Abstract: A system and a process for dimerizing cyclopentadiene (CPD) including producing a C6+C7 rich bottoms stream and a C5 rich side draw from a debutanizer, where the C5 rich side draw and at least a portion of the C6+C7 rich bottoms stream are directed to a dimerizer where the CPD is thermally dimerized to dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). DCPD is more stable than CPD and thus safer to handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a generally contactless method and apparatus for producing a speed reference for a rail vehicle which amenable to retrofit applications. The invention utilizes a laser source to direct a laser beam on a portion of the wheel and axle assembly of the rail vehicle. In presently preferred embodiments, the laser beam is directed on a tread or flange section of the vehicle wheel. The laser beam is believed to excite the molecules on the surface of the wheel in such a way that magnetic susceptibility is significantly increased. The increased magnetic susceptibility facilitates encoding of a magnetic signal by a magnetic encoding head. This magnetic signal may then be received after further rotation of the wheel by an angularly displaced magnetic receiving head. Processing circuitry is electrically connected to the magnetic encoding head and the magnetic receiving head to derive the speed reference based on the angular velocity and dimensions of the wheel.

Abstract: A pipe for extracting gases from a landfill well comprises a series longitudinal windings of fiber reinforced resin windings wound for providing longitudinal strength. The longitudinal windings are wound in directions opposite to and intersecting with each other, forming a interlocking network of windings and openings. A number of reinforcing ribs extend circumferentially around the surface of the right and left hand windings at equidistant positions along the surface and at each end of the pipe for providing radial stiffness. The reinforcing rib at each end of the pipe comprises a groove extending circumferentially around the outside surface of the rib for facilitating interconnection with adjacent pipes. A helical winding is wound around the surface of longitudinal windings between adjacent reinforcing ribs for providing longitudinal strength and radial stiffness to the pipe. The pipe comprises a plurality of perforations in its surface.

Abstract: A spot sprayer for tall weeds in short crops is provided and consists of a housing affixed to a mechanized spray rig, a tank containing a liquid herbicide therein carried on the housing, a pump connected to the tank, a discharge tube extending from the pump, a spray nozzle at the distal end of the discharge tube and a mechanism carried on the housing for sensing the tall weeds in the short crops, so as to allow the pump to transfer a predetermined amount of the liquid herbicide from the tank through the discharge tube and exit the spray nozzle to only spray the tall weeds and kill them.

Abstract: A flyswatter device comprising an elongated handle portion having a flat head portion at one end thereof. A layer of material is provided on at least one side of the head portion. The layer of material is capable of receiving and holding a static electrical charge sufficient to cause flies or the like to adhere thereto.