Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen to an apparatus which utilizes hydrogen contains a metal hydride hydrogen supply component and a microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component which in tandem supply hydrogen for the apparatus. The metal hydride hydrogen supply component includes a first storage tank filled with a composition which is capable of forming a metal hydride of such a nature that the hydride will release hydrogen when heated but will absorb hydrogen when cooled. This first storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger for both adding heat to and extracting heat from the composition to regulate the absorption/deabsorption of hydrogen from the composition. The microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component includes a second tank containing the microcavity hydrogen supply. The microcavity hydrogen storage contains hydrogen held under high pressure within individual microcavities. The hydrogen is released from the microcavities by heating the cavities.

Abstract: Herbaceous plant material is processed by heating it to within a specific temperature range for a predetermined period of time, within a novel processing apparatus. The plant material is held in an atmosphere whose oxygen content is controlled to convert a chemical found in the material into a more useful form without significant degradation taking place during the conversion process. In the instance wherein the herbaceous material is the plant substance cannabis, the material is heated in an inert atmosphere in accordance with the inventive method to carry out a step of decarboxylation which changes cannabinolic acid present in cannabis into the psychoactive drug or chemical delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. Control of decarboxylation in accordance with the invention prevents destructive pyrolysis and degradative oxidation of the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.

Abstract: A method which improves the combustion efficiency of fuel in the internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method is substantially characterized in that a small amount of ammonia gas is incorporated into the hydrocarbon fuel in any position between an air intake port and an intake manifold of the engine. Due to the above addition of ammonia, the combustion of the hydro-carbon fuel in the combustion chamber is enhanced with the improved composition of the discharged gas.

Abstract: A plant for transforming organic substances, contained in town solid waste, into a fertilizer or compost, characterized by the fact that the plant is substantially composed of a basin which is provided with a supporting plane, of a reel which is provided with a rotary motion about its own axis and of a translation motion along the previously mentioned plane, of charging and discharging means for the material to be treated and for the treated material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating waste material wherein after comminution, the relatively hard material such as glass, brick, and ceramic in finely divided condition together with finely divided soft material is separated and removed to a recirculating composter.Disclosed is a composter having a plurality of upright perforated pipes for discharge of the gaseous products of decomposition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for pyrotechnically generating a mixture of at least two gases, substantially in a predetermined ratio, for an extended period of time, with separate pyrotechnic charges generating each component of the resultant mixture. At least one of the pyrotechnic charges is capable of sustained burning at a rate corresponding to the rate of total gas generation, and the remaining charges, not in themselves capable of sustained burning, are caused to sustain ignition by maintaining their burning surface in thermal communication with that of the first charge, so that all charges burn at substantially the same linear rate.

Abstract: A stationary pressure digester for digesting biomaterials with a fast acting closure designed as an easily movable cover carriage with a lower pressure take up plate, an upper pressure take up plate and a closing threaded plug in one of said plates. The pressure take up plates are connected by necked-down bolts and spacer sleeves and the closing nut has a thread with a large pitch and a large area permitting a pressure tight closure which permits moving the closure cover as well as opening and closing the pressure digester fast and easily.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calcining calcium sulphate dihydrate in a calcination vessel in which the dihydrate is heated in the vessel to calcination temperature not only by heat applied to the exterior of the vessel but also by hot gas, especially hot gaseous combustion products, supplied into the interior of the mass of calcining material within the vessel. The supply of hot gas according to the invention can improve the production rate in both batch and continuous calcination operations without adversely affecting the product quality, by permitting increase in the heat input to the vessel without entailing the risk of vessel bottom burn-out.

Abstract: A chemical canister for use in a respirator has opposed openings, one for connection to a mouthpiece and the other for connection to the rest of the respirator. The canister contains a carbon dioxide removing and oxygen liberating chemical, and there also is a chemical which, upon being heated, will liberate nitrogen to mix with the oxygen liberated in the canister.

Abstract: A high-pressure oxygen generator or compressor for filling oxygen diving tanks employing a pressure vessel closely containing a chlorate oxygen producing candle. The generator includes means for initiating the release of oxygen by the candle and for transferring oxygen from the canister with minimum volumetric losses.

Abstract: Continuous calcination of gypsum is provided by uniformly feeding uncalcined gypsum into the calcining batch in a kettle to a location below the surface but above the uppermost agitator, and allowing calcined gypsum to be discharged from the kettle through a discharge outlet in the wall of the kettle at the top surface of the calcining gypsum.