Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from an adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a near critical liquid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The near critical liquid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to at least partial vaporization to form a vapor in which the adsorbate is substantially less soluble thereby making it possible to remove the adsorbate from the near critical liquid. The vapor is then condensed to restore it to the near critical liquid state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process is particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treating of waste-waters.

Abstract: Process and composition for forming cellular inorganic plastic cements of magnesium oxychlorides and magnesium oxysulfates. A water slurry containing a magnesium salt, magnesium oxide and a water-soluble phosphate is formed and to it are added an anionic water-repellent surfactant and a blowing agent capable of providing a gaseous component in the strongly alkaline environment either through decomposition or reaction or through vaporization. Inorganic filler material may be added to impart strength, the maximum flexural strength being attained when at least about one-half of the filler comprises microfibers. The resulting cellular product is nonflammable and exhibits essentially zero flame spread, zero smoke density and zero fuel contribution. The cellular products are further characterized as being formed of substantially uniformly sized cells and having densities over a wide range.

Abstract: Scroll apparatus for pumping liquids wherein recessed liquid transfer passage means are provided in the end plates of the scroll members. The transfer passage means may be inner passages within the scroll involutes, outer passages outside the scroll involutes or a combination of inner and outer passages. These passages are located and configured to be opened substantially immediately after the orbiting involute wrap has reached that point in its orbiting cycle to define three essentially completely sealed-off liquid zones. These passages remain open at least until the liquid passages between the wraps are sufficiently large to prevent any substantial pressure pulsations within the scroll liquid pump. The scroll liquid pumps may be operated to pump liquid radially inward or outward.

Abstract: A portable data entry device wholly contained within a small housing and for the manual entry of numerical and code data which can be conveyed to a remote data processor upon command. The device includes an electronic memory capable of storing a plurality of multiple character records and includes manually operable controls for sequencing through the memory for review and updating of previously entered data. A connector is provided on the housing by which the device can be directly connected to a data system for the readout of the stored data. The device is self powered and contains circuitry operative to conserve available energizing power.

Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from an adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a supercritical fluid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The supercritical fluid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to a physical treatment which renders the supercritical fluid a nonsolvent for the adsorbate and makes it possible to remove the adsorbate from the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is then subjected to another physical treatment to restore it to a state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process and apparatus are particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treating of waste water.

Abstract: A coupling member particularly suited for coupling two components in a predetermined angular relationship while one component is orbited relative to the other. The coupling member comprises a ring having pairs of oppositely disposed keys on opposite annular surfaces, one pair of keys being displaced 90.degree. from the other. The keys are held on pivot pins affixed to the ring, the pivot pins preferably having flanges which are set in counterbores in the ring. A plurality of axial force-stabilizing disks are also inset on the annular ring surfaces.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a porous shaped body from rubber-like particles. The resulting shaped body is capable of retaining relatively large amounts of a liquid, such as ink, within its pores. Retained liquids can be controllably dispensed from the porous body by bringing it into pressure contact with a receptor surface.

Abstract: A portable data entry device wholly contained within a small housing and for the manual entry of numerical and code data which can be conveyed to a remote data processor upon command. The device includes an electronic memory capable of storing a plurality of multiple character records and includes manually operable controls for sequencing through the memory for review and updating of previously entered data. A connector is provided on the housing by which the device can be directly connected to a data system for the readout of the stored data. The device is self powered and contains circuitry operative to conserve available energizing power.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide cements are formulated to contain microfiber fillers multidirectionally oriented throughout. Secondary reinforcing fillers may also be incorporated into these inorganic cements. The use of the microfiber fillers significantly increases the modulus of rupture and tensile and impact strengths of the magnesium oxide cements thus making them available for a wide range of uses including many now presently served by reinforced synthetic organic resins.

Abstract: A positive fluid displacement scroll apparatus (compressor or expander) wherein the scroll members run with a small clearance between the wrap side flanks, thus essentially eliminating wearing of the wraps. When efficient radial sealing is attained, very little overall efficiency is sacrificed for the ability to construct low-cost scroll apparatus for a number of uses.

Abstract: A flat plate hydrodynamic thrust bearing for orbiting machinery and scroll-type apparatus embodying the thrust bearing are disclosed. The thrust bearing exerts an axial force on the orbiting scroll member to ensure efficient radial sealing of the scroll assembly; and one of the contacting surfaces of the bearing and or of the orbiting scroll member, serving as a journal, has a plurality of intersecting groovings to ensure continuous lubrication of the surfaces. The scroll apparatus is particularly suited for incorporation in a closed cycle refrigeration system wherein minimum wear over extended periods and quiet and reliable operation are required.

Abstract: An adsorbate is removed from a polymeric adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a supercritical fluid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The supercritical fluid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to a physical treatment which renders the supercritical fluid a nonsolvent for the adsorbate and makes it possible to remove the adsorbate from the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is then subjected to another physical treatment to restore it to a state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process is particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treatment of wastewaters.

