Abstract: An exercise machine and transmission for converting first and second rotary inputs into a single rotary output. The machine has a first input shaft, a second input shaft coupled to the first shaft, and a shell. The shafts are mounted to the shell on a common axis, and one-way clutches are disposed between the shell and each respective shaft. The torques of the first and second shafts in one rotational direction are combined in the shell for single output to a load.

Abstract: An on demand, non-contact sensor controlled flush valve actuation system includes a flush valve between a water supply and a plumbing fixture. An actuator for the flush valve includes a moveable piston in fluid communication with a control water inlet, with a control water conduit carrying water from the flush valve through a solenoid operated control valve to the actuator assembly. A radiation sensing/detecting unit generates a first control signal in response to the return reflection of infrared radiation. A timer receives the first control signal and, in response thereto, generates a second control signal of a predetermined duration which activates the solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, a portion of the pressurized supply water flows into the actuator assembly and against a piston therein, with the piston moving to operate a trip mechanism for the flush valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of burning trash containing aluminum in a furnace having a moving grate and inclined trays. The grate has an upper and lower part. The inclined trays are provided with one or more inclined plates. The inclined plates are supported on the trays below the upper part of the grate and above the lower part of the grate. Ash and molten aluminum falls through the upper part of the grate, onto the inclined plates, the ash slides off the plates and the aluminum remains on the plates. The plates have holes therethrough to allow air flow for combustion. Some blockage of the holes by aluminum will result over time, but not enough to significantly restrict the flow of combustion air to the combustion area. The trays are removed through the side walls of the furnace for removal of the aluminum when necessary.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder in combination with a fuel fired furnace such as a coal fired steam generating boiler is disclosed. The vibratory feeder has a tray with a flat bottom in one embodiment and a step bottom in another and a hopper having vertical sides supported above the bottom so that the fuel in the hopper rests on the tray bottom and the vibration of the tray is transmitted into the stack of fuel thereby agitating it. The discharge end of the tray bottom directs the fuel from the feeder tray to the bladed distributor and water is directed onto the tray bottom to prevent caking of fuel on the discharge end.

Abstract: A flexible power transmission coupling wherein a drive member is connected to a driven member by a link assembly. The links are stacked and connected in series. Each link has a first end, a second end and an intermediate part. The first ends of each link are connected together and to the driven member, the second ends of each link are connected together and to a driven member or vice versa. The intermediate part of each link is convoluted and narrower than the ends. This allows greater axial and angular misalignments between drive and driven members. Also this results in a more linear relation between axial force and deflection of the coupling.

Abstract: A torque overload release clutch is disclosed made up of a drive member and a driven member adapted to be connected between a power source and a load to transmit a torsional force and to release at a predetermined torque. The clutch release mechanism is made up of a plurality of spaced thermoplastic modules supported in the driven member and a plurality of spaced recesses in the drive member. The modules are each made up of a sleeve and a pin. The sleeve is supported on the driven member and it receives the pin. The pin has a first follower and a second follower member on it. The first follower engages the side of the recesses which acts as a cam and urges the pin toward the sleeve in proportion to the magnitude of the torsional force. The second follower engages a cam surface on the sleeve resisting the force that urges the pin toward the sleeve.

Abstract: A low excess air burner having a venturi shaped insert in the burner housing to create an even air distribution across the burner throat opening. The venturi shaped insert is adjustable through a predetermined range of positions to control the flame shape and length at high loads and to trim the air flow at low loads. An offset or step in the burner throat creates a turbulent recirculation zone to stabilize the flame front and to hold ignition within the burner arch. A spinner defuser is provided at the open end of the burner housing to impart a rotary motion to the air to provide fuel air mixing and stabilizing of the flame front to aid ignition. Air inlets are surrounded with a housing and have a perforated plate shield covering them providing a smooth evenly distributed air supply to the burner housing. All fuel air mixing occurs at the open end of the burner and is contained in the refractory throat to eliminate premature ignition in the burner housing.

Abstract: An automatic backwashing strainer system is provided for cleaning a strainer with a minimum amount of backwash water. The system includes a long time mode and a short time mode of operation in which the backwashing operation is conducted periodically with a variable duration and a variable cycle time. The system also includes a differential pressure mode of operation in which the backwashing is conducted whenever the pressure drop across the strainer exceeds a predetermined upper limit and continues for a variable time delay after the pressure drop reaches a predetermined lower limit. The particular durations, cycle times, time delays, and modes utilized to control the backwashing are selected in response to the operating conditions of the strainer system.

