Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the decomposition of chlorofluorocarbons to hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide by the chlorofluorocarbons' reaction with water at a temperature of 200 .degree. C. or higher and in the presence of a catalyst material consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb and an alloy consisting of at least two elements selected from the same group. The catalyst material may also be composed of an alloy consisting of up to 80 atomic % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co and the substantial balance of being at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Nb. The metallic catalyst materials of the present invention have a very high catalytic activity for the decomposition of flons at relatively low temperatures and can retain their high activity during the decomposition process, even if they are converted into fluorides.

Abstract: A buckle comprises a locking crossbar connected at its ends to respective ends of a pair of parallel side bars and a wrapping crossbar disposed in parallel spaced relation to the locking crossbar and connected at its ends with the side bars at their respective intermediate positions. The wrapping crossbar has a pair of juxtaposed sharp projecting ridges each extending longitudinally thereof; one projecting ridge being provided on the upper surface of the wrapping crossbar and the other on that side of the wrapping crossbar which is remote from the locking crossbar for increased frictional resistance of the belt to be inserted through the buckle.

Abstract: A buckle comprising a rectangular frame including a pair of lateral frame members and a pair of first and second longitudinal frame members interconnected therewith and a substantially rectangular belt stopper pivotally mounted on the lateral frame members with a belt interposed between the belt stopper and the longitudinal frame members. As the belt stopper turns in one direction, one side of the belt stopper brings the belt into pressing engagement with the inner edge of the first longitudinal frame member.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a continuous chain of fastener stringers with bottom end stops and sliders comprises a slider holder means capable of rotating about an axis extending parallel to the direction of feed of the stringer chain and having symmetrical upper and lower portions each with an identical set of operative parts. The slider holder means is rotatable intermittently each for an angular distance of 180.degree. between a first position in which a slider is received into one of a pair of pockets formed at opposite ends of the slider holder and a second position in which another slider already in the other pocket is assembled with its pull tab disposed on the same side of the stringer chain on which a bottom end stop is assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of electrolytically machining the surface of a workpiece by applying positive and negative electric current pulses alternately and repeatedly across the workpiece and a tooling electrode located oppositely in a neutral electrolyte so as to keep a predetermined gap therebetween, wherein the time interval from a negative pulse to a positive pulse is shorter than that from the positive pulse to the next positive pulse.

Abstract: The present invention provides high strength, heat resistant aluminum-based alloys having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.c wherein:M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, W, Ca, Li, Mg and Si;X is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Sm, Nd, Hf, Nb, Ta and Mm (misch metal); anda, b and c are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges:50.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.35 and 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.25,the aluminum-based alloy being in an amorphous state, microcrystalline state or a composite state thereof. The aluminum-based alloys possess an advantageous combination of properties of high strength, heat resistance, superior ductility and good processability which make then suitable for various applications.

Abstract: A buckle assembly formed from a molded plastic material comprises a plug member and a socket member releasably engageable therewith, the plug member having a pair of spaced engaging tongues adapted to engage with corresponding flexural flanges of the socket member to urge the flanges to displace radially outwardly beyond the confines of lateral sides of the socket member. The plug member includes a locking prong resiliently movable into and out of a window formed in the socket member. A single hand manipulation of the locking prong and/or the flexural flanges facilitates resilient release of the plug member from the socket member.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a window board to a transom which comprises a transom having at least one groove formed in the inner end face thereof so as to open towards the indoor side; a horizontally extending cover attachment to which the window board is attached, the cover attachment extending in parallel to the transom; and a plurality of connecting members adapted to be engaged within said groove so as to fixedly secure the cover attachment to the inner end face of the transom. Between the inner end face of the transom and the cover attachment, a heat insulation material is interposed.

Abstract: A cast starting method in horizontal continuous casting, including the steps of locating an orifice plate having an orifice between a molten metal outlet of a tundish and a mold, the orifice plate being formed on its front side with a recess expanded in a range surrounding an outlet of the orifice, locating a starting block in the mold to let a rear end surface of the starting block contact a front surface of the orifice plate to define a closed space by the recess, locating a starting pin in the closed space at a position not aligned to the outlet of the orifice, letting a molten metal flow from the tundish through the orifice into the closed space, and drawing the starting block with the molten metal after solidified out of the mold.

