Abstract: Provided is a process for producing hydrocarbon molecules from biomass utilizing microorganisms that are resistant to extreme heat and pressure, that comprise nucleic acid molecules encoding enzymes which degrade compounds selected from the group consisting of cellulose, lignin, xylan and hemicellulose, and which are capable of generating hydrocarbon molecules from the degraded cellulose, lignin, xylan and hemicellulose.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle having a low drag, high stability non-scooping skirt system including closed loop finger sleeves. An enlarged bag combines to provide a more responsive skirt profile. The sleeves of this invention are trimmed at an angle to the supporting surface, thereby exposing the sleeve opening to the air cushion. The sleeve is maintained at the air cushion pressure unless the vehicle rolls enough to submerge and close the sleeve opening. A pressure build up occurs as the opening is submerged and a significantly greater differential pressure is obtained with an enhanced restoring moment. The interior wall of the sleeve that faces the air cushion is angled slightly inward on the bow and side seals to allow momentary collapse of the sleeve and release of an extraordinary force of a rough sea. In addition the effective air cushion area, the platform of the vehicle, is extended to its maximum to provide greater stability.

Abstract: A spray suppressor for an air cushion vehicle comprising inflatable loop elements fixed to the air cushion seal finger sleeves and positioned immediately outward from the air cushion boundary. The elements are pressurized to a pressure less than the air cushion and greater than the ambient pressure to capture spray and supplement the seal performance.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved stern seal construction for air cushion surted operating type marine vessels which consists of an array of inflatable, vertically oriented inverted truncated open-ended cones or fingers. These fingers are individually attached to and mounted to depend in side-by-side relation from the bottom of an inflatable bag which in turn is mounted upon and extends transversely across and below the bottom of the stern end of the vessel's hull. The fingers are arranged in side-by-side pressed together relationship, and thus assume in horizontal section generally rectangular forms. In side view sectional profile the finger and bag contours are so balanced that a minimum load at the bottom ends of the fingers will permit them to raise to allow for passages over rough objects. The front or leading panels of the fingers are stiffened somewhat toward their bottom ends, and are extended under the open bottoms of the fingers beyond their trailing panel portions.

Abstract: A luggage carrier has several spaced parallel slat assemblies, and end caps for all of the slats. The outermost slat assemblies are also fitted with tie-down cleats that do not require screw fasteners to anchor them to the slats. These tie-down cleats are trapped between the end cap and a load bearing rail in the slat's center groove.

Abstract: A telephone activated power controller comprised of an electrical power inlet and a number of power outlets for supplying power to the devices of a computer or other system. A detection circuit detects telephone rings and off-hook conditions and powers up the system. A remote control circuit allows the computer to keep the power on after hang-up or manual power-off. A status sensor circuit tells the computer if the device has been turned on manually or remotely. An inhibit circuit prevents the device from responding to a telephone ring or off-hook condition if it is engaged. The controller also has a surge protection circuit to prevent large voltages or current from reaching the power outlets.

Abstract: A vehicle luggage rack with parallel slats secured in mounting strips to a surface has a cross member made up of two sculptured stanchions and a cross rail that can be adjusted between several predetermined positions but not readily removed. One-piece fastener and tether means hold the stanchions in place, and also hold tie downs in place on at least the outside slats.

Abstract: An almond tree which is dense, medium size, vigorous, spreading in branching habit, abundantly foliated with medium size, medium green, acuminate leaves having a crenate margin, blooms early with pink flowers, and is a regular and heavy producer--in clusters on short spurs--of large, elongated, paper shell, well-sealed nuts which hang well on tree and have a medium harvest period and a relatively high percentage of kernel to nut.