Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction and discharge apparatus for a drilling fluid, which is used in material removing treatment of hard constructional components formed of concrete, stone, break work, and the like, and including at least two air- and liquid-tight reservoirs (1,2), with the first reservoir being connected with a vacuum-producing device (6) and a suction conduit (3), with the second reservoir (2) being connected with an overpressure-producing device (4) and a discharge conduit (4), and with both reservoirs (1, 2) being connected by a conduit (5).

Abstract: A process for the separation of dimethyl ether and chloromethane in mixturesA process for the separation of dimethyl ether and chloromethane in mixtures by two distillation steps. In the first step, the mixture is subjected to an extractive distillation with water, aqueous salt solutions or organic liquids as extractant, the top product being chloromethane. In the second step, the dimethyl ether is separated from the extractant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of an inert gas by subjecting the inert gas to a sorption treatment, especially gas scrubs. The invention comprises compressing the inert gas to a higher pressure before the sorption treatment, performing the sorption treatment at this higher pressure, and then expanding the purified inert gas. The advantages of the process of the invention can be seen to be essentially that, for example, streams of waste air which contain as impurities volatile solvents such as methyl chloride, isopropyl chloride, or dichloromethane, can be cleaned up with low consumption of energy and scrubbing liquid. Correspondingly, the equipment can have smaller dimensions.

Abstract: A semiconductor and/or integrated circuit is provided having reduced particulate count upon or within the circuit. During power ramp down post etch or deposition, particles which formed within the plasma used to effectuate etch or deposition are gradually swept from the region above the integrated circuit. Plasma, and more specifically, the field which forms the plasma is maintained but at reduced levels to allow gradual reduction of particles through a multitude of steps. The steps culminate in eliminating power to the electrodes and plasma between the electrodes. However, at the time at which power is absent, only a few of the original particles remain in the critical region above the integrated circuit. Residual particles can be removed in a purge step following the successive sequence of ramp down steps. Gap between the electrodes is increased to a final position early in the ramp down sequence so that additional electrode movement does not occur when the field is weakened.

Abstract: A process for the preparation and fractionation of a mixture of dimethyl ether and chloromethane by extractive distillation with water as extractant. The mixture is prepared by reacting methanol with hydrogen chloride. It is then subjected to an extractive distillation with water as extractant, resulting in chloromethane as top product. In the next step, the dimethyl ether is removed by distillation and, in another step, the extraction water is separated from the methanol which is still present.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation and fractionation of a mixture of dimethyl ether and chloromethane by extractive distillation with methanol as extractant. The mixture is prepared by reacting methanol with hydrogen chloride. The mixture is then distilled to remove water and is subsequently subjected to an extractive distillation with methanol as extractant, with chloromethane resulting as top product. In another distillation step, the remaining dimethyl ether is separated from the methanol.

Abstract: A clasp assembly for selectively connecting and disconnecting a pair of bands which define a watch bracelet is described. The clasp assembly includes a male coupling defined by a housing and a depending insert, and a female coupling having an inside wall which defines an opening that is sized to selectively receive the insert of the male coupling. The clasp assembly also includes a pair of tab members which overlie the insert for selectively engaging the female coupling member along the inside wall thereof. The clasp assembly further includes a spring which is operatively connected between the two tab members to enable the user to selectively lock and unlock the insert from the female coupling.

Abstract: A combined drink holder and beach blanket holder. A stake is adapted to be inserted into the sand. A hollow drink holder is mounted on top of the stake. A hook member is mounted on the stake, the hook member being adapted to hold down an edge of a blanket lying on the sand.

Abstract: A food container of the type made of cardboard has a handle connected to the container, the handle being of plastic whereby the container can be safely heated in a microwave oven. The handle is flexible and has spaced fasteners, whereby the handle may secure the top of the container when the container is overfilled and the top flaps do not fold down flat.

Abstract: A wrist exerciser comprises first and second neck engaging members which each carry a neck receiving recess for engagement around the neck of a bottle. The bottle is at least partly filled with water and acts as a weight. One end of a rope is connected to an upper end of the first and second members while the opposite end of the rope is connected near the middle of a bar. Opposite ends of the bar carry handles which can be held by a user who rotates the bar to roll the rope on the bar and thereby lift and lower the bottle.

Abstract: A ternary metal matrix composite comprising a metallic binding matrix material and a reinforcement material consisting essentially of an insoluble ceramic and a semi-metal. The ternary metal matrix composite of the invention has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is lower and more consistent than that of known binary composites using similar materials. The coefficient of thermal expansion may be tailored to meet specific application needs. The invention also has a low density, good thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, and formability. In one form of the invention, the insoluble ceramic and semi-metal contain the same element. In a preferred form of the invention, the ternary metal matrix composite comprises an aluminum alloy matrix and a reinforcement material of silicon carbide and silicon.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mirror optic article comprised of a continuous aluminum or aluminum alloy matrix having dispersed uniformly throughout particulate silicon carbide having an average particle diameter of 4 microns or less and having a reflective coating on at least one surface thereof.