Abstract: Microwave clothes dryer and method in which water is introduced into the chamber in response to detection of an impending fire to immediately increase the moisture content of the clothes throughout the chamber to a level which will not sustain combustion.

Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a plurality of dryer modules, each module creating a drying zone and having a plurality of tubes disposed above and below an upper surface of a conveyor that supports a product within the apparatus for transport therethrough. At least one circulation fan in each module causes heated air to circulate to the tubes, which direct the air flow to impinge upon and dry the product. Each module also includes a burner for heating the air within the module to a desired temperature. The circulation fan and burner of each module are independently controllable, so that the apparatus can produce an air-flow rate and an air temperature in at least one of the drying zones different than the air-flow rate and air temperature in at least one other of the drying zones.

Abstract: An convertible overshoe for disposition on one primary shoe and being convertible for disposition on a larger primary shoe. Each of said primary shoes has an outer surface. The overshoe is formed as an integral unit of an elastic material, e.g., rubber, and comprises a sole and an upper. The sole includes anti-slip grit on its outer surface. The upper is in the form of a peripheral sidewall having an opening at the top edge thereof. The opening is of a sufficient size to enable a primary shoe to be extended therethrough so that it is received closely within the overshoe to prevent the overshoe from falling off. The sidewall of the upper includes a reinforcing strip in the form of a continuous thickened bead extending along a portion of the peripheral edge of the opening and spaced below that edge and an associated contiguous portion defining a trim line.

Abstract: An adjustable internal energy return system for use in running shoes and the like to provide an energy storage and release mechanism in the heel portion of the running shoe. The energy return system utilizes a tension adjustment strap to increase the base tension of a resilient carriage by providing additional resiliency. The tension adjustment strap is an additional independent energy return mechanism to the resilient carriage.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for maintaining the tuckboard of footwear in a particular shape. The apparatus includes a tuckboard member made from a sheet of deformable material such as a fiberboard. Retention members are attached to the opposite surfaces of the tuckboard at localized positions such as where the tuckboard has been or is to be deformed. One of the retention members is in compression and the other is in tension. Each of the retention members may be thermosetting or a thermoplastic composite material formed from fibers (preferably non-woven) impregnated and covered with a thermoplastic material. The fibers may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, glass and aramid. The thermoplastic material may be an acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate or ABS. The retention members help to maintain the tuckboard in a particular shape. The retention members may be initially attached to the tuckboard, and the retention members and the tuckwear may subsequently be deformed to the desired shape.

Abstract: A fixing structure for the light sensitive lightening circuit of 2-stage microswitch type on a lightening shoe, wherein the shoe heel is excavated to form a receiving recess having fixing holes on the top surface and a shallow concave groove on the bottom surface thereof; a transparent fixing seat has at the top thereof lugs corresponding to the fixing holes, further at the bottom thereof a receiving groove corresponding to the shallow concave groove for receiving a lightening circuit board; the fixing seat is insertable into the receiving recess of the heel, and is formed a part of the heel by joining the lugs with the fixing holes. The circuit can be activated through the darkening of circuference, and the LEDs in the circuit can shine intermittently following another activation by the trampling action on the shoe created by walking or dancing.

Abstract: A holding and tensioning device for leather and leather-like pieces of material having a pallet and a pair of adjustable positioning clamps mounted on the pallet is provided. Advantageously, the device of the instant invention is capable of holding the piece in place without damaging it, as was the case in the prior art.

Abstract: A picture frame member is provided, having a releasable picture and backing board clip, the clip being adapted to grip the picture and mounting board independently of each other.

Abstract: A crystal ball has a rotatable and vertically movable liquid dispensing spout inside a glass ball. The crystal ball also has a fixture frame for converting the rotational motion of a flexible shaft driven by a music box or bell into a rotational and a reciprocal axial movement for a main shaft. The fixture frame is comprised of a lower lid having a sinusoidal guide rail on the inner walls that is engaged by axial projections or columns depending from the sides of an upper lid. Also a pump housing is associated with the upper lid of the fixture frame, and a piston disk sleeved at a proper position on the main shaft, produces a compression as a result of its relative motion in the space defined by the housing. The piston pumps a colorful fluid loaded in the housing of the pump up to the spout for a sprayed ejection which produces the effect of a kaleidoscopical, dynamic variation of a fantastic crystal ball.

