Abstract: The surface properties of solid substrates are improved by the formation of discrete sites of inorganic materials on one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are processed in a co-current flow packed catalyst bed reactor containing one or more redistribution means, e.g., redistribution screens, in the packed catalyst bed. If more than one redistribution means are used, they are spaced within the bed of catalyst over a predetermined distance. Optionally, the surface area of the redistribution means is less than the cross-sectional surface area of the reactor bed to allow for packing of a relatively smaller size solid particles, as compared to the rest of the catalyst in the bed, in the area between the edge of the redistribution means and the inner wall of the reactor means. The use of the redistribution means prevents channeling of the reactants near the reactor wall region, and assures uniform distribution of the reactants throughout the packed catalyst bed. The invention is applicable to relatively low velocity systems operating at liquid linear velocity of 0.3 cm/sec. or less.

Abstract: A vacuum or high pressure seal operative at high temperatures is formed by placing a thin metal foil over an opening, and forming an electrical seam weld at the interface of the surface and the foil by guiding a needle-like electrode along a path around the opening at a substantially constant rate, with substantially constant pressure being applied to the electrode as it is moved along the path. When supported, the seal is capable of withstanding high pressures, say ten atmospheres, at high temperatures, say 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention discloses method for self-optimizing, dynamically and in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables. This method comprises statistically designing a matrix of operating conditions of the machine; sequentially operating the machine according to the designed matrix of operating conditions; testing the performance characteristic of the thus-operated machine; analyzing the tested performance characteristic against a given optimizing criterion; and feeding back for or returning to the designing step for a new, improved operating condition. A machine in the form of programmed microprocessor embodying this self-optimizing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The liquid carrier in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis slurry reactor system is periodically or continually separated and subjected to cracking and isomerization in the presence of suitable catalysts. The treated carrier is returned to the reactor system and the accumulation of high viscosity paraffin in the reactor slurry is minimized. Suitable catalysts include a mixture of cracking and isomerization catalysts. Zeolite Beta is the novel constituent of the catalyst system.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing thermoelectric devices includes two conductive strip receiving fixtures, a thermoelectric element receiving fixture and a u-shaped member. The conductive strip receiving fixtures act to retain the strips in proper registry during the processing steps of screen printing insulating material, or solder paste thereon as well as during attachment of thermoelectric elements thereto. The element receiving fixture is complemental with either of the strip receiving fixtures to maintain the elements in place during the coupling of the elements to the strips in one of the strip receiving fixtures. The strip receiving fixtures are complemental with the u-shaped member to complete the coupling of the elements to the strips such that the elements are coupled thermally in parallel and electrically in series. The u-shaped member also facilitates the introduction of a ceramic potting compound therebetween.Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A sit-up exercise apparatus having a structure that can be secured to the bottom of a door which comprises, means for restraining feet of an exerciser when performing a sit-up exercise, support means for supporting the foot restraining means at a height above the base of the structure, and screw means for releasably but rigidly securing the foot restraining means to the support means. The support means is substantially an elongated plate member extending from the structure and having, one end thereof downwardly extending to releasably but rigidly be affixed to the structure and another end thereof successively bent into a form resembling stair steps which accomplish height adjustment of the foot restraining means so as to accomodate different size feet.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding/polishing the surface of material samples comprises a horizontal circular wheel which has an upper surface and rotates about its central vertical axis of rotation. On the upper surface is provided mixed abrasive particles centrifugally separated to have the larger particles located near the wheel periphery while the smaller particles near the wheel center. A one-step grinding/polishing operation is thus achieved which is fast, economical, and reproducible. Methods for preparing the apparatus and for the improved grinding/polishing process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes first and second sets of spaced apart copper plate segments. Thermoelectric elements which generate electricity are disposed between the sets of copper plate segments. The elements are electrically and thermally fastened thereto by a solder paste screen printed on the inner surfaces of the sets of copper plate segments. A ceramic potting compound which absorbs thermal expansion of the device fills the voids between the thermoelectric elements and the copper plate segments and a thick film ceramic insulator coats the outer surfaces of the sets of copper plate segments.Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: An article having a primed surface or improved electric charge transfer properties is disclosed. The surface has discrete sites of inorganic materials thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selectively removing and recovering the noble gas and other gaseous components typically emitted during nuclear process operations. The method is adaptable and useful for treating dissolver off-gas effluents released during reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels whereby to permit radioactive contaminant recovery prior to releasing the remaining off-gases to the atmosphere. Briefly, the method sequentially comprises treating the off-gas stream to preliminarily remove NO.sub.

