Abstract: Methods and systems for catalyzing the low temperature formation of silicon nitride. The methods and systems utilize catalytically reactive silica particles that are suspended by moving air within a reaction chamber and which are maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended silica particles to become catalytically reactive in the presence of carbon and nitrogen gas. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 150° C. to about 500° C. Moisture is generally provided by the organic matter, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the silica particles. The silicon nitride is preferably deposited onto the surface of a metallic substrate, which might be located either within or externally to the reaction chamber. Depending on the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen provided within the reaction chamber, silicon nitride or a mixture of silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride will be produced.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for catalytically oxidizing organic matter, particularly the incomplete combustion products of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels. The systems and apparatus utilize catalytically reactive particles that are suspended by moving air within a reaction chamber and maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended media particles, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become catalytically reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 100° C. to about 500° C. Moisture may be provided by the waste exhaust, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the catalytically reactive particles. The systems and apparatus can be adapted to be used in combination with diesel engines or other internal combustion engines and industrial burners.

Abstract: Methods for catalyzing the low temperature, oxidative destruction of organic matter, particularly the incomplete combustion products of carbon-containing fuels such as fossil fuels. The methods and systems utilize a catalytically reactive media that is suspended by moving air within a reaction chamber and that is maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the suspended media particles, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become catalytically reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 200.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. Moisture may be provided by the organic matter, although additional moisture may be introduced into the reaction chamber in order to maintain reactivity of the media particles. The apparatus can be adapted to be used in combination with diesel engines or other internal combustion engines and industrial burners.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for catalyzing the oxidative destruction of animal tissues, particularly medical waste and animal and human corpses. A reaction chamber containing a fluidizable media is maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause the fluidized media, typically silica sand, silica gel, or alumina, to become highly reactive in the presence of moisture. Typically the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 400.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. The methods and systems quickly and efficiently destroy medical waste and a variety of other animal tissues such as corpses. The apparatus can be small to fit into small rooms or large to serve institutional needs. It replaces incineration, autoclaving, plasma formation, and the like as the preferred method for effectively disinfecting and destroying medical wastes and corpses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and depositing a layer of monomolecular amphiphilic molecules on a substrate, which include the continuous or intermittent removal of unused film after a substrate dipping. The amount of "dwell time" in which the film resides on the surface of the support media is controlled. A rotatable barrier provides a movable "film front" to achieve repeatable film pressures, consistencies and viscosities of high precision and accuracy.