Abstract: Apparatus may be inserted in the casing of a d.c. motor or a d.c. generator for measuring not only the magnetic fields prevailing in the machine but developing other useful information. The magnetic fields between the field poles and the armature, and also the armature/mmf fields aligned with the brushes may be measured. The measurements of the fields permits a complete plot of the fields in the machine and also permits a test to be performed to see if the brushes are at their optimum positions. If a brush is not at its optimum position, the brush may be shifted back and forth until the maximum mmf, due to the current through the armature is aligned midway between the leading and trailing ends of the brush area coverage on the commutator.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a solvated isotropic pitch having a fluid temperature at least 40.degree. C. lower than the same pitch in the non-solvated state. Additionally, the present invention provides a solvated isotropic pitch which may be formed into carbon artifacts which do not require oxidative stabilization prior to carbonization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining a very clean mesophase pitch from isotropic pitch. This invention utilizes a solvent fractionation process which does not involve the process steps, yield loss and waste generation associated with fluxing and filtering the isotropic pitch. Additionally, this invention provides a liquid/liquid extraction process that avoids the solids handling and the high temperatures and pressures of supercritical fluid extraction. Finally, this invention controls the hardness of the mesophase product.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient adjacent an X-ray cassette has a plate on which a part of a human body may be located and a socket adjacent the plate. The socket has at least two slots. The two slots have different widths for receiving cassettes of different sizes. However, only one size of cassette is used at a time. The plate may be slipped between a part of the human body and a backboard to which such body is strapped. This positions a part of the body adjacent a cassette in one of said slots. The plate may also have a slanted surface to facilitate positioning a part of the body on the plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved emissions reduction system for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons. The present invention further provides a method for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A variable ratio friction transmission is described in which one element is a straight sided cone and the other a roller or wheel. The two are in frictional engagement. The roller or wheel moves over an element of the cone to change the speed ratio, and at all times stays parallel to itself and moves along a straight line axis. This axis passes through the apex of the cone at all times, but the cone is tilted about its apex to contact the roller or wheel as the ratio is changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a well filter assembly for incorporation in a production system which will initially allow passage of particles which will only minimally damage the interior of the production system. After a period of time, the filter assembly will preclude passage of all damaging particles while allowing passage of those particles which will not deteriorate or obstruct the production system. Additionally, the well screen assembly is designed to mechanically break down the filter cake which was formed during drilling of the well in order to preclude plugging of the filter. Further, the filter of the prepacked well screen assembly is of sufficient strength so as to maintain its filtering capacity even after damage due to deformation. Finally, a method is provided for utilizing the well filter assembly in a production system.

Abstract: A device for assisting a person in focusing a camera on a surface is provided. A mirror at an angle of 45.degree. to the horizontal, and an incandescent filament, are mounted on a device that may rest on the surface to be photographed. The distance from the filament to a point on the mirror equals the distance from that point to the surface. By focusing the camera on the image of the filament that appears in the mirror, the camera will be correctly focused on the surface.

Abstract: A plurality of receptacles, each having a bottom, and each having a sidewall that terminates at a rim. Each receptacle also has a side that has a projection, and at least one side that defines an indent. The indented side-wall of one receptacle will receive the projection on the other receptacle interconnecting them. Each receptacle handle projects into a slot in another receptacle when the receptacles are interconnected with each other. Tops or lids with the same configuration as the receptacle, cover the top area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for precipitating a polyolefin from solution. The present invention also provides a polyolefin paste having drag reducing characteristics when dissolved in a flowing hydrocarbon stream and a method for making the drag reducing paste. Finally, the present invention provides a slurried drag reducer prepared from the paste for use in flowing hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: This invention describes a dual mode optical switching device comprising organic quantum well regions interfacing with inorganic semiconductors. Each mode generates excitons and a photocurrent in their respective quantum well regions in response to incident control beams of different wavelengths of light. The photocurrents in each mode independently modulate the transmission of the lower frequency signal beams. Multiple hybrid organic/inorganic quantum well optical devices can be crafted into optical logic gates by using light impulses in a manner that is analogous to the way electronic gates are used in electronic systems. These devices can also perform as optical switches and optical interconnects between electronic elements. Thus the processing units are electronic and the connections between them are optical, comprising an opeoelectric system with higher data throughput that will exceed electronic systems.

