Abstract: This invention in its preferred embodiment comprises an apparatus and process (including a computer program) for controlling unmarked lock-opening keys in a security systems, whereby the conventional metal keys used to unlock rooms or cars or other entities can be controlled even though unmarked. The technique of the invention effectuates such control through taking electronic photographs, creating a silhouette of the side of unmarked keys using their individual configurations on the edge, generating an individual and distinctive electronic signal, specific for each such key to generate a digital coordinate series of numbers for each key and inventorying each such identifying signal representing a key so that keys are recognized by these signals rather than numbers or codes marks on the key. Although marked keys can be utilized in such a system, it would be a waste of the identifying ability of the invention.

Abstract: The process for recovering metal values from mineral ores containing small amounts of metal, which comprises specific curing and conditioning steps followed by formation of a slurry of critical portions, which is processed by a countercurrent filter means to efficiently remove dissolved metal salts. The process of the invention permits rapid and efficient recovery of metal values from ores, such as uranium ores, and permits the economical use of very low grade ores.

Abstract: A dynamic weighing system for vehicles in motion which is specially adapted for weighing a plurality of coupled railroad cars of varying length randomly interspersed in a continuous coupled train. The system is adapted to automatically weigh and record each individual car in the train without the necessity of special grade slopes, special decoupling devices, mechanical switches, special positioning measurements, special axle measurements and counting and systems to screen out unwanted noises from irregular car movement. The inventive system in a preferred embodiment will not register locomotives and cabooses. The preferred system utilizes preselected photocell sensor units in an arrangement keyed to the cross section bulk of each car. The shape of the cars interrupts photocell signals at predetermined points on a weigh bridge, thereby actuating means at the precise point when each car is at the optimum weighing position on a scale.

Abstract: The operation of a continuous thickener, clarifier, or similar device having a feed well into which a feed slurry of suspended solids and a flocculant are continually introduced to effect separation of the slurry into a clarified solution which is withdrawn through an overflow launder and a thickened sludge which is transported into a discharge port at the bottom of the unit is controlled by establishing the slime level at a point near the bottom of the feed well, continuously monitoring the density of the downflowing slurry within the well, and regulating the rate of flocculant addition in response to small changes in the slurry density.

Abstract: Improved fastener articles, comprising a plurality of preferably rod-shaped fastener elements, such as nails or staples, are maintained in a predetermined configuration by bonding them together with one or more of either strips, films, or powdered particles of a specially formulated, adherent polyolefin copolymer. These fastener articles are especially adapted for use in automatic dispensers, i.e. nailers or staplers.

Abstract: A tubesheet for supporting closely spaced heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of sleeves or similar tubular members, through which the heat exchange tubes pass, disposed within a frame such that the longitudinal axes of all the tubular members are parallel. Preferably, each tubular member is welded or otherwise attached to the tubular member adjoining it. The frame is comprised of flanges that are normally welded or otherwise attached to the tubular members that adjoin them. The resultant tubesheet is stronger than conventional tubesheets having the same length of bridge wall separating the tube openings and therefore may be used to obtain a smaller than normal spacing between the tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water navigable vessel having an ice-breaking bow and a rotatable screw mounted on the front on the bow for the purpose of advancing the vessel up onto an ice layer and failing the ice layer in flexural bending. The rotatable screw includes ice-cutting blades which form grooves within the top of said ice layer thus translating the rotational energy of said screw into a generally horizontal, (longitudinal) tractional force which pulls or drags the bow of said vessel forward and over said ice layer and, thereby, utilizes the mass of said bow to impart a downward gravitational force upon said layer of ice to cause it to fail flexurally.

Abstract: Substantial and commercially important increases in polypropylene film production rates without adversely affecting film quality are obtained in a tubular water film process. The improvements comprise modifications in the die lip, in the mandrel air (fluid) slot affecting the cooling gas velocity, and in the upper bubble pressure control. The improvements are especially useful to obtain mill rolls 60 to 80 inches wide.

Abstract: Flexible circuit articles comprising microcellular film such as films from polyparabanic acid having a conductive circuit adhered to said film.

