Abstract: An explosive blasting method and apparatus for producing rock fragmentation and substantially reducing the amplitude of seismic effects (ground vibration) in the vicinity of the blast. An embodiment of the invention utilizes an air gap method and apparatus for superheating the air surrounding the charge in a borehole thereby significantly raising the pressure therein coupled with the use of multiple detonation points along the borehole for the reduction of burn time thereby substantially reducing the quantity of explosives used along with a marked reduction of seismic shock, sound and dust effects to the surrounding area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for automatically measuring the Brinell Hardness of a casting for the purpose of creating data for use in making an accept/reject decision. Process includes the steps of preparing a casting and positioning the casting on retention means positioned on a conveyor. A surface of the casting is selected for testing and this first surface is subjected to a first surface preparation step which consists of an abrasive grinding and/or machining to remove any irregularities in this surface. A second surface preparation step is then performed which comprises applying a contrast enhancing material to at least a portion of this preselected surface. Brinell Hardness testing apparatus is then used to test the casting for hardness and is then fed into appropriate means either human or mechanical for making an accept/reject decision as to the suitability of the casting for its intended use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for feeding grid stock through a punch and die arrangement so that the spaced apart slots are equally spaced during the progression of the grid stock. The feed mechanism for strip stock comprises reciprocating punch means, die means associated with said reciprocating punch means to cooperate to punch out a group of spaced-apart slots in said strip stock, supporting means associated with said punch and die means to support said strip stock during its advance, a pair of members slidably mounted to said supporting means to operate on adjacent groups of spaced-apart slots in said strip stock to positively feed said stock away from said punch and die means, and means timed in respect to the reciprocation of said punch and die means and operative thereby, while said die means is raised from said punch means, to impart feeding movements to said feed stock.