Abstract: An aqueous surface cleaning composition consists essentially of water and a surfactant. The surfactant is incorporated, preferably, at a concentration of 10-100 parts per million, by weight as a proportion of the entire composition, and more preferably is within the range of about 70-93 ppm. The preferred surfactant is sodium octyl sulfate, which is resistant to combining or interacting with ozone and has the desired foaming characteristics. Other ozone resistant surfactants may be employed, alone or in combination with one another. The liquid cleaning composition is used advantageously in a fluid cycling cleaning system or a recycling system in which the liquid is provided from a canister to a cleaning tool head, then returned over a vacuum conduit to the canister for filtration and reuse.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a vacuum cleaner includes a wheel carriage pivotally mounted to a foot of the vacuum cleaner, a height adjustment cam which engages the wheel carriage, and a cam actuator which attaches to the height adjustment cam for camming the height adjustment cam against the wheel carriage. The height adjustment cam is formed with a stepped bottom camming surface. The camming surface is formed with a plurality of spaced parallel ribs having a rounded outer surface which minimizes the surface-to-surface contact between the height adjustment cam and the wheel carriage. This reduced surface-to-surface contact reduces the frictional resistance between the height adjustment cam and the wheel carriage allowing the cam actuator to be easily slid for height adjustment of the vacuum cleaner foot.

Abstract: An output nozzle for allowing plural air flow passage channels in different directions from a gas/electric yard/lawn air blower. The blower uses nozzles having a primary airstream for blowing debris such as leaves, dirt and trash upward above an obstacle such as grass and curbs and a second airstream for propelling debris outward over the obstacle. One version uses a second smaller nozzle upwardly angled at a slight angle of approximately 45 degrees from the upper surface of the main exhaust nozzle. Another version uses a flapper shut off valve in the second nozzle for selectively opening and closing the second nozzle. A still another version uses an extension member having a swivel base for allowing the second airflow exhaust to be directed into different angled directions therefrom. A still another version has a slidable second nozzle having one position closing off airflow, and a second position where airflow passes out from the second nozzle.

Abstract: A hinge structure for electronic apparatus such as a word processor, a personal computer and the like having a cover is provided. The hinge structure can meet the demand for making an electronic apparatus thin and light in weight and also can reduce the manufacturing cost of the equipment. The cover can rotate about a hinge 14 with respect to the main body of the equipment and can be maintained at a desired angular position. The hinge comprises a bush 51, a first hinge section 14a and second hinge sections 14b and 14c. The bush 51 comprises a first rotary section 52 and a second rotary section 53 which is rotatably coupled to the first rotary section. When the second rotary section is rotated about the shaft 52a of the first rotary section, a frictional force generates between a concave portion 54 of the second rotary section.

Abstract: A grab rail assembly for a vehicle includes a base element, a handle, a pivot pin, a cantilevered spring, and a fastener. The base element is engageable with a structural portion of the vehicle. The pivot pin is operatively connected to the handle for pivotally connecting the handle to the base element. Further, the cantilevered spring has a flat leg portion for bearing against flat surfaces of the pivot pin in order to maintain the handle in either a stowed position or an extended position. Furthermore, a fastener is provided for fixing the cantilevered spring and the base element to the structural portion of the vehicle. The pivot pin may also support a hook on which coats and other articles may be hung. The hook is pivotally supported by the pivot pin such that the hook may be positioned in one of a plurality of discrete positions by a detent mechanism.

Abstract: A cable tie includes an elongate generally planar strap and a head. The head includes a tapering entrance into a passageway therethrough for inserting the strap and a flexibly hinged locking pawl adjacent the passageway. The head also includes a fixed locking tooth adjacent the entry end of the passageway for engaging the strap after full securing an article or articles to be bundled. The fixed locking tooth of the present invention is desirably positioned to allow unobstructed insertion of the tail through the head. The present invention is able to minimize the stretching of the strap body when adjacent to the locking pawl by providing an edge which frictionally engages the strap body as the strap body egresses from the passageway of the head. Furthermore, the present invention may include a pair of counter-rotatable locking elements positioned to one side of the passageway through the head.

