Abstract: In a waste disposal system (e.g. in a hospital) in which at least one shredding machine comminutes waste which is then drawn by air suction through a closed ducting system for destruction, each shredder has a discharge valve associated with its waste outlet, this valve being normally open but partially or wholly closed when the shredder is opened to receive waste; the shredder also has a vent opening in its waste inlet door to relieve pressure, and internal germicide sprays.

Abstract: A gas-contaminant separator includes inlet ports at the bottom of each leg of an inverted V-shaped housing and an outlet port at the top vertex. The total cross-sectional area of the inlet ports provide flow velocities below two meters per second and of the outlet port provides flow velocities below one and a half meters per second. First baffles are provided proximate the inlet ports to direct gas-contaminant mixtures towards and into a first contact with each other. Second baffles, disposed above the first contact zone cooperate with the housing to define a primary sedimentary precipitation zone and cause first retroversions of the mixtures towards and across the tops of the first baffles with the bulk of the contaminants being centrifugally precipitated by the first retroversions into the primary sedimentary precipitation zone for sedimentary precipitation to the bottoms of the housing.

Abstract: A clear air device to maintain the cleanliness of air in "clear rooms" and to ventilate said rooms has a casing with an air inlet grid and an air outlet grid, a preliminary filter, a ventilator and a high efficiency particulate air filter unit (HEPA). The preliminary filter, the ventilator and the high efficiency filter are arranged within the casing in such an order that the air drawn in through the inlet grid first passes said preliminary filter, then the ventilator and thereafter the HEPA. The wall of the casing is provided with one opening between the air inlet grid and the preliminary filter and one opening between the HEPA and the air outlet grid.

Abstract: A process for separating substances of different masses, comprising admission of at least two fluids to one end of a duct arranged so as to allow a laminar flow of fluids so admitted, at least one of these fluids being periodically admitted into said duct and being comprised of a mixture of n substances of different masses, in being equal to at least 2, and collecting from the other end of the duct those fractions of the fluid mixture, wherein average relative concentration of at least one of the substances of the mixture of n substances is higher than in said admitted mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting the flash pyrolysis of a primary material, particularly coal, and employing a secondary material, particularly hot char, as a heat source, comprising a rectangular slot for injection of a stream of particulate coal, which communicates with a substantially rectangular reactor or pyrolysis chamber. Wells are positioned on opposite sides of the pyrolysis chamber and in communication therewith, for introduction of fluidized secondary material, particularly hot char, into the pyrolysis chamber for admixture therein with and for heating the stream of primary material, such as coal. The pyrolysis chamber has a transition chamber, and a cylindrical separator chamber communicates with the transition chamber for receiving pyrolysis products. The separator chamber is provided with a tangential inlet, a solids outlet conduit positioned about 90.degree. around the circumference of the separator chamber from the tangential inlet, and a perforate gas receiver.

Abstract: A vacuum operated refuse collecting vehicle includes an air-tight container mounted on the chassis of the vehicle and having an outlet communicating with means for generating a vacuum within the container. A suction conduit is provided for each side of the vehicle, each suction conduit extending at one end into the interior of the container and being provided at the other end with a nozzle which may be disposed at a short distance from the ground. Brrush means are provided. Means are mouned at said one end of each conduit which are operable from outside the container, for separately closing off said one end of each suction conduit to prevent refuse entering said one end of the conduit when it is closed. Said one ends of said suction conduits communicate with the container in positions one on each side of a central longitudinal plane of the container and adjacent one end of the container.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed by introducing a low velocity stream of carbonaceous material into a cyclone reactor-separator and introducing a low velocity stream of a particulate source of heat into the cyclone reactor-separator at an angle inclined toward the path of travel of the carbonaceous material. A high velocity stream of the particulate source of heat is introduced into the cyclone reactor-separator along the inner surface of the separator to prevent carbonaceous material from caking along the walls of the separator. The velocity of the high velocity stream is at least about 50 feet per second greater than the velocity of both low velocity streams. The cyclone reactor separator induces separation of solids consisting of a particulate carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis and particulate heat source from a vapor stream which contains hydrocarbon products of pyrolysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and novel method and apparatus for reacting nongaseous material with a gaseous reactant comprising introducing a first stream containing a nongaseous material into a reaction zone; simultaneously introducing a second stream containing a gaseous reactant into the reaction zone such that the gaseous reactant immediately contacts and reacts with the first stream thereby producing a gaseous product; forming a spiralling vortex within the reaction zone to cause substantial separation of gases, including the gaseous product, from the nongaseous material; forming and removing a third stream from the reaction zone containing the gaseous product which is substantially free of the nongaseous material before a major portion of the gaseous product can react with the nongaseous material; and forming and removing a fourth stream containing the nongaseous material from the reaction zone.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of the components of a gaseous mixture which makes use of two nozzles, through which the mixture is caused to flow, placed in opposition to each other in a manner as to produce curvature of the flow of the interacting jets. Under the conditions of high velocity and streamline curvature the induced pressure gradients cause the preferential migration of one or more components of the gaseous mixture with respect to the others. The spatially separated components are removed in separate streams from the region of the interacting jets.

