Abstract: The leak detection band is mounted about a pipe joint for generating an alert signal when a liquid leak from the pipe joint is detected. The leak detection band includes an annular mount having a pair of opposed annular edges and an annular recess formed in an interior surface thereof adjacent one of the annular edges. A transmitter is attached to the annular mount, and a pair of substantially semicircular leads are provided. Each lead has opposed first and second ends and a central portion. The first ends are electrically connected to the transmitter. The second ends and central portions are disposed within the recess so that the second ends are mounted opposite one another with a gap being formed therebetween. When a conductive liquid leaks from the pipe joint, the conductive liquid fills the gap, closing a transmitting circuit, causing the transmitter to transmit an alert signal.

Abstract: The leak and contamination detection micro-submarine includes an “electronic ear” and an “electronic nose” for detecting both leaks and chemicals within a pipe which may be leaking. The submarine includes an on-board electric motor which is radio remote controlled and may operate, or swim, in a manner similar to a fish using piezoelectric micro-motors and the like. Contamination, leak and other related data is stored in on-board memory and summary reports may be transmitted via RF signals.

Abstract: The carbon-free fire tube boiler is a boiler for heating water by combustion of hydrocarbon fuels with oxygen. The boiler includes a housing defining first and second heat transfer stages. At least one oxygen transport reactor is received within the first heat transfer stage. The oxygen transport reactor includes an outer wall and an inner cylindrical ion transport membrane. The membrane receives pressurized air and separates gaseous oxygen therefrom, transporting the oxygen into an annular region between the membrane and the outer wall. The gaseous hydrocarbon fuel is delivered into the annular region for combustion, producing gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor. A water reservoir is defined within the first and second stages, with the at least one oxygen transport reactor and at least one transfer tube passing therethrough. The carbon dioxide and the water vapor are delivered through the at least one transfer tube for heating water contained therein.

Abstract: The moving carbon nanotube heat sink includes a heat transfer belt comprised of highly thermally efficient carbon nanotubes. Laterally disposed cooling fins extend away from a top surface of the belt. The belt is slidingly disposed over a C-shaped channel made of metal or other suitable material that is mechanically and/or chemically connected to a top surface of an electronic chip. Belt movement may be powered and guided by a plurality of rollers. The cooling occurs primarily as a result of conduction and convection heat transfer modes.

Abstract: The moving carbon nanotube heat sink includes a heat transfer belt comprised of highly thermally efficient carbon nanotubes. Laterally disposed cooling fins extend away from a top surface of the belt. The belt is slidingly disposed over a C-shaped channel made of metal or other suitable material that is mechanically and/or chemically connected to a top surface of an electronic chip. Belt movement may be powered and guided by a plurality of rollers. The cooling occurs primarily as a result of conduction and convection heat transfer modes.

Abstract: The leak and contamination detection micro-submarine includes an “electronic ear” and an “electronic nose” for detecting both leaks and chemicals within a pipe which may be leaking. The submarine includes an on-board electric motor which is radio remote controlled and may operate, or swim, in a manner similar to a fish using piezoelectric micro-motors and the like. Contamination, leak and other related data is stored in on-board memory and summary reports may be transmitted via RF signals.

Abstract: A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot.

Abstract: The flow meter probe with force sensors has the body of a frustum of a regular pyramid with a force sensor disposed upon each face. The force sensors are mounted in bores defined in the probe body and include a pin that may be displaced in the bore to exert pressure on an electrical transducer. The transducer may be a ceramic, piezoelectric sensor or a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor. The pin has an aerodynamically- or hydrodynamically-shaped head, a cylindrical body, and a frustoconical tail to concentrate force exerted upon the sensor. The head of the pin protrudes slightly above the face of the probe body so that aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces are exerted directly against the pin, and pin displacement measures the forces directly. A plurality of probes may be placed in the path of fluid flow in a variety of configurations, as desired.

Abstract: The flow meter probe with force sensors has the body of a frustum of a regular pyramid with a force sensor disposed upon each face. The force sensors are mounted in bores defined in the probe body and include a pin that may be displaced in the bore to exert pressure on an electrical transducer. The transducer may be a ceramic, piezoelectric sensor or a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor. The pin has an aerodynamically- or hydrodynamically-shaped head, a cylindrical body, and a frustoconical tail to concentrate force exerted upon the sensor. The head of the pin protrudes slightly above the face of the probe body so that aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces are exerted directly against the pin, and pin displacement measures the forces directly. A plurality of probes may be placed in the path of fluid flow in a variety of configurations, as desired.