Abstract: The fastener-handling tool disclosed is for the purpose of assisting in the starting of pointed fasteners such as nails, brads, tacks, screws and the like in instances where it is difficult or impossible for a person to hold the fastener conveniently between his thumb and fore-finger while driving the fastener with, for example, a hammer, screw-driver, etc. The tool comprises a one-piece molded elastomer element in which the handle part of convenient size has attached thereto a slender finger which is of substantially reduced cross-section and which has a hole at its free end for receiving the fastener. A slot leads cross-wise to the hole to enable the finger to be separated from the partially-driven fastener in a direction radial to the fastener. By way of an added feature, the handle part includes a pin cushion for carrying a supply of fasteners.

Abstract: In a pelletizing operation in which a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric material is reduced to particulate form, automatic startup of the flow of cooling fluid to the cutting chamber associated with the pelletizing operation is provided so as to insure that the flow of the cooling fluid is started at the time required.

Abstract: A method for continuously treating arylene sulfide polymer by passing the polymer through an extruder operated at conditions to produce mixing action at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer while contacting an amount of oxygen sufficient to produce a reduction of melt flow within a fixed residence time in the extruder.

Abstract: A valve and a system for transporting normally, non-fluent materials, including such valve, comprises a rotatable shaft, a housing surrounding at least part of the shaft and adapted to form an annular material transport space between the valve and the shaft, a worm-type transport formed on the shaft and extending to the interior surface of the housing and adapted to transport normally non-fluent material through the annular material transport space and a closure mounted on the shaft immediately adjacent one end of the worm-type transport and adapted to open and close the annular material transport space.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming pellets from extruded strands of thermoplastic material which includes a liquid-filled tank, an extrusion die face disposed beneath the liquid in the tank, at least one knife blade movable in a direction of movement over the die face to cut pellets from at least one strand of material extruded through an orifice communicating with the die face, a wing extending from the knife blade in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the knife blade and defining a space between the wing and the die face, and means for injecting a purge gas into the space to purge the liquid therefrom. Also disclosed is a method of forming pellets from a strand of thermoplastic material extruded below the surface of a quantity of liquid.

Abstract: A garden hoe features a wide cutting edge for normal hoeing, at one end of which is a pair of cutting edges meeting at a right angle for bordering a garden or a walk and at the other end of which is a short cutting edge for chopping or trenching. A hooked cutting edge for pruning is also incorporated in the hoe which may have a long or short handle.

Abstract: A plier-type ratchet wrench of simple, economical and robust construction employs a single rigid thrust rod or bar to operate the ratchet drive and a single extensible helical spring which both biases the operating handle to its normal position and keeps the thrust rod and a pawl engaged with the ratchet.