Abstract: Resin-impregnated sheet materials, such as fabrics, films, paper and tapes, for forming electrical insulation that exhibits significantly improved voltage endurance performance. The present invention finds particular use as groundwall insulation for high voltage generator stator bars, in which the groundwall insulation is formed by mica tape filled with submicron particles of silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide and/or zirconium dioxide, in combination with an unfilled mica tape impregnated with the same or compatible resin binder. The filled tape is preferably in the form of a mica paper having at least one woven fabric on at least one of its surfaces, a resin binder permeating the mica paper and woven fabric so as to bond the woven fabric to the mica paper, and oxide particles dispersed in the woven fabric.

Abstract: A wall bracing system that uses a beam capable of bending to conform to a partially-buckled masonry wall that has buckled inward from external forces, such as hydrostatic pressures to which basement walls are typically exposed. The bracing beam is sufficiently flexible to conform to the partially-buckled wall, enabling the bracing system to apply a relatively uniform pressure against the wall to prevent further inward movement. One end of the beam is secured to the basement floor adjacent the wall, generally not more than the distance the wall has bowed inward, i.e., the horizontal displacement of the primary fracture point of the wall. The upper end of the beam is held in place with a bracket system secured to one or more overhead floor joists. The bracket system applies a force against the upper end of the beam toward the wall. Sufficient pressure is applied against the beam so that at least the upper end of the beam contacts and conforms to the buckled portion of the wall.

Abstract: A method of forming nano-scale features with conventional multilayer structures, and nano-scale features formed thereby. The method generally entails forming a multilayer structure that includes a polycrystalline layer and at least one constraining layer. The multilayer structure is patterned to form first and second structures, each of which includes the polycrystalline and constraining layers. At least the first structure is then locally heated, during which time the constraining layer restricts the thermal expansion of the polycrystalline layer of the first structure. As a result, stresses are induced in the polycrystalline layer of the first structure, causing substantially two-dimensional grain growth from the edge of the first structure. Sufficient grain growth occurs to produce a third structure which, based on the grain size of the polycrystalline layer, will be a nano-scale structure.

Abstract: An accommodation assembly for use as a temporary studio in outside broadcasting comprises a plurality of support legs (2) erectable to upstand from ground level, structural elements (7 to 9) erectable into an accommodation structure (6), and means, such as an electric hoist motor (10) and a chain (11′), arranged to cause the accommodation structure (6), when erected, to self-climb the erected support legs (2) from ground level to an elevation thereabove.

Abstract: An improved artist and display easel that is secured from the top by use of a crossbar that interlocks with the easel to firmly hold a standard canvas or display up to twenty-four inches in height. The easel is preferably made of a flexible material so that it can be repeatedly bent down the centerline of weakness. The centerline fold creates tension on both side panels causing outward pressure. The top crossbar holds the easel body securely in place by interlocking notches. The top crossbar also holds the top of a display or canvas securely to the easel body. There are seven different height settings that correspond to standard canvas sizes. In addition, a bottom crossbar can be interlocked to the easel body to raise the base height of a display or canvas. The use of flexible material gives the easel portability, low cost and disposability.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn and garden spreader that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of application per unit area at different ground speeds, such as at a relatively high speed when the operator of the spreader is riding on the spreader, and at a relatively low speed when the operator is walking behind the spreader. The spreader generally includes a frame on which a suitable motor is mounted, wheels mounted to the frame with at least one of the wheels being driven by the motor, and a unit for controlling the ground speed of the spreader, including at least two forward speeds. The spreader further includes a material storage compartment mounted to the frame for containing a material. The material storage compartment has an outlet through which the material exits the material storage compartment and is delivered to a dispenser unit that broadcasts the material outwardly, including away from the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A method and tool for installing a baffle in a tubular member, such as a heat exchanger manifold. The method and tool are adapted to use a baffle having a closed base that acts to obstruct the flow of a fluid within the tubular member, and further having a sidewall extending axially from the perimeter of the base so as to form a recess in the baffle. The tool is generally composed of a sleeve having an elastically and radially deformable end, such as a number of cantilevered members adapted to be elastically bent radially outward. Radially outward deformation of the sleeve enables the sleeve to securely grip the baffle, maintain the orientation of the baffle during its insertion into the tubular member, and then plastically deform the sidewalls of the baffle in order to secure the baffle to the wall of the tubular member.

