Abstract: A flash-back arrestor for dissolved acetylene cylinders wherein a cylinder gas-permeable at both ends thereof is joined to an inner end of a valve body in a dissolved acetylene cylinder in such a manner that said cylinder is communicated with a gas passage in said valve body. Filter plates are provided at upper and lower portions of said cylinder, and a packing consisting of a non-combustible granular material is inserted in the portion of the interior of said cylinder which is between said filter plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage and production of hydrogen from a solid compound.The solid compound is a compound of at least one rare earth and a metal of group VIII of the periodic system, which can selectively fix hydrogen by hydrogenation. It is placed within a sealed container and is in a compact and machinable or workable form.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a normally-closed check valve mounted on the inlet end of a vapor withdrawal conduit and located in the upper vapor portion of a partially filled pressurized LP gas tank on a recreational vehicle or the like. The outlet end of the vapor withdrawal conduit extends to a point lower and exterior to the volatile liquid container and is connected to a control valve to stop the flow of fluid. As the control valve is opened to allow fluid to pass. Then the pressure in the vapor withdrawal conduit drops. The check valve opens and allows gases from the volatile liquid container to pass down the tube. After the control valve is closed, the pressure in the vapor withdrawal conduit increases till it equals the pressure in the container. The check valve closes and stops the flow of fluid.When the apparatus is used in a movable mode, such as on a vehicle, the check valve is closed, preventing the volatile liquid contained in the container from being splashed into the vapor withdrawal conduit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for optimizing delivery conditions, specifically in a mill suction pneumatic system in which, as a rule, a large number of conveyor lines are connected to a common manifold or to a fan. Cyclone separators are employed for each individual conveyor line, and the air pressure across the cyclone is regulated to an essentially constant value through automatic adjustment of a slide valve after the cyclone. The opening movement of the slide valve is preferably effected more rapidly than the closing movement.This regulation avoids instabilities in the conveyance and increases its operational safety and economic efficiency.

Abstract: A dual purpose dust-collecting device consisting of an upright cylinder tapered at the lower end to form a settling chamber containing water. An inner cylinder formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced tangential inlets is secured to the inside of the cylinder to define therewith an annular gas stream passage. A swinging inlet damper mounted in a manifold having an upper tangential gas outlet and a lower tangential gas outlet leading to the upper and lower ends of the cylinder respectively is employed for selectively admitting gas from the manifold inlet to the upper end of the cylinder or to the annular gas passage. When dirty gas enters the annular passage under the action of an exhaust fan mounted atop the cylinder, a whirling gas stream will be created therein and forced through the tangential inlets into the inner cylinder wherein a rapidly rotating whirlpool will be created which causes separation of particles from the dirty gas stream.

Abstract: A cyclone dust separator for the separation of coarse, small and very fine particles of dust from a dust-laden current of exhaust air or exhaust gas, which is conveyed eccentrically from above, and via a dust pipe, from a fan to a separating vessel is provided. The separated particles of dust are intercepted in a collector mounted underneath the separating vessel, a pipe conduit being inserted centrally from above into the separating vessel in order to lead off the current of pure air or pure gas, while a round upper part, in which the dust pipe terminates eccentrically, is mounted on the separating vessel. In the upper part the mixture of dust and air is subdivided into two separate currents taking an approximately circular coarse. This enables coarse, fine and very fine dust to be separated in an optimum manner even when considerable quantities of dust-laden air have to pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: An attachment for operating an internal combustion engine on either gaseous or liquid fuel incorporates a modified air cleaner assembly having a cover and an annular adapter between which is sandwiched a typical annular filter element, the adapter fitting over the engine air intake. A diaphragm movably mounts a circular diaphragm plate to the cover to form a chamber therewith on one side of the diaphragm plate and an annular venturi between the other side of the diaphragm plate and the adapter. In one version gaseous fuel is admitted into the chamber through an inlet fitting secured to the cover and thence through ports in the diaphragm plate into the venturi. In another version the gaseous fuel is admitted through an inlet fitting secured to the adapter and thence into the venturi through ports in the adapter, a hose connecting the inlet fitting and the chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an air non-pervious body in the shape of a closed bellows in the suction chamber thereof with one end of the bellows bearing against the dust container, and the other end bearing against a partition separating the suction chamber from a positive pressure chamber housing the motor-fan unit. The bellows communicates with the pressure chamber through a conduit so that the bellows can be brought into communication with the positive pressure side of the fan so that the bellows expands and compresses said dust container and its contents, and thus increases the filling capacity of the dust container. The running costs of operating a vacuum cleaner is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: A combination acoustical muffler and exhaust converter for use with internal combustion engines, comprising an elongated hollow cylinder adapted to be connected to a source of exhaust gas, screen means positioned at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations within said cylinder for partitioning the cylinder into a plurality of chambers arranged in series flow relation with each other and with respect to the flow of exhaust gas through said cylinder, the screens having a silencing action on said exhaust gas, magnet means in one of said chambers for exerting a magnetic pressure on the gas passing therethrough to serve to separate ferrous particles from the exhaust gas stream, a packing material of mineral material, such as mineral wool, in another of said chambers for condensing moisture in said exhaust gas and for removing hydrocarbon therefrom, and a material such as a ceramic material of an extremely fine porous nature, in still another of said chambers for removing carbon monoxide from said exhaust gas

