Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensor system for measuring environmental parameters by activating a capacitive array and causing fringe electric fields to intersect the surrounding environment. An oscillator is coupled to the capacitive array and the frequency of oscillation depends upon the capacitance of the array, which represents an environmental parameter. The sensor is suitable for measuring resistivity and dielectric constant parameters in geophysical, environmental, hydro-geological and related applications. The conductors of the capacitive array can be arranged around a perimeter for use, for example, in a borehole or the conductors can be arranged in the same plane for use, for example, beneath a raft in shallow water. In the situation where the boreholes are fluid-filled, there are economic and technical advantages in using the metal plugs (normally used to seal the probe housings at each end), as the capacitive array in galvanic contact with the fluid.

Abstract: A reinforced composite material, having isotropic thermal expansion properties and a low coefficient of thermal expansion over at least the temperature range of from about 0° C. to at least about 150° C., which composite material comprises in combination a first continuous phase comprising a three dimensional preformed bonded powder material reinforcement, including a bonding agent, and in which the bonded powder material is chosen from the group consisting of zirconium tungstate, hafnium tungstate, zirconium hafnium tungstate, and mixtures of zirconium tungstate and hafnium tungstate, and a second continuous phase matrix material chosen from the group consisting of aluminium, aluminium alloys in which aluminium is the major component, magnesium, magnesium alloys in which magnesium is the major component, titanium, titanium alloys in which titanium is the major component, engineering thermoplastics and engineering thermoplastics containing a conventional solid filler.

Abstract: A method is described for providing rapid on-line analyses of chemical compositions such as chemical process streams, utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. In the method, for each type of analysis to be conducted, a database is provided by analyzing a series of samples using standard laboratory analytical procedures, utilizing the results as reference values to establish quantitative calibration models from NIR spectroscopy using chemometric techniques and storing this information in a computer database. An NIR spectroscopic system is also provided comprising a transflectance or a transmittance probe coupled via fiber-optic cables to a stable white light source and a spectrograph. The probe is inserted into a test sample or chemical process stream to be analyzed, a stable white light of selected wavelength range is beamed to the probe and the spectra obtained on the spectrograph are recorded.

Abstract: A method for controlling the extraction of gold from a gold ore by the cyanidation process in which a leaching step including the addition of a lead compound, which is typically lead nitrate or other lead salt, is used. In order to maintain stable conditions in the leaching process, and to use the leaching reagents efficiently, an analysis step is used to monitor the concentration of thiocyanate in the cyanidation step. This value has been found to be directly related to the rate of addition of the lead compound in the pre-leaching or leaching step. Further, the rate of addition of lead compound is also directly related to both the time required for, and the efficiency of, the cyanidation step. By establishing a target value, and a preferred range, for the thiocyanate concentration based on the properties of the ore being processed, optimal extraction conditions can be established in the leaching process and maintained by monitoring the thiocyanate concentration.

Abstract: A jet spouted fluidized bed drier is described in which the bottom half of the drier chamber comprises a first lower conical part, and the top half of the drier chamber comprises a second upper conical part surrounding a conical grid located near to the top end of the second part. The drier chamber thus comprises two conical parts connected together at their wide ends. The result of this arrangement is that the collision zone becomes a toroid with an essentially triangular cross-sectional shape defined essentially by the conical internal surface of the top part and the conical outer surface of the conical grid. This revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials which either cannot be processed, or cannot be processed efficiently, with known jet spouted fluidized bed driers. Additionally, this revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials more efficiently, and to a lower desired final liquid content values.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a naturally occurring fungus, Valdensinia heterodoxa, and to its culture, formulation and delivery systems, as well as its use as a biocontrol agent for salal (Gaultheria shallon Pursh.).