Abstract: A wall-mounted stowable reading tray assembly (10) suitable for placement in a bathroom or any other confined space. The tray assembly (10) has a tray (12) configured to require minimal room and wall space when stowed, yet provides ample surface area for supporting reading materials when deployed. The tray assembly (10) is legless, and therefore the tray (12) is cantilevered from its mounting wall when deployed. The tray (12) is stowed within a mounting frame (14) attached to the mounting wall, and recessed into the wall if so desired. The tray assembly (10) preferably employs means (38) for supporting the tray (12) when deployed, and which is also stowed with the tray (12). The tray (12) includes an extension (44) that can be stowed within the tray (12) when not needed. Consequently, the extension (44) does not occupy any additional room or wall space when the tray (12) is stowed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger baffle and method by which the internal passage of a heat exchanger member is divided into two separate flow regions. The baffle includes first and second members having planar portions that define edges of the first and second members. The planar portions are connected to each other so as to form a connection region between the first and second members. The connection region is deformable to enable the planar portions to be folded onto each other. The baffle can then be installed in a heat exchanger member by installing the planar portions together into a slot in the wall of the heat exchanger member. After installation, the planar members remain substantially parallel to each other, and the connection region preferably contacts a portion of the wall opposite the slot. The manner in which the baffle is folded serves to bias the first and second members against the slot, so that the baffle is more reliably retained within the slot prior to being permanently secured by such methods as brazing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing acidic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride, from flue gases produced by processing operations of the type carried out in utility and industrial plants. The apparatus is generally a gas-liquid contactor whose operation uses an ammonium sulfate-containing scrubbing solution to absorb acidic gases from flue gases, and into which oxygen and ammonia are then injected to react with the absorbed sulfur dioxide to produce ammonium sulfate as a valuable byproduct. The oxygen and ammonia are not introduced together into the scrubbing solution, but instead are introduced sequentially and in a manner so that the oxidation first occurs in a relatively low pH solution as a result of the absorbed acidic gases. The ammonia is then added to the solution in a manner that inhibits or prevents intermixing of the ammonia with the majority of the solution, but is present in the solution when recycled for further absorption of acidic gases.

Abstract: A method of producing calcium sulfate with a flue gas scrubbing facility having a gas-liquid contactor that uses a calcium-based slurry to absorb sulfur dioxide from a flue gas containing acidic gases, wherein a byproduct containing calcium sulfite precipitate is produced that is accumulated in a reservoir, such as a pond, apart from the gas-liquid contactor. Such a facility is modified to produce calcium sulfate by installing an acidifier vessel and an oxidation receptacle in series between a source of the flue gas and the gas-liquid contactor. The flue gas containing the acidic gases is caused to flow through the acidifier vessel, into which the byproduct is delivered from the reservoir so that some of the acidic gases of the flue gas are absorbed by the byproduct and the pH of the byproduct is sufficiently lowered to allow the calcium sulfite precipitate to dissolve in the byproduct.

Abstract: A method for repairing and joining aluminum alloy articles and structures, such as heat exchangers for use in automotive applications. The method utilizes a flux-coated soldering rod (10) that is used to deliver a solder alloy (12) and a flux compound to a region to be repaired. The flux compound has a higher melting temperature than the solder alloy (12), and is present as a coating (14) that sufficiently thermally insulates the alloy (12) to cause the flux compound and the solder alloy (12) to melt nearly simultaneously during the soldering operation. The solder alloy (12) is preferably a zinc-aluminum alloy, while the flux coating (14) preferably contains a cesium-aluminum flux compound such as potassium cesium tetrafluoroaluminate, dispersed in an adhesive binder that will readily volatilize or cleanly burn off during the soldering operation.

Abstract: A tiered pack comprising a plurality of tiers 10, 10′, 10″ each comprising a generally planar base 1 and a plurality of compartment defining dividers 21 supported thereon, wherein one or more dividers 21 of at least one of the tiers and the base 1 of an adjacent tier include respective complementary engaging means 16, 24 for enhancing the stability and rigidity of the pack. The pack may be placed on a conventional pallet and shrink-wrapped once each compartment has been filled with goods thereby forming a transit package.

