Abstract: A combustion enhancing member employed with a stoker combustion system is disposed on the grate of the stoker and includes at least one chamber. The chamber has at least one fluid inlet for receiving a combustion enhancing fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets for distributing the fluid to the bed of fuel moving along the grate of a stoker combustion system, thereby increasing the burning efficiency of the stoker.

Abstract: A system for maintaining gas pressure within a gas delivery system. This system contains a first gas flow straightener, a contaminant separation tank, an inlet manifold, a rotary positive displacement compressor, a second gas flow straightener, a radiator, an oil separator/gas receiver tank, and a third gas flow straightener.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas cylinder mounting assembly is disclosed for supporting and coupling a compressed natural gas cylinder to the underside of a natural gas vehicle. The compressed natural gas cylinder mounting assembly has a pair of mounting bracket assemblies with one mounting bracket assembly coupled to each end of the compressed natural gas cylinder. Each of the mounting bracket assemblies has a pair of structural beams which are coupled to the underside of the vehicle and a pair of vertical mounting plates coupled to the ends of the structural beams and then attached to the underside of the vehicle. Each of the mounting brackets includes a cylinder brace with a pair of clamping bands for engaging and encircling the compressed natural gas cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, the structural beams are extendible.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and an apparatus for distributing electrical power from a power source to a distribution transformer, using at least one hot-phase conductor, a neutral conductor and an independent ground conductor. The neutral conductor is connected to the ground conductor at only one point in the distribution system, preferably at or near the power source. Normal imbalance current flows only in the neutral conductor. Return current flow in the earth is eliminated by the single point neutral-to-ground connection. Magnetic field (MF) generation in this power distribution system is thus reduced and stray voltage problems eliminated. In addition, high-impedance faults are easily detected because the only current ever flowing in the ground conductor is fault current. A method is also described for converting existing power distribution systems to the independent ground topology of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for locating the joints and fractures of underground cast iron gas mains comprises connecting several sections of an underground cast iron gas main pipeline across a sixty watt signal generator with an audio-frequency signal output of 7800 hertz. The connections take advantage of service lines, valve boxes and drip access at the surface, otherwise holes are drilled to accommodate contact probes. The signal passes through the pipe sections and their joints in series. The centerline of the underground cast iron gas main pipeline is plotted directly above on the surface of the ground, e.g., along a surface centerline. The relatively higher impedance of the pipe joints compared to the pipes themselves, causes current fluxes to radiate from each joint. The relative linear positions and their corresponding signal power measurements are collected along the surface centerline.

Abstract: A modular battery terminal connector assembly designed to connect batteries together in series or in parallel. The connector assembly has a first electrically conductive elbow member, an electrically conductive connecting member and a second electrically conductive connecting member. The first conductive elbow member is coupled at one end to a first terminal of a first battery, preferably, by a toolless socket which frictionally engages and grips the first terminal of the first battery. The other end of the first conductive elbow member is coupled to a second terminal of a second battery, preferably, by a toolless socket. The conductive connecting member interconnects the first and second conductive elbow members together, preferably, by a pair of toolless sockets. In some embodiments, the toolless sockets are fixedly coupled to the elbow members, while the connecting member is either a single rod or a plurality of rods interconnected by sleeve members.

Abstract: A combustion enhancement system with in-bed foils are utilized to enhance combustion and emissions. The combustion enhancement system is especially designed for use in a traveling grate-type stoker in which the combustion foils are positioned on the top surface of the grate such that the fuel is moved past the foils by the grate. The combustion foils are provided with a high pressure fluid, such as a gas, to be injected into the fuel. The combustion foils are shaped to divide the fuel such as to create turbulence within the fuel. Preferably, the fluid is injected into the fuel at the point of turbulence.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus for detecting and enabling the clearance of high impedance faults (HIFs) in an electrical transmission or distribution system. Current in at least one phase in a distribution system is monitored in real time by sensors. Analog current signature information is then digitized for processing by a digital computer. Zero crossings are identified and current maxima and minima located. The first derivatives of the maxima and minima are computed and a modified Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is then performed to convert time domain to frequency domain information. The transformed data is formatted and normalized and then applied to a trained neural network, which provides an output trigger signal when an HIF condition is probable. The trigger signal is made available to either a network administrator for manual intervention, or directly to switchgear to deactivate an affected portion of the network.

Abstract: The present invention features a telescoping-type scaffold for use in the repair of superheater tubes of power-generating boiler systems. The telescoping-type scaffold is constructed in situ at the superheater bay of the firebox of the boiler. The telescoping scaffold is fabricated in sections to provide bridges between: (a) the access hatch at the superheater level of the firebox and the first tier of a pendant section of the superheater bay, (b) the first and second tiers of the pendant section, (c) the pendant and the platen sections of the superheater bay, and (d) the first and second tiers of the platen section.

Abstract: The present invention features a system for actuating additional fluid flow lines at a transfer station, without the continuous venting or bleeding of fluid. The transfer station operates its supply lines, or runs, at differential pressures ranging from 15 to 85 inches of water. It is desirable to maintain differential pressure in the primary line, or in the combination of primary and secondary lines at mid-range, at about 50 inches of water. The system of the invention entails replacing the existing constant bleed pneumatic controller with an electromechanical no-bleed controller.

Abstract: The present invention features a dual-purpose sediment mat for trapping loose sediments that have been disturbed upstream in a riverbed. The mat is generally rectangular in shape and laid horizontally on the riverbed. The low horizontal profile provides a mechanism by which the sediments can be entrapped without unduly disturbing the flow of the river. The sediment mat has a highly porous top surface and a tightly woven bottom surface to entrap the sediments settling thereupon. The mat itself is a loose arrangement of excelsior, straw or other sediment-absorbing material. Wooden stays define modular portions of the sediment mat, maintain its configuration and provide handles for moving the mat. Eyelets disposed at the corners and along the sides of the mat provide a mechanism for staking the mat to the riverbed. Thereafter, the sediment-rich mat can be anchored to the sides of the riverbank. There, it can be seeded to grow vegetation that beautifies and stabilizes the berm.