Abstract: A latching assembly for a first fluid line connector, such as a standard "glad hand" connector, to prevent disengagement of the first fluid line connector from a second fluid line connector with which it is interconnected. The latching assembly includes a latch member that is movable between a locking position, wherein the latch member cooperates with a travel stop of a first retainer coupled with the first fluid line connector to restrict rotational movement on the first fluid line connector, and a release position, wherein the latch member allows disengagement of the first fluid line connector from the second fluid line connector. A structure is provided for biasing the latch member to the locking position.

Abstract: The use of fusion-formed compounds of polyvalent cations with aluminate, alumino-borate and -ferrite anions has been found to provide improved clarification methods for settling aqueous suspensions of solids. The use of these materials has been found to be more effective than the use of the corresponding conventional mono-valent cation compounds. A particularly effective form of these clarifying agents is obtained when the preparation thereof is carried out by high temperature methods, which brings about the incipient or actual fusion of the materials. Recycling of the once-used clarifying agents is possible when using these materials, especially when the flocculated solids are incinerated during the ultimate disposal step.

Abstract: The organic portion of solid municipal waste is converted into a liquid fuel suitable for use in internal- and external-combustion engines, a residue suitable for plant or animal nutrients and purified water by the process which comprises separation of the waste into a hydrolyzable fraction, hydrolysis of said fraction, saccharification, fermentation, distillation, and concentration.

Abstract: The organic portion of the impurities in municipal waste are converted into a liquid fuel suitable for use in internal- and external-combustion engines, a residue suitable for animal feed supplement and purified water by the process which comprises the steps of: partial concentration, saccharification, fermentation and distillation.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for alteration of the sex ratio in animal (including human) offspring by separation of the population of spermatozoa into fractions which are different by reason of the sex-linked electrical charge resident thereon. The separation is carried out by bringing the spermatozoa into close association with an electrostatic charge-bearing material having a charge the sign of which is opposite to the sign of a chosen portion of the spermatozoa which carries the sex determining character of the unwanted sex, so as to attract and thereby to permit that portion to be isolated, or put to a disadvantage in the fertilization of ova. The invention is concerned with the selection of the charge-bearing material, the adjustment of the pH and particle size thereof, and the control of the surrounding medium in relation to its influence on the charge characteristics of both the charge-bearing material and the spermatozoa.

Abstract: Reagents can be provided in more convenient and readily-utilizable forms by converting the basic desired reagent material into a shapeable solid using gelation techniques (i.e., a non-crystalizing solidification process) for the fluids that are carriers and/or vehicles for the reagent. The resulting solidified gel product can be shaped as desired or needed into such practically useful forms as ribbons, tablets, capsules, pellets, etc. The gelled reagent materials are oftentimes more storeable and have markedly increased shelf-lives over the same reagents, per se, in ungelled form.