Abstract: Improved mineral foam compositions comprising liquid sodium silicate, an alkali metal hydroxide, a filler material selected from fly ash, pozzolan, or mixtures thereof, and silicon. A process for making the subject compositions is also provided.

Abstract: A process of making a porous, lightweight, insulative, inorganic container for plants having an ornamental marbleized appearance. A basic slurry formed of gypsum cement is poured into a rotating mold. While the basic slurry is being poured into the mold, one or more colored slurry mixtures are poured onto the stream of basic slurry such that the basic slurry and the colored slurry mixtures remain separated by an interface such that each stream of slurry maintains its integrity to form discrete markings of different colors in the wall of the cast container. The casting is allowed to cure for a period of 25-30 minutes in the mold at a temperature of about 70.degree. F. After the casting has been removed from the mold, it is held in a controlled atmosphere at 120.degree. F. and less than 40% relative humidity.

Abstract: A closure assembly comprises a closure body adapted to be disposed in an opening in a structure. A closure body has a spirally disposed groove provided therein. A retaining member is made to be flexible for movement within the groove. Apparatus is operably connected to the closure body for moving the retaining member through the groove to a position wherein a portion of the retaining member engages the structure. The retaining member is further made of a size and material having sufficient shear strength to prevent movement of the closure body when the pressure applied thereto generates a force against said retaining member.

Abstract: A running board assembly (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a running board plate (14) which has an upturned lip (18) on one edge thereof and a downturned lip (16) on the opposite edge. A splash guard (20) is mounted on the forward end of plate (14) and extends into the wheel well of the vehicle (12). A pair of universal mounting brackets (34, 44) are interchangeable between sides of the vehicle (12) to adapt a single size running board to fit the vehicle (12) which has either of two spacing distances between mounting points thereof. The running board plate (14) has longitudinal ridges (52) and elastomeric strips (62, 64) which provide both transverse and longitudinal traction.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to a structural member (12) of an offshore platform. The assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20) and (22). An outer protector (32) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentric to the protector. A pair of resilient ring elements (38) and (40) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship and bonded onto the column (34). The rings (38) and (40) conform to the annular space formed between protector (32) and column (34). Resilient connectors (26) and (28) can be used and comprise rings (44) similar in construction to rings (38) and (40). The system can be fabricated by forming subassemblies (62) comprising rings bonded onto the exterior of short lengths of pipe.

Abstract: A three way relay valve has a body defining a bore and first and second chambers, a supply port in fluid communication with the first chamber, and valve and exhaust ports in fluid communication with the second chamber. A plunger is moveably disposed within the bore and extends from the third chamber into the second chamber and a passageway being provided in the plunger for placing the valve port in fluid communication within the body to selectively block fluid communication between the first and second chambers or to block fluid flow through the passageway in the plunger and thereby block fluid communication between the valve and exhaust ports. The valve has a manual reset apparatus and a lock-out device to facilitate actuation of the valve after pilot pressure has been lost.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus (10) comprises an elongate table (12) with a presser carriage (14) supported for movement along the table. The carriage (14) supports a roller (116) for embedding fastener plates into precut truss members positioned on the table (12). Two clamping assemblies (40) are mounted on the table (12) to define a pair of truss assembly zones and an intermediate truss transfer zone. Each clamping mechanism (40) is selectively actuated to effect positive clamping engagement of the precut truss members or semi-complete truss positioned therein. A plurality of lift means (80, 100) are mounted in the table (12) for facilitating advancement of the truss during assembly.

Abstract: An exercising device comprising a frame, actuating means, and a double acting hydraulic cylinder used therewith. The hydraulic cylinder includes a container having first and second chambers and passageways for placing the chambers in fluid communication with one another. A piston is slideably mounted within the first chamber and valve means are mounted with the container for preventing fluid communication into the first chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction and for preventing fluid communication around the piston when the piston is moved in a second direction. A piston rod extends into the container for moving the piston in response to movement of the actuating means. A control means governs the fluid flow through a selected passageway from the first to the second chamber to regulate the amount of force necessary to move the actuating means during exercise of a portion of the body.

Abstract: A material and method for the decomposition/dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. The material comprises an amalgam of an alkali metal, mercury, and aluminum combined with a catalytically effective amount of an alloy comprising nickel and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, and bismuth.

Abstract: Directed jets of temperature controlled gaseous fluids are applied to irregularly shaped products, such as food portions, to subject discrete areas of the surface to a very high heat transfer rate and to cause these areas to be passed over surfaces of the product at a proper rate to obtain over-all surface effects such as crisping, browning, searing or freezing.The cooking apparatus comprises a generator adapted to supply microwave energy for heating the interior of a food product in combination with apparatus to direct spaced discrete high velocity jets of heated air to impinge against exterior surfaces of the food product. A conveyor is employed to provide relative motion between each of the sources of heat and the product for averaging cooking through the product by reducing effect of RF standing waves and simultaneously sweeping the jets of air over the product at proper rate to heat all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Ink metering apparatus comprising a resilient surfaced roller urged into indented relation with a printing plate; a source of ink positioned to apply an excess of ink to the portion of the resilient roller surface which has applied ink to the printing plate; and a resilient metering member having a hard, smooth, polished, highly developed, flexible edge resiliently urged by adjustment screws into pressure indented relation with the resilient roller surface. The flexible polished edge is resiliently and adjustably urged into pressure indented relation along the length of the resilient roller surface by forces of sufficient magnitude to deform the flexible polished edge along the length thereof such that the edge and the roller surface conform with each other and cooperate to form an orifice which is adjusted to the imperfections of the metering member and the resilient roller surface to form a continuous uniform film of ink on the resilient roller surface.