Abstract: Electro-catalytic hydrogenation is achieved by reacting a reactant with said micro-galvanic couples into a metallic compound and hydrogen, whereby at least some to all of hydrogen hydrogenates the reactant into a hydrogenated product, wherein the particulate micro-galvanic couple includes particles of at least one less active conductor and particles of at least one more active metal conductively and fixedly bonded together, and wherein the particles of the at least one less active conductor and the particles of the at least one more active metal retain their natural properties when conductively and fixedly bonded together.

Abstract: A stable, solid, externally dry particulate system for controlling humidity to a selected range comprising a hydrophobic silica component and a hydrophilic silica component where the hydrophobic component comprises about 4 to 10 wt. % hydrophobic nano silica particles and from about 96 to 90 wt. % of a mixture of a saturated solution of at least one soluble solid and undissolved at least one soluble solid, and the hydrophilic micro silica component comprises from about 20 to 40 wt. % hydrophilic silica particles and about 80 to 60 wt.% of the mixture of the saturated solution of at least one soluble solid and the undissolved at least one soluble solid. The saturated solution is made of at least one soluble solid dissolved into a polar liquid and has an equilibrium relative humidity when a saturated solution in the polar liquid.

Abstract: A product for controlling humidity in an environment is a composite of micro-galvanic couples with a desiccant. When the humidity in the environment rises above deliquescent's unique deliquescence relative humidity (DRH), the deliquescent substance dissolves into a solution in response to an increase in humidity in the environment above said (mutual) deliquescence relative humidity point of said deliquescent substance(s), and, the micro-galvanic couples react with said solution into a metallic compound and hydrogen. Whereby at least some to all of the dissolved deliquescent returns to solid phase, and the humidity in the environment is maintained at or near the DRH. The micro-galvanic couples can be produced in a molten salt electrolysis bath. Electro-catalytic hydrogenation achieved by reacting a reactant with said micro-galvanic couples into a metallic compound and hydrogen, whereby at least some to all of hydrogen hydrogenates the reactant into a hydrogenated product.

Abstract: Salt rich undrinkable water can be freshened by, and by adjustment of various factors can indeed be freshened to the point of being drinkable by, introducing galvanic couple particles in the salt rich undrinkable water within inside a main processor, controlling pressure inside the main processor to build substantial internal pressurization due to the reaction of the salt rich undrinkable water with the galvanic couple particles into a metallic compound while releasing hydrogen and while releasing heat of reaction, and, collecting a water stream from the main processor through reverse osmosis media that is pressurized due to the internal pressurization inside the main processor. Whereby the water stream that is collected past the reverse osmosis media is fresher than the inputted salt rich undrinkable water.

Abstract: Salt rich undrinkable water can be freshened by, and by adjustment of various factors can indeed be freshened to the point of being drinkable by, introducing galvanic couple particles in the salt rich undrinkable water within inside a main processor, controlling pressure inside the main processor to build substantial internal pressurization due to the reaction of the salt rich undrinkable water with the galvanic couple particles into a metallic compound while releasing hydrogen and while releasing heat of reaction, and, collecting a water stream from the main processor through reverse osmosis media that is pressurized due to the internal pressurization inside the main processor. Whereby the water stream that is collected past the reverse osmosis media is fresher than the inputted salt rich undrinkable water.

Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.

Abstract: Threshold calorimeter/shelf life monitors having a thermally moderating housing containing a liquid solution and one or more low melting point solids all having properties correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of a perishable product being monitored and indicate, by a change in color, electrical capacitance and/or impedance, transmitted RF signals, or combination thereof, the cumulative thermal history of the product while in transit or storage and whether its time-temperature profile has been violated to a detrimental extent or if a significant amount of shelf life has been consumed.

Abstract: A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.

Abstract: A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.

Abstract: A thermal exposure monitor has a thermally-conductive housing adapted to be placed in close proximity to a product to be monitored and at least one thermally-responsive shape memory alloy member in the housing that has a first shape at temperatures below a critical temperature and a second shape at temperatures above the critical temperature and a transformation temperature range encompassing a prescribed detrimental temperature related to the product being monitored. An indicator associated with the thermally-responsive member is moved from an initial position as the thermally-responsive member changes from the first shape to the second shape so as to be visually observed through a window on the housing to visually indicate whether the product being monitored has been exposed to temperatures above the prescribed detrimental temperature for a period of time that would be detrimental to the product.

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.