Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating immiscible liquids having different specific gravities. Although the disclosure illustrates the invention by showing its application to the separation of oil and water, the invention may be used to separate many other immiscible liquids having different specific gravities. A column of a liquid is supported by vacuum in a vertical column partially submerged in a reservoir containing a first liquid. A mixture of first and second liquids is continuously injected into a separation vessel disposed within the column. Due to their difference in specific gravities, the lighter second fluid will ascend to occupy the upper region of the column while the heavier first fluid will occupy the lower region until equilibrium is achieved. As the mixture continues to enter the system, equilibrium is maintained; the liquids of the upper and lower phases are displaced by equal volumes of incoming liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tensioned plastic band which has a rotatable tensioning wheel and a friction shoe which is located adjacent a band path for two mutually overlapping end portions of a band located around an article is disclosed. The shoe is reciprocatable transversely to the band path, and displaceable into and out of contact with the upper band end portion. A single drive means is permanently coupled to the shoe for reciprocation, and drives the tensioning wheel via a torque-sensitive coupling. In operation, the shoe is initially out of contact with the band, and the wheel is driven so as to tension the band until a predetermined tension is reached. Thereupon the coupling uncouples, and actuates means which urge the shoe against the band. This causes relative motion of the band ends, resulting in their being frictionally welded together. The uncoupling also actuates a cutting member for the band. Thus the sequence of tensioning, welding and cutting is performed automatically.

Abstract: A redundant rotor blade retention system is disclosed. A secondary load path is provided in the event the primary load path of the rotor blade retention system fails. Both the primary and the secondary load path permit rotation of the rotor blade about its pitch axis. The rotor blade is connected to a shaft which forms a portion of the rotor hub. The shaft is pivotally connected to the housing of the rotor hub by a tie-bar, tension-torsion strap, or the like. Flanges which form an integral part of the hub housing and the shaft overlap and are spaced apart from one another. In the event the tie-bar or tension-torsion strap fails, the flanges come in contact with one another and act as a secondary load path. Lubrication is provided so that relative motion about the rotor blade pitch axis may occur between the two flanges thus permitting rotor blade pitch motion.