Abstract: The invention concerns apparatuses and methods for hanging frames upon mounting surfaces. The principal apparatus of the invention, upon which a frame is hung, is securely attached to a mounting surface, such as a wall. The apparatus comprises a generally planar body with a protruding supporting rail, alignment notches, spirit level, bracket recess, and mounting holes, and is particularly well suited for use with metal frames with universal assembly channels. The supporting rail of the apparatus is designed to be inserted within universal assembly channels in metal frames, thus securely yet slidably and removably attaching the apparatus to the frame. The invention also includes an adapter bracket to allow the principal apparatus to be used with any kind of frame, and special corner brackets to allow the use of the principal apparatus with unusually heavy or wide frames.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging reactive gases from the vicinity of a molten weld during the welding process, having particular application to the welding of industrial process piping systems and pipelines, especially stainless steel and other alloy pipelines. A system is disclosed for boosting purging speed and efficiency by providing a multidirectional flow of purging gas adjacent to the interior walls of the pipe sections being joined. The rate of purge gas flow is automatically adjusted in response to changing gas pressures in the vicinity of the progressing weld.

Abstract: A manifold is disclosed for increasing the efficiency and consistency of air pressure driven spray systems, especially high volume, low pressure paint spraying systems. Paint or other liquid product is pushed by air pressure from a plastic bottle to the manifold, and from the manifold to a spray gun. The manifold has internal fluid passageways configured to increase the velocity of product discharge, resulting in enhanced product delivery for spray deposition, and adequate consistent discharge regardless of spray gun elevation. A customized product container lid is disclosed for use with the manifold. The apparatus maintains liquid product and pressurized air in separate lines for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for quickly erecting horizontal and vertical structural members for use in residential, commercial, or industrial construction. The system utilizes building blocks composed of baled straw or other fibrous material, resulting in structures that are energy efficient and environmentally innocuous. A portable, reusable temporary support system is disclosed. The baled fiber blocks are stacked into wall or roofing components. Reinforcing ribs or beams are provided to enhance the load bearing capabilities of the component, and the bales are covered on their exposed faces with a rigid durable layer, preferably pneumatically applied concrete. Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for transferring shear forces between rigid exterior layers, vastly improving the structural integrity of the structural components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging reactive gases from the vicinity of a molten weld during the welding process, having particular application to the welding of industrial process piping systems and pipelines, especially stainless steel and other alloy pipelines. A system is disclosed for boosting purging speed and efficiency by providing a multidirectional flow of purging gas adjacent to the interior walls of the pipe sections being joined. The rate of purge gas flow is automatically adjusted in response to changing gas pressures in the vicinity of the progressing weld.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for determining the permeability and the porosity of small sections at and just below the surface of a slabbed sample of porous rock or other material. The measurement is performed by forcing air or other gas through a central passageway of a deformable (e.g. rubber) probe tip pressed against the surface of the sample to be tested. Permeability of the matter directly under the probe tip is computed from the ratio of flow rate into the sample to the pressure drop between the gas in the probe-tip and the ambient atmosphere. A preferred and an alternative means for measuring flow rate are disclosed involving the use of an optical interferometer to detect displacement of a bellows chamber.

Abstract: An expandable ribbon apparatus is provided for simply and quickly wrapping packages or securing bundles. The elastic element of the apparatus is hidden and protected by a sheath. Various modes of attaching decorative and identifying items to the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus is intended to be ornamental as well as functional.

Abstract: Two phase, TiAl.sub.2 -based, ternary aluminides of iron, nickel and other transitional metals are disclosed. A transformation from the tetragonal crystal configurations of the TI--Al system to the face-centered cubic configurations of the TI--Al--Fe and TI--Al--Ni systems is attributed to the transitional elements substituting for titanium in the face-centered cubic crystal lattice of the titanium aluminides. The resulting alloys of the composition Ti.sub.30 M.sub.4 Al.sub.66 or Ti.sub.25 M.sub.9 Al.sub.66, including Ti.sub.30 Fe.sub.4 Al.sub.66 and Ti.sub.30 Ni.sub.4 Al.sub.66, are low density, high temperature, aluminum-rich alloys possessing desirable properties, including ductility.

Abstract: A portable electromechanical apparatus for easily and hygienically managing and disposing of pet wastes. The apparatus contains separate solid and liquid waste collectors and containers, located beneath a platform. A waste receiving member is provided upon the platform upon which a pet's solid waste is deposited. Electronic circuitry detects the presence of a pet and judges whether excretion has taken place, whereupon the waste receiving member, bearing the excrement, is moved off the platform and into a solid waste receptacle. A mechanism for automatically opening the solid waste receptacle is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting leakage of hydrocarbons from and preventing corrosion of underground storage tanks. Soil samples near an underground storage tank are taken and analyzed in the field, preferably using hexane as a solvent to detect the presence of hydrocarbons such as heating and waste oil. The soil-to-tank potential of the tank and the presence of water within the tank are measured and, if warranted, cathodic protection provided to the tank to prevent corrosion or further corrosion.

Abstract: A smoker's booth for isolating, containing, venting, and filtering tobacco smoke. The booth has a walled enclosure with a modular room divider system using hollow walls, filtration, and blower devices to remove tobacco smoke from workplace air.

Abstract: A neckwear knot enhancer comprising a detachable display device mounted on the anterior portion of a support. The support is retained on a neckwear knot solely by frictional forces on the posterior portion of the support.

Abstract: Apparatuses, and methods for their production and use, with which the visual effects of optical lenses can be accurately and credibly simulated. The invention permits the simulation of the visual effects of specialized eyeglass lenses, such as polarized, tinted, or photoreactive lenses. The user confidently can compare, contrast, and evaluate an assortment of specialized eyeglass lenses potentially meeting the user's need and wants, as well as compare and contrast the use and non-use of specialized eyeglass lenses.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatuses and methods for hanging frames upon mounting surfaces. The principal apparatus of the invention, upon which a frame is hung, is securely attached to a mounting surface, such as a wall. The apparatus comprises a generally planar body with a protruding supporting rail, alignment notches, spirit level, bracket recess, and mounting holes, and is particularly well suited for use with metal frames with universal assembly channels. The supporting rail of the apparatus is designed to be inserted within universal assembly channels in metal frames, thus securely yet slidably and removably attaching the apparatus to the frame. The invention also includes an adapter bracket to allow the principal apparatus to be used with any kind of frame, and special corner brackets to allow the use of the principal apparatus with unusually heavy or wide frames.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for trace metal testing using mercury-coated screen printed electrodes. Both voltammetric and potentiometric stripping analysis are used. Sample solutions were tested employing both stirring and non-stirring, as well as aeration and deaeration procedures. Microliter samples suitable for slide mounting were also employed.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product for humans and pets is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be blended with the ingredients or may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.