Abstract: A ball/roller-lock cable tie for holding an article or group of articles together in a bundle including a elongate strap body capable of being deformed to encompass the article or group of articles; a locking head disposed adjacent one end of the strap body for receiving a second end of the strap body; and a ball or cylindrical pin, positioned within the locking head, for lockingly engaging the second end of the strap body. The tie further includes a strap body extension attached to and extending from the locking head such that the extension is sandwiched between the article or articles being bundled and the second end of the strap body upon insertion into the locking head.

Abstract: A cable connector for securing the end of a cable includes a body supporting opposed jaws for sliding motion for gripping a cable with a wedge action. A slot in the top wall of the body permits the cable to be loaded from the top of the body. T-shaped guide structures capture the jaws for controlled sliding movement. Separate springs directly and independently bias the jaws toward a closed position. A sturdy latch plate synchronizes the jaw motion and retains the jaws in a cocked, open position ready to receive a cable. The springs are enclosed at the sides of the jaws, and are of substantial length.

Abstract: A quick disconnect buckle made of a strong and flexible plastic such as poly carbonate, the buckle intended for personal or industrial use, with a high degree of strength relative to buckle dimensions achieved through the incorporation of a latch that employs a single large latching plate and mating opening that cover approximately half the face of the buckle.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener including a plurality of engaging stems located in unordered arrangements, which repeat on a substrate. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener with a plurality of repeating unordered arrangements, where the arrangements repeat in more than one direction. The unordered arrangements of the engaging stems allow pairs of the fasteners to interengage with themselves, or in other words, to self-mate. Additionally, the unordered arrangements of engaging stems allow the fasteners to interengage at any relative angular orientation with a relatively constant engagement force, and a relatively constant disengagement force regardless of their angular orientation. The unordered arrangements of engaging stems also allow pairs of fasteners to interengage at any relative planar position with a relatively constant engagement force and a relatively constant disengagement force regardless of their planar position.

Abstract: A belt lock for a safety belt has a frame (10), a latching element (14) for the latching of the belt tongue (18) and a securing element (16), which secures the latching element (14) in the latched state. Furthermore, a detector device (24, 26, 28) is provided at the belt lock which detects the position of the securing element (16).

Abstract: A snap-fastener having a male member and a female member, respectively having a cap with a rivet shaft piercing through a sheet member and a male part or a female part. The rivet shaft is inserted into an insertion hole so that an inner edge of a hole of the sheet member is sandwiched to have a seal portion. The male part has an engaging projection projecting outwardly at an end of a cylindrical engaging portion. The female part has a resilient engaging member urged axially inwardly and placed outwardly in diameter direction with respect to the engaging portion. The resilient engaging member has at least a locking projection projecting inwardly in diameter direction. The locking projection engages with the engaging projection to lock it so as to restrict its axial movement at the time of engagement between the male part and the female part. In order to disengage this locking, an exclusive device is used for moving the locking projection of the resilient engaging member outwardly in diameter direction.

Abstract: Guide/blocking device for a lace of a boot, and a boot incorporating same. The guide/blocking device includes a sliding part defining a passageway for a lace oriented along a direction corresponding substantially to the direction of traction of the lace. The guide/blocking device includes a blocking part arranged in continuity with the sliding part and oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of traction and corresponding to the blocking direction. Advantageously, the median plane of the sliding part and the blocking part is substantially co-planar with the plane of lacing, and the blocking section includes teeth that are inclined along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the blocking direction.

Abstract: A cut pile fabric with substantially vertically standing tufts made of a synthetic multifilament yarn which is an intermingled yarn comprised of (a) a crimped multifilament yarn and (b) a non-crimped highly heat-shrinkable multifilament yarn having a heat shrinkage larger than that of the crimped multifilament yarn (a), and having thick portions and thin portions, alternately occurring along the length of each constituting filament of the yarn (b), said thick portions having a heat shrinkage larger than that of said thin portions. When heat-treated, the cut pile fabric provides a high-and-low cut pile fabric having a unique appearance. Especially when tip portions of cut piles of the crimped multifilament yarn (a) are entangled with each other, a cut pile fabric having a rugged surface with lumps of snarled piles is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus used with a yarn warper or beamer to uncross yarn ends that have become crossed during a warping operation. An element shaped like a knuckle moves back and forth across a side of the yarn sheet while protruding into the path of yarn ends making up that sheet. The motion of the knuckle against the side of the yarn sheet raises each yarn slightly, then allows the yarn to return to its original position. This motion dislodges yarn ends that have become crossed and allows them to return to their proper registration in the yarn sheet. The end uncrossing device may be located either downstream or upstream from the comb assembly in a warper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an actuator including an ink pump section made by forming a spacer plate with a plurality of window portions formed therein, a closure plate stacked on one side of the spacer plate for covering the window portions and a connection plate stacked on the other side of the spacer plate for covering the above window portions. These plates are formed as laminated ceramic green sheets that are later fired to form an integrated body. A piezoelectric/electrostrictive operating section composed of electrodes and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer is then formed on the outer surface of the closure plate. Thereafter, the actuator is pasted to a holding adhesive film and the holding adhesive film is stripped from the actuator after subjecting the actuator to a given inspection, if necessary, or to cutting into a given shape, if necessary. Subsequently, the actuator is heat-treated. Then, onto this actuator, an ink nozzle member with a plurality of nozzle holes is stacked and joined.

