Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture such as the mixture of air and vaporized light hydrocarbon compounds expelled as a result of loading gasoline, benzene or the like into storage tanks and tank trucks. The air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to flow through a bed of solid adsorbent whereby the hydrocarbons are removed from the mixture and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free air is produced. The substantially hydrocarbon-free air is vented to the atmosphere and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbons adsorbed thereon is subjected to conditions which cause desorption of the hydrocarbons and thereby regeneration of the bed.

Abstract: Improved methods and burner apparatus are provided for discharging mixtures f fuel and air into furnace spaces wherein said mixtures are burned and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom. The methods basically comprise discharging a first fuel mixture containing a portion of the fuel and flue gases from the furnace space into the furnace space whereby the mixture is burned in a primary reaction zone therein and flue gases having low NO.sub.x content are formed therefrom, and then discharging the remaining portion of the fuel into a secondary reaction zone wherein the remaining portion of fuel mixes with air and flue gases to form a second fuel mixture which is burned in the secondary reaction zone and additional flue gases having low NO.sub.x contents are formed therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid distributing apparatus provides a fountain-type distributor which effects substantially uniform radial distribution of fluid across a spray pattern. An irregular spaced annular nozzle opening is provided for deflecting the spray pattern into a non-circular pattern, and in a preferred case into a square pattern. Also, an automatic adjustment varies the spacing around the entire nozzle opening to accommodate varying supply pressures. The distributor is particularly suited for use in industrial cooling towers to increase the efficiency of the cooling towers by increasing the uniformity of water distribution across the fill material of the cooling tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting cans from a ground surface. The apparatus comprises a basket portion having a carriage pivotally attached thereto. A bearing mounted shaft extends transversely across said carriage, and a plurality of flexible discs are connected to said shaft. At least one carriage wheel is attached to said shaft and has an outside diameter greater than an outside diameter of the discs. The carriage may be locked in a non-operating position wherein the carriage wheel and discs are spaced from the ground surface, and the carriage may be pivoted downwardly to an operating position wherein the carriage wheels engage the ground surface. The discs flex outwardly from one another when a can is pushed therebetween so that the discs engage the can and move it toward the basket portion. A can disengaging finger is positioned between pairs of adjacent discs for disengaging the cans therefrom so that the cans are free to fall into the basket portion.

Abstract: A base pad for supporting heavy, vibrating machinery with minimal environmental pollution, the pad including a peripheral frame of rigid beams, a grid of reenforcing rods extending across the interior of the peripheral frame between the beams, and a cementitious filler within the peripheral frame. Flanged channel beams extend across the peripheral frame in spaced pairs and form a series of spaced anchor slots opening upwardly through the cementitious material, and also form liquid drains beneath the slots. The drains communicate through openings through the beams with aligned discharge spouts secured to the beams. A plurality of intercommunicating, peripheral, unwardly opening V-gutters are disposed in the cementitious filler adjacent the peripheral frame beams, and are connected to drain liquid into the liquid drains.

Abstract: A polymer composition having improved thermal stability at high temperatures. The composition comprises a poly(phenylene sulfide) base resin and a thermal stabilizer selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone and polyamide-imide, the thermal stabilizer being present in the composition in an amount sufficient to improve the thermal stability of the composition at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. A method of improving the thermal stability of a poly(phenylene sulfide) resin and articles produced therefrom at high temperatures and an article having improved thermal stability at high temperatures are also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a support apparatus for tubes in a U-bend portion of a tube bundle. The support apparatus includes a U-tube ring positioned around the tubes in the U-bend portion and having first and second tube separation elements extending therefrom through first and second lanes between the tubes, respectively. The first tube separation elements are preferably characterized by flat plates or strips defining a plurality of holes therethrough, and the second tube separation elements are preferably characterized by rods or bars extending through aligned sets of holes in the plates or strips. A support bar extends between opposite end portions of the ring, and the plates have notches therein for engaging corresponding notches in the support bar and ring. The ring and support bar are slidably attachable to a mounting bracket on a tube support used to support a first and second pass of longitudinal tubes in the tube bundle.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing a female patient. The method includes inserting into the patient's uterus an elongated light transmitting conduit having a heat generating device on a distal end thereof. The heat generating device has a light transmitting aperture extending through a forward portion thereof. The heat generating device is maintained in fixed contact with an inner wall of the patient's uterus adjacent one of the patient's tubal ostia while transmitting light energy to the heat generating device to coagulate a substantial part of the interstitial portion of the patient's fallopian tube associated with the one of the patient's tubal ostia so that the fallopian tube is closed. A portion of the light energy transmitted through the conduit passes out through the aperture and through the tubal ostia into the fallopian tube to aid in coagulating the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube.

Abstract: An endodontic post has at least two graduated stages of decreasing diameter with generally cylindrical outer surfaces. The graduations allow the post to diminish in size as it passes into a prepared post space which can be complementarily graduated. The staged post may also include a single groove having a pitch angle in a range of from about 35.degree. to about 55.degree. disposed in the cylindrical outer surfaces thereof.A graduated endodontic drill has at least two cutting stages of decreasing diameter for cutting through tooth material to make a prepared post space.

Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member, such as a bridge unit and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders which are transversely spaced and a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders. Each composite unit has a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. The beams are positioned transversely with respect to the girders and attached thereto. Additional, longitudinal beams are disposed between the transversely extending beams over the girders. The longitudinal beams are attached to the girders and by connectors to the molded deck. The structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. Any gaps between adjacent composite units are filled with a non-shrink, high strength grout.

Abstract: A fluid distributing apparatus provides a fountain-type distributor which effects substantially uniform radial distribution of fluid across a spray pattern. A fixed deflector is provided for deflecting the spray pattern into a non-circular pattern, and in a preferred case into a rectangular pattern. The distributor is particularly suited for use in industrial cooling towers to increase the efficiency of the cooling towers by increasing the uniformity of water distribution across the fill material of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a reversed second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus is provided for a guitar. The guitar has a guitar body with a plurality of guitar strings mounted thereon, and also includes a protruding structure such as a bridge or tail piece defined on the guitar body and operably associated with the guitar strings. The string bender apparatus includes a frame having an actuating lever pivotally attached thereto. The actuating lever is attached to one of the guitar strings for varying the tension on the string by pivoting the actuating lever relative to the frame. An adapter is provided for removably attaching the frame of the string bender apparatus to the protruding structure of the guitar.

Abstract: Apparatus for fireproof cover of expansion voids consisting of expansion joint cover structure spanning the expansion void and supporting at least one layer of stainless steel foil and other refractory material in continual coverage across said void.

Abstract: A guitar control system using multiple string processing channels for developing pitch and peak signals for a multiple of string vibrations. Pitch data is multiplexed into a microprocessor along with the peak data and the programmed microprocessor outputs processed sound information on an address/data buss. Midi input/output, analog input/output and counter circuitry are interactively connected with the data buss, and final audio processing is derived from the analog output.