Abstract: An adjustable depth shelf mechanism comprises a fixed shelf mountable on a vertical support mechanism, an adjustable shelf mounted on the fixed shelf for inward and outward movement on the fixed shelf to vary the depth of the shelf, and locking means for holding the adjustable shelf in one or more extended positions with respect to the fixed shelf. The shelves comprise wire mat product support surfaces mounted on shelf brackets. The wire mats include longitudinal wires on top of transverse wires. Downwardly extending notches are formed in the transverse wires of the fixed shelf at positions corresponding to the desired extended positions. The longitudinal wires of the adjustable mat fit into the notches when the adjustable mat is at the desired extended positions, such that the adjustable shelf mat lockingly nests in the fixed shelf mat and the shelves present a substantially coplanar upper surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fiber-reinforced part utilizing the single-tool method of stereolithography. The tool is fabricated by designing the tool on a computer-aided design system and curing successive layers of a fluid medium via a computer-controlled irradiation source to form the three-dimensional tool. The desired part is generated by applying layers of resin-wetted fabric to the tool, curing the fabric on the tool, removing the tool from the designed part and cleaning, trimming and inspecting the designed part.

Abstract: There is disclosed an impedance-heated furnace for processing a nonflowable but conveyable material at the processing temperature comprising a nonrotating shell having electrical-conducting properties, and heated to a processing temperature using electrical impedance as the heat source. The shell includes an inlet and an outlet and a conveyor means, which also may be heated by impedance, for transporting or carrying the material along or through the shell. The resulting solids and any generated or volatilized gases are recovered separately.

Abstract: A single-tool manufacturing process utilizing a stereolithographic tool for fabricating flexible reinforced rubber parts. The stereolithographic tool is fabricated using a laser and computer-controlled optical scanning system. Then fabric and resin are manually applied to the tool. The stereolithographic tool is utilized like a mold, with successive layers of fabric and resin applied thereto. After curing, the mold is shattered and removed from the designed part.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing a load support by a first pallet to a second pallet comprises a stop member rigidly mounted on a floor surface, the stop member having an opening at a lower end sufficient for the pallet to slide under the stop member and having an abutting surface above the opening for engaging a side of the load on the first pallet. The first pallet has a rear edge facing the stop member opening and a front edge on an opposite side facing away from the stop member. A spacer member fits under the front edge of the first pallet to raise the front edge of the first pallet above the level of the second pallet, the spacer member being moveable inwardly toward the stop member along with the first pallet.

Abstract: A method of changing a load supported by a first pallet to a second pallet comprises placing the first pallet supporting the load adjacent a stop member rigidly mounted on a floor surface, the stop member having an opening at a lower end sufficient for the pallet to slide under the stop member and having an abutting surface above the opening for engaging a side of the load on the first pallet. The first pallet is first positioned so that it has a rear edge facing the stop member opening and a front edge on an opposite side facing away from the stop member. A spacer member is placed under the front edge of the first pallet to raise the front edge of the first pallet above the level of the second pallet, the spacer member being moveable inwardly toward the stop member along with the first pallet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fiber-reinforced part utilizing the single-tool method of stereolithography. The tool is fabricated by designing the tool on a computer-aided design system and curing successive layers of a fluid medium via a computer-controlled irradiation source to form the three-dimensional tool. The desired part is generated by applying layers of resin-wetted fabric to the tool, curing the fabric on the tool, removing the tool from the designed part and cleaning, trimming and inspecting the designed part.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the probable direction of extension of a hydraulically induced fracture in a hydrocarbon bearing formation wherein prior to inducing the fracture, the formation region to be fractured is heated and thermally induced acoustic emissions from the formation are sensed to determine the orientation of the maximum and minimum horizontally directed in situ compressive stresses based on the acoustic emission rate and/or intensity. A device including a microwave energy generator and an array of acoustic transducers is lowered into a wellbore to generate and measure the thermally induced acoustic emissions.