Abstract: A two-way valve for use in breathing apparatus comprising a valve chamber having a supply end and a mask end, both ends having openings, a valve plate member of thin lightweight material freely movable within the valve chamber between the supply end and the mask end for closing respective openings, the valve plate member defining a flow axis and a generally circular opening centered on the flow axis, a plurality of support arms extending radially inwardly from the perimeter of the circular opening, the support arms defining and being joined together at a solid central hub, a plurality of stub members extending radially inwardly from the perimeter of the circular opening, a fastening boss extending from the central hub towards the mask end of the chamber, retaining flanges on the boss spaced from the valve plate, a flat planar flexible valve membrane attached to the valve plate member, the membrane having a central opening fitting elastically over the boss, and fitting between the valve plate member and the fl

Abstract: A mask in which an enclosure of an intake filtration chamber is partly or totally formed of a filtration medium so that a separate filtration medium need not be provided within the intake filtration chamber for replacement. The replacement of the filtration medium is effected by replacement of the entire intake filtration chamber. The invention provides a mask which is small in size and low in intake resistance and is free from a possible flow of contaminated air into the mask.

Abstract: One end of an endotracheal tube is encircled by an inflatable cuff, to which is connected a tubule that extends toward the opposite end of the tube and into a valve housing having an air inlet bore from which passages extend to the tubule and to an inflatable member. The bore contains valve means normally closing off the inlet of the bore, and means for opening the valve to admit air under pressure or to release it therefrom to inflate and deflate the cuff and inflatable member. A constant pressure means is disposed in the housing for exerting a substantially constant bias against the inflatable member throughout a predetermined range of expansion of the inflatable member to maintain preset air inflation pressures within the inflatable member and the cuff substantially constant, even though their respective inflation volumes may vary.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument for performing selective trabeculectomy in surgical treatment of glaucoma includes a flexible probe (A) and a cutting member (C) fixed to the same. The cutting member comprises two knife blades (C1,C2) protruding in different directions from the probe and each providing at least one sharp edge (E1,E2) turned towards a free end of the probe.The instrument is designed to be pulled between two incisions in the eye wall with the probe foremost through the Canal of Schlemm at the transition between cornea and sclera, thereby cutting away the inner wall of the canal and the corresponding part of the trabecular meshwork located in the canal. The aqueous humour of the eye then gains access to the outer wall of the Canal of Schlemm with its drainage outlets leading out of the eye.

Abstract: A heating unit using radiant heat provides core temperature increases in mammalian subjects, including humans, for cancer treatment or other purposes. The unit has a wall member defining a cavity for receiving the subject. An electric heating cable is placed on the exterior of the wall means for heating the wall means and radiating heat to the subject. A circuit is connectable to a source of electric power for energizing and controlling the heating cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in monitoring fetal vital signs with monitoring equipment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a form sustaining guide tube, a sleeve, a fetal electrode structure having a piston member and a body member, at least two active fetal electrodes and a lead wire for connecting the active fetal electrodes to monitoring equipment. At least a portion of the guide tube and the body member are slideably disposed within the sleeve. The active fetal electrodes are attached to this piston member and their free ends are disposed within channels defined by the body member. The channels project arcuately outwardly by a predetermined radius of curvature so as to define a continuous outwardly advancing open passage through the body member. The body member also includes a shoulder to preclude movement of the body member within the sleeve by more than a predetermined distance. The apparatus is inserted through passages of a woman in labor brought into contact with the fetal scalp.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pulse Doppler apparatus comprising an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic beam into an object and receives the echoes from the object, a first processing circuit for processing the echoes received by the probe to form data of a B scan tomogram, a first monitor for displaying the B scan tomogram, beam mark setting circuit for setting a plurality of beam marks on the B scan tomogram, measuring point setting circuit for setting a plurality of blood flow measuring points on each of the beam marks, beam mark selecting circuit for selecting any one of the plurality of beam marks, measuring point selecting circuit for selecting any one of the plurality of blood flow measuring points on the selected beam mark, a second processing circuit for processing the echoes received by said probe to form a signal of a blood flow velocity at the selected measuring point, a second monitor for displaying the blood flow velocity at the selected measuring point, and modulating circuit for distinguishing the se

