Abstract: A distillation system is provided for batch thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material, such as lump wood and shredded rubber tires. The system preferably includes multiple distillation units mounted side-by-side. Each unit includes a reactor bath for holding molten tin at approximately 455° C., a two-compartment reservoir for storing molten tin, and a porous basket pivotally mounted within the reactor bath for tipping motion. A process for batch thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material includes rotating the porous basket into a reactor bath by rotating the basket about an axis passing through the reactor bath; putting a charge of wood into the basket; closing a retractable lid onto the reactor bath; filling the reactor bath with molten material to produce gas and char by thermolytic conversion of the charge, draining the reactor bath of molten material while the lid is closed; quenching the char in the reactor bath with steam; opening the lid; and tipping the char from the basket.

Abstract: A distillation system is provided for batch thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material, such as lump wood and shredded rubber tires. The system preferably includes multiple distillation units mounted side-by-side. Each unit includes a reactor bath for holding molten tin at approximately 455° C., a two-compartment reservoir for storing molten tin, and a porous basket pivotally mounted within the reactor bath for tipping motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 4-step process for the preparation of alkyl esters of 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid which comprises the steps of (1) converting &ggr;-butyrolactone to &agr;-methyl-&ggr;-butyrolactone; (2) converting the &agr;-methyl-&ggr;-butyrolactone from step (1) to an alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate; (3) producing a xylene solution of the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate; and (4) contacting the xylene solution of an alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate from step (3) with an alkali metal alkoxide under conditions of temperature and pressure which causes vaporization of (i) an alkanol as it is formed and (ii) an alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate as it is formed from the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate. Also disclosed are processes whereby the alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate, prepared as described above, is converted to 1-methylcyclopropylamine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 4-step process for the preparation of alkyl esters of 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid which comprises the steps of (1) converting &ggr;-butyrolactone to &agr;-methyl-&ggr;-butyrolactone; (2) converting the &agr;-methyl-&ggr;-butyrolactone from step (1) to an alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate; (3) producing a xylene solution of the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate; and (4) contacting the xylene solution of an alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate from step (3) with an alkali metal alkoxide under conditions of temperature and pressure which causes vaporization of (i) an alkanol as it is formed and (ii) an alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate as it is formed from the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate. Also disclosed are processes whereby the alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate, prepared as described above, is converted to 1-methylcyclopropylamine.

Abstract: In apparatus for thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material, an enclosure contains a degassing bath, a reactor bath and a quenching bath. A closed loop continuous chain conveyor drives a plurality of baskets carrying carbonaceous material through the three baths of the enclosure. The carbonaceous material is degassed in hot distillate, then immersed in molten lead in the absence of oxygen to produce char and vapor by thermolytic distillation. The char is quenched with water in the absence of oxygen. At least a portion of the vapor is condensed to produce combustible distillate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous coating composition comprising a stable dispersion of resin particles and a coalescing agent wherein the coalescing agent is an alkyl 3-alkoxypropionate having the structure:R.sup.1 --OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 COO--R.sup.2wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl and a arylalkyl group wherein the sum of the carbon atoms of the alkyl and arylalkyl groups is 5 to 10, provided that R.sup.2 is not methyl.

Abstract: A pattern tracer having provision for recognizing special markings on the pattern termed "command marks" and for recognizing at least two different kinds of commands to enable special control of the machine tool controlled by the pattern tracer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the protection of power transistors in an H configuration power amplifier which drives a D.C. motor. When the amplifier is switched off, it may be possible for the base terminals of the transistors to be turned "on" which results in the transistors conducting. If two series transistors conduct, the resulting short circuit may damage or destroy the transistors. This invention provides an easy and economical apparatus for protecting the transistors in the power amplifier by grounding the base input terminals of the power transistors during all times when the transistors are switched "off.

Abstract: A compact molded case containing an epoxied surge suppressor circuit with extending male prongs and female sockets for interconnection between a wall outlet and a power cord for electronic equipment. The suppressor circuit has a varistor network and associated pico fuses for transient surge suppression. An indicator connected to the suppressor circuit provides an indication of circuit status.