Abstract: A hot tap apparatus for insertion of a controllable device into an in-service pipeline comprising a housing adapted to be sealably secured to a pipe and enclose a portion of the pipe. The housing forms a chamber which is partitioned into an insertion chamber and a discharge chamber, the insertion chamber being disposed adjacent to an insertion end of the housing and the discharge chamber being disposed adjacent the discharge end of said housing. The insertion end of the housing is sealable. The apparatus further comprises a cutting apparatus for cutting an opening in the pipe sized to receive the controllable device disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A closure for a pressure vessel having a collar connectable to the pressure vessel and to a cap, a seal disposed in an area where the collar and cap contact each other, and a plurality of clamping elements for generating the surface pressure between the collar and the cap. The collar comprises an integral sealing flange having an upper flat sealing surface and a lower circumferential annular bead at least partially circular in cross-section. A plurality of C-shaped clamps are displaceably, releasably and form-fittingly held on said lower circumferential annular bead. Each C-shaped clamp comprises one pressure screw and constitutes a clamping element. In the operational state of the closure, the C-shaped clamps press on the edge region of the cap resting on the sealing flange of the collar.

Abstract: A device for the orthopedic treatment of jaw fractures or tooth displacements has ring-shaped dental bands which surround the teeth and are detachably secured to at least two teeth of a jaw. In order to attach the dental band to the tooth in a secure and detachable manner, at least two tensioning blocks are integrally shaped on the dental band. The tensioning blocks are arranged in pairs at a distance from each other, aligned bores and/or threaded holes are created in both tensioning blocks and the gap may be reduced by means of at least one tensioning screw held in the bores or threaded holes.

Abstract: A process and system for removal of hydrogen sulfide from a hydrogen sulfide-containing gaseous stream comprising contacting the hydrogen sulfide-containing gaseous stream with a nonaqueous phase sorbent under conditions suitable for forming a hydrogen sulfide-laden sorbent and a clean gaseous stream. The hydrogen sulfide-laden sorbent is mixed with an aqueous phase redox coupled, regenerating the nonaqueous phase sorbent, reducing the aqueous phase redox couple, and forming sulfur. The sulfur is separated from the mixture. The reduced aqueous phase redox couple is extracted from the mixture and regenerated with an oxidizing agent or electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting air in ventilation ducts, using a non-poisonous and substantially non-volatile disinfectant. The disinfectant is vaporized by micro-vaporizer, and ionization electrodes ionize the air and the disinfectant particles. An ozone sensor is located downstream of the ionization electrodes and emits a signal to a controller, which controls the voltage at the ionization electrode, and thus the production of ozone is controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a gas-fired flame which simulates a wood-burning flame. The apparatus includes an elongated slot which is port loaded to produce a buoyancy controlled flame which flickers and closely resembles a wood-burning flame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low NO.sub.x combustion in natural draft combustion chambers comprising staged-air combustion apparatus and process in which a fuel-rich, fuel/air mixture is introduced through a burner into a combustion chamber, forming a fuel-rich primary combustion zone flame. The fuel-rich primary combustion zone flame is attached to a flame guide disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the primary combustion zone flame and extending from behind the burner. The flame guide also provides for removal of heat from the primary combustion zone flame. Secondary combustion air is introduced into the combustion chamber downstream of the burner to complete combustion of the fuel-rich primary combustion zone flame products. Internal recirculation of combustion gases within the combustion chamber into the fuel-rich primary combustion zone flame stabilize the fuel-rich primary combustion zone flame and contribute to emissions reduction.

Abstract: A power supply for standby circuits for an electrical consumer which separates both the electrical consumer and the power supply from the mains when in standby mode. The necessary power is supplied by a storage component backed up by an alternative voltage source. A voltage detector monitors the state of charge of the storage component and connects the circuit of the power unit to the mains as necessary. This power supply is suitable both for standby circuits of electrical consumers and for devices themselves or simply for control components and remote-control receivers on devices. Since a power unit is only connected to the mains when necessary, considerable energy savings are achieved.

Abstract: A curtain apparatus having a hood with a top plate in which one or more slots and/or openings are positioned, such as approximately parallel to each other. A fixed woven mesh metal curtain is mounted within one slot or opening so that the fixed woven mesh metal curtain remains in a fixed position with respect to the top plate, during operation of a descaler. A moveable woven mesh metal curtain can be mounted within the same or another slot or opening so that during operation of the descaler, the moveable woven mesh metal curtain translates along a longitudinal axis of the slot or the opening.

