Abstract: A method for producing a derivatized aldehydic support matrix material includes activating surface hydroxyl groups on the support matrix material and reacting the activated hydroxyl groups with an aldehydic alkoxy silane. The derivatized aldehydic support matrix material produced is useful for immobilizing bio-molecules in biological applications.

Abstract: A single step heat treatment for Ni-Cr-Mo alloys containing from 12% to 19% chromium and from 18% to 23% molybdenum provides higher yield strength, high tensile strength and other mechanical properties comparable to those observed in similar alloys age-hardened according to current practices. This treatment is done over a total time of at least 24 hours and preferably less than 50 hours. However, the treatment works for only those alloys having alloying elements present in amounts according to an equation here disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: Polypropylene impact copolymers and methods of making them are provided. These impact copolymers achieve a balance between stiffness and impact strength and additionally higher gloss by the inclusion therein of a bimodal distribution of rubber particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting solid and hollow masonry materials is provided. The apparatus includes changeable support tables and upper splitting blades to accommodate various types of masonry materials. A hydraulic ram is operated via a foot pedal to increase the pressure in the ram to raise a lower cutting blade and spring-loaded support table to exert upward and downward pressure on the material, coming it to clearly split. The upper blade is height-adjustable and the support table can be fixed in a lowered position to facilitate the splitting process by eliminating overly repetitive operation of the hydraulic ram.

Abstract: A valve is provided having a housing defining first and second flow areas. First, second and third flow ports open into the first flow area, while fourth and fifth flow ports open into the second flow area. A flow passage is provided having one end opening into the first flow port and another end opening into the second flow area. First and second flow control gates are disposed in the first and second flow areas, respectively, and are rotatable between first and second positions. With the first and second gates in the first position, the first gate seals off the third flow port opening such that the first and second flow ports are in fluid communication via the first flow area, and the second gate seals off the flow passage opening such that the fourth and fifth flow ports are in fluid communication via the second flow area.

Abstract: A fire starting assembly is provided in accordance with the present invention for easily lighting and maintaining a fire in an outdoor environment. The inventive fire starting assembly includes, in its simplest form, a combustible container defining an interior, and intermixed layers of flammable and combustible materials in the container interior having first and second burning points, respectively. To provide oxygen for the fire, the container includes holes for admitting air into the container interior, thus fueling the fire within the container interior.

Abstract: A modular storage cabinet which can be shipped in a knocked-down condition and assembled on site with a minimal number of mechanical fasteners. Arcuate end connectors are provided for the side panels, which end connectors engage a tube at the corner connections. A sleeve slides over the arcuate end connectors, securely locking the side panels to the tube without the need for screws or any other fasteners. Top and bottom panels are attached at the corner connection assemblies. The cabinet includes a front panel which pivotally receives.one or more doors, or the doors can be directly connected to the top and bottom panels. The side walls in the preferred embodiment are manufactured by a plastic injection molding process. The interior of the side walls may include screw bosses integrally formed therein for attachment of drawer slides, shelving or other accessories. The corner connection assembly can be used for any type of corner connections, such as for modular office panel systems.

Abstract: An absorbent tablet is provided for the quick and convenient cleanup of persons, dirt, grime, spills, leaks, drips, sprays, etc. The absorbent tablet generally includes a substantially rigid backing sheet and a plurality of absorbent sheets stacked on top of the backing sheet, one on top of the other. Each of the absorbent sheets has absorbent properties for addressing dirt cleanup and liquid cleanup and containment. A binding element binds the backing sheet and the plurality of absorbent sheets together along one edge thereof to form the absorbent tablet. A weakened line is formed in each of the absorbent sheets along the one edge thereof adjacent the binding, enabling individual absorbent sheets to be torn and removed from the tablet. The absorbent tablet may be hung at an appropriate location for use via a hanging element connected to the backing sheet and designed for such purposes.

