Abstract: A burner comprises a central conduit, a first annular conduit, and a nozzle plate across the outlet of the first annular conduit, wherein the nozzle plate comprises a plurality of orifices that extend through the nozzle plate, and a second annular conduit which opens into a downstream space, wherein the central conduit and the first annular conduit are controllably connected to a first reactant and the second annular conduit is controllably connected to a source of a second reactant, wherein one of the first and second reactants comprises fuel and the other of the first and second reactants comprises oxygen. Combustion apparatus comprises a plurality of the burners, preferably arranged in two planes each of which contain at least one of the burners. A fuel-rich flame can be emitted in one of the planes and a fuel-lean flame can be emitted in the other plane. The fuel-rich and fuel-lean nature of the flames emitted in the respective planes can be periodically alternated.

Abstract: A combustion method in which heated flue gas heats a regenerator through which a mixture of fuel and flue gas is then passed to undergo endothermic reactions that produce syngas which is fed into a furnace together with a motive gas stream, wherein fuel is combusted with the motive gas stream to provide heat in alternate cycles.

Abstract: A process for the production of C2-C4 hydrofluorocarbon, such as 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, by contacting a non-fluorinated hydrochlorocarbon with a fluorinating agent, such as hydrogen fluoride, in a liquid catalyst system preferably comprising fluorinated superacid catalyst prepared from SbF5, NbF5, TaF5 or TaF5/SnF4 and HF.

Abstract: A process for the production of C2-C4 hydrofluorocarbon, such as 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, by contacting a non-fluorinated hydrochlorocarbon with a fluorinating agent, such as hydrogen fluoride, in a liquid catalyst system preferably comprising fluorinated superacid catalyst prepared from SbF5, NbF5, TaF5 or TaF5/SnF4 and HF.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic fluorination of hydrochlorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the liquid phase. The process is useful for fluorinating hydrochloropropanes, hydrochlorofluoropropanes, hydrochloropropenes and hydrochlorofluoropropenes and most particularly useful for fluorinating 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane to 1,1,1,3,3-pentafloropropane.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic fluorination of hydrochlorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the liquid phase. The process is useful for fluorinating hydrochloropropanes, hydrochlorofluoropropanes, hydrochloropropenes and hydrochlorofluoropropenes and most particularly useful for fluorinating 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane to 1,1,1,3,3-pentafloropropane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing an aromatic compound having the general formula ##STR1## where R is CF.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, OC.sub.2 F.sub.5, CN, NCO, or COCl, m is 0, 1, or 2, n is 0, 1, or 2, q is 1 or 2, and q+m+n is an integer from 1 to 5. A vapor is prepared of a substrate having the general formula ##STR2## and a chlorinating agent. The mixture is reacted at a temperature above the boiling point of the substrate but below its decomposition temperature. The amount of chlorinating agent is about 0.5 to about 2 times the amount stoichiometrically required to replace the nitro groups on the substrate with chlorine. Unreacted substrate and partially reacted substrate are condensed from the product mixture and are recycled. The substrate is preferably in contact with the chlorinating agent before it is vaporized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an aromatic nitrile by reacting a benzotrichloride having the formula ##STR1## with a source of ammonia, where Z is R, X, ##STR2## --ROR, or --OR, R is alkyl from C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 or aryl from C.sub.1 to C.sub.25, X is halogen and n is 0 to 5. The reaction is performed in the presence of 0.01 to about 5 wt % of a catalyst having the general formula M.sub.P/2 O or MX.sub.p .cndot.mH.sub.2 O and about 0.01 to about 5 wt % water, as free water or water of hydration, based on the weight of the benzotrichloride, where M is beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, or barium, m is 0 to 6, and p is the valence of M.

Abstract: A ceramic capacitive pressure transducer capable of withstanding high pressures without undue internal stresses incorporates a deflecting diaphragm having a three-dimensional contoured surface adjacent a central electrode bearing region and within a rigid periphery. A planar electrode bearing region of predetermined thickness is defined by a concavity on the pressure receiving side, limited by a shoulder at the periphery, and a groove on the electrode bearing side. This configuration primarily deforms in the contoured region, with tensile stresses arising from interior deflection of the electrode bearing region and rigid seating of the periphery being distributed through the groove region and also cancelling to some extent such that axial, radial and tangential stresses all are held well below allowable stress levels for the material.

Abstract: A capacitive force responsive transducer provides a linear relationship between electrical output and input force variations while protecting the sensing diaphragm from damage during extremely high overload forces. In one example differential pressures or forces are applied to opposite sides of a diaphragm interposed between two supporting plates, such that the diaphragm deflects toward one supporting plate and away from the other. Electrodes on opposite sides of the diaphragm are moved oppositely toward or away from facing electrodes on the supporting plates. A fourth order deflection curve machined into both surfaces of the diaphragm assures very linear capacitance variations (l/c) with the input differential pressures. Other electrodes are disposed in positions to provide invariant reference capacitors. At overload differential pressures, the diaphragm surface becomes flat and engages a supporting plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for deriving digital signals from analog variations of different sensing elements in a transducer. Each sensing device controls the frequency of a variable frequency oscillator, which is energized when a reading is to be taken for that specific sensing device. The periodic signal is coupled to a first counter which counts a presettable total number of cycles so as to establish a variable time period proportioned to the value represented by the then existing state of the sensing device. Concurrently, a second counter is operated for a like time interval, but counts cycles from a fixed frequency clock source at a much higher frequency. The number of cycles counted by the second counter is proportional to the analog signal from the sensing device. This arrangement enables the analog signals from the sensing devices to be digitized in sequence with compact circuitry having low power drain.