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for puncture treatments is constructed in a manner that a guide member, for guiding a puncture needle, is provided on a side surface of an ultrasonic probe of a linear scanning type, with a needle being positioned by the guide member to be movable at right angles to the surface of the body of a patient, and a beam of ultrasonic wave is emitted by the probe in a direction oblique to the length dimension of the needle. The probe may be positioned obliquely to the needle, in which case, an acoustic coupling member of a wedge shape is inserted in the gap formed between the emitting end of the probe and the body. Alternatively, the probe may be positioned parallel with the needle in which case a wedge shaped member capable of deflecting the ultrasonic waves, is placed on the emitting end of the probe, and a wedge shaped acoustic coupling member is connected to the deflecting member so as to deflect the ultrasonic waves to be oblique to the needle within the body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler blood flow sensing apparatus comprises a probe for sending an ultrasonic wave into a living body and receiving echoes, an ultrasonic diagnosing device for processing the echoes received to provide a tomogram signal, an ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter for processing the echoes received to provide blood flow data, an electrocardiographic circuit, a gate for producing a sampling signal in response to an electrocardiographic signal from the electrocardiograph circuit, a random access memory for sampling and storing blood flow data sensed by the blood flow meter in response to the sampling signal from the gate, detectors for detecting a radius r of a blood vessel and a cosine of .theta., where .theta.

Abstract: Automated blood pressure monitors utilizing a pressurized cuff are adapted automatically to work with a variety of cuff sizes, including neonatal. An acoustical pressure pulse is generated at the monitor, propagated to and through the cuff, and back to a pressure transducer in the monitor. The total time of propagation is indicative of the cuff size being utilized.

Abstract: An electronic sphygmomanometer includes a digital recognition system for detecting the Korotkoff sounds. A digital signal representing the level of an output signal of a pickup sensor is introduced into the recognition system. The recognition system detects peaks included in the digital signal applied thereto. A first determination is carried out as to whether two adjacent peaks have a level difference greater than a preselected difference. A second determination is also carried out as to whether the two peaks appear within a predetermined period of time. If affirmative answers are obtained at the two determinations, the recognition system develops a detection output which indicates that the introduced signal relates to the Korotkoff sounds.

Abstract: A combine harvester of the type having a crop elevator 9, 10, 11 that feeds crop upwards across a crop floor 11 to a crop threshing mechanism comprising a threshing cylinder 1 located adjacent a concave threshing grate 13 and driven to thresh crop fed tangentially between the cylinder and grating, a crop conveyor 14 in the form of a roller or continuous band conveyor being located along the leading edge of the grate 13 with respect to the crop feed direction so that crop passes over it to the cylinder and grating and a changeable speed drive mechanism being provided to drive the conveyor 14 and allow its speed to be changed, thereby to control the speed of crop flow.

Abstract: A tobacco plug cutter and loader is disclosed herein having an elongated hollow sleeve enclosing a slidable plunger or ram member adapted to move between limit stops so as to determine the size of a storage cavity defined between the open end of the sleeve and adjacent end of the plunger. The limit stop includes an elongated slot in the side of the sleeve slidably receiving a stop pin for engaging with the opposite ends of the slot. The adjacent ends of the plunger and the sleeve are wedge-shaped to form a cutting edge for penetrating into a supply of semi-hardened product such as tobacco.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control method comprises the steps of dividing a frequency corresponding with the actual speed by a frequency divisional ratio determined inversely proportional to a desired speed, producing a timing signal with the divided frequency, calculating a time difference between a predetermined time period corresponding with a desired speed and the total of constant time periods defined by a time period of the timing signal, calculating a time difference between both the totals of constant time periods defined by respective time periods of the preceding and following timing signals, and producing a correction signal related to the calculated time differences such that an output signal is produced to actuate a control element so as to control the quantity of fuel supplied into an engine.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducer apparatus for cleaning applications and method for cleaning wafers of semiconductor material in which the method includes positioning the wafer proximate to but closely spaced away from a cleansing face of the ultrasonic transducer, supplying space between the cleansing face and the wafer with a cleansing fluid through an orifice in the cleansing surface and ultrasonically vibrating the cleansing face transversely to the wafer by applying an electrical signal to piezoelectric material symmetrically disposed about the orifice in the cleansing face via which the cleansing fluid is supplied, with the ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric material symmetrically disposed with respect to the orifice in the cleansing face through which the cleansing fluid is supplied.

