Abstract: A method for modifying a substrate containing a natural polymeric material to improve its interaction with other materials, the method comprising: A) Treating the substrate containing the natural polymeric material with a modifying agent selected from the group consisting of organo-functional coupling agents and multi-functional amine containing organic compounds; and B) optionally exposing the substrate containing natural polymeric material with one or more treatments selected from the group consisting of: i) subjecting the substrate to extraction with a solvent to reduce the content of extractable materials associated with the natural polymeric material prior to or during treatment with the modifying agent; ii) treatment with a physical field selected from static physical fields, high-frequency alternating physical fields and combinations of two or more thereof either prior to, during or after treatment with the modifying agent; and iii) oxidation of at least part of the natural polymeric material prior to

Abstract: A bucket assembly for a tractor has a plastic bucket in the form of a trough including a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of end walls. A plurality of strengthening ribs having first and second legs are fastened to the bottom and rear walls of the bucket at respective legs. A mounting plate is fastened to three of the ribs at the rear wall and includes spaced apart rearwardly extending ears for connecting to the conventional bucket supporting arms and tilt cylinders of the tractor. A two piece cutting edge is attached to the ribs at the front of the bottom wall and projects forwardly of the bucket. The bucket also includes stiffeners upset out of the top wall and protective strips extending from the front of the end walls. By selection of the appropriate mounting plate the bucket assembly may be universally adapted for all of the known tractors.

Abstract: A portable, multiple purpose drain cleaning apparatus comprising a payout drum supporting a snake hose wound thereon and supported for rotation on a portable support frame, a plurality of fluid tanks in selective fluid communication with a powered pump connected to the snake hose, and a spray hose assembly for providing a source of high pressure fluid for external cleaning operations. A valve assembly is provided for alternately directing the pressurized fluid to the snake hose or to the spray hose assembly. A pressure sensing unit communicates with the spray hose assembly for selectively activating and deactivating the power source powering the pump in response to the pressure of the fluid in the spray hose assembly. In another embodiment a valve assembly is provided to define an open flow path of the fluid during start-up of the pump.

Abstract: A highly portable, multiple purpose drain cleaning apparatus comprising a payout drum supporting a snake hose wound thereon and supported for rotation on a portable support frame, a plurality of fluid tanks in selective fluid communication with a powered pump connected to the snake hose, and a nozzle attachment removably supported at the distal end of the snake hose. In one embodiment, with the snake hose wound in its storage mode thereon, the payout drum is quickly removable and replaceable with another payout drum containing a different diameter sized snake hose. Selective high pressure fluid jetting and/or cutting modes are available over a wide range of drain pipes and passage access through various trap sizes and short bends.

Abstract: Oximes and hydroxylamines are prepared by reacting a primary amine, the amino group of which is attached to a primary or secondary carbon atom, with an organic hydroperoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a compound of Ti, V, Cr, Se, Zr, Nb, Mo, Te, Ta, W, Re, or U.