Abstract: The invention provides high-efficiency heat transfer devices and apparatuses. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vessel capable of containing the heat transfer medium, a conduit extending through a wall of the vessel, the conduit having a first surface for contacting the heat transfer medium and a second surface for contacting a fluid within the conduit, a helical member residing around and along a length of the first surface of the conduit capable of angularly directing a flow of the heat transfer medium along the first surface of the conduit; and a plurality of fins helically arranged adjacent the helical member, each fin extending through a wall of the conduit and being capable of directing at least a portion of the heat transfer medium to an area within a radius of the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sealing devices and, more particularly, to devices for sealing intersecting joints. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for sealing intersecting joints, the device comprising: a compliant central body; a first compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body; a second compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body at a first angle relative to the first compliant leg, wherein each of the first compliant leg and the second compliant leg comprises a blind bore into which a length of o-ring, c-seal, or other geometric-type seal material may be inserted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sealing devices and, more particularly, to devices for sealing intersecting joints. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for sealing intersecting joints, the device comprising: a compliant central body; a first compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body; a second compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body at a first angle relative to the first compliant leg, wherein each of the first compliant leg and the second compliant leg comprises a blind bore into which a length of o-ring, c-seal, or other geometric-type seal material may be inserted.

Abstract: The invention provides high-efficiency heat transfer devices and apparatuses In one embodiment, the invention includes a vessel capable of containing the heat transfer medium, a conduit extending through a wall of the vessel, the conduit having a first surface for contacting the heat transfer medium and a second surface for contacting a fluid within the conduit, a helical member residing around and along a length of the first surface of the conduit capable of angularly directing a flow of the heat transfer medium along the first surface of the conduit; and a plurality of fins helically arranged adjacent the helical member, each fin extending through a wall of the conduit and being capable of directing at least a portion of the heat transfer medium to an area within a radius of the conduit.

Abstract: In devices known in the art, “conventional firetube” and “waste heat recovery” boilers each require many small tubes making successive passes within the boiler. In one embodiment of the invention, however, an enhanced conduit replaces numerous conventional small tubes. In some embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of fins, each of which extends through a wall of the conduit. In other embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of tubes along its outer surface, through which a heat transfer medium flows. Both designs enhance the heat transfer relationship between the hot fluid and the heat transfer medium by providing a continuous heat transfer relationship with the heat transfer medium, increasing the surface area involved in the heat transfer relationship and enhancing convection/conduction couples. For some applications, all of the tube banks of other devices in the art can be replaced by one continuous enhanced conduit.