Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the formation of heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes by prescribed in-line compounding and extrusion of a polymeric binder and heat sensitive ion-exchange resin. The ion-exchange resin is incorporated, at a late process stage, into the melted matrix polymer at relatively low temperature and residence time prior to transfer to a die head for extrusion. In the presently preferred embodiment, the in-line compounding apparatus comprises a twin-screw compounding extruder, for effecting late stage kneading and mixing of ion-exchange resin and optional additives to the polymer melt, prior to compression to transfer the blended polymer melt to a die head for extrusion. Accordingly, the final properties of the resultant heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane are enhanced as the blended polymer melt material is not exposed to excessive heat and shear history.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the formation of heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes by prescribed in-line compounding and extrusion of a polymeric binder and heat sensitive ion-exchange resin. The ion-exchange resin is incorporated, at a late process stage, into the melted matrix polymer at relatively low temperature and residence time prior to transfer to a die head for extrusion. In the presently preferred embodiment, the in-line compounding apparatus comprises a twin-screw compounding extruder, for effecting late stage kneading and mixing of ion-exchange resin and optional additives to the polymer melt, prior to compression to transfer the blended polymer melt to a die head for extrusion. Accordingly, the final properties of the resultant heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane are enhanced as the blended polymer melt material is not exposed to excessive heat and shear history.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the formation of heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes by prescribed in-line compounding and extrusion of a polymeric binder and heat sensitive ion-exchange resin. The ion-exchange resin is incorporated, at a late process stage, into the melted matrix polymer at relatively low temperature and residence time prior to transfer to a die head for extrusion. In the presently preferred embodiment, the in-line compounding apparatus comprises a twin-screw compounding extruder, for effecting late stage kneading and mixing of ion-exchange resin and optional additives to the polymer melt, prior to compression to transfer the blended polymer melt to a die head for extrusion. Accordingly, the final properties of the resultant heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane are enhanced as the blended polymer melt material is not exposed to excessive heat and shear history.

Abstract: Casting molten metal using a segmented roll for casting continuous metal strip. A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (18) includes a tundish for containing a melt and a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled composite casting rolls (84). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouring basin (16) for receiving molten metal. The composite rolls are formed from a plurality of annular segments (45). Each segment preferably includes at least a pair of coolant openings (34) and means for aligning the coolant openings, such as a pair of alignment openings (26). The segments are axially aligned and structurally connected by a pair of connecting rods (42) extending completely across the width of the roll through the alignment openings and through appropriate end plates (96). Each roll includes a load supporting spindle (86) with each end of the roll sealed by a rotary seal (88).

Abstract: Restraining methods and apparatus for restraining violent detainees, including a rigid binder for binding the upper and lower legs of the detainee, a waist belt, and suspender straps for joining the binder to the waist belt. An erection tether for maintaining the detainee erect by being tautly stretched between an attaching ring at the back of the waist belt and an overhead hook provided for the purpose of maintaining the detainee erect.

Abstract: A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (24) includes a tundish (12) for containing a melt (14), a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled casting rolls (22) and devices (29) for electrostatically coating the outer peripheral chill surfaces (44) of the casting rolls with a powder flux material (56). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouting basin (18) for receiving the melt through a teeming tube (16) thereby establishing a meniscus (20) between the rolls for forming the strip. The melt is protected from the outside air by a non-oxidizing gas passed through a supply line (28) to a sealing chamber (26). A preferred flux is boron oxide having a melting point of about 550.degree. C. The flux coating enhances wetting of the steel melt to the casting roll and dissolves any metal oxide formed on the roll.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis purification system is operated on a ratio of approximately 1 to 1 to 2 to 1 waste water to product water. The system uses the cold water outlet and a cold water path which extends through the RO membrane to remove non-migrating particles trapped on the outside of the reverse osmosis membrane to remove salts from the membrane and allow to prolong the life of the membrane despite low brine to pure water ratio.

Abstract: An integrated mobile tank- servicing system for filling, transferring, etc. a flowable medium from one or more tanks; said system having a mobile frame with an adjustable duct(s) for placement in the orifice of a tank and an adjustable walkway associated with the mobile frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for heat-sealing multi-ply layers of thermoplastic film comprising a rotating drum having at least one outwardly opening recessed area extending across the surface thereof essentially parallel to the axis about which the drum is rotating; heat sealing means movably mounted within the recessed area of said drum; means for supporting a continuous ribbon of multi-ply layer of heat-sealable thermoplastic film about at least a portion of the peripheral surface of said drum and bridging the recessed area therein; means for traversing said heat sealing means in a radial direction within the recessed area of said drum between a retracted position with the heat sealing means totally within the recessed area of said drum and an extended position with the heat sealing means projecting beyond the surface of said drum; and means for discharging seamwelded film segments from about said drum.