Abstract: A fluid cooled electrical capacitor assembly (10) includes a stack of honeycomb sheet-like structures (12) of dielectric material with an electrode (16) between each pair of honeycomb sheet-like structures. Alternate electrodes are electrically coupled together to each other and may be coupled to respective terminals of an electrical circuit. Fluid passages (20) in the honeycomb sheet-like structures provide a place for fluid (20a) to affect electrical characteristics of the capacitor assembly and/or to provide for cooling while preventing the fluid from contacting the electrodes. A method of assembling a capacitor assembly includes placing capacitor subunits including a dielectric honeycomb sheet-like structure and an electrode in parallel planar, overlying relation with the honeycomb. A method of cooling a capacitor assembly of dielectric honeycomb structure and electrodes includes directing a fluid through flow channels in the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A fluid cooled electrical ionizer assembly includes a stack of honeycomb sheet-like structures of dielectric material with an electrode between each pair of honeycomb sheet-like structures. Alternate electrodes are electrically coupled together to each other and may be coupled to respective terminals of an electrical circuit. Fluid passages in the honeycomb sheet-like structures provide a place for fluid to affect electrical characteristics of the ionizer assembly and/or to provide for cooling. A method of assembling an ionizer assembly includes placing ionizer subunits including a dielectric honeycomb sheet-like structure and an electrode in parallel planar, overlying relation with the honeycomb. A method of cooling an ionizer assembly of dielectric honeycomb structure and electrodes includes directing a fluid through flow channels in the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A method of using honeycomb material having opposite surfaces and flow channels between the surfaces, includes directing fluid flow through the channels while applying a voltage between the surfaces and across fluid flowing in the channels. A method of using honeycomb material that includes at least one electrode, the honeycomb material and electrode be useful in an electrical or electronic device, includes using the honeycomb material to support or to suspend the electrical or electronic device. An apparatus includes a honeycomb structure of dielectric material having a number of flow channels therethrough, an electrode at a surface of the dielectric material responsive to electrical input to apply an electrical response alone or with regard to another electrode, the honeycomb structure having cohesive strength and rigidity to support itself and the electrode from in suspended relation.

Abstract: A method of using honeycomb material having opposite surfaces and flow channels between the surfaces, includes directing fluid flow through the channels while applying a voltage between the surfaces and across fluid flowing in the channels. A method of using honeycomb material that includes at least one electrode, the honeycomb material and electrode be useful in an electrical or electronic device, includes using the honeycomb material to support or to suspend the electrical or electronic device. An apparatus includes a honeycomb structure of dielectric material having a number of flow channels therethrough, an electrode at a surface of the dielectric material responsive to electrical input to apply an electrical response alone or with regard to another electrode, the honeycomb structure having cohesive strength and rigidity to support itself and the electrode from in suspended relation.

Abstract: A fluid cooled electrical capacitor assembly (10) includes a stack of honeycomb sheet-like structures (12) of dielectric material with an electrode (16) between each pair of honeycomb sheet-like structures. Alternate electrodes are electrically coupled together to each other and may be coupled to respective terminals of an electrical circuit. Fluid passages (20) in the honeycomb sheet-like structures provide a place for fluid (20a) to affect electrical characteristics of the capacitor assembly and/or to provide for cooling while preventing the fluid from contacting the electrodes. A method of assembling a capacitor assembly includes placing capacitor subunits including a dielectric honeycomb sheet-like structure and an electrode in parallel planar, overlying relation with the honeycomb. A method of cooling a capacitor assembly of dielectric honeycomb structure and electrodes includes directing a fluid through flow channels in the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A fluid cooled electrical ionizer assembly includes a stack of honeycomb sheet-like structures of dielectric material with an electrode between each pair of honeycomb sheet-like structures. Alternate electrodes are electrically coupled together to each other and may be coupled to respective terminals of an electrical circuit. Fluid passages in the honeycomb sheet-like structures provide a place for fluid to affect electrical characteristics of the ionizer assembly and/or to provide for cooling. A method of assembling an ionizer assembly includes placing ionizer subunits including a dielectric honeycomb sheet-like structure and an electrode in parallel planar, overlying relation with the honeycomb. A method of cooling an ionizer assembly of dielectric honeycomb structure and electrodes includes directing a fluid through flow channels in the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A method of treating water wherein the water is passed through a column of zebra mussels. In a preferred manner, a single bed of living zebra mussels is used.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a toxic material with a resinous plastic wherein the toxic material is admixed and coated with the resinous plastic to result in an encapsulated product having a protective skin thereover. The method involves an extrusion step followed by a severing of the extruded product into discrete particles for either subsequent injection or compression molding or additional extruding with additional resinous plastic. Geometric forms result which can indicate the type of toxic material as well as be of a size so as not to be ingested by animals and have imprinted warning indicia. Liquid as well as solid toxic materials can be encapsulated.

