Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing TiO.sub.2 by reacting O.sub.2 and TiCl.sub.4 in a reactor tube wherein pressure fluctuations in the flow of fluids through the reactor tube are sensed and output signals are generated proportional to the sensed pressure fluctuations. The flow of at least one of the TiCl.sub.4 or O.sub.2 is then varied through the reactor tube in response to predetermined pressure fluctuations so as to increase the efficiency of the reaction between TiCl.sub.4 and the O.sub.2. The efficiency of the reaction between O.sub.2 and TiCl.sub.4 in the reactor tube is achieved by a control apparatus operably connected to the reactor assembly which is capable of monitoring pressure fluctuations in TCl.sub.4 and O.sub.2 through the reactor assembly so that the flow of at least one of the TiCl.sub.4 or O.sub.2 can be varied in response to predetermined pressure fluctuations. The control apparatus includes a sensor assembly, a signal conditioning unit and a signal processing unit.

Abstract: Improved methods and polymer compositions are provided whereby ultraviolet radiation degradation of substrates formed of the compositions is attenuated.In accordance with the invention, ultraviolet scattering and absorbing particles having a particle size in the range of from about 0.001 micrometer to about 0.20 micrometer in diameter are dispersed in at least a surface layer of a polymer substrate.

Abstract: Thermoplastic concentrates comprising inorganic pigments, such as titanium dioxide, treated with a partial ester polyol and unsaturated monocarboxylic acid treating agent, of the formula R(OH).sub.x COOR', wherein R is an alkyl or aryl radical containing from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, R' is an unsaturated alkyl radical containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 2 to about 6, are disclosed. Such treatment improves the dispersibility of the pigments in thermoplastic resins. The treatment also enables the production of thermoplastic concentrates comprising a high percentage of treated inorganic pigment dispersed in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing TiO.sub.2 by reacting O.sub.2 and TICl.sub.4 in a reactor tube wherein pressure fluctuations in the flow of fluids through the reactor tube are sensed and output signals are generated proportional to the sensed pressure fluctuations. The flow of at least one of the TiCl.sub.4 or O.sub.2 is then varied through the reactor tube in response to predetermined pressure fluctuations so as to increase the efficiency of the reaction between TiCl.sub.4 and the O.sub.2. The efficiency of the reaction between O.sub.2 and TiCl.sub.4 in the reactor tube is achieved by a control apparatus operably connected to the reactor assembly which is capable of monitoring pressure fluctuations in TCl.sub.4 and O.sub.2 through the reactor assembly so that the flow of at least one of the TiCl.sub.4 or O.sub.2 can be varied in response to predetermined pressure fluctuations. The control apparatus includes a sensor assembly, a signal conditioning unit and a signal processing unit.

Abstract: A method for milling a powder in a high energy mill which includes steps of forming a milling slurry including a naturally occurring zirconium silicate sand grinding medium having a density in the range of from about 4 g/cc absolute to about 6 g/cc absolute. Also provided is a grinding medium including naturally occurring zirconium silicate sand characterized by a density in the range of from about 4 g/cc absolute to about 6 g/cc absolute.

Abstract: A discrete catalyst and processes for the alkylation of isoalkanes with alkenes under homogenous fluid conditions. The catalyst is formed by contacting, under fluid conditions, a homogenous fluid containing a paraffin hydrocarbon having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms with a Lewis acid/protic Bronsted acid pair to produce a discrete catalytic complex that is soluble in the fluid. The discrete catalyst is the reaction product of the acid pair and alkanes and includes hydrocarbon ligands of limited chain length rendering it soluble in the fluid. The catalyst is active for the alkylation of isoalkanes, under homogenous fluid conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a milled powder including imparting an electrostatic charge to the starting powder and milling the electrostatically charged starting powder is provided.

Abstract: A rail-tie fastening assembly for fastening a rail to a concrete tie comprising a rail seat assembly and a rail anchor. The rail seat assembly includes a rail seat basin and a rail seat wherein the rail seat is disposed in the rail seat basin and bonded thereto with an elastomeric material having a void formed therein between the bottom of the rail seat and the bottom of the rail seat basin so as to produce a shear spring which transfers applied vertical load from the rail to the tie. The rail seat assembly is embedded in the tie and the rail anchor is adapted to engage a portion of the rail and to interlock with the rail seat assembly so as to cooperate with the rail seat assembly to fasten the rail to the tie.

