Abstract: A system and a method to contain and recover crude oil and/or gas from a leaking wellhead on a sea bed is described. The system broadly consists of a series of elongated tubes positioned vertically from the sea floor and enclosing the wellhead and rising to the sea surface to be recovered. The leaking crude oil and/or gas rises is contained in the elongated tubes and rises through the series of elongated tubes to sea surface for recovery. Recovery of the crude oil and/or gas on the sea surface is carried out by any of the means currently applicable for this purpose. The method describes how to deploy the crude oil and/or gas containment and recovery system.

Abstract: A system and a method to contain and recover crude oil and/or gas from a leaking wellhead on a sea bed is described. The system broadly consists of a series of elongated tubes positioned vertically from the sea floor and enclosing the wellhead and rising to the sea surface to be recovered. The leaking crude oil and/or gas rises is contained in the elongated tubes and rises through the series of elongated tubes to sea surface for recovery. Recovery of the crude oil and/or gas on the sea surface is carried out by any of the means currently applicable for this purpose. The method describes how to deploy the crude oil and/or gas containment and recovery system.

Abstract: A device and method for freezing or cooling of food or other items using cryogenic and low temperature coolants is provided. The device includes a coolant container which contains the cryogenic or low temperature coolant. The device will also include a freezing compartment with a lower surface which is immediately adjacent to the coolant container. The coolant container includes a valve for controlling the pressure within the coolant container, and thereby control the temperature of the coolant. When the materials to be cooled are placed in the freezing compartment the coolant will absorb heat from the materials via the lower surface and some of the coolant will vaporize. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a system for collecting the vapors thus created.

Abstract: In a nuclear reactor fuel bundle packaging apparatus including a hollow cylindrical cask (22) and a basket liner assembly (23) receivable within the cask, the basket liner assembly including a plurality of laterally spaced disks (26) rigidly held by a plurality of tie rods (28), and a plurality of elongated hollow basket liners (33) extending through and fixed to the plurality of disks, each hollow basket liner (33) holding a nuclear fuel bundle assembly (10) having an upper tie plate (14), a lower tie plate (16) and a plurality of fuel rods (12) arranged in a substantially square array, extending between the upper and lower tie plates, the improvement comprising an oversized hollow fuel bundle channel (68) received over the fuel bundle assembly, the channel (68) having the same cross sectional shape as the basket liner (33) but sized to fit within the basket liner, the basket liner having at least one slot (74) formed in at least one side thereof at each disk, and at least one spring (72) mounted on the bask

Abstract: The invention includes a tunnel-conveyor section designed to process large-scale quantities of such materials as automobile tires for frangiation and embrittlement to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels for separation of fibrous and metal portions and subsequent granulation into fine-mesh particles. The system is also designed to subject food products to low- or cryogenic-temperature levels prior to for long-term storage and shipping as well. The system can also be used for freeze drying at very low temperatures (-380.degree. F. and lower) when nonconveyor procedures are used. The unit can be adapted as a horizontal-cylinder as well as a spiral or circular system for large-scale conveyor operations. Smaller systems can also be fabricated for laboratory or smaller-scale procedures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the pressure drop in a column used for contacting at least one gaseous stream and at least one liquid stream, wherein a portion of the pressure drop across the column is caused by foam. The method comprises injecting a non-foamable liquid into the gaseous stream at a location, in an amount, and at a temperature which are sufficient to decrease the total pressure drop across the column.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable and tiltable bed frame has two actuators which may be used simultaneously or independently to tilt the frame and which also may be used to raise and lower the frame. A level sensor is connected to the actuators so that if the tilt varies from the adjusted and desired position, one or other actuator is adjusted to restore the desired tilted position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a frame having a backrest arranged to be lifted by an actuator via a crank, and a thighrest similarly arranged to be lifted by an actuator. A legrest is freely pivoted to the thighrest. The angles of the parts are sensed and maintained in proportion by control means, so that as, for example, the backrest angle is steepened, the thighrest is also raised proportionately, but to less extent, taking the legrest with it.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an insulated storage tank adapted to hold a liquified cryogenic fluid and vapor emanating from the liquified cryogenic fluid, an insulated working chamber adapted to hold an object to be treated, and a vacuum pump for evacuating the interior of the working chamber. The storage tank is in fluid communication with the working chamber, either directly, or through a vapor reservoir adapted to hold the vapor emanating from the cryogenic fluid. The method comprises introducing the vapor and/or liquid cryogen into the working chamber either in discrete or continuous amounts. The working chamber can be evacuated to a specific negative pressure either prior to introducing the vapor and/or liquid cryogen or simultaneously as the cryogens are introduced. The apparatus also provides the capability of heating materials from cryogenic levels to room-or-higher-temperature levels in a choice of ambient gases.

