Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, O, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A cover for an leg or tail strap for securing a blanket to a horse having a rectangular cover material secured at opposite edges to form a tube that is sized to fit over the leg or tail strap. The cover material is selected for its anti-chafe and washability characteristics. A securing mechanism is attached at each end of the tube for securing the cover to the ends of the straps. The cover is stretchy and replaceable. Using the covers over the straps allows the handler to tighten the straps much tighter than without the covers. This helps prevent chafing, discomfort, disease, and the likelihood of tripping on the straps.

Abstract: A desert boot or shoe outsole for walking on sand having longitudinal ridges defining gaps between them, a continuous outer edge around the sole capable of containing sand while walking, and a sharp forward heel edge. Each ridge and gap has a cross sectional area, and each cross sectional area increases from a minimum at the outer edge to a maximum at the center of the outsole.

Abstract: A device for removing ice and snow from roofs (10) comprising an inflatable sleeve (19) secured to a mounting frame secured on a roof under shingles or panels (56). Inflating the sleeve (19) fractures ice and snow adhering to the top of the apparatus, causing ice and snow to fall to the ground in a controlled manner. An inflation mechanism can be provided suitably adapted to prevent moisture damage to the system, and to provide warm air to the inflatable sleeve (19) to facilitate the release of ice and snow. Alternatively, a non-inflatable flexible cover (121) can be provided and secured to an eave or side of a building, and then agitated to remove ice and snow. A flexible gutter apparatus (223) can also be provided, having a flexible gutter disposed onto rigid support frame segments and secured to its edges so that the contents of the gutter can be expelled by lifting the flexible gutter over the frame.

Abstract: A vessel hull that does not create bow, stern, or transverse waves when moving through the water having an exterior surface that has a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the hull, and an interior surface that substantially encloses a flow channel for the length of the hull, the interior surface forming a converging-diverging diffuser. One standing half wave is contained within the hull, and no waves are generated outside the hull. The hull operates most efficiently at higher speeds, and has broad applications, including torpedo, submarine, destroyer, freighter, tanker, and other hull types.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2 from a gas stream having the steps of scrubbing the SO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution and removing any aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is maintained at a pH between 6 and 8 to increase the speed of absorption of SO2, to Increase the ratio of sulfite to bisulfite which also facilitates the oxidation of SO2, and to avoid the need to use exotic, corrosion resistant alloys. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A seasonal dock having a self-stowing lifting device having a mounting structure, a tower structure, and a platform structure, where the tower structure and platform structure are hinged to the mounting structure, and the tower structure stows inside the platform structure when not in use. The tower structure is about 80% of the length of the platform structure. In operation, cables are attached from the platform structure to the tower structure such that they are at about 45 degrees to each other, and another cable is attached from the tower structure to a winch.

Abstract: A no-slip corner joint having a mortise and at least one tenon, wherein the mortise in a first structural member is defined by at least one V-shaped groove portion of a given width terminating in two opposing face portions that are perpendicular to the mating surfaces of the first structural member, and the tenons in other structural members are defined by V-shaped projection portions of a given width terminating in two opposing face portions parallel to a mating edge of the other structural members.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the specific output of a combined cycle power plant and providing flexibility in the power plant rating, both without a commensurate increase in the plant heat rate, is disclosed. The present invention demonstrates that the process of upgrading thermal efficiencies of combined cycles can often be accomplished through the strategic use of additional fuel and/or heat input. In particular, gas turbines that exhaust into HRSGs, can be supplemental fired to obtain much higher steam turbine outputs and greater overall plant ratings, but without a penalty on efficiency. This system and method by in large defines a high efficiency combined cycle power plant that is predominantly a Rankine (bottoming) cycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a load driven by a topping cycle engine (TCE), powered by a topping cycle fluid (TCF) which exhausts into a heat recovery device (HRD).

Abstract: A solar powered water fountain comprising at least one solar cell (10) electrically connected to a direct current motor (12), which is connected by a shaft to a submersible, seal-less pump having at least one output orifice. The fountain may be stationary, or mounted on a float (18); It may be in the shape of a lily pad, or any other shape. The apparatus may include a decorative motor cowling (32), for example, in the shape of a frog.

