Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of hydrogen gas. More particularly, the present invention relates to: (1) a composition and process for the displacement of hydrogen from water under standard temperature and pressure conditions; (2) a hydrogen fuel system; (3) a method for using the hydrogen fuel system in conjunction with a feedstock composition to produce hydrogen gas (e.g., onboard a vehicle); and (4) a method of using the hydrogen fuel system at a reduced cost (e.g., by providing a consumer rebate in exchange for the return of byproduct(s) collected after using the hydrogen fuel system). The composition (e.g., a feedstock composition) comprises finely divided metal powders (e.g., magnesium, or magnesium and aluminum) and can also contain a chloride salt (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of hydrogen. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition and process for the displacement of hydrogen from water under standard temperature and pressure conditions. The composition comprises finely divided metal powders (e.g., magnesium, or magnesium and aluminum) and can also contain a chloride salt (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride). The process of the present invention comprises adding a composition of the present invention to water (either water that already contains chloride ions—such as seawater—or, alternatively, with compositions that contain a chloride salt, either fresh water or seawater), at standard temperature and pressure conditions, in order to create hydrogen gas from the displacement of hydrogen from the water.

Abstract: A thermogenerator system includes a sustained-heat source with a plurality of pyrophoric material elements each having a same geometric shape and in an encasement having openings, a thermal power generator for converting thermal energy from the sustained-heat source into electricity, and an electrical control system for regulating the electricity.

Abstract: The Oxidative Tritium Decontamination System, OTDS, provides a method and apparatus for reduction of tritium surface contamination on various items. The OTDS employs ozone gas as oxidizing agent to convert elemental tritium to tritium oxide. Tritium oxide vapor and excess ozone gas is purged from the OTDS, for discharge to atmosphere or transport to further process. An effluent stream is subjected to a catalytic process for the decomposition of excess ozone to diatomic oxygen. One of two configurations of the OTDS is employed: dynamic apparatus equipped with agitation mechanism and large volumetric capacity for decontamination of light items, or static apparatus equipped with pressurization and evacuation capability for decontamination of heavier, delicate, and/or valuable items.

Abstract: The conduit includes a top wall (A) and a base (B). The top wall A has an apex area (10) which is connected with a first corrugated side wall (12) and a second corrugated side wall (32). The side walls having alternating peaks (22, 42) and valleys (24, 44). The peaks have apex ends (26, 46) which are disposed closely adjacent each other at the apex area to define a hinge region therebetween. Disposed along the apex area and on the side wall peaks are a plurality of outward projecting dimples (70, 72, 74) which are severable by a tangentially disposed knife blade to form a plurality of apertures (50, 52, 54). The base B is a flexible sheet of plastic mesh material.

Abstract: An end cap particularly adapted for capping an arch conduit is provided. The end cap is comprised of an arch body including opposed arcuate side walls integrally joined together at an apex area. Opposed arcuate end walls are integrally joined at the terminal ends of the side walls and the apex area. A plurality of protruding ribs are disposed circumferentially of the end cap and are interrupted at the apex area to provide a relatively smooth, non-ribbed area. The ribs taper towards the apex area and towards rounded base areas of the side walls.

Abstract: This application discloses a septic tank construction including an inlet baffle structure and an outlet baffle structure for reducing the turbulence in the liquid or clear zone of the septic tank. The tank has oppositely disposed arcuate end walls which bow outward. In one of the end walls is an inlet for receiving incoming raw sewage. Connected with the inlet is an inlet baffle structure for introducing the incoming sewage into the fluids in the tank with a minimum of turbulence. The inlet baffle structure comprises a generally tubular structure which is connected with the inlet and terminates in a fluid introducing flared opening disposed toward the end wall. The fluid introducing opening is oval in cross section with its major axis extending vertically. In the other end wall is an outlet for discharging treated fluids to the disposal field. An outlet baffle structure for receiving treated fluids to be discharged is connected with the outlet.

Abstract: A foldable conduit has a generally parabolic arched portion and a flat base. The arched portion comprises a pair of corrugated side walls which are connected with a hinge. The corrugations comprise alternating peak portions and valley portions. Each peak portion comprises a pair of generally vertical corrugation walls and a top wall connected with the corrugation walls. The top wall has a pair of ribs, each adjacent one of the pair of corrugation walls. Between the ribs is a recessed area. The ribs and recessed area are arcuate and generally undulating in cross section. The valley portion comprises an arcuate valley wall connected with the corrugation walls of adjacent peak portions. The flat base is a flexible sheet which may be perforated to permit fluid ingress and egress. The hinge and flexible base allow the side walls to be folded together with the base folded in between for more compact shipment.

