Abstract: An apparatus and device for evaluating the surface roughness of a tennis ball or other objects. The object is placed in flowing gas and the drag force applied on the object is measured. By repeating the procedure with objects having different surface roughness a cross-reference table is developed between drag force and surface roughness. The apparatus comprises a scale supporting the object. The object is placed in a tube and gas is blown through the tube past the object, while the drag force on the object is measured by the scale.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods and materials for making porous resin rigidified shaped articles suitable for filters, surgical trays, and the like, which comprises the steps of impregnating a non-woven fabric with a predetermined amount of thermoplastic or thermosetting water-based epoxy resin; partially curing the resin-impregnated fabric; and, thereafter molding the partially cured fabric into a desired shape with sufficient heat to advance the curing of the resin.

Abstract: An improved utility reel having a barrel formed of two segments and a flexible hinge connecting the inner walls of the two portions longitudinally and the outer walls in a snap fit manner. Locking rings at each end of the barrel formed from the respective segments and engageable with a camming surface on circular flanges thereby maintained on respective ends of the barrel.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a new and novel method of producing upholstered and padded panels. The panels are useful to upholster the interior of transportation vehicles.

Abstract: A constant tension device is provided for use with a filter bag. The device includes a spring and a linkage assembly for applying tension to the filter bag. The linkage assembly is designed such that a substantially constant tension is applied to the bag regardless of the force exerted by the spring. A pair of lever arms is included within the linkage assembly for applying pressure to a bag cap if the device is used within the filter bag.

Abstract: A tensioning device is disclosed for maintaining proper tension of a filter bag assembly. The device includes a rotationally mounted cam, a torsion spring urging the cam to rotate in one direction, and a cable trained around the cam opposing the force exerted by the spring. Due to the shape of the cam, the cable force may be exerted at continuously varying distances from the axis of rotation of the cam. The spring, cam, and cable are arranged such that when the spring exerts a relatively high force on the cam, the cable force is exerted a further distance from the axis than when the cam is in a rotational position such that spring force is relatively low. A substantially constant cable force is accordingly exerted. The device is secured between the filter bag and a supporting structure of a baghouse. Constant tension is maintained even if the bag changes in length as the varying spring force is compensated by the cable acting upon the cam at different points.