Abstract: There is provided a synthetic polymer useful as a thickener in aqueous compositions. The polymer preferably comprises the reaction product of methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate in certain specified proportions. The thickener is particularly effective in latex paint formulations.

Abstract: A non-wicking polyurethane casting system has been developed which comprises the reaction product obtained by admixing a polyol containing N-N-N'-N'-tetrakis (2-hydroxypropyl) ethylene diamine, (hereafter referred to as QUADROL) with an isocyanate terminated polyurethane based prepolymer. This non-wicking casting system is useful as a potting compound in biomedical applications such as dialysis and hemoultrafiltration devices and the like.

Abstract: The castor based quaternaries of the instant invention are prepared by condensing a castor fatty acid with the amino protons of a diamine containing a tertiary amino group at one end to form an intermediate product and then quaternizing the intermediate product.

Abstract: An over-the-center toggle mechanism for actuating locking dogs for connecting and disconnecting two underwater members. The first member includes a locking notch and the second member slideably carries locking dogs for transverse movement for engagement and disengagement with the locking notch. A toggle linkage includes a first pivot connection connected to the dogs and a second pivot connection longitudinally actuated by a piston whereby longitudinal movement of the second pivot connections transversely moves the locking dogs. A resilient load spring acts against the second pivot connections and towards said first pivot connections for locking the second pivot connections in a past dead center position relative to the first pivot connections. The second member includes a tubular body having an annular cavity with a longitudinally reciprocal carriage mounted in the cavity and actuated by the piston.

Abstract: The castor based quaternaries of the instant invention are prepared by condensing a castor fatty acid with the amino protons of a diamine containing a tertiary amino group at one end to form an intermediate product and then quaternizing the intermediate product.

Abstract: Methanation of carbon oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with hydrogen to produce methane is carried out with the aid of a heated catalyst which is the calcination product of a serpentine containing nickel and optionally magnesium and other elements together with silicon in the essentially laminar nickel serpentine. The catalysts exhibit good conversion at relatively low temperatures, are relatively insensitive to high temperature excursions, and have an extended life.

Abstract: A bollard used in vessel mooring and like operations includes a bollard drum around which the line or hawser is wrapped several times to reduce the line tension at the free length behind the drum. A cleat is provided for holding fast the free length of the hawser at the reduced tension. The hawser may be quickly released from the bollard during emergency situations by simultaneously unlatching the cleat and releasing a lock on the bollard allowing it to rotate as the hawser is pulled off and finally lifted out of the cleat.

Abstract: Organophilic clays and thixotropic cross-linkable polyester compositions containing the same are provided comprising an unsaturated polyester and an unsaturated aromatic monomer such as styrene having dispersed therein an organophilic clay gellant comprising the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having a cation exchange capacity of at least 75 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay and a methyl benzyl dialkyl ammonium compound or a dibenzyl dialkyl ammonium compound, said alkyl groups comprising long chain alkyl radicals having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein at least 5% of said long chains contain 8 to 14 carbon atoms and preferably at least 20% have 12 carbon atoms, the amount of said ammonium compound reacted with said clay being from 100 to 130 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay based on 100% active clay.

Abstract: A method for preventing fouling of equipment used in hydrocarbon processing is provided comprising adding to said hydrocarbon a polyalkyleneoxy sulfoxy salt represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a linear alkyl radical having from about 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an alkyl phenyl radical wherein the alkyl group contains from about 8 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3, n is a number from 3 to 8, x is 3 or 4 and M.sup.+ is an ammonium or an alkali metal cation.An antifouling formulation is also provided which comprises an alcohol-water dispersion of the above antifouling agent and a surfactant comprising a fatty acid dialkanol amide.

