Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous ink for writing, drawing, or marking, which has as a dispersion stabilizer a degradation product of gelatin made by enzymatic action of a protease. The process of the invention is carried out by subjecting an aqueous gelatin solution to degradation by an enzyme, then inhibiting the enzyme, such as by heating to 90 degrees C. or above, before the degradation has proceeded to products which no longer have activity as dispersion stabilizers. Subsequently, colorants such as pigments can be added along with other desired additives.

Abstract: An anti-skewing device for a bridge crane comprises a proximity switch near a first side of a first track and near a first end of the crane for detecting the proximity of the switch to the first side of the first track and thereby any skewing of the crane. There is an electrically activated brake for each set of wheels. A circuit connects the proximity switch to each of the brakes to slow one end of the crane relative to another end and thereby correct any skewing during movement of the crane.

Abstract: A shaft sealing assembly containing a liquid lubricant uses an arrangement hich can accommodate shaft-eccentricities and vibratory movements which cause radial deflections of the shaft, without impairing the efficiency of sealing of the assembly. The assembly is of a type using a housing in which two flexible sealing rings are spaced apart from each other and mounted to be stationary on the shaft, at least one sealing ring being supported by a mounting ring. The mounting ring is capable of radially being displaced within the housing, when there is shaft-eccentricity, or when radial vibratory movements of the shaft occur. The mounting ring is nonrotatably supported from the inside of the housing by a resilient annular wall made of a sealing material. The arrangement comprises at least one inner annular chamber containing the liquid lubricant, and at least one outer annular chamber disposed radially outside the mounting ring, the two annular chambers being provided with a connecting fluid passage.

Abstract: A seal assembly for rotating shafts particularly for sterntube seals for ps comprises two slide rings mounted in a receiving ring and pressed against a counter-ring by means of the surrounding sea-water. Between the slide rings an annular space is formed into which a liquid medium is let. The outer slide ring being a hydrostatic seal is lifted by the liquid medium in the annular space against the force of a spring in the receiving ring so that a small amount of the liquid medium leaks out to lubricate the slide rings and to prevent entering of abrasive particles. The inner slide ring is a hydrodynamic seal and is urged into contact with the counter-ring by the hydrostatic head of the sea-water surrounding the seal assembly. The receiving ring is guided in the housing or on the shaft with some clearance so that the faces of the slide rings can maintain a position parallel to the counter-ring.

Abstract: A stern tube bearing for vessels is sealed off in a leakproof aft seal asbly which comprises at least one annular chamber between axially spaced sealing elements. The annular chamber is filled with a liquid for lubricating the sealing elements. The liquid is circulated in a circulation system through a separating tank. The head of the circulated liquid is lower than the head of a lubricant in the stern tube bearing which again is lower than the lowest possible head of the sea-water surrounding the aft seal assembly. Any sea-water or dirt entering into the annular chamber will be removed out of it by the circulated liquid and separated from it in the separating tank which can be provided with devices for supervising the circulation system. A forward seal assembly of the stern tube bearing may be included in the circulation system.