Abstract: An air pollutant and/or fire combustion sensing apparatus includes a sensing electrode having an electrically non-conductive or dielectric sensing layer which has a surface resistivity in excess of 1.times.10.sup.10 ohms/square (and preferably 1.times.10.sup.15), and a bulk resistivity in excess of 1.times.10.sup.12 ohm-cm, and preferably 1.times.10.sup.15 at 50% R.H., and which is essentially free of dipole-hydrogen bonding forces such that the surface energy component is primarily due to dispersion bonding forces and, if at all, only incidentally as a result of dipole-hydrogen bonding forces. The latter appears to be a principal factor and desirably has a value of less than 5.0 ergs/cm.sup.2 and preferably less than 1.0 erg/cm.sup.2. The gases detected have a large Van der Waal gas "a" constant and dipole moment. This sensing layer adsorbs air borne polar constituents to alter the charge on the electrode.

Abstract: A method of making an element for sensing the presence of nitrogen dioxide gas in the environment. The element is formed by heating a film of an electrically non-conductive polyaromatic polymer to a temperature sufficiently high to pyrolyze the polymer and render the polymer semi-conductive. The pyrolyzed film is mounted on an electrically non-conductive base. Electrical leads are attached at spaced locations to the film and are connected in an electrical circuit with a signalling or control mechanism. The presence of nitrogen dioxide gas will cause a change in the electrical characteristics of the film to thereby activate the mechanism. A heating element can be associated with the base to insure constant temperature and humidity conditions.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus and method employs a container formed of soda lime glass and having a smooth, defect-free inner wall. The container is filled substantially with a material that can be supercooled to a temperature greater than 5.degree. F., such as ethylene carbonate, benzophenone, phenyl sulfoxide, Di-2-pyridyl ketone, phenyl ether, diphenylmethane, ethylene trithiocarbonate, diphenyl carbonate, diphenylamine, 2-benzoylpyridine, 3-benzoylpyridine, 4-benzoylpyridine, 4-methylbenzophenone, 4-bromobenzophenone, phenyl salicylate, diphenylcyclopropenone, benzyl sulfoxide, 4-methoxy-4PR-methylbenzophenone, N-benzoylpiperidine, 3,3PR,4,4PR,5 pentamethoxybenzophenone, 4,4'-Bis-(dimethylamino)-benzophenone, diphenylboron bromide, benzalphthalide, benzophenone oxime, azobenzene. A nucleating means such as a seed crystal, a cold finger or pointed member is movable into the supercoolable material. A heating element heats the supercoolable material above the melting temperature to store heat.

Abstract: An element for sensing the presence of nitrogen dioxide gas in the environment. The element comprises a film of a pyrolyzed polyaromatic polymer having semi-conductive properties which is mounted on an electrically non-conductive base. Electrical leads are attached at spaced locations to the film and are connected in an electrical circuit with a signalling or control mechanism. The presence of nitrogen dioxide gas will cause a change in the electrical characteristics of the film to thereby activate the mechanism. A heating element can be associated with the base to insure constant temperature and humidity conditions.

Abstract: A dispenser outlet which may be located in the cab of a truck is mounted on a cup support which includes a small drain to which is attached a drain hose leading to the outside. An insulated container, such as a thermos or other insulated container, is located in a remote point such as the back compartment in the tractor or in the trunk of an automobile, and is connected to the dispenser outlet by means of a small plastic hose. A small electrical pump mounted in the bottom on the container is connected to the outlet hose and is operated from the vehicle electrical supply.

Abstract: An air pollutant and/or fire combustion sensing apparatus includes a pair of sensing electrodes separated by a free space to define a capacitance unit. At least one of the electrodes includes a corrosion-resistant, conductive material which interacts with air borne products to alter the permittivity and/or charge transfer characteristic of the unit. The material is in the form of a highly corrosion-resistant metal selected from a metal or metal alloy including at least one of the metals selected from the Group VIII, periods 4, 5, and 6 of the periodic table, particularly rhodium and stainless steel. Carbon and copper respond to produce a detectible output. An amplifying and alarm circuit is connected to the capacitance unit, and responds to either an increase or a decrease in the capacitance as a result of the interaction with the sensing electrode material.