Abstract: An unmanned material handling system for servicing a plurality of vertically spaced levels of a structure is provided. This system includes an unmanned, selfpropelled vehicle driven by an electromechanical device such as an electric motor. The vehicle includes an energy storage device, such as a flywheel, for storing energy and for supplying that energy to the electro-mechanical device. The vehicle can be moved from one level to another within the structure by an elevator. One half of a split transformer is embedded in the floor of the elevator and, when the vehicle is disposed thereover, that half of the split transformer is energized and becomes electromagnetically coupled with a second half of the split transformer which is disposed within the vehicle. This coupling provides electrical energy to drive a motor/generator which, in turn, causes the flywheel to rotate and store energy.

Abstract: The present control system and method for a slab heating furnace is operative in relation to a predicted travel time of a theoretical control slab in the charge zone of the furnace and a predicted travel time of a theoretical control slab in the heat zone of the furnace as based upon the cycle time of an associated rolling mill. This operation is in relation to a desired distribution of heat content supplied by the charge zone and heat content supplied by the heat zone, and in consideration of a related temperature profile within each slab, for the determination of a temperature control setpoint for the charge zone and a temperature control setpoint for the heat zone such that a desired total heat content is provided within each slab before it enters the soak zone of the slab heating furnace.

Abstract: Alkyl 9,9(10,10)-bis(acyloxymethyl)octadecanoates were prepared from 9(10)-formylstearic acid and found to function as primary plasticizers. Polyvinylchloride resins plasticized by these compounds have permanence and heat stability properties superior to those of resins plasticized with dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, or other commercially available plasticizers.

Abstract: Alkyl 9,9(10,10)-bis(acyloxymethyl)octadecanoates were prepared from 9(10)-formylstearic acid and found to function as primary plasticizers. Polyvinylchloride resins plasticized by these compounds have permanence and heat stability properties superior to those of resins plasticized with dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, or other commercially available plasticizers.

Abstract: The subject invention involves a device for sensing the depth to which a worn railroad wheel must be machined in order to reclaim the wheel tread and flange contour. The device consists of an assembly of gaging elements mounted on a support block which is, in turn, mounted on a guide rail for radial movement into contact with the wheel tread. The gaging elements include a flange edge contactor slidably mounted on the support block, a tread contactor slidably mounted on the flange edge contactor, and a flange contacting finger pivotally mounted to the tread contactor. In operation the assembly is moved radially toward the wheel until the wheel tread is contacted. The tread contactor thereafter retracts, causing the flange contacting finger to engage the gaging point on the wheel flange. Further, downward movement of the assembly causes the flange edge contactor to move into engagement with the wheel.