Abstract: A system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstocks into useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other materials includes a reactor chamber for receiving dried carbonaceous feedstock and heat carrier for processing of the feedstock in the generation of useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other materials, a char separation and recovery mechanism linked to the reactor chamber for separating char produced as a result of processing of feedstock within the reactor chamber from heat carrier and a condenser in communication with the reactor chamber for receiving gas and vapor from the reactor chamber. A furnace is linked to the char separation and recovery mechanism providing energy for operation of the system.

Abstract: A system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstocks into useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material includes a dryer into which the carbonaceous feedstock is placed and a reactor chamber in communication with the dryer for receiving dried feedstock and heat carrier for further processing of the feedstock in the generation of useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material. The system also includes a char separation and recovery mechanism linked to the reactor chamber for separating char produced as a result of processing of feedstock within the reactor chamber from heat carrier, a condenser in communication with the reactor chamber for receiving gas and vapor from the reactor chamber to recover a liquid product, and a furnace linked to the char separation and recovery mechanism for burning char as needed for operation of the present system.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention is provided with: a reformer for generating a reformed gas containing hydrogen from a feed material containing an organic compound at least containing carbon and hydrogen and water; a heater for heating the reformer to a temperature required for generating the reformed gas; a carbon monoxide reducing unit having a carbon monoxide reducing catalyst for reducing carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated in the reformer; and a temperature detector for detecting at least one of a temperature of the reformed gas in the carbon monoxide reducing unit and a temperature of the carbon monoxide reducing catalyst, wherein an amount of the feed material to be supplied to the reformer is controlled based on a comparison between a detected temperature detected by the temperature detector and a reference temperature set in accordance with the amount of the feed material.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying the volatility of propellant and primers associated with small arms ammunition which become inadvertently commingled with a supply of spent casings prior to material deformation and reclamation. The apparatus preferably includes three major sections or components and they are: a material infeed section, a heating section, and a material extraction section. The preferred infeed section includes a hopper placed in conjunction with an incline conveyor and a distally positioned dump chute. The heating section has a material receptacle in the form of a material receiving chute, a heater disposed adjacent to the interior of a longitudinal spirally internally veined rotating drum which communicates with the third section, which is a material extraction or expulsion section also in the form of an incline conveyor and a chute.

Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a burnable used oil fuel product by the process comprising: (a) obtaining a used oil sample having at least 1% (by weight) aqueous substances; (b) heating the used oil sample to a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 60° C.; and (c) extracting a volume of water from the heated used oil by adding super critical CO2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric warmer for heating a container by means of a heat transfer medium. The warmer comprises a jar into which the container can be inserted for heating, and an electric heating device comprising at least one resistance heating element for heating the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A cost effective solution preparing apparatus includes a chamber which is divided into two compartments by a movable partition; a dissolving solution supply line for supplying a dissolving solution to the first compartment of the chamber; a solution tank connected with the first compartment and the second compartment through a first solution preparing line and through a second solution preparing line, respectively; a transporting pump provided in the second solution preparing line; a concentration meter; a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared and filled in the second compartment to a point of use; and a circulating line, in which the solution tank is exemplified as a U-shape tank constructed of a relatively small-diameter upstream tank portion and a relatively large-diameter downstream tank portion, and at least one filter is provided in a downstream portion of the downstream tank portion.

Abstract: The method for making herbal extracts entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract having active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material, and can be used in lower unit doses to provide enhanced medicinal treatment. The solvent is a mixture of distilled water and catalyst altered water. The mixture enhances the extraction of the active principles for improved treatment, and improves the quality and processing of the extract.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a hydrogen generator for generating a hydrogen gas, comprising at least a fuel supply part for supplying a hydrocarbon type fuel, a fuel combustion part, a water supply part, a gas, mixing part for mixing the fuel and a water, and a reforming part filled with the reforming catalyst, wherein at least one of the gas mixing part and the reforming part is heated by an exhaust gas generated in the combustion part. The hydrogen generator according to the present invention aims to improve the heat efficiency, reducing the heat loss from the apparatus with a simple constitution and collecting the waste heat for an effective use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparati have been developed for producing a suspension of predominately amorphous polymer particles, wherein the method includes thermally treating a suspension that includes crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer particles. The thermal treatment includes (a) heating a suspension of polymer particles of an appropriate size to a temperature effective to cause the polymer to become amorphous, and then (b) cooling the suspension of amorphous polymer particles below the melting point of the polymer at a rate effective to prevent substantial coalescence of the polymer particles. The method and apparati are effective for use with a variety of polymers having suitable crystallization parameters, although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers are preferred, particularly in an aqueous suspension medium. For PHA polymers, the polymer particles subjected to treatment preferably are of a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, or more preferably less than 1.5 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: A liquid fuel candle apparatus with a polymeric element impregnated with a fragrant volatile medium includes a wick with an ignitable end and an absorbent end, a receptacle for holding a quantity of fuel, with the absorbent end of the wick in contact with the fuel, a receptacle having at least a first wall which forms a perimeter, with the ignitable end of the wick extending through the receptacle, and a polymeric element impregnated with a volatile medium disposed within the receptacle perimeter, and in substantially continuous contact with the perimeter wall.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is two-stage mat for dispensing volatile materials. The mat is comprised of two materials varying either in thickness, thermal conductivity and/or porosity (and coated with like volatile material), or coated with volatile materials having different vaporization pressures. In either configuration, the mat provides for both an instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods of using such mats are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating water from oil includes creating a vacuum in a container so that oil which contains water and gas bubbles is drawn upward through a first section of the container. At the top of the first section, the oil impacts a baffle plate, thereby releasing water vapor. The oil then flows downward through an obstruction component in a second section of the container, thereby releasing additional water vapor.