Abstract: An improved process for the removal of H.sub.2 S from sour gas streams in which the H.sub.2 S is converted to sulfur by a polyvalent metal chelate solution is disclosed, the process being characterized by the washing of the product sulfur with an aqueous wash solution, and recovery of the acid precursor of the chelating agent from the washing solution.

Abstract: In a shoe and drum brake wherein the shoes can move circumferentially of the drum between first and second limit positions and are biased towards the first limit positions, there is provided for transmitting force from an actuator to the shoes a lever or hydraulic device capable of transmitting the force unequally to the shoes. The larger force urges the shoes towards their second limit positions while the smaller force urges the shoes towards their first limit positions. During forward rotation of the drum, the shoes remain in their first limit positions and can be applied radially to the drum by movement of the actuator. When the drum is rotating in the reverse direction, the larger force moves the shoes circumferentially of the drum so that the actuator fails to apply the shoes to the drum and establish a braking torque.

Abstract: A protective control arrangement for heating units of the type comprising the concentric assembly of a resistance heating element embedded in an insulating material and enclosed within a metallic sheath for limiting the propagation of a rupture in the sheath resulting from an arc at a discontinuity in the heating element along a substantial portion of the length of the sheath. The control arrangement of the illustrative embodiment includes a power control triac operatively connected to the heating element for selectively coupling the heating element to an external power supply. A preprogrammed microprocessor operatively connected to the gate terminal of triac is effective to periodically interrupt power to the heating element by opening the switch means for interrupt periods of predetermined duration.

Abstract: The liquid carrier in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis slurry reactor system is periodically or continually separated and subjected to cracking and isomerization in the presence of suitable catalysts. The treated carrier is returned to the reactor system and the accumulation of high viscosity paraffin in the reactor slurry is minimized. Suitable catalysts include a mixture of cracking and isomerization catalysts.

Abstract: A multi-fuel gasifier system for internal combustion engines comprising a hollow casing having heat conducting plates therein in thermal contact with a heat exchange duct passing through the casing through which hot exhaust gas passes from the exhaust manifold to the exhaust pipe, a gasifying chamber substantially centrally located within the casing and surrounded by the heat conducting plates and defined by inner wall portions of the plates. An inlet in the casing wall communicates with one end of the chamber and the outlet of the carburetor. An outlet through the casing wall communicates with the other end of the chamber and the intake manifold of the engine. Adjacent the inlet end of the chamber is a first perforated vaporization cap through which fuel-air mixture from the carburetor passes and thereafter contacts a second conically shaped vaporization cap which deflects and sprays the fuel mixture into the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A temperature controlled apparatus has a heat-sensitive device chip having its top and bottom major surfaces in direct thermal contact with, respectively, a metal disk and a heat-sinking substrate. A resilient sheet surrounds the chip to form a first gas-tight enclosure between the metal disk and the substrate. A rigid can encloses the assembly and contains an evaporatable liquid to complete the package. When power is applied and dissipated, the chip and metal disk get hot, heating the liquid to increase its vapor pressure, generally logarithmically, inside the can and pressurizing the metal disk. Because of the very large areal ratio between the metal disk and the chip, a pressure is induced on the chip which is greatly magnified, according to the areal ratio, from the vapor pressure.

Abstract: An automatic color-temperature compensation device for television cameras, comprising three filters adapted to pass color rays of the three primary colors, or red, green and blue rays of light from the surroundings, three sensors respectively adapted to detect the red, green and blue rays and to produce an electric signal in response to the detected red, green and blue rays respectively; three log amplifiers for amplifying respective electrical signals; two ratio circuit devices each adapted to compare two of the three electrical signals and produce a ratio output in response to the ratio difference of the two compared electrical signals; two anti-log amplifiers to respectively amplify the two ratio outputs; two comparators for respectively comparing the two amplified ratio outputs with two reference voltages which are so selected as to be equal to the respective ratio outputs at a predetermined color temperature, say 3200.degree. K.

Abstract: Imaging processes where charge images are transferred from one surface to another are improved by the presence of conductivity sites on at least one of the surfaces, said sites being discrete, composed of an inorganic material, and having an average length between 1.0 and 20 nm. Between 0.1 and 40% of either the photoconductive surface or dielectric layer may be covered with electrically conductive sites.

Abstract: A double alkali process employs limestone to regenerate spent sodium sulfite and then recirculates the unreacted limestone to attain a high internal stoichiometry and high limestone utilization. The regeneration of the sodium sulfite is carried out in a plurality of reactors and separation of the slurry from the reactors is carried out in at least one hydroclone. The at least one hydroclone has two primary functions: one to promote the reaction of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.3, which reduces the reactor volumes and reduces the temperature of conversion; and two to reduce the concentration of the limestone overflow, thus increasing the limestone utilization.