Abstract: A circuit for producing an alternating output current may comprise a first current regulator and a second current regulator. The first current regulator produces a first phase of the alternating output current and regulates the current of the first phase. The second current regulator produces a second phase of the alternating output current and regulates the current of the second phase. A first polarity reversing circuit operatively associated with the first current regulator periodically reverses the polarity of the first phase. A second polarity reversing circuit operatively associated with the second current regulator periodically reverses the polarity of the second phase. A control system operatively associated with the first and second current regulators and the first and second polarity reversing circuits controls the operation of the first and second current regulators and the first and second polarity reversing circuits.

Abstract: A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer ("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta.-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO.sub.3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A mounting platform assembly for attaching a "heel-less" type of binding to a ski may comprise a toe platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough for receiving a plurality of platform screws. The toe platform also includes at least two threaded holes therein for receiving at least two mounting screws of the binding. The toe platform is attached to the ski by the platform screws, whereas the toe piece of the "heel-less" binding is attached to the toe platform by the mounting screws. A heel platform may be mounted to the ski at a position rearward from the toe platform by heel platform screws.

Abstract: A magnet assembly may comprise a first magnet plate having a first magnet mounted thereon and a second magnet plate having a second magnet mounted thereon and a third magnet mounted thereon adjacent the second magnet so that a pole axis of the second magnet is substantially perpendicular to a pole axis of the third magnet. The second magnet plate is positioned adjacent the first magnet plate so that a plasma-confining magnetic field is created between the first, second, and third magnets. The first and second magnet plates are also moveable with respect to one another so that they can be moved between a center position configuration and an end position configuration.

Abstract: An improved hearth section for a shaft furnace may comprise a plurality of splines mounted to the side wall of the hearth section in spaced-apart circumferential positions so that each of the splines extends radially inward from the side-wall and into the interior of the hearth section. The floor of the hearth section may include a plurality of stand-offs positioned in generally spaced-apart relation and that extend upward from the floor and into the interior of the hearth section.

Abstract: A flotation cell level detector for providing an indication of a level of a liquid in a flotation cell may comprise a generally circular shaped float having a submergence function such that small changes in the submergence level of the float will result in large changes in the submerged volume of the float when the float is submerged at about the design level of submergence. A reference member is attached to the float and held a spaced distance above the float by a plurality of support members. A sensor mounted above the reference member detects the position of the reference member and generates a corresponding output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining compressive stress in an in-situ roof support pillar may comprise a convergence meter positioned in one of the two entries for measuring the total entry convergence, i.e., roof sag and floor heave, and for generating an output signal related thereto. A computer system connected to the convergence meter is responsive to the output signal and calculates the compressive stress in the pillar based on the total entry convergence and based on whether the pillar is being subjected to at least one of a number of load types including a first front abutment load, a second front abutment load, and a side abutment load.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine includes a catalyst element and a heat shield exterior to the catalyst element. The heat shield and catalyst element are mounted within an exhaust pipe so that two annular insulation spaces exist between the catalyst element and the exhaust pipe. The first annular insulation space is located between the interior wall of the exhaust pipe and the exterior wall of the heat shield. The second annular insulation space is located between the interior wall of the heat shield and the catalyst element itself. A spring washer positioned between one end of the catalytic reactor and an axial retaining flange on the exhaust pipe allows the catalytic reactor to expand axially as it heats to operating temperature. A layer of ceramic material may be deposited on the exterior surface of the heat shield to further reduce heat transfer to the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A gas permeable filter element formed solely from filter material defines a substantially cylindrical inner filter element and a substantially cylindrical outer filter element joined together by an end filter element. The outer filter element is radially spaced and concentric with said inner filter element, so that the inner and outer filter elements define an annulus having an inlet end. A particulate laden gas stream directed into the open end of the annulus defined by the inner and outer filter elements passes through either the inner filter element, the outer filter element, or the end filter element.

Abstract: A sputtering magnet assembly generates a magnetic field having sufficient strength to produce a plasma-confining magnetic tunnel over the front surface of a magnetic target. A magnetic shunt positioned a spaced distance from the back surface of the magnetic target provides an alternate path for excess magnetic flux liberated by erosion of the target. The alternate path provided by the magnetic shunt has a lower magnetic resistance than most paths that exit the front surface of the target, pass into the sputtering region, and re-enter the front surface of the target. Accordingly, most of the excess magnetic flux is prevented from escaping into the sputtering region.

Abstract: An improved exhaust treatment apparatus includes a particulate filter assembly connected to the exhaust system of a diesel engine for removing the solid particulate soot matter entrained in the engine exhaust. The particulate filter assembly includes a disposable low-temperature filter element that can be readily replaced when it becomes clogged. Heat insulated catalyst assemblies located upstream of the particulate filter assembly reduce the amounts of solid particulate matter and other gaseous pollutants in the engine exhaust. A self-cleaning exhaust gas heat exchanger located between the catalyst assemblies and the particulate filter cools the hot, catalyzed exhaust gases before they reach the low temperature filter element. The self-cleaning heat exchanger also includes an intermittent water injection system for periodically removing soot accumulations from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A dual clamp for automotive frame straightening machines includes a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly both of which are slidably mounted to an elongated slide bar. The first and second clamp assemblies are identical and comprise respective first and second pivoting jaws pivotally mounted to corresponding first and second sliding jaws. A chain interconnects the lever end of the first pivoting jaw and the lever end of the second pivoting jaw, so that when a pulling force is applied to the chain, the chain simultaneously pulls on both clamps and increases the clamping force of each respective clamp assembly.

Abstract: A sputtering magnet assembly includes a plate-shaped pole piece made from a magnetically permeable material and a central magnet positioned substantially at the center of the pole piece and oriented so that its north-south magnetic orientation is substantially perpendicular to the plate shaped pole piece. A plurality of outer magnets are positioned around the central magnet, each of which has its north-south magnetic orientation also perpendicular to the pole piece, but opposite of the orientation of the central magnet. A plurality of primary inner magnets are arranged around the central magnet, between the central magnet and the outer magnets, each of which primary inner magnets has its north-south magnetic orientation parallel to the base pole piece and perpendicular to the magnetic orientations of the central magnet and the outer magnets.

Abstract: A multiple use packaging and shipping container for plants includes two opposed vertical side trays separated by a horizontal floor. Flats of bedding plants placed on the horizontal floor extend into the two opposed vertical side trays, which hold the flats and prevent them from moving. The opposed vertical side trays will support several additional shipping and display containers, allowing them to be stacked, one on top of another, without crushing or damaging the plants. The sides may also include vertical top tabs and bottom slots for aligning and holding the shipping and display containers in position when they stacked one on top of the other. Once delivered, these containers may be displayed in the stacked configuration, or may be unstacked. Each side tray of the container may be separated from the floor and reconfigured into a customer carry-out tray.