Abstract: Compounds useful as surfactant coupling agents in the preparation of filled thermosetting resin composites are provided which comprise vinyl carboxylic acid ester derivatives of compounds selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene glycols, monoalkyl ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols, monoalkyl phenyl ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols, and polyoxyethylene derivatives of mono-, di-, and tri-hydroxy fatty acid esters of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 mono- and polyhydric alcohols. The novel compounds are particularly useful in reducing the viscosity of highly bonded filler-prepolymer pastes to improve the dispersion of the filler and to promote interaction between the filler and the prepolymer so as to maintain and/or improve the properties of the final cured resin.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a first part with respect to a second part is characterized by a cylindrical guide respectively attachable to each part, a helical surface being disposed on each guide, each helical surface including a right hand half and a left hand half. A piston-cylinder is disposed on the second part, the piston being extendable to engage the guide on the first part to axially align the guides. After alignment, the piston is retractable to bring the helical surfaces into contact to generate a torque and align the parts. In another embodiment, the guide for the second part is formed on the piston while the guide on the first part has an axial alignment member projecting therefrom to engage the guide on the second part to align the guides. Once aligned, the helical surfaces contact each other with the piston extended. The contact between the helical surfaces causes the rotational alignment of the second part with respect to the first part.

Abstract: Novel thermosetting resin composites containing an inorganic filler material and a coupling agent are provided which include a coupling agent selected from the group consisting of (1) mono-, di-, and tri-long chain fatty acid esters of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 mono and polyhydric alcohols; (2) polyoxyalkylene glycols and mono alkyl ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols; and (3) polyoxyethylene derivatives of mono-, di-, and tri-hydroxy fatty acid esters of C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 mono- and polyhydric alcohols. The novel coupling agents are particularly useful in reducing the viscosity of highly loaded filler-prepolymer pastes to improve the dispersion of the filler and to promote interaction between the filler and the prepolymer so as to maintain and/or improve the properties of the final cured resins.

Abstract: An organoclay rheological additive for non-aqueous fluid systems comprising an organophilic clay gellant comprising the reaction product of a smectite-type clay having a cation exchange capacity of at least 75 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay and a methyl benzyl dialkyl ammonium compound or a dibenzyl dialkyl ammonium compound wherein the alkyl groups contain specific amounts of 8 to 22 carbon atoms and the amount of said ammonium compound reacted with said clay being from 100 to 130 milliequivalents per 100 grams of clay based upon 100% active clay.

Abstract: Door hinge arrangements for mounting large heavy doors on openings in irregular structures. The hinge arrangements comprise a pivot rod and an alignment member which extend parallel to each other with the pivot rod bolted to the door and mounted in bearings supported by flanges extending out from the alignment rod. The upper end of the alignment rod is fitted into an opening in a plate extending out from the door support structure so that it can rock or swing a limited amount. The lower end of the alignment rod rests on a horizontal support plate also extending out from the door support structure. A lateral adjustment mechanism is also provided to slide the lower end of the alignment member along the horizontal support plate in any direction to rotate it slightly. A detachable means for holding the hinge members to the door during installation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring fluid flow through a drilling string in order to detect a wash-out or a restriction. The apparatus includes circuitry for sensing the rate of pumping of a fluid, circuitry for sensing the pressure of the fluid being pumped, a function generator to process a pressure signal and a pump rate signal and generate a fluid flow indication signal, circuitry to actuate an alarm, and an alarm. The method includes sensing the pumping rate, sensing the pressure, and generating a fluid flow indication signal that gives an indication of the relationship between the pumping rate and pressure.

Abstract: A subaqueous sequence valve mechanism includes one or more main valves each adapted to be disposed in the water below the surface thereof. A first expansible chamber hydraulic actuator on the main valve operates that valve and also operates a second expansible chamber device against a spring. A hydraulic pressure line or lead from a controlled source above the surface is joined to and controls the submerged actuator. The second expansible chamber is connected in sequence through a throttle valve and a pressure relief valve to one side of a movable barrier in a hydraulic accumulator. On the other side of the movable barrier the accumulator is open to the water. There is also a return, one way flow valve shunting the pressure relief valve. The accumulator is hydraulically protected by a spring loaded check valve discharging into the water.