Abstract: Security is provided to a franking impression printed on mail items by including a multi-character code in the franking impression. The multi-character code includes a two digit code derived from a security key and a postage charge for an item, a two digit code derived from the postage charge for the item and the date of franking and a four digit item count.

Abstract: A screw thread for thin-walled tubing tubing having an outside diameter and a wall thickness less than about one twenty-sixth said diameter, said thread having a depth less than half said wall thickness, a pressure angle below 10.degree., and a thread pitch at least ten times the thread depth.

Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversion efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an outsole with a cavity in the heel region in which a cushioning insert is installed to cushion impacts and provide added lift to the wearer. The heel region of the outsole projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the heel region of the shoe upper to form a projecting peripheral rim. The cavity has an upper wall and a lower wall and a plurality of springs extend between the upper and lower walls at spaced intervals around the peripheral rim. Opposing magnets are mounted in the upper and lower walls in a central region of the cavity with their like poles facing one another to provide a magnetic biassing force which augments the spring load.

Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversion efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: Apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders includes a guide member that defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn definlng a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and a camming member urges the second slide member toward the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for destroying insects by mechanical impact comprises a housing provided with a base member; a curved wall; a first segment of the base member being at least partially open and exposed to an area from which flies and other insects are to be attracted, and an aperture provided in the housing through which impacted insects are removed therefrom; a lure for attracting insects associated with the first segment of the base member and a leaf spring having a first extremity which is attached near the centre of curvature of the curved wall, the spring being substantially straight at its second extremity, the second spring extremity being close to the inner surface of the curved wall. The device also includes means for bend-loading the leaf spring and for suddenly releasing the second extremity, thereby causing the leaf spring to traverse the first segment at high velocity and to impact any insects present within the housing segment.

Abstract: Several Fischer-Tropsch reaction schemes using a promoted iron catalyst in a slurry reactor produce oxygenated naphtha and diesel fractions on distillation that reduce particulate emissions in diesel engines. High carbon conversions efficiencies and optimum chain growth are characteristics of the processes.

Abstract: A tank interceptor for rain water and waste-water includes a container which has an intermediate partition dividing the chamber into a by-pass compartment above the partition and a treatment compartment below. An inlet is positioned adjacently above the partition and an outlet is also positioned adjacently above the partition, but spaced away from the inlet. The partition includes a raised portion isolating the inlet from the outlet, such that liquid entering through the inlet and seeking to reach the outlet through the by-pass compartment must overlow the raised portion in order to do so. Openings are provided through the partition on the inlet side and the outlet side of the raised portion, and communicate the by-pass compartment with the treatment compartment. The openings are such that liquid, without having to overflow the raised portion, can travel from the inlet to the outlet through the treatment compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining liquid flow through a system including a container from which liquid is pumped out by one or more pumps, the pumping rate for all combinations of pumps being known and stored in a memory. When pumping is off, the liquid surface rises from a lower to an upper limit level. When the surface reaches the upper limit level, the pumping phase begins. When the surface reaches the lower level, the pumping is stopped and the cycle is repeated. If only one pump is required, the inflow rates prior to and just after the pump cycle are averaged. This average flow rate is multiplied by the pump time and added to the totalizer. Then the container volume is also added, following which the outflow rate (pump rate) is calculated by using the previously established average inflow rate (total volume divided by pumptime plus the average inflow rate). This value can be stored in the addressable memory.

Abstract: A stable liquid suspension of an encapsulated flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in a gel matrix is prepared by forming a gel matrix with high shear mixing of a colloidal gelling agent at a temperature of about 15.degree. C., and dispersing the encapsulated flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in the gel matrix during the formation of the gel matrix.

Abstract: An improved workpiece carrier for transfer machines includes a frame, a plurality of upright support members, and a rack and pinion arrangement for adjusting the vertical position of the support members simultaneously with respect to the frame. A horizontally extending transfer bar is provided, and a plurality of carrier brackets are secured to the support member and in turn receive and support the transfer bar such as to permit free horizontal movement of the transfer bar in its long direction, while restraining movement of the transfer bar in directions perpendicular to its long direction. Affixed to the transfer bar are housing elements which include gripping devices for locating and retaining workpieces.

Abstract: A reinforced tissue paper formed of a plurality of tissue paper layers covered together and having a top side and a bottom side, wherein a first reinforcing covering is covered on the center of the top side of the piece of tissue paper for use as a wiping surface for wiping off waste matter from the anus area, and a second reinforcing covering is covered on one part of the bottom side of the piece of tissue paper for use as a wiping surface for wiping off waste matter when the first reinforcing covering is used and the piece of tissue paper is folded up.

Abstract: Poultry carcasses, having open abdominal cavities, are suspended from a foot shackle conveyor. As each carcass approaches a knife for severing the upper and lower portions of the carcass, the top portion is transferred onto an approaching tine which enters the cavity, dipping downward as it does so. After the carcass is halved, the lower portion remains suspended in the foot shackle conveyor, and the top portion is carried away by the tine for further processing.

Abstract: Zirconium or zirconium alloy components of a cylindrical shape are cleaned with an ice blasting process to produce a defect-free bondline in multi-layered tubing suitable for nuclear fuel cladding and the chemical processing industry. The ice blasting process improves the integrity of the metallurgical bond by removing foreign contamination that can initiate non-bonding defects.

Abstract: A rotary table for supporting items within an enclosure includes a base having a planar top surface, a central through hole, and a radially extending circumferential flange, and a bearing retainer having a central through hole and an array of barrel-shaped recesses defined therein, arranged on plural concentric circles. Each of the recesses loosely contains a captive ball which partly protrudes from both top and bottom ends of the recess, each ball bearing against the top surface of the base. A rotatable plate is supported by the balls, and retained with respect to the base by a central post that extends downwardly through the central holes in both the retainer and the base. The ball retainer and the base have similar polar arrays of reinforcing ribs, to provide a strong but lightweight unit.

Abstract: An accordion storm shutter assembly includes a frame for installation in an opening in a building wall and at least one folding shutter supported by the frame. The shutter is made up of plural blades articulated along their vertical edges so that the shutter can fold from a closed position in which the blades made a substantial angle--about 75.degree.--with one another so as to have a corrugated configuration blocking the opening, to an open position in which the blades are substantially parallel to one another. Neighboring blades are interconnected by continuous, extruded linear hinges, each having a socket which is substantially an arc of each cylindrical shell having a vertical axis. A knuckle formed along one edge of a neighboring blade pivots in the socket.