Abstract: A hemming and seaming machine (5) having a hemming conveyor (16) on which a workpiece is moved along a path of travel toward and through a hemming station which sews a hem in the workpiece is disclosed. The hemmed workpiece is then moved downstream to a folding station (25) where a spaced series of first air jets (61) selectively emit streams of air between a folding plate (26) and clamping plate (55) to create a vacuum therebetween to draw the leading edge of the workpiece off of the hemming conveyor and between the folding plate and the clamping plate. The leading edge of the workpiece is held between the clamping and folding plates while the workpiece continues to move along the path of travel. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the detection of the leading edge of the workpiece, or in response to the detection of the trailing edge of the workpiece, the leading edge of the workpiece is released from between the folding and clamping plates.

Abstract: A hemming and seaming machine is disclosed, the machine having a hemming conveyor on which a workpiece is moved along a first leg of a U-shaped path of travel toward and through a hemming station which sews a hem in the workpiece. Thereafter, the hemmed workpiece is then moved downstream toward a folding station where a spaced series of first air jets selectively emit a stream of air in a direction opposite the direction of the path of travel between a folding plate and a clamping plate to create a vacuum therebetween to draw the leading edge of the workpiece upward and between the folding plate and the clamping plate. Thereafter, the leading edge of the workpiece is held between the clamping and folding plates while a second series of air jets positioned upstream of the folding plate selectively blows a stream of air underneath the folding plate and against at least a portion the workpiece as it moves along the path of travel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermally cracking waste polymer(s) comprising chlorinated polymers in a reactor in the presence of a fluidizing gas and a fluidized bed of solid, particulate fluidizable material at a temperature from 350.degree.-600.degree. C. to cracked products comprising a mixed vapor of lower hydrocarbons which have a chlorine content of less than 50 ppm. In the process, the cracked products emerging from the fluidized bed are passed through one or more guard beds comprising calcium oxide or a compound capable of giving rise to calcium oxide under the reaction conditions maintained at a temperature in the range from 400.degree.-600.degree. C. in such a way that the chlorine content of the product is less than 50 ppm.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformable acrylic sheet comprising polymerizing an acrylic monomer in the presence of 0.02 - 3.0% by weight of a cross-linking agent, the reaction conditions being such that the fully polymerized sheet would have a reduced viscosity of 1.5 - 4.0 if cross-linking agent were absent.

Abstract: In a spreading disc brake recesses for co-operation with balls located between pressure plates comprise straight grooves of progressively varying depth in inserts mounted in the pressure plates for angular movement about axes normal to the planes of the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining the free end of a first pipe to a coupling collar secured to the end of a second pipe includes a longitudinally extending member adapted to engage the coupling collar while supported by the second pipe, and a flexibly extending member secured to the lateral member. With the pipe ends adjacent, the flexibly extending member is wrapped spirally about the first pipe and secured thereto. A lever member adapted to engage the flexibly extending member is then placed on the longitudinally extending member, and operated to tension and pull the flexibly extending member, which draws the end of the first pipe into the coupling while also rotating the first pipe.