Abstract: An acoustic lens is presented that redirects high frequency voice sounds over a barrier to improve the intelligibility of speech when a protective barrier is used to isolate people from each other. The acoustic lens includes curved sheets to delay sound to create focal points on each side of a barrier, where the focal points are lower than the top of the barrier.

Abstract: Methods of improving the adsorption capacity of biochar (14). Initial biochar (14) is charged in a closed vessel (12). The biochar (14) is then exposed to a processing temperature and oxygen level below that of vapor space luminous combustion, and at the same time the oxygen level in a vapor space surrounding the biochar (14) is controlled, so as to promote oxidation reactions that generate additional heat. The biochar (14) is held at the processing temperature by removal of heat by conduction through the vessel (12) walls, uptake of specific heat by solids and vapors in the vessel (12), and the endothermic requirements of converting any biomass present in the vessel (12) into char. The biochar (14) is maintained at the processing temperature and oxygen level for sufficient duration such that the adsorption capacity of the final biochar (14) is improved, as measured by ASTM D-5742 or the equilibrium uptake of R134a at 100 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: An acoustic lens is presented that redirects high frequency voice sounds over a barrier to improve the intelligibility of speech when a protective barrier is used to isolate people from each other. The acoustic lens includes curved sheets to delay sound to create focal points on each side of a barrier, where the focal points are lower than the top of the barrier.

Abstract: Methods of improving the adsorption capacity of biochar (14). Initial biochar (14) is charged in a closed vessel (12). The biochar (14) is then exposed to a processing temperature and oxygen level below that of vapor space luminous combustion, and at the same time the oxygen level in a vapor space surrounding the biochar (14) is controlled, so as to promote oxidation reactions that generate additional heat. The biochar (14) is held at the processing temperature by removal of heat by conduction through the vessel (12) walls, uptake of specific heat by solids and vapors in the vessel (12), and the endothermic requirements of converting any biomass present in the vessel (12) into char. The biochar (14) is maintained at the processing temperature and oxygen level for sufficient duration such that the adsorption capacity of the final biochar (14) is improved, as measured by ASTM D-5742 or the equilibrium uptake of R134a at 100 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A method of forming a pyrolysed biocarbon from a pyrolyzable organic material is delineated. The method involves the conversion of pyrolyzable organic materials to biocarbon for subsequent use. A carbonization circuit is employed with individual feedstock segments being advanced through the circuit. The method facilitates user manipulation of rate of advancement of the feedstock through the circuit, selective collation of volatiles from pyrolyzing feedstock, selective exposure of predetermined feedstock segments to collated volatiles as well as thermal recovery and redistribution as desired by the user. This results in the capacity for a customizable biocarbon product, the latter being an auxiliary feature of the methodology.

Abstract: A method of forming a pyrolysed biocarbon from a pyrolyzable organic material is delineated. The method involves the conversion of pyrolyzable organic materials to biocarbon for subsequent use. A carbonization circuit is employed with individual feedstock segments being advanced through the circuit. The method facilitates user manipulation of rate of advancement of the feedstock through the circuit, selective collation of volatiles from pyrolyzing feedstock, selective exposure of predetermined feedstock segments to collated volatiles as well as thermal recovery and redistribution as desired by the user. This results in the capacity for a customizable biocarbon product, the latter being an auxiliary feature of the methodology.

Abstract: A cosmetic exfoliating composition for use in cleansing and conditioning the skin of the hand, face, heels/knees/elbows and/or body of a human being which is stable and which does not leave a greasy or tacky after-feel when said composition is applied to and rinsed from skin with water and the skin is dried.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing carbon adsorbable organic compounds in a controlled manner within a bed of activated carbon. The bed of activated carbon is exposed to a source of molecular oxygen, such as air, and is controlled within a temperature range whereby the molecular oxygen is slowly oxidizing the activated carbon. Under this controlled set of conditions, the activated carbon will oxidize organic compounds present within the bed of activated carbon. This technique has widespread versatility for the controlled destruction of organic vapors and liquids by activated carbon and applications for the regeneration of spent activated carbons containing previously adsorbed organic compounds.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for use in cleansing and conditioning the skin of the hand, fac, heels/knees/elbows and/or body of a human being that comprises (A) 35% to 80% by weight of emollient material; (B) a water-soluble surface active agent in a proportion selected from the range of 0.4% to 8.

Abstract: A detergent composition which is characterized by a faster drying rate for the cleansed substrate and which consists essentially of a cleansing proportion of a water soluble, foaming, non-cationic, organic detergent and an aluminum soap containing from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, the weight ratio of detergent to soap being from about 40:1 to 1:4. Preferred detergent compositions for cleaning hair contain an alkyl sulfate detergent in admixture with either a water soluble soap or an imidazoline detergent in an aqueous medium which further includes a waxy material such as carnauba wax. Preferred detergent compositions for cleansing natural or synthetic fibrous materials contain an anionic or nonionic detergent and a water soluble inorganic or organic builder salt in addition to the aluminum soap.

Abstract: A method of treating clothing articles with a fabric softener in a clothes dryer is disclosed, which comprises contacting the clothing articles with a foam containing said fabric softener. Also, fabric softener-containing compositions are disclosed which provide a stable, substantially form-sustaining, easily distributable foam when dispensed from an aerosol container, said compositions comprising by weight of the total composition (a) from about 1.0 to 30.0 percent of a fabric softener, (b) from about 50.0 to 94.0 percent of a solubilizer, and (c) from about 5.0 to 25.0 percent of a propellant, and wherein the solubilizer includes water in an amount comprising at least 40 percent of the total composition.