Abstract: A composition for extracting a metal, the composition comprising an organic phase comprising a crown either, an organic solvent, and an organic phosphate. The crown either may comprise B15C5 crown and the organic solvent may comprise chloroform and/or toluene. The organic phase may further comprise an alcohol. A method for extracting a metal, the method comprising disposing an organic phase comprising a crown either, an organic solvent, and an organic phosphate; and an aqueous phase comprising a metal salt and a base into a high-speed countercurrent chromatograph. The metal may comprise a lithium ion.

Abstract: A barrier assembly comprising a horizontally deployable vapor barrier assembly with a frame with opposing side guides extending between a header and footer. A guide rod contained in each side guide extends between the header and the footer. A vapor barrier is deployable horizontally with side edge sleeve portions that slide axially over the guide rods. At least one roller is connected to each of the side guides adjacent to the guide rod, and each roller supports a portion of the vapor barrier's side edge portions. The rollers rolls on the edge portions as the sleeve portion slides axially over the guide rods as the vapor barrier moves between the deployed and stowed positions. Lifter plates are attached to each of the side guides and positioned to engage support carriages and temporarily lift the support member out of engagement with the support surface over segment joints as the vapor barrier moves between the stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The inventive security apparatus includes an insert, at least one locking pin and a locking mechanism each interconnected to allow users to easily and quickly install a security barrier under a manhole, handhole or vault, and thereby prevent authorized access through the manhole, handhole or vault. The inventive apparatus uses an insert that may either sit on the existing manhole frame rim under the manhole cover, or if there is insufficient clearance on the manhole frame rim, brackets may be installed under the manhole frame upon which the insert rests. In either configuration, the insert is secured in place under the manhole cover by one or more locking pins that extend radially through the insert and are then locked to the insert.

Abstract: A locking device protective cover system and method of installing such a protective cover system are disclosed. The inventive protective cover system includes a solid shroud or cover, anchor elements to attach the shroud in place over the locking device, a hasp element extending at least partially under the protective cover and to which the locking device is locked, such that upon locking the locking device to the hasp element, the locking device can not be removed from the hasp element unless the locking device is unlocked. As installed, the protective cover shields the locking device from vandalism. The inventive system is flexible such that it may be applied to most any access door and access way that can be secured by using an internally mounted hasp element sized and configured to engage with a locking device under the protective shroud.

Abstract: A first chair part may be fixed relative to a second chair part by way of a sliding member attached to the first part which slides in a body attached to the second chair part. The chair parts are fixed relative to each other when a pin associated with the body engages in one of several apertures in the sliding member to fix the chair parts. A bent leaf spring may have an end engaging a collar on the pin. The other end of the leaf spring may be pulled to urge the leaf spring to pivot about a fulcrum created by the bend. However, if there is a force trying to move the sliding member with respect to the body (as may result from a spring between the two chair parts), a consequent shear force on the pin may be sufficiently strong to resist the urging of the leaf spring. In such case, the leaf spring will simply bend when its other end is pulled until the force between the body member and slider is relieved.

Abstract: A first chair part may be fixed relative to a second chair part by way of a sliding member attached to the first part which slides in a body attached to the second chair part. The chair parts are fixed relative to each other when a pin associated with the body engages in one of several apertures in the sliding member to fix the chair parts. A bent leaf spring may have an end engaging a collar on the pin. The other end of the leaf spring may be pulled to urge the leaf spring to pivot about a fulcrum created by the bend. However, if there is a force trying to move the sliding member with respect to the body (as may result from a spring between the two chair parts), a consequent shear force on the pin may be sufficiently strong to resist the urging of the leaf spring. In such case, the leaf spring will simply bend when its other end is pulled until the force between the body member and slider is relieved.

Abstract: A ditch check includes a plurality of bodies that are located in two rows with a gap defined between the two rows. An M-shaped anchor has two legs and a central section, with one of the legs being located adjacent to one face of a body in one row and the other leg being located adjacent to one face of a body in the other row, and a central section that is located between the two bodies. Each row can include a plurality of end-to-end bodies which can be in overlapping relationship with each other. A tool for placing the M-shaped anchor into the ground is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring the concentration of a particular gas species in a gaseous mixture. The remote detection of pollutants emitted in source effluents, e.g., gas from a smokestack, involves specific spectral measurements of infrared radiation and, in this method, includes ratioing the signals from two gas-reference cell pairs to eliminate dependencies upon the inlowering atmosphere and source effluent temperature. An instrument cell construction and assembly using a unique cells-within-a cell permits use of a single lens that insures common fields-of-view for both cell pairs; a triple chopping system uses tuning forks to alternately pass the incoming energy through the gas and reference cells eliminating the need for separate sync signal generators, and provides a high carrier frequency improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor.