Abstract: A yarn supply system for a loom includes a yarn supply member changing apparatus for replacing a using yarn supply member with a new one when the weft yarn of the used yarn supply member has been used up or broken. The new yarn supply member is supplied to the yarn supply member changing apparatus at a mounting position from a self-propelled carriage. The new yarn supply member is carried to a yarn supply position by a carrying member movably mounted on the yarn supply member changing apparatus. A weft yarn wound on a bobbin forming part of the yarn supply member has a free tip end section which has been inserted into the central hole of the bobbin. The weft yarn tip end section of the yarn supply member at the yarn supply position of the yarn supply member changing position is drawn out of the bobbin and threaded into a weft winding arm forming part of a weft measuring and storing device under the influence of air stream.

Abstract: A can (1) has a primary chamber and a secondary chamber in communication through a restricted orifice and its exterior maintained at atmospheric pressure. The can (1) is filled with beer through a filling block (24) from a bowl (8). Prior to filling the can (1) is pressurized through the block (24) with nitrogen gas to greater than atmospheric pressure and subsequently evacuated to atmospheric pressure. Such pressurization and evacuation is repeated sequentially to dilute the atmospheric oxygen content within the primary and secondary chambers. A gas exchange conduit (40) extends between the bowl headspace (12) and the can (1). Conduit (40) has a gas control valve (55) closeable by movement of lever (60). A beer flow valve (37/46) controls flow of beer (9) from the bowl. During nitrogen pressurization of the can (1) the lever (60) is adjusted to maintain valves (55) and (37/46) closed and insure that high pressure gas in the can (1) cannot flow through conduit (40) into the bowl (8).

Abstract: The present invention is a criss-cross flow hopper which provides even fluid distribution. The flow hopper includes the first and second hopper half each having a planar surface and a cavity which cooperate to form an inner chamber and an exit slot. A first and second insert are securable to each hopper half in the cavity. These non-contacting inserts form within the chamber first and second half flow slots which direct fluid away from the exit slot but then the fluid combines in a damping chamber bounded by the inserts. The fluid is then directed to the exit slot to the substrate to be coated.

Abstract: In a fluid valving system, binary fluid control lines are connected in parallel between a common fluid inlet and a common fluid outlet. Each line has a binary valve and a metering orifice for passing a predetermined rate of fluid flow. The rates are in a geometric progression in factors of two. An analog fluid control line is connected in parallel with the binary lines, and has a continuously adjustable flow rate regulator for passing any selected rate of fluid flow up to a maximum at least equal to the largest increment of rate change in the binary lines. The regulator is formed of a miniature solid state device. A controller sets each binary valve open or closed, and sets the regulator for a selected flow rate, such that cooperative settings provide for a smoothly variable rate of total fluid flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for delivering gas at a predetermined rate of flow, including a diaphgram type flow controller, a pressure regulator for providing a constant flow of gas to the flow controller, and a microprocessor controlled stepper motor utilizing an optical encoder to adjust the rate of flow of a gas leaving the controller without having to use a gas flow measurement device to monitor the flow rate.

Abstract: A single-control mixing valve has an upwardly directed stem extending along a stem axis and movable relative to a normally stationary valve axis for regulation of flow through the valve. A lever assembly has a flange element having a socket fitted complimentarily over the stem and a plate having a periphery and extending transversely of the valve axis, a first screw secures the flange element to the stem with the socket fitted over same, and a lever having a cup-shaped base part formed with a downwardly open seat complimentarily fittable with the plate and an arm projecting laterally from the base part. The seat has a laterally open recess, and a second screw secures the plate in the seat with a portion of the seat periphery projecting laterally into the recess.

