Abstract: A computer assisted transit car door operating system for augmented automation of transit car door panel operation while providing safety provisions to restrain rail movement unless all passage doorways are closed. A programmable logic controller generates a sequence initiating (opening or closing) signal for a door panel; or, a manual input signal can be introduced for such purpose. The controller receives signals from a panel position sensor and a panel movement sensor to evaluate door panel status and generate status indication and panel movement signals. Automated control of door panel movement is selectively directed to a doorway, or doorways, at which an opening or closing problem is being encountered; that is, the exclusion of door panel movement signals to properly operated door panels.

Abstract: A computer assisted transit car door operating system for augmented automation of transit car door panel operation while providing safety provisions to restrain rail movement unless all passage doorways are closed. A programmable logic controller generates a sequence initiating (opening or closing) signal for a door panel; or, a manual input signal can be introduced for such purpose. The controller receives signals from a panel position sensor and a panel movement sensor to evaluate door panel status and generate status indication and panel movement signals. Automated control of door panel movement is selectively directed to a doorway, or doorways, at which an opening or closing problem is being encountered; that is, the exclusion of door panel movement signals to properly operated door panels.

Abstract: A process for treating solid substantially non-volatile wastes contaminated with a heat sensitive contaminant is disclosed. The wastes are heated to form a liquid slag. The liquid slag is held at elevated temperature until at least a portion of the contaminating components have either decomposed or evolved from the melt as a gas. The slag is subjected to cooling and the contaminating compounds are bound or encapsulated into a solid glassy slag. The process is particularly suitable for handling fluoride and cyanide contaminated aluminum smelting wastes such as spent potliner material. It is advantageous to add silica to such wastes. The residue from the slagging reaction is a glassy solid sodium metal silicate matrix such that the fluoride residues remaining in the wastes are encapsulated. The amount of silicate blended with the feed material is selected to substantially tie up all of the sodium remaining in the residue after slag melting and is typically 7.5 to 50 weight percent of the feed.

Abstract: A high temperature gas meter provides a liquid injection means, at least one temperature sensing means located upstream from the liquid injection means and a liquid flow measuring means. Alternatively, a second temperature sensing means may be employed downstream from the liquid injection means. The meter uses the change in temperature of a gas flowing through a conduit recorded at temperature sensing means before and after injection into the gas stream of a liquid of known quantity and temperature. The flow of the gas is inversely proportional to the change in temperature recorded prior to liquid injection and after liquid injection.

Abstract: A machine is described for accurately elevating and aligning large ceiling panels for placement in an overhead ceiling. The machine includes a frame supported by wheels which permit horizontal transport of the machine between panel receiving and panel placing positions. Elevating outriggers are provided to elevate the frame and wheels at the panel placing location and to partially advance the panel vertically toward placement. A series of elevating stages which are slidably mounted upon guides fixed to the frame elevate the panel to its final elevation for placement. Hydraulic cylinders are provided to elevate the stages. A pair of carriages are provided, mounted on the elevating stages, slidably adjustable along stage frame members, for shifting the panel into transverse and longitudinal alignment for placement. An upper carriage includes a turntable bearing upon which is mounted a base for supporting the panel.

Abstract: An arrestor for reducing the velocity of moving icebergs and the like or large drifting objects relative to an off-shore fixed structure is disclosed. In use, the device extends outwardly from a fixed structure in at least one direction. A frame is adapted to be mounted to the structure in a manner which will allow an extending end thereof to move toward the structure. Nylon ropes or any other suitable elastic members are attached to the frame and to the structure and are utilized to provide an increasingly greater resistive force on the frame as the extending end of the frame is pushed toward the structure by an iceberg. Various embodiments of the general concept are disclosed.

Abstract: An ice-breaking structure having a platform member adapted to be flexibly connected to an off-shore fixed well shaft in a manner which allows the platform to lift and/or tilt relative to the shaft is disclosed. The platform member has at least one lower surface which slopes upwardly toward an outer edge thereof and is adapted to be positioned on the shaft so that the sloping surface extends both above and below sea level. As oncoming ice approaches and contacts the structure, the sloping surface lifts a portion of the platform upwardly onto the ice so that part of the weight of the platform is carried by the ice. This weight on the ice aids in breaking-up the same. Various embodiments of the general concept are disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a single point mooring and fender suitable for large ocean going vessels. A dolphin is surrounded by a ring which is connected to the dolphin by a plurality of extensible resilient members adapted to absorb the kinetic energy of a hull moving against the fender.

