Abstract: Methods for making mixtures of hydrocarbons including at least about 85% methane include hydrolyzing at least one metal pseudo-carbide that includes at least one metastable carbide-forming metal element and at least one stable carbide-forming metal element to release methane and the metals, then reforming the pseudo-carbides by reacting the recovered metals with a carbon source such as coal.

Abstract: A character display system which generates analog signals to write sequentially specified strokes forming a character on a display device is described. The character strokes are stored as digital words in a Read Only Memory (ROM) and are sequentially read out in response to instructions to write a specified character. The ROM also contains address words that specify a group of words elsewhere in the ROM that together constitute the instructions for writing the character designated. The address words include fields controlling incrementing within the addressed word group, movement on the display device to a new character space, and positioning of the character space on that display device. Each word in a character word group includes fields representing the X- and Y-end points of the stroke signal, the slope of the X- and Y-components, the blanking and unblanking of the stroke signal, and, in some cases, a pause in movement where a change in slope occurs during execution of a single word.

Abstract: An alarm system includes: (1) a central station having power generating means and alarm registering means, and (2) a plurality of alarm-producing systems in locations remote from the central system, each electrically connected to the central station through a single pair of conductors, and each including circuitry for producing up to eight separate alarm conditions as the power generating means alternately impresses a first predetermined DC voltage on each pair of conductors simultaneously, then interrupts voltage to all conductors simultaneously, impresses a second predetermined DC voltage only on the first of each pair of conductors simultaneously, and again interrupts voltage to all conductors simultaneously.

Abstract: A process for recovering mineral values from fly ash in commercial quantities comprising forming an alkaline aqueous fly ash blend, filtering the alkaline aqueous fly ash blend and recovering a solids blend therefrom, leaching the solids blend with hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acid to form dissolved chloride or fluoride salts of iron, aluminum and other metals, electrolyzing the dissolved chloride or fluoride salt solution to plate out at least iron, and, optionally, one or more other metals, recovering silicon dioxide as a precipitate from the leaching solution, and recovering the leaching solution free of silicon dioxide. Neutralizing the leaching solution in a certain pH range permits precipitation and recovery of aluminum hydroxide as a solid. The hydroxide may then be converted to alum or alumina by conventional methods.

Abstract: A linearly displaceable poppet controls the flow of fluid through a valve. The poppet has an external annular channel to communicate an inlet and an outlet port of the valve. Abutting poppet sleeves define a dovetailed groove of restricted volume, the sides of which extrude a Teflon O-ring into the path of a shoulder of the wall defining the channel to close the valve. The extruded section is on the high pressure side of the poppet and is backed by the shoulder and an adjacent poppet sleeve. The seat and seal thus defined are spaced from the channel outlet to the outlet port to avoid erosion from throttling.

Abstract: A process for the removal and recovery of acidic gas(es) from a gaseous mixture comprising electrolysis of a chloride salt to produce an aqueous metal hydroxide solution, hydrogen and chlorine. The metal hydroxide solution is used to absorb acidic gas from the gaseous mixture and to form an aqueous metal salt. The hydrogen and chlorine are reacted to produce hydrochloric acid, which is used to decompose the aqueous metal salt to produce an aqueous chloride salt and acidic gas. Following separation, the aqueous chloride salt may be electrolyzed again.

Abstract: A locking device includes a base having openings therein for joining the base to a first surface, such as the surface of the door, and a cover hinged to the base plate by a solid bar passing through apertures in flanges near the upper end of the base plate and cover. This solid bar is sufficiently long to engage an opening in a second surface, such as a door jamb. Joined to and extending laterally from the solid bar is a second bar that lies between the flanges of the cover plate, thus confining the second bar to the space between them, and preventing removal of the solid bar from the device. Projecting from the inner surface of the plate and from the inner surface of the cover are lock-receiving flanges having apertures which lie proximate one another when the cover plate is closed against the base. The apertures in these lock-receiving flanges lie at least partly in the same plane, permitting the hasp of a padlock to pass through both, thus locking the cover to the base plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump particularly suited for the extracorporal circulation of blood, having a readily replaceable and disposable pumping member is disclosed. The pump avoids injury to the blood cells and creates a minimum of turbulence during the pumping operation, thus limiting the buildup of fibrin.

Abstract: An electrical wire connector, particularly suited for household use, is of generally cylindrical configuration, is made of insulative material, and has a cylindrical cavity extending from the top thereof and through a major portion of the length of the connector. A wire-receiving slot is cut in the sidewall of the connector and extends into communication with the cylindrical cavity. The surfaces which define the slot are inclined downwardly from the outer periphery of the slot to the inner periphery (i.e., where the slot joins the cavity), to force the wires inserted in the slot into the cylindrical cavity. A conductive plug or insert is snugly received and stored in the upper end of the cylindrical cavity. The plug is adapted to be forced downwardly by a suitable tool to electrically connect two wires inserted in the slot and sever the terminal end portions of these wires.

Abstract: Storage battery plates of the accumulator type comprising in principal part plastic material, and consisting essentially of a rigid polymer plastic frame having an open window therein, a grid in said window comprising a plurality of intersecting horizontal and vertical non-conductive members connected to said frame, a strand of lead disposed in said window and supported by said grid in a non-intersecting pattern, a terminal connected to said strand, and battery paste covering said grid and strand.