Abstract: A continuous emulsion polymerization process consisting of multiple stirred-tanks in series is used to produce a broad particle-size distribution for vinyl acetate-based emulsions utilizing polyvinyl alcohol as a protective colloid. When low-molecular-weight grades of PVOH and a continuous process are employed, a high-solids emulsion can be produced. This process eliminates the need for a co-surfactant, which is required to make similar high-solids emulsions via a batch process.

Abstract: A visual display with an alignment structure for visually determining a correct display angle and lateral displacement, top to bottom and left to right, for accurate color viewing. A first fixed pattern is located on a surface near a border of the display and a spacer supports a plate, elevated above the first pattern, having a second pattern around a throughole in the plate. The dimensions of the first and second patterns, the elevation of the second, and the throughole diameter are such that when viewed at the intended display angle the image of the first pattern is concentric with the image of second pattern. Alternatively, the spacer may be formed of a transparent member with the second pattern on a planar surface above and parallel to the first fixed pattern. A first and a second alignment structure may be located symmetrically about either side of the display to enable determination of lateral alignment as well as angle of the display.

Abstract: This invention describes an integrated process for making ethylidene bisformamide in high yield wherein water, which is formed as a reaction by-product, is readily removed from the reaction product mixture without adversely affecting the efficiency of the overall process. The process contemplates isolating the reaction zone from the separation zone and comprises circulating a stream of formamide through a reaction zone containing a solid acidic catalyst and a separation zone; introducing acetaldehyde into the circulating stream of formamide to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with the solid acidic catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to form a product mixture comprising ethylidene bisformamide and water; and separating water from the product mixture in the separation zone to form a water-depleted product mixture containing ethylidene bisformamide.

Abstract: A lightweight combination duck decoy carrier and dog stand is presented. The dog stand is a rectangular platform made of tubular aluminum with plastic webbing across it. Unfolding from the horizontal frame are four legs also made of tubular aluminum. Each pair of legs has a cross support. Also attached to the frame is a lightweight duck decoy net and a shoulder harness. The device may conveniently carry decoys through the wilderness in its folded up position by means of the shoulder harness. Once at the hunting sight, the device is deployed by unfolding the legs and sticking the ends of the legs into the ground. The dog stand is then about three feet from the mud or water level.

Abstract: A round bale trailer includes a trailer that travels in a hay field in the same direction that the field is normally worked to approach round hay bales in a direction perpendicular to the bales' axes. A U-shaped fork on the round bale trailer engages three sides of the bale. A closing arm on the fork closes to engage the bale on the fourth side. Continued motion of the trailer causes the fork and bale to rotate together 90 degrees about a vertical axis such that the fork closes to nest within a generally U-shaped frame. A hydraulic cylinder immediately operates to pivot the frame and fork to a vertical attitude, such that the bale rolls off the fork and onto the trailer. Pivoting the frame to the horizontal attitude automatically opens the fork by the use of a spring. All the bales are unloaded at one time by an unloading mechanism that tilts the trailer such that the bales roll off one side thereof.

Abstract: There is described a droplet aspirator for an ink jet printer. The aspirator includes a housing having a tunnel therein, which is spaced from an ink jet nozzle which emits an ink jet stream which passes through the tunnel. A gas stream is also directed through the tunnel at substantially the same velocity as the ink jet stream for reducing the aerodynamic effects on adjacent ink droplets. The tunnels cross-sectional area is substantially constant from one plane to the next when measured in any given plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, for maintaining the velocity of the gas stream constant. The tunnel has a circular cross-section when used in a nozzle per spot system, and when used in an analog deflected system, has an entrance of one geometry, with the tunnel changing in geometry along its longitudinal axis to a different geometry at its exit. Preferably, in the analog deflected system, the entrance geometry is circular and the exit geometry is elliptical or rectangular.