Abstract: A method for extending the service life of a Collective Protection (CP) filter includes: providing at least one CP filter comprising a filter bed; and passing an airstream through a guard bed configured to protect the filter bed by removing one or more of airborne contaminants and battlefield contaminants. An apparatus for extending the service life of a CP filter includes: a CP filter comprising a filter bed; and a guard bed configured to protect the filter bed by removing one or more of airborne contaminants and battlefield contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method of filtering comprising adsorbing a toxic chemical using a metal-organic framework (MOF) compound that has been post-treated with fluorocarbons using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The toxic chemical may comprise any of ammonia and cyanogen chloride. Furthermore, the toxic chemical may comprise any of an acidic/acid-forming gas, basic/base-forming gas, oxidizer, reducer, and organic gas/vapor. The toxic chemical is physically adsorbed by the MOF compound. Moreover, the toxic chemical interacts with unsaturated metal sites within the MOF. Additionally, the MOF compound may comprise any of Cu-BTC, MOF-177, and an isoreticular metal-organic framework (IRMOF) compound. The MOF compound may comprise a metal-carboxylate bond. Additionally, the MOF compound may be unstable in the presence of moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel filtration media and process for removing toxic materials from streams of air at ambient conditions using the novel filtration media. The filtration media is comprised of porous zirconium hydroxide onto which at least one reactive moiety is impregnated.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone carried by a lug, and an interstice seal assembly which forms a dynamic seal with a radial interstice lug surface of the lug. The interstice seal assembly includes a rigid sealing ring having lengthened and shortened arm portions. The lengthened arm portion extends outwardly from the shortened arm portion, and engages the radial interstice lug surface.

Abstract: An adsorbent material comprising a porous inorganic oxide material grafted with a molecule comprising a carbonyl functional group is provided. The porous inorganic oxide material can be a porous silica material or Zr(OH)4. The adsorbent material can be a synthesized by grafting an organosilane molecule containing the carbonyl functional group onto the porous inorganic oxide material. The porous inorganic oxide material can be grafted with a second molecule comprising an amine functional group. Methods of making the adsorbent material and methods of removing molecules from a fluid using the adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for removing toxic industrial compounds from air are disclosed, wherein said composition comprises a mixture of hydrous metal oxide and graphite oxide. In a most preferred embodiment the composition comprises a mixture of zirconium hydroxide and graphene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with toxic agents. The process comprises contacting a contaminated surface with a sorbent comprised of zirconium hydroxide onto which at least one reactive moiety is optionally impregnated.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a sliding valve positioned within the housing and movable between a first position, and a second position. The sliding valve includes a first piston that defines a first piston first surface and a first piston second surface, and a second piston that defines a second piston first surface and a second piston second surface. The first piston second surface faces the second piston first surface. A pilot system includes a first pilot passage in fluid communication with the first piston second surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the first position, and a second pilot passage in fluid communication with the second piston first surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the second position.

Abstract: A residual life indicator for determining the residual life of a filter has a first sample filter with an inlet coupleable to an inlet of the filter whose residual life is to be determined, a second sample filter having an inlet coupleable to an outlet of the filter whose residual life is to be determined, a chemical tracer source selectively coupled to the inlets of the first and second sample filters, and a detector selectively coupled to outlets of the first and second filters.

Abstract: A catalytic sorbent material includes a porous support composed of a hydroxylated metal oxide, preferably hydroxylated zirconia, and catalytic metal nanoparticles, preferably gold nanoparticles, loaded on the porous support. These catalysts can be utilized to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a sliding valve positioned within the housing and movable between a first position, and a second position. The sliding valve includes a first piston that defines a first piston first surface and a first piston second surface, and a second piston that defines a second piston first surface and a second piston second surface. The first piston second surface faces the second piston first surface. A pilot system includes a first pilot passage in fluid communication with the first piston second surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the first position, and a second pilot passage in fluid communication with the second piston first surface to selectively actuate the sliding valve toward the second position.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone rotatably mounted to a lug with a journal. A sealing member is sealingly engaged with the cutting cone and a wear ring carried by the lug. The wear ring is dynamically engaged with the first sealing member and statically engaged with the lug.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone mounted to a lug to form a bearing cavity. A valve is in fluid communication with the bearing cavity and a bit chamber, wherein the valve includes a diaphragm with an aperture. The aperture is repeatably moveable between open and closed conditions in response to a pressure difference between the material in the bearing cavity and bit chamber.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal ring is located between each bearing pin and each cone of an earth-boring bit. An auxiliary ring or band is imbedded within an annular recess formed in the inner diameter of the seal ring. A portion of the inner diameter of the seal ring as well as the auxiliary ring are in dynamic contact with the bearing pin. The auxiliary ring has a geometric feature that enhances radial flexibility but prevents it from sealing. The geometric feature may be a transverse cut, notches in either the inner or outer diameters, or holes extending between the sides of the auxiliary ring. The auxiliary ring has lubricating properties.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cone rotatably mounted to a shaft with a hub unit and thrust roller bearings. The hub unit is moveable between mounted and unmounted positions on the shaft, as a single unit, in a repeatable manner. The hub unit includes a pair of roller bearings positioned between inner and outer races. The outer race includes a recess extending around its outer periphery. A sealing structure is slidingly engaged with the recess to provide a seal between the cone and shaft.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone carried by a lug, and an interstice seal assembly which forms a dynamic seal with a radial interstice lug surface of the lug. The interstice seal assembly includes a rigid sealing ring having lengthened and shortened arm portions. The lengthened arm portion extends outwardly from the shortened arm portion, and engages the radial interstice lug surface.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A process for removing epoxides from a process stream over a wide range of temperature and relative humidity, comprising the step of contacting the process stream with a filtration media comprising an acid form of a mesoporous zeolite produced from pentasil zeolite treated with a caustic agent, for a sufficient time to remove the epoxides therefrom.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal ring is located between each bearing pin and each cone of an earth-boring bit. An excluder ring or band is imbedded within the inner diameter of the seal ring. A portion of the inner diameter of the seal ring as well as the excluder ring are in dynamic sealing contact with the bearing pin. The excluder ring may be harder and more wear resistant than the seal ring. The excluder ring may have lubricating properties. An outer excluder ring may be located on the outer diameter of the seal ring for engaging the cone to resist rotation.