Abstract: A phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer with relatively good melt stability and a method of producing such a polymer are provided. A previously produced phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer is redissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to form a solution. This solution is combined with an alcohol to precipitate highly melt stable phenylene sulfide/sulfone polymer in a particulate form. The alcohol has one to four carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and the like and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A triple-walled fluid containment system which includes a rigid metallic outside tank, an outer flexible bladder positioned within the rigid outside tank and a plurality of suspension elements between the tank and the outer bladder for suspending the flexible outer bladder within, and adjacent, the tank. An inner flexible bladder of complementary configuration to the outer bladder is located within, and adjacent, the outer bladder. A vacuum monitoring system communicates with the interstice between the outside and the inside bladder for evacuating the space therebetween.

Abstract: Sodium-free olefin polymerization catalysts having high polymerization activities and methods of preparing such catalysts are provided. A hydrolyzable silicate ester and a hydrolyzable acid-generating chromium compound are combined with water and an organic solvent whereby a hydrolysis reaction solution is formed comprising silica and chromium. Sufficient acid-neutralizing gelling agent is added to the solution to form a gelled silica-chromium catalyst and the catalyst is aged to stabilize its structure. Water and solvent are removed from the catalyst and the catalyst is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating adjustment of an adjustable foot comprises a base and an anti-friction element which allows the fully loaded foot to rotate with respect to the base. The apparatus may be attached to the foot, or it may be inserted under the foot but otherwise detached from it. In use, the base rests upon the floor and supports the anti-friction element and the foot; and the anti-friction element is positioned between the base and the foot. When a foot is placed upon the apparatus, the foot may be adjusted to affect the pitch of the table surface by applying torque to the foot. The foot rotates while the base remains stationary. A foot receiving plate, which is supported on the anti-friction element and in use rotates with the foot, can also be included in the apparatus. In one embodiment, the foot receiving plate includes support tiers, each of which is sized to accommodate a different size foot.

Abstract: A device for winterizing boats by replacement of coolant water in the engine thereof with antifreeze solution, such device including a pair of elongated substantially parallel rods having their opposite ends interconnected by clamping elements operable to vary the distance separating the rods. Each rod carries a sealing head which can be sealingly positioned over the water intake on opposite sides of the outdrive of an engine to be winterized. The sealing heads can be independently adjusted in their positions along the elongated rods. One of the sealing heads carries a fitting by means of which an antifreeze solution can be connected to the sealing head to allow the solution to be passed through the sealing head, through intake ports and into the engine to replace coolant water in the engine which is displaced through discharge ports of the engine.

Abstract: A can holder assembly adapted for use with a commercially available thermal mug which includes a cap rim extending a ball structure for holding a beverage can so that the cap is tightly secured over the thermal mug while extending the can down within the mug and a coolant contained therein. A snap ring tightly received around the inner extremities of the cap rim then maintains a flexible sealing ring in tight, sealing grip around the beverage can.

Abstract: A sewing machine drive assembly having one or more pulleys and drive belts also includes a mechanism for enhancing traction between a belt and a pulley to resist slippage under maximum power to be coupled through the drive assembly from a motor to the crankshaft of the sewing machine. The traction enhancing mechanism includes a support member and belt engagement members connected to the support member at respective locations so that the belt mounted on the pulley with which the mechanism is associated is deflected inwardly.

