Abstract: This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from combustion using a bioreactor that includes methanogenic bacteria or genetically modified algae.

Abstract: A formic acid producing apparatus comprising a closed formic acid synthesis reaction section to which an ionic liquid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide are introduced externally, and in which formic acid is synthesized.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a hydrogen generation reaction section for containing a liquid mixture of formic acid and an ionic liquid, and decomposing the formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by heating; and a separation section for separating a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide supplied from the hydrogen generation reaction section into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein after the separation, the hydrogen is sent out of the separation section to an external hydrogen destination, and the carbon dioxide is sent out of the separation section to an external carbon dioxide destination or emitted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizing device has a body with a fuel inlet, air inlet, and vapor outlet. A spiral conduit is formed in the body with a length of 2-6 feet. The spiral conduit has a first end coupled to the air inlet and second end coupled to the vapor outlet. An injector assembly is disposed within the body and coupled to the fuel inlet. The injector assembly introduces atomized fuel into the first end of the spiral conduit. The fuel and air mixture is converted to vaporized fuel through a length of the spiral conduit. The vaporized fuel exits at the vapor outlet. The injector assembly has a compression spring disposed in a cavity of an injector body. An injector piston is disposed in the cavity of the injector body contacting the spring. An injector outlet introduces the atomized fuel into the spiral conduit when the injector piston is displaced.

Abstract: A fluid flow-driven energy conversion system configured to oscillate in the presence of fluid flow. The system comprises an adjustable electromechanically controlled fluidfoil, a balance beam, a compensatory weight and an angle of attack positioner to adjust the angle of attack of the fluidfoil with respect to fluid flow. The fluidfoil is controlled to permit a consistently optimum angle of attack into the prevailing flow. The kinetic energy of the oscillating action is transferred to a connector for energy transfer to one of a variety of energy storage systems for converting the energy of the linear oscillating motion to other desired forms of energy.

Abstract: A fluid flow-driven energy conversion system configured to oscillate in the presence of fluid flow. The system comprises an adjustable electromechanically controlled fluidfoil, a balance beam, a compensatory weight and an angle of attack positioner to adjust the angle of attack of the fluidfoil with respect to fluid flow. The fluidfoil is controlled to permit a consistently optimum angle of attack into the prevailing flow. The kinetic energy of the oscillating action is transferred to a connector for energy transfer to one of a variety of energy storage systems for converting the energy of the linear oscillating motion to other desired forms of energy.

Abstract: An offshore structure includes a floating support carrying process equipment and a processing column supported thereon. The processing column is connected via a hinging connection such as to maintain its upright position under low frequency inclinations of the vertical center line of the floating support.

Abstract: A method of mooring a vessel to a subsea anchoring element (1) connected to the seabed, and comprising a chain section (3) which is not longer than half the water depth, and which is at or near its free end provided with a coupling member (4), is characterised by the steps of: lowering a multi-strand anchor line (9) from a vessel (8), the multi-strand anchor line (9) being at its free end attached to a connector (10), and attaching the connector (10) to the coupling member (4). The present disclosure also provides an anchor line repair or exchange method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the first multi-strand anchor line (16) from the chain section, lowering a second multi-strand anchor line (9) from a vessel (8), the second multi-strand line (9) being at its free end attached to connector (10), and attaching the connector (10) of the second multi-strand line (9) to the coupling member (4).

Abstract: A method of constructing SPAR buoys comprising an elongate floating body (1) and a deck structure (2). The elongate body (1) is transported to the mooring site in its horizontal position. During erecting of the floating body (1) by ballasting it with water and alignment with the deck structure (2), the deck structure (2) remains attached to its buoyancy member (7). Hereby the use of large derricks can be avoided which provides a substantial cost reduction. After erecting the floating body, the body (1) may be ballasted to pass below the floating deck structure (2). Alternatively, the deck structure (2) may be deballasted or pulling cables (14) may be used to pull the coupling member (4) of the floating body (1) into contact with the coupling member (12) of the deck construction. Alternatively, the floating body (1) is at its upper ends connected to the deck structure (2) via a pivoting connection (22) such that during coupling the floating body may be hinged against the deck structure (2).

Abstract: A geothermal turbine for converting the energy of two-phase geothermal fluids to rotary power includes a housing having a generally cylindrical rotor chamber with a circular manifold, and a plurality of peripheral nozzles for communicating fluid to the rotor chamber, and a rotor mounted coaxially within the chamber incuding a plurality of converging overlapping blades mounted around a central hub and positioned within the rotor for engagement by fluid from the nozzles.

Abstract: A hardness tester for pipes comprising a positioning mechanism that presents the pipe to a multiple purpose testing head having a pre-programmed proportional control configuration that independently engages the pipe and determines the pipes relative position to that of the program controlled testing head which contains independent pre-programmed testing heads. The pipe is prepared for testing by cleaning a small test portion of the pipe, engagement of a load cell assembly to the clean pipe portion determining material hardness.

Abstract: A series of intermittently operable air pumps taking the form, for example, of transversely collapsible tubes or piston and cylinder assemblies, are located in recesses of a surface along which recurrent traffic moves, e.g., a factory floor subject to foot traffic and vehicular traffic, a highway, a sidewalk, or a surface along which a conveyor travels. Depressible actuating panels or treadles are operated by the traffic to in turn squeeze the tubes or move the pistons through pumping strokes, the tubes or pistons returning to their normal positions at the conclusion of such pumping strokes via yieldable means or otherwise. During such return action, the pumps operate through suction strokes such as to draw in a new supply of fluid, e.g. the ambient air, in readiness for the next operation of the actuating treadle by the traffic.

Abstract: The sensing device is a light level indicator that comprises a light sensitive element such as a photo resistor, associated detection circuitry and "go" and "no go" indicator lights which determine whether the level of illumination is above or below a predetermined acceptable level for a given area being tested. The device may be constructed with two light sensitive elements one for sensing direct light and the other for sensing reflected light, or alternatively, the device may have only either element. A multi-position switch may also be provided which can be set at any one of a number of different threshold levels. An adapter is used with the device for checking the calibration of the device. This adapter comprises a radioactive source, holder and a mask which is periodically replaced for maintaining the source at a constant light output.

Abstract: A rugged lighting device that is preferably for use in explosive atmosphere such as on heavy coal mining equipment has a fluorescent lighting source that is readily replaceable without requiring disassembly of the device. The lighting apparatus is constructed to operate at a very efficient high output light level even over extended periods of operation and employs either a heat sinking technique for providing this efficient operation or preferably a very high output fluorescent tube designed for high temperature operation and having an amalgam patch. The apparatus basically comprises front and rear support structures interconnected by a transparent lamp tube, a lamp assembly slideably received by the lamp tube, and a cage mounted over the support structures for protecting the lamp assembly. The front support structure is constructed to receiving electrical wiring for the lamp assembly and comprises female connector means for mating with a male connector means of the lamp assembly.