Abstract: A valve structure including a valve body defining a valve chamber with a tapered bearing surface and a tapered valve member journaled in the tapered bearing surface. A spring-biased plunger mechanism constantly urges the valve member into slidable sealing engagement with the tapered bearing surface. A passage communicates between the valve chamber and the exterior of the valve body via the spring-biased plunger mechanism and is connected in fluid flow communication with a source of suitable fluid, whereby such fluid passes from the source into the valve chamber via the spring-biased plunger mechanism.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining together two pipes the coupling having at least two separable parts, through which a conduit extends along which fluid is to be conveyed, one part being adapted for connection to one pipe and the other part being adapted for connection to the other pipe, the two separable parts being secured together by frangible means, the parts defining therebetween a fluid chamber in fluid pressure communication with the conduit, the chamber serving to subject the parts to a fluid pressure force for urging the parts together.

Abstract: A valve for controlling purging fluid for marine speedometer lines includes a valve body. The valve body has a bore extending in a longitudinal direction therein, a speedometer port, a pressurized fluid supply port and an impact tube port. The ports are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and communicate with the bore. A valve spool is slidably received within the bore for reciprocation between first and second positions in the bore. The spool has three spaced apart seals between the bore and the spool. There is a first passageway between the first and second seals and between the spool and the bore. The speedometer port and the impact tube port communicate through the passageway, the pressurized fluid supply port is isolated from the speedometer port and the impact tube port, and the third seal and first seal are on opposite sides of the pressurized fluid supply port, in the first position of the spool.

Abstract: A fluid proportioning diverter valve capable or selective flow control between 3 fluid ports incorporated inside an elongated valve housing is provided with a central differential diameter bore passing therethrough between the housing ends and adaptable of receiving slidably an elongated valving stem of which a first end serves as a diverter operating means substantially atop thereof while internally separated by a seal from a second stem end provided with an end seal to divert fluid valved between said ports in any flow ratio desired when the stem becomes shifted axially inside the bore to assume various positions permitting fluid flow between either a first fluid supply port means and a first fluid discharge port means entering the bore via a wall or the first fluid supply port means and a third bottom discharge port means inside a bottom closure means and defined by two extreme stem locations inside thereof while also permitting numerous other stem positions therein to feed both the first side wall and the

Abstract: Pressure regulating mechanically operable valves intended primarily for use as pressure regulating shut off valves are disclosed. The valves utilize a simple piston assembly operative between a valve open position and a valve closed position responsive to a spring biasing the assembly toward the open position against an opposite force proportional to the outlet pressure. The piston assembly may have only a single seal to seal the assembly against leakage with a mechanical shut off mechanism operative on only a 180 degree rotation thereof being cooperatively disposed with respect to the piston assembly so as to not require any additional seals. An electrically operable unlatching means is provided to close the valve upon receipt of a pulse from a battery or other electrical system, exemplary circuits, including a unique moisture sensing system are enclosed.

Abstract: Relief valve arrangement comprising a pressure limiting relief valve, the pressure setting thereof can be switched by an auxiliary piston between two or more ranges so that the control pressure, which is obtained by a pilot valve, can be within a region, which can be controlled accurately.