Abstract: A golf club organizing assembly includes divider members having upper and lower longitudinal edges and respective slits and notches defined through the divider members between their upper and lower longitudinal edges for intersecting and interfitting the divider members with and through one another so as to form a plurality of slots for receiving the shafts of golf clubs placed in a carrying bag. The slits are defined through first divider members and the notches are defined through second divider members. The slits in the first divider members have upper and lower ends inwardly spaced from the upper and lower longitudinal edges of the first divider members leaving upper and lower portions of the first divider members extending between the upper and lower longitudinal edges of the first divider members and upper and lower ends of the slits.

Abstract: An automotive interior trim panel has an outer flexible skin that overlies a rigid backing panel formed with a foam entry hole through which foam precursors are poured into a space between the skin and panel and they react and expand to generate a foam layer within the space. Tab projections are carried by the panel and extend into the foam space to at least partially cover the opening and provide rigid backing support for foam expanding in the region of the entry hole to control the density of the foam in this entry hole region such that it conforms more closely with the density of the immediate surrounding foam.

Abstract: A method for connecting a ball and socket joint to a control arm in a vehicle suspension system includes providing the ball and socket joint with a socket portion having a circumferential flange. The ball and socket joint is initially aligned with an opening formed through an outer portion of the control arm. Then, the ball and socket joint is moved upwardly such that the socket portion is received within the opening. The socket portion defines an outer diameter that is preferably slightly smaller than an inner diameter defined by the opening formed through the outer portion of the lower control arm. However, the flange defines an outer diameter that is preferably larger than an inner diameter defined by that opening. Thus, the engagement of the flange with the lower surface of the outer portion positively positions the ball and socket joint relative to the lower control arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a master tool and method for making a master tool. The master tool includes a plurality of precise three-dimensional shapes upraised from the surface of the master tool. Each of the precise shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of precise three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of precise three dimensional-shaped abrasive composites.

Abstract: A vibratory finishing machine includes a base having an upper face, coil springs mounted on the upper face of the base, a vibrator having an outer peripheral face and mounted on the base via the coil springs for vibration, a vibrating motor mounted on the vibrator, and a helical tubular container into which an admixture of workpieces to be finished and finishing media are loaded. The container has upper and lower flat superposed faces extending lengthwise and is helically wound on the outer peripheral face of the vibrator at a plurality of turns so that the upper and/or lower superposed faces of each turn of the container are superposed on the lower and/or upper superposed faces of the adjacent turn or turns respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a heald shaft for weaving shafts out of a metal hollow section, the height of which diminishes towards the ends on both sides. A light-weight extruded metal section is selected and adjusted to the maximal height of the section of a heald shaft without center support, whereupon the heald shaft is reduced towards both of its ends.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a field coil for motors that does not require winding of a field coil on a pole core of a stator and that improves the space factor of the field coil. On a part of a conductor, an opening is formed to pass a pole core laid out in a stator therethrough and a spiral slit is formed to pass through the conductor in the thickness direction and connect the outer circumference of the conductor and the opening. An insulation material may be provided in the spiral slit when necessary.

