Abstract: Process for producing agglomerates, e.g., by pelletizing a particulate inorganic material, for example, an ore material, characterized by the addition to the agglomerated material of an organic fibrous material, especially a polyacrylonitrile fiber material, to bind and thereby enhance the properties of the agglomerates and recovery of metal values therefrom.

Abstract: Crimped acrylic fibers with a small diameter, a minimum aspect ratio in the 20-50 range, and having a crimp of greater than about 10% so as to enhance the viscosity of polymers, resistance to gravity-induced slumping when applied to vertical surfaces, and mix stability, as well as provide matrix reinforcement and toughness, are adapted to act as improved physical thixotropes in adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, grouts, building materials and the like.

Abstract: A railcar moving vehicle having a hydraulic system for raising the vehicle coupler while coupled to a railroad car or the like to transfer weight from the railcar to the vehicle. By this invention, fluid pressure in the hydraulic power line is sensed, to monitor an increase in the fluid pressure as the hydraulic system raises the vehicle coupler while coupled to a railcar. Then, when a substantial termination of the increase in fluid pressure is sensed as the hydraulic coupler is raised, an indicator signals the occurrence of this event, typically by automatically terminating the hydraulic raising of the vehicle coupler. Thus, weight may be transferred without overraising the railcar, without the need for estimating the weight of the railcar prior to the weight transfer process.

Abstract: Improved asbestos-free fiber reinforced material for use in the manufacture of gaskets, and the like, comprises (a) an elastomeric binder material and (b) microdenier acrylic fibers with a small diameter of up to about 12 microns, and a minimum aspect ratio in the 20-50 range so as to enhance the flexibility and the strength of the gaskets, shock mountings, timing belts, sealants, and the like, made from such materials.

Abstract: The addition of fibrillated acrylic fiber to non-asbestos type friction material compositions provides marked improvement in the flexural strength, stiffness and structural integrity of preforms used in the manufacture of friction elements. The consequent handling characteristics of the preform provide improvement in the manufacturing of the friction element.

Abstract: An automobile or like power operated radio antenna comprising a telescopic mast tube assembly fabricated of tough flexible polymeric material in tubular sections enclosing an inner metallic drive cable of helically coiled wire serving not only as the actuating cable for deployment of the antenna to and from an extended position but also as the conductive radio wave collector element.

Abstract: High-performance fiber resin matrix composites are disclosed which are comprised of a first layer comprising reinforcing filaments coated with a thermosetting resin composition and a discrete second layer of a thermoplastic resin. When the composite layers are matched to provide certain minimum strength and elongation properties, composites of unusually high impact strength and resistance to impact damage are achieved which retain their high performance properties over a range of temperatures and environmental exposures.

Abstract: A receptacle for retaining a battery case in a battery powered vehicle contains hydraulic cylinders for lowering and raising the battery case into and out of the vehicle. Retaining arms attached to the hydraulic cylinder have retaining lips that are moved by contact with the walls of the receptacle to engage lip extensions on the battery case when the battery case is loaded into the vehicle. Upon removal of the battery case a bias spring swings the retaining arms away from the battery and releases it for removal.

Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position to which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. A coil spring mounted about the lower pivotal point of the lower link exerts pressure against the lower link, thereby counter-balancing the weight of the lip and bridge plate during pivotal movement of the lower link in either direction.

Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position in which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. The lip is thereby extended simultaneously upwardly and outwardly over the rear edge of a truck disposed adjacent to the dock. When the lip reaches its fully extended position, the toggle arm moves past the center position and allows the lip to drop onto the truck bed.

Abstract: An attachment for cleaning cylindrical surfaces, such as the surface of an offset printing press blanket cylinder, includes a sponge unit mounted in proximity to the cylindrical surface to be cleaned. The sponge unit is supported by a pair of pneumatic cylinders which, when activated, cause the sponge to bear in wiping engagement against the cylinder. A single elongated spray tube containing two sets of orifices, one set facing the sponge unit and the other set facing the cylinder, is mounted on the sponge unit and connected to a source of cleaning solvent under pressure. During a cleaning operation, the solvent is directed through the orifices of the spray tube toward both the sponge unit and the cylindrical surface adjacent the nip. The concentration of the solvent spray at this location results in the sponge cleaning the cylindrical surface without streaking. The sponge unit mounts on an elongated angle bracket and the spray tube is in turn mounted on the sponge unit.