Abstract: A pedal bracket assembly translates pedal motion into a first switching motion without change of position being sensed by a position sensor. Additional pedal motion does not further change the switch position, but is translated into motion sensed by the position sensor. In this way, the switching function and position transducer functions are maintained independent one from the other, while allowing the two functions to be combined into a single sensor assembly.

Abstract: A cover for insulating exhaust systems of internal combustion engines comprising a tubular shaped layer of insulating material circumscribingly engaging the exhaust system and a flexible metal sleeve for protecting the insulating material and holding the insulating material against the exhaust system. The present invention is held in place using mechanic's wire or steel tie wraps such as a hose clamp. The present invention can also be varied for use in retrofitting existing exhaust systems. In this manner, the insulating layer and flexible metal sleeve are made of sheet material which can be wrapped around the installed exhaust system without necessitating removal of the system.

Abstract: A one-way pressure relief valve assembly is provided for venting the lubricant reservoir of a roller-type well drilling bit. The valve assembly is mounted in the cap of the lubricant reservoir, to open outwardly, and is adapted to provide hydrostatic loading of the valve element to its closed position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described utilizing low frequency tube waves in determining characteristics of formations traversed by a borehole. Data received from three spaced receiving transducers are utilized in formulating quantities representative of complex compressibility of formations as well as loss parameters attributed to formation characteristics. When these two factors are recorded as a function of depth, interpretation is made readily available as to the permeability and rigidity of subsurface earth formations. Data is also provided by way of the present invention to enable interpretation concerning the presence of fractures or cracks in the earth formations. The methods and apparatus may also be utilized to examine the condition of casing in a borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a rock bit during a welding operation for assembly or replacement of components thereon includes a swivel supporting a receptacle for the bit. The receptacle and swivel include a closed fluid system which attaches to the bit thereby allowing coolant fluid to flow through the bit during a welding operation and without regard to the angular positioning of the bit relative to the welding apparatus.

Abstract: A greatly improved aseptic processing apparatus and method for pumpable foods is provided which gives accurate, uniform aseptic cooking conditions (e.g, time, temperature and pressure) while at the same time preserving the integrity of particulates in the food product. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a reciprocating piston food pump which generates a continuous product stream at a substantially constant nominal pressure. This stream is fed to a heat exchanger in order to elevate the temperature of the product, whereupon the stream passes through a holding tube to complete the aseptic cooking process. A metering device such as a rotary pump is located downstream of the holding tube for creating a substantially constant flow rate of product from the apparatus.

Abstract: A cover for an automobile compartment, such as the window-exposed rear compartment of a hatchback or station wagon, adapted to extend horizontally over the top of the compartment from a roller mounted behind the rear seat and including a drop panel adapted to conceal any view of the compartment back of the seat through a side window or otherwise.

Abstract: A rolling cutter earth boring bit is provided with load bearing surfaces that provide small lubricant reservoirs between the bearing interfaces. At least one of the bearing surfaces between the cutter and bearing pin is first ground, machined, etched or otherwise smoothed to an initial surface roughness of less than 20 R.sub.a. The surface is then roughened by shot peening or other surface roughening techniques, such as electric discharge machining, chemical etching or other standard methods of roughening a surface. The desired roughness should have a value higher than about 20 R.sub.a and less than about 80 R.sub.a. The roughening procedure is limited, generally with less than 50% of the surface area containing indentations. The indentations provide reservoirs for lubricant and a receptacle for debris in the bearing area. The smooth portions of the bearing promote rotation of the cutter on the bearing pin.

Abstract: An automobile compartment cover, for use in covering a compartment such as the windowed rear compartment of a hatchback or a station wagon type automotive vehicle, has a variable length elongated hollow cylindrical roller about which is rolled a flexible sheet member. At least one end of the roller includes a torsional spring to provide rotational tension on the cover; and compressional spring means to provide longitudinal tension in the roller.

Abstract: Sausages or other articles having initial lengths several times longer than their final, packaged lengths are automatically severed to their proper dimensions, accumulated into multisausage clusters and then inserted into awaiting containers, all automatically. Each long initial length of material is initially severed into separate lengths, then gathered into side-by-side relationship with other severed lengths, then severed a second time into the final length. The final lengths are then arranged into generally cylindrically configured clusters for axial packing into the awaiting containers. Special handling techniques are used throughout the process so as to render the system fully automated without damaging the materials or failing to pack the prescribed number of materials into each container.

Abstract: The invention relates to new copolyester polymers which are high molecular weight copolyesters of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, dimer acid and polyoxyethylene glycols and to films, fibers and filaments made from these copolyesters. The copolyesters contain about 2 to 4% by weight of dimer acid and about 1 to 3% by weight of polyoxyethylene glycol. Fibers and yarns processed from these copolyesters have markedly improved affinity for disperse dyes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly efficient reduction cell hood which utilizes an improved shield installation which is easily movable by hand thereby allowing for fewer shields which results in a corresponding decrease in the number of joints which must be sealed. The reduction cell hood of the present invention is constructed of a material which is capable of withstanding the operating temperatures of the electrolyte process without warping, buckling or other damage thereto.

Abstract: A viscous products pumping machine meters the volume of product that it dispenses by simultaneously displacing a proportionate amount of fluid through a separate metering circuit. The fluid of the metering circuit also serves as the medium for driving the pumping pistons of the machine, and provision is made for obtaining an accurate measurement notwithstanding any product of fluid leakage that might occur between the pistons during operation. A pneumatic logic control system governs sequencing of the machine operations, including control of a shut-off valve in the product discharge line that can be used to portion the pumped product according to the amount of fluid that has been displaced in the metering circuit.

Abstract: Residual PCl.sub.3 in POCl.sub.3 which has been prepared by the oxidation of PCl.sub.3 in the presence of air or oxygen-enriched air is converted to POCl.sub.3 by contacting the POCl.sub.3 /PCl.sub.3 mixture with ozone or an ozone-enriched gas.

Abstract: Maleic anhydride is recovered in high yields from gaseous mixtures containing the maleic anhydride in the vapor phase by cooling the gaseous mixture containing the maleic anhydride to a temperature above the dew point of water in the gaseous mixture, and then scrubbing the gaseous mixture with a solvent which comprises a phthalate ester, preferably dibutyl phthalate, and up to 10 weight percent phthalic anhydride. Thereafter, the maleic anhydride is stripped from the solvent in a one-step operation, and the solvent is thereafter recycled to the scrubbing step.

Abstract: The prior art discloses a number of polymerization inhibitors for acrylic acid, acrylates and derivatives thereof, but such polymerization inhibitors have low vapor pressures. Consequently, when acrylic acid is vaporized, it tends to polymerize on cooling surfaces causing undesirable deposits on storage vessels and the like. However, when a polymerization inhibiting amount of 2,4-pentanedione is added to the monomer, the polymerization of acrylic acid on cooling surfaces is inhibited.

Abstract: A compact, yet easy-to-clean machine has a pair of pumping plungers that reciprocate alternately to force plastic materials, such as food products, out of their respective pump chambers and into a common delivery conduit, thereby effecting substantially continuous operation. Each plunger has a chamber-defining sleeve associated therewith which precedes the plunger into the product supply so as to load the sleeve in readiness for the oncoming plunger. The plungers and their sleeves are operated by a common control and operating pack of hydraulic power devices and pneumatic limit switches located behind the plungers and sleeves within the cabinet of the machine, and the pack is journaled on the cabinet by spherical bearings which enable the pack and the plungers and sleeves to be cocked upwardly as a unit out of the cabinet into an access position for cleaning.