Abstract: A dehumidifier for use in a compressed air system between an air compressor and a storage reservoir for removing moisture from the compressed air supplied to the storage reservoir. The dehumidifier is provided with a moisture-collecting chamber connected to a conventional drain valve which operates automatically periodically for draining the moisture from the moisture-collecting chamber. A high speed fan is installed adjacent the moisture-collecting chamber for subjecting the compressed air passing therethrough to centrifugal force, thereby removing moisture and other foreign particles contained in the compressed air, such moisture being forced by gravity to the bottom of the collecting chamber.

Abstract: Following reverse gas flow cleaning of bag filters in a baghouse (17), controlled re-inflation of the bag filters is provided by a poppet valve (10) positioned in an opening (15) through which dust-free gas can pass from the baghouse (17) into a clean gas plenum (20). The poppet valve (10) comprises a valve plate (30) affixed to a valve stem (31) that is mounted for translational motion in the opening (15) so that the valve plate (30) can cover the opening (15) when the opening (15) is to be closed and can be moved away from the opening (15) when the opening (15) is to be unclosed. A cylindrical skirt (32) affixed to the valve stem (31) provides restricted gas flow through the opening (15) for a sufficient time to enable gradual re-inflation of the bag filters as the valve (10) is being opened following reverse gas flow cleaning of the bag filters.

Abstract: A breather plug assembly for a gear box utilized in an automobile or other machine. The breather plug has a deflector member of tubular shape, having a cylindrical portion contacting the flow of lubricant formed along the inner surface of the gear box. The cylindrical portion is provided with at least one hole located downstream of the flow. Said hole allows ventilation of the interior of the box to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting potable water are disclosed in preferred form as extracting drinking water from moisture-laden air at atmospheric temperature through the use of a heat exchanger at or near subsurface temperature which is in air communication with the atmosphere for allowing atmospheric moisture-laden air to enter, pass through, cool, arrive at its dew point, allow the moisture in the air to precipitate out, and allow the air to pass outward to the atmosphere again. Suitable apparatus may be provided to restrict air flow and allow sufficient residence time of the air in the heat exchanger to allow sufficient precipitation. Further, filtration may be provided on the air input and a means for creating a movement pressure, in the preferred form of a turbine, may be provided on the output. The water from the system of the present invention may then be collected and provided for human consumption in conventional manner.

Abstract: Filter elements with changing devices and contamination protection are disclosed. The filter elements are installed in waste tanks and serve to separate substances which are prejudicial to the health when breathed and are used to process air of ventilation systems used in nuclear installations. Two series-arranged standard waste tanks having a coarse material filter layer in one tank and a suspended material filter in another tank are interconnected by a detachable cover constructed for air guidance purposes by means of a lockable, air carrying pipe closable by means of flaps for carrying the supply and spent air which are fixed in a stationary manner to inclined juxtaposed dust laden and clean air ducts with lateral connections. The waste tanks with the incorporated filters can be centrally remotely controlled from one side by lever-transmitted resilient locking systems and can be manually fitted and detached as well.

Abstract: A device for controlling evaporative emission from an automobile, which device comprises, a casing accommodating fuel gas absorbing agents, a tank port adapted to communicate with a fuel tank of the automobile and having a first check valve for permitting the flow of fuel gas from the fuel tank into the casing, and a purge port adapted to communicate with an internal combustion engine and having a second check valve for permitting the flow of fuel gas from the casing to the engine. Each of the check valves of the first and second check valves comprises a check ball of metal, and a valve seat engaging with the check ball and being made of thin metal plate formed in one body with a reinforcement of plastic.

Abstract: This invention discloses an air cleaning device for engines which is provided with a check valve within the induction pipe thereof to check the back flow of mixed fuel gas, and thereby prevent the engine back fire, particularly an intake air cleaner for engines in which a cyclone type dust collector having an electrostatic filter is used. In this invention is disclosed a device which can prevent the ignition of the mixed fuel gas and thereby avoid explosion of the said gas.

