Abstract: An earth impedance determination and compensation system for use with a seismic vibrator utilizes output signals from accelerometers on the baseplate and reaction mass portions of the vibrator to create a signal indicative of the near-surface weathered earth layer impedance below the baseplate. The impedance signal is utilized to generate parameter signals which are indicative of the compressional and shear wave patterns generated by the baseplate and may be used to more rapidly and accurately design seismic source arrays to optimize the wave pattern emanating therefrom. One of the parameter signals is directly indicative of the travel time thickness of the weathered surface layer and may be used to accurately determine the static correction factor attributable solely to weathered layer topography.

Abstract: A normally closed pneumatically actuated air valve for use in a variable air volume air distribution system has a unitary inlet section which supports a damper assembly and actuator through a support grid disposed in the inlet section. The damper assembly is mounted for axial movement, on a fixed spindle and guide piston, under the impetus of the expansion of a pressure chamber defined by a portion of the damper assembly and a diaphragm which conformably surrounds the guide piston. A biasing spring acts on a surface of the fixed guide piston and on the damper assembly to bias the damper assembly toward a seating surface of the inlet section.

Abstract: Polychlorobenzenes are selectively dechlorinated to dichlorobenzenes and monochlorobenzene in the vapor phase in the presence of a sulfided palladium or platinum catalyst. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature of from 225.degree. C. to 450.degree. C., preferably at atmospheric pressure, with an equimolar ratio of hydrogen and polychlorobenzene, and a space velocity of 0.5 to 5 wt. feed/wt. catalyst-hour. Only small amounts of benzene are formed.

Abstract: A normally open pneumatic air control valve includes an inlet section which defines a seating surface and a support grid. A support plate, located downstream of the inlet section, is itself supported by a plurality of rods extending from the inlet section. A damper assembly is disposed for movement axial of the inlet section and is supported for such movement between the inlet section support grid and the downstream support plate. The damper assembly is actuated by the admission of a pressurized gas to a chamber cooperatively defined by a housing fixed to the support plate and a diaphragm disposed therein. A spring acts on the fixed grid support of the inlet section and on the damper assembly to urge the damper assembly away from the inlet section so that the valve is biased to the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is the hydrocarboxylation of defined enamides with CO and a compound ROH to make amido acids or amido esters, either of which can be hydrolyzed to .alpha.-amino acids.

Abstract: In the process of hydrocarboxylating an enol acylate with CO and an organic hydroxyl compound to produce an .alpha.-acyloxy acid ester, the improvement comprising using as the organic hydroxyl compound reactant, an organic hydroxyl compound which has a chiral center that is essentially all L or D, thereby producing a reaction mixture having essentially no enantiomeric pairs and containing diastereomeric .alpha.-acyloxy acid esters having two chiral centers.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing a nylon-type polyamide from a dinitrile, a diamine and water in the presence of a catalyst is improved by using as a catalyst an ester of oxygenated phosphorus compound in conjunction with a strong base. For example, high quality nylon-6,6 is manufactured by contacting adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine and water with an ester of an oxygenated phosphorous compound and sodium hydroxide at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A process for the production of a nonaqueous stable emulsion feedstock comprising a rubber, a block copolymer having at least one component miscible with the rubber and at least one component miscible with the monomer, and at least two unsaturated organic monomers capable of free radical polymerization is disclosed. At least one of the monomers must be miscible with the rubber and the mixture of the monomers is substantially a nonsolvent for the rubber. The block copolymer maintains the rubber or rubber-rich particles in emulsified form within the mixture of monomers. In general, the process comprises (1) mixing the rubber, block copolymer and at least a portion of the rubber miscible monomers to form a first nonaqueous solution, (2) mixing the remaining monomers and the remaining portion of the rubber miscible monomers to form a second solution, and (3) combining the two solutions to form the nonaqueous stable emulsion feedstock.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrocarboxylation of propylene to produce predominantly isobutyric acid in the liquid phase is provided. The reaction of propylene, carbon monoxide and water is effected at a temperature of about 10.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. and at a pressure of about 75 psi to about 1500 psi in the presence of a strong acid and a metal phthalocyanine co-catalyst.

Abstract: A process for activating fluid bed catalysts useful for producing maleic anhydride from 4 carbon atom hydrocarbons is provided including contacting the fluidized catalyst containing the mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus with oxygen and a reducing gas at least partially combustible with oxygen at elevated temperatures sufficient to cause such combustion, wherein the molar ratio of reducing gas to oxygen is greater than the stoichiometric ratio required for complete combustion of the reducing gas. Also provided are catalysts activated by the process of the invention, as well as a process for producing maleic anhydride utilizing the catalysts thus activated.

