Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a porous shaped body from rubber-like particles. The resulting shaped body is capable of retaining relatively large amounts of a liquid, such as ink, within its pores. Retained liquids can be controllably dispensed from the porous body by bringing it into pressure contact with a receptor surface.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide cements are formulated to contain microfiber fillers multidirectionally oriented throughout. Secondary reinforcing fillers may also be incorporated into these inorganic cements. The use of the microfiber fillers significantly increases the modulus of rupture and tensile and impact strengths of the magnesium oxide cements thus making them available for a wide range of uses including many now presently served by reinforced synthetic organic resins.

Abstract: A positive fluid displacement scroll apparatus (compressor or expander) wherein the scroll members run with a small clearance between the wrap side flanks, thus essentially eliminating wearing of the wraps. When efficient radial sealing is attained, very little overall efficiency is sacrificed for the ability to construct low-cost scroll apparatus for a number of uses.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing sulfur dioxide from gases such as stack gases. The gases are scrubbed with an alkali metal compound in an aqueous solution to form alkali metal sulfite/sulfate salts which are then reacted with barium sulfide to precipitate barium sulfite/sulfate and form alkali metal sulfide/bisulfide in solution. The alkali metal sulfide/bisulfide is oxidized to form elemental sulfur and regenerated wash liquid; and the barium sulfite/sulfate is reduced by roasting to form the barium sulfide required. In a preferable embodiment, coal is used as both the reductant and fuel in the roasting of the barium sulfite/sulfate and the stack gases from the roasting are scrubbed along with the primary stack gases. As an optional step a portion of the alkali metal sulfite salts may be oxidized to sulfate prior to reaction with barium sulfide.

Abstract: A flat plate hydrodynamic thrust bearing for orbiting machinery and scroll-type apparatus embodying the thrust bearing are disclosed. The thrust bearing exerts an axial force on the orbiting scroll member to ensure efficient radial sealing of the scroll assembly; and one of the contacting surfaces of the bearing and or of the orbiting scroll member, serving as a journal, has a plurality of intersecting groovings to ensure continuous lubrication of the surfaces. The scroll apparatus is particularly suited for incorporation in a closed cycle refrigeration system wherein minimum wear over extended periods and quiet and reliable operation are required.

Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from a polymeric adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a supercritical fluid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The supercritical fluid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to a physical treatment which renders the supercritical fluid a nonsolvent for the adsorbate and makes it possible to remove the adsorbate from the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is then subjected to another physical treatment to restore it to a state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process is particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treatment of wastewaters.

Abstract: A heating zone of accurately controlled length and predetermined energy profile throughout its length is formed within a focusing apparatus. An elliptical cavity is provided having a conically-configured reflector positioned such that its longitudinal axis coincides with one of the focal axes of the elliptical cavity. An elongate body is placed within the cavity such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the other focal axis. When a beam of radiant energy within a wavelength range which couples with the body to heat it, e.g., a laser beam, is directed onto the conically-configured reflector it is concentrated uniformly around the body throughout a predetermined length. The energy profile along the zone length may be varied either by adjusting the energy distribution in the energy beam prior to being reflected, by modifying the surface contour of the reflector, by modifying the contour of the walls defining the elliptical cavity or by a combination of two or more of these techniques.

Abstract: A cold crucible system is provided which is suitable for carrying out the process of "skull" melting wherein highly refractory materials are melted by inductive heating in a manner to maintain the molten material in a shell of the material cool enough to act as a crucible. The cold crucible system incorporates a crucible formed as two separate halves held in a manner to define a narrow electrically insulating space between them. Each half section comprises a plurality of copper tubes forming half of a "cage." Each tube of the cage has a concentric smaller tube therein whereby there are defined in each tube an outer annular and a central inner fluid passage through which a fluid coolant is circulated. The system is formed as a module capable of being located within a controlled atmosphere chamber. The crucible system is readily adapted to Czochralski crystal growth, for use with a seed crystal to induce directional crystal growth by the Bridgeman technique and to centrifugal casting.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making plots and mechanical drawings having predetermined and accurately controlled line widths directly from data from computers or other suitable sources. An ink-jet writing system is mounted on a traveling carriage and relative movement between it and a receptor surface is effected. Functions of the rate of such movement in the plotting directions are determined and used to generate a corrective signal fed to the ink-jet system to adjust the amount of ink reaching the receptor surface to thus create lines of controlled widths irrespective of the rate at which this relative movement takes place. Characters or other signs and symbols may be generated using the method and apparatus of this invention.

Abstract: A dispenser for dry powders, and in particular for fire extinguishing powders, formed as a container having a handle/nozzle section to be gripped by one hand, a hand gripping section to be gripped by the other hand, and a central bellows section for alternate axial compression and expansion to pump the powder from the container and thereby to discharge it in repeated cloud-like bursts. By regulating the quantity of powder in the dispenser and the powder dispensing opening it is possible to repeatedly discharge fire extinguishing effective amounts of a fire extinguishing powder. In one preferred embodiment the handle/nozzle section is configured as an elongated conical member.