Abstract: A shuttle valve is described which comprises a valve housing having an inlet and a plurality of outlets. An inner valve assembly is located within an internal cavity which is actuated by a shaft which extends from the internal cavity to a point external from the valve housing. The inner valve assembly comprises a valve disk having a surface which is spherical, at least in part, and a flow elbow, which is located 180.degree. away from the face of the valve disk. The valve disk and the flow elbow are connected to one another and to the shaft. The valve disk is further articulatable. The point which defines the axis of rotation of the shaft and the center point of a phantom sphere defined by the spherical surface of the valve disk, are eccentric, or displaced from one another.

Abstract: A controller (11) and a system for controlling the flow of fluid to a fluid pressure operated device (C) are disclosed. The controller is of the type including a rotatable spool valve (35) and a relatively rotatable sleeve valve (37). Relative rotation between the spool and sleeve define a main fluid path (MFP) and relative axial movement therebetween defines an auxiliary fluid path (AFP). An actuator (65) generates a mechanical output (71) in response to an electrical input signal (CS) to move the sleeve (37) between its neutral axial position (FIG. 6) and an axial operating position (FIG. 7). Axial movement of the sleeve is controlled by a joystick (J). The system includes various sensors (S,PS,G,P), which can sense a predetermined condition and generate an interrupt signal to interrupt or change the gain of the electrical input signal (CS).

Abstract: A diverter valve (10) provided at a three-way junction through which passes a high temperature gas, the valve having a closure member (12, 13, 14) pivotable between a first position in which it closes a first outlet branch of the junction and a second position in which it closes a second outlet branch of the junction, wherein the closure member carries one or more deflecting vanes (16) positioned (a) in front of the closure member so as to direct the flow of gas into and through the first outlet branch when the closure member closes the second outlet branch and (b) to be hidden behind the closure member and to be isolated from contact with the gas flowing into and through the second outlet branch when the closure member closes the first outlet branch.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the central opening in a conventional closet flange extending perpendicular to a drain pipe. A generally disk-shaped sealing member is connected to the lower end of a threaded shaft screwed through an intermediate hub in a diametrically extending mounting body. A pair of L-shaped retaining arms are pivotally connected to corresponding ends of the mounting body. Heads on the lower ends of the retaining arms may be inserted through diametrically spaced key-shaped slots in the closet flange and engaged with the underside of the flange. A handle connected to the upper end of the shaft may be turned to screw the shaft downwardly. This firmly presses an elastomeric boot on a convex underside of the sealing member against an inner edge of the central opening in the closet flange. This seals the opening in the closet flange to permit pressure testing of the drain and its associates sewer system.

Abstract: A fire resistant plastic structure comprises a pair of parallel walls, wherein the spacing between the walls is filled with an array of mutually spaced strut elements, thereby providing a flow path for a cooling fluid throughout the spacing.

Abstract: A rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe comprises a strip member A that comprises a rigid polyvinyl chloride strip 1 with a U-shaped cross section consisting of an intermediate portion 1a of a predetermined width having a generally flat surface on at least one lateral side and two ribs 1b that extend from opposite sides of the intermediate portion 1a in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the intermediate portion, with a layer of flexible synthetic resin 2 highly fusible to the rigid polyvinyl chloride resin being fused integrally to substantially the entire outer surface of the lateral side of both ribs 1b.

Abstract: A process for catching and processing non-aqueous drip-liquids, characterized in that the drip-liquid to be processed is caught in an oily and non-aqueous liquids absorbing, water-repelling, liquid catching on a non-woven cloth, incorporated into an envelope of a hydrophobic synthetic resin fiber fabric, which envelope with cloth is partitioned in a suitable manner in a number of tracks of fields; the enveloped liquid catching cloth with absorbed drip-liquid are collected, the collected envelope liquid catching cloths are washed in a solvent for the drip-liquid, the drip-liquid is separated from the solvent, the drip-liquid so recovered is incinerated with power-generation and the cleaned enveloped liquid catching cloths may be used anew.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing beverages within containers, including a hand-held charging gun adapted to controllably admit pressurized gas such as CO.sub.2 into the container up to a predetermined limit. The charging gun includes a pressure regulating head and a manual control button. The pressure regulating head is sized to fit over a receptor of a check valve cap which is configured to thread onto the neck of a common beverage bottle. Positioning the charging gun so that the receptor fits within the receptor cavity and depressing the manual control button commences the flow of CO.sub.2 gas into the bottle. At a predetermined pressure limit, a pressure regulator renders the continued depression of the control button ineffective and stops the gas flow. The pressure regulating head includes a blow-back plug for preventing matter from the bottle from entering the piston cylinder. A check valve in the cap includes a piston which is sealingly held against a gasket at the upper end of the receptor.