Abstract: In a shell and tube heat exchanger including a floating tube sheet to which a floating head is connected during assembly of the exchanger, the floating head is supported in the required position adjacent the tube sheet during the assembly operation by means of a supporting member extending outwardly from the face of the tube sheet.

Abstract: Gaskets used in flanged assemblies containing gasket recesses are held in place during the makeup of such assemblies by means of metallic springs which are attached to the wall of the recess adjacent the edge of the gasket and, when the gasket is properly positioned, bear against the edge with sufficient force to hold the gasket in place.

Abstract: A package exhibiting high strength for containment during storage and shipping and stability thereof in humidity variations. This package comprises a multi-cell container prepared from a partially corrugated first material having peaks and flutes, a polymeric film encompassing the outermost peripheral surface of said container and a cover for said container and which cover is prepared from at least a partially corrugated second material having peaks and flutes.

Abstract: Reduction of TiCl.sub.4 with an excess of Et.sub.n AlCl.sub.3-n where n = 1 to 1.95 preferably AlEtCl.sub.2 at -20.degree. to +30.degree. C results in a purple catalyst.

Abstract: A titanium catalyst for polymerization of olefins is prepared by reduction of TiCl.sub.4 with a mixture of AlEt.sub.2 Cl and AlEt.sub.3, where at high AlEt.sub.3 to AlEt.sub.2 Cl ratios the aluminum reducing agents are added to the TiCl.sub.4 solution. The reduction is performed from -50.degree. to 0.degree. C in a hydrocarbon and the reduced titanium compound is activated by heating to a higher temperature and subsequently is used with a cocatalyst for polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: A laminated non-woven sheet battery separator is made from non-woven mats of melt-blown thermoplastic polymer fibers. The non-woven sheets may be produced by either point welding or using adhesives to laminate at least one non-woven mat having a high strip tensile strength to at least one non-woven mat having a high tear resistance so that the sheets have both high strip tensile strength and high tear resistance.

Abstract: A three component LTHA stabilizer system of distearyl thiodipropionate, tris(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl isocyanurate, sold under the trademark Goodrite 3114 and cyclic neopentanetetrayl bis(octadecylphosphite), sold under the trademark Weston 618 particularly suitable for glass fiber reinforced homopolypropylene or acrylic acid grafted propylene polymers. Key parts of the invention include well defined ratios of the thioester and phenolic components and good dispersion of the glass fiber to achieve the desired stability. The stabilizer system is good for other acrylic acid grafted polypropylene polymers which include impact modifiers. Other grafting monomers can be substituted for the acrylic acid.

Abstract: The fouling of autorefrigeration polymerization systems because of entrained particles in the vaporized solvent-diluent is substantially reduced by returning the recycle solvent-diluent into the reaction zone through nozzles which provide a solvent-diluent spray of an average droplet size of less than 1000 microns, preferably between about 225 and 300 micron average particle size, which spray removes major amounts of entrained particles down to 5 microns in size. The solvent diluent may be an inert material or unreacted alpha-olefin, such as propylene.

Abstract: A novel nonwoven article useful as a scrim support for other materials, such as paper toweling and wiping cloths, or as porous, nonadsorbent coverings for adsorbent packaging such as bandages or sanitary napkins, or a ribbon for packaging and decorative applications, is produced by post drawing certain melt-blown thermoplastic mats under defined conditions of draw ratios and temperatures. A moderate strength yarn or twine can be produced by twisting the post-drawn, melt-blown thermoplastic web.

Abstract: A single screw extruder, comprising a rotatable core means in an extruder barrel, is provided with spaced-apart discontinuous helical flights arranged on the rotatable core means with each flight centered in the channel formed by the preceding flights, the flights being formed by lands on the core means, and each land having a traversed axial length of about one diameter unit of the core means. The extruder is particularly useful in filler compounding of solid polyolefins, the blending of different polyolefins, and the reacting of monomers with polyolefins such as in extruder grafting.

Abstract: Highly unusual and useful novel high-performance, oriented, low-crystalline, essentially heterocyclic structures, e.g. films, are prepared from certain novel and important process sequences. These structures, e.g. films and fibers, possess a unique combination of minimal shrinkage at high temperatures, after orientation, coupled with negligible coefficient of expansion over an unusually wide temperature range.