Abstract: In a device for separating the components of a gas mixture and especially isotopic species of different masses such as U.sup.235 and U.sup.238, the mixture is passed through a vessel having an axis of revolution and forms a vortex, the axis of which coincides with the axis of the vessel. A plurality of openings for the admission of the gas mixture are spaced at intervals over the entire surface of the vessel. Means for withdrawing fractions enriched in one of the components of the mixture to varying degrees are centered on the axis of the vessel.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials are rapidly pyrolyzed by feed of the carbonaceous material at a high velocity tangentially to a cyclone reactor-separator while introducing a high velocity stream of a particulate source of heat into the cyclone reactor-separator at an angle inclined to the path of travel of the carbonaceous material. The cyclone reactor-separator induces separation of solids consisting of the particulate carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis and particulate heat source from a vapor stream which includes condensible and non-condensible hydrocarbon products of pyrolysis. The particulate source of heat and solid particulate carbon containing residue of pyrolysis are transported to a cyclone burner and heated by partial combustion to a temperature suitable for feed to the cyclone reactor-separator. Rapid pyrolysis maximizes the yield of middle boiling hydrocarbons and olefins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring brake assembly of the compressed air type for truck tractor types of vehicles. The brake actuators of the assembly each includes a heavy coil type emergency spring which is held in a compressed state on the back side of a diaphragm by compressed air applied to the front side of the diaphragm during operation of the vehicle. The emergency spring expands to actuate a brake setting push rod when the compressed air is vented from the front side of the diaphragm and this occurs when the vehicle engine is turned off or when there is an accidental loss of compressed air from the brake unit. The emergency spring is housed in a chamber and, due to the movement of the diaphragm, atmospheric air is continually being drawn into and expelled from that chamber. As the brake actuators are mounted on the rear axle of the vehicle, they are in low positions relative to the roadway and the air drawn into the emergency spring chambers thereof is laddened with salt and water.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a vortex tube for separating isotopes. A gas mixture containing the isotopic molecules enters the vortex tube under pressure and is separated into a hot discharge flow stream and a cold discharge flow stream. The hot discharge is enriched in lighter isotopic molecules whereas the cold discharge flow stream is enriched in the heavier isotopic molecules. The vortex tube can be used in a single stage or multistage isotope separation apparatus.

Abstract: A process is provided for separation of gas mixtures into component fractions according to their molecular or atomic weight. The mixture is subjected to the centrifugal force applied in a cone-shaped vortex having a diameter of not over 5 mm. at a gas feed absolute pressure from about 5 to about 1000 mm. of mercury, and a pressure ratio within the range from about 1.5 to about 10. In the case where an inert gas is used in admixture with the gas mixture, the gas feed pressure can exceed 1000 mm. of mercury, and gas inlet and outlet pressures can range up to the liquefaction pressure of any gas in the mixture at the operating temperature. The higher molecular or atomic weight fractions are separated from an outer or peripheral portion of the vortex, and the lower molecular or atomic weight fractions are separated from an inner or core portion of the vortex.

Abstract: A system wherein a first dust-containing gas current is jetted out through a jetting port. A gas current is jetted out from a direction opposed to the first gas current, and both gas currents are made to collide with each other. The flow velocity of the dust-containing gas current is made to quickly and infinitely approach zero and only the contained dust is made to advance by its inertia force. A washing liquid is sent into the gas collision system, and the dust in the gas current is made to collide with the washing liquid at a high velocity by its inertia force. The dust in the gas is caught with the washing liquid. To make the dust-containing gas current collide with the gas current opposed to it, the dust-containing gas is pressed into a dust collector with means, such as a pump, and is jetted out through jetting ports opposed to each other in the dust collector.

Abstract: An air induction pipe for an air cleaner formed of a synthetic resin and as a pair of longitudinally divided pipe members. Each of the pipe members includes a fixing portion integrally formed thereon for mounting a diaphragm unit which is used to control air flow. The diaphragm unit is interposed between the fixing portions, and the pipe members combined to form the air induction pipe, thereby to fixedly secure the diaphragm unit to the air induction pipe only by the pipe members.

Abstract: Apparatus for intermingling dust-carrying gas and bulk goods for treating either one, e.g. drying the bulk goods or scrubbing the gas, in a bed of the bulk goods aerated by the gas. The apparatus comprises a grating with through-flow openings for a first partial stream of the gas which are so directed that this first partial stream flows substantially horizontally from the outside and inwardly towards the middle of the bed and another gas inlet in the middle of the grating for introducing a second partial stream of the gas from below and upwardly in the bed. A dust separator is arranged for scrubbing the first partial stream before it is supplied to the through-flow openings of the grating. The other gas inlet is connected so that the second partial stream is supplied to the grating more rich in dust than the first partial stream.

