Abstract: Fractions derived from a high sulfur content crude oil, having a sulfur content of about 2 wt. % or greater, is hydrotreated to produce a petroleum pitch not only having a low sulfur content of about 1 wt % or less but also a low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of about 13,000 mg/kg or less.

Abstract: A low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity-reducing amount of at least one biodiesel material dissolved in a heavy hydrocarbon, and a method for producing such low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material are disclosed.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high coking value petroleum tar material having a high coking value as compared to standard petroleum tars and containing at least one biodiesel material dissolved therein, and a method for producing such material, are disclosed.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fryer vat includes the step of welding together side portions and a main portion of a fryer vat, in which the step of welding includes the step of forming a plurality of vertical vat welds. Further, the step of forming includes the steps of applying a torch over a filler material for a period of time sufficient to melt the filler material, and deactivating the torch in order to allow the melted filler material to cool to a temperature sufficient to form a solid material. The method also includes the step of reapplying the torch over the vertical vat welds for a period of time sufficient to remelt only a portion of the vertical vat welds.

Abstract: An adjustable handle assembly includes a pedestal with an axial bore for mounting on a threaded shaft, a handle extending radially and upwardly away from the pedestal and a shaft release plunger radially removable in the pedestal. The shaft release plunger includes a threaded surface for selectively engaging and disengaging the shaft. Disengagement of the plunger allows rapid movement of the assembly along the shaft. The handle applies a torque to the pedestal when the plunger is engaging the shaft which allows the pedestal to exert a clamping force.

Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic blister is connected to a backing card. The blister has a peripheral flange which is positioned adjacent the backing card, and a bubble which protrudes frontwardly from the flange. A catch is formed in the flange, and is deformed rearwardly through an opening in the card to extend downwardly. The plastic catch extends into a narrow slot on the bubble of another like package. The slot is approximately the same width as the catch and need be only slightly taller than the thickness of the flange. With this connection structure multiple packages may be supported one upon another. In addition, the packages will automatically link to one another when extracted from a shipping carton. The rearwardly protruding catch may be formed from the plastic flange alone, or may be formed together with a portion of the backing card for additional strength.

Abstract: A hand lever assembly including a plastic handle body molded around a metal insert for rotation of a rotary member such as an axle, spindle, or the like. The upper surface of the insert has a high point and a low point. The upper surface is further dived into arc surfaces, one extending clockwise from the low point to the high point and the other extending counterclockwise from the low point to the high point. The molded plastic body engages the sections of the insert upper surface. Torque applied to the handle body is transferred to the insert through the engaged arc sections of the upper surface.

Abstract: A differential pressure signal device employing an audible vibratory reed assembly having the property of being activated automatically upon being subjected to a predetermined energy level. The assembly is preferably all plastic and includes a unique rockable flapper valve that is automatically activated when the differential in pressure between two chambers reaches a predetermined level. The opening of said valve provides a large inrush of air that activates and operates the audible vibration of said reed until the differential in pressure is lowered below said predetermined level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two piece plastic idler pulley formed of identical portions including a hub, a web and a rim with identical fastening means on the two half portions which permit the two portions to be joined together as the idler pulley. The hub of the idler pulley has a through bore which is inversely tapered whereby the hub will flex when subjected to a workload and will capture the lubricant internally of the bore. The rim carries diverging means which extend radially and laterally outwardly from the rim to insure proper seating of power transmission means such as a belt. The diverging means also is capable of engaging the power transmission belt when it is inadvertently seated on the hub to move the belt into seated relationship on the rim for proper operation of the device.

Abstract: A plastic buckle adapted to adjustably secure extremities of a web-like material including a frame-like body portion, fastening means at one end of said body portion for fixedly securing the buckle to one extremity of said web-like material and means for adjusting the opposite extremity of said web-like material including at least two transverse parallel bars positioned adjacent the opposite end of said body portion. Said adjusting means including two transverse parallel bars providing edges spaced from one another on opposite sides of a plane a distance not greater than the predetermined thickness of the web and lying in spaced planes perpendicular to said first mentioned plane.