Abstract: Liquid crystal preparations, for examination of objects by visualizing temperature differences, are made in the form of highly stretchable elastomeric films by dispersing cholesteric liquid crystal esters in a solution of a thermoplastic elastomer such as plasticized polyvinyl butyral solution, and casting a thin film from the solution. Preferably, a light-absorbing lamina is included to enhance the color contrast.

Abstract: X-ray equipment for nondestructive testing and particularly for mechanized testing of the integrity of welds along the length of the welds includes means for mechanically traversing an X-ray source along one side of the weld and a grainless fluorescent screen along the other side, with the screen coupled to an image-isocon video camera, preferably through a light intensifier. The equipment includes means for display of the X-ray shadow picture from the video camera and for super-imposing identifying indicia, along with means for recording the composite of the indicia and the picture. The image is preferably integrated over at least several frames so as to minimize "noise" and intensify contrast. In addition, a signal from an ultrasonic transducer may be provided to indicate to the operator the existence of a probable flaw in the weld metal.

Abstract: Snowplow blades can be immediately varied in length at one or both ends by providing extensions of the same shape as the blade, which extensions carry studs which are received in sockets, preferably lengthwise of the back of the blade. The studs are pinned in the sockets for quick and easy fastening and removal.

Abstract: Heat formable elastomer products are made by vulcanizing block polymers having a central block of thermoplastic and terminal blocks of vulcanizable elastomer, preferably after addition of separately prepared compatible vulcanizable elastomer. The products when heated, shaped, and cooled, will retain the new shape until reheated, but with altered physical properties. When reheated, they tend to return to their vulcanized condition of shape and physical properties.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing reinforcing pigment some of which is preferably silica pigment, sulfur, a vulcanization accelerator, litharge, and a cobalt salt, when coated on brass plated steel cords and vulcanized, adheres tenaciously and permanently to the cords, without the erratic adhesion previously obtained or loss of adhesion in humid atmospheres. A further improvement in adhesion is obtained by including a resorcinol resin in the composition.

Abstract: Closed hollow toroidal articles such as hollow tires, which may be caused to be thickest at the tread, are molded on the inner surface of a closed toroidal mold slowly rotating on a horizontal axis by charging a fluid elastomer material in such quantity as to fill the bottom of the mold to a level above the wheel-supporting part of the tire and continuing rotation while causing the material to set to a solid elastomer progressively inwards from the liquid contacting surface of the mold. The relative thickness of different parts can be adjusted by changes in rotation, or by inducing different rates of setting in different parts of the mold.

Abstract: A spin toy has a screw threaded post with a magnet near the top to hold an iron spinner on the post by one edge so that it hangs at an angle. A flip of the finger starts the spinner on a constant speed gyratory travel down the post. The spinner can be used as a pointer to indicate by chance any one of several indicia.

Abstract: An X-ray machine for production line inspection of tires places each tire in turn with one sector of the tire inside of a U-shaped arrangement of three fluorescent screens so that one screen faces the tread and the other two face the sides of the tire. An X-ray source inside the bead circle of the tire produces X-ray shadow pictures on the screens, which are separately viewed by a video camera, with an image of the picture on each screen transferred to a third of the target of a storage tube, so that a composite image of the entire width of the tire sector can be displayed on a picture tube. The tire is rotated stepwise for display of still pictures of every sector of the tire.

Abstract: An illumination system for photomicrography includes direction of the light for illumination of the object through a fiber optic, the exit end of which replaces the usual illuminating lamp at the entrance pupil of a conventional illumination system. The light of an incandescent lamp directed through the fiber optic is used for selecting the view and focusing the camera. Light from a high intensity electronic flash, coupled to the camera shutter, is directed through the fiber optic, in replacement of the incandescent lamp, for the photography. An integrating light meter supplied by a beam splitter in the microscope tube terminates the flash when a proper exposure is achieved.

Abstract: A shaking machine for shaking core sand out of hollow castings includes a pair of coaxial cylinders containing pistons with piston rods arranged to grip a casting, and a rotating vane air valve for supplying compressed air alternately to each of the two cylinders.

Abstract: An improved water-lubricated bearing consists of longitudinal strips of rubber bonded to a rigid backing. The strips are either flat or have a concave surface of less curvature than the journal, and are so thin that the width of each strip is at least 6 and preferably 10 or more times its thickness. The backing may be polyethylene bonded to the rubber during vulcanization.

Abstract: An X-ray tire inspection machine for rapid and precise determination of accuracy of placement of internal elements, by visual or automated sensing of dimensions and of uniformity, precisely places each of a random succession of pneumatic tires for highway vehicles from the smallest to the largest sizes, scans the entirety of bead-to-bead sectors or any part of each sector, without gaps or significant overlaps, and displays all or any desired portions of the X-ray shadow pictures as a succession of still pictures, or senses automatically the presence of irregularities of various kinds in any desired locations. Precise placement of tires is accomplished by gripping of the tread of a horizontal tire by four spools having upper and lower flanges positively moved toward one another at a fixed speed until they grip the shoulders of the tread.