Abstract: A medication dispenser (2, 120) is used to directly fill a syringe (8, 134) with measured amounts of one or more liquid medications, typically two different types of insulin, from containers, such as vials (4, 6) and cartridges (230, 232, 234) each having a septum at one end; each cartridge has a pierceable piston (256) at the other end. The septum of each container is pierced by hollow liquid spikes (54) while hollow gas spikes (56) pierce the septum of the vial and the piston of the cartridge. Liquid is pumped out of the container and air is replaced into the container through the liquid and gas spikes. Two of the cartridges can contain a diluent (231) and a lyophilized component (233) respectively; the diluent in the first cartridge can be pumped into the second cartridge through a one-way valve to create a mixed pharmaceutical which is then pumped into the syringe, with or without another pharmaceutical.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using a veneer type lathe of compact design for the pellitizing of a log portion directly from the log without intermediate steps. A log saddle with slide guides for the axles of the incisor rolls enables a significant reduction in the complexity of a peripheral drive veneer lathe and permits the use of a single press to clamp, incise and separate the pellets from the log.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved planar which effectively prevents undesirable torn grain. The planer of the invention includes at least one planer knife or blade and at least one pressing member, both attached to and supported on a cutterhead. The pressing member includes a head element which is located to have a predetermined angle with respect to the blade and is resiliently movable in a predetermined direction to press an edge of the head element against a certain position of a wood surface immediately before a cutting edge of the blade moving in a fixed direction for cutting or against a boundary between the wood surface and a chip being currently cut from the wood surface. The direct pressing of the pressing member against the wood surface prevents rise of wood fibers and thereby effectively reduces or eliminates undesirable torn or chipped grain.

Abstract: A portable work table adapted for being removably positioned within a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a frame having an upper wall with a generally planar top surface, side walls extending from the upper wall and a bottom wall extending between the side walls. A plurality of legs are movably mounted on the frame and are movable between a first position such that the legs extend from the bottom surface for being engaged with a support surface such that the frame is positioned above the support surface to permit work to be readily carried out on the top surface and a second position such that the legs are retracted from the first position towards the bottom surface such that the frame is positionable within the storage compartment of the vehicle. A plurality of objects are movably mounted on the frame.

