Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for the pre-rinsing of a metal surface prior to phosphating, a method for preparing the composition, and a method for using the composition to pre-condition the metal surface. The composition is an aqueous suspension containing a water-insoluble manganese phosphate having the formula Mn.sub.x X.sub.y H.sub.2 (PO.sub.4).sub.4.nH.sub.2 O, in which X is a divalent metal ion other than manganese, x+y is 5 and x is a positive number of from 1 to 5, y is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is less than 4.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a spindle and a tool changer for conveying tool holders between a magazine position and a working position at the spindle. The tool changer has two longitudinal rods and two transverse rods that are joined to said two longitudinal rods via universal joints so as to form an articulated rectangle. Each of said two longitudinal rods is rotatably mounted in the vicinity of its respective center. The tool changer comprises two grippers for gripping said tool holders to be conveyed. Said grippers are mounted on certain of said longitudinal and transverse rods such that upon rotation of the longitudinal rods the grippers are conveyed between said magazine position and working position while substantially maintaining said tool holders in their preferably vertical orientation.

Abstract: A storage ring system and method for high-yield nuclear production of neutrons, isotopes and photons, include a particle supply for generating a beam of projectile or reaction particles, a closed storage ring for containing and recycling the projectile particles, an electron cooling system for stabilizing the projectile particles, and a target for initiating nuclear reactions with the projectile particles so as to generate the desired end-products, with improved efficiency and safety. The invention also provides a plurality of dipoles and/or trim magnets selectively situated around the ring to guide the projectile particles as they circulate within the system. Substantially trapped in the closed storage ring, the particle beam is recirculated inside the storage ring for repeated exposure to the target, until the particles either favorably react with the target or are lost through scattering.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger in which a housing defines an annular space containing coolant and a tube for carrying working fluid through the coolant. On the top end of the casing there is a cover that seals the annular space and provides entry and exit portals for the tube and the coolant. Maintenance and/or cleaning of the heat exchanger is accomplished by removing the cover and pulling the tube from the annular space. Baffles formed from flexible sheets of material isolate the surface of the coil from the housing thereby reducing corrosive bonding and easing the removal process. Tapered edges along the annular space also help overcome any binding that might occur between the housing and the coil or the baffles.

Abstract: A submersible light having an electrically nonconductive reflector and no other electrically conductive elements requiring grounding, a tough lens to withstand impacts from swimmers and features providing quick and easy serviceability. Because of these features, the light of the invention meets safety requirements allowing the light to be mounted less that 18 inches below the waterline, thereby allowing its placement in areas of pools that have been heretofore off limits to conventional lights. In addition, a cord holder about the external surface of the light's housing and twist lock base and housing with a radial O-ring seal provide for quick and easy disassembly and re-installation of the light.

Abstract: The invention provides phospholipid coated particles capable of specifically binding antiphospholipid antibodies and a method for preparing such particles. Methods are also provided for determining antiphospholipid antibodies in a serum or plasma. Also provided are methods for isolating antiphospholipid antibodies from a fluid and for raising specific antiphospholipid antibodies.

Abstract: A guided gate valve having a valve body with an interior surface defining a passage having an upstream opening an downstream opening. Upstream and downstream valve seats are mounted within the passage. A guide rail is mounted to the valve body between the valve seats to guide a pair of gates between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A protection cover for small spray dispensers including a rectangular base of a flexible material that can be folded on itself to form a closed cover and define a dispenser space. The base has an outer surface and an inner surface with the hook-and-loop patches carried at each end of the base for interengaging each other for latching the base in the closed cover form. The information card retainer on the inner surface of the base, including a transparent sheet of flexible material attached to the base, with an open side for insertion and removal of a card and a sleeve of a flexible material carried on the inner face of the base.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly for recovering and dispensing flowable packaging material is comprised of a chamber, an air pump, a screen, and a handle. The air pump, which may be an electric motor and squirrel cage blower, is stationed to pump air into the mouth, through the chamber, through the screen, and out an exhaust where the air may be useful for blowing flowable packaging material. The screen may be contoured or flat, and is configured to allow the passage of air but not the passage of flowable packaging material. The mouth opens to the exterior of the vacuum assembly, and is configured such that flowable packaging material that is contained within the chamber can fall out of the mouth, under the influence of gravity, when the mouth is oriented downward and the air pump is not pumping air. The chamber may increase in cross-sectional area from the mouth to the screen. A door, flap or other shutting mechanism may be used to shut the mouth.

Abstract: A retraction unit for keys and the like having a housing with a reel mounted in the housing for rotation, a retraction spring for the reel, and a cable carried on the reel, with the inner end of the cable connected to the reel, and a cable end fitting carried on the outer end of the cable.

Abstract: A wavy face ring having a smooth face and a method of manufacturing this wavy face ring. In particular, the method includes providing a ring blank having a face surface and a peripheral surface and applying a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the ring. This force deforms the face surface of the ring blank into a first deformation pattern. The face surface of the ring blank is then treated while the force is being applied to the peripheral surface of the ring blank. Finally, the force is removed from the peripheral surface of the ring blank to allow the face surface of the ring to relax and assume a second deformation pattern. A wavy face ring assembly is also provided that includes opposing rings mounted about a rotating shaft. One of the rings is stationary with respect to the other and one of rings has a wavy face treated by a lapping machine. The ring can be a seal ring or a thrust ring.