Abstract: A method for converting methane to methanol is provided comprising subjecting the methane to visible light in the presence of a catalyst and an electron transfer agent. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a method for reacting methane and water to produce methanol and hydrogen comprising preparing a fluid containing methane, an electron transfer agent and a photolysis catalyst, and subjecting said fluid to visible light for an effective period of time.

Abstract: A method of converting radioactive alkali metal into a low level disposable solid waste material. The radioactive alkali metal is atomized and introduced into an aqueous caustic solution having caustic present in the range of from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % to convert the radioactive alkali metal to a radioactive alkali metal hydroxide. The aqueous caustic containing radioactive alkali metal hydroxide and CO.sub.2 are introduced into a thin film evaporator with the CO.sub.2 present in an amount greater than required to convert the alkali metal hydroxide to a radioactive alkali metal carbonate, and thereafter the radioactive alkali metal carbonate is separated from the thin film evaporator as a dry powder. Hydroxide solutions containing toxic metal hydroxide including one or more metal ions of Sb, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Ag and T1 can be converted into a low level non-hazardous waste using the thin film evaporator of the invention.

Abstract: In a hydraulically powered pump for excavating and transporting slurries in hich it is immersed, the improvement of a gravel and cobble eductor including an expandable mixing section, comprising: a primary flow conduit that terminates in a nozzle that creates a water jet internal to a tubular mixing section of the pump when water pressure is applied from a primary supply flow; a tubular mixing section having a center line in alignment with the nozzle that creates a water jet; a mixing section/exit diffuser column that envelopes the flexible liner; and a secondary inlet conduit that forms an opening at a bas portion of the column and adjacent to the nozzle and water jet to receive water saturated gravel as a secondary flow that mixes with the primary flow inside of the mixing section to form a combined total flow that exits the mixing section and decelerates in the exit diffuser.

Abstract: A chute guide device for directing the deployment of a passenger side air bag along a predetermined path to the inside of a rupturable instrument panel. The chute resists deployment of the air bag behind the instrument panel. Also, the chute shields the air bag module from foreign objects which may otherwise fall into the module.

Abstract: An improved method for the continuous fabrication of filter units for use in automotive air bag inflators by spirally winding a hollow cylindrical core, at least one filter layer, and an outer layer to form a continuous spirally wound filter unit. The continuous spirally wound filter unit is then cut into individual filter unit of desired length by the use of conventional cutting device.

Abstract: Two electrically conductive diaphragms which are disposed in generally parallel relation and are symmetrical mirror images of each other are joined to a non-conductive ring. The diaphragms are joined in a pressurized atmosphere of argon at, for example, 3000 psi. When so pressurized internally and with lower external pressure, the diaphragms do not contact each other. When pressurized externally to a pressure to a predetermined level higher than the internal pressure, the diaphragms make contact with each other to close an electric circuit. If pressure leaks into the switch or the external pressure drops, the diaphragms separate and break contact with each other.