Abstract: A vapor-phase tubular reactor in a shell heat exchanger for removal of the heat of reaction at essentially isothermal conditions has porous wicking surface applied to the external surface of reactor tubes. The porous wicking surface on the reactor tubes draws liquid heat transfer fluid from a reservoir at the bottom of the wicked tube section and provides enhanced evaporative cooling. The invention is particularly useful for highly exothermic reactions or when reaction selectivity is negatively affected by high temperature excursions.

Abstract: A brake booster (10, 210, 310) connected to a control circuit (120) provides a system for the continued braking of a vehicle when the vehicle is situated on an incline and the brake pedal (92) is released by the operator. Continued brake application is accomplished by utilizing a control circuit (120) responsive to vehicular attitude, clutch pedal position, ignition status, vehicular speed, and vehicular direction. The control circuit (120) is connected to the combination of a check valve and three-way solenoid valve (100, 200, 300) connected to a movable wall brake booster (10, 210, 310). The combination valve (100) is connected to a flexible hose (110) disposed interiorily of the booster (10), the other end of the flexible hose (110) connected to the input opening (32) of a three-way poppet valve (70) located at the central hub (30) of the booster (10).

Abstract: A brake booster (10, 210, 310) connected to a control circuit (120) provides for continued braking of a vehicle when the vehicle is situated on an incline and the brake pedal (92) is released by the operator. Continued brake application is accomplished by utilizing a control circuit (120) responsive to vehicular attitude, clutch pedal position, ignition status, vehicular speed, and vehicular direction. The control circuit (120) is connected to a combination check valve and three-way solenoid valve (100, 200, 300) connected to a movable wall brake booster (10, 210, 310). The combination valve (100) is connected to a flexible hose (110) disposed interiorily of the booster (10), the other end of the flexible hose (110) connected to the input opening (32) of a three-way poppet valve (70) located at the central hub (30) of the booster (10).

Abstract: A self-compensating brake system for a mowing machine of the type having a body movably supported by a plurality of rotatable drive wheels. The brake system includes a brake shaft which is rotatably journaled in the body and which is free-floating along a transverse axis. Each end of the brake shaft is connected to a mechanically actuated brake assembly on each of at least two opposed drive wheels by means of a brake rod. Each of the brake rods extend at an oblique angle relative to the transverse axis of the brake shaft. This orientation will move the brake shaft transversely in the body as the brake shaft is rotated by a brake pedal until the braking forces on each of the brake rods are equal, thereby assuring equal and even braking of the opposed drive wheels. The brake shaft also serves as the mounting structure for a traction pedal and for a steering transfer assembly.

Abstract: A lockable articulation for permitting relative angular rotation between a first and a second part, such for example as the body of a three-wheeled vehicle and the rear axle of the vehicle, said articulation comprising a hollow cylindrical drum centered and mounted on one part, e.g. the axle, two cylindrical sector-shaped jaws arranged inside the drum for contacting the inner surface of the drum and with their ends facing each other, at least two facing ends defining dihedral surfaces whose angle is outwardly opening, and means coupled to the other part, e.g. the vehicle body, for spreading the jaws apart into frictional engagement with the drum to lock the other part against rotation relative to the one part, said means including a roller interposed between the drum wall and the dihedral surface of the jaws and a knee lever having two-pivotally connected links one of which is pivotted on the other part and the other of which rotatably supports the roller.