Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction in a gas stream. The apparatus includes at least one heterogeneous catalyst having an upstream end and a downstream end, and at least one surface having a plurality of catalytically active sites on the surface, where the catalyst is positioned so that at least a portion of the gas stream contacts at least a portion of the catalytically active sites on the surface. At least one device for producing radicals or other active species from at least one of water vapor or other gaseous species, such as a corona discharge device or a UV light source is used to produce radicals or other active species, which are introduced into the gas stream at a position upstream of the downstream end of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel by introducing hydroxyl and associated radicals and oxidizers into at least one of the precombustion and postcombustion gas stream of the combustion engine upstream of the catalytic converter and treating the exhaust gases with the catalytic converter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to the catalytic convertor, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the catalytic convertor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel by introducing hydroxyl and associated radicals and oxidizers into at least one of the precombustion and postcombustion gas stream of the combustion engine upstream of the catalytic converter and treating the exhaust gases with the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A computerized transceiver repeatedly sweeps through a set of transmit/receive frequencies to interrogate collectively a plurality of groups of items in a stocking area. Items in each group are tagged with a printed circuit transponder tuned to frequencies uniquely assigned to each group. Data returned is stored and combined mathematically by the computer to arrive at the total number of items in each group. The system is particularly adapted for taking inventory of a large number of retail shelf goods using a mobile transceiver.

Abstract: A computerized transceiver repeatedly sweeps through a set of transmit/receive frequencies to interrogate collectively a plurality of groups of items in a stocking area. Items in each group are tagged with a printed circuit transponder tuned to frequencies uniquely assigned to each group. Data turned is stored and combined mathematically by the computer to arrive at the total number of items in each group. The system is particularly adapted for taking inventory of a large number of retail shelf goods using a mobile transceiver.

Abstract: The inside surface of a conductive vessel (preferably spherical) with insulated adjacent segments is coated with a dielectric layer. The vessel is then partly filled with a conductive liquid-like material such as mercury having an upper surface which remains approximately horizontal irrespective of the inclination of the vessel. The capacitance between the segments and liquid varies as a function of the vessel's inclination. Vibration-induced surface action also produces varying capacitance which can be detected for seismometer applications and the like.