Abstract: The manufacture of perforated vinyl strips by feeding the strip material continuously without interruption to a punching apparatus that has two pairs of cooperative rotary dies that punch out closely spaced perforations with the first pair of dies scoring the perforations and the second pair punching out the perforations.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a process for manufacturing a bio-oxidation and nitrification module useful in treating sewage and industrial wastewater. Paired thermoplastic flat sheet and corrugated sheet are nested in a cradle and advanced beneath a bank of ultrasonic welders to produce a sonic weld along those interfacial zones of the sheets which are in contact. Welded units of flat and corrugated sheets are stacked to a height equal to the height of the module and the edges of opposite sides of the stack are softened by heated platens to form an edge-seam which bonds the welded units together to form the finished module.

Abstract: A bonding composition comprised of a plastisol and from 10 to 100 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of vinyl polymer resin in the plastisol of a polar material having a dielectric constant above 35 at 20.degree. C. is used for bonding together plastic components, such as vinyl polymer components. The bonding composition is interposed between and in contact with the plastic components which are to be bonded together. Then, the composite structure is exposed to electromagnetic energy having a wave length between about 0.001 to 0.3 meter for about 1/4 minute to 5 minutes. The electromagnetic energy heats the bonding composition to a temperature at which fusion of the bonding composition occurs and to a temperature sufficient to cause melting of the surfaces of the plastic components in contact with the bonding composition. Upon cooling the composite structure, a strong bond between the components has occurred.

Abstract: A siphon system in which an enclosed container has a chamber for heating a gaseous fluid as by solar radiation. The chamber is in continuous open communication with a siphon having an inlet at an upper level and an outlet at a lower level. A pressure responsive valve is located at the outlet for permitting the release of gaseous fluid at pressures over atmosphere and closing the outlet to communicate pressures below atmosphere to the inlet to start the siphon. When the siphon is filled, the pressure responsive valve opens to release the liquid from the outlet. A float valve may be used at the inlet to retain a below atmospheric pressure in the system for immediate operation when the liquid accumulates at the inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for venting moisture from the interior of an enclosed space to atmosphere while restricting the flow of ambient moisture back into the enclosed space. A chamber is provided in fluid communication with the substantially enclosed space. Means are provided for absorbing solar energy for heating the interior of the chamber when the chamber is exposed to sunlight. A first pressure sensitive valve is effective to vent moisture, liquid or other fluids from the chamber to atmosphere and to block flow between the chamber and the substantially enclosed space during the periods when the chamber is exposed to sunlight. A second pressure sensitive valve blocks flow of ambient air into the chamber and vents moisture or other gaseous material from the substantially enclosed space to the chamber during periods when the chamber is not exposed to sunlight.