Abstract: The present invention provides a band clamp with an improved lock between the band and the buckle of the band clamp. The improved lock is of the type of lock where the band is passed through the buckle and then shaped to form a locking surface that engages the exterior of the buckle to prevent the band from being pulled back through the buckle. Characteristic of the improved lock is that the lateral cross-section of the locking surface is, in one embodiment substantially V-shaped. In other embodiments, the lateral cross-section is substantially U-shaped and substantially .OMEGA.-shaped. In a further embodiment, a banding tool is disclosed for use with a band and a buckle separate from the band, wherein the banding tool forms both a band lock on one band end and a retaining member on the opposite band end such that the retaining member inhibits the non-attached buckle from separating from the band during lock formation.

Abstract: A banding material is disclosed for use as the band in a band clamp. The banding material is provided from a roll of banding material from which a length of the banding material corresponding to the length of the desired band is cut. The length of the band for the band clamp is determined by counting markings on the band which are related to the diameter of an object about which the band clamp is to be fitted. In a preferred embodiment, the markings are .pi. units, or fraction of .pi. units, apart where the diameter of the object is measured in the same units.

Abstract: A cast-iron element with a non-iron interior area utilizes a molding core formed of a glass material, which may be tubular or solid and may, as desired, be entirely enclosed within the casting.

Abstract: A process for the maintenance of chain-type bottle conveyor belts in beverage-filling plants, more particularly in breweries, wherein the chain-type bottle conveyor belts are lubricated with belt lubricating agents with a base of neutralized primary fatty amines and are cleaned with cationic cleaning agents or organic acids. The invention enables a smooth, continuous bottle conveyance operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting a cast-iron element with a non-iron interior area utilizes a molding core formed of a glass material, which may be tubular or solid and may, as desired, be entirely enclosed within the casting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for sealing boreholes in the earth. The borehole is blocked at the sealing level, and a sealing apparatus capable of melting rock and earth is positioned in the borehole just above seal level. The apparatus is heated to rock-melting temperature and powdered rock or other sealing material is transported down the borehole to the apparatus where it is melted, pooling on the mechanical block and allowed to cool and solidify, sealing the hole. Any length of the borehole can be sealed by slowly raising the apparatus in the borehole while continuously supplying powdered rock to the apparatus to be melted and added to the top of the column of molten and cooling rock, forming a continuous borehole seal. The sealing apparatus consists of a heater capable of melting rock, including means for supplying power to the heater, means for transporting powdered rock down the borehole to the heater, means for cooling the apparatus and means for positioning the apparatus in the borehole.