Abstract: The method of the present invention features the provision of a plurality of segmented chambers formed in an enclosure. Particulate fuel and air are introduced into one of said chambers during start-up and low loads, and, as the load increases, fuel and air are introduced to additional beds. The air velocity is controlled so that bubbling fluidized beds are initially established in the chambers and, as the load increases, the air velocity is increased to establish a circulating fluidized bed in each chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for expanding a tube into a bore formed in a tube sheet in which a tubular force-transmitting member extends within the tube coextensive with the portion of the tube to be expanded. An explosive is disposed in the bore of the force-transmitting member, so that the forces resulting from the explosion of the explosive are uniformly transferred by the force-transmitting member to expand the tube into the bore. A tubular barrier member extends between the force-transmitting member and the tube and has a portion projecting from the tube sheet, and a plug is disposed in the end of the projecting portion of the barrier member to contain the debris and gases resulting from the explosion.

Abstract: A fluidized bed steam generator and method of generating steam including a separate recycle bed in which a plurality of vertically stacked fluidized beds are disposed in a furnace enclosure and a heat recovery enclosure is defined adjacent the furnace enclosure for receiving the effluent gases from the fluidized beds. A fluidized bed is defined in the heat recovery enclosure and one or two separators are provided adjacent the heat recovery enclosure for receiving the effluent gases and separating the entrained solid particles therefrom. The separated solid particles are then injected into the fluidized bed in the heat recovery enclosure. Fresh fuel is supplied to the recycle bed and the material inventory and fluidizing velocity in the recycle bed is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and supporting the foundation or slab of a building in which a lifting assembly is inserted underneath the foundation or slab and is adapted to receive a pipe assembly. A clamping assembly is provided for engaging a portion of the pipe assembly extending above the lifting assembly, and a hydraulic system extends between the lifting assembly and the clamping assembly for sequentially lowering the pipe assembly into the ground so that, when it encounters resistance, the foundation or slab is supported and can be raised to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A steam generator and method for operating same in which a plurality of beds of combustible particulate material are established and air is introduced to each of the beds for fluidizing the beds. The flue gases and entrained fine particulate material from each bed are combined and the particulate material then separated from the flue gases externally of the beds and introduced back into one of the beds. Independent fluid circuits are established including some in heat exchange relation to the separate beds, for independently controlling the steam generation rate and the temperatures of the reheat steam, and the superheat steam.

Abstract: An hot shoe attachment for fitting a flash gun or the like to the hot shoe of a camera has a flanged body for fitting to the hot shoe with a locking ring screw threaded thereto for clamping it in place. Electrical contact means on the body on the attachment are resiliently urged towards and against the hot shoe when the attachment is fitted. As the locking ring is unscrewed to release the attachment, the contact means are simultaneously withdrawn from the hot shoe to avoid damage by contact therewith as the flash gun or the like is removed. Only when the locking ring is again screwed to its clamping position do the contact means again project from the body. The contact means are normally mounted in a bushing which itself has flanges engaged by the locking ring at least as the locking ring is unscrewed. Resilient urging means may be applied to the contact means, the bushing or both.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur compounds from flue gases in which a slurry of calcium oxide and water is formed and exothermically reacted to form a hydrate containing calcium hydroxide in substantially saturated solution. The calcium hydroxide is converted to relatively fine particles as the saturated liquid is flashed to steam. The fine particles are passed in a counter-flow relationship with the flue gases so that the sulfur compounds from the flue gases react with the calcium hydroxide in the particles to form calcium sulfate.

Abstract: A fixture for explosively welding a tube to a tubesheet in which a plug extends within a cup which in turn is inserted into a fixture tube. A first explosive extends within the chamber defined by the cup and the plug and a second explosive extends within a bore defined within the plug. The sensitivity of the second explosive is greater than that of the first explosive so that, upon detonation by an externally actuated elongated detonation member, sequential detonation of the second explosive and the first explosive occurs.

Abstract: In a method of intermittently charging a molten principal raw material and any supplementary material as needed to provide a specified raw material formulation into a melting furnace and continuously discharging a molten material therefrom, the discharge of the molten material is effected by determining the weight of the tiltable melting furnace, said weight changing with change of the raw materials and discharging of the molten material, computing the rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time from the determined weights of said furnace, and tilting said furnace to a position indicated by comparison of said computed rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time and the set rate of change in weight of the molten material with respect to time.