Abstract: A cost effective solution preparing apparatus includes a chamber which is divided into two compartments by a movable partition; a dissolving solution supply line for supplying a dissolving solution to the first compartment of the chamber; a solution tank connected with the first compartment and the second compartment through a first solution preparing line and through a second solution preparing line, respectively; a transporting pump provided in the second solution preparing line; a concentration meter; a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared and filled in the second compartment to a point of use; and a circulating line, in which the solution tank is exemplified as a U-shape tank constructed of a relatively small-diameter upstream tank portion and a relatively large-diameter downstream tank portion, and at least one filter is provided in a downstream portion of the downstream tank portion.

Abstract: A variable-orifice fluid restrictor for use with a supercritical extractor or chromatograph includes an inlet line for fluid at a pressure above its critical pressure, an extended tubular probe having an inner and an outer surface and a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the probe is disposed toward the inlet line. The distal end of the probe includes an adjustable orifice means adapted for metering the fluid and having first and second orifice members and an adjusting stem having first and second ends. The adjustable orifice means is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the adjusting stem is located at the distal end of the probe and is adapted for moving the first orifice member with respect to the second orifice member to control the adjustable orifice for varying the restriction of fluid passing through the adjustable orifice.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for collecting and recycling a petroleum by-product such as hydrocarbon residue from crude oil. The apparatus comprises a container having a top, bottom, and sides, an internal heating element, an inlet element, an outlet element, a pump connector, and optionally a plug element for an auxiliary connector. The present invention further provides a method for recycling waxy hydrocarbon residue from crude oil. The method comprises providing the container of the present invention; filling the container with a sufficient amount of the waxy hydrocarbon residue; heating the waxy hydrocarbon residue in the container in order to produce a liquefied hydrocarbon residue; pumping the liquefied hydrocarbon residue out of the container through the pump connector and into a separate storage vessel; and, recycling the liquefied hydrocarbon residue into a usable oil refinery product.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: A self-contained incubator for growth of microorganism kit and methods for use of such a kit are provided. The kit and methods may detect the presence of microorganisms and may utilie a microorganism growth and indicator medium provided in a sample container along with a heat source, preferably generating heat through chemical means, and optionally heat shields, allowing for on-site testing of a microorganism present in a sample. The sample container may also include a removable vessel cap that includes a barrier separating the sample from a material capable of disinfecting the sample, thereby preventing contact of the sample and the material for a desired time period. The vessel cap may also be used independently in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for gathering analyte. The apparatus comprises a pumping mechanism for pumping solvent at supercritical pressure. The apparatus also comprises an extraction mechanism which receives a first sample and at least a second sample separate and distinct from the first sample and extract analyte from them essentially simultaneously. The extraction mechanism is connected to the pump mechanism to receive solvent at supercritical pressure for extracting the analyte from the samples. The apparatus additionally comprises a collection mechanism for collecting analyte from the solvent after the analyte has been extracted from the samples. The collection mechanism receives the supercritical solvent having the analyte extracted from the samples from the extraction mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for extracting analyte. The method comprises the steps of pumping solvent at a supercritical pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon containing composite materials, particularly roofing materials including asphalt and solid components to recover asphalt and the solid components. The process includes the steps of: agitating the materials with a solvent, preferably a terpene, to form a hydrocarbon/solvent mixture; heating the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture to vaporize the solvent; recovering the hydrocarbons; and recovering the solvent as a liquid by condensing the solvent vapor. The apparatus includes a composite materials washer for holding the composite materials and a solvent; means for agitating the composite materials washer to dissolve the hydrocarbons in the solvent; and a separator for vaporizing the solvent in the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture and recovering the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A variable-orifice fluid restrictor for use with a supercritical extractor or chromatograph includes an inlet line for fluid at a pressure above its critical pressure, an extended tubular probe having an inner and an outer surface and a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the probe is disposed toward the inlet line. The distal end of the probe includes an adjustable orifice means adapted for metering the fluid and having first and second orifice members and an adjusting stem having first and second ends. The adjustable orifice means is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the adjusting stem is located at the distal end of the probe and is adapted for moving the first orifice member with respect to the second orifice member to control the adjustable orifice for varying the restriction of fluid passing through the adjustable orifice.