Abstract: A gas filtration apparatus and process combining sonic agglomeration with porous cross flow filtration. The apparatus and process is particularly suited to gas streams comprising particulates of under 10 microns in diameter, such as the effluent gas stream of coal gasifiers, which are at a high temperature and high pressure. The smaller particles are agglomerated by sonic agglomeration and a portion of the gas stream is then passed through a porous cross flow filter resulting in a particulate-free gas stream while not requiring the high pressure drop normally associated with filtration of small particulates. The gas stream through the sonic agglomeration portion may be seeded to enhance particulate agglomeration and/or to induce chemical reaction of undesired gaseous components for their removal as solids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ce ntrifugal separation of a fluid having heavier and lighter fractions into a first portion having an increased concentration of the heavier fraction and a second portion having an increased concentration of the lighter fraction and discharging the first portion peripherally and the second portion more centrally and retaining fluid between the first and second portions in the apparatus for the centrifugal separation.

Abstract: An industrial vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having an inlet port, means for creating a vacuum in the housing to suck dust into the housing, means located in the housing adjacent such inlet port for separating any liquid or snow which may be drawn up with the dust, and a filter, also located in the housing, for collecting the dust.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating gas mixtures, especially flue gases from oil- or coal-fired furnaces, which contain sulphur compounds (SO.sub.2), comprising a rotor means including frustoconical plates spaced from one another in the direction of the rotor axis. The rotor means comprises two separate concentric sets of frustoconical plates, the inlet for the gas mixture being arranged in the annular space between the two concentric sets.

Abstract: A device and method are described for collecting and transferring particulate material. The device includes a housing with a porous member and means for connecting the housing to a vacuum attached thereto. A plunger, slidably mounted in the housing, opens and closes fluid-flow communication between the vacuum source and the porous member. In operation the porous member with a vacuum applied to one side thereof is contacted with first a porous filamentary filter and then with the particulate material. The particulate material detachably adheres to the filter and can be transferred to a collection area. The device and method of the invention are specifically suited for collecting and transferring adsorbent chromatographic fractions.

Abstract: Arc suppressing gas in a high voltage circuit breaker system is collected, filtered and compressed. The compressed gas is passed through a series of oil and desiccant filters and returned to a high pressure vessel for storage. The oil and desiccant filtering system is combined in a single, separable casing including baffles and a check valve.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recycling industrial air. Air contaminated by particulates is removed from the area of machinery, transported to dust collectors, and filtered. A small portion of the filtered air is discharged to the outside atmosphere while a substantial portion is recycled to the area of the machinery. Significant savings of energy are realized while less particulates are exhausted with the air into the atmosphere as contaminants.

Abstract: An improved self-actuated constant flow rate regulator system is described which can keep the rate of flow of fluid through a filter or other variable load constant within close limits. One application for this invention is for sampling the air for toxic dusts in factories where it is desirable to draw air through a collecting filter at a preset rate regardless of the amount of deposit on the filter and where a number of such filters may be connected to a central vacuum pump. The system comprises a differential pressure regulator and an adjustable metering orifice working in conjunction with each other. The regulator senses the pressure drop across the orifice and governs the flow rate accordingly. Details of the regulator valve and of the metering orifice are set forth which contribute to improved operating performance and manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A cylinder primary air filter element is coaxially disposed within a cylindrical shell between an air intake pipe and an outlet provided in the shell. A resilient secondary air filter element is deformably secured in an opening formed in a sidewall of the shell so as to be located outside the outer periphery of the primary air filter. The secondary filter element is secured in place by a filter element retaining plate which is arcuately shaped so as to be concentric with the primary filter element and is readily detachably attached to the shell. A sufficiently enlarged air flow passageway is thus defined between the outer periphery of the primary air filter element and the filter element retaining plate and consequently the resistance encountered by the air flowing through this passageway may be considerably reduced and the excessive bulging of the air cleaner may be avoided. A reed valve assembly is connected to the outlet of a housing which surrounds the secondary filter element.

Abstract: A pollutant separator having a cooling coil and a filter includes a scrubber device. The scrubber has a tube with holes in the walls thereof for the passage of fluid to and from a closed collection chamber. A series of spring biased balls within the tube serve as scrubber elements. Extending around part of the outside of the tube is a slidable spring-biased ring valve having a shoulder on which fluid pressure is exerted through a passage extending from inside the tube. The ring valve slides over some of the tube holes causing fluctuations in pressure within the scrubber unit to enhance vibratory, scrubbing motion of the balls contained therein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Ser. No. 764,707, filed Feb. 1, 1977 now abandoned, which is in turn a continuation of my abandoned application, Ser. No. 566,608, filed Apr. 8, 1975, which was a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No.

