Abstract: A method and composition are described for catalytically converting unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and reducing nitrogen oxides to nitrogen during or subsequent to the combustion of fossil fuels while adsorbing sulfur oxides. The method and composition of the invention are also useful for treating reducing gases containing one or more of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbonyl sulfide to reduce these gaseous components to non-polluting components such as nitrogen, hydrogen, and water while adsorbing sulfur so that it can be removed from the system. The method and composition of the invention are especially characterized by their use to remove polluting gaseous components from fossil fuels during combustion or subsequent to combustion or from reducing gases and in various stages as long as the catalyst adsorbent system of the invention is brought into contact with the gaseous contaminants being removed.

Abstract: A multi-sectioned hinged case is provided which is specifically adapted to facilitate the storage and retrieval of numerous articles of differing size and configuration. When open the case is adapted to stand upright securely with its respective sections both visible and accessible. When closed the sections fold together to form a unitary case. In one embodiment of the invention one of the sections is provided with a removable bin which projects beyond the sides of that section and is provided with a corresponding vacant area in an adjacent section of the case to accommodate the projecting bin when the case is closed. The multi-section hinged case of the invention is particularly adapted for the storage, display and retrieval of fishing tackle, sewing implements and artist's supplies.

Abstract: A device is described for controlling the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine. Separate valve actuators are provided for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder of an engine. Each such actuator is connected to a pair of cam actuated pumps for providing timed pulses of pressurized fluid to the valve actuators. The cams which actuate the pumps are turned by a planetary gear mechanism which permits the incidence of pump actuation in relation to the rotation of a shaft turned by the engine to be varied. The device permits close, precise and variable control of the valve timing of the engine to thereby achieve enhanced engine performance.

Abstract: A torque measuring device is described which provides for measurement of the rotative force applied against a shaft by engaging the shaft and an electric friction brake attached to a load cell for registering the force, and a reduced friction device for allowing the brake mounting plate to return to a neutral or zero position when force has been removed from the shaft. An externally selective voltage control actuates the friction brake.

Abstract: An electronic ratchet for allowing the application of mechanical resistance to an output shaft in one direction while ratcheting in the opposite direction, which comprises, in combination:(a) an electromagnetically controlled friction brake coupled to an output shaft;(b) provision for controlling the application of DC voltage across the electromagnet, regardless of the direction of rotation;(c) a switch for selectively applying such voltage to obtain resistance to clockwise, counter clockwise, or both directions of rotation;(d) an incremental shaft encoder coupled to the output shaft for determining the direction of shaft rotation;(e) a decoder for decoding the direction of shaft rotation; and(f) an armature through which the output shaft is inserted, the shaft and armature being held as a single rotating unit by opposing keys on the output shaft and the keyways being characterized by a degree of free play equal to the sensitivity of the shaft encoder, whereby the direction of shaft revolution can be determin

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the rehabilitation of damaged limbs for use in the operation of a tool wherein accessories with handles corresponding to the handles of familiar tools are attached to a shaft in a manner such that the movements of the handle corresponding to the normal operation of the tool product rotation of a shaft. A preselected resistance is applied to the rotation of the shaft by electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical means, and the resistance and the accessory attached can be varied in accordance with the capability of the damaged limb.

Abstract: A method and device is described for cutting a stationary sheet of glass such as tempered glass using a single, moving laser beam which impinges the glass at right angles to produce a clean cut with minimum thermal shock. Pre-heating and post-cooling means can also be employed along with a tiltable support structure.

Abstract: Processes and compositions of matter are disclosed for the production of liquid fertilizers wherein wastewater from a phosphorus smelting furnace is incorporated in lqiuid fertilizer processes. The wastewater replaces water evaporated and the wastewater dissolves fertilizer salts. A serious water pollution problem is avoided when wastewater is incorporated in liquid fertilizers. The invention discloses a process for making orthophosphate suspension fertilizer wherein impure phosphoric acid is neutralized in the condensing system, water from the condensing system is bled off, and a suspending clay is added to produce orthophosphate suspension fertilizer. In this process, phosphorus sludge made at phosphorus furnaces is used to produce suspension fertilizer, and wastewater from phosphate smelting furnaces is recovered. New compositions of matter are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for the confinement and isolation of waste materials, especially those that are toxic or otherwise hazardous such as radioactive wastes. The waste material, either contained or uncontained, is emplaced in a underground or surface excavation and encased with backfill or barrier material formed of molten modified sulfur cement or modified sulfur concrete that then cools into a hard, durable, corrosion resistant mass.

Abstract: A stable motor fuel is disclosed which contains essentially ash free refined carbonaceous material having a specific particle size range. The refined carbonaceous material can be obtained by treating coal, and is mixed either with a low molecular weight alcohol alone or a combination of low molecular weight alcohol and liquid hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel.

