Abstract: A stack of flexible packaging bags, such as used in the meat packing industry in conjunction with automatic and semiautomatic packaging apparatus, made by assembling a multiplicity of flattened stacked wicket-holed bags on a flexible tubing binding threaded through the bag wicket holes to define a severable loop handle element, shank elements passing through the wicket holes in the stacked bags, and shank portion extensions adapted to secure the shank portions of the binding to wicket mounting means and to mount bag stack securing means.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a standing acoustic wave charge storage device 11 as an image readout device. A frequency f.sub.1 22 is applied to the storage transfer device to create a traveling electric field in the device in one direction along a straight line. A second frequency f.sub.2 23 which is a harmonic of f.sub.1, has the same amplitude as f.sub.1, and is phase stable with f.sub.1 is applied to the charge transfer device to create a traveling electric field in the opposite direction to the first traveling electric field. Consequently, a standing wave (FIG. 2) is created in the charge transfer device along the straight line. When an image 25 is focused on the charge transfer device, light is stored in the wells of the standing wave. Thereafter when the frequency f.sub.2 is removed from the device, the standing wave tends to break up (FIG. 3) and the charges stored therein are moved to an electrode 18 which is connected to an output terminal 19.

Abstract: A hose coupling is provided primarily for irrigation applications and features a quick-connect capability ideal for use with the flexible irrigation systems such as are used on sugar cane plantations and elsewhere requiring relatively frequent assembly and dismantling of the system, the coupling being characterized by a tubular body portion having a nipple over which a flexible irrigation hose is pulled, there being a collar on the connector body which by virtue of a pair of helical ramps is forced over the end of the irrigation hose locking it onto the nipple when the collar is twisted. Being unrestrained other than by the helical ramp structure, the collar can be pulled axially to directly engage the irrigation hose, or twisted to utilize the mechanical advantage inherent in the helical ramps so that dual alternative operative modes are inherent in the design.

Abstract: The ink jet head assembly disclosed herein has modular subassemblies with predetermined relationships between the subassemblies to minimize realignment of the ink stream when a subassembly is replaced in the field. The head assembly is modularized into nozzle, charge electrode, deflection electrode and gutter subassemblies. The charge electrode module is mounted on the nozzle module in a manner such that no field adjustment is necessary to center the charge electrode horizontally to the ink stream. The deflection electrode module is mounted on the gutter module in a manner such that no field adjustment is necessary to center the deflection electrode horizontally to the ink stream. The nozzle and charge electrode subassembly have a preset adjustment, and the gutter and deflection electrode assembly have a preset adjustment such that no field adjustment between these two subassemblies is necessary to maintain a constant flight distance for the ink drops.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for recovery of sodium formate from an aqueous waste stream which is a byproduct mother liquor derived from a reaction system in which pentaerythritol is produced by the reaction of formaldehyde with acetaldehyde in the presence of metal hydroxide catalyst.Among its important features, the invention process involves evaporative crystallization of the mother liquor to separate out a major proportion of metal formate; dilution of the resultant secondary aqueous waste stream with methanol to precipitate metal formate/pentaerythritol solids; contact of the solids with a portion of the primary aqueous waste stream feed to dissolve metal formate; and recycle of the metal formate-enriched aqueous stream to the evaporative crystallization step of the process.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for opening and closing the jaws of a chuck without the use of a key. This invention is particularly suitable for improving a standard drill chuck so that tools can be easily and rapidly changed without the use of a drill chuck key. In one embodiment of the invention, the first ring element containing a pair of dogs is slidably mounted to the collar of the drill chuck. When the drill is activated and the first ring element is in an upper position, its dogs engage opposing dogs on a stationary second ring element. Relative rotary motion is thereby achieved between the jaws and the collar of the drill chuck which, in turn, tightens the jaws about the tool. Resilient means are provided for yielding to allow the first ring element to be pushed downward by the action of the opposing dogs when the jaws have closed about the tool.

Abstract: A plate type heat exchanger is disclosed having flow passages extending beyond the area of heat transfer on at least one end. The extending ends of the flow passages serve as sacrificial inlets for flow of one of two fluids through the heat exchanger so that any leak resulting from flow erosion or from corrosion in the extending flow passages does not result in mixing of the two fluids.

Abstract: A thin film of magnetic recording material is sputter deposited over a base layer of gold and tantalum on a polished substrate. A protective layer of gold and tantalum is deposited overlaying the magnetic recording film. A solid lubricant layer such as carbon, preferably in the form of graphite, gold, silver, tin, molybdenum disulfide, and tungsten disulfide is sputter deposited or ion plated over the protective layer to reduce wear. The recording contacting portion of the recording head is similarly coated with a solid lubricant material. Other suitable protective materials include tantalum, niobium, tungsten and nitrides and carbides of such metals. In a preferred method for making such recording members, the layers are successively sputter deposited in an evacuated sputter chamber, whereby the recording layers and protective coatings are formed in a continuous process requiring only one pump down.

