Abstract: The invention relates to a process for carrying out reactions on preheated particles, comprising: (a) providing particles in a buffer container; (b) feeding the particles from the buffer container into a reactor via a feed line; (c) withdrawing the particles from the reactor, wherein the particles are heated in the feed line.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flood resistant building structures, and more particularly to building structures that are floatable such that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. The invention includes significant improvements for combining various necessary elements to resist floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, high winds, fire, and bullets while not impeding on architectural aesthetics. It utilizes novel approaches to structural hold down and controlled ascent and descent during flooding.

Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine includes a housing having a chamber defined by an inner surface of oval outline in which a plurality of pistons are arranged, each having a wall portion facing the internal surface. The pistons are linked to each other at adjacent ends by combined sealing and linkage means, which are in sealing contact with the respective piston ends and with the internal surface of the housing. A shaft journalled in the housing extends coaxially through the chamber, and motion transmitting means are provided between the shaft and the combined sealing and linkage means rigidly connected at inner portions thereof to the shaft and carrying the combined sealing and linkage means movable towards and away from the shaft axis. The engine includes further means for transmitting radial forces acting on the pistons to the shaft and comprising arm means turnably mounted on the shaft and pivotally connected to the pistons intermediate opposite ends of the latter.