Abstract: Cleaning tools are mounted directly to rotary spindles of conventional string trimmers. The cleaning tools have brush channels which extend through one or more sides thereof, with each brush channel having an edge channel and a bristle channel. The edge channels are disposed interiorly within the body of respective ones of the bristle channels. Channel brush inserts are secured in respective ones of the brush channels, and each includes a mounting base and a bristle body. The mounting bases are inserted into respective ones of the edge channels and the bristle bodies extend from a respective one of the mounting bases through the bristle channels, from the one or more sides and exteriorly of the cleaning tool. One cleaning tool has three brush channels formed to extend into a laterally extending sidewall. In another cleaning tool the brush channels are formed to extend into the bottom end surface thereof.

Abstract: A device is described for the generation of electropotential by bacterial culture that contain magnetic inclusions. As these bacteria move within an aqueous conductive environment, the generated magnetic fields induce a voltage between electrodes immersed in the solution. Current flow and power production can be sustained for several hours.

Abstract: Lesions supplied by abnormal aggregations of vascular tissue or neovascular tissues are treated with photodynamic therapy by application of photosensitizing agent followed by precisely directed and calibrated laser activation to induce photothrombosis within target vascular tissue. The treatment forms a blood clot within the supply vessels thereby reducing the blood supply to the target lesion. Treated tissues atrophy or recede with low regrowth of vessels. The lower energy levels required significantly reduce damage to the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: This invention concerns dewatering peat by heating it and subjecting it to a surface active agent, preferably a cationic polymeric surface active agent and subsequently pressing the product to yield a peat product with lowered moisture content.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the recovery of low concentrations of volatile components from a liquid by use of a stripping gas is disclosed. The system is particularly suited for recovery of low concentration volatile metabolites from fermentation broths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring two-phase flow is provided that is particularly related to the monitoring of transient two-phase (liquid-vapor) flow rates such as may occur during a pressurized water reactor core blow-down. The present invention essentially comprises the use of flanged wire screens or similar devices, such as perforated plates, to produce certain desirable effects in the flow regime for monitoring purposes. One desirable effect is a measurable and reproducible pressure drop across the screen. The pressure drop can be characterized for various known flow rates and then used to monitor nonhomogeneous flow regimes. Another useful effect of the use of screens or plates in nonhomogeneous flow is that such apparatus tends to create a uniformly dispersed flow regime in the immediate downstream vicinity. This is a desirable effect because it usually increases the accuracy of flow rate measurements determined by conventional methods.

Abstract: This invention involves an improved process for softening hard water which comprises selectively precipitaing CaCO.sub.3 to form a thin layer thereof, increasing the pH of said water to precipitate magnesium as magnesium hydroxide and then filtering the resultant slurry through said layer. The CaCO.sub.3 layer serves as a thin permeable layer which has particularly useful application in cross-flow filtration applications.