Abstract: A flanged-pipe fitting for joining the plain ends of pipe is described. The fitting comprises a tubular body having an interior cylindrical chamber with a first and second openings, an annular ridge located between the first and second openings, an annular recess for receiving a first sealing gasket and an annular flanged portion having a notch for receiving a second sealing gasket. The flanged-pipe fitting is used in conjunction with a gland fitting to join the two ends of the pipe together.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing method and apparatus for determining the microstructure of ferrous metal objects, such as cast iron pipe. A sonic wave is induced into the metal object by magnetostriction. A sensor assembly captures the acoustic energy induced in the metal object and sends a signal output to signal processing electronics. The electronics amplify the signal. The amplified signal is then captured by the data acquisition system and analyzed by the data analysis system. The data analysis system may calculate the energy of the acoustic wave or calculate the time from the initial induction of the sonic wave to the Villari reversal point to determine nodularity of the metal object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating and processing solid waste, often but not necessarily from municipalities (and so will be generically referred to herein as municipal solid waste or “MSW”), into useful products, and for reducing biohazards and putrid odors derived from MSW. The MSW is loaded into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped rotating pressure vessel and is subjected to heat and pressure by the application of steam in specified amounts to break down the organic portion of the MSW into a cellulose feedstock, or a de-manufactured paper product, of uniform particle size and density. This product is then easily separable from other constituents of MSW, such as glass, aluminum and other metals, and plastics. The recyclables are recovered and sold in the market. The waste water from the process is reduced by processing through a water vamping apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible material having adhesive coated over a major portion of one side, which may then be adhered to a nipple or protrusion in a manner that allows the adhesive to directly contact the nipple (or protrusion) as well as the immediately surrounding areola and skin surface. The adhesion between the fabric and the skin, from the areas surrounding the nipple to the center of the nipple itself, creates a continuous, substantially flat (or, more particularly, a continuous curve that follows the natural curve of the surrounding tissue) profile. A preferred configuration for the device of the present invention is also provided, which reduces folding and buckling of the device as applied.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus are described for an isolated, universal input, power supply in the form of a single-ended resonant converter that utilizes capacitive energy storage versus magnetic energy storage, for converting an ac or DC input voltage to a variable voltage and current DC output or a variable ac output voltage, current, frequency, or phase. The preferred topology is a direct ac to ac, single-ended resonant converter using a single switch (4) and integrated magnetic element (1) with inherent near-unity power factor. Advantages of this method include a significant reduction in global energy consumption, simpler circuitry, substantially lower cost, higher efficiency, and longer operational life.

Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of tank are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the tank, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the tank, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the tank and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to tank available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane. The process comprises: (a) producing a product mixture in a reactor by reacting carbon tetrachloride and vinyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst mixture comprising organophosphate solvent, iron metal and ferric chloride under conditions sufficient to produce 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane; (b) subjecting the 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane containing product mixture from step (a) to evaporation such that a fraction enriched in 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane is separated from the product mixture and a bottoms fraction results which comprises the iron metal/ferric chloride catalyst components and heavy end by-products; and (c) recycling at least a portion of the bottoms fraction from step (b) to the reactor.

Abstract: A non-contact measuring device for determining the dimensions of a cylindrical object, such as a pipe. The device may use a programmable industrial robot with an arm terminating in a rotary joint, or wrist. A non-contact measurement assembly, which preferably includes a triangulation laser, mounted to the robot's wrist. The wrist includes a binary wrist encoder for providing the angular position of the wrist to an attached computer. Likewise, the laser provides a signal representative of the distance from the laser to the surface of the pipe to the computer. The robot positions the measurement assembly in a predetermined location within the pipe and rotates the measurement assembly. The computer correlates the measurements from the lasers with the angular position at which they were taken, and it analyzes this data to determine the dimensions of the pipe, including the true profile of the surface and cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A novel apparatus has been discovered which is of value in the production of polyurethane foam. This invention relates to a one-pass, on-demand apparatus for producing a controlled, homogeneous blend of the polyol-blowing agent mixture used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam using either a low-boiling point or high-boiling point blowing agent. An apparatus is provided to control the amount of each material in the mixture, ensure homogeneous blending of the two materials after mixing, a pressure control means to maintain blowing agents in their liquid state (where necessary), and a monitoring means which allows rapid verification of the operating status of the entire system.