Abstract: A novel catalyst comprising the elements Mo, V and Ta is provided for oxidizing alpha-beta unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes in the vapor phase with molecular oxygen to produce the corresponding alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for supporting an overburden. A single-section or telescoped multi-section longitudinally slit prop casing of light sheet material such as cardboard or metal has a fabric bag installed in it. When the casing is erected the bag is filled with a slurry of hardenable substance which, upon hardening, forms in the bag a column which supports the overburden. The casing may be left in place or it may be removed for re-use.

Abstract: A respiratory exerciser and rebreathing device in which inhalation and exhalation chambers are provided for mixing exhaled air with ambient air to increase the carbon dioxide content of the air to be inhaled. A mouthpiece and a valve device between the mouthpiece and the chambers for directing the air flow are provided, and an adjustable mechanism is used to vary the amount of exhaled air which is mixed with ambient air to be rebreathed. Condensation plates in the inhalation chamber remove moisture from the air which is inhaled. The breathing pressures required to operate the device may be variable, in order to control the exercise of the muscles of respiration.

Abstract: A combination lock for bank vaults, safes and the like, including a pack of peripherally gated tumbler wheels loosely journaled for rotation on a tumbler post about a common axis in the lock case, a peripherally gated rotatable driving cam positioned by a manually operable dial and knob member to angularly adjust the tumbler wheels through a lost motion coupling to an opening combination for the lock, and a fence lever having a pivot connection at one end to a slidable bolt for movement arcuately between raised and lowered positions relative to the peripheries of the driving cam and tumblers. The fence lever has an upwardly arching body and a fence portion defining a foot formation projecting from the arched portion having a downwardly facing recess spanning most of its lower end portion and an elongated unitary contact bar member pivotally seated therein to normally bear on the driving cam periphery.

Abstract: Continuity of antenna wires of an antenna windshield is tested by connecting the wires to a signal generator, e.g. a citizen band transmitter. A probe having a conductor bent intermediate to its ends to enhance signal reception is moved over the antenna wires. If the wires are continuous the signal pickup by the probe moves an indicator to one side of a scale. When the probe moves over a break in the wire no signal is picked up and the indicator moves to the opposite side of the scale.

Abstract: A direct contact, water heating column furnace for producing non-corrosive, drinking-water-quality heated water comprising a body or shell having at least an upper, heat exchange and stripping compartment and integrally formed and in-line therewith a lower compartment. A grating separates the integrated two compartments and a plurality of heat absorbing and transfer bodies, such as for example, Paul rings, are positioned within the upper compartment on top of the grating. A greater amount and depth of heat absorbing bodies are provided than would be needed merely for heating in order to also strip the water of substantially all its free oxygen to eliminate the corrosive effects of CO.sub.2 presence. Cold water is introduced into the furnace by a spray positioned over the heat absorbing bodies with the water running into the lower compartment as it is heated and oxygen-stripped by heating means. The heating means operates at a relatively low temperature free of intense hot spots to avoid NO.sub.

Abstract: An improved alternating current prime mover control system and method for, for example, the control of a valve position or other physical variable whose state can be sensed or calculated wherein the state of the physical variable is compared with a reference variable to generate, in conjunction with a waveform generator, a fixed amplitude signal that has variable time duration which feeds a part of the control system that drives the alternating current prime mover source in more than one direction.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for sealing the ends of the bores of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes comprised of a thermoplastic material which membranes are arranged in the form of a bundle by subjecting the ends of the hollow fiber membranes to heat to effect the sealing. The heat also causes the ends of the hollow fiber membranes to adhere to one and another. An insert material is placed within the bundle of hollow fiber membranes at the zone which is subjected to the heat. This insert material provides a barrier to the adhering of the hollow fiber membranes and thus provides a fluid passageway at the sealed end of the bundle.

Abstract: Polydihalophosphazenes, e.g. --N.dbd.P(Cl).sub.2 ].sub.n, are allowed to react at ambient temperatures for at least one hour with a lithium carborane in a suitable inert solvent. The remaining chlorine substituents of the carboranyl polyphosphazene are then replaced with aryloxy or alkoxy groups to enhance moisture resistance. The polymers give a high char yield when exposed to extreme heat and flame and can be used as insulation.

Abstract: A Panel Breaking Apparatus comprising at least one fusible conductor having at least one region of increased fusibility and embedded in intimate contact with the panel material and connected to a source of electrical power operable to produce a high-energy pulse of current sufficient to fuse the conductor and thus to break the panel.