Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for maintaining a constant gas-to-solids ratio in the effluent from a long vertical shaft waste treatment bioreactor. In a vertical bioreactor wherein waste is circulated under air-injected oxidation conditions around a loop comprising adjacent downcomer and riser chambers connected at their terminals and operatively connected to a separation apparatus, the improvement comprises withdrawing treated effluent from the riser chamber into a cylindrical vessel from whence the effluent is directed either to the separation chamber or into the influent stream depending on the total level of fluid in the bioreactor. Removal of large air bubbles from the effluent is also effected in the cylindrical vessel. The method provides improved gas-to-solids ratio in the effluent and improves sludge flotation in the separation apparatus.

Abstract: An explosive package is provided which is particularly adapted to be placed against and around the inside and outside curvature of a metal pipe for explosive welding purposes. The package is a substantially flat trapezoidal-shaped container, the shorter, non-parallel ends of which can be adjustably abutted against the non-parallel ends of a similar package in order to provide a continuous ring or band of explosives inside or outside the circumference of a pipe.

Abstract: In a long vertical shaft activated sludge bioreactor for the treatment of waste water and the flotation/separation of solids therefrom, an improvement is provided whereby fluctuations in flow through the bioreactor are maintained level without the use of complex control mechanisms and whereby separation from the effluent of dispersed air bubbles occurs directly in the flotation/separation vessel rather than in the shaft or an auxiliary vessel. The improvement provides for the installation of a holding reservoir between the shaft and the flotation/separation vessel. Influent passes through the reservoir on its way to the bioreactor and some make-up effluent from the flotation/separation vessel is directed into the holding reservoir as the level of liquid in the reservoir falls. In addition, means are provided in the separation/flotation vessel to split off large dispersed gas bubbles which would otherwise disrupt sludge flotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided whereby a pressurized long vertical shaft bioreactor is protected against extreme surges of influent waste liquid. The method provides for the transfer of excess waste from the top of the bioreactor head tank to an adjacent collection vessel where, in response to the pressure created in the bioreactor, the collected waste is caused to overflow and is returned to the influent waste stream. The method permits the return of waste from the reactor to the influent stream while bypassing the normal circulation route through the reactor. Simplification of control is provided and float or level control valves may be eliminated thereby reducing construction, operating and maintenance costs.

Abstract: An improved long vertical shaft bioreactor for the treatment of degradable waste is provided wherein the head tank or basin surmounting the vertical downcomer and riser chambers is surrounded by a foam oxidation vessel. Conduits are provided between the head tank and the foam vessel through which (a) foam accumulated in the head tank is passed to the foam vessel and (b) through which excess fluid in the head tank may be vented.

Abstract: A nitrogen gas generating composition is provided which consists of a stoichiometric mixture of an alkali metal azide or an alkali earth metal azide and a doped iron oxide of high chemical reactivity. The doped iron oxide contains up to 1.0% by weight of another metal oxide impregnated into its particle lattice. The resulting composition has improved properties of ignition delay time, total burn time, filter-ability and reduced toxic by-products.

Abstract: A lining gun for spraying refractory lining on the interior of ladles and the like includes an elongated conduit which is suspended downwardly into the interior of the ladle. A reversible air motor rotates the conduit about its axis in one direction and then the other for approximately 360.degree. in each direction. A first pair of mixing nozzles mounted adjacent the bottom of the conduit direct refractory material passing through the conduit onto the bottom of the ladle and a second pair of nozzles direct the refractory material onto the side walls of the ladle. A flow splitter and diverter valve mechanism mounted within the conduit adjacent the nozzles selectively allows the refractory material to pass either through the first pair of nozzles or the second pair.

Abstract: An extremity holder for mounting on an operating table. The holder provides means for supporting a sling attached to a patient during the preparation for surgery and during the operation. The holder can be adjusted both vertically, horizontally and pivoted to a position above and adjacent the operating table.