Abstract: A shield device or assembly for a bridge-mounted highway sign has upper and side panels forming a frame surrounding and projecting outwardly from the upper and side edges of the sign, so as to shield the front face of the sign from view from the bridge. The panels are secured to the sign by upper and side mounting devices, which may be arranged so that the panels flare outwardly at angles greater than 90.degree. to the front face of the sign. Corner pieces fill in the corners between the panels at the upper corners of the sign.

Abstract: The quick detachable gun sight mount has a front base, a rear slide base and a rear slide. The front base is mounted to the gun receiver with two screws. The front base has a slot to receive a dovetail mount at the rear portion of the slot and then lock in place when the dovetail is moved to the tapered forward portion of the slot. The rear slide base is also mounted to the gun receiver with two screws. The rear slide has two holes at the rear to retain two springs, two balls, and a hole for securing the rear slide base. The rear slide has a channel cross section which allows the rear slide to move forward and rearward on the slide base. The rear slide also has a slot to receive a dovetail mount at the front portion of the slot and then lock in place when the slide is moved to the tapered forward portion. Two springs are used to create a force between the slide and the rear slide base. The slide also has an elongated hole for a securing screw which is fastened to the rear base.

Abstract: A fish bite indicator in combination with a fishing rod and reel is provided to give an audible and/or a visual signal when the fishing line is under sufficient state of tension. An oscillating arm of the indicator extends below the rod. The fishing line is threaded in a loop at the end of the oscillating arm below the rod in such a way to cause the arm to move upward toward the rod when the line has sufficient tension to indicate a fish strike. The other operative elements of the indicator include an on/off switch, a switch activating cam that is attached to a portion of the oscillating arm for activating the on/off switch, an alarm means electrically connected to the switch for, and a battery power source for the alarm means.

Abstract: A casting handle with a trigger includes a grip area section disposed behind the trigger, a rear section disposed in the rear of the grip area section, and a small-diameter intermediate section interposed between the grip area section and the rear section. The grip area section is expanded both vertically and laterally. The rear section has a vertical height less than the corresponding height of the grip area section. This forms a flat upper surface positioned sufficiently rearward with respect to the grip area section that the wrist of an angler's hand holding the casting handle does not interfere with the casting motion. The constricted cross-section, intermediate section has a lateral width and a vertical height respectively less than the corresponding width and height of the rear section. Consequently, the casting handle allows smooth casting, thumbing and pumping operations as well as improving the angler's ability to operate the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing lure including an elongate body which has a minnow head simulating portion and an enclosed weight receiving cavity and weight therein, a spoon portion having a downward directed convex surface and an upward directed concave surface nested therein, and a conical transition surface connecting the upward directed side of the head to the concave surface of the spoon portion, along with a fish hook adjacent the spoon portion of the body. The hook may be rigid and have a weedless feature, or be a treble hook on a split ring. The lure has a rolling osscilation when pulled through the water and orients itself head down and hook upward when allowed to drop through the water.

Abstract: A system and monitoring device is disclosed for use in extermination of pests, such as household insects. The monitoring device is used to determine the location, traffic patterns and density concentrations of pests in a building or other environment so as to more efficiently exterminate the pest population by reducing the amount of chemical spray. The monitoring device also includes a remotely activated locator device. The monitoring device may be used singly or ganged in groups of three or more.

Abstract: A point source insect control device which comprises a frangible container poorly permeable to gases and liquids containing a liquid insecticidal substance capable of translocation; a sheet of absorbent material at least one portion of which at least partially surrounds or is in close proximity with the container, and an enclosure for the container and absorbent sheet which bears multiple perforations or apertures sufficient to allow translocation of the insecticidal substances once the frangible container is ruptured.

Abstract: A mulch pad in preformed or pourable state comprises a mixture of rubber granules, buffings, and fibers ground from used tires, a curable binder and coloring, catalyst and anti-gloss agents. Also, a U.V. light stabilizer and anti-oxidants can be added to the mixture. A preformed pad has a central trunk receiving aperture and a partially pre-cut, relockable slit which can be torn and then rejoined for disposition of the pad around a tree. The pad is porous and prevents moisture and air transmission to underlying root system while insulating them.

