Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for removing unwanted pollutants from flue gases are disclosed. A sequence of at least three vertical beds of particulates is disposed in the flue gas exhaust duct. A first bed comprises boiler ash or sand. Lime in the fly ash and sulfuric acid and water in the flue gas react with the particulates to form gypsum, removing the fly ash from the flue gas. In the second bed, the remaining sulfuric acid is condensed and removed on a further bed of boiler ash. In the third bed, a catalyst, typically an activated aluminous particulate with an alkali coating thereon, provided by adding ammonia to the flue gas stream, condenses out the remaining sulphur dioxide, which can then be removed from the catalyst particles in a regenerative step. A scrubber embodying these principles is readily retrofittable to pre-existing power plants burning sulphur-containing coal.

Abstract: A fluid flow detection device includes a fluid conduit, at least one magnet translatable by action of the flow of fluid (gas or liquid) in said conduit and a switch which is caused to change state between "on" and "off" relative to the position of the magnet in the conduit. The switch includes several embodiments as does the support for the at least one magnet. In one embodiment the conduit must be positioned in a vertical position in other embodiments the conduit can take any attitude position. A shut off valve can be employed in combination with the flow detection device.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for removing unwanted pollutants from flue gases are disclosed. A sequence of at least three vertical beds of particulates is disposed in the flue gas exhaust duct. A first bed comprises boiler ash or sand. Lime in the fly ash and sulfuric acid and water in the flue gas react with the particulates to form gypsum, removing the fly ash from the flue gas. In the second bed, the remaining sulfuric acid is condensed and removed on a further bed of boiler ash. In the third bed, a catalyst, typically an activated aluminous particulate with an alkali coating thereon, provided by adding ammonia to the flue gas stream, condenses out the remaining sulphur dioxide, which can then be removed from the catalyst particles in a regenerative step. A scrubber embodying these principles is readily retrofittable to pre-existing power plants burning sulphur-containing coal.

Abstract: An animal trap suited for trapping rodents or the like is shown. The trap comprises a hollow housing with a closure for sealing a trapped animal therein. The normally open closure member operates to seal off the exit of the trapped animal when actuated. The closure is actuated from an open housing position to a sealed off housing position by pivoting the housing from an open end downward position about a fulcrum to an open end upward position. The pivoting of the housing is caused by travel of a small animal therein moving from the open end of the housing toward the closed opposite end to retrieve bait placed at the end opposite the open end.

Abstract: An alarm system for a swimming pool or the like whereby small inexperienced children or animals are detected prior to entering the pool or after an unauthorized entry into the water of the pool. The invention comprises the use of a height sensing apparatus employing fibre optics and a logic circuit whereby an interruption of a pair of different elevations of light paths is accepted and the alarm remains silent and the interruption of the lowest light path only is reflected sounding an alarm. The invention further comprises the use of fibre optics and a movement sensor connected to the optics. Any impact on the water surface of the pool causes the sensor to change the state of the light transmission therethrough by transmitting or interrupting light transmission. This change of normal state activates the alarm. The invention still further comprises a wireless means for detecting a person in the pool water or a man overboard from a ship or the like and sounding an alarm.

Abstract: An alarm system for a swimming pool or the like whereby small inexperienced children or animals are detected prior to entering the pool or after an unauthorized entry into the water of the pool. The invention comprises the use of a height sensing apparatus employing fibre optics and a logic circuit whereby an interruption of a pair of different elevations of light paths is accepted and the alarm remains silent and the interruption of the lowest light path only is reflected sounding an alarm. The invention further comprises the use of fibre optics and a movement sensor connected to the optics. Any impact on the water surface of the pool causes the sensor to change the state of the light transmission therethrough by transmitting or interrupting light transmission. This change of normal state activates the alarm. The invention still further comprises a wireless means for detecting a person in the pool water or a man overboard from a ship or the like and sounding an alarm.

Abstract: A magnetically operated switch wired in series between a source of electrical current and an electrical appliance. In one embodiment the switch is used in conjunction with a convenience wall outlet and is activated to supply power to the outlet by means of a cylindrical magnet carried by the mechanical ground pin of a conventional wall plug. Another embodiment utilizes a cylindrical magnetic in the form of a key for insertion into a receptacle for operating the magnetic switch. Another embodiment employs a magnetic switch and a magnetic type key for operating a relay having a switch capable of carrying large current loads.

Abstract: A water flow failure detection device comprising a first water flow conduit; a second conduit with one end closed and the other end open communicating with the water flow conduit; positioned within the second conduit is a float which is free to translate therein. The float includes a permanent magnet positioned around its longitudinal mid-section; and a reed switch located on the external surface of the second conduit whereby the flow of water through the first conduit sufficiently raises or elevates the float away from the reed switch allowing the reed switch to return to its normal state and an absence of water flow causes the float to translate downward due to gravity to a location adjacent the reed switch thereby changing the state of the reed switch. The reed switch change of state can be used to terminate fuel or ignition to an engine or operates an alarm signal in the absence of cooling water flow through the engine.

Abstract: A water flow failure detection device comprising a first water flow conduit; a second conduit with one end closed and the other end open communicating with the water flow conduit; positioned within the second conduit is a float which is free to translate therein. The float includes a permanent magnet positioned around its longitudinal mid-section; and a reed switch located on the external surface of the second conduit whereby the flow of water through the first conduit sufficiently raises or elevates the float away from the reed switch allowing the reed switch to return to its normal state and an absence of water flow causes the float to translate downward due to gravity to a location adjacent the reed switch thereby changing the state of the reed switch. The reed switch change of state can be used to terminate fuel or ignition to an engine or operates an alarm signal in the absence of cooling water flow through the engine.