Abstract: A ball-check type check valve is disclosed. A valve housing comprises a first vertically disposed cylindrical section and a second section which extends diagonally upwardly and away from the first section. A third housing section extends away from the second section at a lesser horizontal angle. When a fluid is caused to flow upward through the first housing section, the ball moves out of the first section, along the second section, and is held in an unstable condition in and on the third valve section. When fluid flow halts and pressure against the ball ceases, the ball rolls out of the third section, back down the second section, and into sealing engagement with the first section.

Abstract: Signal output means (11) responsive to gas flow and particularly suited for use in gas flow indicator apparatus (10), has first and second pressure-datum valves (24, 25) arranged in downstream order in a gas conduit (16), the second pressure-datum valve (25) being arranged to open at a lower pressure difference than the first pressure-datum valve (24). A flueric amplifier (15) has a power jet port (28) connected to the gas conduit (16) on the upstream side of the first pressure-datum valve (24), opposed control pressure ports (26, 27) connected respectively to a chamber (22) formed between the first and second pressure-datum valves (24, 25) and to the gas conduit (16) downstream of the second pressure-datum valve (25), and a vent port (30) also connected to the gas conduit (16) downstream of the second pressure-datum valve (25). A pressure signal output by the flueric amplifier (15) in response to gas flow through the conduit (16) may be used to trigger a visual or audio warning device (14).

Abstract: An operation member can be driven to move along a rectilinear path, which is perpendicular and laterally positioned with respect to a rotating control shaft of a first controlled member and directed towards a control element of a second controlled member. There are provided movement transmission means provided with clearance, which firstly transform an initial advancement of the operation member into a rotation of said rotating shaft and then, while maintaining stationary the same shaft, allow said operation member a final advancement up to the operation engagement with said control element.

Abstract: A transfer valve having a valve casing with a closed bottom, a closed top and a separator plate dividing the interior of the valve casing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An inlet port opening into the upper chamber, an outlet port opening into the lower chamber and two additional ports opening into both the upper chamber and into the lower chamber. A valve in the upper chamber and a valve in the lower chamber, and a control rod extending through the upper and lower plates to simultaneously rotate the valve from one of the additional ports in the upper chamber and in the lower chamber to the other additional port in the upper chamber and in the lower chamber.

Abstract: An electrochemical measuring apparatus may be charged with an option of several media by providing a feeder part with the respective media connections, and by guiding a piece of pipe in a bore, which is sealed off and is movable relative to this feeder part. On its end facing away from a measuring chamber in the apparatus, the piece of pipe has a connection for additional media. Besides, it carries at least one circumferential bore which may be brought to coincide with at least one of the input openings into the bore connecting to the feed lines, by means of a relative motion - preferably controlled via a stepping motor - between the pipe piece and the above bore.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a rotor having at least one internal flow passageway therein extending between ports for providing communication between various pairs of flow passageways in the body of the valve. The rotor includes an annular surface for sealing engagement with the body, at least one of the rotor ports being disposed on the annular surface. A continuous resilient seal is disposed between the sealing surfaces of the rotor and the body to provide static and dynamic sealing. A spherical surface disposed between the rotary drive and the rotor applies axial pressure to the rotor, the surface accommodating rocking of the rotor to insure uniform loading thereof. Further, loading of the seal between the rotor and body is adjustable externally of the valve.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve device for controlling the flow of fluid comprising a body having an inlet port, a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a bore for fluid communication with the inlet and first outlet ports at one end thereof and for fluid communication with the second outlet port at the other end thereof. A magnetic hollow tubular core is axially mounted within the bore for dividing the bore into an annular outer chamber, a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber communicating among the inlet port, first outlet port and second outlet port, respectively, and the core has first and second apertures for fluid communication between the outer chamber and first and second inner chambers, respectively.

