Abstract: A self-calibrating method and system 10 for controlling a hydraulically operated device, such as a clutch actuator 24 in an automatic power transmission, provides a pressure switch 30 in the hydraulic circuit that provides feed-back to the controller 32 when the hydraulic fluid pressure has reached a set point level. Pressure switch 30 provides a signal to controller 32 that allows the controller to compare the control signal at the pressure set point level with that of the calibrated curve for adjusting the calibration curve.

Abstract: A combined, integral steam generator coal gasifier includes a vertically elongated, all welded, gas tight enclosure with a burner zone having a double pitch sloping furnace floor and a slag tap extending therethrough. Successive zones located above the burner zone are provided with appropriate tube materials for conveying synthesis gas produced by the coal gasification process. A multi-pass convection pass zone having upflow and downflow passes is located at an upper portion of the enclosure and contains a plurality of superheater (primary and secondary) as well as economizer heating surfaces which extract heat from the synthesis gas to produce steam. An ash remover is connected to the outlet of the convection pass zone to remove ash from the synthesis gas exiting from the convection pass zone. The slag tap located at the bottom of the burner zone communicates with a slag tank or a drag chain deasher for receiving and removing slag from the burner zone.

Abstract: A system for eliminating mist from a flue gas while providing air toxic control includes a wet scrubber housing having an inlet at one of the housing for the entry of the flue gas and an outlet at an opposite end of the housing for the exit of the flue gas. Sprayers are located in the housing for spraying the flue gas with a cleaning liquid in order to remove contaminants from the flue gas. At least one heat exchanger is located in the housing above the sprayers in order to remove entrained contaminants from the flue gas by cooling the flue gas. The flue gas is channeled from the inlet past the collection trays, sprayers and heat exchanger prior to exiting the housing through the outlet. A mist eliminator is also provided for eliminating mist from the flue gas.

Abstract: An improved main shaft for a coal pulverizer having a selected portion of the main shaft provided with an intervening material such as a thermally sprayed ceramic coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a gear casing used in coal pulverizer mills prevents lubricating oil leaks through worn O-rings by redirecting the oil in a different path which does not come into contact with the O-ring seals. An internal hose connection provides oil directly to a bearing top chamber through a passage in the bearing cartridge. A special connector is used to connect the internal hose to the passage. Several connector embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A powdered metal blend mixture for making a powdered metal part especially a valve seat insert. The mixture includes 15 to 30 wt. % of a valve steel powder, 0 to 10 wt. % nickel, 0 to 5 wt. % copper, 5 to 15 wt. % of a ferro-alloy powder, 0 to 15 wt. % of a tool steel powder, 0.5 to 5 wt. % of a solid lubricant, 0.5 to 2 wt. % graphite, 0.3 to 1.0% of a temporary lubricant, and the balance being substantially a low alloy steel powder containing 0.6 to 2.0 wt. % molybdenum, 0 to 5 wt. % nickel, and 0 to 3.0 wt. % copper. The present invention provides improved high temperature wear and corrosion resistance over prior art materials as well as improved machinability. The blend of the present invention provides a relatively high density material that allows for a single press and sinter technique.

Abstract: A by-pass solenoid (32) with an integral check valve assembly (36) for by-passing excess pump (16) fluid flow. The integral check valve assembly (36) positioned in a first chamber (120) of a valve sub-assembly (52) allows fluid flow from an inlet (34) to an outlet port (40) in a normal mode of operation. Upon actuation of the solenoid sub-assembly (50), the by-pass solenoid (32) diverts excess fluid flow to a by-pass port (42) for re-circulation during periods when fluid flow demand is low and still maintains a fairly constant system pressure. Check valve assembly (36) prevents re-circulated fluid from directly entering the working hydraulic circuit and maintains system pressure. The present invention advantageously provides a compact integral fluid flow control device for bleeding excess pump flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an autoignition substance such as DME for operating a diesel-type engine 12 with natural gas. A multi-stage reformer 18 is connected to a supply of natural gas 20 to receive a portion therefrom for production of an autoignition substance for supply to the microigniters 14 within a diesel-type engine 12. An engine control unit 24 in communication with a microcontroller 22 receives signals from sensors within the engine 12 and multi-stage reformer 18 for optimizing engine performance and generation of autoignition substances thereto. The apparatus and method of the present invention allows the operation of a diesel-type engine with natural gas as the primary or even the sole fuel by providing an autoignition substance in situ.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing flexible fibers (30) of superconducting material includes a crucible (12) for containing a charge of the superconducting material. The material is melted in the crucible (12) and falls in a stream (18) through a bottom hole (16) in the crucible (12). The stream (18) falls through a protecting collar (22) which maintains the stream (18) at high temperatures. The stream (18) is then supplied through a downwardly directed nozzle (26) where it is subjected to a high velocity of a heated gas (36′) which breaks the melted superconducting material into ligaments which solidify into the flexible fibers (30). The fibers (30) are collected by directing them against a collection filter (32).

