Abstract: A stackable refuse cart includes a container, an axle, a set of wheels. The container includes first and second axle supports. The first axle support supports the axle in an operative position to rotatably support the container. The second axle support supports the axle in a stowage position enabling the container to be stacked with other containers without interference from the axles. In one embodiment, the second axle support includes a recess defined in the floor of the container. In another embodiment, the second axle support includes a pair of supports that hold the axle against a sidewall within the container. In yet another embodiment, the second axle support is a cradle integral with the container handle.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a body where the body has a plurality of load bearing and track engaging wheels that allow the body to move back and forth along a track that comprises an actuator attached to the body that is manually or mechanically driven, a non-load bearing drive wheel that is attached with respect to the body so that it engages a stationary surface adjacent the body and a drive coupling means between the actuator and the drive wheel wherein actuation of the actuator causes rotation of the drive wheel which moves the body along the tracks. The invention provides a convenient means of attaching a drive mechanism to a body and to enable easier movement of track mounted bodies.

Abstract: A multilayer breathable fabric providing protection against microbial growth, along with anti-odor, anti-static, heat and moisture transfer is disclosed. The breathable fabric includes, in certain embodiments, a membrane containing a porous scaffold material having a void volume and an interconnecting microstructure, and may have a resin composition applied to at least one surface of the scaffold material. The fabric further includes silver-containing substrate placed in contact with the membrane, the silver-containing substrate being secured to the membrane by an adhesive system.

Abstract: An interior rearview assembly comprising a rearview element, a rearview housing supporting the rearview element and a mount connected to the rearview housing and configured to support the rearview housing. The rearview housing has a recess with a first area for accepting a portion of the mount and a second area for accepting a wire harness therein. The rearview housing further has a cover for selectively covering the second area.

Abstract: A motor housing assembly houses a motor having a casing defining an axial length and an output shaft extending from the casing. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity with an open end for receiving the motor and a partially closed end opposite the open end. The housing has a length larger than the axial length of the casing such that the entire casing of the motor can be received within the cavity. The assembly further includes an end cap configured to substantially close the open end of the housing and retain the motor in the housing, a first isolator member configured to be sandwiched between the casing and the end cap to substantially isolate the motor from both the housing and the end cap, and a second isolator member configured to be sandwiched between the casing and the housing to substantially isolate the motor from the housing.

Abstract: The engine comprises four open-ended curved cylinders (10) disposed in torroidal arrangement with respect to a central pivot point (11). Two piston arms (12) are pivoted about the point (11) and carry at their ends four pistons (13). Each piston (13) has two faces so mounted to the piston arm (12) as to face tangentially one away from the other for alt mate engagement with adjacent ends of two of the cylinders (10).

Abstract: A motor housing assembly houses a motor having a casing defining an axial length and an output shaft extending from the casing. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity with an open end for receiving the motor and a partially closed end opposite the open end. The housing has a length larger than the axial length of the casing such that the entire casing of the motor can be received within the cavity. The assembly further includes an end cap configured to substantially close the open end of the housing and retain the motor in the housing, a first isolator member configured to be sandwiched between the casing and the end cap to substantially isolate the motor from both the housing and the end cap, and a second isolator member configured to be sandwiched between the casing and the housing to substantially isolate the motor from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy and effluent saving process for the production of N-phosphonomethyl iminodiacetic acid (PMIDA), an intermediate in the preparation of glyphosate. An alkali metal salt of iminodiacetic acid is reacted with phosphorous acid and a strong mineral acid, or a source thereof to form iminodiacetic phosphite and the alkali metal salt of the strong mineral acid. After removal of the latter salt, the iminodiacetic phosphite is converted to PMIDA by reaction with formaldehyde. PMIDA is recovered and the solution remaining can be recycled in the process.

Abstract: Mild detergent formulation comprising N-acyl ED3A, preferably as the sodium or potassium salt. The acyl group is not particularly limited, and can include straight or branched aliphatic or aromatic groups containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Applications include shampoos and skin cleansers.

Abstract: The engine comprises four open-ended curved cylinders (10) disposed in torroidal arrangement with respect to a central pivot point (11). Two piston arms (12) are pivoted about the point (11) and carry at their ends four pistons (13). Each piston (13) has two faces so mounted to the piston arm (12) as to face tangentially one away from the other for alternate engagement with adjacent ends of two of the cylinders (10).