Abstract: A three-way valve assembly having a reciprocable valve plunger movably controlled by a solenoid. The valve housing has an elastomeric orifice member seated thereon, which orifice member controls flow of pressure fluid from a source. The valve plunger has an enlarged nondeformable valve surface thereon which engages a projecting end portion of the orifice member for sealingly closing off the orifice.

Abstract: A valve is described having a ridge extending along a flat surface having holes therein and a base of elastic material compressed against the ridge and flat surface so as to define a channel of small cross-section communicating between the openings. A tab is connected to the side of the base of elastic material that is remote from the ridge and the flat surface so that a pull on the tab pulls the base away from the flat surface and enlarges the cross-section of the channel.

Abstract: A cup shaped or cylindrical thread protector, having circumferentially spaced, internally projecting lugs, is formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin into a female mold cavity having a smooth cylindrical interior and having a male mold member fitting therein and cooperable therewith to define a cup shaped or cylindrical cavity. The male mold member has a plurality of recesses of a size and shape operable to produce said lugs in the molded thread protector produced therein. When the thread protector is molded, the male mold member is rotated about its axis sufficiently to compress said lugs into the cup wall thereof at a time after the thermoplastic has solidified but before it has cooled and is then pulled from within the cup shaped member.

Abstract: An air gap pipe and a method for forming the same are provided. This air gap pipe includes a non-linear outer pipe and an inner pipe of identical configuration disposed concentrically within the outer pipe. The inner pipe is supported by resilient dimples in the outer pipe. The outer pipe is placed in a condition for receiving the inner pipe by longitudinally cutting the outer pipe in half with a pre-programmed plasma arc or laser cutting apparatus. The two halves of the outer pipe are secured together to provide vents, if necessary, for selective dissipation of heat.

Abstract: A forming fabric comprising an upper layer which is intended to serve as the paper-forming side and consists of thinner yarns, and a bottom layer which consists of coarser yarns. The two layers are interconnected in that threads form the upper layer alternately pass downwardy to interweave with the bottom layer and in the upper layer replace one another in such a manner that together these threads form the same weave pattern with the upper layer as the rest of the yarns in that layer, which yarns do not interweave with the bottom layer.

Abstract: A tool which loops the end portion of the outermost convolution of a spiral wire binder around the neighboring next-to-the-outermost convolution while the convolutions of the binder extend through the perforations of a stack of paper sheets and the binder is located in a preselected position has a knife which trims the outermost convolution and thereupon bends the end portion of the outermost convolution to a position of parallelism with and proximity to a stationary surface. A looping device which is mounted at the forward end of a rotary reciprocable shaft is thereupon caused to engage the bent end portion in response to forward movement of the shaft and to loop the bent end portion by moving it along the surface and around the neighboring convolution in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A receptacle for collecting gasoline fuel spills is provided having an outer flexible wall and a bottom pervious wall. The outer flexible wall is provided with a tie string in the neck thereof whereby the receptacle may be sealed by pulling the tie string together. A central aperture is provided in the bottom pervious wall. Secured within the central aperture is a central flexible wall having an upper and extending above an upper end of the receptacle. The upper end of the tubular central wall has a tie string therein for securing the neck of the tubular inner wall against a fill pipe of a gasoline underground tank. The receptacle contains layers of absorbent material for absorbing gasoline which may spill out of the fill pipe during filling of the underground tank. When the absorbent materials absorb sufficient gasoline, the receptacle may be removed from about the fill pipe and the drawing strings pulled together to contain the absorbed gasoline within the receptacle.

Abstract: An automatic syringe filling system includes a pump for supplying liquid under pressure to a manifold that distributes the liquid to each of a plurality of syringes. Microswitches disposed at predetermined positions detect when the plunger of each syringe connected to the manifold has been extended a particular distance determined by the desired fill volume. When all of the plungers are extended this distance, the supply of liquid to the manifold is discontinued by closing a valve and deactuating the pump.

