Abstract: A system for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing center to passenger carrying vehicles comprises packaging the products in a manufacturing center into carriers. Each carrier carrying a plurality of products. The carriers are delivered in bulk to a distribution center. At the distribution center predetermined numbers of carriers are loaded into respective containers for distribution to the vehicles. In transit in the vehicles the products are distributed to the passengers from the containers.

Abstract: Heat transfer fluid mixtures and methods of making and using same are presented. The inventive heat transfer fluid mixtures consist essentially of at least one light gas, such as hydrogen, and at least one heavy fluid, such as helium wherein the mixture will not be capable of mixing with air in any proportions to produce a self-sustaining flammable or combustible mixture, or wherein a concentration of hydrogen is sufficient to reduce cost of the mixture to an amount substantially less than cost of pure helium.

Abstract: An absorption refrigerator of excellent thermal efficiency where water vapor contained in the exhaust gas does not condenses even at the starting or during the partial load operation where the temperature elevation is small. A refrigerant drain heat collector 11 allowing the refrigerant liquid condensing by heating the intermediate absorption liquid in the low temperature regenerator 3 and flowing into the condenser 4 to exchange heat with a part of dilute absorption liquid and first and second heat collectors 26, 27 where the exhaust gas discharged from the gas burner 2 and the dilute absorption liquid exchange heat are installed and, at the same time, a absorption liquid pipe (absorption liquid branch pipe) 14 is installed, and a flow control valve 28 is installed in the absorption liquid pipe 14 and, furthermore, a controller 30 is installed in order to control the aperture of the flow control valve 28 so that a temperature sensor 29 continues to detect a predetermined temperature (for instance 100° C.

Abstract: A process for producing a nitrogen-enriched vapor product from a supply of a nitrogen-rich liquid uses a purifying device and a distillation column having a distillation zone. The process includes the steps of: feeding at least a portion of the supply of the nitrogen-rich liquid to the distillation zone at a first location; feeding a stream of a gas containing nitrogen and at least one contaminant to the purifying device, wherein the gas is cooled by a cryogenic liquid whereby at least a portion of the at least one contaminant condenses, solidifies, or dissolves; eventually feeding at least a portion of the cool gas from the purifying device to the distillation zone at a second location below the first location; withdrawing a stream of the nitrogen-enriched vapor product from the distillation zone; and withdrawing a stream of an oxygen-enriched liquid from the distillation zone.

Abstract: Provided is a laser propelled craft having a) a forebody or nose, b) a tapering parabolic afterbody optic or mirror, c) a shroud mounted therebetween and extending aft to define an annular space around a portion of the afterbody near its base and d) means to transmit a pulsed laser beam toward the laser craft and afterbody optic and thence to focus into the annular shroud. The laser beam is pulsed to heat and pressurize the air in the annular space to expand same and propel such craft, the afterbody and shroud being so shaped as to self center or remain in the laser beam as the craft is propelled thereby. Such craft, which is spin-stablized, can also carry a fuel insert ring mounted in the shroud around the afterbody, to be ablated by the laser beam at a desired altitude, so as to transition from an air breathing craft to a rocket craft, when the atmospheric density becomes too low, e.g., at 30 km altitude so that the lasercraft can thereafter be propelled into, e.g., low earth orbit.

Abstract: Certain transient events such as hard landings, high g-rate turns, thermal conditions, and high turbulence may cause rubbing events inside the gas turbine that result from the flexure of the engine shafts. In order to prevent permanent damage to the engine or operational interference, brush seals are used such that the tips of the stator blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals, and the tips of the rotor blades and the tips of the respective opposing annular brush seals define substantial radial clearances that provide gaps that remain open under all regular and normal operating conditions of the gas engine.

Abstract: A method for cooling a process stream in which one of a plurality of open-loop refrigerant streams is cooled by indirect heat exchange with other of the open-loop refrigerant stream in a refrigerant heat exchanger to yield a cooled primary refrigerant stream. The process stream is cooled by indirect heat exchange with a process refrigerant stream in a separate process heat exchanger, wherein the process refrigerant stream comprises at least a portion of the cooled primary refrigerant stream. The method is particularly useful in large process plants which require multiple parallel heat exchangers to cool the process stream.

Abstract: Applicant's invention relates to a photo-curing light assembly having calibration circuitry determinative of the intensity level of the light source and the generation of an analogue control voltage from a digital control voltage during use which automatically adjusts light intensity to achieve proper energy levels during programmed curing times.

Abstract: A cryocooler system comprising a heat exchanger for cooling a compressed returning warmed cryogenic fluid stream, the heat exchanger having a bypass loop to produce a major stream and a minor stream exiting the heat exchanger. The minor stream is further cooled by expansion and used as a heat exchange medium for an external heat load after which it is compressed and returned to the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the compressed return warmed cryogenic fluid stream. The major stream is further cooled by expansion and recirculated to the heat exchanger to cool the compressed returning warmed cryogenic fluid stream. The major stream and minor stream are combined either inside or outside of said heat exchanger to form the warmed cryogenic fluid inlet stream for compression.