Abstract: A preform for use in a metal matrix composite, particularly for a magnesium metal composite. In the preform the reinforcing material typically is silicon carbide, boron nitride, titanium nitride, carbon or graphite. The binder used in the preform is sintered magnesium fluoride, which avoids the known problems which result from the high reactivity of molten magnesium metal with other binders, such as silica and alumina, which results in the formation of magnesium oxide in the reinforced composite. The presence of magnesium oxide crystals in the metal matrix adversely affects the properties of the composite. The preform generally has a void volume of from about 50% to about 95%.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably sealing the opening between a glove and the sleeve cuff to prevent ingress of water therebetween. The apparatus includes a pair of rings, one of which is attached to the wrist portion of a glove while the other is attached to the cuff portion of a sleeve. The rings are releasably engageable with one another in the sealed fashion under normal working conditions. The rings are capable of self-disengaging angularly and/or axially when subjected to an angular force or moment of predetermined magnitude and duration applied to the connection so as to permit detachment of the glove. The apparatus is particularly useful in wet mining applications not only to prevent water from entering the opening between the glove and cuff but also to disengage safely and assuredly should a glove get caught in any equipment.

Abstract: Shaped bodies containing particulate iron materials, such as cast pellets, briquettes and the like, with sufficient strength to withstand temperatures of up to at least 1000° C. can be obtained by using a fully hydrated high-alumina cement as the binder. The strength of the pellets at elevated temperatures can be further enhanced by adding small amounts of bentonite, silica fume or other suitable supplementary cementing materials, and super plasticizer. The iron particulate materials, typically having a size range of from about 0.01 mm to 6 mm, include ore fines, sinter fines, BOF and EAF dusts, mill scale, and the like. Powdered carbonaceous material, such as ground coal or coke, may also be added to the pellets. The shaped bodies are suitable for use in blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and in DRI processes.

Abstract: A biological activity probe for the detection on-line of the presence of sulphide including an enzyme electrode; a counter electrode; a reference electrode; and if desired a corrosion electrode. The enzyme electrode includes an immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme, together with a cofactor such as 1,1′-dimethylferrocene, immobilised in a water permeable non-conducting binder on a biologically inert electrically conducting substrate. The immobilised source of sulfide oxidase enzyme is either a chemoautotropic microorganism such as a Thiobacillus thioparus, or enzyme material recovered from a culture of a Thiobacillus thioparus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing hydrocarbon fuels with ultra-low levels of sulfur. The method involves catalytic oxidation of the sulfurous compounds within the hydrocarbon fuel, followed by extraction of the oxidized (and polarized) sulfurous compounds using a polar solvent. The present invention teaches the involvement of ethanol during catalytic oxidation. In this way, the oxidation catalyst has a dual-role in the oxidation process: firstly the catalyst directly oxidizes the sulfurous compounds, and secondly the oxidation catalyst converts of a small portion of the alcohol to the corresponding peroxy acid, which also helps to drive the oxidation process.

Abstract: When the temperature of pyroelectric film is increased from low to high near its phase transition temperature its ability to hold electrical charge on its surfaces diminishes, and the charge can be drawn as current through an external load resistor. Once the film temperature reaches a steady temperature, no more power can be drawn. However, if the film temperature is lowered again, it will restore charge on the film surfaces and the pyroelectric conversion process can be repeated. Because pyroelectric conversion depends on the degree of temperature change and the repetition rate of the process, the faster the cycling the more power it can generate by converting heat to electric power. An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for converting heat to electrical energy with a multi-layer stack of thin pyroelectric films. The pyroelectric film surface is cycled between higher and lower temperatures by the displacement of higher and lower temperature fluid over the film surface.

Abstract: A recuperated microturbine system including a low temperature duct burner in the exhaust gas which accommodates significant variations in the exhaust gas flow from the recuperator, which burns the added hydrocarbon fuel, for example natural gas, reasonably efficiently, without generating a significant amount of additional NOx. A wire mesh burner is used to burn the added fuel in part of the exhaust gas from the recuperator. The duct burner is operated either in a more or less radiant combustion mode, or in a blue flame mode. The remainder of the recuperator exhaust gas, which bypasses the afterburner, is heated mainly by radiant heat transfer from the wire mesh burner. The use of the wire mesh burner minimises additional NOx formation. In the duct burner the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas is used to overcome the inherent static pressure loss of the wire mesh burner.

