Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating non-biogenic plastic from biogenic waste. A stream of waste materials is delivered through an inlet into a conduit in which the biogenic waste drops out the bottom. The non-biogenic plastic is drawn upwardly by a separator in the form of pressurized gas fed tangentially through two ports in an opposite direction with each other to create a vacuum in the conduit.

Abstract: A scrubber for scrubbing at least one pollutant from flue gas includes a first stage configured to provide a chemical oxidant to a stream of flue gas, and a second stage configured to provide a chemical or chemicals to the stream of flue gas, a scrubbing medium recirculation feature configured to continuously recirculate a slurry used in the second stage, and a by-product processing portion configured to remove a by-product from a stream of slurry withdrawn from the scrubber. The by-product includes reaction products of at least one pollutant.

Abstract: A method for sequestering carbon contained in waste plastic includes separating the waste plastic from the waste stream prior to incineration, gasification, landfill, or any other method of final disposal of waste, modifying the plastic for use as a modified polymer aggregate, and using the modified polymer aggregate as a constituent ingredient in a durable building material.

Abstract: A scrubber for scrubbing at least one pollutant from flue gas includes a first stage configured to provide a chemical oxidant to a stream of flue gas, and a second stage configured to provide a chemical or chemicals to the stream of flue gas, a scrubbing medium recirculation feature configured to continuously recirculate a slurry used in the second stage, and a by-product processing portion configured to remove a by-product from a stream of slurry withdrawn from the scrubber. The by-product includes reaction products of at least one pollutant.

Abstract: A backpack in which length of the shoulder straps automatically adjust as to length when the wearer twists his or her torso. The shoulder straps are connected at their lower end to form one continuous strap. This strap passes below the bottom panel of the backpack, and is contained within a channel. The channel extends along the bottom panel for its entire width from right to left. The channel bends upwardly and forwardly as it exits the bottom panel to follow the side panels of the backpack. A member of low friction characteristics enables the continuous strap to slide freely within the channel. The channel is formed to resist distortion by compression from the load carried within the backpack. The shoulder straps may be elastic, and include an adjustment feature enabling adjustment of their overall length to accommodate different body dimensions.