Abstract: Tube dedimpler apparatus is provided with a walking-beam conveyor in which parallel disposed walking-beams are directed through closed, congruent, vertical, workpiece-transfer paths using paired crank arms which are driven in unison by means including respective stepping motors operated in the full-step mode.

Abstract: An easel binder includes hingedly interconnected front cover, back cover and spine panels; and page-mounting means are secured to the inside of one of the two cover panels. A brace, including a swingable medial panel and an end panel hingedly connected to the otherwise free end of the medial panel, is connected to one of the cover panels; and cooperating fasteners are mounted on the end panel of the brace and on a different one of the cover panels so that the cover, back and spine panels can be reversibly configurated into pyramidal form and secured pyramidally so that the binder can be used as an easel.

Abstract: A clip for locking pneumatic tires to mounting rims which includes a base plate adapted for attachment to the rim root wall and a pair of arms disposed at the opposite ends of the base plate. Cleats are disposed on each of the clip arms, including tooth elements projecting inwardly of the rim sidewalls for indentably engaging the confronting sidewalls of the tire casing which is mounted on the wheel rim.

Abstract: A method of promoting the emergence of field-planted, small-seeded crops comprises sowing the seeds in an agricultural field and applying an emulsion which includes an animal fat material to the soil directly over the sown seeds.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a co-fuel additive for promoting the suspension of coal macroparticles in petroleum fuel liquid incorporates a quantity of pulverulent alkaline fluxing mineral material for modifying the solid and gaseous products that results from combustion of the mixture. Miscible petroleum liquid, a coal anti-sedimentation surfactant and sufficient water to form a water-in-oil emulsion are also included in the additive.

Abstract: A selectively lockable latch to be used, for example, in fastening two furniture parts or the like in temporary alignment comprises a bolt member, a strike box unit and a lock rod. The bolt member includes a projecting nose and a channel which bisects the nose to define a slideway for the lock rod and to divide the nose into a pair of flexible arms. A snap-latch arrangement acts latchably between the bolt member and the strike box unit and includes selectively interengagable cam surface elements. The lock rod is slidably received in the nose channel to be selectively disposed between the flexible nose arms in one position to prevent covergence of the arms and to lock the bolt member in the strike box unit, the lock rod being selectively withdrawable from between the flexible nose arms into a second longitudinal position whereby to permit convergence of the arms and release of the bolt member from the strike box unit.

Abstract: Petroleum-derived feedstocks are treated at elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of hydrogen and in contact with a bed of porous catalytic particles. In accordance with the invention, each of the catalytic particles is specially shaped as a cylinder of polylobate cross-section having bluntly rounded, concave, interlobular interstices and in conformity with a selected combination of values of three defining parameters. The particle shape is further characterized as being substantially straight-sided and as having a geometric surface-to-volume ratio in the range of about 40 to about 95 in.sup.2 /in.sub.3. When the catalyst particle cross-section is selected to be circumscribed by a rectangle, the shorter side of the rectangle is about 70% as long as the longer side of the rectangle for all preferred combinations of values of the defining radial parameters.

Abstract: A process for bonding particulate siliceous contaminants, such as asbestos fibers and the like, with a soil surface layer comprises infusing the contaminated soil layer with an aqueous solution of a soluble silicate prepolymer and with an inorganic polyvalent cation catalyst. Following the cure and polymerization of the silicate prepolymer, an abrasion-resistant and impact-absorbent topcoating layer of resinous copolymeric materials is applied to the surface of the silicate-bonded soil layer.

Abstract: An anatomic brace comprises a wide, elastic belt fashioned with a pouch, in combination with a semi-wrap-around polyurethane foam splint cured in place in the pouch while the belt is tightly fitted to the patient.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer system comprises a water-filled network that includes an interconnected storage vessel, heat absorber and radiator means. In accordance with the invention, a hermetically sealed container that has been charged with a thermal energy storage salt is stationarily submerged in the water storage vessel. An adjustable louver device is disposed between the heat absorber and incident solar radiations, and the louvers or vanes are selectively and automatically opened and closed in response to the thermal levels in the water storage tank and in response to the presence or absence of sunlight.

Abstract: Flatware apparatus comprises a support platform, mechanical arrangements for mounting the platform, and respective washing and rinsing sprays. The platform is adapted to receive a cylindrical cup or holder for grouping a plurality of flatware pieces in a shock; and a drive arrangement is provided for causing rotation of the platform, or the cup or holder, so that the flatware pieces experience agitated movement. The wash spray is positioned to direct jets of washing and sanitizing fluid into the path of the churning flatware pieces. Mechanical arrangements are also provided for selectively lifting the flatware pieces in the cup in order to fully expose the food-contact surfaces thereof to the washing action.

Abstract: A cellular synthetic medical cast is made using fabric strips and a dispenser unit containing blowing agent and a water-activatable polyurethane prepolymer under superatmospheric pressure. A trimerizing catalyst is infused in the prepolymer mass immediately before the composition is dispensed in a bead onto the fabric strip; and thereafter, mechanical compressive force is applied to the foam bead to dimension it, embed it in the fabric and regulate the degree of reticulation. The impregnated strips are wrapped to form the cast and contacted with moisture to produce rapid cure of the prepolymer.

Abstract: A wheel center comprises a cylindrical rim and a coaxial hub. Two sets of V-shaped spokes connect the rim and hub, a set of relatively axially outwardly disposed spokes being alternated with a set of relatively axially inwardly placed spokes. A triangularly-shaped, dihedral rib is inlet into each of the spokes, these ribs having an arcuate base connected with the rim and an apex disposed radially inwardly from the rim spaced apart from the hub to define a central stabilizing spoke panel.

Abstract: A carrier device for use in transporting a wheelchair on an automotive bumper comprises a rigid basket framework and a coupling unit for releasably mounting the framework to the car bumper.

Abstract: Telephone station isolating apparatus includes solid state components connected together in a termination circuit and a pair of cooperating control circuits. Each of the control circuits comprises a blocking diode and a reversely blocking silicon unilateral switch.

Abstract: Chemical complexing compounds such as salts of aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid or ethylenediamine tetracetic acid are added to alkali-stabilized silica sols in order to promote rapid and complete re-saturation of alumino-silicate fiber insulation previously formed and dried using colloidal silica products.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for injecting a special ingredient into a pre-filled product container having superatmospheric internal pressure. Structurally, a coupling member is fabricated to define a cavity that snugly receives a portion of the container body to establish alignment therewith. This coupling member includes a mounting structure for use in positioning a syringe assembly with respect to a pierceable portion of the container body. A syringe assembly includes a syringe body that is mounted on the mounting structure and defines an internal chamber for containing a metered amount of a fluid product ingredient or amendment, the syringe assembly further including a cannulated needle fastened to the syringe body in fluid-transfer relationship with the product ingredient chamber. A wrench member is assemblable with the coupling member and includes an actuator for selectively engaging the syringe assembly and forceably reducing the internal volume of the product ingredient chamber.

Abstract: An anti-stick agent for use in preventing coal and other particulate products from freezing to contacted metal surfaces comprises a liquid hydrocarbon vehicle and at least about five percent by weight of a naturally occurring phospholipid substance such as lecithin.

Abstract: A composition for altering the water function characteristics of a wet, particulate mineral mass combines a surfactant material having an HLB number of from about 6.0 to about 12.0 with a surfactant adsorption inhibitory amount of a fatty acid substance.