Abstract: A hydrogen storage system is provided which will not substantially degrade over time. Each of a plurality of storage cells comprises a screen coated with a ceramic material which will allow passage of hydrogen, but prevent passage of submicron particles of a hydridable material such as LaNi.sub.5. Charging and discharging of each cell may be accomplished by applying an electrical current to the screen material forming each cell.

Abstract: A portable heater, and component parts thereof, is provided that is capable of safely generating large amounts of heat over a relatively long time frame without significant amounts of pollution. A source of combustible gas, such as a canister of liquefied butane, is in operative communication with a combustion chamber through a control valve. The combustion chamber comprises an elongated tubular member concentric with a chimney. Air and combustible gas are drawn into the bottom of the tubular combustion chamber and combust without flame on a plurality of metal heat-resistant screens. A simple relative rotation between top and bottom casing components controls the flow of gas. A removable piezoelectric igniter is mounted on top of the heater to effect ignition.

Abstract: A catalytic element comprising small, thin-walled metal half-cylinders, slightly tapered at one end and perforated to give a large number of generally frusto-conical projections over the entire outer surface. The outer ends of the projections are jagged or burred. A wide variety of active catalytic materials can be applied to the entire surface of these metal members for use in a wide variety of gas and liquid phase reactions.

Abstract: A precious metal coated interior and uncoated exterior catalyst is formed from a cylindrical substrate with a circumferential periphery and an interior honeycomb structure. A jacket of liquid impermeable material is wrapped around the substrate circumferential periphery, and the jacket ends are fastened together with hook-and-pile fasteners or the like. The wrapped cylindrical catalyst substrate is passed through a shower of precious metal liquid solution or suspension so that the honeycomb structure surfaces are coated with precious metal. Because the jacket is disposed around the substrate circumferential periphery, the circumferential periphery does not get coated. The jacket is removed by disconnecting the hook-and-pile fasteners, and the jacket can be rinsed off with a rinse liquid and the used rinsed liquid may be collected and used for subsequent substrate showers. The jacket is reuseable to wrap other substrates.

Abstract: An insulating system and the method for the preparation thereof, for preparing a catalyst substrate or catalyst to provide a final product wherein a packing and catalyst are insulated from each other. A thin coat of low viscosity ceramic inorganic fiber formulaton is applied to a clean dry substrate or catalyst to wet the surface thereof to facilitate adhesion. Then at least one coat of high viscosity inorganic fiber formulation including a quantity of hollow silica microspheres is applied to the thin coat to provide an insulating coating of desired thickness (e.g. 45 mils .+-. 15 mils). Then the insulating coating is dried. The high viscosity ceramic inorganic fiber formulation is preferably produced from the low viscosity ceramic inorganic fiber formulation by the addition of the hollow silica microspheres thereto, providing very precise viscosity control. The final substrate or catalyst coating system produced has a thermal conductivity of about 2.7 BTU in h.sup.-1 ft..sup.-2 F.sup.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a metal or alloy substrate, an oxidation resistant coating applied to the substrate, the coating comprising aluminum metal powder in a ceramic binder, a high surface area catalytic washcoat over the oxidation resistant coating and a catalytically active material, e.g. a platinum group metal, associated with the washcoat.

Abstract: A process for catalytic heat exchange which comprises providing a ceramic coated metal heat transfer membrane having two sides, one of which is catalytic, flowing a first gas over the catalytic side of the ceramic coated metal heat transfer membrane to generate heat, and flowing a second gas or vapor over the opposite side of the membrane whereby heat is transferred from the first gas to the second gas or vapor. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating external skin blemishes which comprises applying to the skin an effective amount of a platinum compound having the structures: ##STR1## wherein X and Y are either halogens or the oxygen atoms of a carboxylate bidentete ligand and A and B comprise NH.sub.3 groups or organic amines.In the octahedral case (Pt valence=IV) Z is either halogens or hydroxyl (OH) groups.