Abstract: A safety barrier such as, for example, children or pets, is adapted to be removable secured between two opposed supports, with the barrier including a frame structure and an openable gate. The frame structure includes a rigid lower horizontally extending beam and, at one side thereof, a vertically extending pillar. The gate is hinged to one side of the pillar and, on the other side, to a grid. The frame structure is secured between supports by expanding securing means, with the gate having a locking device expandable against one of the supports.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a movable window pane which is raisable or lowerable in a vehicle window opening includes a one-piece, closed-loop construction which is formed from two molded sealing elements secured together to form a sealing member adapted to be secured along the periphery of a window opening and to provide continuous sealing engagement with the interior and exterior periphery of the movable window pane. The one-piece seal assembly replaces a plurality of individual sealing components which are conventionally used to provide the weather seal between a vehicle window opening and a movable window pane which slides up or down to open or close the window opening.

Abstract: A device for dividing coverings on a floor at a door opening, comprises a rail sunk into the floor across the door opening. The rail has a substantially uniform H-shaped cross-section, comprising a cross-member with first arms extending upwardly therefrom to define a first groove and second arms extending downwardly therefrom to define a second groove. A magnetic sealing strip is received within the first groove and is vertically moveable within it. A set screw extends upwardly into the second groove and engages a nut which is held within the second groove.

Abstract: A garage door bottom seal assembly includes a garage door bottom panel presenting a pair of elongated, laterally spaced apart bottom wall sections, and an elongated intermediate wall section extending between the bottom wall sections and presenting a recess extending along the length of the bottom panel. An elongated seal support presents an upstanding connector element extending along the length thereof and is located within the recess. The intermediate wall section is formed to interfit with the connector element at locations along the length of the intermediate wall section for securing the seal support to the bottom panel. An elongated, resilient seal is operatively coupled with the seal support. Preferably, the seal and seal support present an astragal seal which can be affixed to the normal groove structure of a conventional tongue and groove garage door panel.

Abstract: A glass plate working machine includes table 20 on which glass plate 22 is placed, breaking unit 3 for forming a cutting line on glass plate 22 placed on table 20, and pressing the glass plate in the vicinity of a portion of the glass plate 22 formed with the cutting line to break that portion off; and moving unit 67 connected to the breaking unit 3 for moving same linearly along a surface of glass plate 22 placed on table 20. Breakage by breaking unit 3 and movement by moving unit 67 are controlled by a numerical control unit.

Abstract: A paint finishing pad adapted to be used on a drive assembly including a back up pad and a drive motor for rotating the back up pad. The paint finishing pad includes a layer of open cell polymeric foam having a front surface defined by a plurality of spaced projecting portions of the layer of foam, and loops projecting from a rear surface of the layer of foam for releasably attaching the paint finishing pad to a support surface on the back up pad.

Abstract: A system to gather particular matter in sandblasting work operates to contain, wet and lead away particles of matter when sandblasting tanks. It consists of four separately operating airtight sub-systems: a first sub-system consisting of a containing tower raised on scaffolding resting on the pavement of the tank, rising above tank bracing and extending down inside the wall of a tank; a second sub-system held against the inside of the tank wall above the roof and consisting of a mobile holding chamber moved by means of pulleys and held against the tank wall by tighteners; a third sub-system to operate on the outside of the tank roof and consisting of a holding chamber; and a fourth sub-system to operate on the inside of the tank roof and on the inside of the tank wall below the roof, and in which particles of matter are contained by the shape of the area itself that is to be sandblasted.

Abstract: A guard rail assembly having a sheath formed of polymerized material, such as plastic. A panel set within the rail structure is also formed of a polymerized material, such as plastic. The sheathing about the guard rail assembly creates a protective coating eliminating repainting of the guard rail assembly and further preventing damage to the guard rail and impacting devices.

Abstract: A handrail including one or more tubular members, the ends whereof are provided with respective fastening members. Inserts made of photoluminescent material are arranged between the tubular members and the fixing members and are suitable to make the handrail visible even in poor lighting conditions or in complete darkness.

