Abstract: This invention is directed to modified thermal galvanic cells for conversion of heat into useful electrical energy by electrochemical action using thermal and concentration differences to enhance the power produced by the cell. The cells of the invention comprise active and inert electrodes.

Abstract: The compound 2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-trisila heptane, the preparation thereof, and the use thereof as a silicon carbide precursor in chemical vapor deposition and infiltration procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for micro positioning of small objects using an actively generated friction force field. Positioning is achieved by sequentially holding the object by a gripper or holding means while moving the gripper on a manipulation surface by means of piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: This invention provides a pneumatic active surface capable of sensing, locating, and moving an object on the surface by selective activation of individual segments or portions of the surface. The active surface comprises an array of pneumatic conduits, which are individually adapted to carry air to the surface or suck air from the surface. The tubes are arranged so that the end walls of each tube form a relatively flat surface with air conduits provided by the bores of the tubes. The term pneumatic refers to the air flow patterns at the surface resulting from the blowing and sucking functions of the tubes. The appropriate choice of force, caused by blowing or sucking air flow through an array of tubes of the pneumatic active surface device, causes objects placed on the array of tubes to be moved in useful ways.

Abstract: Thermocells, also known as thermogalvanic electrochemical cells having one or more hot half-cells, electrolyte salt supplying reservoirs, porous inserts in the electrolyte conduits produce improved power output performance are disclosed.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation in the lamp structure or in the test solution of an oxygen scavenger.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an organic or inorganic metal mercury antioxidant in the lamp structure or in the test solution.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring the concentration of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, in groundwater is provided comprising a semipermeable membrane defining an inner chamber therein. The membrane is permeable to contaminants but impermeable to a reference fluid, which is preferably distilled water. The method of sampling comprises placing the semipermeable membrane, which contains the reference fluid, in contact with contaminated groundwater, thereby allowing contaminants to diffuse through the semipermeable membrane and into the inner chamber. Sufficient time is allowed for the contaminant concentrations in the groundwater and in the reference fluid to reach equilibrium. The semipermeable membrane is then removed from contact with the groundwater, and a sample withdrawn from the inner chamber for analysis, preferably through a port communicating with the inner chamber.

Abstract: A method for removing halogenated organic compounds from contaminated particulate material. Formic acid is dry mixed with the contaminated material and an external heating means is used at temperatures of about 250.degree.-450.degree. C. for 10-50 minutes to drive the halogentated organic compounds from the soil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the removal of halogenated organic contaminants from particulate material by admixing a monocarboxylic acid with the particulate material, and passing a vapor phase of steam through the material to substantially remove the halogenated organic contaminant.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an organic or inorganic metal completing agent in the lamp structure or in the test solution.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an antioxidant in the lamp structure or in the test solution.

Abstract: Addition of ferrous ions to clay and ferric minerals in the ground creates in situ reactive zones which dehalogenate halogenated contaminants in ground water flowing through the reactive zone.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of a pH control agent in the lamp structure or in the test solution to provide a pH of about 5.5 to about 6.5.

Abstract: Persistent compressive stresses sufficient to suppress hot cracking, reheat cracking and stress corrosion cracking are developed in welds containing alloys of plural materials by quenching of the weld after onset of solidification but while the weld remains soft or "mushy" at a temperature above the melting point of eutectic alloys which may form. Control of the time of quenching is preferably established during submerged welding by a cup-shaped exclusion fitting which is sized relative to the dimensions of a molten weld pool and the speed of travel of a welding heat source such as a plasma transfer arc torch. The cup-shaped exclusion fitting provides improved protection of the weld and heat source with inert gas supplied thereto while also permitting submerged welding at higher hydrostatic pressures than has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: Contaminated material is treated with heat and steam to remove halogenated organic compounds from the material. The heating temperature can be lowered by admixing an additive with the contaminated material. A short passage of steam at a flow rate of about at least 0.5 pounds of water by weight per minute per ton of soil immediately following the heating and holding stage, substantially removes the halogenated organic contaminants to below ten parts per million in the treated material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method that makes sulfuric acid from a dry flue gas desulfurization process which utilizes a low temperature regeneration of the carbon adsorbent in the flue gas process. The sulfuric acid is generated in an electrolytic reactor. This invention is also directed towards a system that regenerates the carbon used in dry flue gas desulfurization at a temperature below 120.degree. C.

Abstract: An in-situ thermal desorption system which combines thermal desorption and vacuum extraction to separate organic compounds from in place contaminated soils is disclosed. A "heating blanket" desorption unit is applied directly to the surface of the hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The heating blanket assembly comprises of four basic components: a surface heating element, a thermal insulating mat, a vacuum collection system, and a vapor barrier. The surface heater, when energized, initiates a thermal front which moves down through the soil by thermal diffusion. As the soil is heated, organic compounds and water vapor are desorbed and removed from the soil matrix. A vapor collection system including a blower is fitted to the vapor barrier to establish a slight negative pressure inside the modular heating blanket units.

Abstract: A tantalum-containing nickel base superalloy having a .gamma.' phase has greatly improved maximum tensile strength which is substantially independent of the frequency of the stress is processed by forging above the .gamma.' solvus temperature and annealing above the recrystallization temperature of the alloy.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating of concrete and more specifically to methods used for in-situ thermal desorption of contaminants from concrete, such as PCBs is disclosed. The methods employed heat the concrete at reduced pressure and at a temperature sufficient to volatilize and draw off the contaminant vapors so that the concrete is decontaminated to greater depth than previously obtained, that no concrete waste is created which requires disposal, that the methods produce no secondary liquid waste, that no chemical agents are required, that the decontaminated concrete material can be reused, that the methods are safer for workers because there is no contaminated dust formed during the process and specifically that the process produce a low energy cost per unit area decontamination for the concrete.