Abstract: An instrumentality for promulgating the cryoprecipitation of fibrinogen from a blood product. The instrumentality contemplates a container for the blood product, an apparatus for creating the fibrinogen within the container and a method of manipulating the container within the apparatus and subsequently after fibrinogen has been formed. The apparatus includes a receiver within which the container is supported, a motion transfer device for the receiver to impart motion to the container while simultaneously subjecting the container to a temperature differential to cause heat transfer. The motion imparted to the container results in a thin coating of the blood product being disposed on an interior surface of the container which, in turn, is exposed to a heat transfer fluid through the wall of the container. Successive coatings placed on an interior of the container are timed such that each coating is placed on a previous coating that has changed phase.

Abstract: In a process for solid-liquid extraction, in particular of sucrose from beet cossettes, countercurrent extraction in an extraction tower is employed. The tower juice is drawn off together with the small-sized solid constituents obtained in the process, such as sand, essentially exclusively via side screens.

Abstract: A variable-orifice fluid restrictor for use with a supercritical extractor or chromatograph includes an inlet line for fluid at a pressure above its critical pressure, an extended tubular probe having an inner and an outer surface and a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the probe is disposed toward the inlet line. The distal end of the probe includes an adjustable orifice means adapted for metering the fluid and having first and second orifice members and an adjusting stem having first and second ends. The adjustable orifice means is adjacent to the outer surface of the probe and the orifice means is adjustable with the adjusting stem. The end of the adjusting stem is located at the distal end of the probe and is adapted for moving the first orifice member with respect to the second orifice member to control the adjustable orifice for varying the restriction of fluid passing through the adjustable orifice.

Abstract: An instrumentality for promulgating the cryoprecipitation of fibrinogen from a blood product. The instrumentality contemplates a container for the blood product, an apparatus for creating the fibrinogen within the container and a method of manipulating the container within the apparatus and subsequently after fibrinogen has been formed. The apparatus includes a receiver within which the container is supported, a motion transfer device for the receiver to impart motion to the container while simultaneously subjecting the container to a temperature differential to cause heat transfer. The motion imparted to the container results in a thin coating of the blood product being disposed on an interior surface of the container which, in turn, is exposed to a heat transfer fluid through the wall of the container. Successive coatings placed on an interior of the container are timed such that each coating is placed on a previous coating that has changed phase.

Abstract: A roofing membrane having a reinforcing fabric saturated with a bituminous material. The reinforcing fabric having a first fiberglass scrim layer to which is stitched a non-woven polyester mat.

Abstract: A liquid deposition source delivery system (22) includes a reactant source (50) of a liquid chemical reactant, a first heater (54) positioned adjacent to the reactant source (50) , and a vapor collection system (56) in communication with the reactant source (50) to collect vapor evolved from the reactant source (50). A flow controller (64) has an upstream side (66) in communication with the vapor collection system (56). A line (70) of a vapor distribution system is in communication with the downstream side (68) of the flow controller (64). A second heater (76) is positioned adjacent to the flow controller (64), at least a portion of the vapor collection system (56), and at least a portion of the vapor distribution system, to prevent the vapor from condensing in the lines (70) of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention is a cone insert for a liquefaction kettle. Pads on the bottom of the cone separate the cone from the surface of the kettle. Solid material is added to the top of the cone. Solid material is melted on demand by an internal spray kettle ring. The cone insert provides continuous liquefaction and prevents sensitometric shift in photographic emulsions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the separation of vaporous heavy metal compounds from a carrier gas wherein the heavy metal compounds are cooled and desublimed. An apparatus for carrying out this process has a melting furnace with a discharge opening for a gas/vapor mixture, which leads to a cooling device. Vaporous heavy metal compounds can be separated from a carrier gas on a large industrial scale. In addition, the apparatus for carrying out this process is easy to operate. The gas/vapor mixture is turbulently mixed immediately after the discharge from the furnace in a mixing section with cold air and is thus cooled. During this cooling, the vaporous heavy metal compounds desublime and are filtered as particles in a filter.

