Abstract: A cluster welding electrode assembly is provided which permits the deposition of maximum weights of weld metal with minimum amperage and voltage values. The assembly is comprised of a central rod electrode having circumferentially grouped or nested thereabout in longitudinally aligned relationship a plurality of lesser diameter rod electrodes. Each of the rods in the assembly carries thereon a novel flux coating productive during the welding operation of a nickel-chromium-molybdenum type alloy characterized as dense, porous-free and homogenous. The flux composition incorporates defined amounts of molybdenum and tungsten, and there is obtained by practice of the invention weld metal of low carbon content and substantially improved physical properties.

Abstract: Overhead crane apparatus is disclosed incorporating an extruded aluminum alloy rail structure for runway and bridge girder applications. The relatively light weight and low cost rail structure is shaped to provide a trolley passageway protected from the ingress of deleterious substances, and is further contoured to provide a shaped cavity for ready reception of novel clamp means facilitating the imposition of increased loads on existing crane apparatus. The rail structure during the extrusion process may also be formed with fluid passages in the side walls thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning tool is provided which has especial utility in the cleaning of Venetian blinds. The tool incorporates a plurality of elongated protuberances supported by manifold structure communicating with a vacuum source, the protuberances preferably taking the form of tubular support members having one or more axial rows of diametrically opposed air flow holes or openings therein and being essentially entirely wrapped or encased by an air permeable pile sleeve member. The tool of this invention effects an orderly thorough removal of dust and like particulate materials from the slats of Venetian blinds and other louvered structures.

Abstract: A cluster welding electrode assembly is provided which permits the deposition of maximum weights of weld metal with minimum amperage and voltage values. The assembly is comprised of a central rod electrode having circumferentially grouped or nested thereabout in longitudinally aligned relationship a plurality of lesser diameter rod electrodes. Each of the rods in the assembly carries thereon a novel flux coating productive during the welding operation of a nickel-chromium-molybdenum type alloy characterized as dense, porous-free and homogenous. Various means are disclosed for integrating the central rod electrode and surrounding lesser diameter rod electrodes into a unitary welding assembly.

Abstract: Welding apparatus embodies an electrode support and guide structure provided by a framework hingedly connected at opposite ends and supported generally midway of the ends by a swivel joint assembly rotatively mounted for swingable movement by one end of a hinged support arm connected at its opposite end to generally vertically disposed mounting structure. A plurality of pivotal connections are provided which permit an operator to move the electrode vertically, horizontally, and generally arcuately with respect to a workpiece being welded.

Abstract: A surgical structure for preventing skin irritation occasioned by confinement of a body part within a plaster cast featuring the provision intermediate the cast and body part of a loosely compacted fibrous layer communicating through a passage in the cast with a source of conditioned air controlled as to pressure, temperature and humidity and providing an air flow path adjacent the skin of the body part so that drying thereof is substantially avoided. A barrier layer is desirably located proximate the fibrous layer to prevent movement thereinto of cast material during the molding thereof. Connector means are provided from the air source through socket means embedded in the plaster cast and communicating with the loosely compacted fibrous layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process wherein a conversion coated zinc or zinc alloy surface is post-treated with an aqueous solution comprising at least 0.02 g/l titanium ion and at least 0.1 g/l of an adjuvant selected from phosphoric acid, phytic acid, tannin, the salts and esters of the foregoing, and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and process for inhibiting an aqueous acid solution and a composition so inhibited. The acid solution containing, for example, HF is inhibited by including a condensation product of a mixture of diethyl- and dibutyl-thiourea with hexamethylenetetramine.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline solution containing an organic tannin is used to clean a tin surface. The composition is particularly useful for cleaning tin surfaces because the presence of the tannin inhibits etching of the tin surface which normally occurs under alkaline conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and process useful in forming a nickel phosphate coating on an iron or steel surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved composition and process for the treatment of aluminum surfaces for the purpose of imparting corrosion resistance and improved receptivity of an organic finish. A lithium compound is added to an aqueous tannin composition to obtain this effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of coating a metal surface by contacting it with an aqueous acidic solution containing hexavalent chromium and either a non-ionic surfactant having the formulaRO(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n HwhereinR = a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radical of 5 to 25 carbon atomsn = 2 to 30Or glycine followed by drying and baking the surface. Preferably, the solution also contains urea.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and process useful for the treatment of an aluminum surface comprising contacting the surface with an aqueous solution containing at least 0.000025 weight percent of a vegetable tannin, which solution exhibits a pH of at least 3. Best results can be obtained via a two-stage tanin treatment in which the treating solution of the first stage also contains titanium and fluoride in dissolved form.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode design which exhibits extended service live when immersed in aqueous fluoride ion containing compositions. The electrode comprises a fluoride ion sensitive membrane adhered to an insulating electrode shell by means of a slow-setting cement. At least one deposit of a cyanoacrylate glue adheres to the membrane and the electrode shell so as to prevent contact between the aqueous composition and the slow-setting cement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the post-treatment of conversion-coated metal surfaces. The aqueous treating solution contains a melamine-formaldehyde resin and preferably contains a vegetable tannin and is free of chromium. Treatment with the melamine-formaldehyde resin-containing solution provides improved corrosion-resistance over that obtained with a water rinse and treatment with the melamine-formaldehyde resin and vegetable tannin combination solution gives corrosion results as measured by salt spray resistance comparable to those obtained with the use of the commercial dilute chromium-containing rinse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating aluminum wherein the surface is contacted with a solution containing phosphate, a tannin, titanium and fluoride prior to inking or lacquering. The process produces a coating exhibiting adhesion, color and corrosion resistance comparable to that obtained via conventional chromium-based processes without creating the pollution problems of chromium disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electroplating bath and process for obtaining semi-bright to bright electrodeposits of gold and gold alloys. The electroplating bath contains a gold sulfite complex and a nitrogen-free diphosphonic compound having at least two phosphonic groups attached directly to a carbon atom. Presence of the nitrogen-free phosphonate compound enhances the stability of the gold sulfite baths and improves the brightness of electrodeposits obtained therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filtration unit for use in reverse osmosis purification, separation, or concentration plants or systems, and in particular to a unique method of winding a length of reinforced cast membrane tubing into a helical form while subjected to high pressure and elevated temperature.