Abstract: A mass and/or heat transfer column is provided with a multiphase vapor distributor with distributes a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column.

Abstract: A mass and/or heat transfer column is provided with a multiphase vapor distributor with distributes a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column.

Abstract: A monitoring system (10) is disclosed for monitoring the condition of a filter (16) filtering a gas or liquid. Using various sensors, the permeability of the filter is monitored on a continuous basis. A significant increase in permeability, decrease in permeability or rate of change of permeability can lead to an indication of filter failure, such as rupture, leakage, loading and unloading. The system can be monitored by a computer and monitored from a remote location through phone lines and Internet computer systems.

Abstract: A high capacity marine separator (30) is disclosed which uses a first stage formed by an inertial vane separator (32), a second stage formed by a coalescer stage (36) and a third stage formed by an inertial vane separator (34). The coalescer stage (36) is canted from vertical relative to the air flow direction which increases the surface area for air flow, increases the drainage rate of water from the coalescer section and provides an improved air flow distribution to the second inertial vane separator with higher velocities near the top of the second inertial vane separator. The inertial vane separators (32, 34) have flush cavities to reduce obstruction to air flow and have vanes that are greater than three inches in wavelength and spaced greater than one inch apart. The marine separator is capable of flow velocities of 50 standard feet per second.

Abstract: A variable contour control surface (30a) and a transition section (30a) are designed to eliminate the discontinuities that exist between an aircraft wing control surface and the wing itself. The variable contour is provided by translating the top skin of the control surface relative to the top surface of the wing with the bottom surfaces of the wing and control surface being joined as a single surface. This movement results in a change in the camber of the control surface. The transition section (30a) is a flexible connection between the inboard and outboard ends of the control surface (30a) and the wing. The transition section (30a) is stiffened by rods (40, 41) which run both fore to aft and spanwise within an elastomeric material. The transition section (30b) may be used in conjunction with either a fixed contour control surface or a variable contour control surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus utilizing a mesh pad, located on the front of a mist extractor through which water may drain and air may pass. Water flows at a sufficient rate through said mesh pad to drain the mist extractor, and air flowing through said mesh pad is filtered of moisture and does not entrain moisture from the mist extractor.

Abstract: A high capacity vane (10) is disclosed which incorporates a series of members (16, 18) extending at predetermined angles relative to the direction of flow of a liquid bearing gas. Each of the members includes an upstream cavity (20) and a downstream (21) which communicate with the flow through longitudinal slots (24, 28). The flow interaction with the slots and cavities provide sufficient separation of the liquid from the gas flow.

Abstract: An actuator (22) for a vibratory finishing machine or the like includes a housing (24) with a rotatable quill shaft (44) of comparatively low bending stiffness extending therethrough. Mounted on each end of the quill shaft (44) is a journal (46) which defines a hydrodynamic bearing with an adjacent corresponding internal surface of the housing (24). The quill shaft (44) is axially constrained within the housing (24) by an inward thrust bearing (68) and an outward retainer (56), dynamic seal (64), static seal (62) and spring (66) located on opposite sides of each journal (46).

Abstract: A vibratory actuator (22) includes a housing (62), a rotatable shaft, (78) extending through the housing, and an eccentric member (80) to which the shaft is secured. Vibration is effected upon rotation of the eccentric member (80) by the shaft (78). A hydrodynamic fluid film gap is provided between a partial cylindrical journal surface of the eccentric member (80) and a full cylindrical bearing surface of the housing (62), and the housing contains hydrodynamic fluid. Radial loading between the housing (62), shaft (78) and eccentric member (80) is more uniformly distributed to reduce structural deflections and thus facilitate maintenance of the proper film of hydrodynamic fluid during operation of the actuator (22). If desired, the fluid can be circulated through the housing (62) for cooling purposes.

Abstract: A vibratory mechanism includes apparatus adapted for vibratory actuation to perform a predetermined function. A tubular housing is connected to the apparatus at spaced points, and a pair of hydrodynamic bearings are mounted in the housing at points located outwardly from the points of connection of the housing to the apparatus. A shaft is rotatably supported in the hydrodynamic bearings, and structure is provided for continuously directing oil to the hydrodynamic bearings and to thrust bearings which position the shaft axially. Oil from the bearings is directed to drain structure comprising part of the tubular housing. Eccentric weights are mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and are positioned at points located outwardly from the hydrodynamic bearings.