Abstract: A process of liquefying gas to produce a liquid cryogen comprising compressing a gas stream using a compressor, work expanding the compressed gas stream using at least one expansion turbine to produce an expanded gas stream together with power, mechanically transferring the power generated by the expansion turbine(s) to drive the compressor, using the expanded gas stream to provide refrigeration duty for liquefaction, and recycling the cooled expanded compressed gas stream to the compressor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decreasing the bacteria count of a food commodity without affecting its overall organoleptic quality (taste, odor, and color). This is accomplished using a treatment fluid comprising ozone, which is injected into a treatment chamber containing the food commodity. Some water is preferably added to obtain better contact of the ozone with the food by forming a thin film of ozonated water on the food surface. Spices and/or other ingredients may preferably be added with the water. The food is placed in a tumbler and the tumbler is set in motion. During treatment good contact between the treatment fluid and the food commodity is obtained by reversibly oscillating the tumbler. A log reduction of 40% or more in bacteria count may be obtained as compared without the ozone.

Abstract: A method of and a system for determining a maximum brake pipe service reduction in the brake system of a train having a pneumatic brake on each car connected to a brake pipe which is controlled by a brake pipe controller. The method includes determining the status of the brake system throughout the train and determining a maximum brake pipe reduction for the brake pipe controller, using the status of the brake system, above which further reduction will not result in further brake application in the train. The determined maximum brake pipe reduction is displayed by itself or in combination with the brake pipe reduction produced by the brake pipe controller and/or used for automatic control.

Abstract: A PFC separation recovery method to separate and recover PFC by raising the pressure of diluted mixed gas consisting of PFC gas and diluent gas, and subsequently contacting the gas with a membrane which permeates more diluent gas than PFC gas, and to separate it into a permeable gas flow rich in diluent gas and a non-permeable gas flow rich in PFC gas; and a PFC separation recovery system therefor. Moreover, the method repeatedly separates the non-permeable gas flow into another permeable gas flow and another non-permeable gas flow by contacting the gas flow with another membrane having the same functions as those of the membrane; subsequently detecting the pressure or flow rate of the other permeable gas flow; and controlling the flow rate of the other non-permeable gas flow so as to make the pressure or flow rate constant.

Abstract: A method of transitioning between the pneumatic and electric modes of an integrated pneumatic/electro-pneumatic train brake system which includes a brake control having a common operator brake controller. Initially, the control applies the brakes in response to the operator brake controller in the present mode. The control enables the next mode upon request from the operator and applies the brakes in the next mode to match the applied brakes in the present mode. Once the present mode brake is released, the control and system switch to the next mode. Other brake controllers monitor the network and automatically switches modes based on the status of the network.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) apparatus and process for the production of purified hydrogen from a feed gas stream containing heavy hydrocarbons (i.e., hydrocarbons having at least six carbons). The apparatus comprises at least one bed containing at least three layers. The layered adsorption zone contains a feed end with a low surface area adsorbent (20 to 400 m2/g) which comprises 2 to 20% of the total bed length followed by a layer of an intermediate surface area adsorbent (425 to 800 m2/g) which comprises 25 to 40 % of the total bed length and a final layer of high surface area adsorbent (825 to 2000 m2/g) which comprises 40 to 78% of the total bed length.

Abstract: Gasket for sealing between flanges in a pressurized fluid system. A central opening is disposed within an inner periphery of the gasket, the inner periphery being curved toward the central opening. Fluid pressure on the inner periphery is reacted by hoop tension in the gasket. The outer periphery of the gasket has concave segments between fastener holes so the area of the gasket is substantially less than the area of the flanges. In this manner, the clamping pressure exerted by the flanges on the gasket is increased.

Abstract: A method for easily removing portions of aircraft skin damaged by pressure cycles and corrosion. The method includes inspecting both upper and lower portions of the skin. Using a special router and guide, the damaged skin is then removed and replaced. The method is particularly useful in that it is rapid and precise, and promises control over the process sufficient to insure that aircraft structure below the skins is not damaged. The method may also be used to remove and replace sheet metal used in other applications.

Abstract: A method for repairing structures uses an accurate measurement of the part to be repaired and the structure into which it fits. The method allows for a digital measurement of features of the part and the structure, and eliminates tedious and inaccurate hand-measurement methods previously used. The method is primarily applicable to one-of a-kind parts requiring exact measurements, because of the unique shape that a part may assume when it is subject to stress and strain over time and many cycles of use.

Abstract: An integrated air separation and power generation process produces an O2-enriched gas stream and an N2-enriched gas stream in an air separation unit. The O2-enriched gas stream is introduced with fuel and steam to a combustor, producing flue gas. At least a portion of the flue gas and steam stream exiting the combustor is used to generate power. The N2-enriched gas stream is heated and power is generated from the heated N2-enriched gas stream.

Abstract: In accordance with the foregoing principles and objects of the invention, the mitigation of fires in machinery enclosures is achieved by strategic placement of thin narrow strips of intumescent material within the ventilated space between the machinery and a housing enclosing the machinery, whereby, in the event of a fire, the resulting flame contacts the intumescent material causing it to swell and to effectively block air flow through the ventilated space.