Abstract: A machine is proposed for filling and closing hard gelatine capsules, in which the powder to be filled into the capsules is located in a filling product container, the base of which is a revolving dispensing disc. The dispensing disc has openings into which the powder is pressed with the aid of filler punches. A ring is firmly connected with the dispensing disc and has openings for receiving upper capsule portions. Curve controlled elements having openings for receiving lower capsule portions are pivotably disposed on the underside of the ring. The pivoting movement of the elements is effected via a stationary curve and a curved roller. The curve is embodied such that the elements can be moved both outward, that is, beyond the circumference of the ring, and inward, that is, underneath the openings in the dispensing disc.

Abstract: The following specification sets forth a hinge template guide. The hinge template guide facilitates routing of a door jam or frame by means of a router within a prescribed pattern formed by the template. The template has an opening therein for moving the router over the door frame or jam in a prescribed manner so as to cut an opening within the jam for mounting a hinge. The template guide is supported by means of sharpened pins which are driven into the door jam on a temporary basis and are removed by pivotal lever arms mounted on a bracket that are spring biased and journaled for removal of the pins by a levered removal thereof. The entire template is adjustable with regard to the dimensions that are to be cut by means of a rotatable adjustment means for providing the template at a specified margin on the door jam.

Abstract: A pair of upstanding vertically elongated components are provided and each component includes upper and lower ends. The upper ends of the components are pivotally connected for relative swinging movement of the lower ends thereof toward and away from each other. The lower end of one of the components includes abutment surfaces facing toward the lower end of the other component and the lower end of the other component includes a wedge facing toward the abutment surfaces. An extendable hydraulic motor is operatively connected between the components for forcibly angularly displacing the components relative to each other to swing the lower ends thereof toward each other. The wedge-equipped component includes lower end foot structure for stationary support from a horizontal support surface and the abutment surface-equipped component includes lower end opposite side ground-engaging support wheels.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus designed to produce an oscillating force which is transmitted to a cutting element, said cutting element having a plurality of cutting teeth disposed at intervals in a complete circle around the periphery of the cutting element. The direction of cutting of the cutting teeth of said cutting element is alternated in opposite directions so that when to the cutting element is applied an oscillatory force, half of the cutting teeth will cut in one direction and the other half in the opposite direction. Thus the cutting apparatus disclosed herein is designed to work with any oscillating flexible cutting element of the type described above.

Abstract: A system for production of Roman type shades formed of multilayers of material is shown according to the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Generally, Roman type shades include pulling cords strung through rings attached to the shade such that the shade is generally flat when down and the shade falls into pleats when the pulling cords are pulled. The system of the present invention includes an array of linearly connected ring connectors for automatic distribution and insertion by an attachment tool. The ring connectors include a T-shaped member having a shank portion connected between the shade ring and a crossbar member. The crossbar may be aligned in the attachment tool with and for introduction into the hollow needle of the attachment tool.

Abstract: A method for forming a suture-receiving hole in an eyeless suture needle. An oxidation resistant needle material and a heat resistant pressing tool are provided. The base end of the needle is heated to a temperature near its melting point and the heat resistant perforating tool is pressed into the base of the needle to form the desired suture-receiving hole. As an alternative, a preliminary hole can be formed in the base end of the needle material before the perforating tool is pressed into the hole as the final finishing step. Other variations include rotating or vibrating the perforating tool as it is pressed into the base end of the needle.

Abstract: In a foundry apparatus for clearing sand from castings comprising a conveyor and a supporter for the castings and for moving them from the conveyor into an abrasive blasting cabinet (or other sand removing unit) while turning the castings about a horizontal axis, in order to make transport simpler and to make certain that even complex castings are completely cleaned, a transport unit is used for taking up and supporting the castings and is supported on the supporter. The transport unit has a platform-like lower support in the form of a grid to be joined to the supporter by mating parts on the supporter and on the lower support. The mating parts are designed to keep the lower support in a generally horizontal position. The transport unit further is designed for forming a basket with a keeper element on the supporter and the basket is able to be opened and shut.

