Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting the condition of a flame having an emf by electrically conducting the emf generated by the flame as a signal to a sensor through an electrically isolated conductor means and sensing with said sensor an electrical parameter which is measure of the emf of the flame and wherein the parameter is the ratio of the A.C. and D.C. signal levels.

Abstract: An improved catalyst for the oxidative coupling of methane containing a Group IIA element capable, under the reaction conditions, of existing at least partly in its oxide or carbonate form and a clay or a synthetic analogue of a clay. The catalyst preferably comprises an intimate mixture of strontium carbonate and bentonite, in a weight ratio of 80:20. The catalyst advantageously also contains a Group IA oxide or carbonate such as sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Branched olefins of at least 4 carbon atoms are hydroisomerized to a less branched alkane by contact with a hydrogen containing gas and a shape selective zeolite which has at least 1 metal of the Pt group supported primarily within the channels of said zeolite.

Abstract: At least two cameras (10,12) view two points (A,B) displaced by a known distance on an article (S). Using a known relationship between two points (A,B) and the known position of cameras (10,12) in space the location of the viewed points (A,B) in space are determined by calculation. Similarly, the coordinates of other points on to article (S) are determined and hence dimensions such as width are determined.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for, controlling a levelling machine for metal plates and, more particularly, to control flatness in a plate mill hot leveller.

Abstract: A spectroscopic method of sensing the presence of methane in an atmosphere includes directing through the atmosphere light emitted by a neodymium laser at a wavelength having a fluorescence linewidth which embraces at least one significant absorption line of the v.sub.2 +2v.sub.2 band of methane.

Abstract: A system for the production of hardened coal agglomerates comprising a first pump (P1) for pumping a coal-water slurry and a predetermined quantity of oil or other suitable hydrophobic liquid into an agitated mixing tank (1), a second pump (P2) for pumping the coal-water slurry and partially formed agglomerates from the first mixing tank (1) into a pipeline loop (L1) which returns the slurry/agglomerates to the tank (1), a third pump (P3) for removing slurry/agglomerates from the first mixing tank (1) and transporting it to a second mixing tank (2), means for introducing further fresh coal-water slurry into the inlet of the third pump (P3) and/or into the second mixing tank (2), a fourth pump (P4) for withdrawing the slurry/agglomerates from the second mixing tank (2) and transporting the mixture through a second pipeline loop (L2) which discharges back into the second mixing tank (2), and a fifth pump (P5) for withdrawing the slurry/agglomerates from the second mixing tank (2) for a recovery of the agglomera

Abstract: A device for applying a viscous sealant (D) in annular form onto a substantially flat surface, specifically on to a can end (14) is provided with an approximately horizontal annular transfer surface (2a, 3a) provided at the free upper end of a material transfer head (1). A pass (4) opening towards the transfer surface (2a, 3a) is provided in the material transfer head (1) and is fed with sealant from a continuously operating pump device (P1). An open-top interior (8) surrounded by the transfer surface (2a, 3a) and provided in the material transfer head (1), which is connected to a backflow pipe (9) for excess sealant, is, in addition, permanently connected to a vacuum source (P2). Further, a transfer device (18) is provided by which the can end (14) is vertically movable in relation to the transfer surface (2a, 3a). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and classifying steels in which a steel specimen is presented to a coil which receives an excitation current to produce an electrical output dependent on an induction value of the specimen. An excitation current is applied to the coil at each of a plurality of excitation frequencies, and a respective value of the specimen at each of those frequencies is determined. The value of a discriminant function is derived for each of a plurality of possible steel grades, with the function being of the form a.alpha.+b.beta.+c.gamma.. . . where .alpha.,.beta.,.gamma.. . . are attributes of the specimen comprising the induction values and a, b, c . . . are predetermined coefficients reflecting the degree to which the respective attributes are effective to discriminate that possible steel grade from the others.

Abstract: A can end (1) made from metal for cans whose contents is under inside pressure is provided with at least one opening tab (4) partly punched from the end leaving a hinge area (6) and a relative aperture (2) formed by the partial punching, with the opening tab (4) and/or the area of the end surrounding the aperture (2) being cold formed so that the edge area (8) of aperture (2) covers the edge area (4a) of opening tab (4) on the end outside (1a). On the end inside (1b), plastisol (10) is applied in ring-form to the edge areas (4a, 8) of opening tab (4) and of aperture (2) and jellied under heating. Before its application and gelation respectively, the plastisol (10) has a viscosity .eta..sub.D4441s -1 (40.degree. C.) of about 2000-2800 mPa.s, and an edge angle .alpha. of about 0.4-1.0 N/mm.sup.2, and a maximum elongation of 120-250%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information as to the cross-sectional shape or profile of a body is disclosed in which a known datum in the form of a bar 50 having a cross-shaped cross-section is detected by a camera 14. A body is then detected by the camera 14 to provide preliminary information as to the shape or profile of the body and the preliminary information is transformed in accordance with a variation of the detected datum from the known datum to provide a better indication of the true cross-sectional shape or profile of the body. The known datum 50 enables at least three non-colinear reference locations to be defined and calibration parameters are determined from the reference locations so that exact reference locations can be determined.

