Abstract: A method if provided for continuously hydrolyzing urethane foam in a vertically oriented hydrolysis reactor. In a preferred practice, a bed of foam particles is formed in the reactor. Superheated steam is flowed continuously upward through the bed at a temperature and rate such that only the foam particles then adjacent the bottom of the reactor are hydrolyzed and the bulk of the bed is not fluidized. Unreacted steam heats the unhydrolyzed foam. Liquid hydrolysis products are drained as they are formed to prevent hydrolysis-impeding liquid saturation of unhydrolyzed particles.

Abstract: An upwash, upflow or downflow, graded sand bed dust collector has a reusable imperforate or slightly porous diaphragm on the top of the graded filter media and an inlet for pressurized gas above the diaphragm for inflating the diaphragm against the media during dust removal stage. The dust collector housing can be flared upwardly and outwardly at selected portions to reduce the velocity of upflowing gas during wash stage for improved grading of the filter media. A natural foraminous layer may be self-grading at the top of the filter media, allowing a circumferential or side outlet for filtrate. A layer of fine, dense filter media may also be used to increase the size range of media particles in the dust collector. Special diaphragms may be composed of individual leaflets that rise above the filter media but not to the level of the gas exit during the wash stage, and which settle on top of the filter media during the filter stage.

Abstract: A gas generating package includes tablets or other material, which when contacted with water generates both hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A catalyst for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction is applied to the exterior of the package, with the exterior of the package preferably also having applied thereto carbon dioxide and anaerobic indicators. In this manner fresh material is employed during each run requiring an anaerobic atmosphere.

Abstract: A cartridge for respirators for purifying expiratory air contains a chemical arranged in layers separated by partitions which are connected to a perforated central tube. The partition cooperates with a member spaced from a wall of the cartridge and a guide element disposed on the partition to provide alternate passage of the air into the layers.

Abstract: A cartridge for a gas generator of the type in which a liquid such as water is reacted with a solid fuel such as a base metal hydride comprises a canister which contains at least one compressible filler means which cooperates with the canister interior to define a fuel charge compartment. The canister has a plurality of fluid flow passages formed in it to place the fuel charge compartment in fluid flow communication with the exterior of the canister. Preferably, a pair of compressible filler means such as blocks of a synthetic polymeric foamed material are placed within the canister to define the fuel charge compartment between them. The fluid flow passages communicate with the fuel compartment so that upon immersion of the cartridge into a liquid the liquid flows through the passages to contact the fuel and react with it to form a gas.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an apparatus for generating gas by the reaction of water reactive gas producing fuel with water vapor. A chamber houses the metal hydride fuel and a water vapor is introduced into the fuel chamber through a pair of spaced porous hydrophobic membranes. Reaction of the water vapor with the fuel produces a gas such as hydrogen (if calcium hydride fuel is used) or oxygen for use in a fuel cell. A "dead space" is positioned between the porous hydrophobic membranes which provides a safety feature that is unique in its use. If, during operation, an excessive sudden demand is made for the generated gas, i.e. hydrogen, and in turn for water vapor, with this invention, unvaporized water which might be pulled through the outer membrane or membranes will then pass through the hydrogen outlet rather than accidently directly contacting the fuel.

Abstract: A system useful in an assembly intended for use in a deep ocean environment for generating gas within the assembly to equalize the internal pressure with the external underwater pressure. In one embodiment, the gas is generated by a chemical reaction between a stored substance and the ocean water itself and, in another embodiment, the gas is generated by a reaction initiated by a pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A compost mixture for growing Agaricus birporus mushrooms is placed within a perforated fence surrounding a perforate portion of a floor in an enclosed space, and warm moist air is circulated up and out through the compost throughout the pasteurization process thereby maintaining the pressure in said space above that of the ambient while controlling the temperature and moisture content of the compost throughout a Phase II pasteurization process.

Abstract: A gas cleaning system having a gas filtering unit that is removably supported in a housing. The housing has a pair of rails containing upwardly open pockets. Hangers on the filtering unit have lips that fit into the pockets to support the unit on the rails in a selected position in the housing. A peripheral seal on the lower part of the housing engages the bottom of the filtering unit to insure that all the gas flows through the filtering unit. The gas filtering material is stored in chambers formed by spaced perforated walls in the unit. The tops of the chambers are closed with covers carrying the hangers.

