Abstract: A leak detection system capable of automatically detecting a leak in a pressurized piping system. A pressure decay test is utilized to test for leaks in the piping system. Disruption to users of the piping system is reduced by only performing the pressure decay test when there is no user demand on the piping system. Thus, a leakage test is performed by first determining whether there is user demand on the piping system and proceeding with a pressure decay test only if there is no user demand present. If user demand is initiated during the performance of a pressure decay test, the system detects the user demand and halts the pressure decay test until the user demand stops.

Abstract: Liners useful as piping elbow liners comprising a body liner, a tangential inlet liner, and a tangential outlet liner. The tangential inlet liner and the tangential outlet liner can be removably inserted into a cavity in the body liner. The body liner can comprise two substantially-identical body section liners.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: Improved methods for producing titanium dioxide slurries. The output from a micronizer is passed through a condenser to condense the steam and form an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide, which can in most cases then be further concentrated as desired or which can be sold or used without further concentration, instead of passing the micronizer output to apparatus for separating the TiO2 from the steam, as is currently practiced in the art. The resultant slurry from the condenser is in a further refinement preferably sent to an agitated storage tank together with dispersant and anti-settling compounds to aid in preventing settling of the titanium dioxide solids out of the slurry. To help facilitate condensation of the steam/pigment mixture sent to the condenser, a portion of the condensed slurry is in yet a further refinement pumped from the slurry storage tank to a heat exchanger. The output from the heat exchanger is then fed to the condenser to facilitate the condensing of the steam in the condenser.

Abstract: Tailgate assemblies that are easier to use than tailgate assemblies of the prior art are provided. The tailgate assemblies comprise one or more torsion springs having a first leg attached to a tailgate support and a second leg attached to the tailgate. The legs of the torsion spring can be removably attached for easier replacement. The torsion springs are actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened, making the tailgate easier to open and close.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting wear in a liner. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive wire is placed on or near the outside surface of the liner and the electrical resistance in the electrically conductive wire is measured to determine whether the wire has worn through. In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature measured by a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple, is monitored over time to estimate wear in the liner.

Abstract: A tire positioning tool is provided that can be utilized to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers. The tire positioning tools are capable of activating RTMS tire sensors using one of a plurality of methods. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are cable of receiving signals from RTMS tire sensors using a plurality of different frequencies. Tire positioning tools can be manufactured that are also capable of transmitting data to a RTMS receiving unit and/or receiving data from a RTMS receiving unit using a plurality of signal frequencies. Using the provided tire positioning tool, a technician tasked to install a new tire or to rotate tires can utilize a single tool to work with remote tire monitoring systems made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A fluid barrier along the inside surface of ductwork between a reactor and subsequent product separation and recovery apparatus to reduce the buildup of solids on the ductwork from a gaseous product mixture conveyed through the ductwork. Barrier fluid is sprayed along the internal surface of the ductwork to form a fluid barrier and cool the gaseous mixture. The barrier fluid can be comprised of a component of the gaseous mixture. The barrier fluid can be a liquid at the second temperature and converted to a gaseous state in the ductwork, using the heat of vaporization of the barrier fluid to help cool the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A novel air knife. The novel air knife is circumferential. That is, the novel air knife injects a gas stream along the inside walls of the air knife. The air knife can be advantageously placed at or near the entrance to a suspension vessel to reduce buildup of solid materials transported to the suspension vessel. The gas stream is injected at a rate sufficient to reduce the buildup of solid materials on the walls of the air knife (and thus at the entrance to the suspension vessel). The air circumferential air knife is particularly useful in a TiCl4 production process for reducing buildup of hygroscopic cyclone dust at the entrance to a suspension vessel.

Abstract: Improved methods for producing titanium dioxide slurries. The output from a micronizer is passed through a condenser to condense the steam and form an aqueous slurry of titanium dioxide, which can in most cases then be further concentrated as desired or which can be sold or used without further concentration, instead of passing the micronizer output to apparatus for separating the TiO2 from the steam, as is currently practiced in the art. The resultant slurry from the condenser is in a further refinement preferably sent to an agitated storage tank together with dispersant and anti-settling compounds to aid in preventing settling of the titanium dioxide solids out of the slurry. To help facilitate condensation of the steam/pigment mixture sent to the condenser, a portion of the condensed slurry is in yet a further refinement pumped from the slurry storage tank to a heat exchanger. The output from the heat exchanger is then fed to the condenser to facilitate the condensing of the steam in the condenser.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is a methylcellulose having a methoxy substitution of about 21 to about 42 percent based upon the weight of the cellulose ether and elastic modulus (EM) of EM≧181.3×(v0.2711) wherein “v” is viscosity of a two percent solution of the cellulose ether at 20° C. Further described is a process for making the cellulose ether, a food composition containing it, and a pharmaceutical capsule containing it.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing plasmas of more uniform density and greater height than plasmas generated by previously known magnetron-type plasma-generating devices. The present invention utilizes electrodes containing multiple magnets positioned such that like magnetic poles of the magnets are all facing in substantially the same direction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing plasmas of more uniform density and greater height than plasmas generated by previously known magnetron-type plasma-generating devices. The present invention utilizes electrodes containing multiple magnets positioned such that like magnetic poles of the magnets are all facing in substantially the same direction.

Abstract: The invention is a film having a discontinuous phase of open and closed cells and a continuous organic phase comprising:(a) one or more block copolymer(s) corresponding to the Formula I:A--B--X.sub.m --(B--A).sub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing plasmas of more uniform density and greater height than plasmas generated by previously known magnetron-type plasma-generating devices. The present invention utilizes electrodes containing multiple magnets positioned such that like magnetic poles of the magnets are all facing in substantially the same direction.

Abstract: A deformable label comprising a printable film facestock having at least one layer containing incompatible polymers. The printable film facestock exhibits significantly reduced die-face buildup during extrusion of the printable film facestock when compared to the die-face buildup exhibited by film facestock of the prior art. The present invention provides for monolayer film facestock containing incompatible polymers and colorants. The present invention also allows printable film facestock to be produced in a more cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A multilayer film useful for making plastic adhesive labels for glass substrates such as glass bottles. The multilayer films contain a base layer, an adhesive layer, and optionally an intermediate layer to improve interlayer bonding between the base layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer comprises a terpolymer of ethylene, 3-10 weight percent of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid (e.g. acrylic acid or methyacrylic acid), and 3-25 weight percent of an unsaturated ester (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or n-butyl acrylate or methacrylate). The base layer preferably comprises oriented polypropylene or oriented polyester, but may also comprise high density polyethylene or PETG. The multilayer film can be utilized in conventional graphics printing operations and do not require the use of a separate release liner.