Abstract: A method of producing a colored narrow tape woven or knitted of a weft and a group of warp yarns, comprising: continuously moving the group of warp yarns along a longitudinal path through a dyeing station; coloring the group of warp yarns with a first dye at the dyeing station to a predetermined length to provide a first colored region; providing a noncolored region following to a trailing end of the first colored region; coloring the group of warp yarns with a second dye at the dyeing station to a predetermined length to provide a second colored region following to the noncolored region; and supplying the resulting warp yarns to a subsequent weaving or knitting station.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for retaining cords, strings or the like in position comprises a cylindrical tube having holes, a resilient locking means mounted in the tube and a pair of end taps and having a through bore. The locking means has arcuately inwardly bent upper and lower wing members defining therebetween slits. The end taps each have an arrow-headed portion adapted to be received through and locked inside of the slit of the locking means and a tapered portion resiliently engageable in the slit and movable between the upper and lower wing members to bring the bore into and out of registry with the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corrosion resistant aluminum-based alloy which is composed of a compound having a composition consisting of the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b Mo.sub.c X.sub.d Cr.sub.e wherein: M is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, V, Mn, Cu and Ta; X is Zr or a combination of Zr and Hf; and a, b, c, d and e are, in atomic percentages; 50%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.89%, 1%.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25%, 2%.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.15%, 4%.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.20% and 4%.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.20%, the compound being at least 50% by volume composed of an amorphous phase. The Al-based alloy exhibits a very high corrosion resistance in severe corrosive environments, such as hydrochloric acid solution or sodium hydroxide solution, due to the formation of a highly passivative protective film. Therefore, the alloy exhibits a good durability in long services under such severe corrosive environments.

Abstract: Disclosed are high strength magnesium-based alloys consisting essentially of a composition represented by the general formula (I) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.d, (II) Mg.sub.a Ln.sub.c X.sub.d or (III) Mg.sub.a M.sub.b Ln.sub.c X.sub.d, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Al, Zn and Ca; Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Sm and Nd or a misch metal (Mm) which is a combination of rare earth elements; X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba and Ga; and a, b, c and d are, in atomic percent, 55.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.95, 3.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.25, 1.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.15 and 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.30, the alloy being at least 50 percent by volume composed of an amorphous phase.

Abstract: Highly active amorphous alloy catalysts for use in decomposing of flons into hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide by the reaction of flons with water, consist of at least one element selected from the group of Ni and Co, at least one element selected from the group of Nb, Ta, Ti and Zr, which are effective for the formation of the amorphous structure by coexisting with at least one element selected from the group of Ni and Co, and at least one element selected from the group of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt, which are necessary for the high catalytic activity. The alloys are activated by immersion into hydrofluoric acids.

Abstract: A slide fastener shortening method for shortening a slide fastener with rows of fastener elements made of synthetic resin from a predetermined length of the slide fastener into a desired short length thereof.

Abstract: Durable and clear blue color of freely controlled density can be expeditiously and efficiently impated to an anodic oxide film of aluminum by a method which comprises forming the anodic oxide film on the aluminum or aluminum alloy, then subjecting the aluminum or aluminum alloy to AC electrolysis in a bath containing an inorganic ferrous salt as a main component thereof thereby inducing deposition of iron in the pores of the oxide film, and subsequently placing the aluminum or aluminum alloy as an anode in a bath containing hexacyano iron (II) acid salt as a main component thereof and subjecting the same to DC electrolysis therein. In the alternative method, the pore-widening treatment is added next to said step of anodic oxidation. The pore-widening treatment is effected by immersing the aluminum or aluminum alloy in sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid or electrolyzing the same in phosphoric acid or a mixed solution of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A metal-shielded cable includes a core made of insulated wires each having a conductor coated with an insulation layer. The core is surrounded with a composite metal shield which includes a laminated metal-plastic layer and a shield layer. The shield layer includes a tape formed of woven filaments, which is wound around or aligned longitudinally along the core of the cable.

Abstract: A snap-fit button comprising: a button body having on its front surface an ornamental; a snap member; a caulking member with which the button body and snap member are adapted to be caulked; a locking ring having on and along its outer peripheral portion a ridge and attached to a flange of the caulking member; a socket having an aperture for receiving the locking ring and having a taper diverging from an edge of the aperture toward a back surface of the button body, the socket being secured to the back surface of the button body; and a ring-shape spring disposed in the socket for resiliently engaging the locking ring.