Abstract: A stream of gas contaminated with particulate material is wetted by a liquid spray in a scrubber manifold. Positioned downstream of the liquid spray in the manifold is a bed of wire filaments extending transversely across the manifold and cocurrent with the liquid and gas flow through the manifold in a fan-shaped arrangement. The liquid spray impacts the filaments to fold a liquid film on the filaments. The particulate laden gas stream impacts the filaments and becomes entrained in the liquid on the filaments. The scrubbing liquid on the filament forms a particle collection surface which strips the solid contaminant particles from the gas along the filaments. The liquid and entrained particles flows by gravity down the filaments where the liquid drains with the contaminate as a film. The gas flow exits the manifold substantially free of particulate matter.

Abstract: A joystick controller for utilizing omnidirectional pivoting manual displacement by an operator to operate transducers for producing control signals comprises a mounting plate defining an opening therethrough and gimbal mounting means secured to the mounting plate for pivotally mounting a joystick shaft extending through the opening. The joystick shaft has an operator knob on one end, and a gauge plate on the other end, the gauge plate having a first straight edge and a second straight edge perpendicular thereto. First and second lever arms are pivotally mounted and biased against the first and second straight edges of the gauge plate, whereby displacement of the joystick knob causes displacement of the gauge plate and pivots the lever arms biased thereagainst. Follower rods extend from the lever arms to engage the gauge plate. First and second transducers are respectively operated by the pivoting lever arms.

Abstract: A mobile platform in an underground mine supports an electric motor that operates a compressor to supply air under pressure to one or more hoppers containing abrasive particles which are held in suspension and pressurized within the hopper. The electric motor is drivingly connected to a hydraulic pump that supplies water under pressure in a range of 3000 to 4000 p.s.i. through a conduit to the water inlet of a nozzle assembly. A second conduit conveys the pressurized abrasive particles to the nozzle assembly for admixture with the water. The flow of abrasive particles is maintained by the compressed air at a constant flow rate to enhance the output velocity of the water encapsulated particles from the nozzle assembly. The abrasive stream impinges on the surface of a gas well casing to sever the casing as the nozzle assembly is rotated around the casing. In this manner a pipe or gas well casing obstructing a mining operation is removed without generating sparks in the hazardous mine atmosphere.