Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the production of liquid carbon compounds from coal. According to the invention coal is oxidized at 80.degree. to 300.degree. C. in the presence of the vapors of a C.sub.1-5 aliphatic alcohol, optionally under the introduction of steam, and then the liquid carbon compounds are separated from the resulting product mixture.The process according to the invention can also be performed under atmospheric pressure, 50-80% of the carbon content of the coal converted appear in the liquid product. The liquid product contains the more valuable fraction, boiling below 300.degree. C., as major component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the liquid phase oxidation of coal performed with oxygen optionally in the presence of water. According to the invention oxidation is performed in the presence of a cooxidation partner selected from the group of liquid hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing liquid hydrocarbons, and if water is also present, the pH of the homogeneous solution formed from the cooxidation partner and water is maintained at a slightly acidic value.By the method of the invention the formation of carbon dioxide can be suppressed significantly.

Abstract: Equipment for patenting steel wires, comprising preheating and patenting tanks for processing the wires along substantially horizontal and straight-line paths, an electrical potential being applied to end plates in at least some tank sections, the plates having notches at points of intersection with the wire paths, the wires being passed under respective levels of the baths in the tanks; through the notches, the paths being beneath upper edges of the end plates but above lowest points of the notches, the levels of the baths being kept above planes defined by the wire paths. Among optional features, pull is imparted to sections of the wires that exit from the patenting tank at a higher speed than to sections entering the preheating tank, thereby to reduce the cross-sections of the resulting steel wires without the application of dies and the like.

Abstract: Process for patenting steel wires, comprising the steps of passing steel wire substantially horizontally through a preheating tank containing a salt bath, and through a patenting tank similarly containing a salt bath; and applying an electrical potential between the tanks.

Abstract: A protective arrangement operating in conjunction with a multiplexing system adapted to convey data from a plurality of low-impedance analog sensors to a central digital receiving terminal. Each sensor is coupled by an input line through a noise-rejection filter that includes a capacitor connected across the line to a commutator serving to sequentially sample analog data derived from the sensors and to apply the samples to an analog-to-digital converter. The protective arrangement functions to detect the occurrence of an open circuit in any one of the sensors and to produce an indication of this abnormal condition, the arrangement including a like plurality of photon-couplers, one for each sensor. The light-emitting diode of each photon-coupler is energized by a power source common to all sensor circuits. The light emitted by the diode is intercepted by a photo-transistor connected through resistors of high value across the related sensor input line to define a network generating a small offset-current.

Abstract: A patenting process and a hot-forming process take place simultaneously, based on the principle of the direct electrical resistance heating, in an apparatus wherein the steel wire is led onto two discs or drums, provided with peripheral surfaces having different diameters and immersed in the patenting medium and from here the wire is led onto a guide disc or drums, outside the patenting medium.