Abstract: A wheel assembly and power drive train for use with passenger boarding bridges having a ramp drive system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel rim which is releasably attached to a wheel hub to allow removal of the wheel rim and associate tire without disassembly of the wheel hub and power drive train components mounted on the axle. Worn or flat tires may be replaced without disassembly of the power drive train or components such as bearings mounted on the axle.

Abstract: A wall assembly used in the construction of passenger boarding bridges or other box type structures. The wall assembly includes an exterior panel with V-shaped folds or corrugations and a vertical flange on the end of each panel for attachment to adjacent panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling weeds and undergrowth, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a heater whereby liquid spray material is first heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. and then sprayed on the substance to be controlled. The apparatus is further characterized by its construction to include an insulating apron for maintaining the heated spray material in close contact with the substance onto which it is sprayed, while at the same time insulating the heated spray and treated substance from ambient conditions. A variety of fluid conduits and controls are provided so that a variety of spray liquids may be applied in predetermined fashion. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use.

Abstract: A process for killing soil pathogens to improve agricultural production includes the steps of treating a field with a soil conditioning agent to reduce the clods in the soil to microaggregates. Hot water is applied to the treated soil at varying depths to kill soil borne organisms. Beneficial organisms are then applied to the sterilized soil to repopulate the soil with these beneficial organisms.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter assembly for removing suspended matter from fluids, primarily utilized in irrigation or similar distribution systems, resulting in reduced maintenance of the filter assembly as well as the total system. The filter assembly comprises a container having at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture therethrough and a filter screen, comprising a hollow perforated body, inserted within the container. One end of a conduit is connected in fluid flow relationship to the inlet aperture of the container while the other end of the conduit terminates within the hollow body comprising the filter screen. The outlet aperture is so located that the fluid entering the container through the fluid inlet aperture and the conduit must pass through the filter screen before exiting the container through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: Continuous lamination of ABS and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is achieved employing a continuous sheet or reel of PMMA 0.1 inch to 0.250 inch thick optionally preheated on one side; a web of ABS is extruded at about 450.degree.-550.degree. F. from pellets onto the PMMA at the nip of a roll stack. In the roll stack, the two laminated layers are compressed and gradually cooled. The laminate displays properties of both ABS and acrylic. It has excellent thermoforming properties.

Abstract: An electrical connection to a coil winding of a coil winding assembly that is comprised of a coil spool that carries the coil winding. The coil spool has an integral terminal supporting portion that is provided with an axially extending slot. A terminal, that can be formed of steel wire, has a rippled or undulated portion that is disposed within the slot. The rippled portion engages surfaces of said slot to prevent movement of the terminal out of the slot. An end portion of the coil is wrapped around a connector portion of the terminal and soldered thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes for selectively chlorinating acyl compounds at the alpha or 2-position. The process of the present invention comprises a method of producing alpha-chloro acyl chlorides comprising contacting an acyl chloride with a chlorine source at a temperature of about 75.degree. C. to about 125.degree. C. in the presence of (i) an effective amount of an auxiliary acidic agent and (ii) an effective amount of a food grade antioxidant and optionally (iii) an effective amount of oxygen or air.

Abstract: An auto-adhering one-component room temperature vulcanizable silicone sealant composition generally utilizing a di-substituted mixed oximealkoxysilyalkyl area adhesion promoter compound. The sealant has low odor, is non-corrosive to ferrous or aluminum substrates, has good adhesion to many types of substrates, and eliminates the need for a silicone resin primer. In addition, it exhibits surprisingly good adhesion to oil contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: A method of wetting and coating various metals, which have been mechanically polished and chemically cleaned and etched, includes plasma cleaning and etching the metal and delivering mercury or other liquid metals through the plasma to the surface of the metal to be wetted. Tungsten, molybdenum, steels and elkonite are among the metals which may be wetted with a liquid metal according to the method of this invention. Molybdenum is cleaned and etched in a solution of 2-propanol and H.sub.2 O.sub.2.

Abstract: A water heating and distributing system for affording freeze protection to plants and trees characterized by its utilization of a helical conduit for transporting the water to be heated in close proximity to a burner whereby the water's temperature is raised about 20.degree.-25.degree. F. The system further includes a plurality of jet spray heads disposed downstream of the heater in close proximity to the plants and trees to be protected, whereby a relatively fine mist, or fog, of heated water is applied for freeze protection.

Abstract: An auto-adhering one-component room temperature vulcanizable silicone sealant composition generally utilizing a di-substituted mixed oxime-alkoxysilyalkyl area adhesion promoter compound. The sealant has low odor, is non-corrosive to ferrous or aluminum substrates, has good adhesion to many types of substrates, and eliminates the need for a silicone resin primer. In addition, it exhibits surprisingly good adhesion to oil contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary drive apparatus is provided for connection to a rotary drive string extending downwardly in a well to a rotary downhole pump. Separate axial load bearing and rotary drive spindles are provided and are separately connected to the rotary drive string by readily releasable connectors so as to permit axial adjustment of the rotary drive string while preventing loss of the string into the well in the event of release or slippage of one of the connectors. The design also permits repair or adjustment of the drive apparatus without removal of the rotary drive string from the well.

Abstract: A pumping unit has a short base frame and interchangeable crank arms, while retaining a relatively low net peak torque requirement obtained through a slower upstroke and a faster downstroke.

Abstract: An auto-adhering one-component room temperature vulcanizable silicone sealant utilizes a gylcidoxyalkyl substituted mixed alkoxy-oxime silane as an adhesion promoter. The sealant bonds to a variety of substrates including glass, metal, ceramics; does not require a primer to be applied to the substrate; has a low odor and is non-corrosive to ferrous substrates. The sealant is useful as a formed-in-place gasket material as for example, an internal combustion engine and has good oil resistance for an RTV silicone gasketing material.

Abstract: An air distribution system for a vehicle cab is disclosed herein. Fresh air is drawn into the system, filtered and transferred to the interior of the vehicle cab. The system uses a blower for transferring air into the cab with all fresh air passing first through a fresh air filter. The fresh air filter has air flow from a hollow interior out through air permeable sides. This air flow traps particulates within the interior of the filter which is then easily removed from an air filter chamber without emptying dirt into the chamber or on the operator. Furthermore during operation, accumulated dust and dirt is kept within the filter and does not drop off on or around the cab. This system may be used for simple ventilation or may be combined with other air conditioning and air recirculation means thereby providing a total vehicle ventilation system.

Abstract: An improved oil well pumping unit has an arc latch which is remotely actuable so that a workman is not required to climb onto, or be in the immediate vicinity of the arc, in order to move the arc to an inoperative position spaced from the centerline of the well.

Abstract: An electrical connector containing removable contacts upon which there are mounted electrical circuit components. One or more such components may be mounted on the side of each contact body. A spring provides electrical connection between the components and the grounding plate in the connector containing openings into which the contacts are removably mounted.

Abstract: A hydrophilic phenol ester derivative, especially a sulphonated or carboxylated phenol ester is prepared by reacting a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic carboxylic acid with a C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 alkanoic anhydride, and reacting the resultant C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 acid anhydride with a substituted phenol such as an alkali metal phenol sulphonate salt or hydroxybenzene carboxylic acid to give a C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 acyloxy derivative of a substituted benzene. The two stage process may be carried out in the same reaction vessel without the use of solvents. The products are useful as peroxyacid bleach precursors.