Abstract: A filtration device and method for removing particulate matter entrained in a gas stream including a filter media with a first prescribed surface area on one side thereof; a perforated support for positioning the filter media so that one side thereof is in communication with the gas stream with the particulate matter entrained therein; a suction head defining a suction inlet therein with a second prescribed cross-sectional area smaller than the first prescribed surface area of the filter media on that side of said filter media opposite the side in communication with the gas stream; a fan for forcing the gas stream into the suction head through the filter media to separate the particulate matter from the gas stream; and drive means for moving the suction head along the filter media so that substantially all of the filter media is eventually used.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed by introducing a low velocity stream of carbonaceous material into a cyclone reactor-separator and introducing a low velocity stream of a particulate source of heat into the cyclone reactor-separator at an angle inclined toward the path of travel of the carbonaceous material. A high velocity stream of the particulate source of heat is introduced into the cyclone reactor separator along the inner surface of the separator to prevent carbonaceous material from caking along the walls of the separator. The cyclone reactor separator induces separation of solids consisting of a particulate carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis and particulate heat source from a vapor stream which contains hydrocarbon products of pyrolysis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separation of gas mixtures into component fractions according to their molecular or atomic weight, comprising a housing having a separator chamber therein that is circular in cross-section, has an apex end and a base end, and a diameter at the base end of at most 5 mm. A gas inlet at the base end is arranged for tangential flow of gas into the chamber, to establish a vortical gas flow from the base end towards the apex end. Gas outlets in the housing at the base end and the apex end are in axial alignment, the apex end outlet receiving peripheral vortical gas flow, and the base end outlet receiving core vortical gas flow, the lower molecular or atomic weight components being concentrated in the core flow, and the higher molecular or atomic weight components being concentrated in the peripheral flow, due to the centrifugal force applied in the vortex.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tubular phase separator for removing entrained liquid from a gas stream having a feed inlet, a gas outlet spaced apart from the feed inlet, a liquid outlet spaced apart and below the feed inlet and gas outlet, and a mist eliminator pad disposed between the feed inlet and the gas outlet. The improved phase separator has a plate disposed between the mist eliminator pad and the gas outlet having a plurality of perforations therein for effecting improved gas flow across the mist eliminator pad and for improving the efficiency in removal of entrained liquid.

Abstract: An air cleaner for intake air of an internal combustion engine wherein one end of a pressure balancing tube connected to a space confined within a crank case of the engine communicates with to an air cleaner outlet chamber space from which the intake air for the engine is taken out through a main port, characterized in that a port communicating with said one end of the pressure balancing tube is positioned to border on said main port.

Abstract: A gas flow regulator disposed within a gas flow path and having integral baffling means thereon to deflect such a gas flow transversely of the direction of the gas flow in a manner to provide a uniform gas distribution where there is a change in cross-sectional areas of the gas flow path. Furthermore, the regulator of the present invention includes valve means thereon to further regulate the gas flow. The gas flow regulator is particularly applicable to dust collecting assemblies, such as electrostatic precipitators.

Abstract: A pneumatic dust collecting system for a fiber processing machine which includes a tank having a chamber therein within which separate streams of dust and reusable fibrous material are received and collected. The tank contains an air expansion compartment adjacent the receiving and collecting chamber and shares a common wall which functions as a filter. A blower assembly is positioned within the tank and is adapted to apply suction to the air expansion compartment so as to draw air from the chamber via the compartment and to force a stream of pressurized air from the tank to an air pressure stabilizing chamber located adjacent one end of the fiber processing machine. An air manifold having a plurality of spaced discharge nozzles is connected to the air pressure stabilizing chamber and is adapted to discharge a blanket of air beneath the machine.

Abstract: A dental office system including apparatus particularly adapted to high speed dental equipment. An aspirator operating valve having a coil spring trap catches inlays and crowns and other large pieces while permitting amalgum and other small pieces to pass without clogging the trap. A vacuum/venturi line avoids sludge buildup by constantly moving air through the lines. A water separator using a baffle arrangement avoids water creeping up the separator walls to reach and damage the vacuum pump. A slidable instrument console panel for ease of use by a dentist or his assistant includes automatic switches that operate when a dental handpiece is lifted.

Abstract: A diagrammatic representation of a single tube is housed to form a gravity separation chamber for the liquid separated from gas by the tube, and the tube is shown to be in several axially aligned sections spaced from each other to provide the exits and reentry paths between the tube and chamber for the separating fluids.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower assembly having apparatus for optionally directing inlet air thereto from a plurality of air sources and which may be equipped with or coupled to, means for treating the inlet air prior to delivery thereof to the centrifugal blower assembly.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for catalytic treatment of a material containing solid contaminants (in particular residue from hydrodesulfurization), the catalytic reactor being provided upstream of the catalyst bed with filter units small enough to be replaced via the reactor inlet, said filter units containing parallel void chambers alternately closed at top and bottom, respectively, (possibly by means of rupture discs), so that material to be filtered flows into a void chamber, through its wall which has filtering (and possibly also catalytic, e.g., demetallizing) properties, and then out of the next void chamber and onto the catalyst bed.