Abstract: A heating zone of accurately controlled length and predetermined energy profile throughout its length is formed within a focusing apparatus. An elliptical cavity is provided having a conically-configured reflector positioned such that its longitudinal axis coincides with one of the focal axes of the elliptical cavity. An elongate body is placed within the cavity such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the other focal axis. When a beam of radiant energy within a wavelength range which couples with the body to heat it, e.g., a laser beam, is directed onto the conically-configured reflector it is concentrated uniformly around the body throughout a predetermined length. The energy profile along the zone length may be varied either by adjusting the energy distribution in the energy beam prior to being reflected, by modifying the surface contour of the reflector, by modifying the contour of the walls defining the elliptical cavity or by a combination of two or more of these techniques.

Abstract: A cold crucible system is provided which is suitable for carrying out the process of "skull" melting wherein highly refractory materials are melted by inductive heating in a manner to maintain the molten material in a shell of the material cool enough to act as a crucible. The cold crucible system incorporates a crucible formed as two separate halves held in a manner to define a narrow electrically insulating space between them. Each half section comprises a plurality of copper tubes forming half of a "cage." Each tube of the cage has a concentric smaller tube therein whereby there are defined in each tube an outer annular and a central inner fluid passage through which a fluid coolant is circulated. The system is formed as a module capable of being located within a controlled atmosphere chamber. The crucible system is readily adapted to Czochralski crystal growth, for use with a seed crystal to induce directional crystal growth by the Bridgeman technique and to centrifugal casting.

Abstract: An improved versatile device which is useful in detecting leaks of cyrogenic material from transporting, storage and processing equipment and for indicating the location of the leaks.

Abstract: Process for producing fluid fuel from coal using a hydrogen-donor solvent as an extractant. Moisture-free, preheated coal in particulate form is contacted in a drum with hot solvent to extract the hydrocarbons therefrom. Subsequently, the pressure is released to vaporize the solvent and at least a portion of the hydrocarbons extracted. The temperature of the mass in the drum is then raised under conditions required to crack the hydrocarbons in the drum and to produce, after subsequent stripping, a solid coke residue. The hydrocarbon products are removed and fractionated into several cuts, one of which is hydrotreated to form the required hydrogen-donor solvent while other fractions can be hydrotreated or hydrocracked to produce a synthetic crude product. The heaviest fraction can be used to produce ash-free coke especially adapted for hydrogen manufacture. The process can be made self-sufficient in hydrogen and furnishes as a by-product a solid carbonaceous material with a useful heating value.

Abstract: Process for producing fluid fuel from coal. Moisture-free coal in particulate form is slurried with a hydrogen-donor solvent and the heated slurry is charged into a drum wherein the pressure is so regulated as to maintain a portion of the solvent in liquid form. During extraction of the hydrocarbons from the coal, additional solvent is added to agitate the drum mass and keep it up to temperature. Subsequently, the pressure is released to vaporize the solvent and at least a portion of the hydrocarbons extracted. The temperature of the mass in the drum is then raised under conditions required to crack the hydrocarbons in the drum and to produce, after subsequent stripping, a solid coke residue. The hydrocarbon products are removed and fractionated into several cuts, one of which is hydrotreated to form the required hydrogen-donor solvent while other fractions can be hydrotreated or hydrocracked to produce a synthetic crude product.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming essentially spherical solid pellets directly from a melt, and particularly solid metal pellets such as iron and lead. The melt from a column of a preset height is directed through one or more orifices in a way to form a jet which experiences an upwardly directed trajectory path and which under the influence of vibratory action breaks up to form pellets of a predetermined diameter. Adjustments of the column height and/or vibration frequency are used to control pellet diameter. The pellets may be formed and solidified in a controlled atmosphere; and in the case of iron pellets, the carbon content of the pellets may be adjusted, to attain a desired degree of hardness, either before or after pellet formation. Iron pellets thus formed are particularly suitable as substitutes for lead pellets in ammunition.

Abstract: A solid state electronic battery charger which is electromagnetically coupled to one or more batteries. A charging circuit energizes a drive winding to produce an alternating field received by an associated coupler and operative to convey charging current to a battery connected thereto. A sense winding monitors the level of the alternating field to derive a signal representative of the battery charge level and which causes a tapered charge to be supplied to the battery and an indication of a sensed fully charged state. A proximity sensor can be provided to denote the presence of a coupled battery and by which charging operation is commenced.

Abstract: An optical assembly which provides a cylindrical mirror of adjustable focal length, adjustable angle of elevation, adjustable horizontal orientation and adjustable angle of focus. The mirror is formed of a thin member of a spring material and it is mounted on a four-point support system comprising sets of inner and outer loading points. Means are provided to move one set of loading points relative to the other set to control and adjust the radius of curvature and hence the focal length of the mirror. Means are also provided to tilt the mirror, to orient it in a horizontal plane and to orient the line beam it forms to control the angle of focus.