Abstract: Process for producing fluid fuel from coal using a hydrogen-donor solvent as an extractant. Moisture-free, preheated coal in particulate form is contacted in a drum with hot solvent to extract the hydrocarbons therefrom. Subsequently, the pressure is released to vaporize the solvent and at least a portion of the hydrocarbons extracted. The temperature of the mass in the drum is then raised under conditions required to crack the hydrocarbons in the drum and to produce, after subsequent stripping, a solid coke residue. The hydrocarbon products are removed and fractionated into several cuts, one of which is hydrotreated to form the required hydrogen-donor solvent while other fractions can be hydrotreated or hydrocracked to produce a synthetic crude product. The heaviest fraction can be used to produce ash-free coke especially adapted for hydrogen manufacture. The process can be made self-sufficient in hydrogen and furnishes as a by-product a solid carbonaceous material with a useful heating value.

Abstract: Process for producing fluid fuel from coal. Moisture-free coal in particulate form is slurried with a hydrogen-donor solvent and the heated slurry is charged into a drum wherein the pressure is so regulated as to maintain a portion of the solvent in liquid form. During extraction of the hydrocarbons from the coal, additional solvent is added to agitate the drum mass and keep it up to temperature. Subsequently, the pressure is released to vaporize the solvent and at least a portion of the hydrocarbons extracted. The temperature of the mass in the drum is then raised under conditions required to crack the hydrocarbons in the drum and to produce, after subsequent stripping, a solid coke residue. The hydrocarbon products are removed and fractionated into several cuts, one of which is hydrotreated to form the required hydrogen-donor solvent while other fractions can be hydrotreated or hydrocracked to produce a synthetic crude product.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming essentially spherical solid pellets directly from a melt, and particularly solid metal pellets such as iron and lead. The melt from a column of a preset height is directed through one or more orifices in a way to form a jet which experiences an upwardly directed trajectory path and which under the influence of vibratory action breaks up to form pellets of a predetermined diameter. Adjustments of the column height and/or vibration frequency are used to control pellet diameter. The pellets may be formed and solidified in a controlled atmosphere; and in the case of iron pellets, the carbon content of the pellets may be adjusted, to attain a desired degree of hardness, either before or after pellet formation. Iron pellets thus formed are particularly suitable as substitutes for lead pellets in ammunition.

Abstract: An optical assembly which provides a cylindrical mirror of adjustable focal length, adjustable angle of elevation, adjustable horizontal orientation and adjustable angle of focus. The mirror is formed of a thin member of a spring material and it is mounted on a four-point support system comprising sets of inner and outer loading points. Means are provided to move one set of loading points relative to the other set to control and adjust the radius of curvature and hence the focal length of the mirror. Means are also provided to tilt the mirror, to orient it in a horizontal plane and to orient the line beam it forms to control the angle of focus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing sulfur dioxide from stack gases. The stack gases are scrubbed with an aqueous wash liquid containing one or more alkali metal compounds which react to form the bisulfite, sulfite and sulfate salts of the alkali metal. The spent absorbent liquid effluent is then treated with calcium compounds in at least two separate reaction stages, the conditions of ion concentration and pH of the first stage being maintained to favor the precipitation of calcium sulfate in the presence of SO.sub.3.sup.= ions. In the succeeding reaction stages the precipitation of the desired amount of SO.sub.3.sup.= ions is carried out to form calcium sulfite. The resulting compound of calcium with sulfite and sulfate (which may in part be in the form of mixed crystals) are removed and the regenerated liquid is recycled.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibers of refractory materials. A melt volume is continuously formed on a feed rod of the material to be fiberized and a fiber drawn therefrom. The melt volume is formed by introducing the feed rod at a predetermined velocity into a heating zone. The fiber diameter is determined by the relative velocities at which the feed rod is moved and the fiber drawn, and by the fractional density of the feed rod material.

Abstract: A pigment-free, high-intensity, light-fast ink suitable for ink-jet printing comprised of a polar solvent liquid base and a premetallized azo dye. The ink may also contain an inorganic ionizable salt to impart electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering accurately metered volumes of a fluid at accurately spaced intervals. A pumping assembly including a cylinder, piston and fluid valving means are driven through a first cam which controls the volume of fluid pumped and a second cam, driven by the same synchronous motor used to drive the first cam, is used to control the engagement and disengagement of the first cam and hence to control the intervals between pumping cycles. When used as a smoking machine for animal tests, an additional air inhalation valve is provided and the apparatus is arranged to be connected to a gas reservoir attachable to the animal in a manner to create minimum interference with his normal breathing.

Abstract: A positive fluid displacement apparatus employing scroll members having interfitting spiroidal wraps angularly and radially offset such that as one of the scroll members is orbited, moving fluid pockets of variable volume and different fluid pressures are formed. Axial load carrying of the scroll members is achieved pneumatically through the introduction of a fluid into a pressurizable fluid chamber within the housing and in axial force applying relationship with the orbiting scroll member. The pressurizable fluid chamber may constitute essentially all or only a part of the internal volume of the housing and it is isolated from the fluid pockets. This type of axial load carrying materially reduces the loads which must be carried through the crankshaft and decreases the size and complexity of the bearings. The apparatus is particularly well suited to compressors operating at high exhaust pressures.

Abstract: Axial compliance/sealing means are provided for scroll-type apparatus. These means comprise seal elements associated with the involute wraps which are urged by an axial force to make sealing contact with the end plates of the opposing scroll members. The axial force may be pneumatically or mechanically applied and the resulting axial contact is of such a nature as to maintain the integrity of the radial sealing within the apparatus. The use of the axial compliance/sealing means allows the contacting surfaces through which radial sealing is effected to be machined to conventional accuracy, and provides automatic compensation for temperature differentials within the apparatus as well for any uneven wear of the scroll members.