Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention is an apparatus for mixing gas and air to obtain a plurality of predetermined gas-air concentrations including means for supplying gas from a constant pressure gas source. A conduit has a first end connected to the supplying means and a second end connected to a means for diffusing air with the gas to obtain a predetermined gas-air concentration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for sorptively storing a multiconstituent gas in, and for selectively releasing the multiconstituent gas from, a vessel having a predetermined sorbent material therein, while substantially preserving minimum quantities or concentrations of certain constituents of the gas. In such a method and apparatus, a first of the constituents of the multiconstituent gas which is preferentially sorbed by the sorbent material, is present in the multiconstituent gas in a predetermined minimum concentration level substantially less than that of the second constituent. First, the sorbent material in the vessel is sorptively saturated with a pre-storage quantity of the first constituent at a first predetermined pressure. Then the multiconstituent gas to be stored is introduced under pressure into the vessel, with the vessel being pressurized to a second predetermined pressure above the first predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing gaseous material into the atmosphere employs a sorbent material that is sorptively saturated with a predetermined quantity of the gaseous material at a predetermined pressure, preferably approximately equal to atmospheric pressure. The gaseous material to be released preferably has a vapor pressure lower than the predetermined pressure at which the sorbent material is sorptively saturated. The apparatus also includes capability of selectively exposing the sorbent material to the atmosphere in order to allow the gaseous material to be desorptively released.

Abstract: The disclosed gaseous fuel torch apparatus is adapted for use in cutting, welding, heating or other such operations involving the heating, cutting, or fusing of either metallic or non-metallic materials. The apparatus includes a fueling module for supplying gaseous fuel to a torch at an elevated pressure from a relatively low pressure gaseous fuel source, such as a natural gas supply system for example. The fueling module also preferably includes a selectively-operable alternate system for supplying such compressed gaseous fuel for other applications, including the recharging of one or more storage vessels for example. The fuelilng module includes features by which its gaseous fuel discharge pressure can be infinitely varied and preselectively adjusted within the capabilities of the fueling modules's compressor device.

Abstract: An improved heating system is disclosed for providing heated air to a heated space, preferably using a gaseous fuel as the energy source. The system preferably includes an air heating sub-system, a compact combustion chamber, a separate cold air supply sub-system for conveying cold air from the heated space to the air heating sub-system, a combustion chamber heat exchanger in fluid with the cold air supply sub-system for transferring heat thereto, and a separate air circulating sub-system for withdrawing cold circulating air from the heated space. A mixing chamber is provided for mixing heated air from the air heating sub-system with the cold circulating air to provide heated air to the space. The system also preferably includes separate sub-systems for supplying pressurized combustion air and pressurized gaseous fuel to the air heating sub-system and for forcibly conveying exhaust gases therefrom without the need for a draft-type chimney or stack.

Abstract: A low pressure gaseous hydrocarbon fuel storage system and power plant is described, which generally comprises means for storing a self-contained supply of a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a prime mover, means for conveying the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to and from the storing means, and means for controlling the flow of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from the storing means to the prime mover. The storing means, which may include one or more vessels or cylinders, contains a predetermined sorbent material for reducing the pressure at which a given amount of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel is stored. The prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, has means for combining the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel with air to produce the mechanical energy therefrom necessary to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A simulcast communication system for permitting the same audio signal to be simultaneously broadcasted from a plurality of base stations located remotely from a dispatch station used to transmit this audio signal to each of the base stations over conventional telephone lines is described. The simulcast communication system generally comprises first circuit means for equalizing the audio signal transmission characteristics from the dispatch station to each of the base stations in response to at least one test signal broadcasted from each of the base stations, and second circuit means for generating a synchronized squelch signal at each of the base stations in response to a pilot signal transmitted to each of the base stations with the audio signal and a phasing signal transmitted to each of the base stations at the beginning of the audio signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motive power and fluid driving system according to the present invention is disclosed, which generally comprises the steps of sensing a plurality of operating parameters and at least one control parameter defining the energy quotient for the motive power and fluid driving system, and adjusting the control parameter(s) to substantially maximize the energy quotient for the system. The control method may also include the step of substantially maximizing the energy quotient at a predetermined or desired capacity of fluid flow.

Abstract: A shut-off valve includes a valve stem or actuating member operatively connected to a pressure-responsive apparatus. The pressure-responsive apparatus is acted upon by fluid in a pressure chamber such that the valve mechanism is held open to permit fluid flow therethrough. A spring or biasing means is provided that automatically closes the valve mechanism whenever the pressure chamber is evacuated or depressurized such that the pressure-responsive apparatus can no longer maintain the shut-off valve in an open position.

Abstract: A shut-off actuating device includes a stop member biased toward a position where it interferes with the movement of a linkage apparatus of a fluid flow measuring device. The fluid flow measuring device is adapted such that once the linkage apparatus is disabled or rendered inoperative, fluid flow through said device is thereby prevented. A solenoid-operated apparatus is provided which includes a solenoid rod or arm that normally engages the stop member to hold it in a retracted position out of said interference with the linkage apparatus. Once the solenoid apparatus is energized, the solenoid rod is disengaged from the stop member and the stop member is thus allowed to extend into an interfering relationship with the linkage apparatus, thereby disabling said apparatus or rendering it inoperative in order to shut off the flow of fluid through the fluid flow measuring device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling natural gas compressor and engine units. Particularly, the control method provides for the adjustment of the engine speed and compressor loading, so as to minimize the compressing energy required while maintaining a desired gas flow through the pipeline. The control of the engine speed and compressor loading is based in part on an energy quotient value for the unit. The control method further provides for efficient operation during multiple-stage compression, by controlling the interstage pressure. The control method is also adapted to predict impending compressor and engine unit failures. The control system is based upon a digital-type controller which generates control signals in response to changes in the energy quotient value for the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is the method of defoaming an aqueous amine gas purification scrubbing solution by stripping gaseous contaminants from the scrubbing solution and then passing a side stream of from about 10% to about 20% of the scrubbing solution through a carbon filter.

Abstract: A flue restrictor for installation in the flue piping of a heating system to reduce its effective cross sectional area comprises sheet metal inlet and outlet sections having flanges secured together in a joint that has a guideway in it for a sheet metal gate valve that may be transversely positioned to produce the desired cross-sectional area and riveted in place to provide a substantially tamper-proof assembly.