Abstract: The first aspect of the invention involves stable emulsions of hydrocarbons and water using a combination of a low molecular weight agent and a high molecular weight material. In another aspect of the invention slurries are formed for fuel purposes utilizing coal particles with hydrocarbons and water and the aforesaid agent and material to achieve a stable combination or non-combustible materials with water alone or in conjunction with other liquids using the aforesaid agent and material. The present invention also is useful as transportation agents in pipelines, to lower pumping costs.

Abstract: A solar still includes a pair of parallel dikes separated by a ditch, a first sheet overlying the ditch and pair of parallel dikes, the sheet having a pair of edges arranged substantially parallel to, and outside, the dikes, and a second sheet overlying the first sheet, the second sheet having a pair of edges bonded together with the edges of the first sheet to form a water vapor-impervious seal.A plurality of vertical columnar supports are periodically positioned in spaced relation between the first and second sheets in the center of the ditch to maintain the second sheet in spaced relation above the first sheet. The second sheet has a ridge coincident with the supports and filamentary members which connect the tops of the supports, and angularly slopes on either side thereof toward the outer edges of the dike.

Abstract: A structural member comprises a soil-retaining sheet having two antipodal edges, means for joining the two antipodal edges when proximately positioned to maintain the sheet in a tubular configuration, and a column of soil retained within the tubular configuration of the sheet. One or more of the structural members when positioned substantially upright can be used to form a pillar. A plurality of horizontally-adjacent pillars can be used to form a wall which together with other walls can be used to form a building particularly adapted to desert location.