Abstract: A remote filling device for use with a shipping container is described. A shipping container with specialized connections can be remotely opened using a single lightweight tool using a single drive screw latching mechanism. The actuation of the latching mechanism also compresses seals between the filling device and dewatering connections on the container. Dewatering is accomplished using reusable, backwashable filters. Once the container is filled and dewatered, the filling device is remotely removed and a lightweight, reusable lid is remotely scaled to the container using a single screw latch remotely actuated.

Abstract: An organic waste decomposition system and method is described having two reaction vessels in tandem, each using superheated steam augmented by oxygen for decomposing a wide variety of organic compounds to reduce both mass and volume. Decomposition takes place quickly when a steam/oxygen mixture is injected into a fluidized bed of ceramic beads. The speed of the fluidizing gas mixture agitates the beads that then help to break up solid wastes, and the oxygen allows some oxidation to offset the thermal requirements of drying, pyrolysis, and steam reforming. Most of the pyrolysis takes place in the first stage, setting up the second stage for completion of pyrolysis and adjustment or gasification of the waste form using co-reactants to change the oxidation state of inorganics and using temperature to partition metallic wastes.

Abstract: A vehicle warning device comprises a visual indicator activated by a deceleration sensor upon emergency deceleration of the vehicle. The visual indicator is powered by a base inserted into a vehicle lamp socket. In the preferred embodiment, the base is part of an adapter comprising an adapter socket for receiving the vehicle lamp. The adapter allows installation of the warning device by simply plugging the adapter into the vehicle lamp socket without wiring or mounting changes to the vehicle. The preferred embodiment comprises a stroboscope for providing a highly visible indication of an emergency braking state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the volume reduction and processing of solid organic waste, in particular ion exchange media from nuclear facilities containing sulfur or chlorine. A method and apparatus for the volume reduction of nuclear waste is disclosed comprising: subjecting the waste to pyrolysis in a pyrolysis vessel, and gasifying the solid pyrolysis residue in a steam reformer to remove residual carbon. A further method and apparatus for the processing of nuclear waste is disclosed comprising: grinding the nuclear waste, addition of iron powder, pyrolysis, gasification of the pyrolysis residue, and combustion in a submerged bed heater. An evaporator cools gases from the submerged bed heater. Off gases from the evaporator are treated by a fiber bed scrubber to remove acids.

Abstract: A glass melter for vitrifying material including radioactive and hazardous materials. In one embodiment, the melter comprises an inner vessel or container having a solidified glass skull, at least one pair of vertically-oriented, retractable electrodes, a first wall spaced apart from said inner vessel to define a dry annulus therebetween for radiatively cooling the inner vessel, and a second wall spaced apart from said first wall to define a second annulus that serves as a water jacket when filled with water. Each electrode has a protective sleeve therearound with means formed therebetween for passing a purging gas therethrough. A central access nozzle allows waste material and glass formers to be fed into the inner vessel while simultaneously venting the off-gas generated in the inner vessel. Also, the dry annulus can have fluid circulating therethrough for regulated cooling or leak detection.

Abstract: A system for vitrifying all kinds of waste, including toxic, industrial, household and radioactive wastes such as those generated by nuclear power plants, including dry active wastes, ion exchange resins and aqueous wastes wherein the wastes are conditioned, blended, mixed with glass formers and then fed into a heating chamber where organic constituents of the waste are burned and inorganic constituents are melted with the glass formers to form a waste glass. The aqueous waste may be conditioned by concentrating its solids content up to as much as 90% solids. The dry active waste is conditioned, and mixed to some extent by shredders. The conditioned waste may be blended to achieve a uniform heat energy content of the waste being fed into the heating chamber. The heating chamber has a larger combustion zone to handle the greater amount of organic waste than would be expected in conventional melters, and a melting zone having a replaceable crucible and liner.