Abstract: Kaolin clay agglomerates having improved bulk density, improved rheological properties and good optical properties are provided by mixing calcined kaolin clay, hydrous kaolin clay and water and then subjecting the mixture to high pressure in a compaction system.

Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays) containing minerals which chelate with hydroxamates. The use of a silicon-containing compound in combination with a hydroxamate results in a more effective separation of minerals which chelate with the hydroxamate.

Abstract: A improved process for beneficiating kaolin clays to remove discoloring impurities is disclosed. The beneficiation of kaolin clay is improved by fractionating a kaolin clay starting material into a lower brightness first fraction having a majority of the discoloring impurities and a higher brightness second fraction with less impurities. The first fraction is then beneficiated (such as by flotation, selection flocculation, high intensity magnetic separation and/or leaching) to produce a kaolin clay product with improved optical properties. The first and second fractions may be combined to produce a product with improved optical properties.

Abstract: An electrode and separator composite comprises a separator and an electrode embedded in a polymer matrix. Application of an electrode slurry to a polymer coated separator and subsequent drying in a solvent enriched atmosphere forms a secondary battery structure characterized by a seamless composite structure.

Abstract: A convertible cylinder lock handle comprises a hub, a handle extending from the hub, and a drive shaft extending from the hub along an axis of handle rotation. The hub has a channel sized to receive a lock cylinder and a slot that extends along and spacially communicates with the channel sized to receive a spring loaded lock cylinder bolt. The lock handle also has a bolt lock plate sized to be received in reversible orientations within the slot that has two stops spaced apart a distance to receive and entrap the cylinder bolt therebetween. One of the stops has a ramp for camming engagement with the spring loaded cylinder bolt whereby in one lock plate orientation the bolt is locked out of the lock plate and in its reversed orientation the lock plate receives and entraps the bolt. The handle is particularly suited for use on delivery van type vehicles as it is fully compatible with existing lock cylinders that may be removed with spanner tools without having to disassemble the handle.

Abstract: A pressure relief port has a tubular housing 11 in which a hollow valve body 12 is mounted. An upper poppet valve 23 is operatively mounted to the top of the valve body and a lower poppet valve 25 is operatively mounted to the bottom of the valve body. The interior of the valve body communicates with one end of the tubular housing through the upper poppet valve while the exterior communicates with the other end of the tubular housing through the lower poppet valve.

Abstract: A shrimp conveying and positioning apparatus (10) includes a track (13) oriented along an inclined path in one direction. The track is reciprocated along an inclined path in a direction opposite to the inclined orientation of the track. The apparatus also includes a contact plate (26) wherein the shrimp ride upon the contact plate to position the shrimp from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle (10) has a body (14) into which refuse may be loaded having an exit passage (34) from which loaded refuse may be emptied. The vehicle also has arms (56) and a fork (58) for lifting a container into a dumping position over the body. A control circuit coordinates simultaneous operation of the arms and forks by monitoring the position of the arms and forks through rotary potentiometers (200, 201).

Abstract: A front loading refuse collection vehicle (10) is provided having a body (12) which includes a hopper (16), a storage container (17), a pair of arms (56) coupled to a pivotal fork (58). The vehicle also has a control circuit (100) which coordinates movement of the fork with the arms. The control circuit receives the initial pickup position of the arms and fork from an arm position sensor (200) and a fork position sensor (201) when grasping a portable container. This position is later recalled to assist the operator in returning the arms and forks to these positions in order to release the portable container.

Abstract: An excavator operator cab (10) has an operator seat (12) and a control console (15) mounted beside the seat. A forward control stick (20) and a rear control stick (22) are positioned in the console (15) such that the rear control stick supports the arm of the operator while he grips the forward control stick. The forward and rear control sticks (20,22) are manipulated independently or in concert with one another.

Abstract: Quantitative compliance markers and associated methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication prescriptions associated with compliance markers have been found to eliminate the need for specific quantitative relationships for each new drug tested. Such compliance markers and methods for monitoring patient compliance utilize pharmacologically inert substances, namely the weak acids benzodiazepines, or non-metabolizable substances in association with an underlying drug at a measurable dosage, so as to correlate compliance marker concentration with underlying medication concentration to determine amount of actual medication ingested.

Abstract: A cylindrical shape with a open channel running the entire length (7). Opposite of the channel is a rib (5) added for strength and rigidity of the connector. Four openings (1) with a 45 degree angle (2) used for clearance open to four slots (3). Each slot is in line with another forming two groups which allow a flattened end of a rod to be inserted, lowered, and snapped in place. Inserting a rod into both groups creates a simple, economical, and reusable connection. Four tabs (4) protrude into the channel with a center line just above the top of the rod to be inserted allowing the rod to be held firmly in the connector and creating a barrier that doesn't permit the rod to start moving perpendicular to the connector which is how the rod is inserted and taken out. The length and width (6) of the material can vary depending on the weight requirements. A coated or inherently corrosion resistant alloy or a plastic that can resist the eliminates of the outdoors is appropriate.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a hookstick is attached to an existing ring on a manually operated fused cutout switch or oil circuit recloser switch. The device comprises a cantilever and a clamp for attaching the cantilever about the existing ring. The cantilever a pair of lever arms, each having a hook-shaped receptacle for receiving a hookstick that is used to alternatively open or close the switch. Methods of actuating a manually operated recloser and lock-out switch and modifying such a switch to facilitate manual operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary engine (10) is provided having a housing (11), a rotor (34) mounted within the housing, an intake manifold 21, an exhaust manifold (33) and a reciprocating combustion containment valve (42). The rotor has a base (35) and a shoulder (36) extending from the base. A fuel injector (23), air injector (25) and spark plug (27) are all coupled to the intake manifold. The rotor is coupled to a cam (40) having a cam follower (43) thereon coupled to the combustion containment valve, whereby the movement of the combustion containment valve is synchronized with the movement of the rotor shoulder.

Abstract: A container for leaf product and other bulk pack materials wherein a first blank of paperboard is bonded to a second blank of paperboard. A field of bores are defined in at least one side wall of the container by a high-speed non-fluted drill for communication of moisture from the container to the atmosphere for drying and long term storage of the leaf products.

Abstract: Polyolefin fibers are dyed with an emulsion that is prepared by mixing water with a long chain anthraquinone dye dissolved in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A grill (10) is provided having a combustion chamber (11) which includes a tub (13) and a hood (15) pivotally mounted to the tub. The tub has an metallic, exterior shell (26) and an interior insulative liner (27) made of cementitious material, such as calcium aluminate, mounted within the exterior shell. The exterior shell has a front wall (29), a back wall (30), two end walls (31) and a floor (32). The insulative liner (27) has a back panel (35) mounted adjacent tub back wall and two end panels (36) mounted adjacent to corresponding tub side walls. The insulative liner panels have a faux brick exterior surface (55) which provides an undulating heat reflecting surface.