Abstract: A process and product of waste recovery at phosphorus furnaces is disclosed wherein small sized discrete particles of carbonaceous material or beneficiated phosphate ore are mixed with a mineral acid, an alkaline fluid and water, and the reacted mixture is tumbled in a horizontal cylinder at a temperature below that at which the carbonaceous material oxidizes to form agglomerates which are then indurated to discrete particulate size as desired for a charge component; the agglomerates are fed to a phosphorus smelting furnace together with other materials needed to make elemental phosphorus, furnace gases are cooled with recirculating water, a side stream of the water is taken off, treated, and used as feedstock in fluid fertilizers. Apparatus is disclosed for agglomerating coke and phosphate and, further, for measuring the abrasion and shatter resistance of agglomerates.

Abstract: An overshoe is provided having improved means for facilitating its being put on or taken off, especially over bulky or unusually shaped footwear. The overshoe is provided with opposing apertures on either side of the ankle, extending from almost the heel, vertically to the top of the ankle of the overshoe. These apertures are closed by appropriate fasteners, such as slide type fasteners, which are attached to expandable flaps so that the entire ankle portion of the overshoe can adapt to bulky footwear. When the overshoe is unfastened, the rear portion of the ankle of the overshoe serves as a convenient grip to facilitate putting on or taking off of the overshoe. The overshoe is particularly adapted to be worn over orthopedic type shoes.

Abstract: A method and composition are described for carrying out the combustion of fossil fuels in a fluidized bed with reduced emissions of sulfur, carbon and nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons. Combustion is carried out in the presence of a solid sulfur oxide adsorbent and a metal or metal oxide component which is catalytically active with respect to unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: A coating composition is described which is suitable for use on road surfaces, floors, driveways, and similar surfaces and comprises chlorinated rubber, a plasticizer component and an organic solvent. The composition also advantgeously may contain powdered, amorphous silica. Preferred in the present invention is about equal amounts by weight of chlorinated rubber and a mixture of solid and liquid chlorinated paraffins as plasticizers, a minor amount of powdered amorphous silica and a mixture of aromatic and chlorinated aliphatic organic solvents.

Abstract: A batting game is described which comprises a spring loaded, vertical tube mounted on a base and adapted to receive an elongated projectile in the open end of the tube. The projectile is supported by a compressible spring in the tube. A batter strikes the end of the projectile downward, thereby driving it into the tube and compressing the spring. Relaxation of the spring ejects the projectile vertically into the air where it is struck a second time by the batter and driven in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A process is described for obtaining a refined, carbonaceous product from essentially raw coal by treating the coal with an amine solution to dissolve a portion of the coal, leaving undissolved coal and waste material such as ash. The dissolved coal is separated from the undissolved components and the amine removed to leave the refined carbonaceous extract of the invention. The undissolved coal and waste are separated and amine removed from the undissolved coal to produce a residue. Amine is advantageously recovered for further use. Prior to treatment with amine the coal may be subjected to pre-treatment such as crushing, drying or digestion in alkali metal carbonate solution. Residual amine is advantageously removed from the refined product and residue by stripping with alcohol.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided whereby sulfur and nitrogen oxides as well as carbon monoxides and unburned hydrocarbons are removed from internal combustion engine exhaust gases. The gases are passed through a chamber containing a sulfide and an oxide of iron, copper or zinc. The system is partially self-regenerating and can be used in conjunction with present catalytic converter units or in lieu thereof. In certain embodiments the present invention can also replace muffler units in exhaust systems.

Abstract: A device and method are described for precisely measuring pulmonary ventilation without the need for mouthpiece, face masks or other inhibiting devices subsequent to calibration. Anterior-posterior and lateral displacement of both the rib cage and abdomen are measured during breathing by at least 4 sets of magnetometers. The signals from the magnetometers are fed along with an initial signal from a breath volume measuring device to a microprocessor which correlates these signals by a least squares analysis to give constants defining the relationship between the magnetometer signals and readouts of total ventilation; respiratory rate, tidal volume and relative proportion of rib cage versus abdomen volume. Once the device is calibrated, these parameters can readily be determined independently of any direct measurement of breath volume. It has been found particularly important that calibration be performed during rebreathing at volumes of 1-2 liters of air, breathed 3-6 times to reduce the noise to signal ratio.

Abstract: A device is described for determining the characteristic configuration of long, towed underwater structures such as tubes or cables. The device is a collar which fits around the structure and has sufficient hydrodynamic drag that it remains essentially stationary relative to the linear configuration of the structure as the structure is drawn through it. The device, however, has relatively low mass and assumes the horizontal and vertical position of the structure as the structure is drawn through it. Instrumentation within the device registers the position assumed by the collar and either records it or transmits it to an external receiving station. This information gives a characteristic profile of the elongated structure as it passes through the water.