Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.

Abstract: The process is conducted in an incinerator installation comprising i) a generally vertical, cylindrical riser pipe, ii) a vertically extending annular chamber surrounding the riser pipe and containing a fluidized bed of granular inert material, and iii) a burner for producing an upwardly extending flame in the lower portion of the riser pipe. Granular solid waste is supplied at a constant flow rate to the bed, directly or through the burner. Granular solid waste and bed material is transferred from the lower portion of the annular chamber to the lower portion of the riser pipe directly in the flame. The flame burns the granular solid waste, heats the inside of the riser pipe to a temperature greater than or equal to 900.degree. C.

Abstract: In the installation for decontaminating a liquid effluent contaminated by at least one organic substance, a gaseous combustible is burned in a reactor to produce a flame containing hydroxyl free radicals OH.degree. and oxygen O.sub.2 and that flame is centered on the geometrical axis of the reactor. A helical flow of liquid effluent is produced on the inner cylindrical wall of the reactor to cause a direct contact between the hydroxyl free radicals and the organic substance contaminating the liquid effluent. Having hydroxyl free radicals present, the organic substance is oxidized in liquid phase. The high temperature of the flame enables completion of the oxidation of the organic substance, in liquid phase, by means of the oxygen O.sub.2 present in the flame. At the outlet of the reactor, the liquid and gaseous products are separated; the liquid product is collected while the gaseous product is evacuated.

Abstract: The gas phase exothermic reaction of a feed gas mixture is carried out by providing first and second chambers in fluid communication with one another and each containing a bed of solid heat exchange material and at least one bed of catalyst material, each chamber being selectively operable in cooling and heating modes. The feed gas mixture is introduced into a selected one of the chambers when the selected chamber is in the cooling mode and the other chamber is in the heating mode so that the feed gas mixture flowing through the selected chamber contacts the bed of heat exchange material before contacting the bed of catalyst material, the feed gas mixture being reacted in the catalyst bed to form a gaseous product. The gaseous product is conducted from the selected chamber to the other chamber so that the gaseous product flowing through the other chamber contacts the bed of catalyst material before contacting the bed of heat exchange material.

Abstract: An oxygen-enriched gas burner and method of operation thereof for incinerating and/or melting and/or vitrifying and/or performing thermal treatment and/or oxidizing ground/liquid waste materials and particularly, but not exclusively, contaminated waste materials. The burner comprises a body having annular chambers and defining an injection nozzle which is adjustable whereby to adjust the configuration of a flame and wherein the nozzle is provided, at the center thereof with an axial feed port through which the grounded solid/liquid waste material is injected within the flame. The waste material is fed axially within the flame under control pressure with the waste feed and flame configuration being adjusted independently from one another whereby the waste material is substantially incinerated without substantially affecting the combustion of the gas which would otherwise produce undesirable carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In the process and installation for decontaminating a liquid effluent contaminated by at least one organic substance, a gaseous combustible is burned in a reactor to produce a flame containing hydroxyl free radicals OH.degree. and oxygen O.sub.2 and that flame is centered on the geometrical axis of the reactor. A helical flow of liquid effluent is produced on the inner cylindrical wall of the reactor to cause a direct contact between the hydroxyl free radicals and the organic substance contaminating the liquid effluent. By means of the hydroxyl free radicals, the organic substance is oxidized in liquid phase. The high temperature of the flame enables completion of the oxidation of the organic substance, in liquid phase, by means of the oxygen O.sub.2 present in the flame. At the outlet of the reactor, the liquid and gaseous products are separated; the liquid product is collected while the gaseous product is evacuated.