Abstract: A combination type thin film magnetic head including an inductive type writing thin film magnetic head and a magnetoresistive type reading thin film magnetic head successively stacked on a substrate is manufactured in the following manner. A metal or metal compound layer 14 serving as a mask for forming recessed portions 15 in a wafer surface is formed on the wafer surface, and at the same time electrode patterns P each including a plurality of electrode elements 31a-31f are formed from the same metal or metal compound material such that distances from a reference position of throat height zero to inner edges of respective electrode elements differ from each other. In the wafer surface, there are formed recessed portions 15 by the reactive ion etching while the metal or metal compound layer is used as a mask.

Abstract: A chip inductor has a coiled conducting wire and a magnetic core which is formed by sintering and in which the coiled conducting wire is embedded. Both end portions of the coiled conducting wire are exposed to both end surfaces of the magnetic core in an arcuate or similar shape. External electrodes are coated on both the end surfaces of the magnetic core and are connected to both end portions of the coiled conducting wire.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for automatically pressure fitting parts. In the apparatus, a work with part fitting holes is set on a work bench, and parts are fed to a predetermined position while being heated. The work bench is moved in an X- and a Y-direction to bring a part fitting hole of the work to a position underneath the predetermined position. A holder is then lowered, then is caused to take hold of the part at the predetermined position and pressure fit the part in the part fitting hole of the work held below, and then is pulled upward out of the part having been pressure fitted and secured in the position in the part fitting hole. Parts may be fed while being vibrated with an ultrasonic wave instead of being heated, and then may each be pressure fitted while being vibrated in a part fitting hole of the work, followed by pulling the holder upward out of the part having been pressure fitted and secured in the position in the part fitting hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to a needle attached suture manufacturing method and apparatus capable of cutting a suture exactly at the same length, with a simple construction and high efficiency. A transport/holding device 42 holds a suture Y and transports the suture straight forward toward a needle swaging device 20 a distance corresponding to a predetermined target value. Thereafter, the suture Y is cut at a certain position to obtain a suture strand. The suture strand is then inserted in an insertion hole formed at the end of a needle and is swaged by the needle swaging device 20. As an altered method, after the suture Y is inserted in the insertion hole of the needle, the suture Y is cut at a position away from the end of the needle a predetermined target distance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magneto-optical data storage system. The method includes the steps of providing a support surface and rotatably mounting a magneto-optical disk having a planar storage surface with a plurality of concentrically disposed data tracks onto the support surface. A proximal extremity of an arm is pivotably mounted on the support surface so that a distal extremity of the arm pivots between first and second positions relative to the storage surface. An optical light emitter and receiver emitting a laser beam is carried by the distal extremity of the arm. A flying magneto-optical head is mounted on the distal extremity of the arm. A mirror assembly is attached to the head. The mirror of the mirror assembly can be rocked between first and second positions for reflecting the laser beam between the optical light emitter and receiver and the storage surface of the magneto-optical disk so as to permit the optical recording and/or reading of information on the storage surface.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus wherein a blade holder includes two blades which are each designed for cutting web material (e.g., dry film photoresist) in a reverse manner prior to application of the material to a substrate (e.g., dielectric-conductor structure) designed for eventual usage as a printed circuit board or as part thereof (e.g., if laminated up with other, similarly formed substrate members).

Abstract: A method for insert molding comprises the steps of assembling an insert to a holder, the holder having a support for the insert; setting the assembled insert and holder inside a metal mold; and casting resin into the metal mold. This invention dissolves the difficulty in holding the insert in position during molding and provides an insert-embedded product at a smaller number of insert moldings than conventionally required.

Abstract: A method of removing or replacing a trunnion bearing of a rotary valve having a downstream side with a downstream connection and having an upstream side with an upstream connection to a high pressure penstock, the rotary valve including a valve rotor inside a valve body, the valve rotor having a trunnion within a trunnion bearing.

Abstract: A clipper for cutting an end from a cigar preparatory to smoking the cigar includes a pair of relatively slidable body sections, each of which has an opening at an outer end dimensioned to permit a finger to pass thereinto and a pair of slide rails disposed along the sides. Two opposed cutouts at the inner ends form a body hole, into which extend a pair of opposed blade edges, which each also have opposed cutouts that form a cutting hole. The body sections are slidable between an admitting position for placing the cigar end into the cutting hole and a cutting position wherein the blade cutouts obscure the cutting hole, thereby clipping the end from the cigar.

