Abstract: Spray array apparatus which includes a plurality of water and air carrying spoke members extending radially from a central fluid distribution assembly. The spoke members are connected to a plurality of water and air carrying strut members. The spoke members are divided into segments and the segments and strut members are detachably joined together by means of manifold joints which have water and air passageways allowing fluid communication between spoke segments and strut members. The apparatus is towed at the end of a boom of a tanker aircraft and is connected to the boom by means of a gimbal allowing two degrees of freedom to reduce bending moments and connection stresses. Selected fluid parameters are transmitted to the tanker aircraft to adjust fluid flow, if necessary.

Abstract: A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having walls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices.

Abstract: A compress/melt waste processor includes a frame; a chamber housing having alls which define a chamber therein; a ram movably disposed in the chamber; a sensor which senses pressure applied by the ram; an actuator operatively connected to the ram to move the ram; a chamber hatch upon which the housing is mounted, the chamber housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch defining a space therebetween; and a device for feeding contaminated plastic waste into the chamber. The apparatus also includes a device for heating the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch; a device for cooling the housing walls, the ram and the chamber hatch, a device for detecting temperature of the housing walls, the ram, the chamber hatch and the contaminated plastic waste in the chamber; and a control device for controlling the actuator and the heating and cooling devices.

Abstract: A separator for immiscible fluids and particulate matter of differing denies provides a plurality of stages of fluid flow velocity reduction by change of cross-sectional areas between a plurality of flow regions (e.g. conduits and chambers) and separates a fraction of the introduced fluid or suspended particulate matter at each change of velocity whereby flow velocity may be reduced to a degree greater than accounted for by the change of cross-sectional area from stage to stage when significant amounts of materials to be separated are present in the input fluid. Further, a substantial effective length is provided, relative to the footprint of the separator. This length and gradual slowing of the fluids therein provides generally laminar flow and low turbulence. By doing so, overall volume of the passive separator is reduced and separation efficiency is substantially improved.