Abstract: A melt is stored in a vessel. A lower half of a degassing member is immersed in the melt. The degassing member has a cylindrical form with the lower end closed, and the lower half section is made of a porous material which is permeable to gas and impermeable to melts as molten metal, molten slag, or molten matte. This lower half section is a partitioning member. When an internal space inside the degassing member is sucked to realize vacuum or reduced pressure atmosphere, gas producing components in the melt pass through the partition member of the degassing member, and are exhausted to inside the degassing member, thus being separated from the melt. Also, by making the degassing member rotate or move in a horizontal or vertical direction, the melt is stirred. With these features, gas-producing components in the melt can be removed at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine the concentration of an amorphous material such as blast furnace slag in a slurry such as drilling fluid, completion fluid fluids. A sample is annealed at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and about 1000.degree. C. for a time period of about six hours to form crystals from the amorphous material, and the sample along with a known amount of a standard is then analyzed by X-ray diffraction. This method is particularly useful in determining the amount of blast furnace slag in a drilling fluid prior to conversion of the drilling fluid to a wellbore cement slurry by addition of additional blast furnace slag.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus in which solid gelatin chunks are liquefied, tempered, and debubbled in a single operation. The debubbling step is accomplished by evacuating and sealing off the loaded solid reservoir and heat exchanger before initiating the liquefying step. After the vacuum is applied, the gelled chunks are pressed into the heat exchanger, where heat is applied to the gelled chunks of photographic material. This liquefies the gelled chunks of photographic material. When the liquefied product gives a positive pressure at the heat exchanger outlet, the liquefied product is allowed to flow from the heat exchanger. Liquefying and tempering are performed as the solid chunks are pushed through the heat exchanger by the reservoir piston.

Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous production of intumesced, expanded, puffed, or exfoliated particles. A rotatable processing table is driven by a speed controllable motor connected to rotate the table at a desired rotational rate. Particulate feeding means overlie the table for depositing the particles to be intumesced onto a first sector in the path of the upper surface of the processing table during rotation thereof. Heating means are mounted above and below the plane of the processing table at a second sector in the rotational path of same which is spaced from the first sector, and heat expand the particles during passage through the second sector. A scraper blade is mounted above the processing table at a third sector in the rotational path of the table which is spaced and downstream from the second sector.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical treatment of lignocellulosic materials comprises two concentric compartments, the inner one is used for chemical reaction whereas the outer is used for generation of hot water or steam. The top and the bottom of the outer compartment is closed and connected to the inner one. These two are interconnected by two steam conduits. The inner compartment is also connected to a circulation pump and a heat exchanger. The bottom of this inner compartment is equipped with a quick-release valve which may be used to execute explosive discharge of the treated lignocellulosic material. On top of said apparatus is a cover which allows experiments to be performed under pressurized conditions. For experimentation, lignocellulosic material in form of chips (large particles) may be treated either with heated chemical solution or steam. Materials in form of fibers (fine particles) may be treated by means of vapor or by heat conduction furnished by the outer compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating hazardous volatile and semi-volatile organic materials from contaminated solid waste by-products is comprised of an evaporation/vacuum heating chamber that is designed to hold a sample of the solid waste product on a batch basis, a microwave generator that subjects the sample of waste product to microwave energy, an electrical resistance type heating system that heats portions of the waste product sample adjacent the container holding the sample that are not subjected to the full strength of the microwaves, and an evacuation/condensing system that draws off volatile vapors distilled from the waste sample and condenses and collects the hazardous volatile organic materials, leaving a resultant waste product cake, dry and virtually free of volatile matter in the evaporation/vacuum heating chamber.

Abstract: A structure and a method of producing such structure which includes a fiber reinforced composite article in which the surface of the article will generate a visible indication thereon upon impact of the surface by another object. The method comprises laying up multiple layers of a first material into the shape of the desired composite article. A relatively thin layer of a second filamentary material is then layed up on and bonded to the surface of the base structure formed by the layers of the first material. The second filamentary material forms a thin outer layer on the composite article, and upon impact of the outer layer with another object, the outer layer delaminates and forms a discoloration in the form of a whitened patch or spot in the immediate vicinity of the impact. The articles so produced can be visually inspected for damage, and only those articles showing a surface discoloration need be subjected to nondestructive testing.

Abstract: Improvements in determining and controlling a continuous hydrogenation process comprising the obtaining of viscosity operating curves and opacity operating curves for comparison to known hydrogen unsaturation curves and plasticity characteristics. With improved hydrogenation equipment for carrying out the continuous hydrogenation reaction in combination with deodorization and autooxidation prevention stations, the present invention provides an overall process and controls for precision hydrogenation of edible oils.

