Abstract: A tensioner (10) features a backstop device (40) which allows free rotation of the pivot arm (20) in one direction but not the other. Reverse rotation is prevented by friction that is able to resist torque on the pivot arm (20) under ordinary operating conditions which otherwise could permit belt tooth-skip to occur. In disclosed embodiments, the backstop device (40) includes a stop sleeve (50) and a clamp holder (60) which are axially interlocked and are able to rotate relative to each other. A clutch spring (80) surrounds permits relative rotation between the stop sleeve (50) and the clamp holder (60) in one direction but not the other. A clamp (70) retained within the clamp holder (60) frictionally engages the pivot shaft. A viscous coupling may be used in place of the frictional clamp.

Abstract: A truck-mounted carpet-cleaning system that replaces the separate heat exchangers used in conventional systems having a single unit. It also merges several exhausts before they are used in the exchanger. This allows the system to be able to better regulate the temperature of the water. This improved regulation eliminates the need for a water bypass system. Because of the improved heat exchange system, the solenoids, sensors, thermo relief valves, bypass orifices and other components found in traditional systems can be eliminated. This results in a more reliable system, with more tightly regulated water temperature.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: A self-leveling finishing composition capable of providing chemically resistant low profile coatings is described. The finishing composition comprises thermoplastic resin solids and thermosetting resin solids in a weight ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 11:1 and a solvent composition comprising a solvent capable of dissolving the thermoplastic resin solids component and a solvent miscible co-solvent capable of dissolving the thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition is applied and dried to a dry-to-touch surface which is thereafter subjected to conditions capable of initiating polymerization of the component thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition can be used as a substitute for more expensive or more labor intensive coating compositions in existing surface finishing protocols without compromise of surface quality and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming abrasion-resistant, high clarity coatings is described. It has been found that a macrocrystalline or single crystal mineral abrasive can be added at high levels, about 5 to about 80 percent by weight, to art-recognized film-forming resin compositions for producing coatings exhibiting exceptional abrasion resistance and clarity. Such a coating composition is useful for application to surfaces including wood, vinyl, tile, rubber modified cement, marble, metal, plastic, and laminated surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength optical filter, particularly useful for shielding against laser light, includes compounds incorporated into a glass base which produce Cu.sup.2.sup.+ ions, Er.sup.3.sup.+ ions, and Ce.sup.3.sup.+ ions, thereby providing a filter having desired optical densities at 488 nm, 515 nm, 530 nm, 671 nm, 694 nm, 1060 nm, 840-900 nm, 347 nm, and 337 nm.

Abstract: An optical filter includes glass doped with erbium (Er.sup.3.sup.+) ions for absorbing light at about 530 nm for protection against frequency doubled Nd-laser light; and to provide protection against Nd-laser light, ferrous (Fe.sup.2.sup.+) ions are included in the glass. The glass base may be changed to broaden the absorption band, increase the absorption coefficient, or to shift the absorption band towards longer wavelengths.