Abstract: The control room of an airport control tower is octagonal and has windows at at least two ends of the room, and work stations for controllers adjacent these windows. Each of the two windows extends along three adjoining sides of the room, and the work station is disposed behind the window at the middle of the three sides. The controller at each work station has a lateral field of view of at least 180.degree. unobstructed by mullions or other structural supporting elements. The windows are composed of planar transparent panels, and sealing elements which pose no significant obstruction to vision are provided at the joints between the panels.

Abstract: An improved sleeve for facilitating joining and aligning two modules that form a single, unitary hazardous material container storage building. The sleeve has a central tube having an outer surface, an inner surface and a pair of ends and at least one guiding plate secured to the central tube. The guiding plate extends from each of the ends of the central tube for engaging into both the tubes of the first module and the second module. A hazardous material container storage building having the improved sleeve of the invention and a related method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anchorage device for use in sand or sandy soils. The device comprises a shank portion (2) and a spike portion (4) at a lower end of the shank portion. The spike portion (4) comprises a first and second pair of downwardly convergent plates (6,18), the second pair of plates (18) extending from a position above the upper ends of the first plates (6) to a position beneath the upper ends of the first plates to funnel sand into the zone between the interior surfaces of the first plates (6). The sand thereby trapped between the plates anchors the spike portion (4) within the ground. The device may be used for example for anchoring beach umbrellas, tents and fences in sand or sandy soil.

Abstract: A system for forming a blocking layer of water-saturated soil surrounding the foundation of a building to be protected from ingress of radon gas or other soil gas contaminents. The system includes at least one set of parallel positive and negative electrodes positioned in the soil, adjacent and spaced from the foundation. Typically, the negative electrode will be positioned closest to the foundation. A low level voltage is applied to the electrodes from a DC power source. One or more sets of such electrodes will be positioned in the soil surrounding the foundation or at least that portion of the foundation most susceptible to gas ingress.

Abstract: A habitable structure has a ground-supported, water-impervious floor and upright foundation walls which together define an open top water enclosure. Flooring is supported on the foundation walls essentially covering the open top. Roofing is supported above the flooring so as to define a habitable space between the roofing and the flooring above the enclosure. Various systems for distributing water from the enclosure are disclosed and include the sprinkler system for distributing water outside as well as inside of the structure and heating/cooling systems which can either circulate water from the enclosure as a heat transfer liquid or circulate fluids through water in the enclosure to use the water as a heat sink or heat source.

Abstract: A molding construction is provided for concealing or finishing the space between the window and the body panel of a motor vehicle. The molding construction includes a mounting strip having a portion extending around and spaced laterally outwardly from the window edge and secured to the window edge by adhesive. A reveal which can be produced by various manufacturing processes and shaped in various configurations is dimensioned to meet the design criteria of the application and to aesthetically cover the space between the window edge and the body panel. The reveal includes a thermally stable tongue which is detachably lockingly received within a recess formed on the mounting strip. A resilient bumper or bulb is secured to and extends laterally outwardly from the mounting strip. This bumper engages a side flange of the body panel and cushions the mounting strip with its attached window against lateral movement. This design virtually eliminates all sources of stress on the glass.

Abstract: A plane, hollow, reinforced concrete floor slabs with two-dimensional structure and method for their production. Constructions developed by this technic will vary widely and with considerable profit replace conventional floor structures. The technique makes it possible to choose higher strength and stiffness, less volume of materials, greater flexibility, better economy or an arbitrary combination of these gains. The technique makes it possible to create a total balance between bending forces, shear forces and stiffness (deformations)--so that all design conditions can be fully optimized at the same time. The technique presents a distinct minimized construction--characterized by the ability that concrete can be placed exactly where it yields maximum capacity. The technique offers material and cost savings compared with the conventional compact two-way reinforced slab structure. The technique is suitable for both in situ works and for prefabrication.

