Abstract: A process of converting linear olefins to branched olefins by a skeletal isomerization reaction wherein said reaction is carried out at a temperature of between about 300.degree. C. and about 650.degree. C., under a pressure of between about 0.1 and about 100 atmospheres and a space velocity of said linear olefins of between about 0.1 and about 40 WHSV in the presence of a steamed then acid washed zeolite ferrierite catalyst.

Abstract: The method of converting n-butylenes to isobutylene by a skeletal isomrization reaction wherein said reaction is carried out at a temperature of between 300.degree. C. and 650.degree. C., under a pressure of between 0.1 and 100 atmospheres and a space velocity of said n-butylenes of between 0.1 and 40 WHSV using a cagalyst comprising a zeolite binder selected frm the group consisting of alumina, silica, silica-alumina, clay and a combination thereof, said catalyst having a pore size of at least about 4.5 angstroms and the pore size structure is characteried by intersecting 10-member ring and 8-member ring channels.

Abstract: The conversion of normal olefins such as n-butylenes can be converted to branched olefin species such as isobutylene by skeletal isomerization over zeolite-based catalysts having pore sizes of at least about 4.5 Angstroms and a pore structure characterized by intersecting 10-MR and 8 MR channels. The zeolite-based catalysts have sufficient acidity to catalyze the skeletal isomerization of normal olefins. The catalysts can be used to produce isoolefins for reaction with alcohols in integrated processes to produce alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers such as MTBE.

Abstract: A tool measures the force required to move the handle of a railroad track switch between first and second positions that open and close the switch. The tool includes (1) an elongate tool handle; (2) a clamp for clamping the tool handle to the end of the switch handle so the longitudinal axis of the tool handle is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the switch handle and so the tool handle extends a predetermined distance from the switch handle; (3) a grip mounted on the tool handle a fixed distance from the end of the switch handle; and (4) a gauge mounted on the tool handle between the grip and the clamp to measure the maximum force exerted to throw the switch. Another embodiment provides a clamp which fits on standard torque wrenches and mounts on the handle of a railroad track switch to permit the measuring of the force required to open and close the railroad track switch.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting system for stock material temporarily bonds the stock material to an anvil incorporated in a processing table and cuts the stock material at a low angle with an ultrasonic cutting tool. The ultrasonic cutting tool is mounted on a carriage assembly which traverses the width of the stock material. The ultrasonic cutting tool includes a cutting blade mechanically coupled thereto. The cutting blade resonates in response to ultrasonic energy travelling axially therealong. As the carriage assembly moves across the stock material, the stock material is first adhesively bonded or secured to the anvil by at least two rollers. The rollers are mounted on the carriage assembly at a position slightly ahead of the cutting blade. The rollers apply pressure in a downward direction on the stock material to temporarily bond the material to the anvil and to prevent it from moving or vibrating during the cutting process.

Abstract: Normal olefins such as n-butenes and normal alkanes such as n-butane can be coverted to branched olefin species such as isobutylene by skeletal dehydroisomerization over catalysts preferably containing metals selected from Groups IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII and the rear earth elements which are deposited upon borosilicate zeolites having pore sizes of at least about 5 Angstroms and containing boron in the framework structure thereof. The borosilicates have sufficient acidity to catalyze the skeletal isomerization of both normal alkanes and normal olefins. The catalysts can be used to produce isoolefins for reaction with alcohols in integrated processes to produce alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers such as MTBE.

Abstract: Normal olefins such as n-butene can be converted to branched species by skeletal isomerization over catalysts containing solid acids prepared by sulfating catalyst precursors containing hydrous metal oxides--e.g., aluminas, silica-aluminas or clays treated with sulfuric acid, metal sulfates, sulfur trioxide or organic sulfates. The catalyst precursors are sulfated sufficiently to produce the desired skeletal isomerization without substantial cracking under suitable isomerization conditions.

Abstract: An immunoassay for cellular proteins which may be present as contaminants in a product purified from mammalian cell culture. Since mammalian cell culture requires the use of protein-containing media, the assay must be specific in recognizing cellular proteins but not media proteins. This is accomplished by selective adsorption of an antiserum to cellular proteins against media proteins. Quantification of the assay may be improved through the use of a purified antigen, namely fibronectin, which is known to be highly immunogenic.

