Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a central chamber, having a proximal end and a distal end. A return manifold is connected to the distal end of the central chamber. A plurality of tubes, are positioned around the central chamber. An exhaust manifold receives the tubes and includes an exhaust vent. The central chamber is insulated for the portion within the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger includes a central chamber, preferably in the form of a tube, having a proximal end and a distal end. A return manifold is connected to the distal end of the central chamber. A plurality of tubes, which are preferably straight, are positioned around the central chamber. In one embodiment, two or more circumferential patterns of tubes, each at a different radius, are equally spaced around the central chamber. An exhaust manifold receives the tubes and includes an exhaust vent.

Abstract: A catalytic incinerator system for oxidation/combustion of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). The system is relatively compact, is designed to accommodate the thermal stresses within the system without adversely affecting the system components, and to provide substantially uniform temperature distribution in the VOC's and combustion air. The system includes a dual shell housing having an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein the inner shell is capable of thermal expansion and movement relative to the outer shell. Also included is a multi-pass tube-type heat exchanger suspended or otherwise mounted within a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchanger is mounted within the heat exchange chamber so that one end is unfixed and thus the heat exchanger can freely expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations within the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming circular weld joints includes a support frame, a motor having a primary drive shaft, a secondary drive shaft coupled to the primary drive shaft, and a hub mounting plate affixed to the support frame. A floating hub assembly is included and a chuck which is coupled to the secondary drive shaft and has at least one radially offset receiving bore. A MIG-type welding tip is rotated in a circular path upon activation of the motor to form a circular weld. Stabilizing guide members and depth guides are provided which extend outwardly from a support frame to ensure proper positioning of the welding tip during the weld forming operation.

Abstract: A catalytic incinerator system for oxidation/combustion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system is relatively compact, is designed to accommodate the thermal stresses within the system without adversely affecting the system components, and to provide substantially uniform temperature distribution in the VOCs and combustion air. The system includes a dual shell housing having an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein the inner shell is capable of thermal expansion and movement relative to the outer shell. Also included is a multi-pass tube-type heat exchanger suspended or otherwise mounted within a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchanger is mounted within the heat exchange chamber so that one end is unfixed and thus the heat exchanger can freely expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations within the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for roasting barrels used in aging alcoholic spirits involves directing a heated air stream through the inside of the barrel at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration. Compared to prior methods and apparatus which utilize direct flame impingement and often result in nonuniform roasting and undesired burning of the barrel staves, a heated air stream produces uniform roasting of the entire inside surface of the barrel. An indexable conveyor adapted to hold a plurality of barrels moves each barrel into alignment with an outlet. A stream of heated air flowed from the outlet enters an open end of the aligned barrel. A diverter plate located at the other end of the barrel partially impedes outflow of the stream, thereby increasing residence time of the air to uniformly roast the inside surface.