Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a hydroelectric turbine/generator in a dam having at least two spaced piers, the apparatus comprising (a) at least one first gate each spanning the space between a respective pair of neighboring piers and being movable to closed and open positions and positions therebetween to control flow and maintain head; and (b) at least one second gate, each second gate associated with a corresponding first gate upstream thereof and supporting at least one hydroelectric turbine/generator in a maintenance position and a plurality of operating positions such that in operating positions, water flows through each turbine/generator to produce electric power.

Abstract: A method for selectively producing condensable hydrocarbon gases and non-condensable synthesis gases from waste tire chips in a single rotating reactor having a drying and volatizing hearth reaction area contiguous with a reformation hearth reaction area, including the steps of feeding waste tire chips into the drying and volatizing area, heating the tire chips in the drying and volatizing area to a temperature of about 500 C to about 600 C, drying and volatizing the tire chips to form a hot process gas and hot residual solid carbonaceous matter; raising the temperature of the hot process gas and the hot residual solid carbonaceous matter to a temperature in the range of from about 600 C to about 1000 C; and thermally reforming the hot process gas to form a synthesis gas composition; and hot residual solid carbonaceous matter. The apparatus for producing high quality carbon and synthesis gas from waste automotive tires is also disclosed.

Abstract: An effective, low cost block and brace assembly having utility in the art of tilt-up construction. In the assembled relationship, the block and brace form a right triangle to provide maximum support for a mold form during the pouring of concrete and the subsequent formation of a precast panel.