Abstract: A portable, automatic serving device for table tennis is provided which includes a robot server and ball capture net. The robot includes a serving head which is mounted for rotation with respect to the body along a plurality of axes. The head is provided with balls from a passageway in the robot operatively connected between the head and the base of the robot. A collapsible net is provided for capturing balls returned by a player. The robot is positioned within and cooperates with the net so that return balls are fed automatically to the head. The robot is operated by three motors, which may be controlled individually to serve sequentially a plurality of balls to a player for practice or for sport. The robot construction provides for a variety of ball delivery techniques, all of which are controlled simply during operation.

Abstract: Process for the regeneration of deactivated copper-containing catalysts used in methanol or methyl formate dissociation reactions or in the steam reforming of methanol by first oxidizing then reducing the copper component of the copper-containing catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatically eliminating a group of articles to be treated of which at least one is missing or defective in this group, this apparatus comprising essentially a detecting cell located above the articles or containers transported by a conveyor, a magazine for storing these containers located near the detecting cell, and pushers arranged vertically under the magazine and under the containers transported by the conveyor.

Abstract: Monomethylformamide and dimethylformamide are produced by the catalytic reaction of formamide and methanol, using a quaternary ammonium compound as the catalyst.

Abstract: A computer-aided method for predicting the layup of fiber-reinforced prepreg resin material for compression molding into three-dimensional shapes depends on the area relationships of the final thickness of the molded shape to the initial thickness of the prepreg material. A graphic display is generated incorporating the initial thickness needed at each location on the prepreg material to provide the desired final thickness of the three-dimensional shape with controlled fiber distribution throughout the shape.

Abstract: Process and device for treating photosensitive recording material comprising a carrier layer and at least one photosensitive recording layer having a hardened image, e.g., halftone images, whereby undesirable streaks are eliminated particularly in halftone areas, the recording material while being transported flat is successively treated with washing agent in at least two separated wash sections by jets shaped and arranged so that each surface unit area of the recording layer is sequentially struck by at least two wash spray cones which do not contact each other prior to impacting the recording layer. The amount of washing agent impacting a unit area of the surface of the recording material per unit time and its impact velocity are selected so that only image free areas of the recording layer are removed. Halftone copies reproduction printing forms, etc., are produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the physical integrity of geological shales and for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata comprising forming a test specimen of the stratum to be measured; immersing the specimen in a drilling fluid, or a mixture of drilling fluids, for a predetermined length of time; spinning the test specimen while immersed up to a predetermined speed while adjusting the temperature of the fluid; and then physically measuring the specimen for disintegration, liquid absorption, and hardness. The apparatus for simulating the environment experienced by geological strata includes means for immersing the specimen in the drilling fluid which comprises a nail having the specimen attached to the shank adjacent the head to hold the specimen inverted below the surface of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: An aluminum insert for a rice cooker is coated before drawing with a three-layer release coating. The coated insert is then deep drawn without damaging the coating. The coating has a high proportion of polytetrafluoroethylene to polyamide-imide and a low level of colloidal silica in the primer.

Abstract: Apparatus for de-emulsification of liquids using microwave energy as radiated into an applicator section of characteristic frequency dimensions consisting of a wave guide section that has a taper applicator element of low dielectric constant material separating the wave guide section into a radiation input void end and a larger volume liquid-filled output end; whereby emulsion under pressure is input to the wave guide section output end adjacent the applicator element to undergo radiation and convection heating and subsequent separation into constituent components.

Abstract: Benzylsulfonylureas and arylsulfamoylureas are useful as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides and as plant growth regulants.

Abstract: A system useful for controlling multiple secondaries of a linear disposed motor along an elongated path, with the system having a linear synchronous motor with its elongated primary disposed along the elongated path and at least one secondary responsive to the primary with means disposed thereon for attachment to a body to be propelled along the path, a plurality of linear synchronous motor drivers for providing inputs to designated coil windings of the primary for developing a traveling electromagnetic wave along the primary, a driver controller means connected to each motor driver which has plurality of memory sections for storing therein characteristics of waveforms for use in the system of the invention, a central controller for controlling the output of the plurality of driver controller means and a system computer for down loading instructions for the various waveform patterns to the memories of the driver controller means and for overall supervisory control of the system of the invention.

Abstract: Phytotoxic 2-methyl-5-(heterocyclic)-pyrrole-3,4-dicarboxylates.

Abstract: Highly soluble, optically transparent aromatic polyimides of the following formula are disclosed: ##STR1## where --X and --X.sub.1 are independently primary or secondary alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms,--X is different than --X.sub.1,--Y is independently --H, or --Z,--Z is independently --Cl, --Br or --I,r=0-100% of r+t, ands=100%t=100% -r of r+t are disclosed.

Abstract: A film package is provided for containing, heating, and browning or crispening a food item, which has a microwave susceptor-containing film and an insulating layer between regions of the film laden with susceptor which are in proximity with each other. The insulating layer prevents the susceptor laden areas in proximity with each other from overheating.

Abstract: A pair of identical covers house and insulate two split cores of the type used to submonitor current flow into a breaker box. The covers keep the cores in correct alignment and identify the proper orientation of a pick-up transformer that is coupled to the cores. The covers are molded from a non-conducting plastic and have an integral locking mechanism utilizing a living hinge. Integral spring tabs and integral alignment tabs hold the split cores securely next to one another. Arrow markings on the split covers are matched with an arrow marking on the pick-up transformer which is placed around the assembled covers to form a current sensing unit. The face of the current sensing unit with the arrows is directed towards the current source. Electric current can then be monitored using a digital watt/hour meter connected to the current sensing unit. The locking mechanism of the covers enables the current sensing unit to be easily removable for use at other locations.

Abstract: A ceiling runner comprised of an elongated generally U-shaped channel member having longitudinally spaced openings in its web, each with one end portion shaped and sized to confine a transversely arranged upright C-stud therein. The remainder of the opening is of such size and shape as to permit the C-stud to be initially inserted therethrough with the web of its cross-section extending longitudinally of the web of the channel member and to be thereafter twisted about its longitudinal axis to a relatively transverse position to snap into place within said end portion, the web of the channel member having a retaining tab at one side and a detent and camming surface at the opposite side of the opening to cause the C-stud to flex sufficiently to snap into said end portion and to retain the C-stud within said end portion once it has snapped into place.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated lever press consisting of a press stand (1.1) and a frame-shaped press slide (2.1), the slide (2.1) possessing a hydraulic cylinder drive (2.12) which is arranged on it and is connected to the multi-articulated support (2.7) guided in the center of the press in the slide (2.1), and at least two connecting rods (2.8) are movably arranged on the said multi-articulated support, the other ends of the said connecting rods each engaging one of the two articulated levers (2.10) or (2.11) which are mounted on the slide (2.1) and on the press frame (1.1) so that their height can be adjusted.The object is essentially to keep the working range of the slide (2.1) adjustable, irrespective of the slide travel and while maintaining slide guidance.It is proposed that the press stand (1.1) be a twin-stand frame partially closed even at the front and end. The working range of the slide (2.1) in the stand (1.1) is supported and adjusted by synchronously driven shafts (2.

Abstract: Composite tooling of carbon fiber reinforced polyimide of high Tg is prepared by first curing in an autoclave followed by post-curing in an air circulating oven.

Abstract: A compound (for preparing an ACE inhibitor), namely, triphenyl cerium and a process for preparing same by reacting cerium trichloride (CeCl.sub.3) with phenyllithium, are provided.

Abstract: .beta.-substituted polyfluoropropionate salts, derivatives and copolymers and processes for the preparation thereof.