Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a gassed explosive composition, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a base explosive composition comprising at least an emulsion explosive composition containing a source of ammonium ions; and, (b) combining the base explosive composition with a gassing solution subsequent to the formation of the emulsion explosive composition, the gassing solution comprising a pH lowering agent. A gassed emulsion explosive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic stage positioned in series with the first cyclonic cleaning stage. The second cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of second stage cyclones. A passage connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclones inlets. The passage does not increase in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A process for the production of methanol comprises subjecting a hydrocarbon feedstock partial oxidation and an optional reformer to produce a partial oxidation reactor effluent comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; adding an amount of a hydrogen feedstock, at least a portion of which is obtained from electrolyzing water, to the partial oxidation reactor effluent to produce a synthesis gas stream having a predetermined ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide and optionally to carbon dioxide; subjecting the synthesis gas to methanol synthesis to produce a methanol product stream; and, recycling a substantial portion of the methanol product stream to the partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is integrally formed as part of a cyclone bin. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators.

Abstract: A cyclonic separation device is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is located and configured to extend longitudinally through a central portion of the cyclone, whereby the sharp bending of the conduit may be reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses in the device, without unduly interfering with the cyclonic flow within the cyclone. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators. The cyclonic separation device may be incorporated in a vacuum cleaner such as an upright vacuum cleaner. A three dimensional conduit which is optionally used with a cyclonic separator is provided.

Abstract: An improved two-stage separator uses reusable containers for collecting particles separated by each separation stage. The reusable containers are constructed such that a user empties both reusable containers by the actions required to empty just one of the reusable containers.

Abstract: A residential method for treating water with an oxidizing gas operates under elevated pressure. The elevated pressure is obtained by means of a pressurized oxidizing gas source (eg. an air pump) or a Prandtl layer turbine. The elevated pressure of the treated water is optionally used to dispense the treated water. The Prandtl layer turbine may be used to obtain particularly fine bubbles of a gas (eg. bubbles from about 1&mgr; to about 20&mgr; in diameter) in a liquid.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is reconfigurable between at least two positions. The vacuum cleaner has at least one motor and fan assembly for receiving power and producing airflow during use of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner also has at least one sensor adapted to sense a change in the position of the vacuum cleaner and to alter the power provided to the at least one motor and fan assembly in response thereto.

Abstract: A method for treating a liquid (e.g. water) with a gas (e.g. air) containing ozone includes passing air through an corona discharge ozone generator to produce air containing ozone and introducing the air containing ozone into the liquid; and, periodically de-energizing the ozone generator and passing air through the ozone generator.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid is disclosed consisting of an emulsion having a continuous phase of a liquified gas, a discontinuous phase of a hydrocarbon, and a surfactant soluble in the two phases. The surfactant is preferably a hydrofluoroether.

Abstract: A multi-port valve has a housing, a flow plug and a stop. The housing defines a valve cavity and has at least three ports. The flow plug is positionable within the valve cavity between a first position, wherein the flow plug is adapted to prevent flow through a selected first port and a second position wherein the flow plug is adapted to prevent flow through a selected second port. The stop is attachable to the housing so that the stop extends into the cavity and is adapted to engage the flow plug to prevent the flow plug from blocking flow through a selected third port.

Abstract: An ozone generator has a dielectric element, first and second opposed end cap members and a gas passageway positioned between a high voltage electrode and a ground plane and positioned internal of the dielectric element, and at least one securring member extending between the opposed end caps whereby the securring member holds the end caps in place.

Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream includes subjecting the dirty air stream to a first cyclonic separation stage to obtain a partially cleaned air stream and subjecting the partially cleaned air stream to an electronic filtration stage and optionally a second cyclonic separation stage to obtain the clean air stream. The electronic filtration stage is optionally removable with a cyclonic cleaning stage from the vacuum cleaner. The electronic filtration stage is optionally an electrostatic precipitator which utilizes air flow through the vacuum cleaner to generate the voltage used by the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus is operated by providing water to be treated in a reactor; passing air through a gas flow path which includes an ozone generator wherein the passage of the air through the ozone generator produces ozone enriched air, and subsequently introducing the ozone enriched air into the reactor from the gas flow passage; providing an electric current source for powering the ozone generator; providing an member to emit a signal (preferably a visible signal) representative of the level of current drawn by the ozone generator; and, using a sensor to monitor the signal produced by the member.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid for use in fracturing subterranean formations surrounding oil and gas wells comprises water, an anionic surfactant, and a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a plurality of operating modes is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a power control system having at least one sensor for automatically sensing a change in the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner and for generating a mode signal. A microprocessor responsive to the mode signal is adapted to vary the power supply signal being supplied to the vacuum cleaner motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using thermomechanical means for signalling the concentration of a reactive gas is disclosed. The thermomechanical means uses movement of a mechanical member to produce a signal corresponding to the concentration of the reactive gas in a gas stream. The method and apparatus may include means for converting a specific gas in a gas stream to a reactive gas. The apparatus may then provide an analog readout of the concentration of the specific gas.

Abstract: A wheelchair is configured to be nestable and constructed such that, upon being unested is substantially directly ready for use. An assembly of at least two wheelchairs, wherein the wheelchairs in a nested condition occupy considerably less space than in unnested condition, while upon being unnested, an unnested wheelchair is configured for receiving a person without manually adjusting the seat configuration of the wheelchair.