Abstract: An adapter, particularly for medical gas systems which require sanitary interconnections, comprises a housing which has a gas flow passage therein containing a filter or other sterilizing device with a connection at one end permitting easy coupling to the gas supply line and the housing has another connection for the discharge of the gas after filtering to the place of use.

Abstract: A gas valve device includes an integral drip leg and filter, positioned upstream from valve means contained therein, for collecting and removing liquid and solid impurities from a gas stream. The drip leg and filter includes a fine-mesh screen of significantly larger cross-sectional area than an inlet opening through which the gas stream enters the gas valve device. The screen is positioned at an angle to cause solid particles to be deflected away from the screen. Clean-out means is located between the inlet opening and the screen for collecting and removing the accumulated liquid and solid impurities. In a preferred embodiment, a detachable cover can be removed to enable cleaning or replacing the screen.

Abstract: A safety enclosure is disclosed which provides a portable self-contained ultra clean enclosed space environment, with easy access to the interior of the enclosure and which can be operated at relative positive, zero or negative pressure, depending on the usage conditions required so as to provide biological protection for an animal handler or investigator, to reduce contamination of the material inside the enclosure, and to prevent escape of noxious material to the outside.

Abstract: A bi-directional filter drier is provided for reverse flow applications as encountered, for example, in heat pump systems. The filter drier includes a shell defining a chamber, the shell having an inlet and an outlet, preferably axially aligned with one another, which communicate with the chamber. A suitable filter means is positioned in the chamber and a fluid flow path within the chamber is designed so that fluid flow through the filter always occurs in a single direction, regardless of the direction of flow through the inlet and outlet. Flow within the chamber and thus the filter is controlled by a simply constructed valve combination at the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A portable attachment for tank-type vacuum cleaners is provided which permits pickup of liquids as well as solids with the aspirated air. The attachment comprises a portable container having a removable cover thereon which makes a substantially air-tight connection with the container. A pair of nozzles are provided on the cover for fluid flow communication between the inside and outside of the container. One of the nozzles is adapted to have the suction hose of a tank-type vacuum attached thereto, while a scavenger hose for conveying a mixture of air, dirt particles, and liquid to the container is attached to the other nozzle. Valve means in combination with the first nozzle is spring biased in the closed position so that fluid flow communication between the inside of the container and the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner is established only when the valve means is activated to its open position.

Abstract: A clear air device to maintain the cleanliness of air in "clear rooms" and to ventilate said rooms has a casing with an air inlet grid and an air outlet grid, a preliminary filter, a ventilator and a high efficiency particulate air filter unit (HEPA). The preliminary filter, the ventilator and the high efficiency filter are arranged within the casing in such an order that the air drawn in through the inlet grid first passes said preliminary filter, then the ventilator and thereafter the HEPA. The wall of the casing is provided with one opening between the air inlet grid and the preliminary filter and one opening between the HEPA and the air outlet grid.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum apparatus is disclosed including a collection tank and a suction head. The suction head includes a base defining a tank inlet aperture, a blower intake aperture, a blower exhaust aperture, an atmospheric, intake-discharge aperture and an integrally molded valve housing. A blower is secured to the base in line with the intake aperture and includes an exhaust outlet connected to the exhaust aperture. The valve housing is opposite the blower and defines a tank opening communicating with the collection tank. A planar valve element is rotatably mounted within the housing and selectively permits communication of the blower intake with the tank for collection of debris and liquid or connection of the blower exhaust outlet with the tank to pressurize the tank and force the contents thereof out through the tank inlet.

Abstract: A uni-directional valve arrangement placed in a predetermined location between a habitable enclosure and a heating or cooling system which is exposed to outdoor temperatures prevents air of undesirable temperature in the system from passing into the enclosure by gravity flow.

Abstract: An apparatus supplies to a selected region air laden with a vapor which may be a scent or a masking odor. The device may be controlled to hold the level of vapor in the selected region at a desired value. Provision is made for prevention of the loss of the compound to be volatilized when the device is not in use as well as when in use.

Abstract: To provide only dry steam to a steam appliance, under controlled conditions, a housing block is formed with steam inlet and outlet flanges or the like, a filter being removably located in the housing immediately behind the inlet and a control valve located in the housing immediately behind the outlet; the housing forms a space between the filter and the control valve to dry admitted steam, including a condensate collecting region at the bottom thereof which terminates in an outwardly accessible drain opening. The drying chamber formed by the housing is separated or subdivided into compartments by at least one impact or deflection plate against which the steam is guided in order to separate the drying chamber into a pre-drying and a post-drying chamber and efficiently remove moisture and water droplets from the steam introduced into the system.

