Abstract: A continuously operable combustion-type retort apparatus includes an insulated retort. A preheater is preferably associated with the retort for preheating incoming material, and means are preferably provided for injecting acetic acid and steam into the incoming material. Heat is supplied from a combustion zone arranged near the bottom of the retort, wherein means are provided for combusting spent shale to provide the heat necessary for retorting. Means for injecting acetic acid and water are arranged above the combustion zone for preventing the combustion from spreading into the material being retorted. The invention also comprises a method of retorting to produce a very high quality oil from shale and having a 7:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen, along with the production of valuable nitrogen related chemicals, activated lignin and cement.

Abstract: Bacon is rendered resistant to C. botulinum by curing with an amount of a nitrite-free pickling solution containing salt, glycerine, acetic acid and smoke flavor which imparts about 2-4% salt, 0.5-1.0% acetic acid, 0.5-2% glycerine and 0.3% smoke flavor contents by weight to fresh pork meat and then heat curing the meat until about 80-90% of the acetic acid is removed from the meat and the cured bacon has a pH of about 4-5.