Abstract: A casting support apparatus comprising pairs of opposed separate cooling plates arranged in an upper stage immediately below a mold and each having grooves in its surface; pairs of opposed separate cooling plates arranged in a lower stage immediately below the upper stage cooling plates and each having grooves in its surface; a plurality of cooling rolls each rotatably provided in a space formed between each two adjacent cooling plates in each of the stages, each of the cooling rolls being formed with annular grooves along its outer periphery; jet nozzles arranged for introducing cooling water into a space between a casting and the cooling plates in each stage from above the cooling plates; jet nozzles arranged for introducing cooling water into a space between the casting and the cooling rolls in each stage from above the cooling rolls; and auxiliary jet nozzles arranged for applying cooling water to the rear surfaces of the cooling plates in each stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling and regulating operational parameters of a machine for continuously casting bands between cylinders, allowing adhesion to be avoided. This method comprises considering as parameters the torque exerted on one or other of the cylinders for moving the band on and comprises permanently comparing the frequency of the variations in the torque measurement with a reference frequency. When the variation frequency is greater than the reference frequency, the casting speed of the machine is reduced and/or the lubricant flow rate is increased until the variation frequency is again lower than the reference frequency. The speed of the casting machine is then increased as long as the variation frequency remains below the reference frequency.

Abstract: An amorphous Fe-B-Si alloy and article made therefrom is provided having improved castability while maintaining good magnetic properties, ductility and improved thermal stability. Fe-B-Si alloys containing 0.1-4.0% Cr, in atomic percent, have improved castability and amorphousness. An alloy is provided generally consisting essentially of 6-10% B, 14-17% Si, 0.1-4.0% Cr, and the balance iron, and no more than incidental impurities. A method of casting an amorphous strip material from the alloy is also provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal is described. To substantially reduce the risk of tearing the forming metal shell and adversely affecting the casting process and ingot quality, lubricant is supplied to the casting mold and at least that portion of the molten metal supply system where freeze-back is most likely to occur. In a preferred embodiment, a system for delivering cooled lubricant is embedded within the material forming the outlet portion of the molten metal supply system.

Abstract: Heat recovery and replacement air preheating apparatus for use in industrial heat treating processes is disclosed as including at least a pair of thermal recovery and storage units, B, C wherein each storage unit contains a plurality of heat exchange elements 32, 33 which operate as heat sponges to pick up heat from exhausts as it leaves the dryer and subsequently to put that heat into entering replacement air whereby the cost in elevating the replacement air is greatly reduced. A control valve D, 62 connected between the two thermal storage units cycles the reverse exhaust and replacement air flows alternately through the thermal storage units in a manner that a substantial amount of exhaust heat is stored and transferred to the replacement air flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for providing for increased heat transfer efficiency f a heat exchanger by separating contiguous fluid conductive channels by means of a flexible sheet fabricated from a piezoelectric polymer. An electrode pattern of predetermined configuration is applied to one or both sides of the piezoelectric sheet and an electrical signal applied thereto in order to set the sheet into a flexual resonance condition whereupon a standing wave pattern is established to not only break up the boundary layer of fluid which adheres to each side of the sheet, but also minimizing the thickness of the laminar sub-layer.

Abstract: Air enters each pass of a two-pass air heater in the same direction with respect to gas flows. Bypass air conduits connect each tube bundle of a first tier to the tube bundle of a second tier of adjacent gas ducts and are located between inlet and outlet air conduits and have common walls therewith.The bypass air conduits connect the tube bundles of all the gas ducts in a single closed (ring) circuit. It is possible to set the gas ducts either along the radius on a single circumference or in a joined-up arrangement with the gas ducts divided into two halves by a vertical partition.In an alternative embodiment, the bypass air conduits connect the tube bundles of all the gas ducts in an open circuit, the tube bundles of both tiers of the extreme gas ducts are half as wide and are arranged to form a single pass with respect to the air flow.The thermal efficiency of the air heater is the same as that of a Z-criss-cross type air heater.