Abstract: A spring loaded latch mechanism for controlling tilting movement of a seat back relative to a seat frame to which it is pivoted, includes an elongated rod having one toothed face and only one end connected to the seat, a latch frame connected to the seat and supporting the other end of the rod for reciprocation therewithin, a pawl adapted to releasably engage the teeth, a manually-operated handle, and a cam interconnecting the handle and the pawl to drive the pawl into and from engagement. In one embodiment similar latch mechanisms are provided, one on each side of the seat with the mechanism opposite to the handle being a slave having a free-floating cam plate and a lever plate driven by the operator, actuation of the slave cam plate resulting from the lever plate being rotated thereagainst independently of the master latch mechanism on the handle side.

Abstract: A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats. The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component, which pivots with the upper recliner structure, includes a curved toothed rack. The rack meshes with a gear mounted to the lower recliner structure. A pawl is adjustable between an engaged position which fixes the seat back angle to a disengaged position permitting the seat back angle to be changed relative to the seat bottom. This design improves over prior art designs in that it employs fewer parts, is less costly to produce, and further, permits very fine adjustments in the seat back angle.

Abstract: A gear operated seat recliner mechanism is described which is particularly useful in connection with motor vehicle occupant seats. The recliner permits the angle between the seat back and seat bottom to be varied as desired by the seat occupant. In accordance with this invention, the upper recliner structure pivots about the lower recliner structure and a quadrant component which pivots with the upper recliner structure includes a curved toothed rack which meshes with a gear. A locking pawl is movable between a position of engagement with the gear to fix the seat back angle to a disengaged position, permitting the seat back angle to be adjusted. Further, a restraint pawl is provided which acts upon the curved toothed rack in the event that the locking pawl or recliner gear fails, thereby providing a redundant means for fixing the relative angular position between the upper and lower recliner structures.

Abstract: A seat recliner mechanism for a motor vehicle of the type which permits forward folding of the seat back and allows the reclined position of the seat back to be adjusted. In one type of recliner mechanism, a quadrant is provided having a curved toothed rack which meshes with a rotatable recliner gear. An adjusting mechanism acts on the recliner gear for either preventing or allowing the recliner gear to rotate, thus providing a means for adjusting the reclined position. These types of mechanisms are subject to severe loadings if the recliner is placed in a rearwardly adjusted position with the seat back folded forward, and the actuation mechanism released. In this condition, the recliner spring which acts on the quadrant or recliner gear rotates these components unopposed by the mass of the upper recliner structure. When these components read their extreme positions, severe loadings are imposed upon them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for deriving digital signals from analog variations of different sensing elements in a transducer. Each sensing device controls the frequency of a variable frequency oscillator, which is energized when a reading is to be taken for that specific sensing device. The periodic signal is coupled to a first counter which counts a presettable total number of cycles so as to establish a variable time period proportioned to the value represented by the then existing state of the sensing device. Concurrently, a second counter is operated for a like time interval, but counts cycles from a fixed frequency clock source at a much higher frequency. The number of cycles counted by the second counter is proportional to the analog signal from the sensing device. This arrangement enables the analog signals from the sensing devices to be digitized in sequence with compact circuitry having low power drain.

Abstract: An improved motor vehicle seat hinge mechanism which includes an inertia sensitive latching device which prevents forward rotation of the seat back in the event of sudden vehicle deceleration. The vehicle seat hinge mechanism according to this invention improves over prior art designs by providing a quadrant component which does not present objectionable rearward protrusions which interfere with rear seat occupants while entering and egressing from the rear seat area and, further, avoids the presentation of sharp projections which could cause tearing and wearing of interior trim fabrics. The seat back hinge mechanism further includes a cam plate which biases the inertia sensitive latching device such that it is in a position to latch when the seat back is in its normal position. Due to the use of the cam plate, the seat hinge according to this invention is less sensitive to malfunctions caused by hinge component misalignment.

Abstract: A compact, rapidly-deployable rappel rescue system is housed in a lightweight carrier and connected to a belt or harness for portable use or mounted in a stationary position readily available for emergency use. The carrier contains a carabiner connected to one end of a tubularly woven Kevlar aramid fiber of similar lightweight, high strength synthetic polymer rappel line folded into a deployment bag, an edge guard protective sleeve pad slidable on the line and adjustable to the rappel point, a modified figure-of-eight multi-configuration descender and an end-stop ring connected to the other end of the rappel line.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism particularly adapted for motor vehicle seats is described. In accordance with this invention, the adjusted position of the seat back is controlled by using a recliner mechanism which includes a coil spring clutch which is selectively tightened or loosened around an actuator clutch drum. The upper recliner structure has a toothed quadrant which meshes with a recliner gear which rotates the rotating actuator clutch drum. A lever is employed to cause relative rotation between a pair of actuator cam plates which are connected to extending ends of a coil clutch spring. Movement of the actuator lever selectively causes the coil clutch spring to tighten or loosen around the actuator clutch drum. In accordance with another feature of this invention, a redundant positioning pawl is provided which prevents unrestrained motion of the upper recliner structure in the event of a failure or improper operation of the coil spring clutch actuator.