Abstract: Modeling systems are enhanced by combining physical and virtual modeling techniques to create a hybrid modeling system. Manipulation of physical models results in updated real-time physical characteristics being provided to a virtual model. User manipulation of virtual model characteristics can also be provided and implemented on the physical model using actuators and control devices. The invention also enables multiple users to simultaneously construct and manipulate different portions of a physical model, e.g., of an atom or a molecule, and to have the results of these manipulations provided to a computer system for computational analysis. The results of such analyses can be electronically returned to the physical model, e.g., wirelessly.

Abstract: Modeling systems are enhanced by combining physical and virtual modeling techniques to create a hybrid modeling system. Manipulation of physical models results in updated real-time physical characteristics being provided to a virtual model. User manipulation of virtual model characteristics can also be provided and implemented on the physical model using actuators and control devices. The invention also enables multiple users to simultaneously construct and manipulate different portions of a physical model, e.g., of an atom or a molecule, and to have the results of these manipulations provided to a computer system for computational analysis. The results of such analyses can be electronically returned to the physical model, e.g., wirelessly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a railway vehicle bearing having a metal block with a part cylindrical recess extending around one face of the block between opposed end faces thereof. A journal bearing liner or a bearing lining extends along the recess to receive the vehicle axle for rotation. The end faces of the block are provided with thrust plates or the end surfaces of the block are provided with hardened faces to withstand thrust forces imposed by thrust faces on the axle.

Abstract: Flue gas is desulfurized by absorbing it onto a selective absorbent-catalytic material. The absorbed SO.sub.2 is recovered by contacting it in a desorption cycle with a reducing desorption gas. In one embodiment, multiple absorbent beds are employed and alternate absorption-desorption cycles are used in each of the multiple beds with the flue gas and the desorption gas used alternately. The sulfur oxide is recovered in concentrated form in the desorption gas stream and is then utilized as feed in a conventional sulfuric acid plant yielding concentrated sulfuric acid.