Abstract: In situ coal gasification to form a methane rich gas is carried out by injecting a lower aliphatic alcohol such as methanol into a coal seam, raising the temperature to cause dissociation of the alcohol and injecting water into the same. Nascent hydrogen is produced which reacts with the coal to form methane. The product gas may also contain hydrogen and carbon monoxide which can be separated and reacted to form methanol.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bandage having an applicator attached to the backing of the bandage and disposed to extend vertically from the top surface of the bandage to permit pressure to be applied downward against the backing or the centrally disposed absorbent pad of the bandage. Advantageously, a swab of impregnated absorbent material in a package is attached to the remote end of the applicator. The applicator can be one or more rigid strips of material attached to the bandage backing or a rigid, hollow tube dispose vertically over the central portion of the bandage.

Abstract: The isomers of synthetic insect sex pheromones or their precursors are separated by selectively forming an inclusion complex with the E-isomer and urea or thiourea. In order for the E-isomer complex to form selectively it is necessry that the mono-olefin which forms the complex have a primary, linear chain of at least 7 atoms, a molecular diameter of 2.8-6A, and a polar functional group having transverse dimensions of less than 6A. Branching between the olefinic bond and the polar functional group is limited to methyl groups.

Abstract: An improved elastic band is disclosed having dimensions and design specifically adapted for tying off human fallopian tubes or similar internal, tubular members. The band of the present invention has an internal diameter at least about 50% larger than the diameter of similar bands previously employed and ranges from 1.4 to 2.2 mm. The length or thickness of the band is at least 50% greater than the internal diameter of the band; and, in a preferred embodiment, the internal diameter of the band at both ends is about 0.2 to 0.6 mm. smaller than the internal diameter at the mid portion of the band. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the internal diameter of the tube at its mid portion is 1.8-2.2 mm, at both ends is 1.4 to 1.8 mm, and the length of the band is 2 to 3.5 mm.

Abstract: A freezing unit is described having plural compartments on upper and lower levels for accommodating air moving means, refrigeration coils and conveyors for receiving and maintaining the articles to be frozen in the unit. The refrigeration coils are disposed in a compartment on the lower level with compartments on either side. The air moving means is disposed over one of the side compartments and the conveyors can be disposed either over the other side compartment, adjacent to it or within it. This arrangement of components permits ease of access and allows plural conveyors to be deployed and used together or alternatively in their respective compartments. Partitions with variable closures are also provided for directing the flow of refrigerated air to the desired compartments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for scrubbing SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x containing gases with iron sulfide. The reaction proceeds only to the formation of FeS.sub.2 and FeSO.sub.4 without significant formation of sulfur or iron oxide. The reaction products are subsequently regenerated to FeS by heating and can be recycled for further scrubbing operations; elemental sulfur is recovered as a by-product.

Abstract: A fence structure is disclosed in which rectangular panels are removably mounted on tracks between vertical upright posts. The tops of the panels overlap and interlock in such a way that an entire section of panels is secured by locking in place a single panel. Means are provided for maintaining the panels in a partially raised position or they can be completely removed from between the vertical posts.

Abstract: An orally administered medicant composition useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus; whose constituents are a hypoglycemic of the sulphonylurea derivative type together with an anti-bacterial sulfonamide and ascorbic acid. A unit dosage of one preferred formulation is comprised of 0.5 gram tolbutamide, 100 milligrams sulfamethox-pyridazine and 50 milligrams ascorbic acid. A typical treatment that has proven successful in correcting numerous diabetic conditions may begin with as many as six unit dosages the first day, thereafter the dosage is reduced, then sustained at a level in accordance to the response of the patient; treatment is terminated usually after a six month period.

Abstract: A method and device for absorbing microwave energy avoid the expense and bulk of prior art arrangements, and provide greater efficiency, by forming a flame in the path of the microwave and supplying a seeding substance into the flame to produce a plasma flame column which absorbs the microwave. The seeding substance is preferably an alkali salt solution, e.g. KNO.sub.3.

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 process is disclosed for increasing the relative proportion of scrap steel and iron oxides used in making steel by the basic oxygen method. Molten pig iron, used in the process is superheated prior to being introduced into the basic oxygen furnace. Typically the temperature of the pig iron is raised at least 100.degree. F or to about 2600.degree. to 3000.degree. F. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an induction heater is used to superheat the molten pig iron.

Abstract: A radiator core cleaning device for manually removing rust, corrosion, mineral deposits and other compounds or elements from the cores of heat exchangers such as motor cooling radiators used in automobiles, trucks, buses, other like vehicles and other various type motors employing radiator cooling devices that comprise cores of tubular passageways. The cleaning device comprises a rigid, elongated, L-shaped tubular shaft pierced throughout its length and through its diametric center by a semi-flexible shaft that through a manually applied reciprocating motion moves out of and into said aforementioned rigid, elongated, L-shaped tubular shaft into and out of the tubules of a radiator core upon which the device is being used to physically remove build-ups of rust, corrosion, mineral deposits and other compounds or elements from said core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a readily portable device for practicing golf in confined indoor or outdoor areas. The device offers a quick set up and tear down feature, unique compactness and substantial improvements over all golf practice devices of prior art in that the present invention not only arrests the flight of a solidly hit golf ball but also catches and retains the ball so that it might be easily retrieved by the practicing golfer. The device, in essence, comprises three main components: a quick assembly, rigid vertical rectangular frame mounted on bilaterally attached uni-directional rockers, a unique net design and a weighted and footed teeing mat.

Abstract: A portable machine for washing dirt, mud and other types of foreign matter from the surface of golf balls comprising a short cylindrical container whose upper and lower interior surfaces are fitted with roughly textured resilient scrubbing pads and whose upper surface contains a water tight, sealable opening with a hinged snapfast lid providing a means whereby a golf ball may be introduced into the confines of said short cylindrical container and sealed within and whereby water, surfactants and other materials may also be introduced into the confines of the system and through which the entire inner system may be cleansed as needed.