Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for pyrolytically cracking a hydrocarbon vapor feedstock. The hydrocarbon vapor feedstock is contacted with water prior to cracking. While the hydrocarbon vapor feedstock is being contacted with water, both the feedstock and the water are heated by indirect heat exchange with at least one process stream containing waste heat. Consequently, a portion of the water vaporizes and combines with the hydrocarbon vapor feedstock. The hydrocarbon vapor feedstock is subsequently cracked in the presence of the vaporized water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing electrocardiogram signals to ascertain any defects or abnormalities in heart activity. Sensed, orthogonal x, y and z input signals are processed to obtain QRS onset and then passed through first and second spectral filters having respective passbands of 70-200 hertz and 40-200 hertz in order to establish QRS offset and accurate determinations of RMS voltage values and (LAS) low amplitude signals in the terminal QRS portion of the ECG signal. A spectral filtering of the x, y and z input signals with 150-250 hertz bandpass window also allows determination of certain high frequency activity in the midportions of the QRS.

Abstract: A composition which forms a corrosion-inhibiting film when applied to a metal surface. The composition comprises a low molecular weight polyfunctional polymer formed by polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of a mercaptan chain transfer agent. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a low molecular weight polyfunctional polymer represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein M is a repeating vinyl monomer unit, n is from about 2 to about 40, x is from 0 to about 10, y is from 0 to 1, z is from 0 to 1 if y is 0 and 0 if y is 1 and R is hydrogen, an alkyl group, a hydroxy alkyl group or an alkoxy group. A method of treating a metal surface by contacting the metal surface with a composition that forms a corrosion-inhibiting film thereon is also provided. The composition and methods are useful for inhibiting corrosion of downhole metal surfaces present in oil and gas wells.

Abstract: A leak detection system for monitoring an evacuated space which includes a vacuum pump, a low vacuum gauge for continuously monitoring the magnitude of the vacuum in said space, and a vacuum control switching assembly responsive to the vacuum in the space for periodically starting the pump when the vacuum in the space is lost to a predetermined extent, and thereby restoring the vacuum to a certain magnitude. A counter is provided to count cycles of the vacuum pump. An alarm device provides an alarm responsive to execessive running of the pump. A high vacuum test line is connected between the evacuated space and the vacuum pump. The high vacuum test line and vacuum pump are used concurrently with a switching system which opens to allow atmospheric air to be drawn into the evacuated space between the confining walls to sweep out and purge this space when high vacuum is applied to the evacuated space, and which isolates the sensitive low vacuum gauge at this time.

Abstract: An auxiliary ripper tooth for attachment to a backhoe fitted with a quick coupler linkage, which ripper tooth includes an elongated, arcuate shank having a point at one end and a bifurcation at the opposite end. An apertured lobe forms one of the furcations or branches at the bifurcated end, and receives a transversely extending pivotal mounting sleeve. The other furcation or branch has an impact bar secured thereto and extending transversely thereacross at a location to bear against a broad impact surface on the quick coupler linkage.

Abstract: A pig which may be propelled by fluid flow through a pipeline includes a cupped or hollow spherical head having an inside and an outside. The head has an opening for facing upstream and receiving fluid flow in the pipeline and has an outside for facing downstream and for contacting the inside walls of the pipeline. An elongate tail has a first end connected to the inside of the head and a second end extending out of the opening. The tail is of smaller diameter than the opening and has a length greater than about 1.5 times the largest internal diameter of the pipeline. A first fastener is provided on the outside of the head and a second fastener is provided on the second end of the tail. The fasteners are used to connect multiple pigs end-to-end and to attach objects, such as pipeline cleaning and maintenance equipment, to the pig.

Abstract: A process in which isobutane (isoparaffins), containing normal butane (normal paraffins), is dehydrogenated, and the principal product, isobutene, (isoolefin) contains some butene-1 and butene-2 (1-olefins and linear internal olefins). This mixture is subjected to a catalyzed etherification reaction with an alcohol to yield tertiaryalkyl ether. Some unreacted butene-1 and butene-2 (linear olefins) appear in the effluent from the ether reacton zone. These detrimentally affect the advantage of recycling that part of the effluent constituted by isobutane (isoparaffin) to the dehydrogenation reactor, because, as they build up in the closed system, undesirable coke lay down on the dehydrogenating catalyst occurs. The undesirable butene-1 is hydroisomerized to butene-2 which is removed from the recycle stream by fractionation.

