Abstract: A polar-substance-permselective membrane includes a porous support and an active-membrane material. The active-membrane material fills the pores of the porous support to render the support substantially impermeable to non-polar gases at a moderate pressure gradient (e.g., at least 70 kPa) when the hydrophilic active-membrane material is wet. In a particular embodiment the membrane is water-permselective and the active-membrane material is hydrophilic. Water-recovery system and processes utilizing these water-permselective membranes can be used to selectively remove water from hot gas streams at the feed side, and collect water at the permeate side with extremely high energy efficiency. The membrane is particularly useful for in-situ extraction of water molecules directly from hot exhaust streams. The produced steam, or steam and air mixtures can be used as a feedstock in the process of converting liquid hydrocarbons into hydrogen-rich gas streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric fan for use with radiant heaters, particularly catalytic heaters. The thermoelectric fan of the present invention comprises a housing sub-assembly coupled to a thermal plate sub-assembly, the housing sub-assembly comprising a shrouded circulating air moving member, such as a fan blade, powered solely by the conversion of heat from a separate heater into electricity via an integrated thermoelectric module. Also disclosed is a self-powered fan that can safely perform in hazardous atmospheres while converting radiant heat to circulate air. The thermoelectric fan of the present invention ensures that the air within the space to be heated is more effectively distributed and temperature gradients are minimized. Also disclosed are methods for assembling, installing and safe operation of the thermoelectric fan.

Abstract: A method is described for enhancing mass and heat transport of fluids in a fine pore structure through an appropriate modulation of the fluid pressure. For example, in an air drying process for a porous material that contains liquid, the air pressure is modulated throughout the volume of the drying chamber. Alternatively, the fluid pressure is modulated in a process stream. As an example, this method can be used for rapid drying of any open porous substances ranging from small pored materials such as aerogels and xerogels, to larger pored substances or articles such as industrial articles, agricultural articles (e.g., densely stacked vegetables, coffee beans, hops and other grains), paper-based products, thin films, pharmaceuticals, cloth, and clothing.

Abstract: A method is described for enhancing mass and heat transport of fluids in a fine pore structure through an appropriate modulation of the fluid pressure. For example, in an air drying process for a porous material that contains liquid, the air pressure is modulated throughout the volume of the drying chamber. Alternatively, the fluid pressure is modulated in a process stream. As an example, this method can be used for rapid drying of any open porous substances ranging from small pored materials such as aerogels and xerogels, to larger pored substances or articles such as industrial articles, agricultural articles (e.g., densely stacked vegetables, coffee beans, hops and other grains), paper-based products, thin films, pharmaceuticals, cloth, and clothing.

Abstract: Methods of irradiating sapphire with fast neutron radiation to form a sapphire body having high compressive strength at elevated temperature and use thereof in sapphire window assemblies, bearing assemblies, semi-conductor devices, and optical fibers. The sapphire assemblies and methods for making them.

Abstract: A thermal insulation is produced by forming aerogels interstitially within a fiber matrix. The resulting composite structures have substantially no fiber--fiber contacts. The insulating product is made by impregnating the fiber matrix with an aerogel forming precursor and supercritically drying the aerogel precursor under pressure. Drying is conducted prior to aging of the aerogel precursor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a plurality of variable speed compressors, each variable speed compressor operating at a speed substantially the same as the other energized variable speed compressors, the speed being below a maximum speed of the compressors.

Abstract: A transportation safety apparatus and method for the detection of obstacles which lie off the line-of-sight or beyond the field of view of a moving vehicle entails shooting a laser beam through the air from a moving vehicle, capturing the beam and passing it to a fiberoptic relay which transmits a laser pulse to a distant site, and receiving a reflection thereof if the site is clear of obstacles. The pulses are received within about 10-20 microseconds per kilometer of relay length from the time of launching, permitting monitoring of the probe-site in real-time.