Abstract: A new joint construction is provided for connecting main members and cross members of a suspended ceiling grid. Both members are in the form of I-beams having a central web and top and bottom flanges projecting at opposite sides of the web, and the top flanges of the main members have depending lips at their edges. Each joint construction includes a notch in a depending lip capable of receiving the web of a cross member, and opposed slots in the top flange of the end portion of the cross member capable of receiving portions of depending lip on each side of the notch. The lower flange and web of the cross member end portion are configured to allow the lip to be interlocked with the slots by a relative tilting motion between the cross member and the main member, and the cross member rests on the main member lower flange when the parts are in their final position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of cutting off water flow by grouting characterized by injecting a water flow cutoff agent (grout) comprising colloidal silica as the main component, a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water, or a water flow cutoff agent comprising a mixture of the above two kinds of water flow cutoff agents into a water-leaking part or a cavity. Also disclosed is a method of cutting off water flow by grouting characterized by injecting a water flow cutoff agent comprising colloidal silica as the main component into a water-leaking part or a cavity and then injecting thereinto a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water or a water flow cutoff agent comprising a mixture of a water flow cutoff agent comprising colloidal silica as the main component with a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water.

Abstract: A modular building panel wherein building panels are formed of two polymeric panel halves each having ribs with passageways formed integrally therein. The panel halves are joined together along the mating edges of the mating ribs. The passageways do not intersect with the mating edges of the panel halves. The passageways facilitate the installation of wiring and insulation into completed panels.

Abstract: A vacuum ejector includes an air ejector connected to a vacuum pump by a tube and controlled by a control switch to withdraw air from a food container. The air ejector includes a cap for covering the food container, a plug fastened to the cap by a screw joint, a valve received within a top recess on the cap and coupled to the plug to control the air passage between the food container and the vacuum pump, and a connector detachably connected between the plug and the tube being connected to the vacuum pump. The vacuum effect can be achieved quickly and conveniently for keeping the food fresh or for other vacuum treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and packing bundles (46) of boxes produced by a folding-glueing or stitching machine, in which a station (28) for conveying and possibly overturning at least one stack (24) of boxes which comprises substantially as many boxes as a half of those forming a bundle (46) of boxes, feeds a station (44) for matching the bundles (46) of boxes with a first and a second stack (24) of boxes whereby said two stacks (24) of boxes overlap to each other. In the matching station (44), the bundle (46) of boxes is moved along a plane inclined in the direction of movement by a pushing means (52) acting on the rear side of the bundle (46) of boxes while this is laterally guided by stationary walls (54).

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine is disclosed comprising a vertically disposed feeder positioned above the rotor thereof to move silage downwardly into contact with the rotor. A substantially horizontally disposed feeder is positioned forwardly of the rotor to move silage rearwardly into contact with the rotor. Each of the feeders comprises a plurality of spaced-apart augers which are mounted to permit the separation of the same should the operator inadvertently come into contact with the rotating augers.

Abstract: An articulated arm and cutter attachment for mounting on a tractor has a pair of elongated vertical booms pivotally connected to one another at their top ends. The lower end of one of the booms is pivotally connected to a beam extending laterally from underneath the tractor chassis. The other boom has a telescoping lower end on which is mounted a foot which supports a rotary cutter. An upper portion of the beam connected to the tractor is inclined outwardly, and an upper portion of the other beam is inclined inwardly to allow the arm to reach out a substantial distance and extend over obstacles such as fences. Pivoting mechanisms in the foot allow tilting of the supported cutter over a wide range of angular positions. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for carrying out movement of the arm, along with hydraulic fluid lines and controls. Yieldable mounting of the foot provides for breaking away of the cutter upon striking an obstacle.

Abstract: A reinforced elastomer cover for use on conditioning rolls in harvesting machines for conditioning crop material. The roll cover comprises one or more layers or plies of reinforcing material interspersed between and bonded to layers of the elastomer. The reinforcing material preferably comprises fibers of synthetic polymers or glass. The reinforced elastomer sheets are placed on roll cores and bonded or otherwise secured to the outer periphery of the roll core. The reinforced elastomer sheets are also molded or machined to possess the desired tread pattern. The sheets may be assembled and bonded directly on a roll core and thereafter vulcanized; or the vulcanized sheets may be bonded or otherwise secured to the cores.

Abstract: There is provided an agricultural rake which comprises a frame having front rear sections angled with respect to one another. A plurality of angled rake wheels are mounted on the rear section of the frame. The rake wheels are characterized by having a plurality of spaced apart tines extending from the periphery of the rake wheel.

