Abstract: A method for making a metal drawer head wherein the drawer head can be formed as a unitary part in a multiple stage process without the need for human manipulation of the part during any stage of the forming process. A rotary forming process can preferably be used to form the flanges on the drawer head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stopper rod with a cylindrical stopper rod body comprising a fire-resistant, carbon-containing material, having a base part and a nose-like section made of a different fire-resistant material than the base part, whereby an interface extends between the nose-like section and the base part over the entire cross-section of the stopper rod body, wherein the nose-like section comprises a fire-resistant material wherein the carbon content burns out under oxidic atmosphere above 90° C., at least close to a surface area.

Abstract: A multi-stage liquid elevator is assembled from individual stages in which each elevator stage is fabricated from ordinary pipe components and has no moving parts. When inserted into an natural gas well, the elevator is powered by the gas pressure available in the well. At each stage, the liquid and gas from the previous stage are forced into the inlet pipe and the liquid collects in the reservoir until enough gas pressure builds up in the stage to force the liquid up the outlet pipe to the next stage. The elevator requires only enough pressure from the well to move a column of liquid a vertical distance equal to or greater than the length of one stage of the elevator.

Abstract: A centrifugal pellet dryer apparatus, lifter and rotor wherein the lifters can have a surface configured to deflect pellets inwardly and the rotor can have lifters attached in an arrangement designed to increase pellet impacts with lifters by providing a higher concentration of lifters on the rotor in a first region which initially engages a slurry of pellets and water. The inwardly curved lifters tend to direct the pellets inwards toward other lifters and away from dewatering screens and the higher concentration of lifters on the lower region of the rotor results in added pellet impacts with lifters. The centrifugal pellet dryer can have an outer housing, a base portion with a water discharge outlet and a top portion having a pellet discharge port and an exhaust port. Within the housing can be one or more generally cylindrical foraminous members disposed around the rotor. One or more separator plates can be provided between the foraminous members to divide the pellet dryer into sections.

Abstract: High molybdenum, corrosion-resistant alloys are provided with greatly increased thermal stability by controlling the atom concentrations to be NiaMobXcYdZe, where: a is between about 73 and 77 atom percent b is between about 18 and 23 atom percent X is one or more required substitutional alloying elements selected from Groups VI, VII and VIII of the Periodic Table and c does not exceed about 5 atom percent for any one element, Y is one or more optional substitutional alloying elements which may be present and d does not exceed about one atom percent for any one element, Z is one or more interstitial elements and e is as low as possible, not exceeding about 0.2 atom percent in total; and the sum of c and d is between about 2.5 and 7.5 atom percent.

Abstract: A unit dose medicine feeder for use in a packaging machine that can receive pills individually from a reservoir has a cylindrical housing having a base with an opening through which a pill may pass. There is a wheel-like component on the base that has a plurality of slots about its outer periphery. The slots are sized to receive a single pill in the form of a tablet, capsule or caplet and are oriented to have walls that are 10° to 45° from vertical. A gear mechanism is provided to connect the wheel-like component to a motor to rotate the wheel-like component. That rotation will sequentially align the slots with the opening in the base allowing a pill within the slot to pass from the slot through the opening. The orientation of the slots enables the wheel to receive a wider range of pill sizes without jamming and without dispensing more than one unit from a slot. Preferably there is a trap door in the medicine feeder that directs a dispensed pill directly to packaging material in a packaging machine.

Abstract: A kit for making decorative lawn ornaments has a set of rods and rod connectors that enable the rods to be connected together to form two dimensional shapes and three-dimensional structures. The rod connectors permit two rods to be connected end to end collinearly or to connect two or more rods together at a selected angle between pairs of connected rods. Light holders are also provided to enable strings of decorative lights to be attached to the rods.

Abstract: A pipe flaring die has a central opening with a profile configured to reduce stress concentrations at the base of the flared portion of the pipe. The profile includes an annular relief area intermediate an annular gripping surface and an annular beveled portion which defines the angle of the flared portion. The relief area provides a longer transition distance for the formation of the flared portion which results in a reduced residual stress concentration created at the base of the flared portion during the forming process.