Abstract: A decorative light holder has a decorative shape, is made of a translucent material and has at least three substantially parallel reflective surfaces. A portion of light striking each surface is reflected and another portion of that light passes through the light holder. This structure provides a pleasing appearance in which areas of one side of the light holder appear to be darker than other areas of the same side. The corresponding areas on the opposite side of the light holder also appear to be lighter and darker but the area that was lighter on one side is darker on the opposite side and the area that was darker on one side is lighter on the opposite side. When made of two injection molded pieces, each piece is made of a different color plastic, enhancing the pleasing appearance of the holder. Preferably the surfaces on at least one side are textured, such as with a prismatic structure.

Abstract: A two step heat treatment for Ni—Cr—Mo alloys containing from 12% to 23.5% chromium provides higher yield strength, high tensile strength and other mechanical properties comparable to those observed in similar alloys age-hardened according to current practices. This treatment is done over a total time of not more than 50 hours. However, the treatment works for only those alloys having alloying elements present in amounts according to an equation here disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-stage liquid elevator which is assembled from individual stages is a fabricated from ordinary pipe components and has no moving parts. Each elevator stage consists of a reservoir defined by a casing enclosing an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. A coupling connects any two stages of the elevator together. As many stages as required can be joined together to construct a multi-stage liquid elevator of any desired length. Each stage is fabricated to a length compatible with the available gas pressure. Enough pressure must be available to move a column of liquid a vertical distance equal to or greater than the length of one stage of the elevator.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for electronically decreasing the sensitivity of thin film movable micromachined layers to vibrations, accelerations, or rotations that would result in part or all of the movable layer being displaced in the direction of the film thickness. In addition, the disclosed method can also be used to remove some of the curvature introduced into thin film movable structures due to vertical stress gradients. Electronic stiffening is achieved by using position sensing and force feedback at one or more points on the movable micromachined structure. Precise servo control of Z axis height makes it possible to dramatically decrease the spacing between the movable MEMS layer or layers and fixed electrodes, which can lead to a dramatic increase in sensitivity and/or actuation force.

Abstract: Chromium, silicon, aluminum, and optionally manganese are diffused onto the surface of a high temperature alloy product, to provide a coating having improved resistance to carburization and catalytic coke formation and smoother surfaces for high temperature hydrocarbon environments. Preferably, a first layer of chromium or chromium and silicon is deposited and diffusion heat-treated and covered by the second layer of aluminum or aluminum-silicon. The inner layer contains a minimum of 8 weight percent chromium above that contained in the substrate alloy. The outer layer contains a minimum of 20 weight percent aluminum at the coating surface. The coating system is then aged to yield the improved coating that has 60 to 90 weight percent chromium at the surface. Each layer or the combination of layers is diffusion heat treated to cause a diffusion depth ranging from 0.006 inch (0.1524 millimeter) to 0.030 inch (0.762 millimeter) with targeted 0.012 inch (0.3048 millimeter) to 0.015 inch (0.3810 millimeter).

Abstract: A housing is described for use in preparing a sample for chemical analysis, the housing having a sample entrance, a sample exit, and a passageway therebetween; the housing further comprising at least three ridges, the ridges integral with the housing, depending into the passageway, and defining a supporting profile for holding a sorbent retaining member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structural laminate comprising: (a) a first layer of composite material comprising x1 plies; wherein at least 0.5x1 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; (b) a second layer of composite material comprising x2 plies; wherein at least 0.5x2 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; and (c) a viscoelastic layer disposed between the first and second layers such that shear strains are substantially distributed throughout the viscoelastic layer when a load is applied to the structural laminate.

Abstract: The invention provides process and apparatus for conducting an endothermic reaction of an organic compound in the presence of molecular hydrogen and of multicomponent solids. The process comprises contacting the compound with a solid catalyst for the endothermic reaction and a hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent intermixed with the solid catalyst. Organic products of the endothermic reaction are produced, with evolution of molecular hydrogen. The solid catalyst becomes gradually deactivated by formation of carbonaceous deposits thereon. The evolved hydrogen undergoes an exothermic reaction with the hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent to form a reduction product which comprises deactivated hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent.