Abstract: Transition metal complexes of meso-haloalkylporphyrins, wherein the haloalkyl groups contain 2 to 8 carbon atoms have been found to be highly effective catalysts for oxidation of alkanes and for the decomposition of hydroperoxides.

Abstract: A meltblowing die for producing nonwoven polymer webs includes an inner tube having a plurality of orifices arranged in a row thereon, and an outer tube encasing the inner tube and having a slot formed therein in registry with the row orifices. The inner tube and outer tubes are constructed to define converging air passages on either side of the row of orifices, whereby hot air delivered to the outer tube converges on polymer fibers extruded through the orifices and imparts drag forces thereon to attenuate and draw down the fibers to microsize.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several aspects processes of preparing a polymer electrolyte electrochemical cell in which supply of a reaction gas and discharge of an obtained gas can be smoothly conducted. This can be achieved by forming through apertures in a cathode or by forming a gradient of ion exchange resin concentration of a catalyst particle cluster size.

Abstract: A splint product is used for forming a hard structure about a body portion. The product includes a substrate impregnated with a resin that hardens when exposed to water. A protective water-impervious envelope surrounds the substrate and shields the substrate from exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. An outer cushioning wrap surrounds the protective envelope and is for engaging the body portion. Prior to wetting of the splint product, the protective envelope is removed from its shielding position about the substrate so that the substrate remains inside the outer wrap. The outer wrap with the substrate therein is exposed to water and applied to an appropriate body portion about which it hardens.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting a barrier with a resilient pad, an objective of which being to reduce damage caused by incidental contact therewith. The protector includes a resilient membrane, advantageously made of foam, incarcerated by a cover. The outside surface of the cover may also be decorated with commercial advertising to take advantage of the prominent location of barriers at gas pump islands and drive-through businesses.

Abstract: A moldable composition suitable for use as a pattern core material for investment casting. The composition comprises a water-soluble continuous phase organic material and a water-soluble fluorescing dye dispersed through the continuous phase organic material. Related disposable thermoplastic patterns and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe collar comprising first and second arcuate shell members, clamping means for drawing the shell members together around a pipe, and improved sealing means disposed in each of the shell members, for facilitating sealing engagement between the pipe collar and the pipe, and between the respective shell member sealing means.

Abstract: An independent screwed wellhead apparatus and method provide for connecting a high pressure casing nipple (34) to internal threads (36) disposed along the bore (38) of the wellhead body (12) to temporarily increase the working pressure capability of the wellhead body (12). The internal threads (36) are supported by a thick wall (44) of the wellhead body (12) disposed in a lower end (13) of the wellhead body (12). The lower end (13) of the wellhead body (12) has a higher working pressure capability than the upper end (19) of the wellhead body (12). The high pressure casing nipple (34) temporarily isolates the upper end (19) from the higher pressure.

Abstract: An in-line continuous method of formulating and applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate involves metering a particulate polymer adhesive and a tackifier in a weight ratio in an extruder where the raw materials are formed into a homogeneous melt. The melt is continuously discharged directly into a hot melt applicator for deposition onto a substrate.

Abstract: A headbox of a machine for producing a fiber web from a pulp suspension which travels in a flow direction through the headbox has a first chamber into which a pulp suspension is introduced, a second chamber provided downstream of the first chamber, and at least two walls provided in a region between the first and second chambers so that the pulp suspension flows between the two walls. Each of the two walls has a non-planar, contoured surface to generate turbulence in the pulp suspension flowing between the two walls. The headbox also includes means for longitudinally shifting at least one of the two walls with respect to the other wall to control the turbulence generated in the pulp suspension.

Abstract: A one-piece steering wheel is formed as a unitary casting from an alloy that includes 11.5% to 14% by weight silicon, and 350 to 450 parts per million strontium. Preferably the steering wheel mold is rotated during casting at relatively high rotational speeds exerting 100 g to 250 g force on the wheel. An optimum rotational speed is disclosed. A one-piece steering wheel formed according to the invention exhibits minimal length ferro-silicon hair-like strands, and thus exhibits reduced brittleness.

Abstract: A self-steering wheel truck for use with a railway locomotive or powered transit car in which tractive force is transferred from the axle to the frame through angled traction rods and steering beams connecting with the end axles. The steering beams interconnect the end axles so that the yaw of one axle induces an equal and opposite rotation of the other end axle. The traction rods are aligned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the truck. The angled traction rod arrangement induces a force tending to return a laterally displaced axle back to center, thereby minimizing hunting while at the same time permitting self steering axle yaw action.

Abstract: A gas line safety evacuation apparatus and method wherein earthquakes or other hazardous disruptive events are monitored and detected. Upon detection of an earthquake or like event, gas or other fluid lines are evacuated by an evacuation pump, and the evacuated gas is stored in a storage tank for future use. Control valves are activated upon detection of the earthquake to prevent additional gas or fluid from entering the lines.

Abstract: Flat or curved micro heat pipe panels are fabricated by arranging essentially parallel filaments in the shape of the desired panel. The configuration of the filaments corresponds to the desired configuration of the tubes that will constitute the heat pipes. A thermally conductive material is then deposited on and around the filaments to fill in the desired shape of the panel. The filaments are then removed, leaving tubular passageways of the desired configuration and surface texture in the material. The tubes are then filled with a working fluid and sealed. Composite micro heat pipe laminates are formed by layering individual micro heat pipe panels and bonding them to each other to form a single structure. The layering sequence of the micro heat pipe panels can be tailored to transport heat preferentially in specific directions as desired for a particular application.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscope having a housing, an eyepiece, an insertion tube, proximal and distal windows, and seals seal against the passage of contaminants into the endoscope during autoclaving and the housing, eyepiece, insertion tube, windows and light pipe are comprised of materials which withstand a temperature of at least about 1200.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of joining two materials by single pulse electron radiation. The method comprises the step of disposing a first material layer adjacent to a second material layer such that an interface is disposed therebetween. Then there is the step of irradiating the interface with a pulsed electron beam such that energy of the pulsed electron beam is selectively deposited in a narrow spatial region and localized at the interface to produce an effective joint between the first and second material layers in a single pulse. Preferably, before the irradiating step, there is the step of calculating an optimum temperature profile across the interface depending on electron energy, beam current density and pulse length of the pulsed electron beam. The electron energy of the pulsed electron beam is preferably in the range of 100 keV to 10 MeV. The pulsed electron beam current density is preferably in the range of 1-1000 A/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A nozzle of a multilayer headbox wherein the headbox includes a nozzle for distributing the stock suspension on a wire. The nozzle is subdivided by at least one machine-wide fin, the fin forming with the nozzle at least two machine-wide nozzle ducts. At least the mean value of the clearance of at least one nozzle duct diminishes steadily in the flow direction, the percentage decrease of the clearance in the fluidically essential area of the nozzle being at least twice as large as in the starting area of the nozzle. The fin has downstream end area of decreasing thickness immediately preceded by an area of increasing thickness.

Abstract: An additive to reduce fluid loss from drilling fluids is comprised of comminuted products from the rice plant or blends of other comminuted plant materials with the rice products. Polymers to reduce fluid loss even lower and friction-reducing materials may be added to the plant materials.

Abstract: To prevent unnecessary power outages, and to remove feeder lines from service only when certain hazardous fault conditions occur, a load analysis system including an apparatus and method, monitors the load level of a feeder line and determines the presence of any arcing on the feeder line. In a two stage load pattern analysis, the presence of arcing and load current level changes are used to discriminate high impedance, low current conditions including a downed conductor, a broken and dangling conductor, a tree or object contact with the feeder line, overcurrent activities, and normal switching events such as recloser operation. The load analysis system also provides output commands including wait, alarm, trip-ready, trip and normal, depending upon which status is diagnosed.

Abstract: Compositions for producing foamed products which include filler and/or pigment additives and blowing agents which enhance the strength of weld lines which are produced when the compositions are molded. The products produced from the compositions have weld .[.line.]. .Iadd.lines .Iaddend.that demonstrate superior strengths as compared to similar foamed products which do not utilize the particular blowing agents.