Abstract: A corrugated, thin walled plastic tank is ideally suited for subterranean storage and transmission of sewage and other materials. The tank has a bottom wall which terminates in a peripheral edge disposed in a horizontal plane. A corrugated, peripheral wall extends upward from the peripheral edge to an apex area. The corrguations of the peripheral wall include alternating crown and root portions. A peripheral rib extending circumferentially around the peripheral wall is defined by a plurality of rib portions which are disposed in the root portions of the corrugations. Each rib portion has a rib outer portion which is substantially flush with the adjoining crown portions and rib side portions which extend from the rib outer portion into the adjacent root portion. An indentation area is formed by enlarging one of the root portions. An annular sleeve depends from the indentation area into the interior of the tank to provide a fluid access with the interior of the tank.

Abstract: This application discloses the method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic tubing which comprises a rigid semiround, triangular, or the like top section and a flat base of flexible sheet-like material. The manufacturing comprises the steps of or apparatus for (a) extruding a sleeve of thermoplastic material, (b) blow molding a corrugated generally tubular structure, (c) cooling the generally tubular structure, (d) splitting the generally tubular structure into a pair of semiround corrugated tubing structures, (e) bonding a strip of sheet-like material across the open base of the semiround tubing, (f) folding the semiround tubing longitudinally to a flattened configuration, and (g) coiling the tubing in its flattened configuration.

Abstract: A tee connector for coupling a corrugated tubing lateral normal to a larger diameter corrugated tubing main with a circular aperture in its side wall. The connector has a first end with a circular periphery sized to be received in the aperture. The first end is configured with two arcuate longitudinal recesses separated by two arcuate protuberances to conform with the interior surface of the main. Adjacent the first end are positioning projections which abut the exterior surface of the main to position the connector normal to the main. Also, adjacent the first end are tabs which are snapped through the aperture to engage the interior surface of the main. The lateral is received in a bore in the second end. The length that is received is limited by limiting projections in the bore adjacent the first end. Detents on the interior surface of the bore engage the corrugations of the lateral to inhibit its removal from the connector.

Abstract: A thin-walled, one-piece plastic tank for subterranean storage and transmission of sewage or other materials. The tank comprises a bottom wall, an arched top wall and opposed end walls. The top wall is substantially semi-circular in cross-section with a plurality of corrugations therearound. Along the apex area of the arch is a pair of manhole-like openings with an arced strengthening rib therebetween. The bottom wall is generally arced in cross-section with a radius very large compared to the radius of the cross-section of the top wall which causes the bottom wall to be generally flat. The end walls are arced in the longitudinal, cross-sectional and horizontal planes. The end walls each have a plurality of corrugations. In the root of one of the corrugations is a depression which contains a horizontal aperture for the egress or ingress of fluid materials. The bottom wall has a plurality of corrugations mating with the top wall corrugations such that the corrugations circumscribe the tank.

Abstract: A coupler structure which facilitates the internal joining of a first length of hollow plastic pipe having internal corrugations defined by a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys to a second length of similar pipe or to some other structure. The coupler is molded from plastic to have at least one cylindrical end portion dimensioned for longitudinal receipt in the second length of tubing or other structure which is to be coupled to the first length. This one end portion includes a plurality of integrally molded cleats extending generally radially outward thereof. The cleats are selectively movable between first locking positions for lockingly engaging the second tubing length valleys and second non-locking positions which permits forced insertion of the coupler one end portion into the second tubing length. The cleats are hinged to the one end portion generally laterally thereof and are continuously urged toward the first position by the resilient nature of the plastic construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable arched conduit suitable for use as drain tubing, culverts and the like. The conduit has the cross section of a parabolic arch with a flat base. The arched portion of the conduit comprises a pair of rigid corrugated plastic walls jointed at the apex area by a hinge. The base is constructed from a flexible sheet material which may contain apertures for liquid ingress and egress. For shipment, the rigid walls are folded inward about the hinge with the flexible sheet being folded between the rigid walls in order to present a generally flat configuration. After folding, the conduit may be conveniently rolled or length placed in parallel stacks for reducing the storage and/or shipping space required. At installation, the conduit may be unrolled along the installation site and then caused to expand into its unfolded shape.

Abstract: This application discloses a septic tank construction including an inlet baffle structure and an outlet baffle structure for reducing the turbulence in the liquid or clear zone of the septic tank. The tank has oppositely disposed arcuate end walls which bow outward. In one of the end walls is an inlet for receiving incoming raw sewage. Connected with the inlet is an inlet baffle structure for introducing the incoming sewage into the fluids in the tank with a minimum of turbulence. The inlet baffle structure comprises a generally tubular structure which is connected with the inlet and terminates in a fluid introducing flared opening disposed toward the end wall. The fluid introducing opening is oval in cross section with its major axis extending vertically. In the other end wall is an outlet for discharging treated fluids to the disposal field. An outlet baffle structure for receiving treated fluids to be discharged is connected with the outlet.