Abstract: A self-centering buffer pad assembly is constructed of conventional washable buffer pads releasably attached by hook-and-loop material to a support disk permanently covered with hook material; the replaceable buffer pads are lined with the less expensive loop material. The support disk has at its center a projecting tapered hub which acts to center the pad on the disk, and a threaded bushing for attachment of the assembly to a power tool.

Abstract: A fixed bed, dual-zone radial flow catalytic reactor is disclosed. In particular, the catalyst bed configuration includes a first freeboard outwardly radial flow catalyst zone in series with a second inwardly radial flow zone separated by an interconnecting substantially impermeable catalyst chute to accommodate catalyst settling while preventing hot spots and/or fluidization in the freeboard area. A gas distributor divides the freeboard zone into segments including a bypass segment and one or more catalyst segments. The radial flow of gas through each segment is essentially unaffected by the level of catalyst so that the flow pattern is not adversely affected by catalyst setting in the freeboard zone.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of synthetic hydrotalcites having high purity (99+%) and small particle size (<2 microns) is disclosed. This method used inexpensive and available reactants and is suitable for commercial scale production. A source of magnesium, such as magnesium hydroxide; a source of aluminum from a mixture of alumina trihydrate and an alkali metal aluminate; and a source of carbonate, such as sodium bicarbonate, are reacted under hydrothermal conditions at a temperature of between 160.degree.-200.degree. C. to produce synthetic hydrotalcite.

Abstract: A balloon includes a pair of overlying valve film strips disposed between a pair of overlying balloon films, which include neck and body portions. The valve film strips extend at an angle to a central axis of the neck portions, and valve seals formed in the valve film strips direct incoming gas from an inlet adjacent the neck, to an outlet between the body portions. Methods of assembling the balloons by forming the valve seams and neck seams without moving the balloon films or valve film strips is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the delivery of any type of product held in a reservoir with flexible and deformable wall. The device is essentially comprised of means (4) for the delivery of a product, which means are housed in a reservoir (2) with flexible and deformable wall (3) and which may be actuated by an outside pressure (F) exerted on the deformable wall of the reservoir. The device applies for example to the delivery and application of a cosmetic product on the skin or the nails.

Abstract: The dry end of a paper making machine includes a first dryer group of heatable web dryer cylinders followed by a second dryer group of heatable dryer cylinders. Each dryer cylinder has a neighboring suction guide roll. Respective first and second web support belts are provided for the first and second dryer groups. The paper web to be dried alternately passes between a dryer cylinder and the neighboring suction guide roll, such that the web comes into direct contact with the dryer cylinders. A transfer region is located between the two dryer groups at which the web is transferred from the first to the second web support belt. A displaceable guide roll in the transfer region is associated with at least one of the first and the second web support belts.

Abstract: A process furnace and method of operating a furnace are disclosed. The furnace comprises a radiant heating chamber, a primary convection section leg, a secondary convection section leg with two or more parallel flow channels, convection burners to heat the primary and/or secondary convection sections and dampers to adjust flue gas flow and temperature through the parallel flow channels. Combustion air comprising a mixture of gas turbine exhaust and fresh air which has been preheated in one of the parallel flow channels s supplied to the burners. The split flue design facilitates greater control of the flue gas temperature for improved operating efficiency.

Abstract: An improved tip-in casement window has an outer frame, an inner sash, and elongated gasket strips. When the sash is assembled in the outer frame, an operatively continuous seal around the sash is created through the use of a downward facing gasket strip, thereby greatly increasing the insulative capability of a tip-in casement window.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body having threaded connections on each end. A unit handled valve mechanism includes a cage carrying a spring loaded floating valve ball. The valve mechanism is placed in and removed from the valve body without the use of special tools. The valve mechanism includes lip type polyseals allowing pressure from below to leak past a lower valve seat so pressure from below causes the valve ball to seal only against an upper seat assembly. The only segment of the valve ball in substantial compression is immediately adjacent the upper seat assembly. An actuator for the valve fits onto a connector between the actuator and ball in only one manner, so the indicator on the actuator correctly points at the correct indicia on the valve body describing the valve condition, i.e. open or closed. An improved connector between the actuator and the valve ball minimizes the potential of deformation due to abuse.

Abstract: A frequency reuse plan for a cellular radio communications system includes a plurality of antenna sites which implement twelve groups of frequencies among four antenna sites. The same frequencies are reused by other groups of four antenna sites. Each antenna site serves three hexagon shaped cells arranged in a clover-leaf shaped pattern by three groups of antennas, each of which group is separated by a pointing angle of 120 degrees.

Abstract: A system for launching a lifeboat (13) from davits (14) on an off-shore drilling platform (10) comprises a submerged buoyancy device (16) tethered to the bow of the lifeboat (13) by a cable (17) which passes between the device (16) and the lifeboat. The cable (17) is retained by an inverted hook (18) and passes around pulleys (20 and 22) and is anchored to the sea bed (at 23). In use, as the lifeboat descends, a ring (26) attached to the cable (17) releases same from hook (18) causing buoyancy device (16) to ascend rapidly to the surface thus towing the lifeboat away from the platform (10) to a position (13') some 100 meters away from the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying mortar, grout, bonding materials and caulk ("sealing material") into or between building components or materials includes a handheld power tool having or adapted to mount, a hopper receiving a supply of sealing material, an auger associated with the hopper selectively to convey the sealing material, and a nozzle adjacent the end of the auger to direct the sealing material to the point of application. The auger may have temporary auger extension(s) releasably and rotatably coupled thereto for conveying sealing material into voids, cracks or holes ("holes") in the building components or materials, with the temporary auger extension(s) being uncoupled and left in the filled holes as a central anchor or reinforcing member. When used with caulk, the apparatus is preferably adapted to have a disposable caulk container coupled to the assembly to replace the hopper and a removable and disposable plastic auger assembly to replace the steel auger.

Abstract: A real time straightness deviation measuring and compensation device for a machine tool that automatically and continuously compensates for bed way deviation from a truly straight line relative to a workpiece. A wire, parallel to the workpiece or axis of workpiece rotation and perpendicular to the direction of machine tool compensation is utilized as a straightness reference, with the wire being stretched in the direction of machine tool carriage travel and supported on either end by weights for gravity induced straightness. A position indication device, such as a laser micrometer, is attached to the machine tool carriage and positioned around the reference wire in order to read the position of the wire relative to the machine tool carriage during real time operation. An electronically controlled servo motor attached to a machine tool supported on the carriage automatically adjusts the machine tool to compensate for carriage deviation caused by bed way deviation relative to the straight reference wire.

Abstract: An improved design for a labyrinth seal is disclosed. The present invention relates to a radially stepped labyrinth seal whereby the geometry of the sealing surfaces is to optimize flow deflection, thereby producing maximum turbulent shearing action. This is generally accomplished by the formation of sealing surfaces where the shape of the seal components is established as a function of the minimum clearance between the relatively movable members.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor attachment for mechanical equipment, such as an excavator or backhoe. The attachment includes a support frame which is pivotally attached to both the boom and the tilt arms of the excavator. One end of the support frame carries a scraper blade that can be used for leveling soil prior to compaction. A drum frame is connected to the support frame and a compaction drum is mounted for rotation on the drum frame. To vibrate the drum, an exciter is mounted on the drum frame and resilient isolation mounts interconnect the support frame and the drum frame to minimize the transmission of vibration to the support frame.

Abstract: A mechanical vending machine utilizing the coin as part of the dispensing mechanism. A coin is inserted into the vending machine and directed to engage the desired product in a manner to release the product from a stored position in the vending machine. The coin after releasing the product is collected in a coin box.