Abstract: An expansion member for a rotary expansion tool comprises a spindle adapted to be supported at both ends, and a roller mounted concentrically on the spindle. A sealed lubrication system is contained within the spindle for supplying lubricant to a bearing or bearing surface at an interface between the spindle and the roller.

Abstract: Ceramic components of a burner-heat exchanger or like types, in which two fluids are passed in indirect heat exchange along opposite sides of ceramic walls through respective passages in a ceramic body defining these walls and passages, are interconnected by extending the outer plates within which the ceramic body is enclosed at each end of each pair of components to be joined so that the extensions can be connected together, e.g. with a sleeve and between the ceramic bodies, chambers can be formed.

Abstract: The energy conversion system disclosed is especially adapted for use with hydrocarbon or fossil fuels, for instance natural gas, with which substantial quantities of water vapor are developed when the fuel is burned, for instance in an engine, such as a turbine or a cylinder and piston internal combustion engine. In the system according to the present invention increased efficiencies are achieved by employment of a special form of power package capable of much more effectively utilizing the waste heat of the exhaust gases than has been practicable heretofore. The application also discloses tube-in-tube type of heat exchangers for use in the disclosed and also in other energy conversion or transfer systems.

Abstract: A fluid-heating apparatus comprises a ceramic burner head formed with narrow passages which alternate with one another for fuel and a combustion sustaining medium such as air, the slit-like passages opening into a combustion chamber at which combustion of the fuel/air mixture occurs. Downstream of this combustion chamber is a ceramic recuperator likewise formed with slit-like passages, the hot combustion gases traversing some of these recuperator passages while the fluid medium to be heated is passed through others of these passages so that heat exchange is effected through the thin ceramic walls supporting the slit-like passages of the ceramic recuperator.

Abstract: A system for the conversion of the potential energy of hydrocarbon fuels to heat, the system being particularly adapted to the use of the available heat in the heating of a fluid, especially water. The system includes special forms of heat transfer devices by which the available heat, particularly of natural gas may be transferred to a water supply in a heat exchange device of special construction.

Abstract: Hot water or steam boiler comprising a furnace section and a convection section in which the furnace section is limited by a wall section formed of liquid or steam tubes placed side by side, while the convection section has a number of liquid or steam chambers communicating with said liquid or steam tubes, through the which chambers there run flue gas tubes communicating with said furnace section through flue gas chambers and sealed off from the fluid or steam chamber.