Abstract: A sheath for handsaws of the kind having an elongated toothed blade and a handle at one end includes an elongated body with an open groove along the majority of the length of the body to receive the tooth line of the saw. Near a free lower end, the body carries a cover which releasably holds the free end of the saw blade. At the opposite upper end there is a clamp which releasably holds the handle portion of the saw. This makes it possible to release the saw from the sheath by small, comfortable swinging motions.

Abstract: A wick trimmer includes a gauge for assisting a user in trimming a candle wick to an appropriate length. The wick trimmer is adapted to be of a shape and size to allow a user to trim the wick within a votive holder, hurricane lamp, or the like without removing the candle. The gauge may be fixedly, rotatably, or slidably attached to the cutter and extends transversely of the blade of the cutter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair clipper comprising a blade set, a blade drive assembly located in rearward relation to the blade set and drivingly connected to the blade set, a housing assembly extending rearwardly from the blade set and including a main portion, and a removable portion located adjacent the blade set in enclosing relation to the blade drive assembly, and structure on the main portion and on the removable portion resiliently and removably connecting the removable portion to the main portion.

Abstract: A manicure implement is coated with a corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant material, such as zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, di-titanium nitride, and titanium carbonitride. Deposition is preferably accomplished by a cathodic arc process using linear deposition sources with simultaneous heating and rotation of a manicure implement substrate relative to the deposition sources.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing, and two cutter members rotatably attached to the housing and rotated relative to each other in a reciprocating action, such that the cutter members may be actuated as a shearing action for cutting and trimming purposes. The cutter members are not required to be rotated in a high speed such that the grass cut by the cutter members will not fly out in a fast speed. Two followers are secured to the cutter members respectively, and two cams are engaged with the followers for rotating the followers and thus the cutter members in the reciprocation action relative to each other for forming the shearing action.

Abstract: A theodolite that includes a stand, a telescope, a friction gear and a worm gear. The telescope is pivotally secured to the stand. The clutch plate is secured to the telescope for at least limited rotational movement upon pivoting of the telescope. The friction gear is mounted for rotation about substantially the same axis as rotation of the clutch plate. The worm gear is mounted to the stand and is in constant mesh with the friction gear so that rotation of the worm gear causes rotation of the friction gear. A device engages the friction gear with the clutch plate with a frictional force. The frictional force is adjustable to allow for adjustment of the telescope separately from the worm gear.

Abstract: A leveling pole which includes a scale visibly provided on a front surface of the leveling pole and at least two colored divisions formed on the front surface of the leveling pole. A border between two adjacent colored divisions of the at least two colored divisions extends in a longitudinal direction of the leveling pole. One of the two adjacent colored divisions and the other of the two adjacent colored divisions are painted a first color and a second color, respectively. A brightness of the first color is different from a brightness of the second color.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting directional tools within a bore hole by recognizing and compensating for field biases brought about by ferromagnetic anamolies surrounding the bore hole, ferromagnetic casing strings and electrical/electronic tool components. The present invention includes the steps of measuring the magnetic field within a bore hole before casing strings are put in place and again measuring the magnetic field after such casings are in place. The ferromagnetic formation anamolies are detected in the first step of measuring the field prior to casing placement and further bias characteristics are determined in the second magnetic field measurement step after the casings are placed. Alternately, a conventional gyroscopic survey can be carried out to establish a bias in an already cased bore hole.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel centering apparatus comprising an electronic or mechanical leveling device for sensing a deviation in the position of the steering wheel from a centered position and a housing mounted to the vehicle steering wheel for supporting the leveling means. A first arm received in the housing has, at its terminal end, a cam rotatable about a first axis. A second arm received in the housing and coaxial with said first arm has, at its terminal end, a cam rotatable about a second axis parallel to said first axis. In the alternative, the cams are fixed but include a sliding surface adapted to contact and slide along the inner surface of a steering wheel rim when inserted thereagainst. The spring biases the first arm so that the terminal end of the first arm is forced away from and in a coaxial direction with the second arm. The apparatus also preferably includes a second spring coupled to the second arm so that the first and second terminal ends are forced directly away from one another.