Abstract: A vent structure intended for use in venting gas from the interior of a battery housing can be constructed so as to use a generally cup-shaped, resilient valve element. The element is positioned within a cavity at the top of the housing with the bottom of the element spaced from an opening in the bottom of the cavity and with the peripheral wall of the element resiliently engaging the interior of the cavity. A retainer extends across the open top of the cavity and engages the bottom of the valve element so as to hold it in place. The retainer holds the valve element so that the peripheral wall of the valve element can flex inwardly to permit the escape of gas. The vent structure is utilized with a gas-liquid separator placing the opening in the bottom of the cavity in communication with the interior of the housing. The cavity and the gas liquid separator are shaped so as to permit liquid to drain back into the interior of the housing from within the interiors of the cavity and the gas-liquid separator.

Abstract: An electric filter for separating impurities from air including a housing which contains separator plates disposed in spaced relationship and formed of conductive material and alternate ones of said plates are connected to opposite poles of a source of voltage.

Abstract: A canister type vacuum cleaner having mechanism for controlling the negative pressure in the filter bag compartment by bleeding ambient air into the compartment. The mechanism includes a pivotable valve plate for overlaying an aperture in the filter bag compartment and an operator laterally slidable across the front of the cleaner and operatively connected by cam means to the valve. The valve plate is pivoted to selectively block the aperture by an amount determined by the position of the operator and the degree of negative pressure is indicated by the lateral position of the operator.

Abstract: An assembly connectable between a compressor and reservoir, having a filter unit capable of centrifugally cooling and separating condensed moisture and other contaminants from compressed air and discharging clean air in saturated condition at the outlet temperature and pressure, the unit being connected to the compressor through an inlet valve opening when the compressor begins pumping and to the reservoir through a pressure regulator valve adjustable to open only when the air in the unit reaches a predetermined pressure, which, for minimizing the absolute moisture content of the clean air passed to the reservoir, usually will be substantially maximum reservoir pressure.

Abstract: A filter unit having a central member of substantially rectangle cross section and made up of one or more interconnected sections and having ends slidably fitting into end members of the same cross section. The central member is formed with ventilating apertures in front and rear walls thereof through which air can flow, and a filter medium is positioned in each section so that the air must flow therethrough. Filler strips are formed on and extend the length of the upper and lower edges of the central member and slidably fit in slots in the upper and lower edges of the end members so that said unit has continuous upper and lower edges in common upper and lower planes and extending the length thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting vacuum sources from contamination occasioned by aspiration of fluids or aerosols from a device operated by such vacuum sources, having an enclosed vessel in communication with the device, a filter in communication with the enclosed vessel to entrap aerosols and a vacuum-breaking valve alternately in communication with atmosphere & vacuum in communication with the filter to control the application of the vacuum by the vacuum source to the device. The vacuum-breaking valve is operated by a switch assembly mounted within the enclosed vessel and in electrical communication with a solenoid designed to operate a valve member within the vacuum-breaking valve.

Abstract: An air induction assembly particularly for engines with electronically controlled fuel injection including an air volumeter for sensing air flow and an air-smoothing inlet means therefor in the form of a pipe or conduit having a length about three or four times its cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: A high efficiency air filter system of the type used in clean rooms and the like, and having a sliding plate valve associated with each filter. The sliding plate valve is positioned on the downstream side of each filter, and includes a highly viscous, non-evaporating fluid positioned between the plates to thereby prevent the air from flowing laterally between the plates, whereby the volume of air flow may be accurately controlled over the full area of the clean room as well as the full area of each filter.

Abstract: A vacuum pump of the liquid vortex type including a closed tank and a helical rotor for operation below the level of liquid therein is provided with a readily demountable rotor unit mounted exteriorly of the tank and having its enclosing shroud opening into the tank. Servicing, including that for removal of scale is greatly facilitated. In addition the pump is provided with a system of ultrasonic vibration elements whereby the accumulation of scale is inhibited or greatly reduced.

Abstract: A gaseous or liquid sampling collection unit designed to prevent loss of any of the matter collected and designed to prevent the accidental or intentional loss of all or part of the amount of matter collected, consisting of a filter capsule comprising a shield, and a filter, a two piece cassette containing said capsule consisting of an upper member and a close fitting lower member wherein the capsule is positioned between the upper and lower members of said cassette, the upper member of said cassette containing a valving arrangement permitting a unidirectional flow and, a tamper proofing plate preventing the accidental or intentional interference with the collection function.