Abstract: Rigid plastic foam is flexibilized in an apparatus utilizing four sets of foam gripping belts. A first and second set of opposed belts traveling at a given speed forward the foam into the apparatus to a second and third set of opposed belts traveling at a slower speed than the first and second set of belts. The first and third and the second and fourth sets of belts are interdigitated in a region of foam crush.

Abstract: A tube perforator is provided which has a generally cylindrical mandrel which extends within a tube. The mandrel is hollow and has a passage therein which extends in angular relation to the axis of the mandrel and exits on one side thereof. A punch disposed in the passage can be driven against the tube wall to cause perforation thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly is provided which employs concentric flat plate heaters, the heat exchange assembly having a common fixed tube sheet and floating tube sheet; the floating tube sheet comprising two concentric portions having frustoconical interface thereby, the frustoconical interface when projected has its apex in a plane containing the adjacent face of the fixed tube sheet in the axis of generation of the flat plate heater. Thermal stress on the floating tube sheet is thereby relieved. The heat exchanger is useful as a reactor particularly where the temperature profile of the material flowing therethrough is controlled or varied.

Abstract: Profiled heat seals in plastic film are provided by opposed profiled heat sealing platens supported on endless chains. The platens are heated by contact with associated heating drums.

Abstract: Laminated heating elements are provided which are suitable for joining synthetic resinous thermoplastic bodies particularly thermoplastic foams. The heating elements are of laminar structure having at least two oppositely disposed heating elements which electrically may be fed in parallel. A significant improvement in rigidity and resistance to mechanical abuse is achieved.

Abstract: Thermoplastic foam bodies are readily generally continuously laminated together wherein the joint therebetween contains a reinforcing scrim. Friction on each of the foam bodies is generally equalized by positioning the scrim relative to both major faces of the heating element employed for the lamination to obtain a desired degree of curvature in the laminate.

Abstract: Forming plates for the extrusion of foam from a slot die are provided which are adjustable in relationship to a generally adjacent die face. A movable plate portion is disposed adjacent the die face. The movable portion has a semi-cylindrical groove disposed therein. A pivoting forming plate having half-round edges has one edge disposed within the movable plate. The opposed half-round edge of the pivoting plate rests in a semi-cylindrical groove within a fixed forming plate. A similar opposed plate arrangement is employed on the opposite side of the die slot.

Abstract: In a process for the admixture of radio-active waste with an encapsulating resin in a container which will accompany the waste to a disposal site, the improvement which comprises providing a generally annular deflectable foil at an upper open end of the container to minimize contamination by splashing.

Abstract: The electromagnet tool described herein is useful for retrieving magnetic objects lost in earth caverns. The tool includes a magnet face that combines at least one flat surface with another surface that conforms to the general shape of the lost object. For example, in one embodiment, the magnet face is defined by two flat surfaces with a semicircular groove between the flat surfaces. This configuration enables the tool to readily locate and attach itself to a cylindrical object. The tool can also be equipped with a rudder assembly, or a "beaver tail" guide, to improve its ability to fish around for a magnetic object lost in a cavern filled with liquid.

Abstract: Improved welds for thermoplastic foam insulation spirally deposited about a structure are obtained employing a thin, resistance heated welding blade which beneficially is positioned by means of a four-bar linkage connecting the blade to the blade support.

Abstract: Bowless eyeglasses are fixed to a mask, such as a gas mask, by a bowless eyeglasses holder. A preferred holder has a U-shaped configuration formed from a single, generally rod-shaped, resilient, elongated element. The legs of the U are adapted to engage the mask at the inner surface of the mask housing and the base of the U contains a hook-shaped configuration adapted to engaging the bowless eyeglasses.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which is particularly suitable for applying insulation in the form of plastic foam or the like to a surface of a container to be insulated. The apparatus deposits a strip of foam in a generally helical manner while following the contour of the container or structure.

Abstract: Vessel insulation is displaced from the adjacent surface of the vessel by fluid pressure and additional insulating material interposed between the insulation and the vessel.

Abstract: Efficient heat sealing, particularly of thicker and/or heat shrinkable plastic materials, is obtained using a fluid heated and cooled heat-sealing member having a body of a material of low thermal conductivity and a strip of material of high thermal conductivity communicating with a heat exchange fluid passage therein.

Abstract: A laminate of foam planks is prepared by bonding closed cell foam slabs to either side of a foraminous reinforcing skin, applying a second skin to one side of the laminate formed. In formation of the laminate, the ends of adjacent foam slabs are butted together under mild pressure. The resultant laminate is particularly suitable for the preparation of spirally generated thermal insulation about a vessel wherein the second skin is disposed remote from the vessel. An insulation strip or laminate having very satisfactory performance is obtained with a minimal number of processing steps.

Abstract: A portable bar having compartments for mounting sound-producing and other types of electronic equipment. A normally upright case with a carrying handle has a hinged cover adapted for holding bar implements, an upper compartment for holding liquor and mixer bottles and a bottom compartment portion extending beneath the upper compartment adapted for holding multiple electronic devices such as a radio, cassette tape machine, calculator, batteries, etc. The bottom compartment portion is deeper than the upper compartment, thereby forming an L-shaped case, and has exposed upper and front surfaces when the case is opened for facilitating access to and control of the electronics. Speakers connected to the sound-producing electronic equipment fit removably into depressions on the exposed, protruding upper surface of the bottom compartment portion for storage, and have means for attaching to hangers at the top of the case and cover when removed from their stored positions.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing surface-active agents and soil release polymers comprising ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide terephthalate provide improved cleaning and impart a soil release finish to synthetic fabrics treated therewith.

Abstract: Novel terephthalate polymers containing ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide terephthalate units in specific molar ratios and a process for imparting improved soil release properties to fabrics by treating said fabrics with a dilute aqueous solution of said polymers are provided.