Abstract: A blade sharpener for band saws used in the lumber and other wood processing industries, is installed on the band saw structure for sharpening the band saw blade periodically as required without need to remove the blade from the saw. The sharpener apparatus is retractable within the band saw frame when not in use, permitting the saw to be used normally. When the blade requires sharpening, the apparatus is extended and clamped about the blade. The blade is advanced to the proper position, and the sharpener is actuated to sharpen each of the teeth of the band saw blade in place on the saw. The mechanism includes an automatic shutoff to preclude further sharpening operation once the blade has been advanced through a full cycle and all teeth have been sharpened. The sharpener also includes adjustments for tooth pitch, hook angle, and tooth or gullet depth, enabling the device to be useable for sharpening virtually any band saw blade configuration.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit, comprising, (a) a polymer or copolymer selected from a terpolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl caprolactam and an ammonium derivative monomer having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, selected from the group consisting of dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylamide, dialkyl dialkenyl ammonium halide and a dialkylamino alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam, and a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam, and (b) an alcohol containing three to five carbon atoms and one hydroxy group.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit, comprising, (a) a polymer or copolymer selected from a terpolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl caprolactam and an ammonium derivative monomer having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, selected from the group consisting of dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylamide, dialkyl dialkenyl ammonium halide and a dialkylamino alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam, and a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam, and (b) an alcohol containing three to five carbon atoms and one hydroxy group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing casings (15a) from elongated casing enclosed sausage sticks (15). An indexing conveyor (22) receives the casing-enclosed sausage sticks (15). An inflating mechanism is provided for inflating the casing-enclosed sausage sticks. An end cap removal section provides for the removal of the end caps. A casing slitting mechanism laterally slits the casings and the casings are then removed in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the sausage sticks. Preferably a mechanism is provided for removal of the casings after they have been taken off from the sausage sticks by means of forced air.

Abstract: A gravity-operated anti-surge valve for a turbine pump consists of a poppet adapted to be moveable under fluid pressure between a closed position and a valve seat for the poppet. The weight of the poppet biases the poppet in the closed position against the valve seat in the absence of fluid pressure. Fluid pressure developed by the pump forces the poppet open. As fluid pressure decreases when the pump is shut off, the weight of the poppet allows the poppet to gradually close against continuing fluid flow, preventing water hammer. As fluid pressure approaches zero, the poppet completely closes, preventing the weight of a column of water from rushing down the lineshaft at high speed and driving the pump impellers in reverse. The valve is located above the top bowl of the pump.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a wiper blade attachment adapter are disclosed, each directed to different market areas. Both embodiments incorporate a partially hollow main body defined by side walls with opposed first and second ends, and joined to and spaced apart by a web extending from the end of the adapter to central pin receiving apertures in the side walls. A bar extends between the side walls at the second end, otherwise the space between the side walls is open between the bar at the second end and the web. The region of the web adjacent the pin apertures includes an extension of those apertures, forming a through open passage of generally keyhole configuration, open at its bottom, which can embrace a central retaining pin on the receptacle structure of the wiper's primary lever. A latch member is integrally attached to the first end of the adapter body by a flexible hinge member (e.g. a "living hinge") such that the latch member is a permanent movable part of the adapter.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit, comprising, (a) a polymer or copolymer selected from a terpolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl caprolactam and an ammonium derivative monomer having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, selected from the group consisting of dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylamide, dialkyl dialkenyl ammonium halide and a dialkylamino alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl caprolactam, and a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam, and (b) a low molecular weight glycol ether containing an alkoxy group having at least 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A loin separation apparatus and method of operation therefor controls a loin knife assembly in a manner which simulates the anthropomorphic motions of a human operator during a loin pulling operation. The loin knife assembly includes a U-shaped knife blade which is mounted to an arm which is connected to the apparatus through a universal joint to permit lateral and vertical displacement of the knife blade. Moreover, the separation between the sides of the loin knife may be varied. The combination of lateral displacement and varying the separation between the sides of the blade enables the sides of the knife blade to follow separate profiles. The loin separation apparatus generates customized cutting profiles and/or modifies standard cutting profiles for the loin knife assembly, as well as for a scribe saw assembly which may also be included on the apparatus, based upon the particular dimensions, contours, etc. of a specific side of meat.

Abstract: A loin separation apparatus and method of operation therefor controls a loin knife assembly in a manner which simulates the anthropomorphic motions of a human operator during a loin pulling operation. The loin knife assembly includes a U-shaped knife blade which is mounted to an arm which is connected to the apparatus through a universal joint to permit lateral and vertical displacement of the knife blade. Moreover, the separation between the sides of the loin knife may be varied. The combination of lateral displacement and varying the separation between the sides of the blade enables the sides of the knife blade to follow separate profiles. The loin separation apparatus generates customized cutting profiles and/or modifies standard cutting profiles for the loin knife assembly, as well as for a scribe saw assembly which may also be included on the apparatus, based upon the particular dimensions, contours, etc. of a specific side of meat.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for measuring biochemical characteristics of microorganisms. A first chamber is provided into which is inoculated a test suspension containing an unknown organism. First passage means selectively provides liquid communication between the first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber provides for contacting the liquid suspension with a substrate reagent which is located therein. Second passage means connects the second chamber to a third and selectively allows liquid communication therebetween. The third chamber may contain a suitable detection means for identifying the biochemical characteristics of the reacted test suspension when brought into contact therewith.

Abstract: A diagnostic test system for detecting .beta.-galactosidase producing micro-organisms is prepared by impregnating one zone of a bibulous material with an aqueous acetone solution of an o-nitrophenyl-.beta.-D-galactopyranoside substrate and evaporating to dryness; and impregnating a contiguous and separate zone of the bibulous material with a solution of a microbiologically inert buffer system which will maintain a pH of from about 6.5 to 8.5 and evaporating to dryness. Preferably, the bibulous material contains 1.5 mg of dry o-nitrophenyl-.beta.-D-galactopyranoside and 0.02 millimoles of a buffer which will maintain a pH of 7.4. Optionally, a waterproof barrier zone and an identifying dye zone may be present. In use, the impregnated bibulous material is inserted into a test tube of a saline suspension of unknown organism and incubated for 4 hours. The development of a yellow coloration indicates that .beta.-galactosidase is produced by the organism being tested.