Abstract: A sweep frequency, continuous wave (CW) radar tank gauge (3) providing measurement of the level of tank contents or ullage (19), having greatly improved accuracy through improved methods of processing calibrate and return signals directed toward the surface of tank contents (20). Use of sweep synchronous measurement (46) of time domain calibrate/return difference signals (42) and time domain of a virtual "carrier" fundamental in the frequency domain, provide highly accurate measure of tank signal return times. The entire range of return signals is made available for processing and analysis (5), including distinguishable tank bottom reflections.

Abstract: An improved thermal efficiency power plant for converting fuel energy to shaft horsepower is described. The conventional combustor of a gas tubine power plant is replaced by a direct contact steam boiler 8, modified to produce a mixture of superheated steam and combustion gases. Combustion takes place preferably at stoichiometric conditions. The maximum thermal efficiency of the disclosed plant is achievable at much higher pressures than conventional gas turbines. Uses of multi-stage compression turbines (4, 9, 1, 10) with intercooling (2, 3) and regeneration (16, 17, 18, 19) is utilized along with a vapor bottoming cycle (11, 12, 13) to achieve a thermal efficiency greater tha 60% with a maximum drive turbine inlet temperature of 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A traction load meter system for displaying information concerning the amount of current energizing electric motors which drive a locomotive. These motors have power and braking modes and have a continuous current rating. The system includes a current-to-frequency converter for providing an output signal having a frequency corresponding to the amount of current drawn by the motors. Electronic logic circuitry is included for receiving this output signal and being responsive thereto to provide outputs indicating whether the locomotive is in the power or braking mode, the amount of current being drawn, whether this amount is above the continuous rated current for the motors, and the period of time the above-rated condition has existed. Additionally, the meter system includes a display panel connected to the logic circuitry and adapted to be mounted in a cab of the locomotive for displaying to the engineer the aforementioned outputs of the logic circuitry.

Abstract: A sweep frequency, continuous wave (CW) radar tank gauge (3) providing measurement of the level of tank contents or ullage (19), having greatly improved accuracy through improved methods of processing calibrate and return signals directed toward the surface of tank contents (20). Use of sweep synchronous measurement (46) of time domain calibrate/return difference signals (42) and determination of a virtual "carrier" fundamental in the frequency domain, provide highly accurate measure of tank signal return times. The entire range of return signals is made available for processing and analysis (5), including distinguishable tank bottom reflections.

Abstract: The pilot valve 206 disclosed utilizes a piston 226 operating intermediate a pressure setting spring 234 and main valve head volume 222 vent valve, and having a single pressure sensing chamber 235. The operating piston includes an elongated extension 229 of reduced diameter extending from the piston adjacent the sensing chamber and incorporates an opposite end, secondary relief chamber 230 providing main valve operation at pressures fixedly related to the operating piston relief setting. The piston extension operates the vent valve 245 in an adjacent chamber. The piston further defines an internal cavity 240 containing a somewhat coaxial inlet valve 251, 252. Inlet and exhaust valves are in fluid communication through said piston extension. Main valve head volume venting and pressurizing is accomplished through valve body ports cooperating with said inlet and exhaust valves.

Abstract: An improved heat exchange construction for tube bundle heat exchange systems including shell (4) and tube (6) types (2), incorporating detached, essentially spherical flow interrupters (24, 26) arranged in an interconnected matrix configuration (22), and disposed within the tube bundle interstices (9, 11). Substantial improvements in heat exchange and exchanger tube life, is provided. The mechanically interconnected matrix configuration of the flow interrupters provides an economical and easily assembled means to improve heat transfer outside of individual tubes in a tube bundle configuration. Continuous tube support is also provided by tube/interrupter contact, thereby greatly decreasing fatigue failures encountered in presently used multiple tube, tube/shell heat exchanger configurations (2).

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler (10) having a storage compartment (36) with insulated inside walls forming an access opening on one side opposite a back wall (42a) of substantially the same size includes an insulated door (40) movable between a closed position sealing said access opening and an open position displaced from one edge of the access opening for providing direct access to the interior of said storage compartment over the entire area of the access opening. The insulated door (40) comprises a pair of door segments pivotally interconnected about a median axis in parallel with one edge of the access opening of the storage compartment. An overcenter spring (68) is interconnected between the door segments to exert a resilient biasing force tending to pivot the door segments in one direction about the hinge (58) axis when the spring is on one side thereof and an opposite direction when the spring is moved to the opposite side of the median axis.

