Abstract: Carbon fiber with increased bulk density comprising vapor grown carbon fiber is provided. The preferred method of increasing the carbon fiber bulk density comprises mixing a vapor grown carbon fiber with a diameter of less than about 1 .mu.m and an initial bulk density of less than about 0.2 lb/ft.sup.3 with an aqueous-based solution, blending the mixture under high shear conditions, and drying the blended mixture. Upon drying, the mixture forms a carbon fiber mass with an increased bulk density having a final bulk density of at least about 3 lb/ft.sup.3. The increased bulk density carbon fiber pellets are ideally suited for use as reinforcing materials in rubber, plastic and the like. Preferably, the aqueous-based solution is a latex containing solution and latex is deposited on the fibers.

Abstract: A floating nitrification reactor for use in a treatment pond utilizes a mass of high surface area material which provides sites for bacterial treatment. Floatation devices are attached to the mass of high surface area material in order to float the material at neutral buoyancy while an isolator surrounds the material and isolates the material from the rest of the treatment pond. An aerator, located a distance below the mass of high surface area material, forces air and water through the material at a sufficient speed to allow treatment.

Abstract: Aquatic plants are harvested from a body of water. The aquatic plants are gathered from the surface of the body of water and transported to a collection zone at a collection point on the body of water. The aquatic plants are then moved from the collection zone to an aquatic plant processing station.

Abstract: A yarn control system and apparatus for use in the manufacture of non-woven, non-knitted fabrics which have a pile supported by a backing cloth, such as carpets, the apparatus including a plurality of needles for inserting yarns from yarn supplies into the backing cloth to provide a pile material and control means for controlling the amount of each yarn inserted by the needles to maintain constant pile height, the control means including a yarn compensating roller upstream of the needles and around which each yarn is entrained, and biassing means acting on the roller to maintain a constant tension in the yarns, the biassing means preferably comprising pneumatic piston and cylinder devices. The compensating roller may have a roughened surface and is preferably able to rotate in one direction only, but in an alternative construction, a driven guide roller which has a roughened surface is provided and the compensating roller has a smooth surface.