Abstract: A rigid protective laminate is formed of at least nine layers of Kevlar fabric bonded together by internal layers of Surlyn which has been subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to cause the Surlyn to flow into and encapsulate the yarn of the Kevlar fabric. External Surlyn layers on the sides and edges protect the outermost fabric layers from moisture and provide a smooth outer surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of protecting animals including humans against ionizing radiation by injecting the animals with a polymer having the approximate formula H(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n OH, where n varies between 4 and 13. Particularly, it is found that polyethylene glycol (molecular weight between 200 and 600), polyethyleneglycolmonoethylether (molecular weight between 200 and 600), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (molecular weight up to 10,000) when injected into standard experimental animals, such as mice, protects them from the lethal effect of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A method for machining a thin workpiece to equalize machining induced stresses within the workpiece. The method produces a thin workpiece on which the machining lines intersect on the workpiece's machined surface. The method includes passing the workpiece under a fly cutter while at the same time rotating the workpiece.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage tank has an automatic pressure relief means which vents vapor while the tank is being filled so that the tank may be completely filled. The pressure relief means includes a float which, when the cryogenic tank is filled, automatically closes the pressure relief means. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure relief means is combined with an eductor attached to the tank's inlet. The eductor entrains and condenses vapor within the tank to minimize the amount of vapor vented by the pressure relief means.

Abstract: A golf club loft and lie calibration machine has a fixture with a cavity that exactly matches the back of the golf club head for clamping the golf club head. A pin with a tapered end is inserted into the bore of the golf club's hosel. The angular displacement of the pin is mechanically converted into two components of angular displacement which components are then converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the deviations from the specified loft and lie angles. The deviation is used to activate hydraulic rams distributed around the fixture to bend the golf club head's hosel and bring the golf club back to specification.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-pressurizing container for liquid helium which comprises an inner and outer vessel with an insulating space between. A heating element is disposed within an insulating barrier tube which extends between the liquid and vapor phases of the helium. The barrier tube insures that the liquid helium is heated and vaporized in the barrier tube without substantially heating the bulk of the liquid helium. The heating element in the preferred embodiment includes a vapor heat exchanger.

Abstract: There is disclosed an analog signal processing circuit (compandor) and a method for overcoming noise in a transmission medium by means of a composite compressor and composite expander. The composite compressor splits the frequency spectrum of the analog signal into two or more frequency components, compresses all of the frequency components in parallel with the same 3:1 integer compression ratio, combines the compressed frequency components to produce a compressed analog signal, and transmits the compressed analog signal on the transmission medium.

Abstract: A process for making a stabilized frozen whipped cream. Heavy whipping cream is whipped into whipped cream having stiff peaks, and a mixture of sweeteners and dry stabilizers is incorporated into the whipped cream. A warm gelatin solution is then blended with the whipped cream and mixture of sweeteners and dry stabilizers to form a homogeneous mass which is then frozen. The dry stabilizers are microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose which with the gelatin give integrity to the air cell structure so that on thawing the frozen whipped cream retains its volume and does not experience syneresis.

Abstract: An improved activator system for a precleaner is formulated by combining either a carboxyl substituted pyridine or a carboxylamine substituted pyridine with a polyprotic acid. The preferred precleaner activator system combines nicotinic acid and phosphoric acid. An improved activator system for a soldering flux is formulated by combining an alkylamine with either a hydroxyl containing organic acid or a small molecular weight keto acid. The preferred flux activator system combines tetrahydrofurfurylamine and hydroxyacetic acid. A method for preparing and soldering metal surface using the precleaner and flux is carried out at relatively low temperatures and relatively short times.

Abstract: A sled having a planar platform with tubular runners mounted for pivoting and sliding at points fore and aft of the platform. Because the runners can pivot and slide at the fore and aft points, the entire length of the runner can be bowed for increased maneuverability. The runners are of low friction plastic tubing for speed and are mounted by means of clips which allow for sliding, pivoting, and easy replacement of the runners.