Abstract: A woven polypropylene fabric flexible intermediate bulk container (“bulk bag”) is formed with a polypropylene lining bonded directly to the material of the fabric, thereby eliminating any possibility of displacement of the lining relative to the bulk bag. An improved discharge chute having an exterior woven polypropylene fabric tube and an interior polypropylene fabric film liver tube may be used in the bulk bag. In a second embodiment, a polypropylene woven fabric tube is positioned around a polypropylene film tube. The tubes are heat sealed circumferentially to each other to form a tubular blank.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions.

Abstract: A consolidation container includes a back wall, side walls, and a front wall each comprising pockets which receive stiffening panels. The front wall has an openable center portion which provides access to the interior of the container. Support members are positioned in the corners of the container to facilitate stacking. A top normally overlies the wall to close the container and is fully openable to provide access to the interior thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end to end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: The decelerator pin is supported on a pin stop of the type used to locate a jigskid at a manufacturing location. The decelerator pin is supported with pivotal movement between a first position wherein it is positioned ahead of the pin stop with respect to the path of travel of the jigskid and a second position wherein the jigskid engages the pin stop. The decelerator pin is operatively connected to a shock absorber which slows the movement of the jigskid as it approaches the pin stop.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sock having anti-microbial properties including the steps of providing a quality of a thermoplastic resin including an anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic; blending the thermoplastic resin with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock; forming the anti-microbial feedstock into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members; and knitting the anti-microbial members into an anti-microbial sock having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics.

Abstract: A pet carrier for use in transporting pets within the passenger compartments of aircraft includes selectively closeable windows formed from mesh fabric, a fully openable end and a fully openable side for providing access to the interior of the pet carrier, an access port in the top having a full length double zipper closure and a rotatable locking member for securing the access port in the closed condition, a multi-function strap securable to the opposite ends of the pet carrier for use as a shoulder strap and securable to one end of the pet carrier for use as a pulling strap; individually removable rollers supporting the pet carrier for rolling movement over an underlying surface; a removable floor; and a closeable window in the top.

Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises a valve housing, a valve member mounted within the valve housing, and a valve stem supporting the valve member within the valve housing for rotation between open and closed positions. At least one magnet is mounted on the valve stem for rotation with the valve member. At least one sensor is positioned for actuation by the magnet to indicate that the valve member is in its fully closed position.

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end to end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A medical needle is made of non-metallic non-magnetic materials such that medical interventional procedures requiring needle access to people, animals or isolated tissues can be performed in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner without significant artefact or image distortion. The dimensions of the needle are adaptable to the task required.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions. An improved self-tanning composition is useful in conjunction with the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

Abstract: In a method of removing organic contaminants from a liquid, an oxidizing gas is formed into sub-micron size bubbles which are dispersed into an initially contaminated liquid, after which the treated liquid is recovered. The oxidizing gas is preferably selected from a group including ozone and chlorine dioxide and is utilized immediately upon its manufacture. An oxidizing liquid may be employed in conjunction with the oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths. A valve packing comprises a vertically stacked array comprising alternating metal pressure rings and graphite seals.

Abstract: A collator includes a first conveyor having a discharge end and a second receiving conveyor positioned below the discharge end of the first conveyor. As each product bag falls toward the second conveyor, an air blast assists in uprighting the bag. The second conveyor may be temporarily operated at a high speed to separate the product bags into groups. A deflector may be mounted at the discharge end of the second conveyor for directing product bags into containers.

Abstract: A bulk bag comprises eight substantially identical side wall portions each containing a stiffening panel. A bottom wall is connected to the bottom edges of the side wall portions and may be provided with a discharge port. Alternatively, a discharge port may be provided in one of the side wall portions. The bulk bag may be provided with a top wall which may be either openable or secured in place. A pallet and/or lift loops may be provided for transporting the bulk bag and the contents thereof.

Abstract: In a method of removing acidic compounds, color, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and for removing or converting hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms from petroleum distillates, phase transfer catalyst is employed to facilitate the transfer of inorganic or organic bases to the substrate of the distillate. An inorganic or organic base, a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group including quaternary ammonium salts, polyol ethers and crown ethers, and used oil distillate are mixed and heated. Thereafter, contaminants are removed from the used oil distillate through distillation. A solvent is then mixed with the resulting distillate to extract contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is also distilled to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: A consolidation container includes a back wall, side walls, and a front wall each comprising pockets which receive stiffening panels. The front wall has an openable center portion which provides access to the interior of the container. Support members are positioned in the corners of the container to facilitate stacking. A top normally overlies the wall to close the container and is fully openable to provide access to the interior thereof.