Abstract: The tire treads are divided circumferentially into first, second, and third zones. The edge between each of the three zones in the tire treads are in the center of an aquachannel. The tires have a tread groove pattern that is asymmetric in character.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal mold is disclosed. A heat resistant sheet is forcedly brought into close contact with a product configuration surface of a matrix such as a wooden pattern, a resin model, or the like by making use of negative pressure. The matrix is brought into contact with a melt of a low melting-point alloy while that state of close contact is being maintained and the melt is allowed to cool as it is, thereby casting one part of the mold which makes up a pair. The matrix is then removed, and by using the one part of the mold thus cast as a new matrix, this new matrix is brought into contact with the melt of a low melting-point alloy via the heat resistant rubber sheet and is allowed to cool as it is, thereby casting a counterpart of the mold that makes up the pair.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine coolant extractor/injector with coupling comprises a tank assembly, an air pressure control assembly and a hose assembly. The air pressure control assembly creates a vacuum in the tank assembly by using the venturi effect. The air pressure control assembly does this by connecting to a compressed air hose. The air from the air hose flows through a venturi chamber creating a vacuum. The vacuum forces air out of the tank, creating a vacuum in the tank. The vacuum is maintained in the tank by means of a valve.A transfer hose is also connected to the tank. The transfer hose is inserted into an automobile radiator; in the alternative, the transfer hose is connected to an automobile radiator by means of a coupling. The valve is then opened. The vacuum in the tank pulls coolant out of the radiator through the transfer hose and into the tank.Coolant is injected or reinjected into the radiator by increasing the air pressure inside of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for casting which includes a melt chamber within which a metal is disposed. The melt chamber includes means for melting the material. A mold chamber is disposed beneath the melt chamber comprised of a mold defining a mold cavity within which the metal is formed and a preform is disposed. There is also a riser cavity fluidically connected to the mold cavity for holding a charge of melted metal. There is also provided means for fluidically connecting the melt chamber to the mold chamber and a valve element for controlling the flow of metal through the connecting means such that when the connecting means is opened, the chambers are fluidically connected and when the connecting means is closed, the chambers are fluidically isolated. The mold chamber has means for evacuating the mold chamber and means for pressurizing the mold chamber such that the melted metal disposed within the riser cavity is forced into the preform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for forming a filler material which can be used in various metal matrix composite formation processes for forming metal matrix composite bodies. Particularly, an infiltration enhancer or an infiltration enhancer precursor or an infiltrating atmosphere are in communication with a filler material or a preform, at least at some point during the process, which permits molten matrix metal to spontaneously infiltrate the filler material or preform. Such spontaneous infiltration occurs without the requirement for the application of any pressure or vacuum. The amount of matrix metal provided is sufficient only to coat, to a desired thickness, substantially all of the filler material. The coated filler material is thereafter comminuted for use in any desired metal matrix composite formation process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for marking green sand molds are proposed, in which the surface of the sand is individually marked by means of an identification once compacting of the molds in the mold cavity has taken place, in such a way that the marking is transferred from the surface of the sand to the casting by the casting operation.

Abstract: An automatic molding apparatus includes a rotatable turntable which has located thereon a plurality of pattern supporting plates. A mold pattern located on at least one of the pattern supporting plates is surrounded by a flask located on the pattern supporting plate and having an open top and bottom. A movable sand adding box communicates with the top of the flask when the flask and the pattern supporting plate are moved to a feeding position beneath the sand adding box. The sand adding box has an open top and bottom to allow sand to pass therethrough and into the flask. A feeding channel beneath a sand supply includes an upper opening for allowing sand from the sand supply to enter the feeding channel. A movable plate allows sand in the feeding channel to enter the sand adding box when the movable plate is moved to an open position. After being filled with sand, the flask and sand adding box are raised to a position where a pressing plate compresses the sand in the flask.

Abstract: A pressure-casting machine that contains a delivery system, which comprises: a molten metal pouring pipe made of a refractory, having a length of at least 4 m and an outside diameter of at least 350 mm, and arranged such that an upper end thereof is attached substantially vertically from below to an opening in a bottom wall of a mold for a pressure-casting machine, and a lower end thereof extends through a lid of a closed vessel arranged below the mold and is immersed into molten metal received in a ladle arranged in the closed vessel. The molten metal pouring pipe comprises at least two pipe sections connected to each other in series and in a liquid-tight manner by means of a threaded joint, tapered surfaces provided with screw threads of which have an inclination angle within a range of from 2.0.degree. to 15.0.degree. relative to the center axis of the molten metal pouring pipe.

