Abstract: A process is provided for the production of phenol from chlorobenzene. The process comprises a chemical reaction in which chlorobenzene is reacted with an alcohol in the vapor phase to form phenol and the corresponding alkyl chloride. A catalyst is used to promote the reaction. Among the alcohols used are methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol.

Abstract: A subliner for use in a metal extrusion press, the subliner comprising an elongate annular body having an outer surface dimensioned for placement within an outer mantle, and an inner surface dimensioned to receive an inner liner. The subliner further comprises at least one heating element positioned longitudinally between the outer and inner surfaces of the elongate annular body for providing heat in at least one selected region of the subliner, in close proximity to the inner liner.

Abstract: A mooring line storage device and system for watercraft having a housing defining an inner cavity. The housing has at least one access aperture and a cover in overlying relationship with the aperture. Cover and housing cooperatively interact to prevent extension of a discrete region of a mooring line from the inner cavity. The device may also include at least one hanger to suspend the housing from a structural member of the watercraft.

Abstract: An auto-laundry conveyor of three-tier design using upper, lower and intermediate track rails with a narrow slot between them. Dollies are provided in an endless loop conveyor chain and each dolly comprises a combination of a center link, a pair of reversely similar tire engaging rollers, a pair of reversely similar track engaging rollers outboard of the tire engaging rollers and a pair of reversely similar stabilizing rollers outboard of the track engaging rollers. The stabilizing rollers are effectively larger in diameter; i.e., higher than the track engaging rollers so as to prevent rolling contact between the stabilizing rollers and the track surface and to receive the tread surface of an off-center tire and keep the tread surface from interfering with rolling movement of the track engaging rollers. The conveyor is manufactured in 10-foot lengths except for the entry and exit sections which are of lengths X and Y wherein X plus Y equals 10 feet.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for abating fungi in a building supported on a ground surface and having an upper enclosed living space and a lower enclosed space beneath the upper enclosed space and proximate or beneath the ground.

Abstract: An oil filter canister removal tool comprising a cup-shaped plastic body long enough to receive the filter therein and of sufficient diameter as to provide radial clearance between the filter canister and the top rim of the body. A snug fit can be provided by integral flutes or bonded in strips of elastomeric material. In operation the tool is slipped over a canister after the canister has been loosened relative to the engine block. The tool is manually rotated until the canister is free of the engine. The tool can be cleaned up and reused after disposal of the oil filter canister. The tool may also be thrown away with the used filter.

Abstract: A wind-driven power source comprises a propeller-driven rotor structure and a stator structure carrying clusters of copper-wire wound ferromagnetic cores as voltage generators. The cores are arranged in pairs spaced apart by hard rubber rollers which engage the inside surface of a load ring forming part of the rotor structure. The overall rotor structure comprises the large diameter load ring, a smaller diameter root ring and a plurality of aerodynamic blades extending radially outwardly from the root ring and secured either by saddle blocks or integral bonding to the load ring. The load ring may be aluminum or plastic. Permanent magnets are arranged around the load ring to interact with the voltage generator structures to produce three-phase electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to characterize and measure fruit pieces in food products are provided. A sample is spread on a viewing cell and illuminated. The image is captured by a camera and fed to a computer with imaging software. Information useful for quality control purposes and process control is obtained.