Abstract: An oven for heating can ends comprising a generally elongate heating chamber having walls which closely surround a conveyor for conveying the can ends through the chamber, a source of infra-red heat arranged in the upper region of said chamber and having a parabolic reflector by means of which radiant heat is directed downwardly onto a generally narrow band which corresponds in width to the width of the region of the can end to which sealant and/or repair lacquer has been applied, said conveyor being constructed from a plurality of interconnected slat-like elements having upturned edges the spacing between the upturned edges being selected so that the edges engage narrow portions of the curled edge of the can end whereby the can end is supported with the surface to which sealant or lining compound has been applied directed downwardly so that the heat source principally heats the upwardly directed surface of the can ends, a cooling chamber of similar dimensions to said heating chamber following said heating ch

Abstract: A can end manufacturing apparatus including an endless belt (1) having spaced apertures (12) for supporting the can ends (C) through the various stages of manufacture, said belt (1) being supported by spring-loaded travel rails (2, 3) arranged in guide slots (4) formed in longitudinally spaced supporting pillars (5) arranged on either side of a die station chamber (6) within which several die stations (7, 8, 9) and a sealant application station (10) are arranged. During each manufacturing operation, the transfer belt (1) is moved vertically so that each can end (C) is brought into engagement with the die stations (7, 8, 9) and the sealant application station (10). During this vertical movement, the atmosphere within the die station chamber (6) is alternatively compressed and rarefied.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is concerned with fuels and particularly jet and diesel fuels which comprise blends of substituted mono cyclohexane material and two ring non-fused cyloalkane material. The first material may be n-propylcyclohexane or n-butylcyclohexane. The second material may be nuclear substituted bicyclohexyl and may include cyclohexylbenzene. A second aspect of the invention concerns producing constituents for the fuel from heavy aromatic materials by breaking down the heavy aromatics to naphthas, separating light napthas and other constituents of the fuel before reforming a heavy naptha fraction to provide a BTX fraction which may be treated by hydroalkylation or pyrolysis to provide two ring non-fused cycloalkanes. The product may be enriched by hydrogenation.

Abstract: A rail anchoring clip and sleeper assembly comprising a sleeper and at least one rail anchoring clip arranged in use to longitudinally anchor a rail across the sleeper, the sleeper having means to locate the rail in a direction longitudinal of the sleeper and means to locate the clip in a direction lateral of the sleeper, the clip being constructed of resilient material and being shaped when resiliently deformed in use to define a first portion that bears tightly against the upper surface of one side of the rail foot, a second portion that bears tightly against the underside of the sleeper to compressibly anchor the rail onto the sleeper and a third portion in cooperative engagement with said means to locate said clip laterally of the sleeper, the positions of contact of the first, second and third portions with the rail and sleeper respectively being spaced apart in a direction longitudinal of the sleeper.

Abstract: A process for the production of aromatic compounds from low-molecular weight predominantly paraffinic feedstock which comprises contacting the feedstock in a first reactor with a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a first reaction product containing alkenes; contacting said first reaction product in a second reactor with a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst to produce a second reaction product containing aromatics; and separating an aromatic-rich fraction therefrom. In a preferred embodiment the feedstock consists essentially of propane and/or butane.

Abstract: The specification discloses an article retention system for transfrer equipment, particularly transfer equipment for carrying can ends to a series of stations to produce an easy-opening end. The can ends are supported by an indexing belt and contact means in the form of spring steel strips and are arranged in overlying and contacting relationship with the can ends supported by the belt. A contacting force of between 200 to 500 grams is sufficient to retain the can ends in a predetermined orientation such that the ends are accurately presented to each station. In an alternative embodiment a fixed rail overlies the edges of the can ends and spring loaded rollers engage the indexing belt to force the can ends into engagement with the rails to maintain the orientation in a manner similar to the above.

Abstract: A method of preparing fine particulate coal for power generation on which the coal is pretreated by the oil agglomeration method (10, 11) to increase the carbonaceous content and produce coal-oil agglomerates. These are fed to a fluidized bed (15) in which the fluid is steam. The bed as concentration is variable and agglomerates leaving the bed are disintegrated in a steam jet (21) which completes separation of the oil from the coal and forms the fine particle coal feed. The oil and steam are separated from the coal feed which continues in the fuel delivery system 29 to the power generation plant. The only steam mix is condensed 37 and the two phases separated (39) and recycled for further use. A control means is provided which is responsive to steam generation demand and activates changes in the generation of coal oil agglomerates (10, 11) and the discharge of coal particles from the fluid bed, disintegrator 15, 21.

Abstract: A method of separating lighter and heavier particles in a solids mixture includes entraining the mixture in a liquid of a specific gravity intermediate the specific gravities of the lighter and heavier particles, and feeding the liquid through a first opening into one end of a rotating vessel. The vessel is designed so that the liquid attains a dynamic equilibrium at which an annular, centrifugally-induced, substantially static, revolving volume of the liquid of stable internal surface is confined by the vessel about the axis of rotation, while further liquid flows on within the stable internal surface. Heavier particles are centrifugally directed into the annular volume, while lighter particles remain entrained in on-flowing liquid which flows out a second opening in the other end of the vessel.