Abstract: A low energy method of pyrolysis of rubber or other hydrocarbon material is provided. The hydrocarbon material is heated while maintaining a vacuum, using a clay catalyst. In an additional embodiment, also under a vacuum and optionally with or without the catalyst, the temperature of the reaction chamber and corresponding fuel input is varied either over time or spatially within the reaction chamber, to take advantage of the exothermic properties of the reaction. With the method of the present invention, an improved solid reaction product can be achieved.

Abstract: A scanning electron microscope with an effective vacuum evacuation system and vacuum pump mounting system is disclosed. A manifold having a sufficiently large gas conductance is connected to a gun assembly and to a specimen chamber. A vacuum pump is connected to the manifold for evacuating the gun assembly, specimen chamber and a beam tube. The vacuum pump mounting includes a cylindrical sleeve extending between the vacuum pump and the scanning electron microscope housing with a pair of radial O-rings sealing between the cylindrical sleeve, housing and vacuum pump.

Abstract: An improved scanning electron microscope is disclosed which includes a compact, replaceable electron beam emitter assembly and concentric liner tubes. The concentric liner tubes extend through a central portion of electromagnetic lenses for forming an evacuated path for the electron beam. An outer sealing jacket is provided for forming a vacuum seal with the column assembly sufficient to maintain a vacuum within the outer sealing jacket. A conductive inner liner tube positioned within the outer sealing jacket is adapted to have the electron beam pass therethrough. The inner liner tube provides supports for spray baffles and/or beam shaping orifices. The improved electron beam emitter assembly within the gun assembly includes a filament clamped between a front plate and a back plate by clamping screws. The clamping screws additionally hold an adjustable grid against the front plate.

Abstract: A battery warmer for a vehicle mounted storage battery comprises a resistance heater for warming the battery and a combination power supply within a single electrically insulated enclosure passing a dc current to the battery terminals and controlling the ac power to limit the temperature of the resistance heater.

Abstract: Method of making an examination of a specimen by use of a microscope comprises during a first session, conducting a microscopic examination of a specimen by manipulation of the specimen stage while video recording the examination and during a subsequent session, replaying the recording to produce a video image, and manipulating the stage with reference to the video image so that the image observed by use of the microscope is substantially the same as the video image.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for preparing specimens for viewing particles and/or fibers captured upon membrane filters with a TEM. The method comprises mounting a section of the membrane filter on a glass slide with a quick drying liquid applied between the filter membrane and the slide which liquid will not release the filter membrane when the slide is immersed in a selected solvent and such that the liquid will not render the filter membrane resistant to the selected solvent. Next, the filter section surface is coated with carbon to replicate the surface of the membrane filter and the particles and fibers thereupon. The coated membrane is then immersed in the selected solvent which will attack the filter material causing the carbon film squares to float off of the memberane filter.

Abstract: A shipping device for transporting an item includes a cubical frame having six faces wherein at least one of the faces is removably fastened. The shipping device also includes a hollow sphere for receiving the item concentrically positioned within the cubical frame. The hollow sphere has an upper hemisphere shell and a lower hemisphere shell. The upper hemisphere shell has a rim to mesh with a complimentary rim of the lower hemisphere shell. A weight member is secured to a bottom of the lower hemisphere shell for at least counterbalancing the weight of the item. The shipping device further includes a plurality of ball bearings secured to a center of each of the six faces. The ball bearings operatively contact a surface of the hollow sphere such that as the orientation of the cubical frame is altered, the hollow sphere rotates within the cubical frame to maintain the sphere in a specific orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for acetone clearing of cellulose or nitrate membrane filters includes an elongated electric heater element with tubing for transporting acetone coiled around said heater element and in contact therewith. Liquid acetone is introduced to said tubing wherein it is heated by said heater element and acetone vapor is discharged from said tubing. The temperature of the coiled tubing is thermostatically controlled. Acetone vapor is removed from said tubing and passed over a glass slide having an exposed filter containing particulars, such as asbestos fibers. The vapors clear the filter to render it translucent for examination in optical microscopy.