Abstract: A method for predicting an incoming rotational balance of an unfinished workpiece includes obtaining image data of the unfinished workpiece, generating a virtual representation of the unfinished workpiece based on the image data, segmenting the virtual representation into one or more target meshes, determining one or more parameters of the one or more target meshes, where the one or more parameters comprise a volume, a center of gravity, or a combination thereof, and determining a balance metric of the unfinished workpiece based on the one or more parameters and a balance prediction model.

Abstract: Aramid and aramid-blend fabrics are dyed or flame-retardant treated or both dyed and flame-retardant treated using conventional heat dyeing equipment. Amides capable of swelling the aramid fibers at least 1.5% and preferably having 7 to 14 carbon atoms are used as diffusion-promoting agents for dyes, flame retardant agents or both. Odor-free, flame resistant, colored or colored and highly-flame resistant products result.

Abstract: Aramid and aramid-blend fabrics are dyed or flame-retardant treated or both dyed and flame-retardant treated using conventional heat dyeing equipment. Aliphatic amides capable of swelling the aramid fibers at least 1.5% and having 7 to 14 carbon atoms are used as diffusion-promoting agents for dyes, flame retardent agents or both. Odor-free, flame resistant, colored or colored and highly-flame resistant products result.

Abstract: Durable press finishes are applied to cellulosic materials such as cotton by cross-linking a polycarboxylic acid within the cellulosic fibers using a cyanamide compound cross-linker devoid of phosphorus. Wrinkle-resistant, durable cellulosic materials free from formaldehyde odor result.

Abstract: Textile fabrics such as polyester, nylon and high-tenacity nylon are continuously dyed using a non-aqueous dye composition at elevated temperatures in an air atmosphere. The non-aqueous dye composition consisting of high-boiling, nonionic solvent and a dye, is applied to the textile in an air atmosphere at a temperature below 280.degree. F. then, while the dye composition is entrained in the fabric, the fabric is heated also in an ambient atmosphere to effective dyeing. Non-reactive environments or inert temperatures are not required.

Abstract: Nylon/cotton blend fabrics containing at least 40% by weight of nylon are rendered flame resistant and durable to multiple launderings in a two step process in which a THP/urea precondensate/ammonia polymer network is formed within the cotton fiber structure then durability is enhanced in a second step 1 which a flame resistant cyclic phosphonate ester and a THP salt plus urea are applied. Durability up to 50 multiple washings and continued flame resistance for these nylon/cotton blend fabrics are reported.

Abstract: Quick setting, nonaqueous melt size compositions suitable for application as a melt to textile yarns, and for later removal by solvent or aqueous means, include substantially equal amounts of an 80/20 ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer and a wax such as hydrogenated tallow intimately blended with a smaller amount of sebacic acid or dodecanedioic acid together with an amount of a nonionic surfactant to facilitate size removal.

Abstract: Nylon/cotton fabrics are fire retarded with a flame-retardant cyclic phosphonate ester and tetrakis-(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS), usually applied simultaneously, then cured. The resulting fabrics retain their flame-resistant properties after numerous machine washings and have an acceptable hand.

Abstract: Non-aqueous, quick setting sizing compositions suitable for application as a melt to textile yarns, and for later removal by solvent or aqueous means, characterized by substantial amounts of hydrogenated tallow-type triglyceride wax, are disclosed. The compositions may include an approximately 50:50 weight mixture of a specific class of 80/20 ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers intimately blended with an equal amount of the wax. A fatty acid amide may be included in an amount up to about 7 weight percent of the composition or from 1 to 14 weight percent sebacic acid or dodecanedioic acid, the amount of copolymer being reduced accordingly. The compositions may contain up to 62 weight percent of the wax, and rigidify at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A method of establishing a ship loading or unloading pier facility comprises providing a buoyant self-propelled vessel having removable jack-up legs and a well carrying a plurality of buoyant jack-up platforms, propelling the vessel with the legs stored on deck to an off-shore site adjacent a shore line, floating the platforms out of the vessel through an opening in the hull thereof, jacking-up the vessel to render it stationary, and arranging the platforms together with connecting tressels to form a roadway between the vessel and to shore. The vessel carries a crane which is used to remove and install the jack-up legs and to transport cargo between a cargo ship moored to the vessel and the roadway.

Abstract: A jack assembly for use in raising and lowering large platforms on columns, caissons and the like, having upper and lower annular portions interconnected by hydraulic motor means for relative vertical movement therebetween and a plurality of arcuate pneumatically operated gripper assemblies in both the upper and lower portions of the jack; each of the gripper assemblies being removably replaceable from its position in the jack assembly without removal of the jack assembly from the caisson which it surrounds.