Abstract: A frameless air handling enclosure is made possible by the use of double-flanged edges on the enclosure's side and bottom panels. The edge configuration provides reinforcement and rigidity to an otherwise flexible panel and also provides a mating surface for fastening the panels together. The enclosure includes an access opening that is covered by a removable access panel having a lining of sound and thermal insulating material. The access panel is installed by first sliding it upward into engagement with a top flange retainer and then sliding it back down into engagement with a bottom flange retainer. Upon engagement with both flange retainers, the lining of insulation is compressed against the perimeter of the access opening. This compression fit not only helps hold the access panel firmly in place but also provides a weathertight seal around the perimeter of the opening.

Abstract: An ethylene-unsaturated, ester-substituted olefin distillate flow improver and cold-flow plugging point improvers are disclosed.

Abstract: Bismuth cerium molybdate catalysts promoted with alkali metal and other optional ingredients provide high yields of acrylonitrile in the ammoxidation of propylene.

Abstract: Novel amorphous metal alloy electrodes have the formulaePt.sub.p A.sub.a D.sub.dwhereA is Ir, Pd, Rh, Ru and mixtures thereof;D is B, Al, As, P, Sb, Ge, Sn, Si and mixtures thereof;p is from about 40 to 92 percent;a is from about 1 to 40 percent;d is from about 8 to 40 percent; and p+a+d=100; andNi.sub.n E.sub.e F.sub.f G.sub.gwhereE is Mo, W and mixtures thereof;F is Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Cr and mixtures thereof;G is Al, Ga and mixtures thereof;n is from about 30 to 90 percent;e is from about 10 to 50 percent;f is from about 0 to 25 percent;g is from about 10 to 40 percent; and n+e+f+g=100.These electrodes are useful for hydrogen formation and oxidation and operate at lower potentials than existing electrodes.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly which enables a workpiece affixed to a pallet to be rotated at a work station and thereafter returned to its original position for longitudinal indexing along the transfer line. The transfer line includes a pallet locating and supporting unit which carries a first transfer bar segment. The pallet locating and supporting means includes bearing which enable the first transfer bar segment to be longitudinally indexed and rotated about its longitudinal axis. A rotary indexing assembly is provided for rotating the pallet supporting and locating device. A second transfer bar segment is carried by an intermediate transfer section. Both transfer bar segments include end features which interlockingly engage; thus, enabling the rotational and longitudinal movement to be transferred along the bar sections when they are aligned, but permitting the first transfer bar segment to be rotated out of engagement with the remaining transfer bar segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for ammoxidation of paraffins containing 2-5 C atoms over a vanadium-antimony oxide catalyst, the catalyst, and a precursor slurry for making such catalyst.

Abstract: Control plates in flat picture-reproducing devices are located between the cathode and the screen and serve to control the electron flow. Control plates are formed of layers of metal conductors having overlying openings. The width of the openings decreases with depth from both surfaces of the conductors. The openings can be formed by pairs of juxtaposed recesses formed in the sides of adjacent conductors.

Abstract: A hand held grinding device for sharpening drill bits comprises a pair of bearing members which rotatably support a grinding wheel fast on a shaft. Portion of the shaft is engagable with the chuck of a drill. A guide plate with grooves for various size ranges of drill bits is hingedly connected to the bearing members by a plastics hinge. The grooves direct the drill bit to the grinding wheel at an angle of 59.degree.. By pivoting the guide plate relative to the bearing members, the trailing portion of the cutting edge of the drill bit is relieved.

Abstract: A freight brake control valve device in which the emergency piston is arranged to operate a pair of slide valves having lost motion therebetween to provide a continuous, local reduction in the brake pipe pressure in response to initial actuation of the emergency piston when a service rate of brake pipe pressure reduction is made, in order to quickly propagate a brake pipe pressure reduction wave along the train and accordingly provide an accelerated application of the train brakes. This accelerated application function in response to a service rate of brake pipe pressure reduction is achieved during movement of the emergency piston toward emergency position, during which movement, the quick-action chamber "breathing" function also occurs, the latter being presently incorporated in the emergency piston slide valve to stabilize the emergency piston following initial actuation thereof, so as to prevent further actuation of the emergency piston to emergency position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel vapor phase process for the production of unsaturated acids and esters, such as acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, by reacting a primary alcohol with a saturated monocarboxylic acid, ester, or anhydride in the presence of oxygen over a solid catalyst.