Abstract: A system and method for converting non-potable water into potable water. Non-potable water, such as sea water or non-potable ground water, and the like, is fed down a conduit into a deep underground enclosure. Due to its extreme depth, the enclosure is geothermally heated above the boiling point of water at the pressure within the enclosure. The water boils and creates water vapor. The water vapor rises and can be drawn up through a vapor conduit to the surface. The water vapor can be condensed (and further purified, if necessary) into potable water. The steam can be used in a hybrid system, and condensed after being used for heating purposes or electrical production. Prior to being sent down into the enclosure, the source of non-potable water can be used in counter current heat exchange to reduce the temperature of the water vapor rising through the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A process of producing potable water, by combining a hydrocarbon containing fossil fuel with oxygen, in a combustion device, such as a home heating or utility unit to produce a flue gas of water vapor and carbon dioxide, and condensing the water vapor in the flue gas to yield potable water. The combustion device can produce heat or electricity. The water vapor can be condensed with one or more heat exchange devices. The source of oxygen can be air, pure oxygen, or nitrogen reduced air. The source of oxygen can be humidified, such as with a non-potable water source or non-potable water can be added to the flue gas. The carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen in the flue gas can be reduced or removed before the condensation step(s). The pressure of the flue gas can be increased prior to condensation of the water vapor. Natural gas is a preferred fuel.

Abstract: Radiolabeled annexin and modified annexin conjugates useful for imaging vascular thrombi are described. Methods for making and using such radiolabeled annexin conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein dust-laden gas is pumped into a housing having a plurality of tubular fabric filter bags. The gas flows through the bags to the interior of each tubular filter element and the solid particulates are deposited on the exterior surface of the fabric element. The clean gas from the interior of each filter element passes to the clean gas plenum via a thimble opening. Whenever one of the bags is ruptured, the gas velocity at the thimble opening increases dramatically due to the elimination of the resistance to gas flow by the fabric. A valve actuated by the sudden increase in gas velocity closes the thimble opening automatically and, thus, the contamination of the clean gas stream with solid particulates is prevented. The entire filtration apparatus is shut-down automatically by pressure control whenever, 25% or more of the fabric filter bags are ruptured and their thimble openings are closed by the respective valves.

Abstract: A forward and reverse mechanism having a single direction foot pedal and having a control member extending to a device to be controlled by the movement of the foot pedal. Forward and neutral and reverse mode mechanism interconnects the foot pedal and the control member, and a shift member sets the mechanism in the desired one of the three modes. With the mechanism set in any one of the three modes, simply depressing the foot pedal will create the forward or the reverse or will establish the neutral condition for the entire assembly.