Abstract: A motor is disclosed that has the capability of detecting the rotary motion of the motor and to generate electrical signals that are indicative of the speed of operation of the motor. The motor has a magnet that is embedded within the molded resin of the commutator or other parts of an armature and a Hall effect sensor is positioned in close proximity to the rotating magnet to thereby provide an electrical signal that is proportional to the rotating speed of the motor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phosphonomethylglycine in nearly quantitative yields which eliminates the use of a noble metal co-catalyst and its concomitant problems. The oxygen-containing gas is replaced with the much more chemically active hydrogen peroxide, which in combination with activated carbon, oxidizes the PMIDA to PMG in very high yield. The amount of oxidant allowed to react with PMIDA is a function of the concentration of oxygen in the gaseous reaction products, and is controlled by monitoring that concentration. In another embodiment, the oxidizing agent is an oxygen-containing gas. In either case, the concentration of oxygen in the gaseous reaction product is monitored to determine the end point of the reaction.

Abstract: Noise attenuating apparatus for housing, inter alia, a compressor and/or condenser unit, the apparatus comprises a substantially box-shaped outer shell and an inner shell which houses the unit. The outer shell is formed with a primary air inlet to receive air into the apparatus and a primary air outlet for discharge of spent air from the apparatus. The inner shell includes an inner chamber and is formed with a secondary air inlet to receive air supplied via the primary air inlet means into the inner chamber to supply air to the unit. The inner shell is also formed with a secondary air outlet opening for flow of spent air from the inner chamber. The space between the inner and outer shells defines a tortuous flow path for the removal of spent air from the apparatus through the primary air outlet means.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more enzymes and as the compatible chelating surfactant, salts of N-acyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("ED3A"). Salts of N-acyl ED3A do not readily denature various enzymes, and thus are highly compatible with such enzymes, and enhance their detergent effectiveness to an unexpected degree.

Abstract: A pesticidal composition including isocyanate capped high molecular weight diols, triols and polyols. A pesticide and water are combined with hydrophilic isocyanate end-capped prepolymers in order to significantly improve the efficacy of the pesticide. The liquid pesticidal compositions of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the various constituents. The order of addition can be used effectively to cap free isocyanate groups in the hydrophilic prepolymer.

Abstract: Compositions including one or more enzymes and as the compatible chelating surfactant, salts of N-acyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("ED3A"). Salts of N-acyl ED3A do not readily denature various enzymes, and thus are highly compatible with such enzymes, and enhance their detergent effectiveness to an unexpected degree.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition including isocyanate capped high molecular weight diols, triols and polyols. Glyphosate and/or a herbicidally active derivative thereof such as a glyphosate salt is combined with hydrophilic isocyanate end-capped prepolymers in order to significantly improve the efficacy of the herbicide. A combination of surfactant, glyphosate, and a hydrated polymer or hydrophilic prepolymer consisting of isocyanate capped prepolymers which are substantially comprised of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylene oxide units or a combination thereof demonstrates increased efficacy over conventional glyphosate formulations. The liquid herbicidal compositions of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the various constituents. The order of addition can be used effectively to cap free isocyanate groups in the hydrophilic prepolymer.

Abstract: Synthesis of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or its salts is disclosed. A salt of N,N'-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ED2AH.sub.2) is condensed with formaldehyde to form a stable 5-membered ring intermediate. The addition of cyanide across this cyclic material forms ethylenediamine N,N'-diacetic acid-N'-cyanomethyl or salts thereof (mononitrile-diacid). The nitrile in aqueous solutions may be spontaneously cyclized to form 2-oxo-1,4-piperazinediacetic acid (3KP) or salts thereof, which is the desired cyclic intermediate. In the presence of excess base, salts of ED3A are formed in excellent yield and purity. Alternatively, the starting material is ED2AH.sub.a X.sub.b, where x is a base cation, e.g., an alkali or alkaline earth metal, a is 1 to 2, and b is 0 to 1 in aqueous solutions. The reaction mixture also can be acidified to ensure complete formation of carboxymethyl-2-oxopiperazine (the lactam) prior to the reaction. Formaldehyde is added, essentially resulting in the hydroxymethyl derivative.

Abstract: Novel N-acyl derivatives of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid are disclosed, as well as a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Synthesis of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or its salts is disclosed. A salt of N,N'-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ED2AH.sub.2) is condensed with formaldehyde to form a stable 5-membered ring intermediate. The addition of cyanide across this cyclic material forms ethylenediamine N,N'-diacetic acid-N'-cyanomethyl or salts thereof (mononitrile-diacid). The nitrile in aqueous solutions may be spontaneously cyclized to form 2-oxo-1,4-piperazinediacetic acid (3KP) or salts thereof, which is the desired cyclic intermediate. In the presence of excess base, salts of ED3A are formed in excellent yield and purity. Alternatively, the starting material is ED2AH.sub.a X.sub.b, where x is a base cation, e.g., an alkali or alkaline earth metal, a is 1 to 2, and b is 0 to 1 in aqueous solutions. The reaction mixture also can be acidified to ensure complete formation of carboxymethyl-2-oxopiperazine (the lactam) prior to the reaction. Formaldehyde is added, essentially resulting in the hydroxymethyl derivative.