Abstract: An apparatus (10) for electrolytic plating of a substrate (44) includes a tank (14) in which a shaft (30) is centrally mounted for rotation about a first axis (28). The shaft carries an arm (40), on the distal end (112) of which is rotatably mounted a fixture wheel (44). The substrate to be plated is carried on the fixture wheel, which rides on an annular track (50) formed on the bottom of the tank around the shaft. A plurality of spaced pins (52) projecting upwardly from the track engage with a plurality of spaced recesses (56) formed about the perimeter (54) of the wheel, so that the wheel rotates about a second axis (64) while revolving around the first axis. The fixture carries a plurality of electrical contact members (46) that contact the substrate. Each contact member is separately supplied with current from a multichannel power supply (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in welding pipe. The apparatus includes means for viewing the interior of the pipe, means for establishing a predetermined atmosphere in the weld zone and means for clearing liquid from the interior of the pipe.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyhalogenated microporous film having a very narrow pore size distribution and good temperature and chemical resistance. The process involves blending a polyhalogenated copolymer with a polyethyloxazoline utilizing a solvent which is a nonsolvent for the polyhalogenated copolymer but a solvent for polyethyloxazoline, forming a film from the blend, drying the film, heating the film to a temperature at or above the melting point of the polyhalogenated copolymer and under conditions such that the microparticulate particles at their points of mutual contact will neck together to form a relatively continuous matrix and extracting the polyethyloxazoline from the film utilizing a solvent for the binder particle to form a microporous film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for forming an open-celled microporous membrane (e.g., in film or fiber form) and a novel microporous membrane formed thereby. The process generally includes sequential cold and hot stretching operations, whereby the cold stretching operation is preferably accomplished in a plurality of discrete cold stretching steps. In this regard, the total cold stretch extension is of greater than about 30 percent, and advantageously greater than about 40 percent based upon the initial unstretched length of the nonporous precursor, with this total cold stretch ratio being distributed among a plurality of discrete cold stretching steps. The novel membranes of this invention are characterized by decreased pore size and increased pore densities. For example, the membranes of this invention will have an average pore radius as determined by mercury porosimetry of less than about 0.040 micron. The membranes of this invention, moreover, exhibit a distinctive "bluish" color hue (i.e., a Macbeth Coloreye.

Abstract: A process for the machine-washing of fabrics according to which a dispensing and diffusing device of the reusable type is filled with a particulate product which is active during the washing. This device is placed in the machine together with the fabrics to be washed, and washing is subsequently carried out in the customary way. The device used comprises a flexible bag mounted on a ring made of plastic with helical radial walls providing apertures through the mouth delimited by the ring. A assembly in the form of a cage can be arranged inside the sleeve of the bag in order to maintain the form of the latter during the washing. The product dissolves progressively and little escapes from the device in solid form.

Abstract: A connecting link utilized in a pendant line for connecting lengths or segments of wire ropes used in anchoring offshore drilling barges and the like to facilitate the handling of the pendant line when it is being placed into service, removed from service and during storage by positively and securely but yet detachably connecting adjacent ends of adjacent segments in order to enable a pendant line of desired overall length to be utilized but yet easily handled when the pendant line is being assembled and placed into service or disassembled and stored on a reel when being removed from service.

Abstract: The present invention provides microporous hollow fiber with improved structural and performance characteristics and a process and apparatus for preparing the improved fiber. The microporous hollow fiber possesses substantially uniform wall thickness, cross-sectional dimensions and porosity. Such characteristics are obtained by melt spinning hollow fiber precursor under defined conditions in a substantially vertically upward direction and subjecting the precursor to a symmetrical quenching step which may be achieved using a hollow annular structure surrounding the precursor. The structure, which is connected to a source of gas, has one or more openings on its inner surface that distribute the gas against the precursor in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A fence is constructed of plastic components. The fence has a tubular support that is anchored in the ground. A post slides over the support and extends upwardly. Plastic rails interconnect the posts. Each rail has protruding pegs extending out from one side. Plastic fence boards have holes formed in one side for snapping onto the pegs to secure the fence boards. Some of the holes are vertical slots to allow the fence boards to be positioned at various vertical heights. A plastic strip is placed in contact with the ground between the posts. The strip has an upwardly facing channel for receiving the lower edges of the fence boards.

Abstract: A utility cart has features that allow it to be used over rough ground and stairways. The cart is a two wheel cart, with a base plate that projects forwardly for balancing the cart upright. The cart is rolled by tilting it rearwardly with handles. The cart has a back plate that is mounted across the frame and has a number of retainers for releasably retaining storage bins. Side plates are located on the sides of the base plate and back plate. The side plates have retainers for holding tools. Brackets on the insides of the side plates will receive a shaft for holding a spool of wire. The brackets will also receive a rung. The cart can then be used as a ladder. Braces extend rearwardly from the axle for facilitating moving the cart over stairways. A cover fits over the upper and front edges of the side plate to provide a secure enclosure. The cover can be moved to an open position where it will also serve as a temporary work table.

Abstract: The present invention provides microporous hollow fiber with improved structural and performance characteristics and a process and apparatus for preparing the improved fiber. The microporous hollow fiber possesses substantially uniform wall thickness, cross-sectional dimensions and porosity. Such characteristics are obtained by melt spinning hollow fiber precursor under defined conditions in a substantially vertically upward direction and subjecting the precursor to a symmetrical quenching step which may be achieved using a hollow annular structure surrounding the precursor. The structure, which is connected to a source of gas, has one or more openings on its inner surface that distribute the gas against the precursor in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A hand reel is disclosed herein particularly for use in winding electrical extension cords. The hand reel is a spool with flanges, with the cord adapted to be wrapped around the spool between the flanges. The spool has a central bore that is large enough to accommodate the user's hand. A supporting member is slidingly attached to the spool inside the bore, allowing the spool to be rotated while holding the supporting member. The arcuate length of the supporting member is much less than the diameter of the bore, minimizing friction and allowing cleaning.

Abstract: Dual oncoming air spoilers for vehicles are mounted near the hood to deflect air carried bugs, rain, road spray, snow, and lightweight debris up and away from the windshield. They are provided essentially in a one embodiment kit having: two plastic panels; two bottom channels to respectively receive the two panels; four bendable and breakaway pre-drilled and countersunk brackets to be used in securing the bottom channels and their inserted bottom edges of the dual oncoming air spoilers to a front of a vehicle on or near the hood and standard fastener assemblies, all these components being assembled and installed using conventional hand tools for drilling access holes to receive the fastener assemblies and to secure them. By following selective installation procedures, the contents of this one embodiment kit are mountable on many different vehicles having many different hood widths and hood contour designs.