Abstract: A mainsail furling mast assembly utilizes a mast having a cross section providing a C-shaped outer wall and a transverse wall defining a rearwardly opening compartment in which is disposed a furling element about which the mainsail may be furled. The opening in the mast has a width equal to at least 50 percent of the maximum width of the mast to provide facile access to the compartment. The mast has a boom mounting bracket including a reinforcement portion with a section which extends within the compartment and flange sections which extend forwardly about the outer wall.

Abstract: An ion activity or concentration analyzer including an ion selective electrode, a reference electrode and a flow-through electrolytic cell. A sample liquid enclosure conducts a flow of an aqueous sample past the anode and cathode electrodes of an electrolytic cell that is polarized to generate hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The ion selective and reference electrodes are so positioned, with respect to the cathode electrode, that the hydroxyl ion concentration is increased in the vicinity thereof. This increased hydroxyl ion concentration causes a reduction in the hydrogen ion concentration and thereby substantially eliminates the interfering effect of hydrogen ions on the operation of the ion selective and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A hand held granulator for peppercorns, salt, nuts, spices, foliage greens and the like with storage of unground and ground material. A first cylindrical container portion with removable cap stores unground material and a second cylindrical container portion stores ground material. Two sealingly engaged central flanges with an interchangeable grinding screen there between receive the first and second containers on either side with the first in sliding rotational engagement and the second in fixed engagement. A twisting motion imparted by the hands results in grinding of the materials between the first container portion and the screen. Ground material passes through the grinding screen and is either retained in the second cylindrical container or dropped free.

Abstract: Temperature responsive power supply apparatus for electrical resistance heating, e.g. for weld stress relief, has a power supply transformer comprising first and second secondary windings in series with one another and first, second and third conductors for connecting the secondary windings to heating elements. A pair of temperature sensors provide temperature signals corresponding to the temperatures of heated zones heated by the apparatus, and a pair of control units responsive to the temperature signals control the current flow through the conductors. A switch enables one or both control units to regulate saturable reactors or the like in series with the conductors, whereby the control unit can regulate two respective heating circuits each including one of the secondary windings or one of the control units can regulate a heating circuit including one or both of the secondary windings. The apparatus provided improved versatility for heating one or more large or small pipe welds.

Abstract: A cylinder head and liner assembly for use in a diesel engine wherein the inner end of the cylinder liner is accurately and positively adjusted within the bore in the diesel engine block for maximum efficiency in alignment of the liner relative to the piston reciprocating therein, the adjustment being accomplished through a series of manually movable adjustable wedges that are circumferentially spaced around the liner and provide inclined surfaces cooperating with the liner exterior surface and the internal surface of the bore in the crankcase.

Abstract: A process for safely and conveniently disposing of active metal residue, such as a mixture of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal, by introducing the residue into a furnace in which it is completely transformed into harmless metal salts or oxides, which can be disposed of safely and inexpensively.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of lead from lead by-product materials, including lead-containing slag and other lead-containing waste materials, in a rotary smelting furance using an active alkali metal mixture by-product as a reductant and flux.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tank vent. The vent prevents liquid loss if the tank is inverted and prevents contaminants from entering the tank. The vent includes an elongated housing forming a tubular chamber communicating with the interior of the tank. Disposed within the chamber is an annular valve seat. Disposed within the chamber adjacent the valve seat is a free sliding elongated buoyant valve member. The buoyant valve member has a protruding valve surface disposed on the end of the buoyant member adjacent the valve seat. The surface area of the valve surface is significantly less than the surface area of the end of the buoyant member upon which the valve surface is disposed. The valve surface is configured to sealably engage the valve seat for movement into and out of contact with the seat as the buoyant member moves within the chamber.