Abstract: In order to achieve airborne exploration for minerals in which both color and size information is obtained from fluorescing targets, a pulsed ultraviolet source is directed downwardly from the aircraft to a target area, and light from any responsively fluorescing discrete target is passed through receiving optics which includes a plurality of choppers of different fineness. A multiply-chopped signal is passed through a light pipe which includes filters to separate the signal into a plurality of electronic channels according to the respective color components. Signals are further processed by division into a plurality of parallel paths according to chopper frequency and applied to a series of integrators which are specially configured to remove noise from several sources to markedly improve the signal to noise ratio. The data thus obtained is stored, along with time and position information, onto conventional digital recording means for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: The pour point of shale oil is lowered by contacting with fresh oil shale. The temperature of contacting is preferably below 350.degree. F.

Abstract: In order to limit the dispersion into the air of fines during the processing, handling and transport of fines-containing material, a hollow plow-like member is employed to insert the fines onto a conveyor belt well below larger particulate matter being conveyed by the belt. The plow-like member has a generally narrow V-shaped cross section, and the sidewalls flare outwardly at its lower terminus. The plow-like member is positioned just above the belt surface and is oriented with its leading edge facing the direction of material flow. Thus, the larger particulate matter lumps are lifted and folded back from each side of the plow-like member's centerline to define a space into which fines can be inserted through the tool interior. After the larger particulate matter lumps pass the member trailing edge, they fall back toward the belt center and cover the deposited fines.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing lignitic and subbituminous coal containing from about 25 to about 40% by weight water which comprises treating said dried coal with steam at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 115.degree. C. so as to enable said coal to be rehydrated to a moisture level of from about 2% to about 10% by weight whereby said coal is stabilized against spontaneous combustion.

Abstract: A method for reducing the clay content of a colloidal clay-water mixture which comprises combining the mixture with air at superatmospheric pressure and thereafter expelling the mixture in the form of small droplets at atmospheric pressure at a temperature below 32.degree. F. to form synthetic snow. Thereafter synthetic snow can be melted to recover water containing reduced mineral content. The invention is particularly applicable to sludge associated with the hot water extraction method for recovering bitumen from tar sands.