Abstract: The invention provides fluid handling apparatus which may be heat exchange apparatus or fluid reaction apparatus. The apparatus is provided with an interrupter structure for disrupting the fluid boundary layers at the walls of the apparatus and promoting mixing of the separated boundary layers with the adjacent core layers. One interrupter structure comprises a plurality of longitudinally-spaced interrupter elements mounted on a core rod, each element comprising a plurality of blade-like members each of at least approximately spherical segment profile in side elevation, the members extending mutually radially outward relative to one another to touch or nearly touch the said surface or surfaces adjacent the elements. The elements are spaced longitudinally from one another the distance required to provide wake interference flow of the fluid, wherein the vortex upstream of one element cooperates with the vortex downstream of the next element in the fluid path.

Abstract: A particle classifier has a uniform, laminar, classifying air stream and a duct to introduce particulate material generally perpendicular to the air stream. The particulate material is entrained in a secondary air stream that is diverted as it enters the classifying air stream by a curved surface. The curved surface produces and diverts the air stream by the Coanda effect to minimize disturbance to the classifying air and segregate the particles from the secondary air.

Abstract: The removal of radium from acid-leached uranium mill tailings has been difficult due to its strong retention as mixed sulfates and in adsorbed forms. With this invention the leaching action of a complexing agent (reducing the free radium cation concentration in solution) is combined with that of a reducing agent. Thus, high valency metal hydroxides and basic salts (notably Fe.sup.3+) which tend to retain radium are converted to the lower valency form which is much more soluble in the complexing agent. The reducing agent employed is sodium hydrosulfite, in combination with various organic complexing agents; the preferred complexing agent is EDTA. Over 90% of the radium in uranium leach tailings from Elliot Lake can be removed in 1 hour contact at room temperature with a solution comprising 0.04M of both sodium hydrosulfite and EDTA, with 1.0M potassium chloride added as a surface charge depressant. The gradual addition of the solids to liquid permits the use of low liquid/solid ratios.

Abstract: A hand movement controller is described which permits a variety of control functions to be performed by single left or right handed operation, and is particularly suitable for handicapped persons. The controller comprises a base which is generally wedge-shaped in side elevation with a sloping top surface on which is located a movable palm support on which the hand rests. One or two rows of keys are symmetrically spaced about the front edge of the palm support for engagement by the fingers of the hand. The distance between the movable palm support and keys is adjustable so that it can support the fingers to permit them to pivot freely about the knuckles with minimal strain over a prolonged period of time. The spacing of the row or rows of keys about the palm support is designed to optimize reaction time for fast operation. In a preferred embodiment an outer row of five keys and an inner row of three keys are used and permit control of movement in three dimensions.

Abstract: Ferric nitrate leaching at 75.degree. C. is found to remove up to 97% of the uranium and 93% of the radium from ores occurring in the Elliot Lake area of Canada, after an initial flotation-separation of the sulfide minerals from the ore. In processes of the invention an aqueous acidic ferric nitrate solution of relatively low concentration, e.g. 0.01M to 0.1M is used, giving tailings which are effectively sulfide-free (less than 0.45 wt %) and with radium levels approaching a desired maximum value of 24 pCi/g. Radium may be removed from the leachate by adsorption and uranium by solvent extraction. 80-87% of the ferric nitrate may be recirculated for further leaching. Because of the low reagent concentrations and the recycle of the ferric nitrate, it is possible to keep nitrate ion levels in the effluent below the prescribed level of 10 ppm.

Abstract: Methods of adding floors to an existing building structure without altering the exterior of the structure is described. One method involves providing additional foundations within the existing structure and supporting a plurality of internal columns upon these new foundations. The internal support columns are brought through the existing roof and a large platform truss is supported on these columns. A conventional construction skeleton is built on the platform truss and provides as many floors as is required. Another method involves building a further foundation immediately adjacent the existing structure and supporting external columns and also providing new foundations within the existing structure with internal support columns. A platform truss is supported on the external columns and the internal columns and the platform truss acts as a base for conventional construction skeleton with as many floors as required above the existing building structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of mixtures of materials of different consistencies, such as meat and bone, or sewage containing solid material, comprises a positive displacement pump feeding the pressurized mixture to a separator which can be separate from the pump or an integral part of its structure. The pump comprises a rotary vaned pump with radially-moving vanes of fixed length operating with both their ends always in sealing engagement with the wall of an internal cam also constituting a wall of the pump chamber. The vanes are provided with cutting edges able to shear material such as bone that enters the pump, so that the pump is not jammed thereby.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a casing having a support panel to support the filter element and upstanding walls extending around the periphery of the casing. The corners between the walls are reinforced by a pair of tabs extending, each extending from a respective one of the walls and co-operating with the other wall to provide a double layer of reinforcement. The walls are inclined to the support panel to permit nesting of the casings during transport.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus to inspect the colored insulation on wires placed in equipment to add contacts or to mould a termination on the wires. The apparatus ensures that the correct color relationships are present before crimping or moulding and disarms the equipment until this correct relationship is established. The equipment can be operated only after the relationship has been established.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is described which comprises a substantially airtight container for storing liquid to be dispensed with the container being formed with a downwardly-extending, constricted liquid passageway and a cap member with an open top in liquid-sealed engagement with the lower end of the container to define a chamber within the cap member and surrounding the liquid passageway, the cap member having an outlet positioned above the lower end of the liquid passageway in the chamber such that when an increase of pressure is established within the container liquid is expelled through the outlet.