Abstract: A method and system for charging a container with a pressurized gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel is transferred from a gas supply through a heat exchanger to a fueling dispenser. The gaseous fuel is cooled as a function of one or both of a fueling station pressure availability or a container pressure rating. This method and system ensure that a pressurized gas cylinder can be completely charged regardless of the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing molecular diffusion and chemical reaction within a material wherein shape and time evolution values of one or more material surfaces are determined, and a rate of stretch of each material surface is determined as a function of time. The method includes solving a set of ordinary differential equations at a multiplicity of points on the material surface. The ordinary differential equations are reduced from and represent an approximation of a more complex and complete set of governing partial differential equations. One or more conserved scalars are tracked and conserved scalar values and a gradient of the conserved scalars are determined. A rate of change from the gradient of the conserved scalars is also determined. A mass fraction and a reaction rate of each chemical species of the material is correlated as a function of determined conserved scalar values and a determined gradient of the conserved scalars.

Abstract: A burner apparatus and method for reducing nitrogen oxides that are formed during combustion of gaseous fuel. Primary gaseous fuel and excess oxidant are premixed to form a fuel/oxidant mixture which is introduced into and combusted within a primary combustion zone. Primary combustion products are introduced into a secondary combustion zone. Secondary gaseous fuel is also introduced into the secondary combustion zone and is preferably mixed with the primary combustion products. The mixture of secondary gaseous fuel and primary combustion products is combusted in a secondary combustion zone. A portion of the secondary combustion products are internally recirculated into the secondary combustion zone. The overall combustion products can be externally recirculated and introduced into the primary combustion zone. A portion of the fuel/oxidant mixture, with or without the recirculated overall combustion products, can be bypassed around the primary combustion zone and introduced into the secondary combustion zone.

Abstract: A thermally insulating flask having two containers of flow-pressed aluminum, wherein an inner container is placed inside and at a distance from an outer container. The inner container forms a flask neck at the top of the inner container, which is connected in an air-tight manner with the outer container. Both containers are connected at the top by a material of low thermal conductivity, for example chrome-nickel steel, in an air-tight and rigid manner. The connecting piece can be constructed from a composite-plated chrome-nickel steel laminate, in which the aluminum layer has been removed by a lathe, leaving two collar rims, to allow welding to the aluminum containers, while the remaining chrome-nickel steel layer forms the mechanical connection which has low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A controller for a heat pump system wherein the controller has a variable capacity control capability that responds to thermostat output signals. The variable capacity controller computes real-time performance parameters at variable capacity heating/cooling load conditions of the heat pump system. A defrost controller calculates an optimum heat pump operating time period between successive defrost cycles during a heating mode of the heat pump. Such values are calculated as a function of sensed time, temperature and variable capacity operating conditions which are calculated by the variable capacity controller. The controller preferably has a manual mode for verifying correct operation of each actuator of the heat pump system, as a function of a sequenced input signal, while the heat pump system is in a shutdown mode.

Abstract: Enhancement of mechanical properties of ceramic membranes by introduction of a uniformly distributed high-temperature oxidation-resistant metal phase into the brittle ceramic phase to achieve mechanically strong ceramic/metal composites operable in an oxidation atmosphere and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The "Tank Test" method for determining well tests in low pressured reservoirs utilizes gravity drainage from a water storage tank to inject water into the reservoir. The Tank Test eliminates the need for expensive pumping equipment and the required manual pump rate adjustments. The low costs associated with the Tank Test allows the test to be run for a longer duration so that a greater portion of the reservoir can be investigated. The duration of the test and thus the radius investigation can be extended by repeatedly refilling the tank as necessary. The Tank Test also reduces the possibility of fracturing the reservoir during injection tests in low permeability reservoirs. The primary criteria for performing a tank test is that the hydrostatic head from the tank to the formation be greater than the reservoir pressure. In addition, the Tank Test minimize stress effects on stress sensitive formations.

Abstract: Composite ceramic mixed ionic and electronic conducting materials having high ambipolar activity which can be fabricated into thin membranes for high efficiency oxygen separation from air at intermediate temperatures. The mixed conducting materials have composite non-homogeneous microstructures of a separate predominantly oxygen ion conductive phase and a predominantly electronic conductive phase. Preferred predominantly oxygen ion conducting phases include bismuth, cerium and zirconium oxide based materials and predominantly electronic conducting phases include at least one metal electronic conductor material.

Abstract: An induced draft, fossil fuel fired, deep fat fryer comprising a fluid container, a fluid container housing wall disposed around a portion of said fluid container, forming at least one combustion gas chamber between the fluid container and the fluid container housing wall, the combustion gas chamber having a combustion air inlet opening and a combustion product gas exhaust opening, a burner for combustion of a fuel/air mixture, forming a combustion product gas in the combustion gas chamber, a baffle guiding the combustion product gas into heat transfer communication with the fluid container, and a blower for inducing a subatmospheric pressure condition in the combustion gas chamber, the blower disposed downstream of the combustion product gas exhaust opening and in communication with the combustion product gas exhaust opening.