Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a filtered large cigar which includes the steps of simultaneously introducing onto the rolling table of a cigar rolling machine preformed cigar filters and a charge of tobacco filler material for spiral wrapping within a sheet of cigar binder material which has simultaneously been introduced onto the rolling table. A reinforcement strip including layers of reinforcing tape and a nonflammable foil is also introduced onto the rolling table. In this manner, during the subsequent rolling operation, the reinforcement strip becomes circumferentially wrapped about and bonded to the binder over the interface between the filter and filter material. Depending on the relative placement on the table of the reinforcement strip and binder, the reinforcement strip will be positioned either over or under the binder.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering zinc from non-sulfide containing zinc ore comprising the steps of grinding the ore to a pre-determined level; selectively flocculating the ground ore using a dispersing agent and a flocculating agent and froth flotating the flocs using an ester of a mercaptocarboxylic acid as a collector in the presence of a soluble sulfide.

Abstract: Elastomeric hose having relatively low thermal conductivity is provided comprising an outer tubular cover vulcanized to an inner tube, the outer cover being radially expanded and having a cellular or porous network formed therein. A braided or knitted reinforcing layer may be provided between the radially expanded cellular cover and the inner tube with the former being bonded or vulcanized to the latter through the interstices of the reinforcing layer. The elastomeric hose may be formed by a process wherein a first forming composition, including a thermosetable elastomer, is extruded to form an uncured inner tube which is then simultaneously introduced into a cross-head extruder with a second, separately prepared, forming composition including a thermosetable elastomer and a blowing agent.

Abstract: A filter cigar is provided having outer layers of cigar wrapper and binder material each spirally wrapped about a preformed cigar filter and tobacco filler charge. A reinforcement strip including layers of high wet strength reinforcing tape and bonded to the binder is circumferentially wrapped over the interface between the filter and the filler charge.

Abstract: A shielded, non-metallic container is provided including complementary upper and lower portions adapted to mate and engage in order to define an enclosed chamber. The upper and lower portions are laminated with a non-metallic, electrically conductive inner layer integrally molded to and bonded between at least two outer non-metallic reinforcing layers. This construction permits shielding of the chamber from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. A method for manufacturing the container is further provided.

Abstract: A weather-resistant TiO.sub.2 pigment having improved optical properties is provided. The pigment is substantially encapsulated with a coating of an amorphous, dense silica in an amount between about 1% and about 7%; a coating of a voluminous silica in an amount between about 1% and about 8%; and preferably a coating of a precipitated alumina in an amount between about 2% and about 8%. In a particularly preferred embodiment the pigment further includes an innermost coating of a precipitated alumina in an amount between about 0.2 and 0.6%, the percentages of silica and alumina being calculated as % SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 by weight, based on the final treated TiO.sub.2 pigment. A process for manufacturing the pigment is further provided.

Abstract: An automatic air deflation valve is provided for use with a sphygmomanometer type blood pressure measuring instrument. The valve comprises a housing having an air flow channel extending through the longitudinal extent thereof and at least one air deflation port extending outwardly from said channel. The port includes a deformable diaphragm supported only on its outer edges and having a central aperture extending through the thickness thereof. The diaphragm is adapted to deform in accordance with the air pressure applied against it from said channel to automatically adjust the size and shape of said aperture, thus producing a constant air deflation rate therethrough.

Abstract: A method of preventing the deposition of an aluminum-based pack coating on a predetermined portion of a substrate is provided, said method including the principal step of applying a maskant composition to said predetermined portion prior to coating. The composition includes a reduceable metal oxide capable of reacting with and being reduced by said coating; an inhibitor for controlling the rate of reaction between the coating and the reduceable material; and a resinous binder vehicle in which the reduceable material and the inhibitor are suspended.

Abstract: An improved slot car game is provided having a roadway with at least one slotted track and at least one electrical contact strip positioned adjacent to said track. At least one slot car vehicle is adapted to travel about the track deriving electrical power from said at least one electrical contact strip. Means are provided to realign a misaligned vehicle, said means including a guide secured to the underside of each of the vehicles and a continuous chain positioned below each of the slotted tracks with engaging means at fixed positions thereon. The chain may be moved in a horizontal direction to permit the engaging means of the chain to engage the guide means of the vehicle and, upon further horizontal movement of the chain, to realign the vehicle relative to the track.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are taught for decorating sheet material such as, for example, cigar wrappers. The apparatus includes feeder means for drawing the sheet material toward and around a center cylinder; decorating means for imparting a predetermined pattern on the sheet material; coloring means for coloring the sheet material and drawing and rewind means for drawing the sheet material from the center sheet guide means.An alternate embodiment teaches methods and apparatus for use with at least two layers of sheet material such as, for example, cigar wrapper sheet material, one of such layers being decorated and colored and then laminated to the other layer.

Abstract: A desulfurization process is provided using particulate zinc oxide shapes of high surface area and improved crushing strength prepared without extraneous binder by a process including forming normal surface area zinc oxide into shapes without binder, converting at least a portion of the zinc oxide to basic zinc carbonate by exposing the shapes in the presence of moisture, to a carbon dioxide-containing atmosphere and effecting substantially complete decomposition of the basic zinc carbonate. Conditions of bulk density, moisture content and temperature are controlled.

Abstract: A method of and composition for preventing the deposition of a coating on a predetermined portion of a substrate is provided, said method including the principle step of applying a maskant composition to said predetermined portion prior to coating. The composition includes a reduceable material capable of reacting with and being reduced by said coating; an inhibitor for controlling the reaction between the coating and the reduceable material; and a resinous binder vehicle in which the reduceable material and the inhibitor are suspended.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improved turbo-electrical generator powered by the conversion of natural energy into mechanical energy in order to propel ferromagnetic blocks about an irregularly, non-circular shaped closed loop track, alternately entering and passing through a plurality of electromagnets positioned about the track. As these blocks enter and pass through these electromagnets, their magnetic flux is maximized and then minimized and this change is converted into useable A.C. voltage. Means are taught for the conversion of solar energy, wind energy and wave energy into the necessary mechanical energy to propel these blocks about the closed loop. An alternative embodiment employs a rotatable, ferromagnetic cross shaped device which is rotated about a center axis by the passage of the blocks about the track. As the device is rotated, its extremities enter and pass through the electromagnets positioned about the track.

Abstract: A combination tap and die wrench is provided having a center portion with an aperture extending through the thickness thereof for receiving and retaining tapping apparatus and at least two oppositely extending arm portions extending outwardly from the center portion, each of said arm portions including a plurality of receptacles for receiving and retaining dies. An extension handle is also provided and may be secured to either of the arm portions at their outwardly extending ends. Storage means for tapping apparatus may be provided in the handle.