Abstract: A system includes an exhaust conduit coupled, at least first end of the exhaust conduit, to an internal combustion; a catalytic converter coupled to a second end of the exhaust conduit; and electromagnetic wave source configured to emit electromagnetic energy; and a wave guide, coupled at a first end to the electromagnetic wave source and at a second end to the exhaust conduit, and extending between the electromagnetic wave source and the exhaust conduit. The electromagnetic wave source is configured to provide the electromagnetic energy, via the wave guide, to exhaust gas traveling through the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A system includes an exhaust conduit coupled, at least first end of the exhaust conduit, to an internal combustion; a catalytic converter coupled to a second end of the exhaust conduit; and electromagnetic wave source configured to emit electromagnetic energy; and a wave guide, coupled at a first end to the electromagnetic wave source and at a second end to the exhaust conduit, and extending between the electromagnetic wave source and the exhaust conduit. The electromagnetic wave source is configured to provide the electromagnetic energy, via the wave guide, to exhaust gas traveling through the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: A method of scrubbing SOx, NOx compounds and other air toxins from a flue gas stream. In the method, two distinct unit operations are amalgamated to scrub SOx, NOx and other air toxins compounds from a flue gas stream. More specifically, there is a dry scrubbing operation and a wet scrubbing operation. The dry injection scrubbing operation involves contacting a flue gas stream containing SOx and NOx compounds with a sorbent for removing substantially all of the SOx and NOx compounds present in the stream. The second wet scrubbing operation involves contacting the stream to remove any residual SOx, NOx compounds, and other air toxins remaining in the stream.

Abstract: An oil and waste line connection spillage containment apparatus, constructed from non-corrosive and rustproof materials, includes a substantially cylindrical container which has two openings for receiving oil and waste loading and unloading lines therein. The lines are connected within the container. A circular cover encloses the container and is quickly and securely fastened and unfastened from the container using a pair of L-shaped members which extend from the cover and cooperatively couple with a lip defined around the top of the container. Any oil and waste spilled from the connection is removed from the container when the lines are disconnected, or alternatively, a removal line with an auxiliary valve affixed thereto, is used to siphon the oil and waste from the container to the loading line. When the unloading line is removed from the opening in the container, a plug having vent holes for releasing gas from the container, is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable insert adapted to fit within the atomization port of a spray nozzle used to atomize a gas/slurry mixture. The nozzle insert has a configuration which greatly minimizes the build-up of solids on the end of the insert, the forward face of the nozzle as well as around the atomization ports when atomizing a slurry. The improved features of the nozzle insert include (a) the interior fluid conveying passage has a constant diameter through the head of the insert; (b) the downstream end of the head is tapered and ends in a circular knife edge at the spray outlet; and (c) the tapered head extends outwardly from the forward face of the nozzle a distance sufficient for the spray outlet to be positioned beyond eddy currents which form during atomization of the gas/slurry mixture.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for maintaining the spacing between a pair of adjacent electrostatic precipitator plates having corona electrode wires positioned midway therebetween. The plates are of the type having a generally planar vertically extending surface spaced horizontally from and extending parallel with the planar surface of an adjacent plate. Vertically extending ribs are formed on the plates, the ribs projecting perpendicular from the planar surfaces inwardly toward the ribs on the adjacent plate. The spacer includes a pair of braces which extend horizontally between the adjacent pair of precipitator plates. The braces compressively engage the vertically extending ribs therebetween. Each of the braces is provided with a pair of plate engaging edges at opposite ends thereof and at least one angled edge. The angle between the contiguous plate engaging and angled edges is greater than about 110.degree., in order to facilitate mounting of the spacers.

Abstract: A waste water control method and means comprising three basic units, a first unit including a flush booth wherein a radiator, or the like, may be exteriorly sprayed and/or interiorly flushed in the usual manner, and a multi-compartmented sump arranged for receiving the fluid draining from the spraying and/or flushing operation; a second unit including a first settling compartment wherein the fluid from the sump is received for a separation of heavy particles or components of the fluid from lighter components thereof, the lighter components of the fluid being directed to a first holding compartment for a chemical bath treatment thereof to substantially eliminate undesirable organic matter from the fluid; and a third unit including a second settling compartment for receiving the fluid from the first holding compartment to provide a final separation of heavier components of the fluid from the lighter components thereof, and a second holding compartment in communication with the second settling compartment for re

Abstract: A hot gas cleaning and heat transfer method associated with a cooking hood assembly to separate foreign matter and liquids from gas moving through the hood assembly and transferring heat from the gas to a cooling liquid. A heat conducting wall surrounding a tubular passage accommodating a plurality of helical elements divide and direct gas into separate helical gas streams. The cooling liquid surrounds the wall to lower the temperature of the wall. Foreign matter, gas vapors, and liquids are separated from the hot gas into an annular sheath adjacent the heat conducting wall. The foreign matter, gas vapors, and liquid particles suspended in the gas are combined by mechanisms of centrifugal force, adhesion, condensation, and impaction. The gas vapors are condensed into liquid droplets. The liquid droplets, liquids, and foreign matter merge into a liquid film on the inside of the wall. This liquid film is moved down the wall and collected in an annular collecting member located adjacent the exit end of the wall.

