Abstract: A solvent extraction column in which a disperse phase in the form of electrostatically charged droplets contacts a fluid continuous phase. The disperse phase is received in a number of trays having radial nozzles, so that the disperse phase is discharged from the nozzles as charged droplets transverse to the general direction of flow in the column when an electric potential is applied between the trays and the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite fabric which will provide insulating properties in the presence of water and which will also permit the passage of perspiration therethrough. The fabric includes a first layer of a water-impermeable insulating material, two layers of a wicking fabric, such layers being positioned adjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the first layer, and a plurality of wicking threads passing through the first layer and securing the wicking fabric layers to the first layer. The insulating layer helps prevent water from reaching the wearer. Perspiration from the wearer is picked up by the inner wicking layer and transferred by capillary action through the threads to the outer wicking layer from which it can evaporate to the atmosphere. If desired the outer wicking layer can be covered by a liquid-water impermeable but water-vapor permeable material.

Abstract: An eddy current testing system consists of a multi-sensor probe, a computer and a special expansion card and software for data collection and analysis. The probe incorporates an excitation coil, and sensor coils; at least one sensor coil is a lateral current-normal coil and at least one is a current perturbation coil.

Abstract: A filter underdrain apparatus comprises plate means forming a plurality of horizontal distributor conduits, the conduits being in juxtaposed, laterally-spaced relationship and constructed and arranged to defined alternating conduits and troughs of a filter underdrain. At least some of the horizontal distributor conduits include interior partitions extending along such conduits and dividing the interior of each such conduit into a liquid passage and a gas passage. Liquid metering orifices communicate the interior of the liquid passage with the exterior of the distributor conduit for substantially evenly distributing backwash liquid flows from the liquid passage and for passing filtered liquid flows into the liquid passage. Gas metering orifices communicate the interior of the gas passage with the exterior of the distributor conduit for substantially evenly distributing gas from the gas passage when connected with a pressurized gas source.

Abstract: A method of producing a silicon carbide-based body by infiltrating with molten silicon a porous compact comprising silicon carbide, carbon, and a secondary phase dispersed within the compact. The secondary phase might comprise a titanium compound, or a metal carbide.

Abstract: In a method of producing uranium (IV) fluoride, a feedstock comprising uranium metal or alloy is dissolved in hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid to produce a clear solution. The solution is heated and excess hydrofluoric acid added to produce a precipitate comprising uranium (IV) fluoride.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a novel composite material resistant to passage therethrough of noxious substances. The novel composite includes a first layer which may be in the form of a film or coating, of a water and particulate material impermeable, vapor permeable material which is also resistant to sebaceous excretions. A second layer of a vapor permeable stretch fabric material is also provided. Disposed between said first and second layers is a third layer of vapor permeable stretchable fabric material containing a particulate adsorbent material for the noxious substances. Depending upon the application, other optional layers may be included. The composite is stretchable to an extent of 30 to 500% and is intended for use in making close-fitting clothing to protect the wearer from noxious substances.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating by sputter ion plating comprises a chamber having a gas inlet and outlet for passing gas under low pressure continuously therethrough; a cathode fabricated of coating material or precursor therefor positioned in the chamber; and means for generating a glow discharge within the chamber to sputter cathode material to form a coating thereof or of a product obtained therefrom on a substrate also positioned in the chamber.The cathode includes a plurality of projections (e.g. fins) extending from a surface, their disposition and geometry being such as to increase the effective ion current density in the chamber. In this way, high currents at low voltages and pressures may be achieved so that the apparatus can be used to coat a large substrate load, possibly at a higher coating rate.

Abstract: A dual purpose grinding machine for use in grinding the blades of the blade cylinder, or the bottom blade, of a cylinder type mowing machine, selectively. The machine has a grinding wheel head with a cylindrical grinding wheel and a cupped grinding wheel, the two grinding wheels being usable selectively. The grinding wheel head is traversable on guides, and means for mounting a blade cylinder for rotation and means for mounting a bottom blade on the machine for grinding are arranged in parallel relation to the guides.

Abstract: Ceramic uranium dioxide is produced from uranium metal by steam oxidation of the metal, followed by oxidation in air to produce U.sub.3 O.sub.8, and subsequent reduction in hydrogen of the U.sub.3 O.sub.8 to produce UO.sub.2. The steam environment may be between 250.degree. C. and 500.degree. C., the oxygen-containing environment at 700.degree. C. or below, and the reducing environment at 600.degree. C. or below.

Abstract: Wrist pins for use in pistons are described. The wrist pin comprises an elongate, substantially hollow member having two spaced-apart convex surface portions of substantially cylindrical or oval curvature, the two convex portions being connected by two walls of different curvature. Because the connecting walls are more nearly in compression and bending loads are minimised a lighter wrist pin for a given application may be produced.