Abstract: An improved angle gauge comprising a plurality of upright parallel plates hingedly connected to each other, hingedly connected to a movable linear indicator member and hingedly connected to a frame. The frame is grooved to accept a sliding indicator member imprinted with an indicia. The gauge instantly translates an angle reading taken by a forward pair of parallel plates into a linear reading provided by the slidable linear indicator. The hingedly connected forward hinge plates automatically create a flush-fit between two relative surfaces and an angle reading is instantly recorded on the indicia of the linear indicator in combination with the indicia and pointer located on the frame. A finer adjustment can be made with a manual slide button located on the linear indicator.

Abstract: A garbage disposer for deodorizing and drying of garbage. A processing tank containing garbage is heated through the implementation of a heater, and thereby the temperatures in the processing tank and the heating chamber are raised and the water contained in the garbage is evaporated. When a predetermined period of time has passed, from the start of the heating of the processing tank, a fan and heater are prompted into operation and the gas in the heating chamber, which contains a large quantity of steam, flows into a condensing section where the gas is cooled as it flows through the fin tube and the dew point of the gas is lowered; and the steam contained in the gas is condensed into water. The remaining gas is then returned to the heating chamber through a returning pipe, where the gas is heated to a high temperature. The condensed water is collected in a condensing section and the collected water flows into a discharge pipe whereby the water is discharged to the outside of the garbage disposal.

Abstract: A compressed air dryer assembly for an air braking system provides for uniform compression of a desiccant bed. Guidance of a housing urged into a dryer shell by a spring force is provided at radially inner and outer regions. This guidance allows for a wide range of movement so that the desiccant bed is maintained under uniform compression. In addition, a sliding seal effectively provides a wide range of movement and yet limits communication between the inlet and outlet openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized vacuum apparatus for industrial hide driers with multiple evaporation beds. The apparatus includes a main vacuum source that can be connected to a series of evaporation beds to produce a negative pressure having a preset value in the beds, in steady-state operating conditions. There is a secondary vacuum source which is suitable to produce, in one bed at a time, a negative pressure which is close to the steady-state value, and there is a valve means to selectively connect each bed, which is initially at ambient pressure, first to the secondary vacuum source and then to the main vacuum source, so as to eliminate substantial pressure variations in the remaining beds when each bed is connected to the main vacuum source.

Abstract: A vacuum drying cabinet has nozzles on a pipe body which can be removable from but attached to a pipe fitting mounted in the roof of the cabinet and which, when in place, can be coupled to the shaft of a motor for driving the cleaning unit and to the cleaning liquid supply. When the vacuum drying cabinet is used for vacuum drying, the cleaning unit is removed and replaced by a cap which is hermetically sealed to the pipe section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique on a continuous drying apparatus for porous web, which comprises a heating cylinder, an impermeable drying band impermeable to air and water, coming into contact with and supporting the surface on the side having no contact with the heating cylinder of the porous web, and a plurality of water lubricating shoe members arranged around the heating cylinder apart a desired distance from the external side of the impermeable drying band, for forming a water screen flow between them and the external surface of the impermeable drying band, whereby an effective drying of the porous web is achieved.

Abstract: A grain dryer includes a wall assembly having (i) an inner wall and an outer wall which defines a grain flow path therebetween, and (ii) a discharge slot defined in the wall assembly thereof through which grain may flow. The grain further includes a grain shelf floor positioned relative to the wall assembly such that grain flowing through the discharge slot advances onto the grain shelf floor. In addition, the grain dryer includes a floor sweep assembly positioned vertically above the grain shelf floor. Moreover, the grain dryer includes a motor for rotating the floor sweep assembly about a central axis.

Abstract: In order to enlarge the surface of particles which absorb liquids at least o a limited extent, the particles are exposed to a liquid or to a humid atmosphere containing this liquid at least until said liquid has penetrated into the area of the particles close to their surface, and the liquid-containing particles are then irradiated with micro-waves until the penetrated liquid evaporates. The surface of the particles is torn down to the depth of penetration of the liquid and thus enlarged, or the particles break up, creating small broken pieces with an irregular and enlarged surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of drying pipelines containing water which are to transport hydrate forming gaseous fluids. The methods basically comprise flowing a liquid which forms an azeotrope mixture with water into contact with water in a pipeline, the amount of the azeotropic liquid being sufficient to form an azeotrope mixture with the water whereby as the mixture is evaporated in the pipeline, the water concentration in the remaining mixture does not reach that concentration which will form hydrates with the hydrate forming gaseous fluid.