Abstract: A method is taught for converting metal contaminants in the soil to less toxic forms as well as permitting their removal from groundwater. A first reactive solution comprising ferrous sulfate and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is injected to decomplex contaminants and precipitate them as insoluble compounds. A second reactive solution comprising hydrogen peroxide, and an acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is then injected to destroy organic liquids and enhance decomplexation. The pH of the first solution may range from 3 to 5, and the pH of the second solution range from 3 to 7, preferably 5 to 7. The process is particularly effective where chromium compounds such as hexavalent chromium are the contaminants.

Abstract: Improved preparations for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia comprise saw palmetto berry extract containing phytosterols and one or more low irritability constituents that enhance penetration of the extract into hair follicular pores. The low irritability penetration enhancer(s) may be selected from the group consisting of adapalene, tretinoin, retinaldehyde, tazarotene, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid. Also provided is a method for reducing hair loss by application to the scalp of the improved preparations.

Abstract: An enclosed multi-user telecommunications tower covering multiple antennas at various heights with communication passages allowing an operator to move internally between modules containing antennas. Individual adjustment and orientation of the antennas for each provider (or their replacement) is thus readily possible within the tower. The tower preferably comprises lower support modules of reinforced concrete and a steel tower for supporting the antenna systems. The latter is covered with a RF transparent skin covering of a fiber reinforced plastic. The communication means takes the form of an annular space between the steel tower support and the RF transparent skin covering wherein the multiple antennas are supported.

Abstract: A portable windscoop for boat portholes fabricated of a flexible plastic or similar material with flange portions at its side periphery. The windscoop is adapted to be pressured into a curved body, scoop or funnel having an open end. The flange portions are adapted to be snapped into the side portions of an open porthole with the natural tension of the plastic or similar material serving to hold the scoop in place with its open end facing the bow of the vessel. Wind is thus directed into the interior of the vessel through the open porthole having the windscoop in place in both rain or shine. The scoop is readily removed by pressing its sides and thus releasing its flange portions from the side of the porthole.

Abstract: An activated carbon is modified to have bactericidal properties and/or an additional ability to remove heavy metals and other toxic substances. Said modified activated carbon is especially suitable for purifying drinking water and can be readily modified to be suitable for various regions with specific tap water impurities. Pursuant to the invention, activated carbon fiber is treated to adsorb a member of the group consisting of cations, anions, organic complex forming agents, surfactants, polyelectrolytes and organic bactericidal compounds.

Abstract: Activated carbon fiber is made by pre-treating a carbonized fibrous material, preferably a carbonized cellulose fiber, with a solution of nitrogen-containing compound, comprising at least one of the following substances: urea, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium acetate, and other organic salts of ammonia such as formate, carbamate, citrate and oxylate, and activating the pre-treated carbonized material at 800.degree. to 1200.degree. C. in an atmosphere comprising steam and/or carbon dioxide until a high degree of activation is produced. The activated carbon fiber material is amphoteric, wherein both acidic and basic functional groups are present on its surface. The resulting material is suitable for removing organic impurities, cations and anions from water and other fluids.

Abstract: A specific acupuncture technique for the remedial treatment of various types of baldness by inserting acupuncture needles into selected acupuncture points on multiple meridians. The need for drugs, chemical treatment, surgery, herbs, etc. is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of producing a breathable fog comprises (a) passing air through a dryer unit to remove moisture; (b) cooling the dried air to a temperature below 0.degree. C.; and (c) inducing water vapor into the dried and cooled air to produce breathable fog.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering aluminum from a solid dross containing the same comprising: (a) continuously introducing the dross and lime flux into an inert gas DC transferred arc plasma torch furnace, (b) heating the mixture to above the slag melting point to form two immiscible layers, and (c) periodically removing the upper aluminum layer and the lower residual slag layer.

