Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of olefins including ethylene, propylene, and butanes from methyl amine. The process comprises a reaction whereby methyl amine produces the olefin and ammonia by pyrolysis. The reaction is carried out in the gas phase at a temperature in the range of 400° C. to 700° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging bodily wastes has a receptacle for holding a person's bodily waste products, including an upwardly facing opening for receiving the waste products. A forward load-bearing member extends from the receptacle to provide a support for at least one foot of a person discharging waste products into the receptacle. A rear load-bearing member arranged to engage the lower torso of the person above the buttocks when the person has at least one foot in the forward load-bearing member. The rear load-bearing member and the forward load bearing member are spaced apart a distance that is sufficient to hold a person therebetween with the person's buttocks suspended over the opening of the receptacle and the person's center of gravity behind the one foot supported in the forward load bearing member.

Abstract: A paint system includes at least one modular paint delivery system module, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped and operated within the shipping container. A method for deploying a system includes building at least one modular paint delivery system module at a building site, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped to and operated within the shipping container at an installation site, transporting the module to the installation site location from the building site via the transport infrastructure, and connecting at least one resource connection and at least one distribution piping to the module at the installation site location.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the synthesis of formaldehyde from methane starting with the oxychlorination of methane to produce methylene chloride. Hydrolysis of methylene chloride yields the product formaldehyde. Gaseous formaldehyde is condensed for shipment. Byproduct chloroform and carbon tetrachloride are recovered and hydrogenated to provide additional methylene chloride.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel washer comprising a pair of spaced-apart, mirror image, depending spray arms with spray heads mounted at the lower ends and directed inwardly toward the wheels of a vehicle which passes between the spray heads. The spray arms are mounted pendulum-type from an overhead pivotal support to move in unison between angular displacement positions thereby to follow the wheels of the vehicle being washed for a considerable linear distance to increase the effectiveness of the wheel cleaning operation. A bi-directional hydraulic actuator controls the positions of the pendulum arms in combination with gravitational force.

Abstract: A single column or multiple column support structure for car wash installations. Each column is a hollow aluminum extrusion having a cross-section defining a smooth rounded figure such as an oval and a pair of longitudinally continuous external channels formed in opposite sides of the column to provide routes for wires and hoses. Snap in plastic covers are associated with the channels. Interior channels received fastener inserts for assembling the columns to base plates, top plates, cross-bridges and the like. Two or more columns may be assembled in parallel spaced relationship with spacers therebetween.

Abstract: A food container in the form of a paper cup having a top edge and a plastic rim structure which is injection molded to the edge so as to seal the edge and be firmly be adhered thereto. The rim structure exhibits a flat annular upper surface to which a heat sealable closure made of metal foil with heat sealable plastic underlayer can be attached after filling the container with a suitable food product.

Abstract: A race track lighting system comprising a plurality of fixtures mounted in spaced relationship to one another on the infield side of the track and projecting light outwardly and downwardly onto the track surface from relatively low poles. Each fixture is asymmetric so as to provide a strong cut-off preventing light from being projected into the eyes of oncoming driver, but a divergent pattern in the direction of traffic flow so as to blend the light from one fixture with the light from an adjacent fixture for the purpose of promoting uniformity in the lighting intensity. The lamp is offset in the fixture and a blocker strip is placed in from of the lamp to prevent direct, uncontrolled light from reaching the track.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for directing at least two different air pressure supply sources to fill and exhaust at least a first volume of air and a second volume of air. The apparatus includes a housing and a valve assembly that is disposed within the housing. The valve assembly is movable between a first position, wherein a non-regulated air input port is in communication with a first volume of air to inflate the first volume of air while an exhaust port is in communication with a second volume of air to exhaust the second volume of air, and a second position, wherein a regulated air input port is in communication with the second volume of air to inflate the second volume of air while the first volume of air is in communication with the second volume of air to exhaust air from the first volume of air to the second volume of air.

Abstract: A molded plastic container assembly comprising an open top container and a closure which sealingly fits on the top of the container. A collar is integral with the container sidewall just below the top rim to provide a space into which the lower edge of the closure skirt extends to prevent removal closure until a tear strip formed in the collar is removed. The tear strip in the collar extends fully through one corner of the container assembly and at least half way toward both of the adjacent corners to provide substantial area of access to the closure lower edge as well make the tear strip to large to present a choking hazard to small children.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is provided such that the positive electrode comprises lead dioxide, the negative electrode zinc, iron, lead or cadmium, and the electrolyte is alkaline. Upon discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to lead oxide, the metal is oxidized to an oxide, and the electrolyte remains unchanged. The reactions are reversed when the battery is charged.

Abstract: An adjustable illumination apparatus includes an illumination source having a housing carrying an illuminatable element. A mount is adapted to surround an imaging system lens. An extensible and retractable support has first and second ends mounts the illumination source to the mount. First and second connections movably couple the first and second ends of the support to the mount and the illumination source. The support includes one or more telescoping legs or a cross link bar assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus includes multiple illumination sources. The connections allow each illumination source to be independently positioned relative to other illumination sources. The illuminatable elements in each illumination source may be independently controlled.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method for modifying the surface adhesion characteristics of expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, whereby the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, are contacted with a composition containing at least one oxidizing agent and an activator. The oxidizing agent in the composition is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate that is reactive with the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components wherein the expanded foams and beads or other expanded structures or components formed therefrom, are maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. The oxidizing agent of choice is a halogenated bivalent oxygen compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting air conditioning coolant lines. The apparatus comprises a coupler body, a coolant line, a flexible annular seal, a nut, and a deformable annular retainer. The coupler body has a passageway extending therethrough and a coolant line is disposed at least partially within the passageway. A flexible annular seal is disposed within the passageway in the coupler body for sealingly engaging the coolant line. The nut receives the coolant line therein and threadably engages the coupler body. A deformable annular retainer is disposed on the coolant line for engagement with the nut and the coupler body, wherein the threadable engagement of the nut with the coupler body urges the deformable annular retainer into a sealing engagement with the coupler body and the coolant line.

Abstract: A corrugated container with integral dunnage for securing a cargo element with respect to the interior of the corrugated container, including at least one wall panel having a substantially planar surface, an aperture defined in the substantially planar surface, and a flap portion connected to the substantially planar surface adjacent to the aperture. The flap portion is subdivided into a plurality of sections that cooperate to define a dunnage element.