Abstract: A powdered metal blend mixture for making a powdered metal part especially a valve seat insert. The mixture includes 15 to 30 wt. % of a valve steel powder, 0 to 10 wt. % nickel, 0 to 5 wt. % copper, 5 to 15 wt. % of a ferro-alloy powder, 0 to 15 wt. % of a tool steel powder, 0.5 to 5 wt. % of a solid lubricant, 0.5 to 2 wt. % graphite, 0.3 to 1.0% of a temporary lubricant, and the balance being substantially a low alloy steel powder containing 0.6 to 2.0 wt. % molybdenum, 0 to 5 wt. % nickel, and 0 to 3.0 wt. % copper. The present invention provides improved high temperature wear and corrosion resistance over prior art materials as well as improved machinability. The blend of the present invention provides a relatively high density material that allows for a single press and sinter technique.

Abstract: A low-leakage air valve assembly 10 for an air intake manifold 16 includes a butterfly valve 12 constructed for mounting on a rotatable shaft 14. The butterfly valve 12 includes a first 32 and a second wing 34 with first elastic sealing means 36 mounted about the periphery of the first wing 32, and second elastic sealing means 40 mounted about the periphery of the second wing 34. The first elastic sealing means 32 includes a projecting lip 38 for sealingly contacting the wall of the valve manifold 16. The second elastic sealing means 40 includes a beam portion 42 for sealing contact with shoulder 28 of manifold 16. Third elastic sealing means 44 is axially positioned at each side of the passage 30 in the butterfly valve 12 and radially provided around a portion thereof. The first area 54 defined by the first sealing surface which is the first wing 32 and first elastic sealing means 36 is larger than the second area 56 defined by the second wing 34 and second elastic sealing means 40.

Abstract: An improved main shaft for a coal pulverizer having a selected portion of the main shaft nitride treated and a dry film lubricant applied to the yoke end.

Abstract: A controlled torque steering system 10 for use in an on demand hydraulic assist steering system for a vehicle allows a user to engage a controller 18 for employing a signal processor 16 to delay or ramp down a control output signal for providing a stable controlled torque steering system. Controlled torque steering system 10 allows for the selection of a determined amount of desired assist in steering, including none if so desired.

Abstract: A weldless connection system for U-beam particle separators is provided in which one end of each U-beam is provided with sides and a back that are separated from each other forming tabs. The tabs may be bent, or folded, about 90.degree. inward toward the channel formed by the U-beam. The back tab may be twice as long as the side tabs, and the extra half length of the tab can be folded about 180.degree. back at the back of the U-beam in a double thickness. Each tab has a hole therethrough. The double-length back tab has two holes; one hole is provided through each half. When the tabs are bent inward, the holes align. A bolt and washer placed through the aligned holes may be used to secure the tabs, and thus the U-beam, to a furnace roof structure. An alternate embodiment of the invention is provided in which only the sides of the U-beam form tabs which extend past the bottom of the U-beam.

Abstract: Methods and additive compounds for retarding the dispersion in water of bitumen-in-water emulsions, and in particular ORIMULSION, are disclosed. Methods include applied mixing at high speed and changing the pH of the emulsion. Additives include salts and flocculants.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing the relative flows of a separated two phase flow using a nozzle positioned immediately downstream from a bend in a pipe. The inlet of the nozzle is adjacent an external wall of the pipe and the outlet of the nozzle is substantially on a longitudinal axis of the pipe. The dense phase is collected and transported through the nozzle back into the center of the pipe for uniform mixing and dispersion.

Abstract: A vehicle driver module 10 with circuit 12 for receiving a first signal from a vehicle's controller and providing a second signal responsive thereto. The circuit 12 being placed on a substrate 14 constructed as a heat sink and preferably formed into a U-shaped configuration. A plurality of terminals 16 are attached to the substrate 14 with collars 18 made of an insulative material and having posts 20 constructed to fit within openings 50 of the substrate 14 be fastened thereto and retain the terminals 16 therein. Each of the terminals 16 include a prong 24 projecting out one side of the collar 18 and a clasp 26 out the opposite side of the collar 18. Each clasp 26 is constructed to provide a snap electrical contact at a predetermined location on the circuit on the substrate. The prongs 24 are selectively spaced so as to be received in and mesh with the standard vehicle relay junction block.

Abstract: An integrally cast, non-welded coal spreader for a furnace or boiler burner has integrally cast swirl vanes. A shaft of the spreader extends into the hollow interior of a cap of the spreader and the vanes extend outwardly of the cap and are cast as one piece with the cap.

Abstract: An improvement in a center inlet type scrubber that retrofit the scrubber with a perforated tray made up of rectangular or partially rectangular sections supported on beam supports in the annulus of the scrubber. The supports can be modified to form turning vanes or additional turning vanes can be employed. One or more perforated trays may be installed in the annulus to help correct the problem.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing temperature within a broad temperature range, includes a fiber optic having an etalon at one end for reflecting light supplied at an opposite end by a pair of light sources operating at different wavelengths. The light sources are either applied to the optical fiber at different times for discriminating between the wavelengths and producing a temperature signal based on the two wavelengths, or the light is simultaneously applied to the optical fiber from both sources and thereafter divided into its component wavelengths before reflected and reference light detectors detect light signals at the different wavelengths. Known etalon/optical fiber based temperature sensors having a usual maximum temperature range of 500.degree. C. are thus modified to increase their range to as much as double this range.