Abstract: While a crawler body 110 is traveling, infrared sensors 144 and an elevational difference calculator 132 incorporated in a controller 130 detects the magnitude of a step present ahead of the crawler body 110. A safety speed calculator 134 calculates a safety speed based on the magnitude of the step detected and on the position of the platform 116 relative to the crawler body 110, which position is detected by various detectors 141˜143 and by a position calculator 133. A comparator 135 compares this safety speed with the traveling speed of the crawler body 110, and if the current speed of the crawler body 110 is greater than the safety speed, then the comparator 135 outputs a warning signal. Upon receiving this signal, a restrictor 136 controls a valve controller 131 to reduce the speed of the crawler body 110 such that the crawler body 110 can travel over the step safely.

Abstract: A precision valve control for an hermetically sealed hydraulic valve system which operates with a solenoid driven magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator forms a toroidal magnetic force field of varying strength which causes controlled movement of a core rod linked to a pilot. The pilot, in turn, causes actuation of the main disc to the desired valve position. Actual valve position is remotely ascertained, by position of the magnet (or core) within the magnetic field, by means of a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT). The LVDT creates variable voltages predeterminately related to position of the rod within the magnetic field. The LVDT voltage is compared, by an electronic comparator, to an input command voltage, calibrated to a specific valve position. Deviation between the LVDT voltage feedback signal and input command voltage signal causes generation of an error signal which is amplified and applied to the solenoid to vary the magnetic field to correct the valve position.

Abstract: In a switching power supply including a step-up transformer having primary and secondary windings, wherein in each successive cycle of operation, during a first period of time a voltage pulse is applied across the primary winding for causing forward current in the secondary to flow through a shuttle capacitor and output capacitor connected in series with the secondary winding at this time, for charging the output capacitor to a voltage level approaching the voltage across the series circuit of the shuttle capacitor and secondary winding, and in an immediately following second period of time terminating the voltage pulse across the primary winding, and allowing flyback energy in the secondary winding to charge and be captured only by the shuttle capacitor for transfer to the output capacitor during the next cycle of operation.

Abstract: A system for blending low and high octane gasoline includes independent flow paths for each fuel between a supply source and a composite blend manifold and nozzle assembly, with the rate of flow of fuel in each flow path being under individual closed loop control, under an algorithm for comparing the ratio of the actual accumulated volumes of the low octane to the high octane fuel, relative to a statistically determined ratio of the ideal volume of said low to high octane fuel for the total actual accumulated volume of the sum of the volumes of the fuels at a given time, for providing a perfect blend relative to a preselected blend ratio.

Abstract: The surface of a hydrous clay such as kaolin is modified by treatment with an alkyl dimethoxy mercaptopropylsilane and the modified clay is used as a filler in elastomers to give improved reinforcement.

Abstract: A hypergol spill, e.g., hydrazine, is safely rendered harmless by contacting it with a composition comprising cupric oxide on a porous support. Neutralization is achieved by drawing the hydrazine into the pellet pores where a reduction reaction of cupric oxide takes place. The critical consideration is to avoid flashing or spontaneous thermal decomposition of the hydrazine. Heat of reaction is quenched by the heat capacity of the pellet and water dilution.

Abstract: A device for securely restraining cargo during transport, comprising a generally planar platform member supported in spaced relation from an underlying floor, and having an upper load bearing surface for receiving a cargo load thereupon, and an upright member being adjoined to one end of said platform member for effecting restraining contact with the adjacent side of the load seated on said platform member; said upright member including a generally planar member facing said load which is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal parallel slots therethrough, whereby straps may be passed beneath said platform member and then about the load seated thereupon and securely fastened in contact with said load by being passed through a horizontal slot at said upright member in accordance with the height of the said load seated on said platform member.

Abstract: A cargo restraining device suitable for restraining barrel-shaped containers or drums is disclosed, which includes a platform, which is spaced from the underlying supporting surface or floor, by horizontal supporting members which extend the length of at least the flat portion of the platform, so as to provide a raised deck for the containers. At one end of the platform, an upright or vertical frame is connected to the supporting members, to prevent the containers from falling off the platform. The other end of the platform can be rounded over to define a snub-nose; or alternatively the other ends of the horizontal supporting members can project beyond the platform (which is otherwise flat) and be rounded into snub-nosed portions. In consequence, should the drums shift or move, whereby damage might ordinarily occur, the chimes or rims of the drums tend to flow around the snub-nose (or snub-noses if defined at the supporting members) without any significant damage.

Abstract: A process for preparing an inorganic filler comprising treating a particulate inorganic material with a natural or synthetic latex composition and dewatering and drying the resultant mixture. The surface-treated inorganic filler can be used with advantage in a polymeric resin composition.

Abstract: A method for chlorinating a clay mineral starting composition to produce reactive chloride intermediates, comprising: reacting said composition in substantially dry particulate form with gaseous SiCl.sub.4 to activate the surface of said composition, thereby forming said reactive chloride intermediate, said reaction being conducted at temperatures below that at which volatilization or dehydration of the starting composition will occur. The resulting compounds are highly reactive intermediates, which can then be functionalized by reaction with a large group of organics, or organic derivatives.