Abstract: A filter to absorb spurious radiation from a video display terminal comprises a sheet of radiation absorbent material having an open woven mesh overlieing one surface of the material. The filter is mounted in the terminal so that the mesh faces the operator. The mesh is effective to prevent reflection of incident light from the material.

Abstract: A door safety device consists of cooperating strike plate and face plate portions corresponding respectively to the strike plate and face plate of a conventional door lock or passage set. These portions are provided with apertures which when installed at the location of the door bolt permit the passage of the door bolt therethrough; they are also provided with cooperating portions projecting into the room that with the door closed register with one another and provide registering passages for reception of a lock pin that joins them securely together. The two portions can replace the strike and face plates of an existing lock and utilize the existing recesses and screw holes so that installation is possible with only the use of a screwdriver. At least the face plate portion can be installed over the existing face plate instead of replacing it, but this usually is not preferred with the strike plate portion due to space and operating considerations.

Abstract: The invention provides a rope having a central strand and a plurality of outer strands extending helically about the central strand. Each of the outer strands consists of a plurality of elements in a helical wrap, at least some of these elements having a core of synthetic plastic filaments extending generally in parallel with one another and a sheath about the core containing the filaments. The invention also provides a method of making the rope.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact automatically operating distillation apparatus comprising a baseplate that will free-stand, but is more usually located on a reservoir to receive the distillate, which usually is water. A boiler container having an electric heater is removably mounted on a support, which is movably mounted on the baseplate with the weight of the container and the water opposed by a spring. The support operates electric switches that open a solenoid-operated valve to supply water to the boiler when its weight decreases a predetermined amount, and that will switch off the heater if the boiler has insufficient water. The output of the boiler goes to a condenser coil which is supplied with cooling air by a fan. A float in the reservoir controls another switch that will stop operation when the reservoir is full.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrostatic printing apparatus comprising a rotatable electrostatically chargeable drum and ion deposition means for forming an electrostatic image on the electrostatically chargeable drum, the improvement comprising means for discharging a flow of air along the path of flow extending between the periphery of the electrostatically chargeable drum and the ion discharge means.

Abstract: The invention provides a system applicable to various internal combustion engines, such as for automobiles, motorcycles, snowmobiles and outboards, to permit an authorized person, such as a police officer, to prevent their improper or illegal operation. The engine includes a detector detecting the speed of operation of the motor which is compared with a preset value. Upon an unusually high motor speed being reached a receiver is enabled for a preset period of time. During this preset period the engine can be disabled by a transmission from a transmitter operated by the police officer, preferably using a designated exclusive channel. The disabling slows the engine to an idle speed without stopping it, so that the power assist mechanisms of the vehicle remain operative to maintain normal braking and steering function.

Abstract: This invention provides a lighting source for use with a speculum. The source includes a casing having a hoop and a main portion, and a light emitter coupled to the hoop at a location diametrically opposite the main portion. An electrical energy source is contained in the main portion and the energy source is coupled to the light emitter. Switch means is provided for selectively operating the light emitter and the structure is attachable to a speculum with the light emitter positioned to illuminate the body opening when viewed through the hoop.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new process for the conversion of the organic components of sludge, particularly sewage sludge, to produce useful, storable, energy-containing oil products, apparatus for carrying out the process and a control process for optimization of the process temperature. The sludge preferably is mechanically dewatered to about 20-25% solids by weight and thermally dried to about 90% solids by weight. The resultant material is comminuted and heated in the apparatus of the invention to at least 250.degree. C. in a heating zone in the absence of oxygen to generate a gaseous atmophere containing volatiles; this atmosphere is then removed, scrubbed of H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3 if required, and passed preferably in countercurrent flow in a heated reaction zone in intimate contact with the "devolatilized" sludge solids from the heating zone, again in the absence of oxygen, at a temperature of at least 280.degree. C., resulting in catalyzed vapor phase oil-producing reactions.

Abstract: A ground support vehicle has a rear drive track. Cleats extending transversely of the outer surface of the track are outwardly curved to facilitate leaning of the vehicle and its rider as the vehicle travels around a curve. In a preferred embodiment the vehicle includes a ski mounted on front forks so that the vehicle can be used for recreational purposes in snow or directly on unpaved ground and tracks. A wheel can be fitted in place of the ski if desired.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable towing device for downhill or water skiers which includes a drive unit. This drive unit comprises a motor and a drive pulley connected to the motor by a rotor which is rotated by the motor. The motor has an actuator which is movable from an idle position wherein the motor idles to an increased power position wherein the power output of the motor is increased. A first anchor is used to anchor the drive unit in the ground in a stationary position. There is also second anchor which is engageable in the ground at a distance from the drive unit and which has a support pulley connected thereto. An endless cable extends between and is entrained about the drive pulley and the support pulley and has an upper portion and a lower portion. A switch comprising a linkage is rotatably connected to the actuator at one end and to the cable at the other end by a regulator roller.