Abstract: A swing assembly suitable for children ages new borne through 12 months has a seat member that surrounds the child, and a disk-shaped base with support legs extending upwardly therefrom. The width of the base exceeds the vertical extent of the swing assembly making it extremely stable. The base includes a stationary base that supports a rotational base to permit turning throughout 360° about a vertical axis. The swing may be oscillated by manual and/or mechanized members. The dimensions of the swing are such that it can be easily maneuvered around, moved about and transported to other locations.

Abstract: In a process for production of vinyl acetate by the reaction of ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen, ethylene is recovered from the gases withdrawn from the reactor and recycled such that the amount of ethylene in the combined feed to the reactor is at least 60 mol %.

Abstract: A reactor and process for using same, for containing a solid catalyst for heterogeneous gas-phase reactions into which reactor there extends at least one inlet pipe for a molecular oxygen-containing gas which has means for surrounding a substantial portion of the pipe in the reactor with an inert fluid and optionally also has means for suppressing ingress to the inlet pipe from the reactor of flame, reagents, products, catalyst or combinations thereof. The reactor and process are particularly suitable for fluid bed reactions.

Abstract: A method of removing a ceramic coating (18), and particularly zirconia-containing thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials such as yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), that has been either intentionally or unintentionally deposited on the surface of a component (10). The method entails subjecting the ceramic coating (18) to an aqueous solution containing an acid fluoride salt, such as ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) or sodium bifluoride (NaHF2), and a corrosion inhibitor. The method is capable of completely removing the ceramic coating (18) without removing or damaging the underlying substrate material, which may include a metallic bond coat (16).

Abstract: Process for the production of vinyl acetate in which ethylene, acid and oxygen-containing gas are combined at elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst material to produce (i) a product mixture comprising vinyl acetate, (ii) a liquid by-product comprising acetic acid and (iii) a gaseous by-product comprising carbon dioxide. The liquid by-product is separated from the product mixture and treated to reduce the water content therein before being recycled to the reactor such that the water entering the reactor comprises less than 6 wt %, (preferably less than 4 wt %, more preferably less than 3 wt %) of the total of acetic acid and water entering the reactor.

Abstract: Submicron boron nitride is used as a catalyst for thermally activating polysiloxane resins when uniformly mixed with the resin either using anhydrous acetone for wet mixing or simply hot melt mixing. Boron nitride is also used to coat the fibers using a particulate sizing approach. The coated fibers are used to activate the polymer resin blend. Fabric may be impregnated with the resin to mold high temperature composite laminates from which high temperature, non-metallic gaskets may be cut.

Abstract: A gasket of non-conductive material formed of layers of a ceramic between which is embedded a wire circuit for connecting spark electrodes, high voltage connectors and ground connectors of a spark ignition system. The wire circuit includes small diameter wires surrounding gasket openings for bounding and sealing the edges of combustion chambers defined by cylinders in an internal combustion engine. The small diameter wires are insulated by the high dielectric layers of the gasket as well as by high dielectric wrappings and a sheath of high dielectric material bonded to and within the layers forming to gasket.

Abstract: A dry-type transformer having an iron core, with high voltage and low voltage coils encapsulated in casting resin. The high and low voltage windings may be cast separately, or together. Either or both of the coils may have integral axial cooling channels, as may the annular axial space between the inner and outer windings (usually low voltage and high voltage, respectively). Coil cross-section is a modified oval (Rectoval.TM.) shape, in that the sides of the coil are substantially linear and the ends of the coils are substantially semi-circular. The aspect ratio (L/W) of the coil, when viewed in radial cross-section, ranges from greater than 1.0 to about 2.5. The rectangular nature of the coil allows for the use of a core member having a rectangular cross-section, thereby reducing the manufacturing expense involved with shaping the core member. The circular nature of the ends of the coil provide improved strength similar to that of circular/cylindrical coils.

Abstract: A high temperature silicon sealant comprising a combination of high molecular weight, high viscosity silicon oil; a low molecular weight, low viscosity silicon oil; a liquid organo-metallic catalyst; and a submicron boron nitride powder.

