Abstract: The contact between, for example, ascending liquid droplets of lighter liquid, as the dispersed phase, and heavier liquid, as the continuous phase, flowing across perforated trays in a flooded liquid/liquid contacting column, is enhanced by providing upstanding baffles on lower trays, interspersed with depending baffles from the trays above. The baffles cause the heavy liquid to flow along an undulating path. Flow distributing partitions extend along the undulating flow path, between the baffles, to distribute liquid flow across the trays. The roles of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be reversed as phases.

Abstract: In, for example, a gas-liquid, liquid/liquid exchange column, perforated tray assemblies are provided which have a plurality of adjacent tray sections with slots adjacent rounded leading edges of the sections, and catches extending along trailing edges which interlock in the slots of an adjacent section. This interlocking avoids the use of bolted joints which cause stagnant areas where sediment accumulation occurs, resulting in reduced gas-liquid and liquid/liquid contact, and the need for the tray sections to be frequently cleaned. Perforated domes may be provided on perforations to reduce stagnant areas.

Abstract: The lower, liquid collecting section of a gas/liquid contacting column has an entrained substance depleting duct extending therearound wherein gas, for example, steam is fed by the duct into the lower section, steam depleted by gravity of liquid droplets, is deflected upwardly by deflectors in the duct through duct openings into a central, upper region of the lower section, while steam with the droplets is deflected downwardly by deflectors in the duct through other duct openings towards a liquid pool in the lower section. Any other liquid and/or solids entrained in the gas (steam) are also deflected downwardly in this manner.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is provided wherein the perforated trays are divided into portions by a lattice-like pattern of downcomers which deliver liquid to central regions of the tray portions immediately below them. An odd number, X, for example three parallel downcomers which are at right angles to an even number or X−1, for example two parallel downcomers are provided so that adjacent trays be turned at right angles so that the downcomers of the upper tray extend centrally between the downcomers of the lower tray. The downcomers reduce stagnant liquid regions, distribute the liquid more evenly on the trays and allow longer flow paths to be provided on the trays.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is provided wherein the perforated trays are divided into portions by a lattice-like pattern of downcomers which deliver liquid to central regions of the tray portions immediately below them. An odd number, X, for example three parallel downcomers which are at right angles to an even number or X−1, for example two parallel downcomers are provided so that adjacent trays be turned at right angles so that the downcomers of the upper tray extend centrally between the downcomers of the lower tray. The downcomers reduce stagnant liquid regions, distribute the liquid more evenly on the trays and allow longer flow paths to be provided on the trays.

Abstract: A folding photovoltaic strip device is provided comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules joined to form a strip and pleated by flexible, transverse creases so that the device may be stored folded together along the creases, in a compact form, and the creases sprung opened to expose the modules to energizing light. The creases are permanent to facilitate folding the device for storage, and the ends of the strip may be attached to a casing and a lid in which the strip is to be stored.

Abstract: A folding photovoltaic strip device is provided comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules joined to form a strip and pleated by flexible, transverse creases so that the device may be stored folded together along the creases, in a compact form, and the creases opened to expose the modules to energizing light. Preferably the creases are permanent to facilitate folding the device for storage, and the ends of the strip may be attached to a casing and a lid in which the strip is to be stored.

Abstract: A ladder-upright-mountable, paint tray assembly is provided wherein at least one bracket assembly is provided on the underside of upper, paint draining portion of the paint tray assembly. Therefor each bracket assembly is a sliding fit on the ladder upright and hooks over a portion of a ladder rung adjacent that upright. A central bracket assembly may be provided alone or in combination with two side bracket assemblies. In other embodiments only two side brackets are provided. Pairs of paint container wall members may also be provided, aligned with the bracket assemblies, for the ladder upright to be slidably retained therein.

Abstract: A thermally-releasable-sample collecting device is provided comprising a pistol-shaped casing, a blunt ended probe in the front end of the casing barrel, an adsorber tube locating collar in a rear end of the casing barrel, and an adsorber tube slidably located in the collar and having an open ended, sample adsorber end portion in a central portion of a gas passage extending through the probe. The adsorber tube has a closed rear end and gas ports which are located by a spring loaded plunger in a first position for drawing air through the probe into the adsorber tube, and a second position where carrier gas passes along the adsorber tube, to entrain thermally released sample, while the sample adsorber end portion is protruding from the probe into the heated entry of an analyzer.

Abstract: A gaseous hydrogen and oxygen combining and condensing device comprising an inverted cup-shaped casing having a partition dividing the casing into an upper, condensing chamber a lower, catalyst chamber and a heat conducting assembly for conducting heat from the condensing chamber. The catalyst chamber being partially filled with a catalyst assembly comprising at least one catalyst support coated with a porous matrix of polytetrafluoroethylene and exposed, partially platinized high surface area carbon particles dispersed throughout the porous matrix in the weight ratio of the order of 1.5:1 to of the order of 6:1 polytetrafluoroethylene to partially platinized high surface area carbon particles.