Abstract: A method of photodegrading a metallic chelate complex wherein ultraviolet light is directed into an aqueous solution of a metallic chelate to photodegrade the metallic chelate and isolate the metallic portion. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength of no greater than about 210 nm and the method is especially adapted for photodegrading metallic chelates in electroless nickel plating baths and metallic ethylenediamine triacetic acid to recover the metallic portions as well as reduce toxic waste.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. First and second separate elongated principal members form an elongated envelope volume having constant cross-sections along its length. The first principal member is outwardly convex and radiation-transmissive and the second is inwardly concave and radiation-reflective, preferably having a metallic inner coating. The members are arranged and configured so that the envelope volume is less than that of a cylinder of similar cross-dimension. Pural electrodes are preferably used.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly for diffusing air into wastewater includes a plurality of diffuser elements arrayed along the bottom of a container for the wastewater. Each diffuser element has an inlet connected to a source of air under pressure and an outlet for discharging air in the form of discrete bubbles. A perforate sheet is spaced above each of the diffuser elements to capture bubbles which will tend to agglomerate by the time they reach the level of the sheet. The sheet has a plurality of polygonal openings which reform the trapped gas into discrete bubbles as the gas passes through the sheet. Additional levels of perforate sheets may be spaced above the first perforate sheet. The perforate sheets may be in the form of individual sheets each attached to a respective diffuser element, or the sheets may be part of a continuous sheet or sheets suspended across the container for the wastewater.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. Inner and outer tubular members form an elongated annular envelope volume. The inner tube is radiation-transmissive and the outer tube is preferably radiation-reflective, preferably having metallic inner coating. Fluid passing through the inner tube is irradiated.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. First and second separate elongated principal members form an elongated envelope volume having constant cross-sections along its length. The members are arranged and configured so that the envelope volume is less than that of a cylinder of similar cross-dimension. The inner surface of the second principal member has projecting structures which extend to distal ends adjacent to the first principal member.

Abstract: The disinfection of water or other fluid is accomplished by passing a stream of the fluid through a laser beam which radiates light in the ultraviolet range. A gas pulsed laser is disclosed which produces a beam having a substantial width and depth and a measurable length, as measured in the direction of fluid flow. The laser is positioned out of contact with the stream but with its beam filling the cross-section of the stream of water which can flow through a flume or over a weir. Flow meters are provided which adjust the rate of pulsing of the laser, and therefore the intensity of the ultraviolet light, in relation to changes in flow. Sensors are also provided to adjust the intensity of the laser for changes in turbidity or organic content of the fluid. In one embodiment the fluid flows through a spiral tube which directs the fluid to and fro through the laser beam. In another embodiment, the length of the laser beam is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the laser beam source and a diverging lens.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for effecting a chemical reaction, including a mixer/charger for simultaneously mixing and electrically charging a fluid input to produce a charged fluid output, chemical reaction containment vessel for containing ingredients undergoing a chemical reaction separately from the mixer/charger, and a coupling for fluidically coupling the charged fluid output from the mixer/charger to the containment vessel to influence the chemical reaction. The method includes simultaneously mixing and electrically charging a fluid input to produce an electrically charged fluid output, and delivering the electrically charged fluid to a medium undergoing a chemical reaction to influence the chemical reaction thereof.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid mixer/charger includes an inlet for receiving input flowing fluid, the inlet including a flow directing portion for directing fluid in the first directional flow path, an outlet positioned to receive fluid flowing from the inlet to direct the fluid along a second directional flow path different from the first one, and a charging device for applying or removing electrical charge with respect to fluid during flow by at least one of the inlet and outlet. The invention functions as an electric capacitor with a fixed bleed rate to charge fluid.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing a gas and electron flow therein between electrodes. First and second separate elongated principal members form an elongated envelope volume having constant cross-sections along its length. The members are arranged and configured so that the envelope volume is less than that of a cylinder of similar cross-demension. The first principal member is radiation-transmissive and the second is preferably radiation-reflective, having a metallic inner coating. Plural electrodes are preferably used. The second principal member is preferably inwardly-concave. One preferred embodiment has a first principal member which is outwardly concave and preferably has a high gas pressure. Another has an outwardly convex first principal member. Another has concentric inner and outer tubes as radiation-transmissive and radiation-reflective members, respectively, the inner tube serving as a flow path for a liquid to be treated.

Abstract: A seal member for use in a pellet dispensing apparatus which can provide a barrier between a rotor member and a supply hopper so that gas emitted from the supply hopper will not escape. The seal arrangement also serves the function of a spacing or biasing member for a drive gear as well as a bearing surface. The seal member is disposed in a manner that it will selfadjust during wear yet is flexible to withstand contact with debris. Preferably the seal unit is fabricated from a fluorocarbon resin and is frusto conical in shape.

Abstract: A mixture control system for mixing a bactericidal chemical and water in a reservoir in batches. Flow of the water into the reservoir is initiated by a float actuated switch and the duration of the flow is controlled. While the flow is occurring, a dispenser dispenses chemical into the reservoir according to a preset dispensing cycle which is initiated when the water flow is initiated and also terminates therewith.

Abstract: A pair of flapper valves are mounted in parallel to control the flow of a fluid into a reservoir. The flapper valves are opened by a first rotatable cam which is rotated through one or more complete revolutions when a float control switch in the reservoir is opened thereby indicating a drop in the level of fluid in the reservoir. Each complete revolution of the first cam actuates an impulse switch for a short duration. The impulse switch energizes a low speed memory motor and increments the output shaft of the motor. Each increment corresponds to one complete revolution of the first cam and, therefore, one unit of a fixed quantity of fluid passing through the valves. The output shaft of the memory motor rotates a second adjustable cam that controls the actuation of a switch which in turn controls a dispenser for dispensing a chemical additive into the fluid added to the reservoir.