Abstract: A door operating assembly for opening and closing vehicle doors at a constant door edge force includes a frame. A teeter lever assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame and is connected to a connecting rod assembly connecting the teeter lever assembly and the vehicle doors. A cylinder is mounted on the frame and includes a reciprocally mounted rod. The rod is reciprocated by pressurized air introduced into the cylinder. The rod is connected to the teeter lever assembly to rotate the teeter lever assembly. The teeter lever assembly includes a variable diameter cam. A spring for closing the doors is secured at a first end to the frame and at a second end to a flexible connection member. The flexible connection member connects the spring to the cam and wraps around the outer periphery of the cam upon door opening. The energy stored in the spring at full extension is used to close the doors.

Abstract: A steam generator having substantial thermal capacity for producing high quality steam used primarily for downhole steam generation in tertiary oil recovery. Incorporated in the generator is a novel high pressure, high heat release combustor, utilizing high pressure gaseous fuel and compressed gas oxidizer such as air, wherein thermal and mechanical stresses on the combustor structure are controlled. A method for controlling combustion induced mechanical stresses on the combustor through fluid injection is also disclosed. Disclosed designs provide substantially increased combustor life in "Downhole" Steam Generation service. The burner employs an ignition technique utilizing gaseous injection of a pyrophoric compound such as triethylborane (TEB).

Abstract: An incinerator particularly suited for disposal of waste fluids containing undesirable chemicals and hydrocarbons including sodium cyanide. A novel dual fuel combustion system wherein the waste fluid is injected intermediate an inner high temperature flame and an outer somewhat lower temperature flame, provides a "blanket" combustion pattern. The blanket combustion pattern provides increased recirculation in the combustion chamber, thereby increasing residence time and ensuring complete destruction of the undesirable waste hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler of rugged construction for use in cabs of a railway locomotive includes a housing with a storage compartment mounted therein surrounded by insulation. The compartment is fabricated of thermoconductive material and includes flat sides without protuberances. A plurality of thermoconductive coupling blocks are secured to the sides of the compartment. A thermoelectric module of substantially the same size as the coupling pad is secured to each pad with the cold face of the module against the pad. An extruded aluminum heat exchanger with a plurality of parallel fins is secured to the hot side of each thermoelectric module to draw off heat and dissipate it to the surrounding environment. The fins are spaced apart a predetermined, optimum distance to obtain maximum heat transfer. A support and spot shim are employed to secure each heat exchanger to a coupling pad. Each coupling pad, thermoelectric module and heat exchanger are secured to the storage compartment by fasteners.

Abstract: A flash boiler or steam generator includes a shell defining a combustion chamber. A coil bank is mounted adjacent to the combustion chamber and includes an inner coil defining a heat absorption chamber. An intermediate coil is positioned in the chamber surrounding the inner coil. An outer coil surrounds the intermediate coil. The outer coil is in serial communication with a source of fluid and with the inner coil. The inner coil is in serial communication with the intermediate coil and the intermediate coil communicates with an outlet. To limit pressure drop through and increase heat transfer by the coils, the diameter of the inner coil is larger than the diameter of the outer coil and the diameter of the intermediate coil is larger than the diameter of the inner coil. To further increase the heat absorption efficiency of the coil bank, an extended surface is defined on at least a portion of the outer coil.

Abstract: A seal for an access door (44) mounted on a combustion chamber of a fluid heater includes a gasket pad (56) that is sealed to the interior surface of the door (52) by adhesive material. The gasket pad is secured to the door by first applying adhesive material to the interior surface of the door and the gasket pad. Thereafter, the gasket pad is attached to the coated area on the door covered by adhesive material.

