Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an auger attachment which is mounted on the stick of a backhoe which provides directional capabilities to the auger. More specifically, the auger attachment includes an outer body, an inner telescoping body and a piston within the inner body which provides all the lift to the auger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt % fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making point-repairs in sewer and other utility lines. The method involves positioning a section of polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, pipe by drawing or pulling it into and through the undamaged portion of the damaged sewer line requiring repair and fixing or securing from the surface the section of polyolefin pipe into place. The present invention is also directed to point-repair collapsible heads and a point-repair insertion tool for assisting in the positioning of the section of polyolefin pipe into the damaged sewer line requiring repair by pulling the point-repair insertion tool which includes the section through the line to the place where repair is required and collapsing the heads and removing them by cable from the section and the damaged sewer line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine which is attached to the compactor to lay film over the face of a landfill. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a machine and the method for laying a polyolefin film over the face of a landfill and distributing available solids such as dirt, clay, gravel or other solid material inside the edges and across the surface of the film to hold the film against the face of the landfill.

Abstract: A golf club swing training device and method comprising a length of elastic tubing formed so that an upper loop encircles the upper arm of the golfer and the lower loop is attached at the waist on the golfer's side. Two such devices may be used, one on the golfer's target-side and one on his trail-side. When the golfer's backswing is correct, the trail-side device will not stretch or pull; when the golfer's forward swing is correct, the target-side device will not stretch or pull.

Abstract: A floor drain and method for its installation, such floor drain incorporating: (1) a flange clamp ring with multiple weep holes, drain tubes with siphonage drain lines, and a tongued and grooved boss, and; (2) a permeable port protector, installed over the floor drain housing and the flange clamp ring, which prevents mortar and debris from entering and clogging drainage holes while allowing water to drain.

Abstract: A method for automatically optimizing computer disks is disclosed which utilizes recorded file usage to determine this optimum location of files on the disk. Each file on the disk is assigned a priority, depending upon its characteristics and frequency of usage. The files on the disk are then reordered on the basis of their priorities (for instance, active files are grouped together in low-numbered sections and volatile files are grouped with free space), thereby minimizing seek time of disk access. The method can be done in the background and optimization can occur on a daily basis.

Abstract: A hard body armor system consisting of a boron carbide strike surface; aramid fiber layers; polyethylene fiber layers; two metallic foil layers with no binder between them; and a rigid foam layer; with carbon fiber layers on both surfaces. The metallic foil layers delaminate upon impact of a projectile, and the rigid foam layer provides room for the projectile to mushroom and expand, thereby reducing penetration and backface deformation. The system can be used in a configuration to protect the human torso; in a described embodiment, the front and back panels are interchangeable, and the two side panels are interchangeable. The panels, barrel-shaped to curve away from the torso, are held in proximity to each other by self-adjusting elastic.

Abstract: A portable, free-standing visual aid designed to be used by coaches, teachers and other group leaders. The invention incorporates a large chalkboard, a chalk tray, sliding, two-sided inserts, a storage pocket for the inserts, and a smaller storage pocket for other items. It has a handle for portability. Some models use releasable fasteners to hold a chalk holder and eraser.

Abstract: A torque restraint system for a top drive unit in a drilling rig, in which rigid torque arms rotate about a horizontal axis to transmit reactive force from the power swivel to the mast to prevent rotation of the power swivel about a vertical axis. The rotatability of the torque arms also allows lateral displacement of the motor from an operating position to a parked position behind the vertical axis of the well bore. The torque restraint system can be utilized in conjunction with an inclined mast.

Abstract: A split, solid mass, drive bushing-drive plate for use when a kelly is used to sever a length of well casing. The invention fits into the master bushing and prevents wear on the corners between the flat sides of the kelly.

Abstract: A rack for organizing and storing tools that may be readily assembled from a knocked-down condition using conventional fasteners and tools is disclosed. The rack includes a top unit made of molded plastic with numerous slots and recessed compartments. A shelf at the base provides stability and storage space for large items. A pegboard mounted on the front can be used for hanging numerous items.

Abstract: An annular blowout preventer control system which provides a closing hydraulic pressure to the preventer in proportion to the well-bore pressure with an additive offset equal to the pressure required to energize the preventer. The control system utilizes an annular-type blowout preventer, a hydraulic pressure regulator valve, a pneumatic pressure regulating valve, and necessary controls, all mounted above a standard blowout preventer assembly on a well casing during drilling operations, or on the existing well head during workover operations. The regulator valve includes a diaphragm which operates to establish the initial closing pressure needed to seal the annular blowout preventer. After activation, changes in pressure in the well bore are sensed by the hydraulic pressure regulator valve, which delivers regulated closing pressure to the annular blowout preventer. The regulated closing pressure is proportional to the pressure encountered in the well bore.