Abstract: A convertible bedding assembly and mattress in which a foldable frame assembly is operatively attached to a sofa or chair portion for movement between an expanded position and a folded position. A first mattress is disposed on the frame assembly and a second mattress extends over the first mattress in at least said expanded position, with the width of the second mattress exceeding the width of the first mattress and being at least equal to the width of the frame assembly. The second mattress is a composite assembly including a pair of overlying flexible resilient pads and a wire layer sandwiched between the pads. A strip of rigid material extends along the edge portions of the wire layer, and the latter edge portions are wrapped around the strips and secured thereto.

Abstract: An erosion resistant waterwall in which a plurality of erosion resistant stud members are attached to the exposed surface of a waterwall consisting of a plurality of spaced water tubes connected together by continuous fins. The size of the stud members relative to the tubes are such that a plurality of the stud members extend around the periphery of each exposed tubes surface in a spaced relationship in a direction perpendicular to the axis of each tube. The stud members may be in the form of steel balls or small rod members attached to the exposed surface, and a ceramic sleeve can extend around the rod members.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing covers intended to close containers which are opened by peeling off the cover, these covers being of a type comprising an orifice and two closure elements disposed on each side of the orifice which they close and in which they adhere to one another, characterized in that it consists:in forming a series of holes (3) intended to form the orifices of the covers in a strip (2);in applying to one of the faces of the perforated strip (2) a first continuous coating (4) intended to form one of the two closure elements, this first coating being separable at least partially from the strip (2) by peeling off;in applying to the other face of the perforated strip (2) a second continuous coating (5) so that it comes into contact with the parts of the first coating (4) which are defined by the holes (3) and adheres strongly to these parts as well as to the perforated strip (2), this second coating (5) being intended to form the other closure element; andin cutting out the multi-layer sheet (1) th

Abstract: An assembly for connection to a ball hitch in which a ring is connected to one end of a lever and extends around the ball and a second lever is mounted on a first lever in slidable engagement therewith. The second lever defines a groove which extends over a portion of the ring to lock the levers to the ball by the spring tension of the second lever. An actuating rod is provided for sliding the second lever in a direction away from the ring to release the groove from the ring portion and unlock the levers.

Abstract: A steam generator in which a plurality of vertically spaced fluidized beds are provided in a single enclosure, with one boundary wall of the enclosure having openings therein for permitting the discharge of effluent gases from the fluidized beds. A heat recovery enclosure is defined adjacent the beds for receiving their effluent gases and a fluidized bed is disposed in the heat recovery enclosure. A separator system is disposed adjacent the heat recovery enclosure and receives the effluent gases from the heat recovery enclosure and separates the entrained solid particles therefrom. The separated particles are reinjected into the fluidized bed in the heat recovery enclosure.

Abstract: A cyclone separator in which a pair of tubular members are disposed in a coaxially spaced relationship to define an annular chamber for receiving gases having solid particles entrained therein. The gases and particles swirl around in the annular chamber to separate the particles from the gases by centrifugal forces. The particles are collected in a hopper and the gases pass upwardly through the separator to external equipment. An enclosure extends around the outer tubular member and is formed by a plurality of parallel water wall tubes for circulating water around the annular chamber to reduce heat losses and minimize the requirements for internal insulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from soil in situ or at a remote location in which removal is accomplished by pumping a supply of uncontaminated water via a distribution conduit system to a series of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are used to flood the surface of the contaminated soil with the supply water, which soaks into soil and mixes with the contaminants. The mixed water and contaminants travel through the soil to a set of vertical inlet risers positioned in the soil and located at a distance from the spray nozzles. The water-contaminant mixture is drawn through the inlet risers via a collection conduit system to a holding tank from when the water is taken for removal of the contaminants. The water is drawn through the inlet risers by producing a high velocity stream of water using a venturi device and passing the stream over the upper end of the removal conduit.

Abstract: A tension solar mirror for a solar collector having a central collector tower is formed from a thin, concave-shaped sheet of fabric, or other flexible material, having a reflective surface on the concave side thereof. The sheet is supported by a plurality of cables attached to a like number of tension towers concentrically positioned the central receiver tower. Due to the action of gravity, the cables assume a natural concave shape that matches the concave shape of the reflective sheet. Further support for the sheet is provided by a small inner ring disposed about the central receiver tower and a larger outer ring near the tension towers. The inner ring is also used as a tie point for cable sections secured to the earth directly adjacent the base of the central tower.