Abstract: A heat exchanger core comprises a pair of header plates, each of which having a plurality of openings therein, a plurality of oval cross-section heat exchanger tubes adapted to receive a fluid medium therethrough extending in generally spaced parallel relationship between the header plates, the ratio between the major diameter and the minor diameter of each of the tubes being from about 12/1 to about 18/1, each of the plurality of tubes being positioned and arranged such that the ends of each of the tubes are joined to corresponding openings in each of the header plates to form a plurality of tube-to-header joints, and a plurality of louvered serpentine heat transfer fin elements disposed between the header plates in a heat exchange relationship with the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: The apparatus includes casting stations disposed around a melt chamber of a furnace. Each casting station has a tundish for selectively transporting melt to the desired casting station. The apparatus is provided with apertures in the walls of the melting chamber to allow the tundishes to enter the melt chamber through fixed vacuum seals to receive molten metal from a tiltable melting unit and to convey the melt through the vacuum gate valve to the desired casting station.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a pair of header pipes each of which includes a U-shaped wall and a front wall connected thereto to define a hollow portion. The front wall has a plurality of arc-shaped portions and plane portions each of which is disposed between adjacent arc-shaped portions in the longitudinal direction of the header pipe. Each of the plane portions are provided with an elongated hole therethrough. A plurality of fluid tubes are disposed between the header pipes in fluid communication therewith via the elongated holes. A plurality of corrugated fins are disposed between the opposed outer surfaces of the fluid tubes. Thus, the pressure loss of refrigerant in the heat exchanger is very low.

Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat having a plurality of program sets, each comprising a plurality of times and a corresponding plurality of temperatures is disclosed. To program the thermostat, the user merely selects a program set and the plurality of times and temperatures corresponding to the selected program set is programmed into the thermostat to control the heating and/or cooling systems controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: The invention provides a prefabricated ground coil assembly comprising headers and a plurality of flexible elongate coil elements, the ground coil being completely assembled ready for use and shipped as a compact annular package whose axial length is equal to the sum of the diameters of the pipe elements.

Abstract: An integral heat pipe, heat exchanger, and clamping plate. A base plate functioning as an evaporator has disposed in it a multiplicity of intersecting parallel and perpendicular internal channels extending laterally substantially across the base plate. A sintered copper thermal wick is applied to all channels. Thin-walled condenser tubes forming a condenser region are joined to the base plate at intersections of width wise and cross wise channels contained in the base plate. A multiplicity of fins extend to all condenser tubes. For heat pipe arrangements operating in horizontal configurations, all wick-lined channels within the base plate remain open. For heat pipe arrangements intended to operate in oblique or vertical configurations, horizontally extending channels vertically displaced relative to other horizontal channels are isolated from the latter by a multiplicity of plugs.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) in accordance with the invention includes first and second heat conductive, spaced apart plates (12 and 14) and a heat conductive sheet (16) disposed between the plates and having repeating ridges (18) in thermal contact with the plates with successive ridges facing a different one of the plates and sections (22) of the sheet between successive ridges being inclined with respect to the axis of fluid flow and containing at least one aperture (32, 34 and 38) extending between the opposed surfaces of the section for passing fluid flow through the at least one aperture when fluid flows along the axis of fluid flow with fluid flow through the at least one aperture of the plurality of sections producing jets of fluid contacting one of the plates.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in which a header and tank construction comprises separate header and tank portions which are used in combination to form a heat exchanger unit. End caps for the header and tank construction and baffles to form partitions or chambers within the header and tank construction are inserted in grooves formed in the separate header and/or tank portion(s). The heat exchanger assembly comprises spaced combined header and tank constructions between which extend a plurality of tubes which are inserted in slots in the header portions. An area of the header portion can have a plurality of center portions and slots between adjacent center portions for the tubular elements. The apexes of each center portion between the tubular element slots have a flattened area and there are side portions running downward from the center portion apex flats which also are substantially flattened.

