Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for increasing the viscosity of liquids comprises tendrillar carbonaceous material (TCM) having a ultra low bulk density of less than about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises intertwined tendrils having a diameter (number average) of from about 0.05 to about 0.2 micron and a length (number average) to diameter (number average) ratio greater than about 10, the tendrils comprising carbon fibers and an iron metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules that are intimately associated with and at least partially bonded to the carbon fibers, the tendrillar carbonaceous material comprising from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight iron. The TCM can be used as a viscosifier and for suspending solids in such applications as drilling muds, lubricating oils and greases. The TCM can be prepared by disproportionating carbon monoxide in the presence of iron contained in a blend of (1) previously formed TCM and (2) iron containing particles.

Abstract: A fluidized bed disproportionation of carbon monoxide is effected using ferrous metal component-containing catalysts in particulate form. The bed also contains an abradant to continuously remove from the surface of those particles a substantial quantity of the carbonaceous fibers formed on those surfaces. The method produces a carbonaceous material of desired carbon and ferrous metal content. The process allows the use of two beds in series for producing high carbon content products.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials comprising major amounts of carbon, and minor amounts of hydrogen and ferrous group metal components, particularly nickel and cobalt, react with steam at low temperatures, and produce commercially attractive quantities of such gases as hydrogen, methane, carbon oxides and other light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be used to fluidize cohesive solids. Further, it can be used to improve fluidization of particulate solids by reducing entrainment, eliminating bubbling, and/or eliminating channelling. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.04 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidizing cohesive materials in fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.04 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: A chair, especially suited for use by sitters lacking in normal strength, provides a lilting motion without shifting the base of the chair, and provides support and assistance to the sitter in exiting the chair. The seat and back of the chair are supported by continuously flexible members, and the back is orthopaedically designed for maintaining spinal support, even as a user of the chair moves with the motion of the chair.

Abstract: A crushed hydrocarbon-bearing material containing hydrocarbon and foreign mineral constituents is dispersed in fused alkali metal caustic to remove the sulfur content and release the foreign mineral matter from the hydrocarbon material for recovery and/or upgrading of the hydrocarbon content. The process permits recovery of 80-95% of the available kerogen or other hydrocarbon in a mineral matrix such as oil shale rock and conditions a solid fossil fuel such as coal, as well as the kerogen or other hydrocarbon released from the mineral matrix, for removal of substantially all remaining ash and other foreign mineral matter by subsequent washing of the hydrocarbon product in an aqueous solution of acid.

Abstract: A chair is provided which finds primary, although not exclusive, use as a patient's chair in a hospital room. The chair is formed of both rigid and flexible resilient members, composed respectively, for example, of tubular and flat barstock spring steel, which is configured to form a frame for the chair, and which provides a base, front legs, and support for the seat, back and arm rests of the chair; and a web-like member attached to the frame to constitute the seat and back of the chair. The seat and back are supported on the frame for resilient reciprocal movement. A pair of arm rests are attached to the frame, on either side of the seat. The web-like member, for example, may be formed of polyester mesh. An upholstered cover may be provided which may be attached to the web-like member by strips of Velcro and plastic rivets. The upholstered cover may be formed of vinyl, or other appropriate material, although the patient may sit directly on the web-like material.

Abstract: Magnetic developer compositions contain ferrous carbon. The ferrous carbon is a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component, where the ferrous group metal component is dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules that are initmately associated with and at least partially bonded to the carbon fibers. The ferrous carbons can be used in monocomponent developers, and also in the toner and carrier used for dual component developers.

Abstract: A braking mechanism for retrofitting onto a fishing reel allows the drag on the fishing line to be preset. The mechanism includes a braking wheel, a crank, and a stop. The stop is adjustably mounted on the crank. The fisherman moves the stop to a desired position to control the amount the braking wheel can be turned.

Abstract: A highly efficient apparatus for burning sulfur to sulfur dioxide and generating sulfurous acid comprises a primary sulfur-burning chamber, a sulfur feed tank closely coupled to the primary chamber, a secondary sulfur-burning chamber, and an absorption tower. Air is introduced to the primary chamber under turbulent, high-velocity flow conditions. Gas passes through the secondary chamber under turbulent flow conditions. The apparatus is capable of converting sulfur to sulfur dioxide at a rate in excess of 25 pounds of sulfur per hour per square foot of surface area of the molten pool of sulfur in the primary chamber.

Abstract: A foldable, flexible container for heating water has first and second side walls. The first side wall is clear and the second side wall comprises an inner layer of dark plastic, an outer layer of reflective plastic, and a middle layer of flexible insulating foam sandwiched between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A process for regenerating the anion and cation exchange resins used for polishing water for steam generation allows the polishers to be operated with reduced effluent levels of sodium, chloride and sulfate to prevent corrosion of the steam turbine power plant system. In the process, both the cation and anion exchange resins are treated only with neutral or alkaline aqueous solutions including ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A method and burner tip for suppressing the production of oxides of nitrogen when burning a fuel in a combustion chamber containing a flame zone are described. The burner tip comprises at least one port for introducing fuel into the combustion zone and at least one port for introducing a control gas into the combustion zone, where both the fuel and control gas are introduced substantially perpendicular to the direction of introduction of combustion gas into the combustion zone. The ports are laterally spaced apart from each other. The control gas is used for controlled localized quenching of the flame zone and/or for controlled atomization of the fuel in the case of a liquid fuel to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). By proper selection of the size and location of the fuel and control gas ports, and the quantity and velocity of the fuel and control gas introduced into the combustion zone, a stable flame with minimal emission of oxides of nitrogen can be obtained.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress comprising an external envelope is provided with an internal layer of viscous, polymeric sealing material for sealing punctures in the mattress. The polymeric material can be polybutene filled with a particulate filler. The sealing material can be sandwiched between two layers of polyethylene to form an internal liner assembly that conforms generally to the shape of the external envelope of the waterbed mattress.

Abstract: A homogeneous, water-reducible coating composition comprises a modified polyamine resin homogeneously reduced in an aqueous system comprising water and a low-molecular weight nitroparaffin. An epoxy resin can be added to the coating composition to form a stable emulsion.

Abstract: A homogeneous, water-reducible coating composition comprises a modified polyamine resin homogeneously reduced in an aqueous system comprising water and a low-molecular weight nitroparaffin. An epoxy resin can be added to the coating composition to form a stable emulsion.

Abstract: A vehicle frame measuring and aligning apparatus comprises parallel rails with transverse reference members moveable along the longitudinal axis of the rails slideable vertical locating members are mounted on the rails. The apparatus also comprises an overhead measuring and alignment device which is slideably attached to the rails, with a vertically adjustable overhead bar to which referencing and measuring members attach. Clamping devices are used to secure the vehicle in place.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress has an internal horizontally-extending baffle for reducing wave-like motion of the water in the mattress. The baffle comprises at least two horizontally-extending layers secured together, a first layer denser than water and a second layer less dense than water. The first layer can be a porous mass of bound-together fibers and the second layer can be closed cell polymeric foam. The baffle, which floats spaced apart from the bottom wall of the mattress, is foldable and collapsible, so that the entire mattress can be folded for storage.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxide emissions from burning a gas containing essentially no nitrogen such as natural gas are reduced by burning the gas simultaneously with an alcohol such as methanol.