Abstract: Disclosed is a system for sequestering carbon dioxide by combining sub-cooled carbon dioxide gas phase and liquid water (fresh or salt) in a reactor to form carbon dioxide clathrates in a continuous process at pressures from 3 to 20 atmospheres. The seawater feed for the clathrate reactor is pumped to the surface from a depth of approximately 1000 meters. A slip stream of the reactor feed water is used to pre-cool the carbon dioxide gases. The pre-cooled gaseous, or liquid carbon dioxide and the reactor surfaces are then sub-cooled by refrigeration to temperatures of -40.degree. C. to 0.degree. C., which is typically only 5.degree. to 45.degree. C. below ambient sea water temperatures at depths of 1000 meters. Forming clathrates in this manner is considerably less energy-intensive than CO.sub.2 compression and liquefaction at high pressures.

Abstract: A mirror which is attached to an underwater diver's wrist or arm. By placing the mirror in front of his face mask and controlling the line of sight reflected by the mirror, the diver can inspect equipment on his body or easily access equipment with the hand not wearing the mirror. In addition, the diver's peripheral vision is improved so he or she can see objects, fish or a diving partner located behind them. The mirror is attached to the diver's wrist or arm by a wrist strap made of water resistant material such as nylon or rubber. Alternate embodiments include a pouch containing the mirror on a flexible strap and a diver's handheld console with a hinged plate containing the mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel electrochemical probe and technique to monitor biofilm activity before the biofilm has been permanently established and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) initiated. This probe includes two sets of metal electrodes isolated from each other. A power source is used to apply a potential difference of between 50 and 500 mV on the two sets of electrodes to activate the probe. Programmed timing, measuring and switching equipment and a data recording device monitors the biofilm-caused depolarization effects on the electrode sets by measuring an increase of DC current produced by the applied potential difference. The equipment also monitors DC current generated between the electrodes after removing the power source and records the AC resistance between the electrodes indicating mostly the resistance of the biofilm covering the electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a hydronic distribution system using prefabricated, flexible cable containing plastic tubing to provide liquid supply and return conduits for the hydronic system. The plastic conduits are enclosed in a foam thermal insulation material which is encased in a flexible, moisture impervious shell. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the flexible cable includes electrical conductors for supplying power to a fan and for carrying an electrical control signal from a thermostat. The flexible cable thus described can be installed in a building easily and quickly in a manner similar to that currently used for electrical cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated imaging sensor/neural network controller for combustion control systems. The controller uses electronic imaging sensing of chemiluminescence from a combustion system, combined with neural network image processing, to sensitively identify and control a complex combustion system. The imaging system used is not adversely affected by the normal emissions variations caused by changes in burner load and flame position. By incorporating neural networks to learn emission patterns associated with combustor performance, control using image technology is fast enough to be used in a real time, closed loop control system. This advance in sensing and control strategy allows use of the spatial distribution of important parameters in the combustion system in identifying the overall operation condition of a given combustor and in formulating a control response accorded to a pre-determined control model.

Abstract: The invention is a re-sealable nozzle and cap assembly for dispensing caulking material, sealant, adhesive or the like comprising a hollow nozzle having a generally conical shape. The nozzle includes means at its wider end for connecting the nozzle to a tube. External threaded sections of varying diameter are located along the length of the nozzle. The size of the aperture for dispensing the caulking material or the like can be selected by the user by cutting the nozzle across its conical axis at a point which results in the proper aperture diameter. The assembly also includes a hollow, cylindrical cap sealed at one end and having internal threaded sections of varying diameter along the length of said cap for engaging the exterior threads on said nozzle and thus forming an air-tight seal when said cap is screwed on said nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel electrochemical probe and technique to monitor biofilm activity before the biofilm has been permanently established and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) initiated. This probe includes two sets of metal electrodes isolated from each other. A power source is used to apply a potential difference of between 50 and 500 mV on the two sets of electrodes to activate the probe. Programmed timing, measuring and switching equipment and a data recording device monitors the biofilm-caused depolarization effects on the electrode sets by measuring an increase of DC current produced by the applied potential difference. The equipment also monitors DC current generated between the electrodes after removing the power source and records the AC resistance between the electrodes indicating mostly the resistance of the biofilm covering the electrodes.