Abstract: The invention is a cooling structure for a high power density surface. Fluid is pumped along interconnected and continuous multiple channels on the backside of a sintered metal wick bonded to the cooled surface. The channels are located within a fluid layer which also includes multiple fluid holes, so that each hole is surrounded by interconnected channels. The holes are connected to a manifold to collect or supply the pumped fluid. The channels which surround each hole are connected to another manifold attached to the structure, and the proximity of the channels to the holes assures that fluid flow resistance within the sintered metal wick is minimized by the multiple short, wide paths.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) with at least one heat-exchange tube (11) which is held at the end in an end piece (3) such that the joint is liquid- and gas-tight. The end piece (3) has an opening for each tube to which it is connected, allowing the heat-exchange fluid to pass through from the tube (11) into a conduit box and in the opposite direction, a sleeve-like connection socket (8) being located in the region of each opening. The connection socket (8) comprises a cylindrical slot (9) coaxial to the opening and open at the heat-exchange tube end, forming an inner (14) and outer (15) annular wall. The end of the heat-exchange tube (11) is pushed into the slot. A section of the outer annular wall (15) adjacent to the heat-exchange block is longer than the corresponding section of the inner annular wall (14).

Abstract: A combination perforating/gravel pack assembly includes a crossover circulation tool, a gravel pack screen, gravel pack accessories and a perforating gun which are interconnected by tubular flow conductors. External seals are located at longitudinally spaced locations along the upper end of the flow conductor string, above the gravel pack accessories and screens. External seals are also located at longitudinally spaced locations along the lower end of the flow conductor string, intermediate the screen and the perforating gun assembly. After crossover and reverse circulation are established, gravel slurry is pumped through an inner service string into the production annulus between the screen and the perforated casing. The slurry liquid is returned through a tell-tale screen upwardly through the washpipe and circulation tool, where it crosses over for return flow to the surface through a bypass annulus between the inner service string and the upper flow conductor seal assembly.

Abstract: An annular safety system for a well produced by gas lift includes a packer, a landing nipple below the packer and an operating seal unit to which primary and secondary well tubings and a control line are connected. There is an inline valve in the secondary tubing and safety valve operated by the control line in a primary flow conduit in the operating seal unit. After the operating seal unit is inserted through the packer to automatically land and be locked in the landing nipple and the packer operated to anchor and seal in a well casing, flow passages are formed for conveying lift gas from the secondary tubing to around the landing nipple for lifted flow upward through the primary conduit and tubing. When the well is being produced by lift gas, and pressure in the control line is reduced purposely or by rupture of the control line, the safety valve operates to prevent upward lifted flow in the primary tubing.

Abstract: A latching device to be used with a cement squeeze packer and a stinger is disclosed. The latching device enables an operator at the surface of an oil or gas well to open and close the squeeze packer valve without the risk of pulling the stinger out of the packer. The latch assembly is installed on the stinger assembly and is provided with a plurality of radially flexible fingers that engage the uphole end of the packer mandrel. Preferably, a series of ribs on both the latch and the uphole end of the mandrel are engaged when the stinger assembly descends into the hole and the stinger enters the packer. These ribs prevent the stinger from coming out of the packer until a predetermined tensile force is applied.

Abstract: A lead-in guide assembly is shown for centralizing a downhole tool being run from a well surface within a well bore to a selected downhole location. The lead-in guide can be utilized as a seal assembly guide including a seal carrier provided with a leading end and a trailing end which is made up in a tubing string leading to the well surface. A collapsible guide is located at the leading end of the seal carrier for centralizing the seal carrier within the surrounding cased well bore as the seal assembly is being run into position above a cooperating sealing bore located at a downhole location. The guide means moves to a retracted position as the assembly moves within the cooperating sealing bore.

Abstract: A hanger (3) is suspended and sealed within a wellhead housing (5) by means of a landing ring which engages teeth (8) on the hanger, and a sealing device consisting of wedge rings (15 and 16) which seal respectively against the teeth (8) and the wall of the housing (5).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gravel packing wells are provided. The area available for flow of fluid through a screen device is increased as increasing amounts of gravel are pumped into the well. External or internal means for increasing flow area are provided. Gravel pack screen assemblies by which flow area can be incrementally increased are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, treating a well using a tool string is disclosed. The method includes the steps of supplying a predetermined amount of treatment fluid to the well; pumping fluid from the well and holding the fluid in the tool string; and releasing the treatment fluid from the tool string into the well. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes repeating the pumping and releasing steps until the well is adequately treated.

