Abstract: A locking device for a sliding closure unit having two panels, at least one of which is slidable, embodies an elongated stop member which is pivotally connected to one panel in position to rotate selectively to an inoperative position to permit relative movement of the panels and to an operative position to limit relative movement of the panels.

Abstract: A clevis thimble connector embodies an elongated body member having a clevis at one end for connection to a supporting structure and a thimble at the other end for receiving the loop end of a conductor. A laterally projecting member extends perpendicular to a conductor receiving groove in a thimble and is provided with an eye in spaced relation to the thimble for receiving a connector element of a device for applying tension to the conductor.

Abstract: A closed chamber adapted to receive a cleaning solution and machinery parts to be cleaned has a shaft extending through an opening in a sidewall of the chamber and carries a propeller at its inner end in position to circulate the cleaning solution in a horizontal plane relative to the parts to be cleaned. A heating element mounted within the chamber subjacent the propeller heats the cleaning solution. A seal assembly is mounted between the opening in the sidewall and the shaft to form a fluid tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A radiant for use with a gas heater embodies a pair of upwardly converging front and rear walls formed of aluminum silicate. Connector members also formed of a fibrous aluminum silicate refractory board extend between the walls to retain their lower end portions in spaced relation to each other. Perforations are provided in the front wall for emitting radiant heat and an upper vent opening is provided in the rear wall. A convexly curved lower end portion is provided on the rear wall for imparting rotary motion to the burning gases as they move upwardly between the walls.

Abstract: A supporting cage carrying a plurality of vertically spaced panels is operatively connected to an actuator which moves the cage upwardly through a series of movements to selected vertical positions. A control member connected to the actuator limits upward movement of the cage so that each panel is aligned sequentially with an elongated ram which moves in a rectilinear direction in spaced relation to the adjacent panel to eject the aligned panel from the cage. The next panel is then moved upward and ejected with this cycle being repeated until the cage is empty.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a structure having an inner surface in the form of at least one segment of a sphere. An inner support is mounted at a fixed point from which a radius can be struck to define the inner surface of the structure. An elongated radial member is pivotally connected at one end to the inner support with its other end being movable vertically and horizontally. A forming member at the other end of the elongated member has an outer surface in the shape of the inner surface of the segment to be formed. An actuator moves the elongated member horizontally and vertically to selected positions to place the outer surface of the forming member opposite and adjacent the inner surface of each segment being formed. A forming material is applied to the outer surface of the forming member while it is opposite and adjacent the inner surface of the segment being formed to form each segment directly on the forming member.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering entrained particulate matter from a gaseous fuel embodies an upstanding housing having a hopper adjacent its lower end for receiving dislodged particulate matter. At least one upstanding, porous tubular filter bag is mounted within the housing. The ends of the filter bag are attached to the housing with its length being greater than the distance between the points of attachment of the ends to the housing. An inlet communicates with one end of the filter bag for introducing a gaseous fluid with particulate matter entrained therein. Particulate matter carried by the gaseous fluid is deposited on the inner surface of the filter bag with cleaned gaseous fluid passing therethrough. An outlet communicates with the housing and discharges the cleaned gaseous fluid.

Abstract: A sludge de-watering plant has a plurality of filter presses connected in parallel with at least two low-pressure pumps delivering a high rate of sludge for rapid filling of the presses and at least two high-pressure pumps substantially effecting the filtration. A particular pipe system is associated with each of the low-pressure and high-pressure pumps with the pipe systems being connected to the individual filter presses for mutually independent delivery. Control means mutually controls the pumps in the two pipe systems independently by the relevant pressure in the pipe systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting liquid from a suspension includes a horizontally mounted rotatable filter media covered concentrator drum with an inner drum rotatable about a horizontal axis within the concentrator drum and defining a suspension transition chamber therebetween. The drums are mounted in a common frame and are rotated in opposite directions with the suspension being introduced at one end of the transition chamber. Angularly disposed vanes on the outer surface of the inner drum convey the suspension through the transition chamber and turn and lift the suspension to a maximum elevation below the top of the transition chamber with the suspension falling back before reaching the top of the transition chamber. The filter media is cleaned as it moves at an elevation above the suspension.

Abstract: A pick-up head for surface cleaning apparatus embodies a horizontal baffle extending between depending side walls of an elongated, downwardly opening chamber. Upper and lower horizontally extending air flow passageways are defined by the baffle within the pick-up head, with air in the lower passageway flowing over and contacting a surface to be cleaned. The upper passageway is restricted at its outlet to create a venturi effect as air passes therefrom. The venturi effect aids in drawing air carrying dirt and debris into the pick-up head.

Abstract: This is an improvement in circular canopies of the flat, conical, or hemispherical type, some of which have extended skirts with the canopies being of gore construction. External additional gores of porous material cover selected canopy gores and are arranged to insure circular balance of the canopy. Each external gore covering is mounted on radial seams of the canopy gore which it covers beginning at a point above the canopy skirt and extending along the radial seams and across the apex hem to define a compartment for accepting external air flow turbulence existing on the elongated canopy prior to normal inflation. The external gore is closed at the top thereof and incorporates an anti-oscillation vent with the lower end thereof being open and terminating at an elevation of approximately 4 to 14 inches above and in spaced relation to the skirt of the canopy.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the batch-wise filtering of a sludge-like material in which the discharge period of the filter press is used for filling a pressure vessel containing air with a pump being also used during this period. During the filtration period the pump can operate solely for feeding the filter press to thereby increase the filtration capacity and reduce the required filtration period. During the discharge period the pump also operates exclusively for feeding the pressure vessel to further speed up the process. The pump can operate continuously and the different steps of the process can be controlled by only opening and closing control valves.

Abstract: A firescreen is secured in place by a flexible member attached at one end to the firescreen with the other end thereof secured to a bracket mounted in position for a portion thereof to extend upwardly in rearwardly spaced relation to the front side of the front wall of the fireplace. An actuator member connected to the bracket moves the bracket rearwardly away from an abutment carried by the fireplace intermediate the bracket and the firescreen whereby tension is applied to the flexible member to urge the firescreen rearwardly and downwardly, thus securing the firescreen to the fireplace.

Abstract: A process for recovering organics and inorganics from waste material with a specific object of preparing the separated organic fraction for the production of ethanol wherein rigid organic matter becomes soft when subjected to heat and pressure. The process is carried out by first, feeding the waste material into a perforated container mounted within a closed chamber. Next, the waste material is agitated and subjected to heat and pressure which sterilizes it and softens the organics contained therein. After heating under pressure, the pressure is suddenly released from the chamber which forces the softened organics outwardly of the container, thus separating them from the inorganics for further processing to recover fuels and animal feed supplements.

Abstract: Railroad spikes and the like are formed by apparatus having a stop contacting and limiting movement of the forwardmost end of a heated stock bar. A bending finger holds the forwardmost end in spaced relation from a stationary gripper die, while a movable gripper die engages the bar and moves it into engagement with the stationary gripper die. Cutter dies then engage the bar to form a tapered end portion at a predetermined location rearward of the forwardmost end as a head forming die engages the forwardmost end to form a spike head. The movable gripper die is urged toward the bar with a force which is proportional to the force exerted by the head forming die on the movable gripper die. The finished spike is ejected when it contacts an ejector finger.