Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved connector for joining two tuar members together. The connector is formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending fingers extending from an end of one of the tubular members and at least one locking groove in the other of the tubular members for receiving the fingers. The connector further includes a circumferentially extending wire member which is received in a notch in a head portion of each of the plurality of fingers. The wire member is preferably formed from a shape memory alloy and has an original circumference less than the circumference of a circle formed by the notches in the head portions of the fingers. The connector includes apertures through which electric wires may be connected to the shape memory alloy ring member so as to cause the shape memory alloy ring member to return to its original shape and allow release of the joint connection.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone separators of the type used to separate contaminants from pulp suspensions in paper mills are connected to feed, accept, and reject conduits using a conduit apparatus in which both feed and accept portions can be made from smooth material. The feed and accept portions include surfaces through which apertures are provided for making connections to the feed and accept nozzles of the hydrocyclones. The smooth material eliminates the tendency of pulp to build up on the conduit walls and in the nozzles, thereby avoiding the problems that can occur when such build ups break loose. The nozzles of the hydrocyclones are preferably attached by placing a resilient sealing member around the circumference of the nozzle, and inserting the nozzle into an aperture formed in the wall of the conduit until the sealing member engages the inside wall of the aperture.

Abstract: A process of coating or encapsulating an inorganic powder is described in which the powder, preferably a pigment, is dispersed in an aqueous medium and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the powder and while subjecting the reaction mixture to ultrasonic vibrations. The monomer is present in an amount not exceeding 200% by weight of the powder and preferably is an acrylate or methacrylate.The powder has a cationic charge on its surface which can be generated by treatment of the surface with, preferably an aluminium salt.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone for dividing a liquid-solid suspension into an accept portion and a reject portion having a separation chamber including a conical section, a tangential feed inlet to the separation chamber, an axial accept outlet from the separation chamber, and a reject outlet. The concial portion of the separation chamber includes areas of reduced wall thickness for facilitating the detection and repair of a leakage in the wall. Sealing devices for arresting such a leakage are provided.

Abstract: A scale inhibiting composition comprises the combination of (a) a copolymer of an alkene, preferably a branched chain alkene, and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, in acidic or neutralized form, and (b) an organic polyphosphonic acid or salt.A preferred composition contains the sodium salt of a copolymer of isobutene and maleic anhydride and 1-hydroxyethyl-1,1-diphosphonic acid.The compositions may be used in secondary or tertiary oil recovery, desalination of sea water and the softening of boiler feed water.

Abstract: The self-contained diagnostic system is provided for a stroboscopic light circuit. The diagnostic system includes a plurality of signal lights, preferably LEDs, connected at various locations in the circuit to provide a visual indication of the faulty portion of the circuit in the event that the circuit does not operate properly. The system provides a quick and easy method for determining the location of a malfunction of a stroboscopic light without the necessity of replacing the entire light system or the use of diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: It is common practice to pass an ultrasonic probe over a workpiece so as to enable examining of the material for faults such as flaws within the material thickness. Known apparatus for achieving this has a drawback in that the probe supporting structure is such that the probe oscillates about some point within its length, as the structure passes over curved or undulating surfaces. Control over the position of the focal point is thus lost. The invention involves ensuring that the pivot point of the probe coincides with its focal point which in turn enables control of the position of the focal point to be maintained.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine nozzle guide vane has "barrelled" shape, producing an "hourglass" shaped passage between adjacent vanes. These shapes promote radial pressure gradients which reduce secondary flaws in the motive gas passages.

Abstract: An improved digital servo indicator of the continuous null-balance potentiometric type is disclosed which includes a microcomputer to provide a digital readout of the measured results in the desired engineering unit, or to use the readout in further calculations as desired. The indicator includes a digital-to-analog conversion means using a cascading series of circuits each having a precision resistance element and a pair of MOSFETs for selectively connecting a constant reference voltage to the output through the resistance element to produce the desired analog output.

Abstract: A metallic coating is applied to a metallic substrate by directing a laser beam on to the substrate and simultaneously directing a gas stream containing entrained particles of the coating material on to the area of laser impingement on the substrate. The particles are melted by the laser beam to form a pool of molten coating metal. Relative movement is effected between the laser beam and substrate so that a pool of molten coating metal traverses the substrate to form a solidified metallic coating which is fused to the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A metallic coating is applied to a metallic substrate by directing a laser beam on to the substrate and simultaneously directing a gas stream containing entrained particles of the coating material on to the area of laser impingement on the substrate. The particles are melted by the laser beam to form a pool of molten coating metal. Relative movement is effected between the laser beam and substrate so that a pool of molten coating metal traverses the substrate to form a solidified metallic coating which is fused to the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A method of cutting a material, which may be insulating or conducting, which includes the steps of placing a pair of parallel spaced electrodes, preferably taking the form of a pair of wires, close to or in contact with the material, applying a voltage across the electrodes and causing relative movement between the electrodes and the material as the spark erodes the material to effect the cut. The invention also provides apparatus for carrying out this method.