Abstract: A stream of gas contaminated with particulate material is wetted by a liquid spray in a scrubber manifold. Positioned downstream of the liquid spray in the manifold is a bed of wire filaments extending transversely across the manifold and cocurrent with the liquid and gas flow through the manifold in a fan-shaped arrangement. The liquid spray impacts the filaments to fold a liquid film on the filaments. The particulate laden gas stream impacts the filaments and becomes entrained in the liquid on the filaments. The scrubbing liquid on the filament forms a particle collection surface which strips the solid contaminant particles from the gas along the filaments. The liquid and entrained particles flows by gravity down the filaments where the liquid drains with the contaminate as a film. The gas flow exits the manifold substantially free of particulate matter.

Abstract: A power source comprises at least one photovoltaic cell arranged adjacent a plurality of self-luminous microspheres containing a radioactive material such as tritium and phosphor particles. Photons generated from the phosphor particles strike the photovoltaic array which converts the light to electrical energy. The self-luminous microspheres can be arranged adjacent the photovoltaic array using a binder material. The inventive power source provides a portable, safe, and long lasting battery which is adaptable for a wide range of applications requiring a reliable power source.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a sleeve, a nozzle having an interior opening and slidable within the sleeve and a plunger that enters the interior opening of the nozzle. When the nozzle is slid within the sleeve, the plunger coacts with the nozzle to clean any foreign substances present within the nozzle and remove a clog in the nozzle.

Abstract: A mobile support system for an underground mine brattice curtain which extends the ventilation control of a conventional line brattice. Three embodiments are disclosed for the support system utilizing different fulcrums. In the preferred embodiment, the support's fulcrum is made up of two identical spaced semicircular skid plates which engage the floor and rockably support a first inclined rigid beam. This first beam is pivotally attached to a cantilevered generally horizontal roof engaging upper support at its inby side and has a foot engaging section on its outby side. A second rigid beam extends upwardly from the first beam towards the outby side of the upper support and is pivotally attached to the first beam. The other end of the second beam is a free end which can engage an indexing member on the lower outby end of the upper support. An impervious air curtain depends from the upper support along its length and along with the upper support can be moved to engage the roof.

Abstract: A slideboard for underground mine face ventilation which acts as an extension of a line brattice. When used, the slideboard is advanced towards the working face of the mine to provide an inlet for clean air and an outlet for exhausting gases laden with dust particles. The slideboard has a frame supported on and slideable with respect to the ground as it is advanced along with a continuous mining machine. At the upper portion of the slideboard frame are a series of halflooped hoses which provide a flexible seal with the roof. The main supporting frame is rigid and is formed by a series of vertical and horizontal members whose narrower edges face into the air stream to reduce air friction and increase rigidity. Near the center of the slideboard a rib strut and outrigger provide lateral support and a sliding surface and pivot point. The base of the slideboard is trapezoidal for structural reinforcement; and a plywood gusset in the panel place provides additional reinforcement.

Abstract: A device used as a combined scrubber and water droplet eliminator which may be employed in removing particulate from air, especially in conjunction with an underground mining machine. The scrubber is made of a fibrous bed material and is rotatable by a motor forming part of a bed assembly. Adjacent to the rotatable bed are water sprays directed to spray towards and on the bed as it rotates. A suitable air movement device, such as a fan, draws dust-laden and water drop-laden air to the rotating bed. The air goes through the bed and the dust and water particles impact the bed's rotating wetted fibers and are forced radially directly outward. The bed's rotation takes place against the inlet portion of a stationary bell mouth assembly. An air seal caused by the air pressure differential seals the rotating bed to the inside surface of the assembly.

Abstract: A mine face ventilating method and apparatus are disclosed which serve to supply fresh air from a ventilated crosscut. A duct system containing a blower draws air from the crosscut and expels a jet of air out of a duct in the tunnel. Arcuately shaped troughs located at the end of the duct in the tunnel channel the air to the face of the tunnel. The troughs define an arc of between about 90.degree. and 180.degree. and provide substantially improved air "throw" as compared with conventional tubular ventilation piping.

Abstract: An extensible brattice and cantilevered support system therefor comprises a brattice panel having first and second top sleeves and a weighted bottom sleeve suspended from selected roof bolts by a support system comprising a support to which the brattice panel is mounted and which defines a track, and mounting apparatus for each roof bolt comprising a coupler connected to the panel support in sliding engagement with the support track, an elongate member connected to the coupler, an upstanding, roof abutting leg member connected to the elongate member at a location longitudinally spaced from the coupler, and a member connecting the elongate member in depending relation to the associated roof bolt at a position on the elongate member intermediate the coupler and leg member.