Abstract: A closure for covering an opening of a container. The closure includes an inverted U-shaped peripheral channel for receiving the rim of a container therein. A tear strip is formed with the skirt of the closure via a tear line that circumscribes the skirt. A breakaway pull tab having an inner surface with U-shaped ribs, the combination of the surface and ribs being such as to provide a concavity which assists in gripping the tab to pull the strip away. Linear vertical ribs may be provided on the outer surface to provide further assistance in the gripping function. The skirt includes a recessed area underlying the pull tab for providing access to the pull tab. An alternative embodiment uses a zig-zag structure of strengthening ribs in the skirt to reduce the amount of material necessary to provide the undercut. This reduces the probability of warpage in the closure structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded decorative film that can be foam-backed and that is used in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles. Said decorative film is provided with a break line that is defined by a notched weakening in cross-section in the airbag penetration area. Said weakening in cross-section is formed by an internal notch that is closed at both ends by the material of the decorative film. Preferably, a notch is produced that extends on the side that can be foam-backed to the surface of the film and the notch is then closed on said side by welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible animal faeces collector device (1) having a handle portion (2) and a receptacle support (6), supporting a receptacle (8) with an upwardly facing surface (10) for receiving a faecal deposit (24). The device (1) is of a lightweight construction, the handle (2) and receptacle support (6) have just sufficient strength to bear in cantilevered support an empty receptacle (8) for manipulation into a faeces-receiving position on the ground below an animal's anus, but insufficient strength to bear in cantilevered support a receptacle (8) loaded with faeces. The receptacle (8), when empty, is supported equally around the receptacle support (6) by a rim portion (12). When the device (1) loaded with faeces (24) is suspended, the rim portion (12) moves on the receptacle support (6) to collect together over the contents of the receptacle (8). The handle portion and receptacle support are preferably inflatable.

Abstract: A seating accessory for use in combination with the inside surface of the tailgate of a pickup truck. The accessory includes a generally rectangular sheet sized to be positioned over the lowered tailgate surface and defining two side-by-side upwardly opening concave seating surfaces to accommodate side-by-side seated persons. A backrest is associated with each seating surface and is pivotally moveable between an upright position providing back support for a person sitting on the respective seating surface, and a lowered, stowed position within the concavity of the respective seating surface. The seating access is secured to the tailgate using suitable fasteners coacting with the tailgate.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus and method of making same includes a low porosity material, thermally conductive mass. A heat source is disposed in the thermally conductive mass for imparting heat to the mass. Fluid in a flow path through the mass absorbs heat from the mass. The thermally conductive mass is molded, cast or extruded from a material which, with the selected forming process, provides a low porosity mass. The mass may be formed of ceramic, aluminum and poltruded carbon. The mass can be cast from a material which is introduced into the casting mold in a semi-solid temperature state.

Abstract: An apparatus using electrically-stimulated smart material requires a power source to stimulate the material. This power source has three main functions, (1) to apply a known voltage potential across the smart material, (2) to convert from the control voltage to a level suitable for the smart material, and (3) to regulate the voltage based on a control input. The power source is a DC to DC converter with special properties achieved by supplying a variable stimulating voltage or actively discharging the actuator. The circuit also provides a dead band, or hysteresis, between the charge point and discharge point. When this circuit is applied with a proportional, mechanically-leveraged smart material actuator, a general-purpose industrial actuator becomes a cost-effective solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slide fastener suitable for providing a water resistant closure between two edges of material. The fastener comprises first and second stringer tapes, each stringer tape having a multiplicity of coupling elements disposed in a row therealong and a slider captively engaged with the opposed rows of coupling elements of the first and second stringer tapes for reciprocal movement therealong and for bringing the coupling elements into and out of interlocking engagement.

Abstract: A personal adornment such as a belt, necklace or bracelet is created from linkable, soft plastic elements each of which includes a decorative body of distinctive shape and a short strap extending integrally therefrom. Each strap has an aperture and each body has a male protrusion formed on the back side thereof. A loop of desired length is assembled from the desired number of links. A kit includes a number of links arranged in a clear plastic container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids including the step of imparting printing to the lids in two or more colors while they are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.

Abstract: An over-current fuse of unitary, disposable construction is used to protect battery and alternator cables from over-current conditions. The fuse comprises a cylindrical body of high-temperature plastic having an axial through-bore and recessed annular seat surfaces formed into the opposite surfaces. Metal rings are mounted on the annular seat surfaces and are electrically interconnected by a fuse element.