Abstract: A new combination is disclosed of (I) a process for producing a substance enriched in a desired isotope of hydrogen and/or oxygen from a flow of liquid substance, e.g. water which becomes depleted in its content of said isotope, and (II) replenishing the liquid substance with said isotope by (a) direct contact with a flow of steam from a source external to the process, preferably geothermal steam, and (b) supplying feed flow of the process (I) from the so replenished liquid substance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering sulfur from an aqueous slurry. The slurry is passed downwardly through a shell-and-tube heat exchanger having vertically arranged tubes, wherein it is heated sufficiently to melt the sulfur. The liquid mixture leaving the heat exchanger is discharged into a first separation zone, in which a phase separation between the lighter aqueous phase and the denser liquid sulfur occurs. The upper aqueous phase is then transported to an intermediate point in the height of a vertically elongated second separation zone, while the molten sulfur is transported from the lower end of the first separation zone to a point adjacent the lower end of said second separation zone, in which an interface between the phases is maintained at a point below the entry point of the aqueous liquid phase into the second separation zone. The aqueous liquid is discharged from the top of the second separation zone, while molten sulfur is discharged from the bottom of said zone.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and a system for treating gaseous effluents to remove impurities therefrom, these gaseous effluents flowing out from a high temperature reactor, into which a particulate material is being fed. The method comprises directing the flow of gaseous effluents counter-currently through the particulate material which is fed into the reactor, and independently controlling the particulate material feed rate and the velocity of the gaseous effluents so that particles in the gas feed are substantially all trapped by the particulate feed material and are returned to the high temperature reactor. Volatile materials may also be condensed on the particulate feed material. The purified gaseous effluents are then allowed to exit. A system for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying copper phthalocyanine pigment in a continuous process without the use of acid. This apparatus comprises a container for preparing a slurry of said pigment in water, a pump and a conduit for conducting the slurry from the container to the inlet of the pump, a first heating apparatus capable of heating the slurry to a temperature of at least about 75.degree. C., a conduit for conducting the slurry from the pump to the first heating apparatus, a thin film pressure filter, and a conduit for conducting the slurry from the first heating apparatus to the thin film pressure filter. The apparatus is arranged such that the temperature of the slurry passing through the thin film pressure filter is close to the exit temperature of the slurry from the first heating apparatus. A product outlet is provided for the filter and a control valve is positioned in the product outlet.

Abstract: Chunks of animal matter with 60% moisture content are fed into a cooker (1) via an inlet (3). Steam at 150.degree. C. is fed into a double skin via an inlet (6) and condenses to leave as water via an outlet (7). The application of heat to the animal matter causes greasy steam to be given off therefrom which leaves the cooker via an outlet (10). The remaining animal solids leave the cooker via an outlet (4) where they have a moisture content of 10%. The greasy steam is condensed in a condenser (19) and greasy steam condensate is discarded via an overflow (36). In the present installation, the major portion of the heat released by condensing the greasy steam is recovered and recycled, thereby reducing the energy requirements of the installation as a whole.

Abstract: Core sandwich structure comprised of a lightweight core material in the form of a low density thermosetting resin matrix composition containing glass microballoons, particularly an epoxy resin containing glass microballoons, sandwiched between high strength fiber-thermosetting resin matrix outer sheets, particularly woven graphite-epoxy sheets. Employing epoxy resin as the preferred thermosetting resin, the epoxy core material is B-staged, placed between sheets of pre-preg woven graphite-epoxy material, and the assembly co-cured under pressure to form the core sandwich structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating the compounds in a corrosive liquid comprising a fixed tank in which the liquid is placed, a horizontally axed rotary support which peripherally carries at least one bucket for receiving the compound to be treated, means for introducing the compound into the bucket, means for removing the compound from the bucket, means for rotating the rotary support about its shaft and means for guiding the rotary support during its rotation about its shaft, wherein the guidance means are entirely arranged within the tank, the guidance means and the driving means being positioned above a horizontal plane passing through the axis of the rotary support.

Abstract: Energy system in which steam is generated by combustion of hydrogen in ozone enriched air. The steam so generated .[.is supplied to an asymmetric microporous membrane which causes chemical disassociation of the steam to yield hydrogen and oxygen..]. .Iadd.is further heated and activated and the gases from the activated steam are fed to an asymmetric membrane which diffuses only hydrogen therethrough. .Iaddend.The hydrogen gas is used to maintain combustion in a closed power generating system.