Abstract: Burners and methods for producing fused silica members. The burner includes seven gas-emitting regions, including four regions for emitting a mixture of oxygen and combustible gas.

Abstract: Burners and methods for producing fused silica members. The burner includes seven gas-emitting regions, including four regions for emitting a mixture of oxygen and combustible gas.

Abstract: A method of assembling a catalytic converter comprising the steps of: (1) providing a metal shell exhibiting a predetermined shape that substantially matches the shape of the ceramic substrate; (2) inserting into the metal shell a sufficient amount of a resilient supporting mat material to form a encircling mat layer; (3) compressing the encircling mat layer to an initial gap bulk density, the initial gap bulk density being higher than the final gap bulk density; (4) releasing the compression-on the mat layer and prior to the mat layer reaching its final gap bulk density, inserting at least a portion of the substrate into the encircling mat layered metal shell and then allowing the mat layer to further release until the mat layer is compressed against the ceramic substrate at the final predetermined gap bulk density.

Abstract: A method of assembling a catalytic converter comprising the steps of: (1) providing a metal shell exhibiting a predetermined shape that substantially matches the shape of the ceramic substrate; (2) inserting into the metal shell a sufficient amount of a resilient supporting mat material to form a encircling mat layer; (3) compressing the encircling mat layer to an initial gap bulk density, the initial gap bulk density being higher than the final gap bulk density; (4) releasing the compression on the mat layer and prior to the mat layer reaching its final gap bulk density, inserting at least a portion of the substrate into the encircling mat layered metal shell and then allowing the mat layer to further release until the mat layer is compressed against the ceramic substrate at the final predetermined gap bulk density.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a catalytic converter for purifying exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine wherein the converter exhibits a monolithic ceramic substrate surrounded by a supporting mat. The method generally includes the steps of: Forming a catalytic converter utilizing a compressive closing method generally involves wrapping the substrate in a sufficient amount of supporting mat material and inserting the wrapped substrate into generally cylindrical metal container, compressively closing the container around the wrapped substrate sufficiently to provide a gas tight seal and to hold the imparted compressive stress. The present invention further discloses an improvement involving compressively closing the container around the wrapped substrate by resizing the container over substantially the entire portion of its length which is occupied by the wrapped substrate to a predetermined metal shell/container outside diameter OD.

Abstract: A gravity-flow water filter cartridge for use in a drinking water carafe or the like includes a high-surface area cyst reduction filter element disposed in a water-retaining reservoir within the cartridge; the reservoir retains sufficient water between filtering and during dispensing cycles to maintain the filter element in a fully immersed state, whereby the primed (air-free) condition of the filter necessary for fast gravity flow at high cyst reduction efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an engine exhaust system comprising: (1) a honeycomb structure having an inlet and outlet end disposed in a housing located in an exhaust gas stream downstream from an engine, and having a first substantially unobstructed flow region, and a second more obstructed flow region adjacent the first region, both providing a flow path for the exhaust gases in the exhaust gas stream; and, (2) a fluidics apparatus disposed in the exhaust stream comprising a bi-convex diverter body with the respective surfaces located upstream and downstream of each other, located upstream and proximate to the first region, a diversion fluid source and a conduit possessing a rounded outlet for directing the diversion fluid toward the diverter body.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heating element is protectively mounted in an enclosure comprising a one-piece enclosure wall, the heater being supported between a circumferential support member and a circumferential compression ring attached to the enclosure wall. A diametrically balanced compressive force is maintained on the edges of the heating element by the compression ring and support, this force operating to significantly extend the life of the heater element under hot vibration. Heater slot separators and electrode feedthrough structures for extending the life of the heater element are also provided.

Abstract: A mandibular prosthesis includes a pair of strips joined at one end and spaced apart elsewhere for placement on opposite sides of a mandibular stump. The strips each have alternating threaded and non-threaded holes that are aligned with respective non-threaded and threaded holes in the other strip. Consequently, screws can be applied from either side and the prosthesis can be implanted interchangeably on either side of the mandible. Extending from the joined end of the strips is a mandibular replacement which may be an artificial condyle, a band for replacing the main body of the mandible, or a band carrying additional attachment strips or a ramus and condyle replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in detecting changes in distance comprises: a signal emitter capable of emitting a substantially constant signal; a signal reflector capable of reflecting at least a portion of the substantially constant signal and being moveable in a substantially straight line direction toward or away from the emitter; and a signal receiver capable of receiving the reflected signal, whereby a change in the received signal is indicative of a change in the distance between the emitter and reflector. This apparatus is particularly useful in detecting changes in the amount of liquid in a liquid storage tank.

Abstract: An improved process minimizing the detrimental effects caused by inadvertently contacting a high sulfur, high water-containing hydrocarbon feedstock with a platinum group metal, halogen-containing catalyst is disclosed. The present process involves discontinuing the high sulfur, high water-containing feedstock-catalyst contacting while passing hydrogen over the catalyst. The catalyst halogen concentration is maintained or increased by the addition of halogen component, for example, during the hydrogen pass through. Once the sulfur contamination has been removed from the catalyst, normal hydrocarbon reforming is resumed.

Abstract: An improved hydrocarbon reforming process comprising:1. contacting a hydrocarbon feed with a platinum group metal, rhenium-containing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen in at least one reaction zone at a temperature in the range of about 500.degree. F. to about 650.degree. F. for a time sufficient to improve the catalytic activity stability of the catalyst; and thereafter,2. contacting the hydrocarbon chargestock with the catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at hydrocarbon reforming conditions including a higher temperature than the temperature at which step (1) occurred.