Abstract: A membrane gas separation apparatus, typically for separating air, includes a gas separation cell containing an array of membranes in the form of hollow fibres. The cell has a first gas port and a second gas port. Flow of gas to and from the ports is controlled by a four-port, two-position valve. In one position, the valve admits incoming air to the first port and allows product nitrogen to flow out of the second port. In the other position the roles of the ports are reversed and hence the direction of flow of the gas is reversed. During prolonged operation, there is a tendency for contaminants to affect disproportionately the feed gas inlet of the membrane fibres. By periodically changing the position of the valve, different ends of the membrane fibres are presented to the feed gas, and thus the operating life of the membranes is lengthened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for recovering argon from a feed mixture comprising argon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen which comprises the steps of (a) purifying the feed mixture to remove contaminants, (b) compressing the purified feed mixture to a separation pressure, and (c) passing the compressed purified feed mixture through a pressure swing adsorption system to separate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and all or most of the nitrogen from the mixture as adsorbed products and to produce an argon-rich fraction as a non-adsorbed product. The argon-rich fraction from step (c) may be further purified by passing the fraction to a cryogenic fractional distillation system to separate hydrogen and any remaining nitrogen from the fraction as a distillate product and to produce a pure argon product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing arrangement for effecting a seal with a rotatable shaft having with respect to its longitudinal axis a generally cylindrical shape but with a portion thereof of conical shape, which comprises a shaft seal positioned so that its sealing lip engages the shaft and so that any liquid escaping from a first (liquid) side of the seal to a second (air) side of the seal enters an annular cavity formed on one side by the conical portion of the shaft whose cross-sectional diameter decreases in a direction away from the sealing lip on the second side.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of an anhydride by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the anhydride product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a by-product, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: A compressed air stream is separated in a double rectification column having a higher pressure stage and a lower pressure stage. The lower pressure stage contains a low pressure drop liquid-vapor contact means having a pressure drop of less than about 400.0 Pa per theoretical stage, for example a structured packing, to effect mass transfer between ascending vapor and descending liquid. A product gaseous oxygen stream is withdrawn from the lower pressure stage through an outlet thereof and is warmed to about ambient temperature in a heat exchanger in countercurrent flow relationship with the compressed air stream which is thereby cooled. Refrigeration for the process is created by expansion of part of the incoming air.

Abstract: A gas operated balloon inflating machine for inflating balloons of the kind having a body and a filling neck terminated in a beaded edge. The apparatus includes a gas operated releasable clamping device to secure the beaded edge of the balloon between a support surface and a sealing surface thereby providing for inflation of the balloon from an aperture in the sealing surface. A gas operated control valve selectively supplies gas to the aperture from a reservior and a gas operated sealing device is used to seal the neck of the balloons after inflation. A logic controller selectively supplies pressurized gas from a high pressure source to the clamping device, control valve and sealing means to sequentially clamp, inflate, seal and release balloons. The exhaust gas from each of these devices is directed to the reservoir for inflation of the balloons. The size to which the balloons are inflated is preferably controlled by the size of the inflating reservoir and regulation of the pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A two bed pressure swing adsorption process is disclosed having high yield and high production rate. The process utilizes fine or normal size zeolite sieve material and relatively short cycle times. A power saving can be obtained by sequencing the various steps of the process to provide substantially continuous use of a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A gas treatment or separation apparatus includes a vessel (2) containing a bed (18) of particulate material. Within the bed (18) there is located a plurality of distensible hollow members (30) each capable of being placed in communication with a source of fluid under pressure. The members (30) restrain movement of the particulate material.

Abstract: A process for separation of a gas mixture containing three components, e.g. a mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced by steam reforming a hydrocarbon, by pressure swing adsorption is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing the impurities carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor and, optionally, hydrogen from a feed stream comprising initially removing water and carbon dioxide, oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form carbon dioxide and water vapor, respectively, and removing the oxidation products. The process may be conducted batchwise or continuously by carrying out purification in a plurality of treatment zones wherein one or more zones are being regenerated while one or more others are purifying the feed stream.

Abstract: A rotating cylindrical sputtering target surface as part of a magnetron has cylindrical shields adjacent each end of the target to prevent arcing that undesirably occurs when certain materials are being sputtered, particularly dielectrics. If two or more rotating targets are employed in a single magnetron system, each is similarly shielded. In a preferred form, the target is provided with a single cylindrical shield that is cut away for a significant portion of the distance around the cylinder to provide an opening through which a sputtering region of the target is accessible, while maintaining shielding of the target end regions. This preferred shield is rotatable in order to allow the position of the sputtering activity to be selected.