Abstract: An electrofusion fitting includes a tubular length of thermoplastic material, of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe, there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrofusion fittings. Hitherto, electrical leads (13) to electrofusion fittings have been passed through the gap between adjacent metal pipe length (1) ends, that are subsequently welded. The electrical leads remain in the weld metal as a contaminant that can be harmful to the integrity of the weld, and the objection of the invention is to eliminate the problem. The objection is met by a construction of electrofusion fitting comprising a tubular length of thermoplastic material (3), of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe (1), there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A method for making bicycle frames includes a step of preparing initial parts by carbon-fiber sheets and inflatable bladders are inserted into the initial parts which are then arranged to a desired arrangement. The arranged parts are put in a mold which is heated under a certain pressure. The inflatable bladders are inflated by introducing air therein to push the carbon-fiber sheets against the inside of the mold. The carbon-fiber sheets are then solidified to form a front part of the bicycle frame. A rear part of the bicycle frame or the whole bicycle frame can also be made by the same method.

Abstract: A bicycle seat post includes two arcuate plates and a reinforcement board sandwiched between the two arcuate plates. Each arcuate plate has two lengthwise end surfaces and each end surface includes an inner corner edge and an elongate surface defined in an outer corner edge thereof. The two lengthwise end surfaces contact two opposite sides of the reinforcement board. Each of lengthwise top surface and lengthwise bottom surface of the reinforcement board is connected between the two respective elongate surfaces of the two arcuate plates so as to form two longitudinal grooves in an outer surface of the seat post.

Abstract: A handlebar structure includes a handlebar body having two end portions each provided with a first face having an arcuate convex shape and a second face formed with a recess. Thus, the arcuate convex configuration of the first face of the handlebar body satisfies the ergonomic design, so that when the user's hand holds the handlebar body, the first face of the handlebar body provides a comfortable sensation to the user's hand, thereby facilitating the user's hand holding the handlebar body.

Abstract: A crank structure includes a first combination block, a second combination block, a core layer, a resin layer, and an outer layer. Thus, the crank structure is formed by and entirely coated with the carbon fiber material without providing any metallic material, so that the crank structure has a light weight, thereby decreasing the whole weight. In addition, the crank structure is entirely coated with the carbon fiber material without forming any connection points, thereby enhancing strength and stiffness of the crank structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon to form at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a nonstoichiometric rare earth oxycarbonate of the formula MXCYOZ having a disordered and/or defect structure, wherein M is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; X=2; Z=3+AY; A is less than about 1.8, and Y is the number of carbon atoms in the oxycarbonate. When used for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon at a pressure above about 100 psig, the catalyst has a selectivity of at least about 40% to at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. Methods for preparing catalysts taught by the invention and processes for using the catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lower hydrocarbons are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to a processes for the conversion of a feedstock stream comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a product stream comprising at least one of an ester, acid, acid anhydride and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates in part to processes for converting an alcohol and/or ether feedstock to oxygenated products, e.g., esters, acids, acid anhydrides and mixtures thereof. The processes and catalysts are especially suitable for the production of acetic acid and methyl acetate from a synthesis gas feedstock or from an alcohol and/or ether feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon to form at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a nonstoichiometric rare earth oxycarbonate of the formula MXCYOZ having a disordered and/or defect structure, wherein M is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; X=2; Z=3+AY; A is less than about 1.8, and Y is the number of carbon atoms in the oxycarbonate. When used for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon at a pressure above about 100 psig, the catalyst has a selectivity of at least about 40% to at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. Methods for preparing catalysts taught by the invention and processes for using the catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lower hydrocarbons are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrofusible units for pipe joints and other purposes able to avoid the employment of jointing equipment such as butt fusion equipment. The objective is met by an electrofusion unit comprising a length of elastomeric material with a winding of electrically conductive wire, the length of elastomeric material being notched to ensure that the wire winding is at a required spacing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon to form at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a nonstoichiometric rare earth oxycarbonate of the formula MXCYOZ having a disordered and/or defect structure, wherein M is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; X=2; Z=3+AY; A is less than about 1.8, and Y is the number of carbon atoms in the oxycarbonate. When used for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon at a pressure above about 100 psig, the catalyst has a selectivity of at least about 40% to at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. Methods for preparing catalysts taught by the invention and processes for using the catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lower hydrocarbons are also provided.