Abstract: A wet flue gas desulfurization process for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases. The process utilizes an ammonium sulfate scrubbing solution containing free dissolved ammonia as the reagent for the desulfurization process to produce ammonium sulfate as a valuable byproduct. The scrubbing solution contacts the flue gases and absorbs sulfur dioxide within an absorber of a flue gas scrubbing apparatus, and is then accumulated in a tank where the absorbed sulfur dioxide is reacted with oxygen and ammonia to produce ammonium sulfate. The scrubbing solution has a concentration of greater than 46% ammonium sulfate so as to have suspended solids of ammonium sulfate precipitate, preferably 1% to 20% suspended solids.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically treating water as it enters a fire protection sprinkler system (FPS) to kill microbes introduced with the water. More particularly, the device is a treatment system that includes a storage tank 20 for chemicals prescribed to kill the microbes of concern, means for injecting the chemicals into the FPS, a pump 18 capable of delivering the proper amount of chemicals to the FPS, valving to isolate the pump and tank and prevent backflow from the FPS, and a flow or pressure switch 16 to activate the pump when water enters the FPS from an outside source. Substantially all water entering the system, for example through fire pump 12 and jockey pump 14, is treated in order to prevent or control deposition and microbiologically-influenced corrosion.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing sulfur dioxide out of gases by feeding the gases into a scrubber, where they are counter-currently contacted with a descending solution containing ammonium hydroxide and ammonium sulfate so that the sulfur dioxide is sorbed into the solution containing ammonium hydroxide and ammonium sulfate and a scrubbed gas is discharged from the scrubber. The sulfur dioxide-loaded solution is collected in a sump at the bottom of the scrubber, where a mixture of ammonia and air is injected into the sulfur dioxide loaded solution so that the ammonia reacts with the sulfur dioxide to produce ammonium sulfite which is (in turn) oxidized by the air into ammonium sulfate. The mixture of air and ammonia is injected into the solution in a direction that is towards the bottom of the sump so that portions of solution containing a higher pH and higher ammonium sulfite levels than the remainder of the solution is avoided, thereby minimizing ammonia slip out of the scrubber.

Abstract: A method of assembling a heat exchanger unit (12) that involves an expansion technique for securing a heat exchanger tube (18) to a number of fins (24) without physical intrusion into the tube passage. The method includes forming the tube (18) to have substantially parallel tube portions (26). Pairs of tubes portions (26) may be connected by a bend or an elbow (28) to yield a serpentine tube configuration. Each of the fins (24) is formed to include one or more apertures that are sized to receive the tube portions (26). The fins (24) are then arranged to form a fin pack (22), so that their apertures are aligned to form an aggregate passage through the fin pack (22). The tube portions (26) are then inserted into the aggregate passage, such that the elbow (28) (if present) and/or the ends of the tube (18) remain outside the fin pack (22).

Abstract: A crimping tool capable of forming a uniform series of deformations or crimps on a workpiece, such that at least a portion of the workpiece can be modified to acquire an arcuate shape with a predetermined radius. The crimping tool includes a pair of arms and an associated pair of jaws. The tool further includes an adjustment feature associated with one of the arms for adjusting and gaging the distance between the jaws when in a crimping position. As such, the degree of deformation or crimping that can be applied by the jaws is positively limited by the adjustment feature, which physically establishes the minimum gap width between the jaws during a crimping operation. The jaws include die members specially configured to promote accurately placed and uniform crimps in a workpiece.

Abstract: A gift product package that allows a gift giver to easily order and have delivered a personalized gift. The package is adapted for delivery such as by courier, and presents the gift and special effects in a lively and potentially personalized manner. The package generally entails a rugged exterior carton for shipping purposes, a disguised container for concealing a gift, a recordable sound module which allows a gift giver to record a personalized message that is played upon opening the container, and an inflation device that causes a small gas canister to fill a large balloon or eject confetti. In addition to these special effects, the container is also configured to contain other party favors and a gift card.

Abstract: A fast food lap tray is provided which is particularly suitable for use in an automobile to support and secure fast foods and their containers. The food lap tray includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user. As such, the lap tray is adapted to be positively secured to the lap of the user, yet will not cause discomfort to the user or bind or excessively restrain the legs of the user during use. In particular, the lap tray enables rapid positioning on the lap of the user, as well as rapid removal from the lap of the user. Furthermore, the lap tray does not rely on the vehicle restraint system of the automobile, such as a lap belt, and will not hinder the user from rapidly exiting an automobile if immediate escape is necessary. The lap tray is also configured to maximize its stability on the lap of the user.