Abstract: A vehicular door assembly includes a door and at least one hinge structure. Each of the at least one hinge structure includes a knuckle and a bushing. The knuckle extends away from the door. The door and the knuckle of each of the at least one hinge structure are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The knuckle of each of the at least one hinge structure includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines a bore extending through the knuckle and opening onto each of the upper surface and the lower surface. The bushing defines a hinge aperture and a hinge axis. At least a substantial portion of the bushing is positioned within the bore defined by a respective one of the knuckles. Each of the at least one hinge structure is configured for coupling with a frame of a vehicle. Vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicular door assembly includes a door and at least one hinge structure. Each of the at least one hinge structure includes a knuckle and a bushing. The knuckle extends away from the door. The door and the knuckle of each of the at least one hinge structure are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The knuckle of each of the at least one hinge structure includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines a bore extending through the knuckle and opening onto each of the upper surface and the lower surface. The bushing defines a hinge aperture and a hinge axis. At least a substantial portion of the bushing is positioned within the bore defined by a respective one of the knuckles. Each of the at least one hinge structure is configured for coupling with a frame of a vehicle. Vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: Lightweight and rigid, leaded or lead-free integral radiation shielding structural compositions comprising two or more radiation attenuating elements or compounds thereof, selected for having compatible radiation attenuating characteristics, dispersed in a thermoplastic or thermoset resin. The radiation shielding structural compositions of the present invention can be used to functionally and structurally replace lead-lined structures in medical and industrial x-ray systems. The radiation shielding structural compositions of the present invention can also be formulated to minimize the density of the resulting structure.

Abstract: Lightweight and rigid, leaded or lead-free integral radiation shielding structural compositions comprising two or more radiation attenuating elements or compounds thereof, selected for having compatible radiation attenuating characteristics, dispersed in a thermoplastic or thermoset resin. The radiation shielding structural compositions of the present invention can be used to functionally and structurally replace lead-lined structures in medical and industrial x-ray systems. The radiation shielding structural compositions of the present invention can also be formulated to minimize the density of the resulting structure.

Abstract: A high temperature battery which has a cathode comprising either sulphur or a metal sulphide, an anode comprising either an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or an alloy of either and, disposed between them, an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal halide. The materials in the cathode composition are electrochemically in excess to the materials in the anode composition. Potassium chloride, potassium iodide or, preferably, potassium bromide is added to the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte. When potassium bromide is added, ideally, it is added to the electrolyte in excess to the alkali metal halides present in the electrolyte. In one particular example, the cathode comprises iron sulphide, the anode comprises a lithium aluminum alloy, the electrolyte comprises a ternary metal halide and potassium bromide is added to all three. Magnesia can be further added to the anode, cathode and electrode.

Abstract: A removal grate for a vertical shaft processor includes a distributor plate adapted to receive processed materials and an eccentric distributor wheel for breaking up the processed material and uniformly distributing it across the distributor plate for removal from the processor.

Abstract: A vertical shaft processor includes a feed zone utilizing a lock hopper for introducing particulate material to a treatment zone in charges while inhibiting the release of treating fluids from the vessel. A separator receives particulate material from the lock hopper and distributes it across the cross-section of the vessel so as to encourage a uniform cross-sectional flow of various sized particulate material through the treatment zone. Treating fluids are uniformly distributed into the treatment zone of the vessel beneath the separator and through not only linear but also arcuate distributor pipes so that the treating fluids are uniformly exposed to the particulate material across the cross-section of the vessel.

Abstract: A solids-gas contact vessel, having two vertically disposed distinct reaction zones, includes a dynamic seal passing solids from an upper to a lower zone and maintaining a gas seal against the transfer of the separate treating gases from one zone to the other, and including a stream of sealing fluid at the seal.

Abstract: Particulate oil shale is subjected to a pyrolysis with a hot, non-oxygenous gas in a pyrolysis vessel, with the products of the pyrolysis of the shale contained kerogen being withdrawn as an entrained mist of shale oil droplets in a gas for a separation of the liquid from the gas. Hot retorted shale withdrawn from the pyrolysis vessel is treated in a separate container with an oxygenous gas so as to provide combustion of residual carbon retained on the shale, producing a high temperature gas for the production of some steam and for heating the non-oxygenous gas used in the oil shale retorting process in the first vessel. The net energy recovery includes essentially complete recovery of the organic hydrocarbon material in the oil shale as a liquid shale oil, a high BTU gas, and high temperature steam.

Abstract: Rectangularly-shaped fluid distributors for large diameter, vertical vessels include reinforcers for high heat operation, vertical sides with gas distributing orifices and overhanging, sloped roofs. Devices are provided for cleaning the orifices from a buildup of solid deposits resulting from the reactions in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for impaling and lifting hay bales consisting of a long, round, pencil-pointed shaft for said purpose plus two shorter shafts of similar design protruding just below and to each side of the main impaling spear for the purpose of stabilizing the bale in the process of loading and handling. This structure is mounted on a rigid steel frame which is designed for attachment to any ordinary hydraulically operated front end loader, or for attachment to any common three-point tractor hitch. Optimum utility is achieved with a tractor having such devices mounted at each end for use at the same time.

Abstract: Hot, non-oxygenous gas at carefully controlled quantities and at predetermined depths in a bed of lump oil shale provides pyrolysis of the contained kerogen of the oil shale, and cool non-oxygenous gas is passed up through the bed to conserve the heat inventory for a viable process. The bed being fed at the top with raw shale and retorted shale being removed at the bottom provides a constant depth, continuously moving bed of shale, for a continuous process.

Abstract: A gas, formed as a product of a pyrolysis of oil shale, is passed through hot, retorted shale (containing at least partially decomposed calcium or magnesium carbonate) to essentially eliminate sulfur contaminants in the gas. Specifically, a single chambered pyrolysis vessel, having a pyrolysis zone and a retorted shale gas into the bottom of the retorted shale zone and cleaned product gas is withdrawn as hot product gas near the top of such zone.

Abstract: A hay hauler and feeder includes a platform of wood framed in steel with demountable racks which, when in place, serve as self-feeders, on sides, front and rear. Feeding stations are divided with steel bars angled to the right or left to limit and control hay withdrawal in order that the contents may be fed with minimum wastage. The hauler-feeder is mounted on a single axle mounting with four wheels in tandem which are capable of oscillation for maximum uniform weight distribution and a trailer jack at the front tongue for leveling when field-feeding.

Abstract: Vertically and horizontally disposed planters including light-transmitting, convex, upwardly or outwardly extending enclosures are disclosed. The planter enclosures extend in a convex manner to enclose with a light transmitting section the earthen matter from which the plants grow as well as enclosing at least in part a growing plant itself. The vertically disposed planters comprise outwardly extending enclosures which are supported in vertical, preferably planar members such as doors and panels. The horizontally disposed planters comprise enclosures which comprise a downwardly extending lower convex portion enclosing the earthen matter and an upwardly extending light-transmitting portion enclosing, at least in part, a growing plant. The horizontally disposed planters are supported in horizontal preferably planar members such as skylights and roofs. For essentially completely enclosed planters, fixed and closable openings are also disclosed. These permit the passage of air, moisture, nourishment, etc.

Abstract: A gravity flow, vertical bed of crushed oil shale having a two level injection of air and a three level injection of non-oxygenous gas and an internal combustion of at least residual carbon on the retorted shale. The injection of air and gas is carefully controlled in relation to the mass flow rate of the shale to control the temperature of pyrolysis zone, producing a maximum conversion of the organic content of the shale to a liquid shale oil. The parameters of the operation provides an economical and highly efficient shale oil production.