Abstract: Systems and methods for stereoscopic imaging and viewing of aluminum electrolysis and related operation and/or maintenance activities are disclosed. The system may produce stereoscopic images based at least in part on images obtained from two or more imaging devices. The system may display the stereoscopic images for viewing to facilitate aluminum electrolysis cell operation and/or maintenance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting anodes, and smelting management based thereon are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging device configured to obtain images of at least one anode assembly, an image processor configured to producing imaging data based on the images, and a data analyzer configured to produce anode characteristic data based on the imaging data. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of obtaining at least one image of at least a portion of an anode assembly, producing imaging data based on the at least one image, and deriving anode characteristic data based, at least in part, on the imaging data.

Abstract: A construction assembly for interior works including prefabricated elements, wherein the prefabricated elements include a coating layer formed of at least one skim coat deposited on the prefabricated elements by a coating device; and at least one jointing material, e.g. a sealing coat, joint coat and/or joint pointing coat, which joints adjacent said prefabricated elements to form a substantially plane outer surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting anodes, and smelting management based thereon are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging device configured to obtain images of at least one anode assembly, an image processor configured to producing imaging data based on the images, and a data analyzer configured to produce anode characteristic data based on the imaging data. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of obtaining at least one image of at least a portion of an anode assembly, producing imaging data based on the at least one image, and deriving anode characteristic data based, at least in part, on the imaging data.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a construction assembly for interior works, comprising: prefabricated elements, preferably flat prefabricated elements e.g. gypsum fiberboards, cement fiberboards, gypsum wall boards or plaster boards, wherein said prefabricated elements comprise a coating layer formed of at least one skim coat deposited on said prefabricated elements by a coating device; and at least one jointing material, e.g.

Abstract: A spent anode is replaced with a new anode in an electrolysis cell having an anode bus bar and an anode rod contacting the bus bar. A desired distance (D4) from the bus bar to a reference point on or adjacent to an anode rod for the new anode is calculated, the spent anode is replaced with a new anode so that the reference point on the new anode rod is spaced from the bus bar by an actual distance (D5), and the actual distance (D5) is measured at least once by means of a vision system. The actual distance (D5) is preferably adjusted using a feedback control loop in a computer so that D5 approaches the desired distance (D4).

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: A construction assembly for interior works including prefabricated elements, wherein the prefabricated elements include a coating layer formed of at least one skim coat deposited on the prefabricated elements by a coating device; and at least one jointing material, e.g. a sealing coat, joint coat and/or joint pointing coat, which joints adjacent said prefabricated elements to form a substantially plane outer surface.

Abstract: A spent anode is replaced with a new anode in an electrolysis cell having an anode bus bar and an anode rod contacting the bus bar. A desired distance (D4) from the bus bar to a reference point on or adjacent to an anode rod for the new anode is calculated, the spent anode is replaced with a new anode so that the reference point on the new anode rod is spaced from the bus bar by an actual distance (D5), and the actual distance (D5) is measured at least once by means of a vision system. The actual distance (D5) is preferably adjusted using a feedback control loop in a computer so that D5 approaches the desired distance (D4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a construction assembly for interior works, comprising:

Abstract: Stable oil-in-water emulsions are prepared containing a relatively high concentration of from 8 to 60% by weight of a heteropolysaccharide bipolymer, e.g., xanthan gum preferably, the emulsions contain greater than 15 up to 60% biopolymer, 40 to 99 parts of an aqueous phase containing 10 to 60% by weight biopolymer and 40% to 90% by weight water, 1 to 60 parts oil and 1 to 40% with respect to the aqueous phase and oil of a surface active agent. The emulsions are prepared by combining powdered biopolymer with water, oil and surfactant or by concentrating an oil-in-water emulsion containing the biopolymer such as by ultrafiltration. A fermentation wort containing the biopolymer may be used in preparing the emulsion.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of low molecular weight polyacrylic acids or their salts is provided, particularly, their aqueous solutions. Acrylic acid in an aqueous solution containing a polymerization initiator is polymerized in the presence of acetic acid and/or propionic acid.The solutions obtained have a low viscosity and are very stable on storage.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for sizing warps of textile yarns. More particularly, the process involves use of compositions comprising, 40 to 90% by weight of a polyesterurethane and 10 to 60% by weight of an acrylic and/or vinyl polymer especially suitable for sizing polyester yarns such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, desirably in powder form, adapted for ready dispersion/dissolution in an aqueous medium, and which rapidly provide maximum viscosity values therefor, are comprised of an intimate admixture of a water soluble gum or polymer, a dispersion/dissolution enhancing amount of a water donor material, and, advantageously, an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides a sizing composition based on water-soluble polymers, intended for sizing warps of textile yarns and a process for obtaining such compositions and for the sizing of textile yarns. More particularly, provided are compositions comprising, 40 to 90% by weight of a polyester-urethane and 10 to 60% by weight of an acrylic and/or vinyl polymer especially suitable for sizing polyester yarns such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, desirably in powder form, adapted for ready dispersion/dissolution in an aqueous medium, and which rapidly provide maximum viscosity values therefor, are comprised of an intimate admixture of a water soluble biogum heteropolysaccharide, a dispersion/dissolution enhancing amount of a water donor material, and, advantageously, an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A food meter comprising a base and four upstanding walls defining three spaces for the metering of spaghetti-like food. The spaces are generally in the form of troughs and are of graduated width for the selective metering of the food. A hole is made in the base for hanging the instrument if so desired.