cup is provided. A central bore and a slot depending from the central bore are provided in the neck and receive a head portion of a hook device. The hook device has a body extending from the head and is shaped to hold an article. The hook also has arm-like extensions from the hook body which curve around the outside of the neck of the cup and provide an additional securing force.

Abstract: A process for the production of seamless titanium alloy tubing is disclosed in which solution annealing for all intermediate operations are performed in an air atmosphere furnace, followed either by water or room temperature air quench in order to achieve cooling within the requisite five (5) minutes. Preferably final aging is performed in a vacuum furnace to avoid surface contamination which would ordinarily require subsequent removal by pickling. This produced a finer grained product, which was more susceptible to defect detection by ultrasonic testing, which produced an optimum combination of strength and ductility, and which showed more uniform response to aging between different lots and tube sizes.

Abstract: Rodent repellent powders are disclosed which are comprised of thujone oil in a powder mixture which does not readily atomize containing at least one of the group of lime powder, borax powder, pyrethrum powder, silica gel, sulphur powder, sabadilla, pepper powder, and tobacco dust.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from furnace flue gas is provided in which a pulse generator introduces natural gas, or other fluid fuel which has little or no fixed nitrogen, into the upper portion of the furnace. The fuel pulse reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the flue gas to form ammonia-like compounds and nitrogen gas. These ammonia-like compounds react with additional amounts of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas to form nitrogen gas, water vapor and carbon dioxide. In this manner, the amount of nitrogen oxide in the flue gas is reduced using a process which can be easily applied to retrofitted furnaces.

Abstract: A magnetic detent joy stick and stack remote control valve is provided having a traction magnet detent in which a magnet plate activated by the detent is constantly urged against the coil housing to prevent dirt from getting between the coil plate and coil housing face when the power is cut off and/or the valve is in neutral.

Abstract: A lubricant having improved lubricating and protective properties for bread dividers and the like and methods of using the lubricants are disclosed, said lubricants are consisting essentially of 1% to 99% mineral oil suitable for food processing equipment applications and 1% to 90% lecithin, and have a minimum viscosity of 60 S.S.U. at 100.degree. F. Other embodiments of the lubricant also contain from 1% to 20% nonionic surface active emulsifying agents. Vegetable oils may also be added to comprise from 1% to 80% of the lubricant.

Abstract: The specification discloses lignite pellets which are relatively hard, dust resistant, of generally uniform size and free from spontaneous ignition and general degradation. Also disclosed are methods for making such pellets which involve crushing as mined lignite, mixing said lignite with a binder such as asphalt, forming the lignite binder mixture into pellets, and drying the pellets.