Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes placing a first granular material composed of particles of a first size on the upper side of a downwardly sloping vibratory screen. The openings in the screen are sufficiently small to prevent passage therethrough of the particles of the first material. A second granular material composed of particles of a second size, smaller than the first size, is spread over the first material on the screen to mix with and sift through the first material as the screen is vibrated. The size of the particles of the second material is small enough to allow passage through the openings in the screen. The first and second materials are at different temperatures so that as the particles of the two materials mix, heat is transferred between the particles. After mixing and heat transfer, the first material flows off the lower edge of the screen where it can be gathered, and the second material flows through the screen where it likewise can be gathered.

Abstract: A server for chilled wine and similar beverages or foods includes a generally cylindrically-shaped side wall into which a bottle or other container may be placed. The side wall is constructed of a heat conductive material such as aluminum, copper, alloys thereof, etc., of sufficient thickness to conduct heat as needed in its long direction. The cooler also includes an ice receptacle which holds the ice either in contact with the side wall or an extension or appendage thereof. The side wall acts to present the wine container with a surface which is at or below the temperature of the wine. This substantially eliminates the transfer of heat by radiation to the wine container. The server also minimizes conductive and/or convective heat transfer between the wine bottle and the surroundings.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes a rotatable cylindrical drum which includes plates mounted on the interior surface of the drum wall to extend inwardly thereof. Also included is an elongate vibratory screen disposed within the drum but supported independently of the drum. The screen includes a plurality of apertures of generally uniform size and is inclined with respect to the horizontal. A plurality of vanes are located underneath the screen to guide material falling from the screen toward one end of the drum. A feed bin is provided to introduce a first granular material onto the screen near said one end of the drum, with the particles of such granular material generally being of a size greater than the size of the apertures in the screen. A second feed bin is provided to introduce a second granular material into the other end of the drum, with the particle size of the second granular material generally being less than the size of the apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes an inclined cylindrical drum in which is disposed a helical auger. The outer lip of the auger, which is maintained in contact with the interior wall of the drum, is curved in the upward direction of the incline axis. The auger blade includes a plurality of apertures of generally uniform size. A feed bin is provided to introduce a first granular material into the upper end of the drum, with the particles of such granular material generally being of a size less than the size of the apertures in the auger blade. A second feed bin is provided to introduce a second granular material into the lower end of the drum, with the particle size of the second granular material generally being greater than the size of the apertures. The drum and auger are rotatable about the incline axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for producing electrical power during peak power demand periods and for, in effect, storing electrical power or energy during low power demand periods. Two or more cavities are provided in an underground salt dome or other thick salt deposit, with a first one of the cavities being located above the level of the second. Oil or other liquid in which salt is substantially insoluble, such as saturated brine, is placed in at least one of the cavities for use as a working liquid to produce electrical power. The power is produced by delivering the liquid from the first cavity to a pump/turbine unit located at a level below the first cavity to thereby drive the unit so that it produces electrical power. Such power would be produced, for example, during peak load demand periods when the need for power was greatest. Liquid discharged from the pump/turbine unit is delivered to the second cavity for temporary storage.