Abstract: A gas cleaning and heat transfer apparatus has a plurality of gas cleaning units that concurrently operate to separate foreign matter from the gas and reduces the temperature of the gas. Each cleaning unit has a heat conducting wall surrounding a tubular passage for carrying gas and foreign matter. A plurality of helical elements located in the passage are positioned in angular relationship relative to each other so that the gas moving through the passage is divided into separate helical gas streams. Heat from the gas in the passage is transferred through the wall to the fluid. The jacket around the cylindrical wall has a generally spiral rib in one embodiment which directs the flow of liquid in the chamber in a spiral path. The heating liquid is pumped to a location where the heat in the liquid is utilized. In another embodiment a spiral fin surrounds the heat conducting wall and a relatively airtight jacket surrounds the fin. Air cools the heat conducting wall as it circulates in the jacket.

Abstract: A gas cleaning and heat transfer apparatus associated with a cooking hood assembly to separate foreign matter from gas moving through the hood assembly and transferring heat from the gas to a liquid. The apparatus has a plurality of gas cleaning and heat transfer units. Each unit has a heat conducting wall surrounding a tubular passage accommodating a plurality of helical elements that divide and direct the gas into separate helical gas streams. A spiral ribbed jacket having a liquid accommodating a chamber surrounds the cylindrical wall and directs the flow of a liquid in the chamber in a spiral path. The foreign matter is separated from the gas as it moves in the spiral path through the passage by the combined mechanisms of centrifugal force, adhesion, condensation, and impaction. The liquid surrounding the wall lowers the temperature of the gas adjacent the inside of the wall causing condensation of vapors carried by the gas on the wall.

Abstract: A cooking unit having a hood equipped with air cleaning structures and blowers for moving air through the cleaning structures. The air cleaning structures include a pre-filter having spaced baffles for collecting air borne greases and particles. A primary fiber filter and secondary charcoal and oxidizer beds are located downstream of the pre-filter. A high efficiency filter is located downstream of the secondary cleaning beds. A damper behind the pre-filter closes in response to an increase in temperature of the air moving through the filters. A separate heating unit is used to reactivate the charcoal.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing boiler flue gas by intimate contact thereof with dry particles of a reactant or absorbent, such as hydrated lime, preferably with recirculation of the flue gas and entrained reactant or absorbent particles. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the method comprises an upstanding conduit defining a vertical gas flow path in communication with a source of SO.sub.2 --and particulate-laden flue gas, a conveyor for introducing a dry reactant or absorbent into the gas flow path, and a rotatable slinger mounted within the gas flow path for uniformly distributing the reactant or absorbent thereacross.

Abstract: A gas cleaning system having a gas filtering unit that is removably supported in a housing. The housing has a pair of rails containing upwardly open pockets. Hangers on the filtering unit have lips that fit into the pockets to support the unit on the rails in a selected position in the housing. A peripheral seal on the lower part of the housing engages the bottom of the filtering unit to insure that all the gas flows through the filtering unit. The gas filtering material is stored in chambers formed by spaced perforated walls in the unit. The tops of the chambers are closed with covers carrying the hangers.

Abstract: A hood assembly for use with cooking equipment having a plurality of units for separating foreign matter from air moving through the hood assembly. Each unit has a cylindrical tubular member having a passage for carrying the air and entrained foreign matter. A plurality of helical elements are located in the passage. The adjacent helical elements are located in 90.degree. relationship relative to each other so that the air moving through the passage is divided into separate helical paths which direct the air in spiral patterns whereby the foreign matter is separated from the air by the mechanisms of centrifugal force, adhesion and impaction. The foreign matter is collected and carried to a container. The cleaned air is recycled into the environment surrounding the hood assembly.

Abstract: A universal end connector for releasably coupling together aligned ends of a floating boom or the like is disclosed. The end connector is formed with a normally vertically extending body having a first side adapted for mounting to the end of the boom and a second coupling side formed as a yoke-like bifurcated side having a pair of spaced apart neck portions terminating in enlarged head portions. The neck and head portions define a throat and enlarged cavity therebetween dimensioned for receipt of the head and neck of a similarly formed second end connector. The throat and cavity of the end connectors are open at at least one of a top and a bottom end thereof to permit selective positioning of the end connectors in coupled and uncoupled relation. The enlarged head of the end connector is preferably formed with inwardly facing and inclined surfaces on either side of the head so as to cause the head portions to be pulled together and narrow the throat to enhance coupling under normal loading of the connector.

Abstract: A method of removing immiscible fluids such as oil spills from the surface of bodies of water which comprises placing an adsorbant compound on the water surface in contact with the immiscible fluid and maintaining contact between the surface of the immiscible fluid and the adsorbant material until the immiscible fluid is adsorbed. The adsorbant compound consists of an admixture comprising from between about 30% and 70% by weight of lead slag mineral wool, with the balance being a finely divided natural stone substance containing substantial quantities of iron, aluminum, and magnesium oxides, including such natural stones as trap rock, basalt and gabbro. The lead slag mineral wool is treated with a hydrophobic-oil-soluble hydrocarbon chain substance, such as oleic acid to wet the surface of the mineral wool prior to mixing with stone flour. The lead slag mineral wool is preferably fragmented into nodules having a diameter of, for example, from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.