Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for incinerating successive batches of waste material are provided wherein each batch is introduced into a primary combustion zone and substochiometrically combusted with air introduced therein, the combustion gases produced in the primary combustion zone are conducted to a secondary combustion zone wherein they are combined with secondary air and further combusted and the combustion gases produced in the secondary combustion zone are withdrawn therefrom. By the present invention, the rate of secondary air combined with the combustion gases in the secondary combustion zone is controlled to maintain the combustion gases withdrawn therefrom at a substantially constant selected temperature level during the peak incineration stage of each waste batch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of noxious landfill produced leachate and gases are provided. The method basically comprises the steps of combusting at least a portion of the landfill produced gases with air in a first combustion zone to produce a stream of hot combustion products, contacting the landfill produced leachate with the stream of hot combustion products to thereby vaporize a portion of the leachate and form a concentrated leachate residue and a composite gas stream, withdrawing the concentrated leachate residue, and then combusting the composite gas stream with additional air in a second combustion zone to convert noxious components remaining therein to non-polluting compounds.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling ash. A tank is filled with water and has the lower end thereof located at a substantial angle from horizontal. The tank is positioned beneath an incinerator to receive ash therefrom. An ash wheel having sectors defined by upright paddle elements has a portion thereof received beneath the water into which the ash falls and a portion thereof which extends over one edge of the tank. As the wheel rotates, ash is swept over the edge of the tank and onto a conveyor for disposal.

Abstract: An improved solids incineration process and system are provided of the type wherein the solids are combusted and the resulting combustion gases are separated from combustion ash, the ash is quenched and neutralized with a quench liquid, heat is removed from the combustion gases and the combustion gases contacted with a scrubber liquid in a wet scrubber to remove fly ash therefrom. By the present invention, the spent scrubber liquid from the wet scrubber is utilized as at least a portion of the ash quench liquid.

Abstract: Pilot burner apparatus is provided which has improved flame stability and other characteristics. The pilot burner is comprised of a hollow body member having a combustible gas inlet nozzle portion at one end connected to a sleeve portion which forms an outlet at the other end. A heat retaining member is disposed within the sleeve portion adjacent the outlet end thereof. Upon short duration combustion disturbances, flame stability is maintained by the burner.

Abstract: A duct burner apparatus and method for burning a gaseous fuel in the presence of a flowing oxygen-containing gas stream is provided. The apparatus comprises fuel gas supply means positioned in the path of the oxygen-containing gas stream and at least one elongated baffle means spaced from the conduit means on the downstream side thereof. The baffle means includes an inner wall portion and diverging outer wing portions and defines an ignition zone which is shielded from the conduit means. Spacer means for supporting the baffle means are attached thereto and to the conduit means, and fuel gas nozzle means are removably connected to the conduit means which extend to the baffle means for introducing fuel gas into the ignition zone and downstream thereof.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly supported in an opening in a furnace wall has injected gas and/or air flowing through an inner burner tube then outwardly through a plurality of openings for burning along the surface of a wall thus providing a near uniform radiant heat energy to the furnace. A flow divider positioned opposite the openings divides the flowing gas and/or air to improve distribution, and retard flashback in the event of variations in fuel-air mixture and/or flow.

Abstract: An electric pressing iron having a motion and attitude sensor including a mercury switch connected to a timer, and in conjunction therewith is adapted to disable the electric heater of the iron when the iron is oriented with the soleplate substantially horizontal and is not moving. The motion and attitude sensor and timer are also adapted to disable the electric heater when the iron is oriented with its soleplate vertical after the passage of a preselected period of time.

Abstract: A portable electric hair dryer having an insulating housing enclosing a motor, fan and heating element with a first switch means for connecting or disconnecting the hair dryer from a source of power and a second switch for controlling the level of heat supplied by the heating element, the first switch being a normally open double pole switch which is completely moisture sealed. The first switch having a mechanical stop associated with a switch actuator to prevent inadvertent actuation of said first switch.

Abstract: A dual temperature curling iron has a plastic handle and a metal barrel connected thereto. An electric heater positioned within the metal barrel and is arranged to rapidly heat the barrel and is selectively controlled by either a low temperature thermostat or a high temperature thermostat located within the barrel to provide heat to the metal barrel. A hair clamp is pivotally mounted on the metal barrel, and when opened, causes a switch to generate an in-use signal which is fed to a safety timing circuit. The timing circuit is reset each time it receives the in-use signal. In the event that no further in-use signals are received, the timing circuit, after a preselected interval, provides a signal to a silicon controlled rectifier which is connected to the electric heater causing the silicon controlled rectifier to interrupt electric power to the electric heater. The curling iron is provided with a visual signal for indicating that has reached the selected temperature and is ready for use.

Abstract: A method and flare burner apparatus for flaring inert vitiated waste gases in an efficient stable manner are provided. The apparatus is comprised of a first tubular member for discharging waste gases having an inlet end and a discharge end and a second tubular member positioned around at least the discharge end portion of the first tubular member whereby a discharge space is provided between the first and second tubular members around and adjacent the discharge end of the first tubular member. Burner means are disposed within the discharge space for discharging and igniting fuel gas therein and fuel gas conduit means are sealingly connected to the burner means for connecting the burner means to a source of fuel gas. Air conduit means are sealingly connected to the discharge space for connecting such space to a source of combustion air.

Abstract: A combination can opener and knife sharpening appliance having a generally rectangular box-shaped housing with the can opening mechanism on the front wall thereof and the knife sharpening mechanism protruding from the rear wall of the housing and provided with mounting means adapted to secure the housing to the underside of a kitchen cabinet in such a way that it may be rotated 90.degree. between two alternative use positions.

Abstract: An electronic pressing iron having a soleplate and a housing connected to the soleplate is disclosed herein. An electric resistance heating element is mounted in the soleplate for receipt of an alternating current from a suitable source. A temperature control thermostat is connected in series with the electric heating element and is mounted in good heat conduction relationship with the soleplate to control the temperature thereof. A motion and attitude sensing switch is mounted in a handle of the housing and provides a motion signal to a programmable timer also mounted in the handle. A thermal relay mounted in the handle is connected to the programmable timer to receive a time out signal therefrom. When the electronic pressing iron is switched on and is stationary with its soleplate oriented horizontally, for a period of thirty seconds, the programmable timer signals the thermal relay which interrupts the electric current flowing through the heating element.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery operated appliance system including a plurality of battery operated appliances, each having a charging stand, there being plug receptacles mounted in the cord storage recesses of all but one of the charging stands with the receptacles connected in parallel with the power cords and to the charging circuits for each appliance to permit interconnection of the charging stands.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combusting fuel-air mixtures while inhibiting the formation of nitrogen oxides are provided. The fuel is discharged from one or more nozzles disposed within a housing, air is caused to flow into the housing whereby it mixes with the fuel and the resulting fuel-air mixture is ignited and combusted. The nozzle or nozzles each include one or more ignition orifices for discharging a first portion of fuel in an ignition zone, one or more primary combustion orifices for discharging a second portion of fuel in a primary combustion zone containing excess air and one or more secondary combustion orifices arranged for discharging the remaining portion of fuel in the form of high velocity jets shielded by slower moving fuel within and downstream of the primary combustion zone whereby the fuel is burned in a secondary combustion zone substantially isolated from direct contact with incoming air by the primary combustion zone.