Abstract: The addition of fibrous materials in intimate mixture with particulates for fracturing and gravel packing decreases or eliminates the flowback of proppant and/or formation fines while stabilizing the sand pack and lowering the demand for high polymer loadings in the placement fluids. Preferred fibers include glass, aramide, nylon and other natural and synthetic organic and inorganic fibers and metal filaments.

Abstract: A cementitious slurry containing blast furnace slag and a surfactant is utilized to displace an oil based drilling fluid without causing contamination by the blast furnace slag cement. In a specific embodiment, a cementitious slurry comprising blast furnace slag, a surfactant and water is used in the cementing of an annulus surrounding a casing or liner wherein a synthetic oil-containing drilling fluid is present.

Abstract: A template and process for drilling and completing multiple wells in a subterranean formation. A template having a plurality of axially extending, divergent bores therethrough is secured to surface or intermediate casing and a like plurality of subterranean wells are drilled through the bores and into the subterranean formation. Each well is separately cased to the well head at the surface and separate production tubing is inserted into each well. Thus, remedial operations can be carded out in one well or fluid injected into a subterranean formation via one well while fluid, such as hydrocarbons, are simultaneously produced from a subterranean formation via the other well(s).

Abstract: A protective covering for a horse's hoof is provided which comprises a horseshoe having convex and concave edges and a polymeric fiber fabric embedded in a polymeric resin bonded to the horseshoe. The fabric extends beyond the convex edge of the horseshoe. When the shoe is fitted to the horse's hoof, the fabric extends up over the outside of the hoof. The protective covering is secured to the hoof using an acrylic structural adhesive both between the hoof and the shoe and between the polymeric fiber fabric and the outside of the hoof. The polymeric fiber fabric is preferably a polyolefin, and particularly preferred is woven polyethylene. The polymeric resin is preferably polyurethane.

Abstract: A kind of built-up inner floating ceiling, equipped with instant fire extinguishing devices, for use in an oil storage tank, consisting of a skeleton formed by girders, cover plates, radial beams, peripheral beams, plastic buoys, plate fixing beams, etc., said plastic buoys being made into a hollow structure, forming hollow chambers, where steel vessels filled with high-pressure inert gas are placed, said steel vessels being connected through connecting pipes fitted with left-handed screw caps and lock washers. As said screw caps are made of a low melting point material, in case of a fire, the will be melted at once, thus releasing the inert gas in said vessels, and extinguishing the fire.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for rotary extraction of weeds and other vegetation by hand or by using a power driver. The apparatus includes a hollow guide tube (20) in which a shaft (16) is slidably disposed. An extraction head having a plurality of pointed rods (12) or prongs (62) is coupled to shaft (16), and can be extended or retracted by movement of shaft (16) within the guide tube (20). The rods (12) or prongs (62) are extended and inserted into the soil over the vegetation to be removed. Rotation of the apparatus winds the vegetation and its root around the rods (12) or prongs (62) and removes it from the soil. The vegetation is then ejected from the apparatus by retracting the rods (12) or prongs (62) and, if necessary, sliding the vegetation off of the tapered sleeve (30).

Abstract: A free fall stroker for raising and dropping a drop hammer for soils bearing testing or the like includes a housing through which a drop hammer cable extends from one side to the bottom thereof. A pair of guide pulleys guide the cable through the housing and a movable sheave operates within a parallelogram-shaped track with four legs, and is attached to a telescoping arm of a hydraulic stroking cylinder. When the arm is retracted, the sheave is moved in a first leg of the track and engages the cable, pulling it between the guide pulleys. When the sheave reaches the end of the first leg, it moves in a second leg in a second direction away from the guide pulleys. This causes the cable to be released, thus dropping the drop hammer and letting it free fall. Extension of the telescoping arm then returns the sheave to the point of origin via the third and fourth legs of the track. A winch is provided on top of the housing to adjust the cable length and a stroke counter counts the number of hammer strokes.