A filler composition of the type used to hide the joint of adjoining wallboard panels and comprising filler, binder, bulking agent and improved starch-bodying agent, and optionally a water retention agent.

The disclosure relates to a shoe having a bottom of wood or other rigid material, the bottom being divided by means of a transverse section in the region between the sole and the shank of the shoe. The partition section makes an acute angle with the plane of the sole, and a slot is provided in each section surface for accommodating a hinge of flexible material. The edge of the shank is beveled adjacent to the partition section approximately at right angles thereto, a material piece being secured...

A labyrinth seal element comprises a primary wall extending generally radially outwardly from a central axis, a central opening within said primary wall for receiving a shaft, and a plurality of spaced generally axially extending annular scavenging walls projecting from a side of the primary wall. Each axially extending annular scavenging wall has a radially outer surface which diverges away from the axis as it extends from the primary wall. At least one of the annular scavenging walls partly de...

A flexible biaxially oriented multilayer film includes at least one layer having a thickness of at least about 0.5 mil and consisting essentially of an aromatic polyurethane, the film having been subjected to a biaxial stretching in the range of from about 12 to about 18, preferably about 16.

Improved palladium-containing smoking tobacco compositions wherein the palladium in a highly active form is obtained by depositing on the tobacco palladium which has been insolubilized by admixing in an aqueous medium a water-soluble palladium compound and a reducing agent capable of reducing dissolved palladium cations to insoluble palladium. Methods for determining the amount of insoluble or active palladium are described.

A mooring device comprising a vessel and a buoy interconnected by an outrigger having a horizontal pivot axis connection with the vessel and a universal joint with the buoy. The buoy has a vertical traction-resistant torsionally stiff connection with a ground anchor, an auxiliary buoy being provided with a similar connection to a ground anchor and a parallel guide connection with the first-mentioned buoy. The auxiliary buoy carries a tubular connection between a conduit at the bottom and the top...

A filter for tobacco smoke comprises a porous substrate (other than tobacco) having a deposit thereon of particles of a water-insoluble hydrophobic moisture-laden substance which is activated by the smoke of burning tobacco to release the moisture. The filter may be in the form of a cartridge for insertion in a cigarette or cigar holder or as a filter tip made integral with a body of divided tobacco.

A plant stake is disclosed comprising a telescoping post supported on legs that swing pivotally from the base of the post into engagement with the ground. Ground anchor members are provided at the end of the legs for securing the post in a position such that the post may be aligned vertically by adjustment of the legs. A basket is suspended from beneath the post, the basket being used to support or grow tuberous plants. The basket is hoisted from a level slightly below ground level up to the bas...

A chopper having four transistor switches and driven by an AC reference signal provides an alternating output signal. During each half period of the reference signal two of the transistor switches are nonconductive, one is conductive and the fourth commutates at a frequency representative of the error between the reference signal amplitude and a predetermined proportion of the output signal amplitude. Conduction losses are minimized.

A vehicle such as a lift truck or the like including a vehicle frame having two spaced apart side frame members, a drive system for the vehicle including a differential having a housing disposed between the frame members with oppositely directed drive train tunnels extending towards a respective one of the frame members, an opening in each side frame member and aligned with the associated drive train tunnel, a pair of final drive units, each including wheel spindles, one on each side of the fram...