Abstract: This invention is a cooking sauce dispenser comprising an assembly of one or more tubular, squeezable containers having a circular opening in a plane at an oblique angle to the axis of the container and connected rotatably to a collar having a flow passage for each container. The flow passage for each container is attached to an individual, heat resistant flow tube which terminates in a drip proof flapper valve. The distal end of each flow tube fits into a common flow directing nozzle which contains a bristle brush for applying the sauce to food. The drip proof valves are designed to accommodate sauces of varying viscosities and sauces containing chunky ingredients. The bristle brush is detachable and easily replaced with brushes of varying stiffness. By rotating a particular container, the container is caused to extend at an acute angle from the axis of the dispenser.

Abstract: This invention is a new device for installing press fit couplings to join steel pipelines. This apparatus is a joining press which fits inside the pipes to be joined and grabs them on their inside surfaces. It then pulls the pipes together, forcing the pipe ends into the coupling. The invention is comprised of two hydraulically operated grippers to grip the pipe and a hydraulically operated cylinder to pull the pipes together. The entire press is controlled using only two hydraulic lines. The grippers can be retracted and the apparatus moved within the pipeline from one joint to the next.

Abstract: A remotely controllable circuit breaker has an improved scheme for effecting rapid arc extinction as well as protecting the breaker contact from the resulting arc current. The breaker includes first and second movable contacts 11 and 12 which are held respectively on parallel extending first and second contact arms 31 and 32 and are driven individually by a switching mechanism 20 including a manual handle 22 with a contact trip capability and by a remotely controllable switch 60. An arc runner 115 is connected to be in the same electrical potential as the second contact arm 32 and extends in the contact separating direction for receiving the one end of the arc developed between the rapidly separating contacts 11 and 12 and guiding the arc toward an arc extinguishing chute 110 as the first contact 11 moves away from the second contact 12.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the sulfur content of exhaust (flue) gas from a combustion installation manufacturing process, or chemical process comprising the step of injecting dry powder alkali hydrate sorbent directly into intermediate temperature (800.degree.-1200.degree. F.) combustion/process gases. The alkali hydrate sorbent reacts rapidly with the sulfur-containing gases in this temperature regime to produce primarily alkali sulfites. The unreacted portion of the sorbent largely remains in the form of an alkali hydrate and may react further with residual sulfur, especially in the presence of water, at lower temperatures. A novel combustion chamber is also provided having an injection means for injecting alkali hydrate sorbent into a combustion volume where the temperature is in the range of 800.degree.-1200.degree. F., to cause a predetermined reaction of the alkali hydrate sorbent with SO.sub.

Abstract: This invention is a new device for installing press fit couplings to join steel pipelines. This apparatus is a joining press which fits inside the pipes to be joined and grabs them on their inside surfaces. It then pulls the pipes together, forcing the pipe ends into the coupling. The invention is comprised of two hydraulically operated grippers to grip the pipe and a hydraulically operated cylinder to pull the pipes together. The entire press is controlled using only two hydraulic lines. The grippers can be retracted and the apparatus moved within the pipeline from one joint to the next.

Abstract: The degree of fatigue of a metallic material is determined by the linear relationship found to exist between the means angles of orientation deviation calculated from the electron diffraction patterns obtained by the selected field method and the degrees of fatigue. This method is justified because the mean angles determined near the fatigue crack and those determined at places removed therefrom differ only a little, meaning that determination of degree of fatigue can be conducted without being influenced by the location of sample taking.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid jet nozzle apparatus having a mixing chamber for entraining abrasive granules within a high pressure fluid jet. A plunger valve and a method for preventing wetting and caking of abrasive granules within a high pressure fluid jet nozzle are also disclosed.