Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for minimizing the flow instability of molten plastics caused by slippage of the melt at the die wall during the extrusion process. The slippage, and therefore the flow instability, is minimized by removing the air from, or "degassing", the polymer prior to the extrusion process, preferably by subjecting the molten polymer to a vacuum for an extended time, typically 24 hours. Further, air is preferably prevented from being introduced into the molten polymer, the extrusion die or the extrusion process from the ambient conditions surrounding the extrusion process during the extrusion process by creating a vacuum over the polymer hopper, the feed region of the extrusion system, the exit portion of the die, the entire extrusion system or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A spent catalyst distributor in a fluid catalytic cracking unit regenerator is self aerated by attaching to the underside of each trough arm a contiguous lip which captures rising aeration fluid and uses the aeration fluid to aerate spent catalyst flowing through the trough arms of the spent catalyst distributor. Orifices in the bottom plate of each trough arm pass the captured aeration fluid up into the spent catalyst flowing within the trough arm. The aeration fluid provides aeration and fluidization of the spent catalyst to facilitate the flow of the spent catalyst through the trough arms of the spent catalyst distributor.

Abstract: A hobbing accessory is disclosed for a vertical milling machine of a type comprising a column, a knee mounted to the column so as to be vertically positionable with respect to the column, a saddle mounted to the knee so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the knee, toward and away from the column, a table mounted to the saddle so as to be horizontally positionable with respect to the saddle, in opposite directions across the column, a head projecting from the column, an arbor mounted operatively to the head and rotatable about a generally vertical axis, and a motor for rotating the arbor about the generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A portable exercise device for exercising the upper anatomy is provided. The portable exercise device includes a slide assembly having a pair of cooperating curved slides and a rack formed on each of the slides. A spring-biased elastic resistance mechanism having a pinion is interdisposed between the cooperating slides to generate resistance to relative movement of the slides. The resistance mechanism further includes a brake disc assembly in combination with a clutch assembly for providing frictional resistance in a single direction. A grip assembly including a pair of arms pivotally connected at opposite ends of the cooperating slides are positionable between a stowed position for storing and transporting the device, and an extended position for placing the user's arms in the appropriate position for performing the fly type exercise as heretofore described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based drilling fluid that reduces water adsorption and hydration of argillaceous rocks. The drilling fluid comprises a glycol with a molecular weight of less than about 200, an organic cationic material such as salts of choline or an organic salt of potassium, a filtration control agent, a viscosifier and water.

Abstract: A sulfated solid catalyst is provided which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide of Group III or Group IV element, e.g. zirconium, and (2) a first metal comprising a metal or combination of metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, nickel, platinum and rhenium, and platinum and tin. The catalyst may further comprise (3) a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII elements, e.g. iron. One embodiment of the invention further comprises (4) a third metal selected from the group consisting of Group V, VI and VII elements, e.g. manganese. The catalyst of the invention is useful for the isomerization of normal alkanes having 4 to 40 carbon atoms per molecule, for the naphtha upgrading of a hydrocarbon feedstock and for the hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: This invention relates to a goods-handling cart having chassis provided with a drive and steer wheel together with two swivelling stabilizing wheels, and at least one spring-effect element which acts on both of the stabilizing wheels via a mechanism that transmits a downwardly-directed vertical force to the stabilizing wheels, the mechanism is not attached to the wheels but merely bears thereagainst via simple contact surfaces engaging respective mounting elements for mounting the wheels in such a manner that the mechanism is free to move away from one or other of the mounting elements in a direction opposite to the direction in which the spring-effect element acts; retaining mechanism being associated with each wheel to limit displacement thereof in a downwards direction relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An automatic system uses sacrificial galvanic anodes to to provide a controlled and optimum amount of cathodic protection against galvanic corrosion on submerged metal parts. Intermittently pulsed control circuitry enables an electro-mechanical servo system to control a resistive element interposed between the sacrificial anodes and the electrically bonded underwater parts. In an active mode of operation a current is applied directly to the anodes to quickly establish the proper level of correction which is maintained during the passive mode. Incremental corrections are made over a period of time to provide stabilization of the protection and to conserve power. A visual indication of the amount of protection is available at all times. Circuitry and indicating devices are included which facilitate location and correction of potentially harmful stray currents and to prevent loss of sacrificial anodes to nearby marine structures.

