Abstract: A strap retainer useful for attaching a retaining strap to safety equipment for quick positioning, securing and release of the equipment by the user is described. The strap retainer comprises a quick-release clamp on one end having a frame, a beveled stabilizer flange on the frame to position the retainer strap, a serrated edge, and a spring hinge cooperating to form an opening through which the retaining strap is drawn and held by the serrated edge being urged against the strap by the spring hinge. The strap retainer can be retrofitted to the safety equipment either by a clip or can be integrally constructed with an element of the equipment, usually safety googles.

Abstract: Purification of cresylic acid by guaiacol removal from lignite-based feed as well as other naturally occurring sources of cresylic acid is accomplished by catalytic demethylation in the presence of an alumina catalyst. In the process of this invention, de-pitched, dephenolated creyslic acid is vaporized and passed over a high surface area, alumina catalyst at temperature ranges of between 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. and at vapor flow rates measured as liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), of about 1 hr..sup.-1 to demethylate the guaiacol.

Abstract: A process for removing guaiacols from naturally-occurring cresylic acid mixtures by pyrolysis is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved trailer for unloading large cylindrical bales of hay. The trailer has a simple rectangular frame that holds hay bale carriers in place by a dual latch/keeper assembly mechanism. The dual latch/keeper assembly allows the cradle to tilt in either lateral direction to dump the hay bales on either side of the trailer. As a safety factor for the operator, the release for the latch/keeper assembly is on the opposite side from the side upon which the carrier dumps. The present invention may include a pedestal which holds a hay bale cradle over the wheels. The pedestal is removably mounted so that both the pedestal and the pedestal cradle can be removed thereby allowing the trailer to carry goods other than hay, such as irrigation pipe. The raised pedestal also allows for fenders over the wheels of the trailer. Fenders and lights are provided to ensure that the trailer is street worthy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intravenous needle protector which comprises a housing with a body and a terminating surface, at least one opening is in the body at the terminating surface for passage of the tubing which extends from the intravenous needle. The terminating surface extends from the body for the attachment of tape. The tape may be a part of the terminating surface or applied to that surface as well as to a person's body to hold the housing over the area of the intravenous needle injection. The body includes recedable retention means for retaining the needle. The body is preferably an oblong shape and has thin walls. The protector of the present invention is preferably produced as a plastic injected molded product out of such plastics as polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene or other plastic materials such as polycarbonates.

Abstract: A portable sample cylinder assembly is provided for transporting a fluid. The sample cylinder assembly includes a housing defining in part an internal fluid chamber, a first end cap at one end of the housing, and a second end cap at an opposing end of the housing. At least one of the end caps includes a stop surface and an annular groove. An elastomeric seal is positioned within the groove for static sealing between the end cap and the housing. The end of the housing includes an end surface for metal-to-metal engagement with the stop surface, and a compressional surface for applying a compressional force to the elastomeric seal in response to axial movement of the end surface toward the stop surface. A plurality of connector rods may be used to controllably move the end cap axially toward the housing and thereby compress the elastomeric seal to reduce the permeability of the seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of adjustable preformed ductwork for the conveyance of a fluid. The system uses a distribution box which includes an upper portion having a plurality of walls and a bottom plate. The distribution box may act either as a diffuser boot or as a splitter box. The distribution box is joined to interconnecting duct lines by adaptor conduits. The adaptor conduits are duct line which are adapted at one end for connection to an opening in a wall and are adapted at the other end for connection to adjoining duct line. A valve having a housing, a first cone and a second cone is also included in the system either in a duct line or in an adaptor conduit. The first and the second cone have matching apertures. The second cone is rotatable within the first cone such that the matching apertures may be selectively aligned or misaligned to adjust the flow of the fluid through the ductwork system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ceiling which is supported within a closure structure such as a dome. The edge of the ceiling is sealed to the closure structure by a non-permeable flexible fabric. Both the ceiling and the edge seal are airtight to prevent the passage of gases from a region below the ceiling within the closure structure to a region above the ceiling within the closure structure.

Abstract: An aircraft having an upswept tail section fuselage includes a single pair of large vortex generators mounted in the vicinity of the break in the fuselage ahead of or at the beginning of the tail upsweep, each vortex generator being mounted on a side of and adjacent the bottom of the fuselage. The vortex generators, which may be plates or fins, develop strong transverse outflow from the vertical plane of symmetry that relieves or delays the tendency to flow separation by acting on the external flow field while at the same time energizing the boundary layer to increase its resistance to separation. The vortex generator may be thin or slightly thickened, flat or airfoil shaped, and may have triangular, straight, tapered, or reverse tapered planforms and may be rigid or flexible. Either one or both edges may be blunted, although sharp edges are preferred.

Abstract: A process for treating naphthenic fractions with a caustic blend of sodium and potassium hydroxide, preflashing the naphthenic fraction to remove water and then flashing the dewatered fraction to remove the neutral oils and the materials that were not formed into the acid salts. The naphthenic salt mixture is then quenched and acidified so as to recover the naphthenic acids. Naphthenic acids recovered from the process of the present invention have acid numbers which are generally higher than the naphthenic acids heretofore produced from the corresponding feed streams. The process provides for the flashing of the water which otherwise would cause foaming and not permit the recovery of the acid salt for the enhanced separation of the naphthenic acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stall and pasture vacuum machine which comprises a trailer frame supported by an axle and wheels, a receptacle which is pivoted at one end of the frame and at the other end of the frame is an extension which supports a centrifugal blower and its drive. In addition, the extension supports a sweeper head or mucking device which is mounted on a pair of sleds which will be pulled over the pasture or paddock. A body is attached to the sled such that the closed top and ends surround and support a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has a plurality of modified spring tines or blades for breaking up the manure in the pasture and allowing it to be vacuumed by the centrifugal blower into the receptacle. Also on the extension is a water tank for supplying a fine mist of water to the receptacle especially when dust is also being drawn into the receptacle with the manure from the paddock or pasture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable power unit for use with various power tools.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention there is provided a toy which engages a member such as a finger or a liquid medicine dispenser. The member acts as a lower jaw for the toy. The toy includes a head with an upper jaw and a body. The body is contiguous to the head and includes a trunk with front and rear limbs extended therefrom. Together, the upper jaw, the body, the front limbs and the rear limbs define a longitudinal passageway which passes through the toy. The toy accommodates the member in this passageway. The front limbs extending down from the front section of the trunk form a portion of the passageway which semi-positively engage the member. The rear limbs extending down from the rear portion of the trunk form a portion of the passageway which positively engage the member.