Abstract: A device for protectively sheathing a syringe and hypodermic injection or body fluid withdrawal element, which device includes a tubular sheath having a syringe barrel reciprocably mounted within the tubular sheth for coaxial movement. The barrel carries a plunger for moving a liquid through a spout or tip on one end of the barrel. The sheath, near one of its ends, carries a locking element, and the barrel, adjacent its end through which liquid passes upon reciprocation of the plunger, carries a cooperating locking element which interlocks with that locking element carried by the sheath when the barrel is withdrawn into the sheath to a location where the barrel tip is totally encased and any hypodermic injection or fluid withdrawal element which is carried on the tip of the barrel is protected.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a rigid housing having an opening at the forward side thereof with vertical guide tracks defined at opposite sides of the opening. A roller subassembly is mounted in the upper portion of the housing over the opening and is driven in rotation about a horizontal axis by a motor. A segmented glass curtain made up of contiguous, elongated, parallel glass slats of rectangular configuration closes the opening in the housing. Each glass slat is supported in metal corner brackets interconnected so that adjacent longitudinal edges of adjacent slats are in close proximity, and the slat ends project into the guide tracks. Flexible cables interconnect the corner brackets to maintain the spacial relationship of the slats. Ends of the cables are connected to the roller subassembly and the curtain is rolled up on the roller subassembly to open the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A casing stabbing apparatus which includes a derrick bracket subassembly for attachment to a derrick, and a boom having an end pivotally connected to the bracket assembly for pivotation about a vertical axis and about a horizontal axis. A pair of arcuate casing gripping jaws is pivotally connected to the second end of the boom. A piston and cylinder assembly extends between the jaws to selectively converge and diverge the jaws. A second piston and cylinder assembly extends between the bracket assembly and the boom to elevate the boom by pivotation about a horizontal pivotal axis. A third piston and cylinder assembly extends between the bracket assembly and the boom to swing the boom laterally in pivotation about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a bag open, and preferably upright, includes a support from which a plurality of legs extend in an outwardly flaring direction. The outwardly flaring legs bias the bag to open to its widest, and they support the bag along its length. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport tank for storing and dispensing a liquid which includes a forward liquid compartment and a rearwardly positioned equipment storage compartment. The liquid compartment is of substantially right parallelepiped configuration. The equipment storage compartment is of inverted L-shaped configuration and includes a forwardly extending upper portion which projects above the level of the roof of the liquid compartment. This configuration allows the tank to be more utilitarian without in any way interfering with its over-the-road transport when it is empty. The equipment storage compartment has a rear wall, and is accessed by at least one door in the rear wall. It is separated from the liquid storage compartment by a vertically extending rear partition wall and a horizontally extending shelf member which extends between and interconnects the rear partition wall and the roof of the liquid compartment.

Abstract: A test circuit for computer-controlled automatic transmissions which includes a gear selection rotary switch providing enabling inputs to logic circuitry that controls a plurality of electronic switches to energize selected transmission control relays. The control relays then apply operating current to selected combinations of transmission valves to effect transmission operation. The test circuit also provides light indication of hydraulic pressure conditions in the various valve circuits, and push button switches for testing the condition of relays and solenoids.

Abstract: A paint spray system includes a source of pressurized paint. At least a first and second spray gun are provided. Each spray gun has a gun inlet for receiving paint, a gun spray outlet for spraying paint on an article to be painted, and a gun bypass passage for passing through the gun an unused portion of paint. A feed conduit feeds paint from the source to the spray guns. A paint recycle conduit recycles unused paint from the paint spray guns. Each of the spray guns is separately adjustable for adjusting a rate at which paint is sprayed on an article independent of any adjustment of the other guns. The system is particularly adapted to spraying fast drying mixtures of a base paint and a catalyst.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for support either on a ground surface or from a ceiling surface. The apparatus includes a container portion with a tubular member positioned adjacent to each vertical corner thereof. A leg is telescopingly positioned in each tube. The legs may extend downwardly to the ground surface or, alternatively, may be reversed to extend upwardly to the ceiling surface. The tubes extend above the top of the container portion and below the bottom thereof so that when pluralities of the storage apparatus are stacked, the loading is carried by the tubes. A horizontally folding door assembly is disposed across an opening in the container portion. The door assembly has lips thereon to prevent access to gaps between the door assembly and the container portion and between upper and lower portions of the door assembly. The lower portion of the door assembly is guided as the door is opened and closed, and counterbalancing is provided to assist in opening and closing.

Abstract: A luggage carrier for attachment to the rear side of a vehicle and including an external bottom frame having channel means for pivotally supporting the carrier on a receiver post projecting rearwardly at about the level of the vehicle bumper. The luggage carrier further includes an internal frame having a bottom subframe portion, a pair of lateral subframes and a forward, vertically extending subframe. A rigid panel is secured to the forward vertically extending subframe. An arcuate closure subassembly is pivotally connected to the upper side of the forward subframe, and is pivotable to a position covering the opening at the top of the luggage carrier. The internal frame is covered by a flexible fabric sleeve or encasement, and vinyl pads are interposed between the fabric encasement and the frame to smooth the flexible fabric of the encasement.