Abstract: A process for reducing particulate, Hg, NOx, and SO.sub.2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel while providing the capability of producing an end product that is commercially useful comprising the steps of oxidizing Hg, NOx and SO.sub.2 using a barrier discharge reactor to produce the HgO and acids HNO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, collecting the HgO, acids and particulates in a wet ESP, and then draining them from the wet ESP to remove them from the flue gas stream.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing particulate, nitrogen oxides ("NOx"), sulfur dioxide ("SO.sub.2 "), and mercury ("Hg") emissions from the combustion exhaust of fossil fuel fired plants while producing an end product that is commercially useful, comprising the steps of oxidizing Hg, NOx and SO.sub.2 using a barrier, pulse, corona, or electron beam electrical discharge apparatus (100) to produce HgO and the acids HNO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 collecting the HgO, acids and particulates in a wet ESP (120), and separating the particulates from the collected acid mixture, then separating and concentrating the acids for industrial use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a child to an adult on a vehicle having lap safety belts having a first strap formed into a loop and sized for placing over the head and resting on an adult's shoulders; a first gender portion of a mating buckle assembly secured to the first strap; a second strap sized for reaching from the first strap, under the adult's torso, between the adult and child's legs, and reaching to engage the first portion of the buckle assembly, and having a mating buckle portion; a third strap secured on both ends to the strap and forming a sleeve; a forth strap suitably sized to reach around the adult and child's torso when the child is seated on the adult's lap, threaded through the sleeve, with mating buckle assemblies on both ends of the strap.

Abstract: A pulsing header apparatus for cleaning bag-type or cartridge-type fabric filters having a pulsing header and at least one blow tube attachment protruding from one side of the pulsing header. The pulsing header and blow tube attachment are cast, molded, or formed together a unitary component, defining a modular header. A port for attaching a pulsing valve is provided on a side opposite that of the blow tube attachment. The modular headers can be connected end to end using bolts to form a complete pulsing header apparatus.

Abstract: A barbecue rotisserie apparatus comprising a conventional barbecue apparatus and a novel rotisserie apparatus. The rotisserie apparatus comprises a ring having a substantially U-shaped cross section, rollers that are rotatably secured within their axis of rotation within the ring U cross section, and a drive apparatus secured to the barbecue for rolling the ring around the bowl of the barbecue apparatus. A bracket means on the ring supports the grill. The drive apparatus comprises a motor, friction wheel, and rigid enclosure.

Abstract: An improved unloader for rigid or flexible bulk material containers having a side-mounted discharge. In addition to a forward tilting feature, the improved method and apparatus may have any combination of the following: an hydraulic rear tilt feature, hydraulic dump feature, hydraulic bag massage system, inflation system for the container discharge, screw feeder operation and safety controls, pivoting discharge connection flange, or massage arm system.

Abstract: A power supply method particularly adapted for use with an electrostatic particulate collection device to provide substantially ripple-free DC power for improved operation. The power supply is adapted to receive three-phase AC power and to transform the AC power into high voltage DC power having a minimum of voltage ripple in the output. The power supply includes a multi-phase transformer having three primary windings, each of the primary windings having associated with it a pair of secondary windings. The primary windings can be either delta connected or wye connected. One of each of the secondary windings associated with one of the respective primary windings are connected together in a delta connection arrangement, and the remaining secondary windings are connected in a wye connection arrangement.

Abstract: An electrical filter apparatus for an electrostatic precipitator, wherein the filter apparatus is a T-type or pi-type filter electrically connected to a high voltage output of an electrostatic precipitator power supply and an electrostatic precipitator electrode. The T-type filter comprises a first inductor electrically connected to the high voltage output and a capacitor that is also electrically connected to ground. A second inductor is connected to the first inductor and the electrostatic precipitator electrode. In another embodiment, a two-stage inductor assembly is provided having a third inductor member defined by a plurality of turns of a continuous length of wire, and a fourth inductor member defined by a plurality of ferrite beads in end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing particulate, nitrogen oxides ("NOx"), sulfur dioxide ("SO.sub.2 "), and mercury ("Hg") emissions from the combustion exhaust of fossil fuel fired plants while producing an end product that is commercially useful, comprising the steps of oxidizing Hg, NOx and SO.sub.2 using a barrier, pulse, corona, or electron beam electrical discharge apparatus to produce HgO and the acids HNO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, collecting the HgO, acids and particulates in a wet ESP, and separating the particulates from the collected acid mixture, then separating and concentrated the acids for industrial use.