Abstract: Hydrogen ignitor and housing structure having high-strength and lightweight characteristics for surface mounting within a nuclear reactor containment vessel are disclosed. A unitary main body is formed from stainless steel sheet metal free of internal or external structural bracing to provide an open-ended enclosure for placement and interconnection of electrical transformer equipment for the hydrogen ignitor. The open end of the main body enclosure is hermetically sealed with a unitary stainless steel sheet metal cover plate which interlocks with the main body sidewall so that forces, due e.g. to changes of pressure, tending to distort the configuration of the sidewall or cover plate, are absorbed by both through such interlocking. Hermetic sealing of the enclosure is maintained while providing limited access for external placement of an ignitor glow probe and for line voltage power supply internally of the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus adaptable to continuous production of hydrogen sulfide by chemical reaction of sulfur with a gaseous sulfur-reducing reactant selected from methane or other hydrocarbons, hydrogen, carbon-containing compounds such as carbon disulfide, gases with high CO contents, e.g. from gasification of coal, or mixtures of such gases are provided utilizing a separately-fired sulfur heater to vaporize liquid sulfur feedstock. Adding steam with the sulfur reduces the temperature level requirements of the sulfur vapors and provides H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 for the hydrolysis reactions. Control of the temperature of the sulfur vapors and steam delivered into the system through the sulfur vaporizer is used to modulate sulfiding reaction temperatures. A major portion of the steam is introduced with the sulfur vapors; a minor portion of the steam can be added with the feedstock reductant gas to assist in heat recovery from the reaction product gases and to facilitate standby conditions.

Abstract: The specification discloses a single point mooring for vessels comprising a base member adapted to rest on the ocean bottom, a cross member joined to the base member at one end thereof and a mooring post member joined to the base member at the opposite end and perpendicular to a plane intersecting the base member and cross member. Placing the single point mooring by floating, towing and sequential flooding is also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses surge controlling means for a liquid-solid separator. A plurality of surge compartments are provided above overflow weirs in a holding tank for the liquid-solid material.

Abstract: The specification discloses a single point mooring and fender suitable for large ocean going vessels. A dolphin is embraced by two fender bars in crossing relationship and having at least one resilient yielding member to resist spreading.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus adaptable to continuous production of hydrogen sulfide from chemical reaction of sulfur with various gaseous sulfur-reducing reactants selected from hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon-containing compounds such as carbon disulfide, hydrogen, of mixtures of such gases are provided utilizing a fired process sulfur heater to vaporize liquid sulfur feed stock.Control of the temperature of the sulfur vapors and the amount of liquid sulfur feed are used to modulate sulfiding reaction temperatures.Viscosity of the liquid sulfur feed stock is modified by contact with product gases in order to facilitate flow rate control as liquid sulfur is pumped into the sulfur vaporizer where its temperature increases above about 300.degree. F.Steam for hydrolysis purposes is introduced with the sulfur vapors, to augment temperature modulation of the sulfiding reactions, and/or with the reductant gas to assist in heat recovery from the reaction product gases.

Abstract: An improved aircraft illumination apparatus and improved circuitry for operating the illumination apparatus. Light sources are mounted on the interior of the aircraft landing gear doors for providing illumination ahead of the central portion of the aircraft. A reliable electrical circuit is provided for automatically turning the light sources on when the landing gear doors open and for automatically turning them off when the doors close. The circuit includes a power circuit for carrying the relatively heavy load current and a control circuit for carrying a smaller control signal for controlling the load current. The landing gear door switch means is connected in the control circuit, and controls application and interruption of the load current.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing the track-to-wheel adhesion and minimizing the rolling resistance of the wheels of a locomotive is disclosed. A low volume of high pressure water, alone or in admixture with wetting agents, cleaning agents, etc. is sprayed onto the wheel contact surface of the rail forward of the driven wheels of the locomotives at very high pressures, i.e. 4,000 to 6,000 psi. followed immediately by ejecting air or other gas under pressure onto the wheel contact surface of the rail to dry the contact surface.

Abstract: A device for lifting and positioning sheet steel piling of great length which eliminates permanent distortion of the piling during lifting and handling comprising an elongated openwork rigid structural member or framework having a plurality of electromagnets on its underside for picking up a sheet pile and moving it into vertical position contiguous to a pile already driven so that the two piles can be interconnected.

Abstract: A closure actuating device is disclosed for freeing rotation of discharge control doors for railway hopper cars of the type where the door assembly is supported for rotation about a pivotal axis parallel to and beneath the discharge opening in the railway car. To alleviate sticking of the doors due to compaction of fines on the upper surface of the control doors which cover the discharge openings, the device lowers the control doors to increase the clearance between the terminating edges of the discharge openings and the upper surface of the discharge door.