Abstract: A clean, cool stream of low BTU gas is heated and saturated with water vapor by means of a hot liquid stream containing water. Contamination of the gas stream by droplets, particulate matter and salt content of the liquid stream is obviated by maintaining separation between the gas and liquid phases by means of a microporous barrier. The barrier is made of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic polymer material and hydrophilic polymer material having a gel structure.

Abstract: Symmetrical stepped grate/rabble arm combinations for use in a fixed bed coal gasifier are shown in which the stepped grates comprise step plates having in combination threwith means for controlling the rate of discharge of solids therefrom. The solids discharge controlling means described comprise adjustable mechanical dams at spaced locations along the step plate periphery together with means for the positioning thereof.

Abstract: Clinically useful diagnostic devices are prepared from commercially available metal sheet stock by a sequence of steps. The metal is one of a type on the surface of which a tenacious oxide layer can be produced. Steps in the preparation include roughening surface area of the bulk metal with pits on a fine scale to render that surface area of the metal non-specularly reflecting, chemically etching the surface area to produce some first preselected measure of reflectivity, anodizing the surface area to produce a dull, non-specularly reflecting oxide surface having a second preselected degree of reflectivity and applying a layer of protein over this dull surface area. The preferred metal is titanium and the reflectivity of the modified surface area is selected dependent on the immunological reaction being detected.

Abstract: Individual coolant passages in the airfoil portion of a liquid-cooled turbine bucket are each provided with a plurality of spanning elements spaced along, affixed in and extending across each passage whereby the main flow of liquid coolant moving in each such individual passage during turbine operation under the influence of centrifugal force is broken up. Each spanning element has one end thereof approximately centered in the region of the passage at that station therealong, which will be the most rearwardly disposed during rotation of the bucket in operation. In the embodiment described the spanning elements are cylindrical pins of circular cross-section disposed generally parallel to each other.