Abstract: A ration belt which may be worn around the waist or as a bandolier comprises an elongate sleeve of flexible plastics material such as PVC transversely sealed at locations along the sleeve to provide sealed pouches containing 24-hour one-man foodstuffs rations. The plastics sleeve can be clipped directly to the webbing harness or carried in a separate pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically blowing down a boiler are disclosed, wherein the discharged sediment-containing water is drawn off to an intermediate receiver or holding tank for a short interval and then sent through a heat exchanger which is isolated for the boiler. The condition of the water in the boiler is continuously monitored by conductivity sensors to begin each blowdown cycle when the conductivity reaches a predetermined level. A three-way valve connected to the bottom blowdown line of the boiler is opened automatically and the blowdown water is forced out of the boiler under the steam pressure to the receiver and sent by means of the same valve to a heat exchanger. This is accomplished by allowing steam from the boiler to enter the receiver to displace the blowdown water, and sweep non-condensibles therefrom.

Abstract: Chlorinated organic compounds from the aqueous waste streams from a process for manufacturing and isomerizing dichlorobutenes and dehydrochorinating 3,4-dichlorobutene-1 to chloroprene, which is the principal monomer in the manufacture of neoprene rubber, are removed by means of a process, wherein the aqueous waste from the dichlorobutene-isomerization step and brine formed in the dehydrochlorination step are combined to produce an aqueous solution containing about 1-5% sodium chloride and the solution, while maintained at a pH of less than about 6, is extracted with a small amount of a liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon extract is then incinerated, while the extracted aqueous solution is discharged into a natural body of water. In this way, the level of 1,4-dichlorobutene-2, which is toxic to fish, in the natural body of water can be maintained at a safe level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laser welding in a controllably pure gaseous environment at sub-atmospheric as well as high pressures. A workpiece to be welded is contained within a vessel having a light transmitting means which allows passage of a laser beam into the vessel. A gas stream is introduced to the vessel through a gas inlet means and positioned so that the stream deflects ionized particles from impinging on the light transmitting means. The gas stream simultaneously serves to cool the light transmitting means. Weld debris and spent gas are exhausted through a gas exhaust means which preferably is located adjacent to the workpiece. The apparatus is particularly suited to the laser welding of oxide dispersion strengthened alloys.