Abstract: A potty chair resembling a miniature toilet uses features of appearance and a handle for producing a simulated flushing sound, to attract a toddler, familiarize her/him with the device and remove barriers to its usage. A dual phase reward system including a displayable trophy and a storage cubby hole for prizes such as candy, stickers, and toys, encourage the child to use the device and accelerate the completion of potty training.

Abstract: Diver communication equipment comprises a diver's helmet having a display consisting of a monitor, a prism, a relay lens and an eyepiece. The relay lens and the eyepiece are mounted in a tube which extends into the helmet through a sealing bush located in place by a nut. The helmet also caries a television camera and a light. By looking up at the eyepiece, the diver can see, through one eye, video images from the monitor derived from the camera or from another camera located topside of some other graphical or numeric information derived either from other devices subsea or other sources located topside. In a modification, the monitor occupies the tube.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a method for crystallizing (-)-6-chloro-4-cyclopropylethynyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-ben zoxazin-2-one from a solvent and anti-solvent solvent system and producing the crystalline product. The desired final crystal form, Form I, can be produced when using methanol or ethanol. Form II is isolated from 2-propanol and can be converted to the desired crystal form at low drying temperatures, such as between about a temperature of 40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.

Abstract: An aqueous silane composition for increasing the resistance to penetration by aqueous media of an absorbent substrate. The composition includes about 1.7 wt. % of an emulsion of an amino functional silicone having an amine content of about 70 mg KOH/gm; up to about 80 wt. % of a hydrolyzable silane; up to about 5 wt. % of an amino functional silane; and the balance water. The resulting composition is hydrolytically stable for a long period without requiring a separate buffering compound while, at the same time, may be prepared in much higher concentrations to reduce packaging and shipping costs.

Abstract: A toddler carousel is formed by providing a rotational base member with a mountable seat such as a pony. Preferably, the seat is mounted in the center of the carousel and can be rocked by the toddler. The rotational base is rotated relative to a stationary base by a motor and, by virtue of bearings positioned between the rotational and stationary bases. Alternatively, the seat may be mounted adjacent the periphery of the carousel to provide the toddler with a more conventional carousel-type ride.

Abstract: A device for dispensing doses of powdered material comprises a housing which houses a cylindrical container. The container has a number of helically arranged compartments each of which contains a respective dose of powdered material. In order to dispense the material from a compartment, that compartment is moved into registry with an airway in the device by means of an indexing mechanism, and the user sucks on a mouthpiece of the housing, which mouthpiece communicates with an air inlet via the airway. The flow of air through the airway ejects the dose of material. The container can constitute a replaceable cartridge. The device is particularly suitable for use as an inhaler for dispensing powdered medicament.

Abstract: An infant entertainment device having a molded plastic receptacle which receives a portable seat or layette, the device rotating a baby carried by the seat at a rate of about one rpm relative to a stationary base member. Optionally, the carousel may be equipped with a cam on the stationary base and a cam-riding rod which engages and rocks the removable seat relative to the molded carrier as the upper portion rotates relative to the stationary base. Music is provided by a microchip, for example, or at the option of the operator, the carousel may be operated without music. A toddler carousel may be formed by providing the rotational base member with a mountable seat such as a pony. Preferably, the pony is mounted in the center of the carousel and can be rocked by the toddler. Alternatively, the pony may be mounted adjacent the periphery of the carousel to provide the toddler with a more conventional carousel-type ride.

Abstract: Oxidation resistant coatings on carbon fibers are provided. Oxidation inhibitor particles are incorporated into a polymeric sizing coating on carbon fibers to protect the fibers from deterioration and erosion due to oxidation of carbon.

Abstract: An infant entertainment device having a molded plastic seat which rotates a baby carried thereby at a rate of about one rpm relative to a stationary base member. Optionally, the carousel may be equipped with a rheostat capable of varying the rate of rotation between one-half and four rpm. Music is provided by a microchip, for example, or at the option of the operator, the carousel may be operated without music. An optional accessory bar may be provided to support amusement devices in the baby's view.