Abstract: Fatty acid esters of hydroxyalkyl sulfonates are prepared by heating an excess of the fatty acids with the sulfonate until the water of condensation is removed. The hot crude ester is then quenched by immersion in an excess of cooled liquid, in which the ester product is soluble but in which unreacted, excess fatty acids are insoluble. The resulting slurry is filtered to separate the relatively pure ester from the quenching liquid containing dissolved free fatty acid. Isopropanol is the preferred quenching liquid.

Abstract: A track inspection car supported on railroad track by flanged wheels mounted on a truck, and having means for engaging a tractor-truck at one end and wheels with highway tires at the other. The wheels are relatively vertically displaceable by selectively inflating pneumatic springs for converting the car from on-track operation to an off-track trailer-truck configuration. A pair of ultrasonic sensor probes are mounted on the wheel truck coupled to a computer in the car. The car also includes an on-track driving motor, a driver station, a computer operators station, an observer's station, and a water supply for creating a fluid acoustical coupling between the sensors and the rails.

Abstract: A railroad track tamper control system of the type wherein the grade rail is jacked relative to a reference line, the level rail is cross leveled to the grade rail before tamping, and the tamper frame is relatively independent of the jacking; in which a cross level sensor is mounted on the main tamper frame to free it from jacking vibrations and vertical position sensors measure the jacked elevations of both the grade and level rails relative to the tamper frame. The system cross levels the level rail by comparing the elevation of the grade and level rails relative to the tamper frame and adjusting that comparison by any out-of-cross level of the frame sensed by the cross level sensor.

Abstract: A combination listing and bed shaping apparatus for use with a self-propelled vehicle having a three-point hitch. A tool bar assembly is provided which is secured to the three-point hitch so that tool bar assembly extends in a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the path of travel of the self-propelled vehicle. Listing apparatus is carried by said tool bar assembly for forming furrows and raised beds. An additional tool bar is secured to the tool bar assembly permitting pivotal movement of said additional tool bar along about an axis parallel to the tool bar assembly. Bed shaping apparatus is carried by additional tool bar. An actuator is connected between the tool bar assembly and the additional tool bar for raising and lowering said additional tool bar with respect to said tool bar means.

Abstract: The Labrusca Flavour Index (LFI) of grape wine made from Labrusca grapes is decreased substantially by subjecting grape juice or wine produced from the grape juice to reverse osmosis with a semi-permeable membrane at ambient temperatures to cause the low molecular weight volatile esters, especially methyl anthranilate, to pass through the semi-permeable membrane. The reverse osmosis usually is effected with a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of about 200 which enables colorants and sugars to be retained. By decreasing the LFI value of the wine, larger proportions may be used to blend with less proportions of higher quality Vinifera wines.

Abstract: Phosphated amine oxides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R', which may be the same or different, are alkyl, alkenyl, or alkoxy of from 2 to 24 carbon atoms,R' may be further selected from the same group as X with the requirement that said group terminate in a hydroxyl or phosphate ester,X is a polyalkoxide of the formula ##STR2## Wherein R" is hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl, or methylene alkoxy wherein the alkoxy chain is from C.sub.1 to C.sub.20, and phenylN is an integer from 1 to 50Y and Z are integers from1 to 2 such that when Y is2, Z is 1 and vice versa,A is--OM wherein M is hydrogen, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or quaternary ammonium counterions.

Abstract: Automatic steering mechanism for use on apparatus for forming beds of uniform widths and rows of uniform spacing. The apparatus is of a type comprising a self-propelled vehicle having a steering apparatus for steering the vehicle, and a ground engaging implement carried by the vehicle for forming an indentation in the ground. The steering mechanism is comprised of a framework structure adapted to be secured to the front end of the vehicle. A boom structure is provided and is mounted on the framework for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. An arm is also provided and is pivotally mounted on the outer extremity of the boom structure for rotation about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the first named horizontal axis. An indentation following device is carried by each end of the arm. The indentation following device is capable of following an indentation in the ground made by the ground engaging implement in a previous pass through the field.

Abstract: A solar air heating system for circulating heated air from a solar collector or a heat storage unit, or both in proportion to heat available from the collector, through a control chamber to an environmental space to be heated, using one blower sized to optimize flow through the duct system to the space. When the space does not require heat, heated air from the collector is propelled via the chamber to the storage unit by a second blower sized to optimize flow from the control chamber to the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Nephrolepis exaltata which is believed to be a whole plant mutation of Curly Boston. The new variety is exceptionally good for growing as a houseplant or in a hanging basket. When compared with Curly Boston the new variety commonly exhibits a faster growth, fronds of a more oblong configuration, larger serrations on the pinnae margins, larger pinnae, fewer pinnae per frond, diagonally disposed pinnae, and fewer fronds per plant.