Abstract: An auxiliary paper feeding apparatus is provided for feeding a continuous web of fan-fold paper from one or more serially-arranged stacks of paper into a printer. A plurality of elongate, slender turn bars are non-rotatably mounted to the frame for causing a web of paper from a source to change direction as required to feed the web of paper from the outside paper source through the access opening and into the paper storage and feeding region of the printer and into the paper feed mechanism. Each turn bar is hollow and has a number of holes through the side wall. An air pump supplies pressurized air to each of the turn bars so that the flow of air out through the holes forms an air cushion over which the web of paper passes, thereby reducing frictional drag on the paper web and enabling the printer paper drive mechanism to be the sole motive power for advancing the paper web. A paper edge guide is provided which also employs an air cushion to reduce paper friction.

Abstract: A method for forming a terraced structure in the upper surface of a particulate solid bed, typically oil shale, moving upward through an upflow retort and removing particulate solids from the upper surface, which includes rotating a scraping means comprising a shaft having a plurality of scrapers secured thereto arranged in a vertically spaced-apart relationship and in a radially outwardly-stepped relationship relative to a vertical axis of the shaft.

Abstract: Inner and outer helically wound wire tension members (26, 28) are expanded into the cone (38) of cup body (32). Epoxy plug (40) is poured therein. When tension is applied, plug (40) slides within its cup (34) to compressively lock the tension members in the plug. Bosses (42, 44) are formed on the cup and cable sheath (30) and flexible sleeve (50) is sealed to both bosses. This provides sealing during stretching with increased tension.