Abstract: A directly motor-driven spindle assembly in a rotary shaft having one end supported on a bearing and the other end connected to a load a, driving apparatus fixed to the rotary shaft to rotate the rotary shaft, and control apparatus for controlling the movement of the rotary shaft toward the side of the load according to the movement of the rotary shaft from a predetermined position. The control apparatus prevents the jumping motion of the rotary shaft which occurs as the load increases to enable the directly motor-driven spindle assembly to operate at a high rotating speed without the jumping motion.

Abstract: In an open-end spinning machine, an empty tube is placed between the holder swinging arms of a bobbin holder of a spinning station at rest. An ancillary yarn is inserted and gripped at one end between one of the swinging arms and the edge of the tube. The opposite end of the ancillary yarn is adapted for spinning-in by cutting and shaping the opposite end which is in turn fed into a spinning unit. The ancillary yarn together with newly spun yarn is wound onto the tube through the spinning unit for making a yarn reserve. This yarn reserve is used by the open-end spinning machine for producing a cross-wound bobbin.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular combustor having a bulkhead at its upstream end which is thermally protected by an annular array of heat shields. Each heat shield is provided with integral flanges which space apart the heat shields and bulkhead to define chambers therebetween. Apertures in the bulkhead direct cooling air into the chambers. Further apertures in the heat shields exhaust the cooling air in a common circumferential direction so that the air flows merge to define a substantially continuous annular flow of cooling air about the longitudinal axis of the combustor and across the downstream heat shield faces.

Abstract: A bypass flow system for a gas-side air recuperator of a gas turbine engine. Pressurized air from the compressor section of the gas turbine is caused to pass through a pair of heat exchangers arranged in parallel spaced relationship and located in the hot gas stream between the exhaust gas box and the exhaust stack of the gas turbine engine. The space between the heat exchangers comprises a bypass duct for the exhaust gases and is openable and closeable by a butterfly valve. The longitudinal edges of the bypass duct are each provided with a flow divider device extending upstream of the exhaust gas flow by a distance at least equal to the width of the bypass duct. The flow divider devices are mirror images of each other and the forwardmost longitudinal edges thereof are blunt.

Abstract: A cooled ignition flameholder assembly includes a first heat shield having first and second spaced apart chambers. A fuel spraybar is disposed inside the first chamber, and a hollow baffle is disposed inside the second chamber. A second heat shield is joined to the first heat shield for closing the second chamber with the baffle therein. The baffle includes an inlet for receiving cooling air which is discharged through a plurality of outlet holes for impingement cooling the first and second heat shields. An ignition bulb is disposed adjacent to the second chamber and receives an igniter tip and a fuel injector tip for initiating combustion.

Abstract: The invention relates to thrust reversers with doors for a jet engine. The upstream edge of the reverser doors is equipped with a deflecting structure consisting of a rigid frame (10, 12, 13) fixed to the door and delimiting a space (14) capped by a stiffener (15). In the space (14) are housed vanes (16) with aerodynamic profile in the form of a wing which is inclined by an angle a with respect to the plane of the frame (10, 12, 13) in order to orient laterally the flow of the gases which is diverted by the reverser. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce, or even to prevent, re-ingestion by the engine of the diverted gases, or interference of the latter with the wing structure of the aircraft.

Abstract: A cooled flameholder assembly includes a first heat shield having first and second spaced apart chambers. A fuel spraybar is disposed inside the first chamber, and a hollow baffle is disposed inside the second chamber. A second heat shield is joined to the first heat shield for closing the second chamber with the baffle therein. The baffle includes an inlet for receiving cooling air which is discharged through a plurality of outlet holes for impingement cooling the first and second heat shields.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a spark ignition engine on an automotive vehicle including an exhaust filter disposed downstream of a spark ignition engine for condensing hydrocarbons in exhaust gases from the engine during a first time period after start of the engine, a bypass structure for bypassing at least a portion of exhaust gases around the exhaust-filter to heat the exhaust filter during a second time period after the first time period and evaporate the condensed hydrocarbons, and a catalytic converter disposed downstream of the exhaust filter to oxidize the evaporated hydrocarbons and reduce NO.sub.x in exhaust gases passing therethrough. A method is also provided.