Abstract: A valve actuator with manual override includes an input shaft for receiving input torque. The input shaft drives an epicyclic gear train sun gear and in turn is motor driven through a non-reversible gear set. The sun gear is in driving engagement with first, second and third planetary gears that in turn engage a first ring gear. Secured to each of the first, second and third planetary gears are fourth, fifth and sixth planetary gears. A second epicyclic ring gear engages the fourth, fifth and sixth planetary gears and is secured to an output shaft that in turn is secured to a valve shaft. The first ring gear engages a worm gear that may be manually actuated to operate the driven valve. The worm gear is slideably mounted on a shaft and biased by springs such that when the output shaft reaches a limit of rotation, or excessive load torque is applied, axial movement is transferred to the worm gear.

Abstract: A main valve includes a product pressure inlet, an outlet, a movable closure member and a pressurized head volume above the closure member. Product pressure relief flow through the main valve is controlled by a modulating, pressure operated pilot relief valve that includes a piston chamber with a reciprocally mounted pilot piston. The chamber is in fluid communication with the pressurized head volume and with the outlet and inlet of the main valve. An inlet valve controls flow from the inlet of the main valve into the chamber and is actuated by the pilot piston. A vent valve is mounted within the piston chamber and controls fluid flow from the piston chamber to the outlet of the main valve and is actuated by the pilot piston. The pilot piston includes first and second surfaces and effective areas exposed to the pressure in the piston chamber and an end isolated from the piston chamber and in fluid communication with the main valve inlet.

Abstract: A feedwater controller for a flash type water tube boiler wherein feedwater flow through steam generating coils heated by combustion gases is compensated and adjusted, in order to provide proper combustion heat input over a broad range of boiler operating pressures and feedwater temperatures. Flowing feedwater affects combustion heat input through predetermined variations in fuel and air input to the boiler's burner. As disclosed, the first embodiment utilizes temperature and pressure compensating gates in a cylindrical orifice containing a spherical flow control member. Fuel/air control of the generator is provided through movement of the flow control member due to the forces induced by flowing feedwater. In an alternate embodiment, utilizes a piston in the feedwater flow path having a slotted cylindrical metering orifice attached thereto. Internal of the cylindrical orifice is a cooperating temperature compensated helical flow control member.

Abstract: Apparatus for railway cars to handle the ingress and egress of passengers through a door opening where the apparatus selectively provides at the exterior of the car at the door opening an adjustable height platform, steps or a ground-to-car floor platform lift. The apparatus is storable within the railway car and extendable exteriorly of the railway car where it can then be selectively conditioned for a desired passenger handling mode as a platform positioned at a desired height between the car floor and ground, a series of steps extending between the car floor and ground, or a platform lift movable between ground level and car floor level.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve operable in large transient pressure conditions includes a valve body. A valve seat is movably mounted on the body. A valve disc or pallet is pivotally connected to the valve body by a valve arm and aligned to engage the valve seat in a valve closed position. The valve disc is secured to the valve arm by fasteners and shock absorbers are mounted between the arm and the valve disc. A resilient shock absorber is mounted between the valve seat and the valve body to absorb shock resulting from engagement of the valve disc with the valve seat. Absorption of shock resulting from opening of the valve is accomplished by a shock absorber including a lever mounted on the valve body. At least one shock absorber is mounted on the lever aligned to be engaged by the valve disc upon opening. A second shock absorber may be included to engage the side of the conduit or housing within which the valve is mounted.

Abstract: A high pressure ball valve including a valve body with inlet and outlet ports, a ball having a passageway therethrough disposed between the ports, and seats between the ball and the ports guidably supporting the ball. Each seat includes a core of polyethersulphone having a ball engaging face with the same radius as the ball, a metal reinforcing ring, and elastomeric seals bonded to the ball engaging face and the face that seats in the valve body.

Abstract: A boiler includes a high intensity combustor mounted in a shell that defines the boiler housing. A coil bank is mounted in the boiler and spaced from the combustor. A fire pot is positioned in the combustor and defines a combustion chamber with a combustion throat at one end and a choke at a second end between the combustion chamber and the coil bank. The choke is formed of refractory material and includes uniformly distributed steel fibers that conduct heat across the choke from the hot side adjacent the combustion chamber to the cooler side adjacent the coil bank. The steel fibers substantially reduce the thermal gradient in the choke and improve boiler efficiency.