Abstract: An electronic pressure reducer for liquid petroleum gasses comprises a heat exchanger (2,3) located upstream of an evaporation chamber (4) connected to a pressure reducing valve (5); the chambers (13,14) of the reducing valve (5) are separated by a passage section (15) for the fuel in the state of superheated vapor; the area of the passage section (15) is changed by a conic closing device (16) manoeuvred by a step motor (17) controlled by the central unit (6); the control central unit (6) defines the displacement of the conic closing device (16) from a first position of maximum flow to a second position of minimum flow by changing the area of the passage section (15), the dimension of which defines the flow and the pressure of the fuel coming out of the reducing valve (5) through an outlet orifice (18) connected to a metering valve (10).

Abstract: A method is described whereby dendritic cells derived from the CD34+ and CD34− hematopoietic cell lineages are directed to become programmable antigen presenting cells. The programmed cells may be pulsed with tumor cell RNA or tumor cell RNA expression products. The protocol provides for directing the maturation of dendritic cells to become antigen presenting cells. The protocol further provides for isolating tumor cell RNA from biopsy material that has been prepared in paraffin block storage. The directed dendritic cell is provided with a plurality of tumor markers by using tumor RNA in toto, the poly A+RNA fraction or the expression product of such RNA. Once activated the dendritic cells are incubated with T4 and T8 lymphocytes to stimulate and sensitize the T lymphocytes which upon introduction either into a donor host or a nondonor recipient will provide immune response protection.

Abstract: A device for securing objects to a surface, particularly heavy objects—such as steel coil, flat steel, or pipe—being transported by various modes of transportation, such as a flat bed trailer. The device includes a rigid member that is secured to the front to rear frame rails which run lengthwise on the underside of a flat bed trailer. The device further includes chains or other restraining elements that are secured at the opposite extremities of the rigid member, pass over or through the side rails of the flat bed trailer and over or through the payload. The device also has ratchet binders or other tightening to achieve tightening of the restraining elements. Use of the device achieves increased restraint of payloads during transportation.

Abstract: A method is described whereby a dendritic cell derived from the CD34 hematopoietic cell lineage is directed to become a super antigen presenting cell that has been pulsed with tumor cell RNA or RNA expression products. The protocol provides for programming the maturation of dendritic cells to become antigen presenting cells. The protocol further provides for isolating tumor cell RNA from biopsy material that has been prepared in pariffin block storage. The directed dendritic cell is provided with a plurality of tumor markers by using tumor RNA in toto or the poly A+RNA fraction. Once activated the dendritic cells are incubated with T4 and T8 lymphocytes to stimulate and sensitize the T lymphocytes which upon introduction either into a donor host or a nondonor recipient will provide immune response protection.

Abstract: A hammermill grinder that eliminates the frequent jamming caused when cutting heads catch on material that enters the lower segment of the rotary cutting arc and then feeds at a rapid rate equal to the rotation of the the hammermill into and under the hammermill, without first being reduced. The hammermill possesses two levels of cutting heads, preferably spinning on a horizontal axis of rotation, and employs shredder feet to limit the depth of cut, both preventing wide items from being drawn into compression between the backing grate and the hammermill, and influencing material more efficiently into the cutting area.

Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of pipe are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the pipe, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the pipe, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the pipe and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to pipe available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.

Abstract: A novel methodology and apparatus have been discovered which is of value in the production of polyurethane foam. This invention relates to a one-pass, on-demand process and apparatus for producing a controlled, homogeneous blend of the polyol-blowing agent mixture used in the manufacture of polyurethane foam using either a low-boiling point or high-boiling point blowing agent. A method is provided to control the amount of each material in the mixture, ensure homogeneous blending of the two materials after mixing, a pressure control means to maintain blowing agents in their liquid state (where necessary), and a monitoring means which allows rapid verification of the operating status of the entire system.

Abstract: An auxiliary bicycle seat is provided which has a seat, a forward brace, and a rear downward bifurcated brace which eliminates lateral instability associated with typical auxiliary seat designs. The rear downward brace straddles an upper horizontal bicycle bar or an auxiliary bar and further mounts securely to the lower structural support bars of a bicycle.