Abstract: A reaction vessel for biologically decomposing a material comprises a frame, an airtight housing rotatably mounted on the frame defining an enclosure therein, and a device for controlling environmental conditions within the enclosure so that biological decomposition of the material can occur at a controlled rate. Air is circulated through the enclosure in a closed loop so that air leaving the enclosure will be recirculated back into the enclosure. A computer controls the oxygen level of the air inside the enclosure, the humidity of the air inside the enclosure, the temperature of the air inside the enclosure, and the carbon dioxide level of the air inside the enclosure. The housing is disposed at an incline relative to the frame so that the material introduced into the enclosure proximal to the higher portion of the housing tends to flow toward the lower portion of the housing. A separating wall is disposed within the enclosure, forming therein a first chamber and a second chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for biologically decomposing a material, comprising a frame and a substantially airtight housing rotatably mounted on the frame is disclosed. The housing has a first outside surface and a first inside surface, a first end and a second end, the first inside surface defining an enclosure therein. The housing also defines a plurality of openings therethrough. A first air header supplies air to, and a second air header removes air from, a plurality of air manifolds disposed external to the housing and in fluid communication with the enclosure through the openings defined by the housing. The plurality of air manifolds includes a first plurality of air manifolds in fluid communication with the first air header and a second plurality of air manifolds in fluid communication with the second air header. Air passes from the first air header through the first plurality of air manifolds into the enclosure and passes out of the enclosure through the second plurality of manifolds to the second air header.

Abstract: An electronic control means utilized in an electrically actuated shift apparatus for a multispeed axle including an electric power source and an electric motor coupled to actuate means for shifting the axle. The power source is connected to the electric motor through a shift speed control switch and a plurality of steering diodes. When the switch is actuated to select an axle speed, power is applied through one of the steering diodes to one side of the armature of the motor. Power is also applied through another of the diodes as a shift signal to a timing circuit. A first means is responsive to the shift signal for generating a first control signal for a first predetermined time. At the termination of the first control signal, the timing circuit generates a second control signal to connect the other side of the motor armature to ground thereby actuating the motor.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection device for detecting micro-organisms. A standard pH reference electrode and a platinum cathodic electrode are positioned in a container with suitable nutrient medium for microbial growth plus the sample to be tested. The two electrodes are connected to electronic circuitry including an up/down counter which counts up for the first 80 minutes after a test has been initiated. Then the potential between the two electrodes is tracked by the electronic circuitry and after there is a change of 10 mv a signal is sent to the up/down counter to cause it to reverse its count. Thereafter when there is a additional 20 mv change in the potential between the two electrodes another signal is sent to the up/down counter signalling it to stop. The resulting count on the counter is equal to the length of time for the inoculum to begin the production of measurable amounts of H.sub.2 after inoculation. This length of time is indicative of a endpoint.

Abstract: A gas turbine powered aircraft auxiliary power system capable of efficiently supplying all aircraft auxiliary services both in flight and on the ground and further capable of operating independently of the aircraft main engines. The system employs multiple gas turbine compressor stages, and utilizes the aircraft cabin as a plenum chamber between the first and second compressor stages, thereby accomplishing cabin pressurization, ventilation and heating.