Abstract: The system uses seawater to remove sulfur dioxide from shipboard diesel exhaust gases. Structurally, the system includes a single-stage countercurrent scrubber with top and bottom ends. During operation, diesel exhaust gases are introduced into the bottom end of the scrubber and flow to the top end of the scrubber. Further, seawater is fed into the top end of the scrubber and falls to the bottom end while absorbing sulfur dioxide from the diesel exhaust gases. Thereafter, the exhaust gases exit the scrubber, substantially free of sulfur dioxide. Further, the extremely acidic effluent seawater exits the scrubber and is treated with caustic. As a result, the caustic neutralizes the seawater. Also, dissolved carbon dioxide may be removed from the effluent seawater to reduce the amount of caustic required for neutralization. In addition, an oxidizer may be used to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of the effluent seawater.

Abstract: A computer aided system and method run by a transaction service firm enrolls participating real estate agents in its database. The participating agents which are accepted for enrollment agree to rebate a certain portion of their listing or selling commission to the seller or buyer, respectively. The firm advertises its discount services to the public, and a potential seller or buyer may register for a fee with the firm. Once registered, the seller or buyer is matched with a participating agent who may accept a listing or sale, which is handled in the normal manner within the brokerage firm for which the agent works. At closing, or other agreed time, the listing and/or selling agent would then rebate a portion of his commission to the client.

Abstract: Plate-and-glass assemblies which include a plate, a beverage container detachably assembled to the plate, and a glass holder which is attached to or formed on the bottom of the plate to hold that component and the glass together. The beverage container may be a commonly available beverage can. Separate caps may be provided for adapting any number of beverage container styles to fit a generic glass holder. A radially extending slot may be provided on the cap through which a straw may be provided to facilitate drinking of the beverage in the container. Nested cans may be provided for additional insulation of the beverage. Indicia on the upper, food-receiving surface of the plate facilitate the assembling of the glass to the plate; and an optional drinking straw port provides a convenient way of locking the plate and glass together and also makes it possible to reach the contents of the glass without removing the plate.

Abstract: Plate-and-glass or -container assemblies in which integrally formed or separately fabricated arrays of glass holder components are employed to detachably couple a glass or other container to the plate of the assembly. The container may be of the ubiquitous screw-top type, and other mechanisms for detachably assembling a container of this type to a plate are disclosed.

Abstract: Plate-and-glass assemblies which include a plate, a glass detachably assembled to the plate, and a separated fabricated glass holder which is subsequently attached to the bottom of the plate to hold that component and the glass together. Indicia on the upper, food-receiving surface of the plate facilitate the assembling of the glass to the plate; and an optional drinking straw port provides a convenient way of locking the plate and glass together and also makes it possible to reach the contents of the glass without removing the plate.

Abstract: A plate assembly which allows one to carry a plate and a drinking glass in one hand. The assembly comprises a plate, a glass having an open upper end or mouth, and a mechanism for detachably fixing the upper end of the glass to the lower side of the plate with the mouth of the glass covered by the plate and the glass in an upright orientation. Both bayonet and tongue-and-groove types of securing mechanisms are disclosed as is a serving tray with a number of detachable glasses.

Abstract: A lead frame and chip carrier housing are disclosed which can be used in packaging integrated circuit chips of a range of sizes and requiring varying numbers of leads in the lead frame. The lead frame comprises a centrally located square support portion having simple leads extending from its side edges and having composite leads extending from its corners. Each of the composite leads comprises a trunk lead and branch leads which extend from the side edges of the trunk lead. A relatively small integrated circuit chip can be used with the lead frame by removing only the support portion, locating the chip adjacent to the opening and connecting the simple leads only to the terminal areas of the chip.