Abstract: A thimble insert for placement in a thimble eye of a cable, the thimble insert including a rigid body having a groove therein for engagement with the thimble and a slot for receipt of an anchor device engaged by the thimble eye. The body can be prepared with either a cylindrical or a tear drop profile and may be fabricated as a two-piece assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating particles from a fluid, particulate suspension by flotation in a centrifugal field. The apparatus includes a vertically oriented, cylindrical vessel having a tangential inlet and a tangential outlet. The particulate suspension is introduced into the vessel through the inlet and swirls around the inner surface of the vessel in a thin fluid layer. Air is sparged through a porous wall formed in the vessel and into the thin fluid layer of the particulate suspension. Small bubbles are generated at the surface of the porous wall. The directed motion of the particles in the thin layer of particulate fluid suspension results in a high probability for collision and a rapid flotation. The air bubbles and particles form bubble/particle aggregates which migrate towards the axial center of the apparatus and into a froth phase in the core of the apparatus.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for time-domain tracking of high-speed chemical reactions. The apparatus of this invention includes a feedback system for controlling the RF frequency of an RF radiator system to thereby provide the optimum RF frequency for heating the reaction. The apparatus and method of this invention are particularly useful in the recovery of products from oil shale wherein the oil shale is heated by RF dielectric heating and the feedback system adjusts the RF frequency as the permittivity of the oil shale changes during the heating process.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for classifying and separating larger or more dense particles from fine particulate material entrained in a stream of air. The apparatus has a helically-shaped air chamber with a truncated frusto-conically shaped circumferential periphery. A series of extraction ports are disposed at spaced intervals along the truncated apex of the periphery. An adjustable blade means disposed at each extraction port segregates the outer fraction of particles from the air stream and diverts it into an extraction chamber surrounding the extraction port. The extraction chamber is pressurized to prevent the outflow of air from the helically-shaped air chamber through the extraction port and to remove the extracted particles to a collection point for further processing.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foam strip.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur from sulfide-bearing ores by reacting water vapor with the sulfide-bearing ore forming hydrogen sulfide while simultaneously regenerating water vapor by reacting the hydrogen sulfide with lime. Advantageously, the process occurs in the absence of a net consumption or production of gaseous species so that the process can be carried out in a closed system with respect to the gaseous species. Sulfide-bearing ores which can be treated using the process of this invention include sulfide-bearing ores of molybdenum, zinc, iron, mercury, and copper. Advantageously, the molybdenum oxide so produced from the sulfide-bearing ore of molybdenum can be reacted further with lime and water producing calcium molybdate and hydrogen. The chalcopyrite form of the sulfide-bearing ore of copper produces bornite and magnetite.

Abstract: A combination step and extension ladder manufactured of composite material such as fiberglass is disclosed. The inner and outer side rails are molded fiberglass so that the fibers are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective side rail. Hinges are provided on each of the inner side rails of the ladder so that the ladder may be folded and unfolded from a step ladder configuration to a straight extension ladder configuration and vice versa. The inner side rails are telescopically mounted within channeled outer side rails so that the inner side rails can be extended to increase the height of the ladder in either configuration. The outer side rails have a foam strip molded into one side such that the ladder rungs between the outer side rails are supported by both the fiberglass and the foamstrip.

Abstract: A fire-resistant, cellulose insulation and method, the cellulose insulation including a predetermined quantity of talc to impart the desired degree of fire-resistant characteristics to the cellulose. Predetermined quantities of boron compounds can be added with the talc to improve the fire-suppressant characteristics of the insulation. The method includes directing ground cellulose from the primary grinding stage into a surge bin to accommodate metering the talc with the cellulose to thereby assure the appropriate distribution ratio of talc in the cellulose.

Abstract: A novel tent apparatus and method, the tent apparatus including a first tent shell having sidewalls and a floor. The support structure for the tent shell includes a plurality of interconnectable pole structures and an external, umbrella-type rib structure for placing the tent poles in an outwardly directed tension. The tent pole structure is integrally joined to the tent shell so as to provide a unitary, man-portable and erectable tent structure.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for determining osmolarity and/or specific gravity of a sample solution, the apparatus including a plurality of test solutions, each test solution having a predetermined specific gravity within a predetermined specific gravity range and also containing the dye, the dye being activated by substances in the sample solution. Test solutions having a higher specific gravity than the sample solution will experience osmotic diffusion across the semipermeable membrane and activation of the dye therein. The test solutions are sequentially arrayed on a support member so that the next succeeding test solution without a color change indicates the degree of osmolarity and/or specific gravity of the sample solution.

Abstract: A novel overhead door section system and method, the section including a section facing fabricated from a high tensile steel and secured to a novel end stile and center stile. The end stile includes an angle support secured therein. The angle support clamps an end of the section facing against a front face of the end stile and is secured to ribs in the section facing and to a side wall of the end stile. A novel back facing and method provide additional strength to the panel and may also enclose an insulative layer inside the panel.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in medical transfusion or bypass circuits wherein biological fluids, such as blood, are introduced onto the interior surface of an essentially cylindrical cavity in a vortical flow such that unwanted gas bubbles are separated from the biological fluids. The degassed biological fluids are collected and returned to the patient.

Abstract: A novel process for enhancing the leaching rate of a mineral wherein the mineral is characterized by the tendency to form a reaction product layer during leaching. A suitable particulate modifier such as carbon is mixed with the mineral prior to leaching and selectively alters the characteristics of the reaction product layer. The process is particularly useful for leaching chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena.

Abstract: An improved process for increasing (1) the removal of sulfur from lead concentrates and (2) the ratio of fresh, lead concentrate in the feed to a conventional lead concentrate sintering machine. Oxygen is added to the air of the updraft ignition section in predetermined amounts coupled with predetermined reductions and finally, termination of oxygen enrichment at a predetermined distance from the point of downdraft ignition. Additional cooling is supplied by use of finely dispersed, liquid water introduced into preselected wind boxes at predetermined positions downstream of the termination of oxygen enrichment.

Abstract: A novel thermal process for recovering hydrocarbon and other products from tar sand. The process includes blending tar sand with a bitumen-rich concentrate while heating the same with a hot, burnt sand. The products are recovered by passing the combined feed through a fluidized bed and selectively controlling the temperature and residence times to obtain predetermined ratios of products. Coked sand residue from the fluidized bed is burned to produce the hot, burnt sand, a portion of which may be recycled to provide heat to the fluidized bed. Coked sand may also be recycled into a known, hot-water, caustic separation process where it synergistically improves the separation efficiency of the hot-water, caustic separation process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cover for enclosing the ends of medical tubing and which is capable of maintaining the sterile condition of the tubing prior to its use in surgical or medical procedures. The cover is designed with an inner diameter of constant cross section and with several tapered ribs along the surface of the inner wall of the cover.

Abstract: A cylindrical primer cup having a top end which may be sealed so as to safely contain granular or liquid explosive matter is disclosed. A cylindrical conduit extends in a straight path through the cup, providing an opening at either end permitting through-passage of detonating cord or blasting caps. The cylindrical conduit additionally has a fixed diameter throughout, facilitating its travel along a detonating cord. A frustoconical conduit extends well within the primer cup for the placement and frictional retention of blasting caps therein. The sidewalls of the two conduits are relatively thin to provide for easier primer detonation. Symmetrically placed columnar-shaped ribs provide longitudinal structural support for the cylindrical conduit.