Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for drying aqueous solids by evaporation using a fluidizing oil and a surfactant wherein the fluidizing oil and surfactant are recovered and recycled separately or together. The aqueous solids may, or may not, have a heavy, natural oil associated with them.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for drying aqueous solids by evaporation using a fluidizing oil and a surfactant wherein the fluidizing oil and surfactant are recovered and recycled separately or together. The aqueous solids may, or may not, have a heavy, natural oil associated with them.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a movable rack from falling down comprises a tubular rail extending horizontally above the movable rack, a pair of U-shaped brackets each of which is provided on a top of the movable rack spaced apart from each other in a direction of the movement of the rack, and a pair of rollers provided in each of the brackets vertically separate from each other. The rollers are so disposed that the tubular rail extends between the rollers.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing light oil from solids. The invention is particularly applicable to the removal of residual light oil from solids obtained in a process where aqueous solids are mixed with a light fluidizing oil and subjected to dehydration by heat evaporation. Aqueous solids are mixed with a low viscosity, relatively volatile, water-immiscible light fluidizing oil to obtain a mixture which will remain fluid and pumpable after removal of essentially its entire water content. The mixture of solids, water and fluidizing oil is subjected to a dehydration step by heat evaporation whereby substantially all of the water and at least part of the light oil are evaporated and subsequently recovered. The light fluidizing oil is then largely separated from the solids. The solids carrying residual light fluidizing oil are then brought into direct contact with a hot, inert gas, referred to herein as "blowing gas." The hot, inert blowing gas effects the removal of the residual light oil from the solids.

Abstract: Disclosed are fastener assemblies in which the fastener is captivated in a channel member and is removable through the opening between inturned flange edges of the channel member. Embodiments of a nut retainer assembly and a bolt retainer assembly are disclosed as is an embodiment of a complementary clamping system utilizing a nut retainer assembly and a bolt retainer assembly. In order to facilitate insertion of a fastener through the opening between inturned flange edges of the channel member, at least one of the flats of the base of the fastener includes an inclined portion. Further, in order to facilitate removal of a captivated fastener, at least one of the flats of the base of the fastener includes a cut-out or recessed portion which with the inturned flange edge forms a slot suitable for receiving the tip of a screwdriver.

Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source, the article storage units being put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of the one article storage unit to provide access to the article.

Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source. The article storage units are put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of one article storage unit to provide access to the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for dehydrating waste solids concentrates including secondary and digested sewage sludges and those concentrates prone to form emulsions upon the addition of oil are obtained and accomplished by mixing the sludge or other concentrate with fluidizing oil prior to dehydration by heat evaporation to maintain pumpability; recycling a portion of the substantially anhydrous waste solids and oil evaporator output slurry, and admixing it with the fluidizing oil and input sludge or concentrate to regulate the solids content and viscosity of the steady state feed mixture and thereby prevent fouling of the evaporator heat transfer surfaces and convert emulsions to suspensions.

Abstract: A locking and unlocking device for a manually movable wheeled storage rack or the like is disclosed wherein a toothed locking wheel is operatively connected to wheels of a storage rack, and a pair of locking and unlocking leverages each including a catch are disposed symmetrically about the axis of the locking wheel so that the catches may selectively engage with or disengage from the teeth of the locking wheel by the operation of operating knobs exterior of the storage rack. When one of the catches is made into engagement with the toothed locking wheel while the other is out of engagement therefrom, the rotation in one direction of the locking wheel is locked while the rotation in the other direction is unlocked, and vice versa.

Abstract: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizng members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrators's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: Apparatus and a proccess for the thermal decomposition of organic material is disclosed wherein the waste solids concentrates are first mixed in a fluidizing tank with a fluidizing oil to form an appropriate mixture which is then dehydrated to remove water from the waste and oil mixture. Subsequently, the waste solids and oil are separated. The resultant dehydrated, substantially oil free organic waste material is then pyrolized within a temperature range of approximately 700.degree. F. to 1800.degree. F. by which lower molecular weight organic compounds are distilled off as organic vapors and gases while a residue of char and ash remain.

Abstract: In a dynamic solids concentrator having a rotor with radially extensive disc-like elements which rotate adjacent other stationary or rotating disc-like elements, stabilizing members are provided along radial edges of the respective elements. In the case of the rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within guide members on or guide paths in the inner walls of the concentrator and, in another embodiment, T-shaped stabilizing members whose arms ride on the surfaces of adjacent disc-like elements. In the case of the non-rotating elements, the stabilizing members are stabilizing fingers which ride within the guide members on or guide paths in the concentrator's rotor shaft. The fingers, T-shaped members and their cooperating guides stabilize the relative positions of the disc-like elements within the concentrator under conditions in which pressure differentials within the concentrator or high rotor speeds would otherwise disturb their relative positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating and washing solids in a slurry comprising a housing containing both separation/concentration and washing chambers with an inlet for continuously injecting solids -- containing fluid into the separation chamber wherein a dynamic filtering system is provided for separating the solids -- containing fluid to form a cencentrate of solids and a filtrate. The filtering system includes a plurality of stationary filter elements and a plurality of rotor elements mounted on a rotatable shaft from which they extend outwardly and adjacent the filter elements to form a plurality of alternating rotor and filter elements within the housing. The concentrate washing chamber is disposed downstream of the filtering system and includes a plurality of stationary filter elements and a plurality of rotor elements arranged similarly to the elements in the filtering system.

Abstract: The concentrator has at least one shaft-mounted rotor disc of solid or hollow construction with two or more ploughs located equally spaced about its periphery. The ploughs extend outwardly into the flow path of a solids-containing fluid within the concentrator to deter any tendency, due to centrifugal force, for a build-up of solids between stationary filter means and in a region remote from the periphery of the rotor disc. In a disclosed embodiment of the concentrator, the shaft-mounted rotor disc has at least one passage therethrough for the flow of solids-containing fluid from one side of the rotor disc to the other, and a plough is provided adjacent the passage and on a hub of the rotor disc to deter any tendency for a build-up of solids adjacent the passage.

Abstract: In a rotary concentrator for continuous separation of a vehicle fluid and a concentrate of solids from an abrasive solids-containing fluid, a plurality of solids-detaining baffles and pockets are provided within the concentrator to collect deposits of the abrasive materials. This depositing of materials upon interior surfaces of the concentrator provides an autogenous, relatively stationary protective layer of abrasive material which protects those surfaces from the abrasive action of solids-containing material flowing past them during operation of the concentrator.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for dehydrating waste solids concentrates including secondary and digested sewage sludges and those concentrates prone to form emulsions upon the addition of oil are obtained and accomplished by mixing the sludge or other concentrate with fluidizing oil prior to dehydration by heat evaporation to maintain pumpability; recycling a portion of the substantially anhydrous waste solids and oil evaporator output slurry, and admixing it with the fluidizing oil and input sludge or concentrate to regulate the solids content and viscosity of the steady state feed mixture and thereby prevent fouling of the evaporator heat transfer surfaces and convert emulsions to suspensions.