Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy includes heating a liquid to produce a vapor. The vapor is transported past electron collecting structure which collects electrons from the vapor. Electrons are added to the vapor prior to the vapor reaching the electron collecting structure by an antenna/diode combination.

Abstract: Electrical energy is produced by condensing a vapor back to a liquid. The liquid is either aqueous or a low boiling hydrocarbon. A closed loop or an inverted “U” tube configuration yields similar electrical results. In the closed loop configuration, once a media is sealed therein, it lasts indefinitely. Feeding electrode is in the vapor phase and the collecting electrode is where the vapor is condensed back to a liquid thus yielding its electrical energy. Either configuration becomes auto-genetic when a vapor is present and is silent in operation.

Abstract: A heavier-than-air craft having a cylindrical external configuration comprising a single annular airfoil forming a circumferential lift wing. This fixed circular wing is surrounded by a circular fuselage of substantially the same diameter, closely spaced axially above and below the outer periphery of the annular airfoil, to allow radial air flow over and under substantially the full circumference of the airfoil. The radial air flow is induced through an axial opening in the center of one surface of the circular fuselage by an engine driven propeller, fan or jet effect.

Abstract: A system for transferring solid material to and from a high pressure reactor as a water slurry is disclosed. In a wet oxidation reaction system comminuted solid hydrocarbonaceous material, such as shale, coal, tar sand, wood or waste, flows in a continuous circulation loop to mix and supply a slurry of water and a high concentration of comminuted solid hydrocarbon-containing particles to the reactor. Such a slurry is reacted with oxygen at high temperature and pressure to extract hydrocarbon fluids as a gaseous phase and to remove metal, sulfur and nitrogen components from the material in the residual liquid. Flow into and out of the reactor vessel is through hydraulically actuated cylinders each isolated from atmosphere and the reaction vessel by a pair of full flow gate valves having no valve seats, throats or stems subject to abrasion.

Abstract: A process for upgrading oils is disclosed, in which the oil to be upgraded is contacted with liquid phase water and free oxygen at an elevated temperature and at a pressure sufficient to maintain at least part of the water in the liquid phase.

Abstract: A process for forming coke from an oil is disclosed, in which the oil is contacted with liquid-phase water and free oxygen at an elevated temperature and a pressure sufficient to maintain at least part of the water in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gravity settler for separating finely divided solids such as coal fines from a liquid such as a mixture of coal oil and agglomerating agent by agglomeration. A feed slurry comprising finely divided solids and a liquid mixture of product oil and an agglomerating agent is discharged into a specially shaped duct which promotes formation of agglomerated solids while minimizing turbulence in the remainder of the vessel. The agglomerated solids separate from the liquid by gravity and are washed as they leave the settler while the clarified liquid is discharged from the top of the settler. A method for separating suspended solids from a liquid by agglomeration is also disclosed.

Abstract: In recovering bitumen from tar sand by separation using an aqueous liquid, contamination of the aqueous phase with dispersed, finely divided solids is prevented by a mild heat treatment of the bituminous sand to reduce its water content before the sand is contacted with the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: Electrofiltration, in which solids are removed from a liquid by adherence to surfaces of bodies maintained in an electrostatic field when the liquid is passed through the field, is improved by subjecting the liquid to pretreatment with an electrostatic field of oscillating intensity, especially a field of oscillating alternating polarity.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing unfilterable suspended solids from an oil wherein these solids are agglomerated to separable conglomerated solids by adding to the oil an agglomerating agent comprising a mixture of acetone and 2-butanone.