Abstract: An apparatus for boiling a liquid includes an audible alarm for notifying an individual when the liquid is boiling. The audible alarm makes use of steam generated by the boiling liquid to drive a turbine which is connected to a means for ringing a bell to notify an individual that the liquid is boiling.

Abstract: A magnetic hook, jaw-type clip or spring clip has a rectangular housing containing magnets. A conventional hook or clip is attached to the housing. A finger tab extends from one edge or wall of the housing. When a user desires to remove the magnetic hook from a mounting surface he or she places a fingertip on a curved portion of the finger tab causing the upper edge of the magnetic hook to move away from the mounting surface. This results in a pivoting action forcing the magnetic hook away from the mounting surface with little or no sliding. A flexible fin may be adjacent the magnets and extend slightly beyond the housing. When the magnet is placed against a metal surface the flexible fin will bend to a smaller height and bear against the metal surface thereby improving the load carrying capacity of the device.

Abstract: An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. Several sub-systems to speed performance and enhance reliability, such as an electronic assisted air brake, health monitoring, trailer tie-down and locomotive interface subsystems, can be provided on each segment. A spring applied parking brake is provided for the segments and operably connected to the train pneumatic brake systems. In a preferred embodiment the brake is automatically applied when brake pipe pressure falls below 40 psi nominal. The pneumatic valving for the parking brake prevents application of the valve in an emergency braking situation, until the pressure has bled off in normal system leakage, preventing wheel damage. A handle is provided for manual application and release of the parking brake when desired.

Abstract: The method is suitable for the micromachining of accurately aligned holes in the aerofoil surface of a component such as a jet engine turbine blade or vane which comprises a ground anchorage portion and a cast aerofoil portion. The method uses a laser machining apparatus which is preprogrammed to machine holes in the aerofoil surface when that surface is in a predefined reference position and orientation in the apparatus. Initially the component is mounted in the laser machining apparatus by means of its anchorage portion. At least one probe is then moved over the surface of the cast aerofoil portion to derive the positions of selected points on that aerofoil portion. From the derived position data, angular and linear offset data may be calculated to define the deviation of that cast aerofoil portion from the reference position and orientation defined in the computer memory of the laser machining apparatus.

Abstract: Novel compounds comprising siloxane modified carboxylic acid substituted amines and salts thereof are provided. The compounds according to the invention provide many of the desirable properties of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and its salts in a stationary phase. A process for synthesis of the compounds according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extruding, cooling and cutting can include an extruder for producing an extrudate which can be fed through appropriate sizing, support and cooling devices, which can include a vacuum chamber, cooling chamber, and calibrators, which can have internal cooling passageways. The apparatus can also include a cutting blade, a programmable temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the extrudate prior to being cut by the cutting blade, and a temperature sensor, which can be positioned near the cutting blade and provide feedback to the temperature controller. The method can include sensing the temperature of the extrudate, at a point near the cutting blade, after it is fed through the sizing, support and cooling devices and before being cut. Such feedback can be used to control the temperature of the extrudate such that the extrudate is maintained within a desired range of temperature as it is cut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic mass comprising 60 to 99 MgO sinter and 1 and 40 wt.-% of a manganese containing spinel.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in furnace boiler tubes measures electrochemical noise associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. This noise is detected using a probe at the boiler waterwall surface that is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical noise. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) is notified and adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion. Such an adjustment could be made by changing the amount of air or fuel being provided to the burner or other air slots or air ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic composite, in particular for use in secondary metallurgy, consisting of at least a first layer comprised of a carbon-containing, oxide refractory material, and a second layer comprised of a carbonless oxide refractory material bound with a binding agent.

Abstract: A pocket-size rappelling hook is provided for use by firefighters and the like in escaping from the upper stories of a burning building. The inventive rappelling hook is lightweight and portable, thus minimizing any impedance to a firefighter's ability to perform his/her duties. The inventive rappelling hook includes an elongate body having front and back surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and spaced apart first and second ends. The elongate body includes an aperture therethrough adjacent to the first end for receiving a rope, and first and second channels formed in the first and second side surfaces, respectively, which extend along the length of the elongate body. First and second hook members are mounted to the elongate body for pivotable movement relative thereto. The first and second hook members are pivotable between a first position wherein the first and second hook members are securable to an object and a second position defining a closed position.