Abstract: Apparatus for planting seeds or bulbs (e.g., potatoes, onions, flowers, etc.) using a seed metering mechanism which relies upon a vacuum to select seeds out of a hopper. The apparatus includes a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axis, a cup secured to the outer end of each arm and a vacuum communicating with each cup such that a seed contacted by the cup in the hopper is retained in the cup by atmospheric pressure. When the arms are rotated, the cups pass through the hopper so that each cup can contact the seeds and retain one seed in the cup. At a designated point outside the hopper the seed is released so that it can pass through a spout or chute and into a furrow in the soil.

Abstract: A circuit interconnecting a source of electrical energy with a power operated machine. The circuit comprises an interlock device including a motion switch which is adapted to be removably attached to the machine operator's body. The motion switch is movable between a normally deactivated position to prevent the flow of electrical energy from the source to the machine and an activated position to permit the flow of electrical energy from the source to the machine for operating the machine. The motion switch is operable to be moved to the activated position in response to movement of the operator's body.

Abstract: A process for reducing the amount of catalyst required for coal hydrogenation-liquefaction reactions involving dry fed, short-residence coal reaction systems. Coal particles are mixed with dry catalyst material having a vapor pressure of 1 to 1000 mm Hg at reaction conditions. Catalysts having such high vapor pressure have demonstrated greatly improved ability to establish the required intimate contact for efficient catalysis when dry mixed and enable significant reduction of amounts of catalyst material required. In systems utilizing ZnCl.sub.2 as the catalyst material, reductions in percent weight concentration to the range of 1 to 2% are accomplished.The invention disclosed herein was developed in part under contract funding provided by the Energy Research and Development Administration of the United States Government.