Abstract: A preform for use in a metal matrix composite, particularly for a magnesium metal composite, and a metal matrix composite, typically made by squeeze casting, using the preform. In the preform the reinforcing material typically is silicon carbide, boron nitride, carbon or graphite. The binder used in the preform is magnesium fluoride, which avoids the known problems which result from the high reactivity of magnesium metal with other binders, such as silica and alumina, which results in the formation of magnesium oxide in the reinforced composite. The presence of magnesium oxide crystals in the metal matrix adversely affects the properties of the composite.

Abstract: Shaped bodies containing particulate iron materials, such as cast pellets, briquettes and the like, with sufficient strength to withstand temperatures of up to at least 1000° C. can be obtained by using a fully hydrated high-alumina cement as the binder. The strength of the pellets at elevated temperatures can be further enhanced by adding small amounts of bentonite, silica fume or other suitable supplementary cementing materials, and super plasticizer. The iron particulate materials, typically having a size range of from about 0.01 mm to 6 mm, include ore fines, sinter fines, BOF and EAF dusts, mill scale, and the like. Powdered carbonaceous material, such as ground coal or coke, may also be added to the pellets. The shaped bodies are suitable for use in blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and in DRI processes.

Abstract: A gene coding for Pin m III, which is associated with overwintering and frost hardiness in western white pine, has been cloned and characterized. The gene contains an open reading frame of 486 base pairs, encoding a protein of 161 amino acid residues, with a calculated molecular weight of 18002.30 daltons. The predicted isoelectricl point is 5.534. The gene is transcriptionally regulated with the highest expression in fall and winter months. The protein Pin m III is high in infected tissue such as canker. Accordingly, the gene can be used to determine frost hardiness and blister resist fungus susceptibility in conifers.

Abstract: An ionic conductor has been developed which exhibits both hydrogen ion conductivity and electronic conductivity. The conductor is a perovskite-type oxide represented by the general formula: ABO3 where A consists of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ca, Mg and Sr and B is Ce1−xMx where M is a multivalent dopant metal, preferably Eu or Tb, and x is greater than 0 and less than 1. It is particularly useful in processes in which hydrogen is separated from a hydrogen-containing gas, e.g. in conversion of natural gas, operation of hydrogen fuel cells, etc.

Abstract: A process for hydrating CaO residues in fluidized bed combustor ashes that achieves a better level of hydration, which does not add significantly to the cost of the hydration process, which reduces the consumption of water in the hydration process, and which if desired can trap at least some of the CO2 in the furnace gasses, by using some of it to convert the hydrated CaO to CaCO3. This both reduces the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere, and converts the potentially dangerous CaO in the ashes into an effectively inert and benign material. By exposing the ash/water mixture to sound under the correct conditions of frequency, and power input, it is possible to improve both the rate of hydration, and the level of hydration, of FBC ashes. The process can be carried out either batchwise or continuously, and does not require an extended time period.

Abstract: A roller dynamometer is provided, having at least one supporting carriage having a rotatable roller and a dynamometer linked to the roller for measuring torque output of a vehicle. The carriages are rollable on a substrate for positioning under a vehicle. In one aspect, multiple dynamometer and roller units are provided, for engagement with multiple vehicle wheels, with the units being linked electronically for common control by a control unit that simulates either straight line or curved driving conditions. In a further aspect, the dynamometer is supported on the carriage by a rotary mount. In a further aspect, the rollers have a generally hourglass shape to permit vehicle wheel self-centering.

Abstract: A reliable gaseous hydrogen detection and measuring device which is simple, easy to use, does not require any reference gas supply, and which can be of reasonably rugged construction. The device utilizes a disc comprising a solid state ceramic hydronium conductor of the general formula Na(H3O)Zr2SixP(3−x)O12 Na(H3O)xZr2SixP(3−x)O12 together with a silver based electrode system on one side, and a catalytic noble metal electrode, such as platinum, on the other. By measurement of the output voltage across the electrodes, both the presence, and the amount, of hydrogen in a gaseous system can be determined.