Abstract: There are described methods, systems, and devices for automated digestion of samples contained in multi-sample racks. The method comprises receiving the multi-sample racks on at least one of a first level and a second level of a first rack loader, the first level and the second level superposed and held within a frame; managing rack positions on the first rack loader by displacing the multi-sample racks between the first level and the second level with at least one elevator; conveying the multi-sample racks into and out of a heating chamber of a microwave digestion system from at least one of the first and second levels; and controlling sample digestion inside the heating chamber through the application of microwaves by at least one microwave generator.

Abstract: A distributed mine management system contains a central computer having a first database controlled by a first controller. At least one mobile computer is in communication with a piece of mobile equipment. Each of the mobile computers has a second database controlled by a second controller. The mobile computers store high, medium and low priority data about the status of the mobile equipment in the second database according to the priority of the information. The mine management system includes a remote worksite computer and an intermittent communication path between the remote worksite computer and the central computer. A wireless communication network enables communication between the first controller and the second controller, wherein said mobile computer is operable independent of the first logic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for destroying liquid toxic materials for example polychlorinated biphenyls, and producing a reducing gas. In a preferred embodiment, harmful intermediates are not generated when the toxic materials are destroyed due to the reducing atmosphere produced by partial combustion with a molecular-oxygen-containing gas and steam. Liquid materials containing high concentrations of PCB's are mixed with non-toxic hydrocarbons for sustaining an autothermic reaction. The efficiency of the PCB's destruction process exceeds the required environmental regulations and produces a useful reducing gas which can be utilized as a synthesis gas in chemical processes or as a fuel for heat and/or power production.

Abstract: A railroad traffic control system that links each locomotive to a control center for communicating data and control signals. Using on-board computers, GPS and two-way communication hardware, rolling stock continuously communicate position, vital sign data, and other information for recording in a data base and for integration in a comprehensive computerized control system. The data base includes train schedules for real time display on train monitors. The current position of each train is compared to its planned schedule online to provide immediate information to the dispatcher to determine whether a corrective action is necessary. When a train's deviation from its planned schedule exceeds a predetermined parameter, the system automatically calculates alternative schedules for all trains in the system according to preselected operational constraints as necessary to minimize the effect of the deviation.

Abstract: A railroad traffic control system that links each locomotive to a control center for communicating data and control signals. Using on-board computers, GPS and two-way communication hardware, rolling stock continuously communicate position, vital sign data, and other information for recording in a data base and for integration in a comprehensive computerized control system. The data base includes train schedules for real time display on train monitors. The current position of each train is compared to its planned schedule online to provide immediate information to the dispatcher to determine whether a corrective action is necessary. When a train's deviation from its planned schedule exceeds a predetermined parameter, the system automatically calculates alternative schedules for all trains in the system according to preselected operational constraints as necessary to minimize the effect of the deviation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating undesired toxic metals, such as Zn, Pb and Cd, from iron-containing materials by: sintering a mixture of such materials (typically including EAF dust and mill scale) with carbonaceous particles to form sturdy sinter lumps; preheating such lumps in a non-reducing atmosphere, if needed, to achieve an elevated temperature generally above the vaporization temperature of the undesired metals, but below the sticking temperature of iron-containing lumps (which is typically below the vaporization temperatures of such undesired metals in their oxide form), feeding the lumps at such elevated temperature into a reduction reactor; flowing hot reducing gas through lumps to volatilize undesired reduced metals and carry the volatilized metals out of reduction reactor leaving the iron-containing lumps largely stripped of the undesired metals and ready for discharge and safe and/or useful disposal or re-use, and finally cooling the off gas from the reactor

Abstract: Method and system for the purification of waste water. In the method, all purification functions, including removal of nitrogen and phosphor, are performed in one and the same reactor (1), in which several alternating oxidation and reduction zones (2-6) are created in unclarified waste water flowing through it by supplying each zone with gas mixtures with different oxygen contents as needed for the purification function to be performed in the zone from a gas distributor (8), in such manner that oxygen-rich gas containing 30-50% oxygen is supplied for oxidation while gas with a low oxygen content of 0-5% is supplied for reduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing direct reduced iron using a melter-gasifier and two reduction reactors. In the first reduction reactor, iron ore is prereduced using a reducing gas from a melter-gasifier. This prereduced iron ore is fed into the melter-gasifier to produce pig iron. A secondary reducing gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is withdrawn from the first reduction reactor and is reacted with water to produce carbon dioxide which is subsequently removed to produce a tertiary reducing gas that is used in the second reduction reactor to produce direct reduced iron from iron ore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing direct reduced iron using a melter-gasifier and two reduction reactors. In the first reduction reactor, iron ore is prereduced using a reducing gas from a melter-gasifier. This prereduced iron ore is fed into the melter-gasifier to produce pig iron. A secondary reducing gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is withdrawn from the first reduction reactor and is reacted with water to produce carbon dioxide which is subsequently removed to produce a tertiary reducing gas that is used in the second reduction reactor to produce direct reduced iron from iron ore.