Abstract: Affinity purification of Factor VIII:C, both plasma derived and genetically engineered, using coupled phosphatidylserine (PS) as the predominant phospholipid (PH) results in a high degree of purity of Factor VIII:C, similar to that previously demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies specific to either Factor VIII:C or von Willebrand factor. Phospholipids that can be used in combination with PS are phosphatidycholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE).

Abstract: A spring-action retention clip for use with the retaining ring of an automotive wheel cover, trim ring or the like. The clip includes a pair of snap-in tabs at its axially outer end for locking the clip into a pair of slots in a radially directed flange portion of the retaining ring. The clip is provided with a reverse-bent, bubble-like rounded portion at its inner end for resiliently engaging the safety bead depression in the radially facing flange of the vehicle wheel. The bubble end portion joins the body of the clip by way of an angular intermediate portion which permits deflection of the bubble portion as the wheel cover or trim ring is installed on the wheel until the bubble end snaps into the safety bead depression. The bottom portion of the bubble end portion includes a center leg which is directed radially inwardly then axially outwardly around the axially inward end of the flange portion of the retaining ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing from the tube sheet and transfer tubes of a nuclear steam generator sludge deposits which occur from the use of all volatile treatment water chemistry. A continuously activated suction apparatus maintains at a low level the water/sludge inventory on the tube sheet. A high pressure first water lance is oscillated and stepped inwardly along the central tube lane of the generator to dislodge the sludge from the tube plate and heat exchange tubes. After this lance has been stepped inwardly to a predetermined position, a low pressure second water lance is activated and periodically advanced to a position just short of the first lance and functions both to dislodge sludge and to form a water barrier which prevents redeposition of sludge in the clean area.

Abstract: A positive action gate clip comprising a frame having at least two parallel opposing sections, at least one section being discontinuous so as to provide a lower section and an upper section with a gap thereinbetween, a rod-like gate element, and means for retracting the gate element into the frame, the frame upper and lower sections having openings therein so as to permit the coaxial insertion of the gate element into and through the upper section and into the lower section so as to form a gate across the gap thereinbetween, the retracting means permitting the partial withdrawal of the gate element from the frame so as to withdraw the corresponding portion of the gate element from the lower section and from across the gap between the upper and lower sections by the application of force parallel to the motion of the gate element and away from the frame.

Abstract: A center retention system for retaining a wheel cover on a vehicle wheel. The system includes a center piece coaxially disposed about the axis of the wheel. A plurality of radially extending straps are provided. The radially outer ends of the straps include hook portions which respectively wrap around the radially inner walls of the air hole slots in the wheel. The other ends of the straps are fastened to the center piece to rigidly locate the center piece along the axis of the wheel. The wheel cover is removably fastened to the center piece by a lock bolt or the like. The torque-tool-engaging surface of the lock bolt is provided in a keyed configuration requiring a unique tool for removal of the lock bolt.

Abstract: A sprout growing system utilizing open, wide-mouth, screened jars which receive sprout seeds and water. A support is provided having spaces to receive the jars. The jars are maintained with their mouth ends at a lower elevation than their closed ends to facilitate drainage and thereby inhibit spoilage. The jars are advanced from one space to another after a predetermined period, such as daily. When the first jar is ready for harvesting, it is removed from the support, and the remaining jars advanced through the support spaces until the sprouts thereof are also ready for harvesting on a daily basis.

Abstract: A box blade assembly for attachment to earth moving vehicles has a rotatable semi-cylindrical closure blade. The box blade includes a pair of spaced parallel side walls, an open front, top, and bottom, and a rear wall having a depending scraper blade attached to the bottom edge thereof. A semi-cylindrical, transversely-extending, closure blade is rotatably mounted on the side walls of the box blade. A fluid-operated cylinder rotates the closure blade from an open position, with the bottom of the box blade open, to a closed position abutting the rear wall and scraper blade enclosing the bottom of the box blade. A vehicle pulls the box blade along the surface of the ground with the scraper blade scraping dirt and confining it within the side and rear walls. The closure blade when rotated to the closed position extends underneath the collected dirt so that it can be lifted with the box blade for transporting to another location.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting humans in a vertical head-down position, including apparatus for climbing into position.