Abstract: A method is described in which a layered lattice silicate is surface modified with an organic material by reacting said layered lattice silicate in particulate form with a reactant system comprising gaseous NH.sub.3 at temperatures below about 1000.degree. C. and contacting the aminated silicate in particulate form with an organic compound selected from the group of monomers, co-monomers, prepolymers and compounds condensable with the amine group, such as a nylon precursor, in the presence of gaseous hydrogen. The surface modified silicates are useful as fillers in a filled polymer system comprising a matrix polymer and a filler.

Abstract: A method for producing a highly dispersed catalyst comprising mixing a cross linking agent with a polymer in a solvent to cross-link the polymer, applying the cross-linked mixed liquid to a carrier, drying the carrier to remove the solvent and to form a polymer film over the surface of the carrier, impregnating the polymer film with a metallic complex compound solution to connect the complex compound to a reactive functional group of the polymer film, and reducing the complex compound of the polymer film, thereby obtaining the highly dispersed catalyst having superior catalytic properties and superior catalytic efficiency.

Abstract: A bath for producing deposits of gold by electrodeposition, comprising: an aqueous solution containing at least one soluble gold cyanide compound; formic acid in a concentration of at least 20 ml/l to about 150 ml/l of said bath solution, said formic acid concentrations being calculated on a 90% by weight grade of formic acid; a cobalt compound; sufficient alkali to bring the pH to within the range of 3.5 to 4.4; and as conductivity salts and inhibitors, malic acid or a combination thereof with gluconic acid or with a water soluble organophosphorus chelating agent, said conductivity salts and inhibitors being present in at least sufficient quantity to provide a specific gravity of at least 13 Baume' in said bath.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for electrolyzing zinc.The method comprises vertically disposing a rotatable disk made of an electrically conductive metal functioning as a cathode at least of which an outer periphery has an insulation covering; immersing the lower portion of the disk into an electrolyte; disposing a circular arc shaped gas permeable electrode functioning as an anode to be closely opposed to the lower portion of the expressed portion of the both sides of the rotatable disk in the electrolyte; operating the electrolysis with the supply of hydrogen; and peeling off the zinc foil deposited onto the exposed portion of the both sides of the rotatable disk with rotation of the disk. This method can be modified by replacing the rotatable disk with a rotatable drum.

Abstract: Free cyanide-containing wastewater is treated to destroy the free cyanide content thereof by the step of treating said water with sulfur in the form of polysulfide in an integrated process wherein thiocyanate is also eliminated to produce a non-hazardous wastewater effluent and treating the wastewater in a second step with cultures of bacteria of the genus Thiobacillus in combination with nitrifying bacteria which oxidize ammonia to nitrite to nitrate. The first step is preferably carried out in the presence of a cationic surfactant, preferably a quaternary cationic surfactant, as a catalyst.

Abstract: A method of producing a layered lattice silicate which is surface modified with an organic material wherein said silicate in substantially dry, particulate form is contacted with an organic monomer, co-monomers or a prepolymer, and surface polymerization or reaction in situ on the silicate in the presence of a gaseous hydrogen atmosphere is effected.

Abstract: The inner assembly of a tube pressure filter comprises a supporting member or core (6) on which there is a facing assembled from laths (40). Each two adjacent laths (40) define between themselves a duct (42) and an aperture (44). In use, a filter element is provided on the outer surface of the facing. Filtrate passing through the filter element goes through the apertures (44) into the ducts (42) and then flow longitudinally of the inner assembly to a filtrate outlet. After filtration is complete, compressed air may be passed through the ducts (42) and apertures (44) to assist the discharge of filter cake from the filter element.In another embodiment (FIG. 6), a filter plate unit for a plate filter press comprises a recessed filter plate (102) of which the base of the recess is provided with a facing (112) made up, for example, of a plurality of laths (114).

Abstract: A method for chlorinating the surface of a layered lattice silicate to produce a reactive chloride intermediate. The layered lattice silicate is reacted in substantially dry particulate form with a reactant system capable of forming bound chloride moieties at its surface, to form the said chloride thereof, the reaction being conducted at temperatures below that which would otherwise substantially alter the starting composition.

Abstract: A reusable pinata has a body with a frangible bottom closure surface which is replaceable, and a top closure surface which is outlined to define punch-out or cut-out areas for permitting access to the interior of the pinata body when desired. The pinata may have a hood overlying the top closure surface and the body, the hood being preferably bell-shaped and formed from at least one expansible paper unit.

Abstract: A tire retreading tube for use with a tire retreading rim formed from a pair of axially-adjacent rim sections, one of said sections having a cutout for the reception of the valve stem extending from the tube body and being formed with threads adjacent the tube. The tube is formed with an integral extension of generally cylindrical form through which the stem extends, so that the extension surrounds the portion of the stem adjacent the tube, and a nut engaging the threads on the stem and cooperating with an underlying washer is effective to pull the extension into the rim cutout and draw the tube against it.