Abstract: A boat stabilizer for attachment to the lower drive unit of a boat motor. The stabilizer comprises a first lifting member having a first interior side wall for positioning adjacent to a first side of the drive unit and a first arm portion for extension around the drive unit, and a second lifting member having a second interior side wall for positioning adjacent to a second side of the drive unit and a second arm portion for extension around the drive unit toward the first arm portion. The second interior side wall is spaced from and opposes the first interior side wall forming a slot therebetween for receiving the drive unit. The first and second arm portions are removably attached together and selectively movable toward and away from each other for varying the width of the slot. The ability to vary the width of the slot for receiving the drive unit allows the stabilizer to be adjusted to fit virtually any conventional outboard or inboard/outboard boat motor.

Abstract: A shatter-resistant electric lamp includes a base; contacts for connecting the lamp to a source of electrical energy; a filament or light source electrically connected to the contacts for converting electrical energy to light; a shatterable encasement, connectable to the base, for translucently encasing the filament; and a polymer coating deposited on a first portion of the encasement so that a second portion of the encasement remains uncoated. The preferred polymer coating is poly(phenylene sulfide).

Abstract: Isobutane and propane are separately charged to different catalytic dehydrogenation zones. The reaction products, including principally propylene and isobutylene, are combined, followed by separation of steam condensate, carbon dioxide and fuel gas from the mixture of effluents from the two separate dehydrogenation reaction zones. Propane and propylene are then separated from the isobutylene. The propylene product is recovered, and isobutylene is charged to an etherification reactor and there reacted with methanol to yield methyltertiarybutyl ether (MTBE). The etherification reactor effluent is fractionated to separate MTBE from n-butane and from isobutane. The latter is separated from n-butane and recycled to the isobutane dehydrogenation zone. Unreacted propane is also recovered and recycled.

Abstract: Olefinic polymer exhibiting high environmental stress crack resistance are produced by contacting the olefin charge stock in a single reactor with a compatible mix of two transition metal catalyst systems. One component of the catalyst system comprises chromium oxide supported on an aluminophosphate material. Hydrogen can be used as adjuvant for the hexavalent chromium component of the catalyst mixture. The second catalyst component consists essentially of a beta-stabilized tetrahydrocarbyl zirconium compound supported on inorganic support material. The catalysts can be premixed before use in the reactor, or can be added to the reactor separately. A suitable cocatalyst can be utilized.

Abstract: Olefin polymerization catalysts, processes for preparing the catalysts and processes for producing polyolefins utilizing the catalysts are provided. The catalysts are basically comprised of a trialkylsilylamide-chromium complex adsorbed on an activated inorganic refractory compound.

Abstract: A utility pad for infants and toddlers which includes a flexible, rectangular fabric tube filled with a resilient, flexible material and extending peripherally around an interior space. The tube carries a plurality of cooperating engaging elements on one side thereof positioned so that the tube can be folded double into a U-shape and there retained by registering, interengaging ones of said engaging elements disposed at the superimposed opposite ends of the tube doubled into a U-shape. Carrying straps extend outwardly from opposite sides of the tube. A flat sheet is detachably secured across the bottom of the tube to close the space surrounded by the tube and form a sleeping surface for an infant.

Abstract: An improved method and fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the groud prior to transplanting are provided. In accordance with the method, the root growth is confined in the ground within a porous fabric container formed of needle punched continuous fibers whereby the roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric constricts the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the container.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly that includes a unitary holder body formed internally with a multiple of seating rings and including a threaded base member with partially open grating structure and a plastic cap member for secure affixture over the base member. The holder body is then suitably secured to a selected form of clamp to provide means for positioning the cup holder relative to a work space, driving seat or the like.

Abstract: Improved methods and burner apparatus are provided for discharging mixtures of 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 content are formed therefrom.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment for a grass trimmer includes a mounting bar having a wheel at each end, detachably mountable to the grass trimmer to provide easy control and easy support for the grass trimmer. The detachable bar may be securable by a nut and bolt combination either to a housing or protective cover mounted on the grass cutting head immediately above the grass cutting element, or to an adjustable bar component which is detachably securable to the elongated shaft of the grass trimmer. For easy mounting upon the housing of a grass trimmer, the detachable bar includes adjustment slots for the nut and bolt fasteners so that the fasteners may be easily and quickly adjusted to the size of the housing component. For easy mounting upon the elongated shaft of the grass trimmer, the adjustable bar component includes two or more vertically extending bar members which are adjustably attachable to permit forward or rearward adjustment of the wheeled attachment.