Abstract: A method is presented of welding an electrically conductive termination component having first and second opposed surfaces to an electrically conductive elongate member extending to a terminal end. The method comprises the steps of forming a substantially circular aperture through the termination component and defined by a rim having a diameter substantially equivalent to the transverse dimension of the elongate member. The terminal end of the elongate member is positioned proximate the termination component overlying the rim of the aperture such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is generally coplanar with the center of the aperture. Then, a laser beam is directed transversely of the termination component through the aperture therein toward and onto the elongate member to simultaneously melt the elongate member and the termination component in the region of the aperture and create a mixture of the molten material of both the elongate member and the termination component within the aperture.

Abstract: A multi-conductor lead having a lead body including at least two conductors and at least one electrode at a distal end for delivering an electrical stimulus, the multi-conductor lead also including a connector assembly at a proximal end, the connector assembly including a pair of electrical contacts each connected to one of the two conductors of the multi-conductor lead and a rigid insulator interlocking and electrically separating the pair of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A low density particulate vanadium-containing metallic ash concentrate, at least 50 percent of the articles of said concentrate having a diameter not greater than about 1 micron, is produced from a partially gasified coke comprising metallic components including vanadium components by heating the partially gasified coke in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperataure below the fusion point of the metallic components.

Abstract: A hydrotreating process, particularly a hydroconversion process, wherein a hydrogenation catalyst is contacted with a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbonaceous feed containing 1050.degree. F.+ materials at a preselected high initial temperature and maintained essentially at this temperature throughout an operating run. In accordance with such mode of operation certain advantages are obtained, these including: (1) greater overall conversion of 1050.degree. F.+ to 1050.degree. F.- hydrocarbon products at a given level of hydrodesulfurization, catalyst consumption rate, with the same reactor volume and pressure requirements; (2) greater overall reduction of Con carbon; and (3) improved overall feed metals reduction.

Abstract: An oxidizing gas is injected through a nozzle into a bed of carbonaceous particles in a downward direction at an angle of declination at least as great as the angle of repose of the bed particles and at a gas inlet velocity of about 50 to 500 feet per second to supply the gas needed to fluidize the bed of carbonaceous particles.