Abstract: A hand controller (10) is provided with which an operator can simultaneously control several degrees of freedom of a mechanism, for example a slave arm (18), single handedly. An operator's handle (12) is connected by four links serially arranged between the handle and elements (50, 48, 46, 42) to a platform (32), these links permitting rotation about three axes (A, B, C) and linear displacement towards and away from the platform (axis Z). The platform is connected by three parallel non-telescopic legs (34) to a base (30) so that the platform (32) (and so the handle 12) can be moved in directions (X and Y) perpendicular to the Z axis. Force and torque feedback may be provided to all motions of the hand controller (10).

Abstract: Silicon carbide-based bodies are produced by forming a porous compact of silicon carbide, a carbide of a metal, and carbon, and infiltrating the compact with a molten mixture comprising the metal and silicon. The metal may be selected from: titanium, zirconium, hafnium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, and vanadium, and the infiltration temperature may be between 1900.degree. C. and 2100.degree. C.

Abstract: In general, presently existing dollies are rigid structures which are not particularly suitable for supporting filing cabinets or the like to render them mobile. A relatively simple, yet strong trolley or dolly includes generally U-shaped, sideways opening brackets which are connected, in perpendicular relationship, to each other and to downwardly opening, C-shaped lightweight channel sections to define a rectangular frame. At least one bracket at each corner of the frame carries a wheel for rendering the dolly mobile.

Abstract: An insulated wall assembly which combines strength with good insulating qualities includes spaced apart, elongated wooden posts, which are I-shaped in cross section; and elongated rigid foam plastic panels extending between adjacent posts, the panels being generally cruciform in cross section so that projections on the lateral edges thereof extend into the recesses of the posts while the front and rear or outer and inner surfaces of the panels are in the same planes as the outer and inner surfaces of the posts. Alternatively, the panels are parallelepipedic blocks with longitudinally extending, rectangular grooves in the sides thereof for receiving splines, which connect the blocks to rectangular, grooved insulating inserts in the posts.

Abstract: For the detection of heat sources within an area to be maintained under surveillance, several scanning units at different scanning stations are linked to a common radiation sensor by respective optical fibre transmission elements. A gating means, such as a rotary mask with an opening, is indexed stepwise to gate each transmission element in turn to the common sensor.

Abstract: Pistons and associated piston rings are described for use in internal combustion engines. The piston and piston ring comprise an annular piston ring groove having two radially extending walls and an axially extending wall; a compression ring received in the piston ring groove for sealing engagement with an associated cylinder wall or liner; a recess in the compression ring extending in an outwardly direction; an auxiliary sealing ring in permanent but deflectable contact with the axially extending wall of the annular piston ring groove and penetrating the recess in the compression ring; the arrangement being such that the auxiliary sealing ring does not physically limit the extent of movement of the compression ring in the annular piston ring groove. Pistons are described where two conventional compression rings are replaced by one. Test results are also presented.

Abstract: In general, contact lens cleaning kits include a plurality of separate elements which represent a carrying/storage problem. A simple, portable kit includes an elongated cylindrical casing defined by a base containing disinfectant or cleaning solution for receiving a lens carrier, which is dependent from a disc threaded into the top end of the base; a hollow cylindrical barrel mounted on the disc and carrying a removable syringe containing lens cleaning solution; and a cover connected to the syringe nozzle and to the barrel, the cover carrying a spring clip of the type used to hold a pen in a pocket and a small mirror on the spring clip to facilitate insertion of the contact lenses.

Abstract: In general, cages for young pigs or other animals are either unsanitary or do not provide protection from the elements, i.e. a warm dry and draft free environment. A simple solution to these problems is provided by a unitary two-piece housing with a generally rectangular base, a feed trough on the top front end of the base, a removable perforate floor which is easy to wash, a liquid waste storage and a controlled discharge drain outlet, a cover mounted on the base with an open front end, and a skeletal rod or wire gate for closing the open front end slidably and pivotally mounted in the cover for movement between a closed position in the open front end and an open position permitting easy access to the animals. The gate prevents soiling of the feed trough by the animals in the housing, and the stall configuration reduces competition at feeding times. The feed trough is further designed to distribute liquid feed equally along the length of the housing.

Abstract: Nitrogen-strengthened alloys, especially steels, are produced by heating a combination of metal particles and a nitrogen donor, such as a chromium nitride, to make nitrogen available as a solute in the particles. The particles may be produced as a permeable preform for the process. The dissolved nitrogen leads to improved hardness, and higher strength is additionally obtained by the inclusion of a dispersant, such as yttria, in the particles.