Abstract: In the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream by use of a liquid catalyst containing ferric ions, the ferric ions of the liquid catalyst are converted to ferrous ions. Regeneration of the ferric ions can be accomplished by bubbling air through the liquid catalyst. A significant decrease in regeneration time for transforming the ferrous ions back to the original ferric ion state can occur when a culture of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria is introduced to the liquid catalyst. Optimization indicates a pH range between 6.0 and 9.0, a temperature between 20.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. and a cell concentration of 12.5.times.10.sup.8 cells per liter.

Abstract: A microcalorimeter includes instrumentation for reducing measurement errors due to system fluctuations. One or more sensors is utilized to detect heat content of a sample gas, and create a composition independent system. Instrumentation for automatically compensating for pressure and temperature variations is also employed in the microcalorimeter. A method for continuously measuring the BTU content of a gas utilizing the microcalorimeter includes steps for adjusting system parameters in response to changes in ambient conditions and sample gas composition to further reduce measurement error.

Abstract: A module for an ion-conducting device includes a plurality of spaced-apart, solid state ion-conducting electrolyte elements arranged substantially radially around a central plenum. A plurality of longitudinal gas flow channels is sealed off from the central plenum by a plurality of seals, and extend longitudinally through the module in the spaces between every other adjacent pair of electrolyte elements. A plurality of transverse gas flow channels is in fluid communication with the central plenum, and extend generally radially outward from it through the spaces between every-other adjacent pair of electrolyte elements not constituting a longitudinal gas flow channel. Manifold plates having a plenum aperture and a plurality of gas apertures therein are disposed on either side of the radially arranged electrolyte elements, and sandwich the elements therebetween.

Abstract: A graded electrolyte of zirconia and bismuth oxide containing proposed surface regions one of which is rich in zirconia, the other rich in bismuth oxide is disclosed. The strength and reduction resistance of zirconia is combined with the high ionic conductivity of bismuth oxide to form a superior oxygen ion-conducting electrolyte which is especially useful in fuel cells.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for providing while drilling information on a subterranean geologic formation (28) includes a drilling rig (12) and a rotary drill bit (18) attached to the drilling rig (12) for providing seismic waves as it drills in the earth (16). Geophones (20) are spaced from the rotary drill bit (18) in the earth (16) and receive in direct seismic wave paths (26) and seismic wave paths (30) reflected from the subterranean geologic formation (28) the seismic waves provided by the drill bit (18). A reference sensor (24) is located on the drilling rig (12). The seismic signals sensed by the reference sensor (24) and by the geophones (20) are cross-correlated to separate the drill bit generated signals from interference signals by combining the reference signals and the signals received by the geophones (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the position and orientation of a remote object in relation to an observation point comprises a transmitter for sending a magnetic field signal and a receiver for receiving and analyzing the magnetic field signal. The transmitter or the receiver is positioned at the observation point and the other is secured on the remote object. The transmitter has three coils positioned on a ferromagnetic core with their axes mutually orthogonal to each other and connected to a polyphase power to produce a magnetic field around the coils. The coils are connected and energized in pairs to produce a magnetic field rotating about the axis of the third coil. The receiver has three coils positioned on a ferromagnetic core with their axes mutually orthogonal to each other and responsive to the magnetic field produced by the tranmsitter. The receiving coils are connected in pairs to detect the phase relationship and magnitude of the signal to indicate the orientation of the remote body.