Abstract: A system and method for data transfer. The system determines the baud rate of a plurality channels carrying of asynchronous data streams by measuring a time period T between the beginning of a start bit and the transition to a logic high at the beginning of each odd-ASCII character. The system assesses baud rates over a continuous variable range. The system loops back data to its source to provide an echo while determining the baud rate.

Abstract: The invention provides a pattern recognition processing apparatus and a technique for realizing a neural network of a complex structure within the processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a neural network having two-dimensional layers connected to form a feed-forward systolic array. Each two dimensional layer includes a feature extraction layer connected with a positional error absorbing layer. A host system provides inputs to the network. Each layer within the network includes processing elements such as a MOS analog circuit that receives input voltage signals and provides output voltage signals.

Abstract: A modular telecommunications system configured for wireless telecommunication in accordance with a pre-selected standard. Modular units are adapted to be secured within other items of electronic equipment for establishing a telecommunications link with a wireless network. The modular telecommunications unit comprises a housing for mounting a radio transceiver therein. The housing includes a plurality of contacts arranged along a first end, the contacts being adapted for engagement with contacts in the electronic equipment, and at least one radio connector disposed along the second, opposite end of the housing and connected to the radio transceiver within the housing whereby the radio transceiver can be coupled to an antenna to enable communication therefrom.

Abstract: A press jacket is formed of an elastomeric jacket material having two layers of reinforcement threads, namely an inner layer and an outer layer, embedded in it. The inner layer is formed of longitudinal threads which upon operation of the press device extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the press jacket. The outer layer is formed by a fabric layer or by circumferential threads which are wound helically and which, upon operation of the press device, extend approximately in the direction of travel of the press jacket. The reinforcement threads are surrounded by the layer of elastomeric material, which is produced homogeneously. The inner surface of the press jacket has longitudinal grooves which extend parallel to the longitudinal threads and have a depth of 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a computer diskette to an object. The diskette securing apparatus comprises a diskette holder and a retaining member extending from the diskette holder. The retaining member is adapted to engage the object to secure the diskette holder to the object.

Abstract: A fluid-holding container and a member for mounting the container to an object. The fluid-holding container is formed to have a concave bottom portion and sidewalls connected to the bottom portion. At the center of the bottom portion, a channel extends into the interior of the fluid-holding container. The channel is adapted to engage with a securing post of a mounting member. The mounting member includes a base portion that is attached to the object. The distance between the sidewalls and the center axis of the fluid-holding container is substantially equal to the distance between the center of the securing post and the base portion, thus assuring a secure attachment of the container to the mounting member. The present invention is suitable for use in mounting a water bottle to a bicycle.

Abstract: An air injector for the foaming of paper pulp, comprised of a hollow cylindrical tube inside which is arranged a cylindrical bore (3) leading into a convergent portion and a divergent portion (2a, 2b, 2c), said cylindrical bore being occluded by a stopper fitted with holes (8) providing a cylindrical air inlet chamber (3a).

Abstract: A system (10) allows the storing of construction drawings or blueprints in a plurality of computer files (32). The system (10) allows automatic determinations of lengths, areas and count of dimensions displayed in drawings. The measured dimensions are provided in terms of real world or full scale quantities. A scale between the full scale quantities and computer displayed dimensions is determined for each file (32) to allow subsequent measurements scaled in terms of the original blueprint designated dimensions. The dimensions are identified with particular product items so that a quantity of items and costs thereof may be automatically determined and reported.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine which is somewhat remotely similar to the "Flame Seedless" grapevine (Unpatented), but from which it is distinguished by producing fruit which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 1, or about two weeks after the fruit produced by the "Flame Seedless" grapevine, and wherein the fruit is of high quality and of dark maroon red to lighter red skin coloration.