Abstract: A device for providing a non-toxic atmosphere for use in culturing anaerobic micro-organisms comprising: a closed envelope of inert material having a frangible portion which may be ruptured to allow the ingress of liquid; within the envelope a closed sachet, one part of which is formed of a gas- and liquid-permeable membrane; and material disposed within the sachet adjacent to the membrane for reacting with a liquid to generate the desired gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermally diffusible composite comprising a thermally diffusible medicine such as allethrin, a thermogenic composition including an alkali metal sulphide or the like, carbonaceous material or the like and, if desired, a filler such as cellulose. In one embodiment, this invention relates to such a thermally diffusible composite the thermogenic composition or the whole of which is enclosed in an oxygen-impermeable container.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device for forming a clamp of refuse or refuse-clarified sludge mixtures in reduced and prepared form for composting by thermal rotting by utilizing a pair of transversely spaced upstanding elongated perforated members defining a space therebetween for receiving refuse, and support means in the form of a pallet or pallets disposed between the upstanding members for receiving thereupon and supporting the received refuse.

Abstract: An arrangement for carbonating a beverage over an extended period of time through the addition of water or beverage liquid base to a powdered or dry carbonate and acid located in a pressure chamber. A permeable surface of the chamber allows a small quantity of water to enter and initiate a chemical reaction generating gaseous carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide will exit the chamber and carbonate the beverage. A resultant pressure drop in the chamber will permit the entry of more water to generate more carbon dioxide until the pressure is balanced, with the sequence being repetitive. A flavoring chamber containing flavor powder may be superimposed on the pressure chamber to effect admixing of the flavoring and liquid concurrent with carbonation. The pressure chamber, and flavoring chamber, may be formed integrally with a container, or may consist of a separate unit adapted to be placed in a container to which water or liquid base is then added.

Abstract: A device having an upright backplate formed with a pocket for holding sticks of incense and means to suspend the back plate from a door, a horizontally positioned elongated base member formed with a longitudinal channel and with a separate recess for supporting a romovable chimney which is provided with a cap having spaced openings. means are provided to hold a stick of incense in a horizontal position over the longitudinal channel to burn incense in the open and to provide a place in which ashes may fall. Means are also provided in the recess to hold the stick of incense in an upright position to burn within the chimney, the smoke escaping through the holes in the cap and the ashes collecting in the recess. The back plate and base member are separable to permit the base member to be used separately and for ease of storage of the device.

Abstract: A relatively small size apparatus for generating hydrogen by the reaction of a metal hydride with water vapor is disclosed. The metal hydride utilized to generate the hydrogen gas is housed in a fuel chamber of the apparatus and water vapor is introduced into the fuel chamber through a porous membrane having selected characteristics. The metal hydride reacts with the water vapor in a conventional manner to produce pure hydrogen. A variable gas pressure - liquid pressure balance means for introduction of water vapor enables automatic hydrogen generation on demand and enables complete shut down when demand ceases. The apparatus of this invention may be operated at any selected constant pressure feed rate. Further, with the apparatus of this invention the water source is effectively isolated from the metal hydride by the porous membrane, which has hydrophobic characteristics, and as a consequence, both contamination of the water source and caking of the metal hydride fuel is minimized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for composting material such as refuse and preferably a mixture of refuse and sewage sludge. The material is piled in such a way that transverse tunnels are provided whereby natural air circulation is obtained into and through the material remains undisturbed during maturation, thereby allowing aerobic bacterial fermentation to progress efficiently and without interruption. Because higher stacks and consequent greater volumetric capacity thereof is attained, greater efficiency of space utilization. The apparatus involves core structures which temporarily support the material and form the tunnels or ventilation passages therein, the core structures being removed when the material becomes self-supporting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fumigator for mosquito coil adapted for use in suspension or by placement on a table, composed of a circular body and a similar shaped lid which can be coupled and separated, as desired, at their peripheral portions or rims with nets spread over the contacting edge surfaces thereof respectively, so that they can be formed, when coupled together, into a receptacle carrying the nets inside to hold an ignited mosquito coil therebetween.

Abstract: A compact signal balloon device includes a special charge container having a liner for holding a first reacting chemical and preventing its egress through access holes provided in a wall of the charge container. The device also includes an activation container which holds a second reacting chemical and which is adapted to receive the charge container to effect mixing and reaction of the chemicals to produce a lighter-than-air gas. A balloon seals the activation container and is inflated by the gas generated by the reaction. The balloon is then sealed and detached and then released on the end of a line. A detachable covering member over the access holes seals the holes and prevents inadvertent reacting prior to the time that the charge container is placed in the activation container. A piece of reflective metallic material is carried by the balloon and increases its detectability. Also, a transmitter may be attached to the balloon to transmit its location.

Abstract: Concentric closed tubes define an outer steam vessel with the inner tube constituted by a selective membrane consisting of a metallic oxide having a first doping to effect passage of oxygen ions through the membrane to the interior of the inner tube acting as an oxygen collector and having a second doping to effect return conduction of electrons through said membrane to increase heating of the steam. A vacuum pump is applied to the interior of the inner tube to provide a pressure differential to facilitate oxygen passage through the membrane.