Abstract: A direct current flux compression transformer includes a magnetic envelope having poles defining a magnetic axis and characterized by a pattern of magnetic flux lines in polar symmetry about the axis. The magnetic flux lines are spatially displaced relative to the magnetic envelope using control elements which are mechanically stationary relative to the core. Further provided are inductive elements which are also mechanically stationary relative to the magnetic envelope. Spatial displacement of the flux relative to the inductive elements will cause flow of electrical current. Further provided are magnetic flux valves which provide for the varying of the magnetic reluctance to create a time domain pattern of respectively enhanced and decreased magnetic reluctance across such magnetic valves and, thereby, across the inductive elements. A flow of electric current is generated without mechanical motion of inductive elements relative to the magnetic envelope.

Abstract: An industrial waste anaerobic digestion process takes place in a digester having separate sections within the digester, in which the acid forming and gas forming phases of the digestion process can occur separately under conditions optimized for each phase. A rotating biological contactor is provided in each section for increasing the liquid/gas interface to facilitate the anaerobic reaction. A series of partitions is provided in each section to create zones in which the waste concentration is extremely high and on which the biota can react at maximal reaction rates. The CO.sub.2 produced in the acid forming phase is used in both acid and gas forming sections to mix and achieve pH adjustment, and the methane can be used in the gas forming sections for mixing. A thermophilic chamber in the center of the tank is surrounded by the mesophyllic chamber to minimize and utilize conductive heat loss.

Abstract: An industrial waste anaerobic digester is disclosed having separate sections therein, in which the acid forming and gas forming phases of the digestion process can occur separately under conditions optimized for each phase. A rotating biological contactor is provided in each section for increasing the liquid/gas interface to facilitate the anaerobic reaction. A series of partitions is provided in each section to create zones in which the waste concentration is extremely high and on which the biota can react at maximal reaction rates. The CO.sub.2 produced in the acid forming phase is used in both acid and gas forming sections to mix and achieve pH adjustment, and the methane can be used in the gas forming sections for mixing. A thermophilic chamber in the center of the tank is surrounded by the mesophyllic chamber to minimize and utilize conductive heat loss.

Abstract: A reversible aerodynamic disc-shaped object is provided, shaped as a disc, an outer rim section attached to the periphery of the disc, and a central section disposed within the center of the disc, wherein the central section contains a substantial amount of the weight of the disc-shaped object for increasing the rotational spin of the object.The aerodynamic disc-shaped object may be reversible wherein the disc is of a thin, flexible membrane and the rim section extends from both sides of the periphery of the disc, the rim section being of sufficient weight to create an arcuate cross-sectional configuration in the disc-shaped object when the same is airborne, independent of the side of the disc-shaped object that is facing up.

Abstract: An aerodynamic disc-shaped object is provided, comprising a disc, an outer toroidal rim section attached to the periphery of the disc, and a central section disposed within the center of the disc, wherein the central section comprises a substantial amount of the weight of the disc-shaped object for increasing the rotational spin of the object.

Abstract: A device for catching and throwing a disc-shaped object is provided, comprising a basket for catching the disc-shaped object, the basket including a longitudinal channel at the bottom of the basket and in open communication therewith, the channel having a restraining track therein for releasably securing a disc-shaped object. Attached to the basket and in open communication therewith is a narrow, elongated, arcuate channel, diminishing in height toward its distal end, the channel including a guideway on both of the inner walls of the channel near the upper end thereof for guiding a disc-shaped object having a central axis. The device also includes a handle for grasping the basket to catch and throw a disc-shaped object. The device also includes a magnet at the distal end of the channel for picking up a magnetic disc-shaped object.

Abstract: A method utilizing a composite apparatus for the treatment of wastewater to remove settleable and floatable solids and to remove and oxidize organic matter including a treatment tank having at least two horizontally adjacent bays, each of the bays having an upper biological treatment zone separated by a horizontally disposed baffle from a lower settling zone. Raw wastewater enters the lower settling zone of one of the bays wherein settleable and floatable solids are removed, and then turns vertically to flow in a reverse direction through the upper biological treatment zone of each bay. From the upper treatment zones the wastewater is directed into and through the lower settling zone of the second bay from which the treated fluid is removed.