Abstract: Refining processes for recovering HF from acid soluble oils (ASO) generated by the HF recovery unit of an HF alkylation unit are provided. ASO containing HF is removed from the HF recovery unit and contacted with water to form a system having two phases, an aqueous HF containing phase and an organic phase. After phase separation, the aqueous HF containing phase passes through a bed of fluidized NaF crystals, where the NaF reacts with the HF to form salts having the general formula NaF.nHF. Flow of the aqueous HF containing phase to the bed continues until exhaustion of the bed, as determined by the detection of HF in the effluent. After exhaustion of the bed, the process provides for the regeneration of the bed and release of anhydrous HF which is then returned to the HF alkylation unit.

Abstract: A watercraft employs three or more supercavitating hydrofoils. The elements that connect the hydrofoils to the hull may flex to thus raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The relative motion between the hydrofoils and the hull is dampened by shock absorbers or the like. A control system operated by the pilot may apply forces tending to raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The stern hydrofoil is mounted on a support that also carries a power driven propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A fishing net is suspended from a corkline. A monofilament line is formed into three loops which are clamped together. The first of these three loops forms a knot around the corkline and the other two loops weave through the fishing net to hold it in place. The first loop is wound around the corkline in one angular direction for about one turn. It then crosses the portion of the first loop that is below the corkline. It then again passes around the corkline but in an angular direction opposite said one direction. Afterward, a limited portion of the loop that was wrapped around the corkline is free. The other loops are then passed through this free limited portion and the knot it tightened.

Abstract: A paper shredder has cutting discs that are protected by detecting the approach of a metal object. When the object is detected, the motor that drives the discs is deenergized and a brake is applied to stop the cutting discs.

Abstract: A traffic congestion monitoring system comprises infra-red monitoring units bolted to the sides of bridges over a motorway network and emitting information as to traffic congestion at their locations, a control center which receives and transmits the information, and paging units in respective vehicles and receiving the information and visually displaying the same upon diagrams of the network or zones thereof.

Abstract: A receptacle has projections extending from its upper end for supporting adjacent flexible plastic bags. At opposing positions on the receptacle there is a pair of closely adjacent projections at each of the opposing positions. In a round receptacle the opposing positions may be at opposite ends of a diameter. In a square or rectangular receptacle the opposing positions may be at opposite ends of a diagonal across the receptacle. One projection of each pair supports one bag and the other projection of each pair supports the other. Additional projections may be provided to assist in supporting the bags.

Abstract: Regulated processes for biodegrading halogenated organic compounds in an aqueous subsurface environment through stimulation of bacteria are provided. The processes provide an electron donor source to anaerobic dehalogenating bacteria as a stimulus for biodegradation of the contaminants. When necessary to limit the biological formation of vinyl halide monomer, the processes provide for a sulfate reducing environment in the region of biological activity by the addition of an inorganic sulfate. One embodiment provides for converting the aqueous subsurface environment from anaerobic dehalogenating conditions to aerobic conditions. Another embodiment provides for converting the aqueous subsurface environment from anaerobic dehalogenating conditions to anaerobic methanogenic conditions followed by conversion to aerobic conditions in order to completely degrade the contaminants to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A swash plate mechanism, for coverting linear motion into notary motion and vice versa is disclosed, which overcomes the main difficulties with older arrangements of swash plate drives. These are the high friction of most drives or the high complexity of efforts to overcome the friction effects. The mechanism of this invention permits the application of low friction bearings like ball bearings, in all of the rotating or sliding joints of the machine, except for the pistons, and their cylinders. The mechanisms described can be used in engines or in pumps with equal ease. The swash plate system disclosed, for example, has two spaced swash plates, rotating on a common shaft. A driving plate, which does not rotate, is positioned-between the swash plates and contacts each of the swash plates via ball or roller bearings.