Abstract: The mechanical strainer unit is connected to a flanged conduit which originates in and extends out of a suppression chamber in a nuclear reactor. The strainer includes a plurality of centrally apertured plates positioned along a common central axis and in parallel and spaced relationship. The plates have a plurality of bores radially spaced about the central axis. Spacer means such as washers are positioned between adjacent plates to maintain the plates is spaced relationship and form communicating passages of a predetermined size to the central apertures. Connecting means such as bolts or studs extend through the aligned bores to maintain the unit in assembled relationship and secure the unit to the pipe. By employing perforated plates and blocking off certain of the communicating passages, a dual straining effect can be achieved.

Abstract: A liquid spray nozzle including a body portion having a throat with a discharge orifice and first, second and third splash plates mounted in series below and coaxial with the orifice. The first and second splash plates having an axial opening formed therein and the third splash plate having a conical portion coaxial with the axial openings. Each of the first, second and third splash plates having a plurality of slots extending therethrough.

Abstract: A strainer is provided for removing particulate debris from a fluid passing therethrough. The strainer is primarily of the automatic type having a hollow body, a cover, a strainer element and a backwash arm assembly for cleaning the strainer element. The strainer element is a cylindrical, convoluted screen having encapsulating end caps positioned at either end. The end caps and thus the strainer element are retained so as to avoid rotation in seal rings, one of which is connected to the cover and the other of which is detachably connected to the terminus of the backwash arm. The strainer element is a structural member capable of withstanding the loads imposed on it by the fluid.

Abstract: A strainer of the self-cleaning type includes a strainer element capable of removing matted debris by backwashing. The strainer element comprises a plurality of stacked annular strainer plates maintained in spaced relationship to form straining passages wherein the passages are substantially greater in depth than height. Protruding surfaces of the strainer element form vertically aligned compartments along its upstream side. The compartments collect the debris. A rotating backwash arm or arms are provided which may carry at least one cutting blade. The blade cuts matted debris extending between compartments into sections as it passes over these protruding surfaces and these sections are removed by backwashing.

Abstract: A flush valve for releasing a predetermined volume of liquid upon actuation thereof includes a valve housing having an inlet, an outlet, a valve seating surface circumventing the inlet and a piston housing portion adjacent to the outlet. The piston is movable between an opened and a closed position and has one end sealable with the valve seating surface when the piston is in the closed position to block the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet. Upon actuation of the valve, the piston is unsealed from the seating surface to permit liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The other end of the piston is sealed to the piston housing portion and a control chamber is provided having an expanding portion between the piston and the piston housing portion. Restricted flow of liquid from the control chamber to the outlet is permitted.

Abstract: An improved process for treating a waste liquid containing impurities which inhibit the biological treatment of the liquid providing a first and a second sorbent treatment zone. The waste liquid is treated in the first sorbent treatment zone with a sorbent material which has previously been used to treat the liquid in the second zone. The waste liquid is passed through a biological treatment system and is subsequently received in the second sorbent treatment zone. The liquid is treated in the second zone with fresh activated sorbent material. After use of the sorbent material in the second sorbent treatment zone, the sorbent material in the second zone is transferred to the first sorbent treatment zone.Systems for the practice of the above process are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-line back flow preventer valve for fluid supply lines of the reduced pressure zone type. The valve body has an inlet means and a discharge means for liquid flow therethrough. A first chamber, within the valve body, is in liquid communication with the valve inlet, with the first chamber having at least one outlet positioned in the periphery thereof. At the outer periphery of the first chamber is a first flexible member which is adapted to seal the peripheral outlet through elastic pressure under the static or back flow pressure condition within the valve. A second chamber commonly referred to as a reduced pressure zone is positioned outside the first chamber and has at least one outlet in the periphery thereof. Mounted at the outer periphery of the second chamber is a second flexible member adapted to seal the peripheral opening through elastic pressure when the valve is under the back flow or static pressure condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve especially adapted for the control of gases in large cross sectional ducts, flues, chimneys and the like. The valve comprises a plurality of elongated, vane-like closures which, when in closed position not only substantially stop the flow of gas in the duct, etc., with which it is associated, but also form a closed chamber extending across the duct. Outside gas such as atmospheric air under pressure greater than the pressure of the gas being controlled is introduced into the closed chamber formed by the closures, thereby precluding leakage of the controlled gas past the valve. Further, when open, and due to their construction, the controlled gas flows through portions of the closures, thus reducing flow losses in the duct.

Abstract: A system for metering material flow made up of a member moveable in proportion to the flow of material, a permanent magnet moveable by the member and a reed switch connecting a source of energy through an electronic circuit to a counter. The circuit and reed switch are sealed in a phenolic resin, which is waterproof and enclosed in a housing that fits onto an opening in the meter housing. The circuit has a transistor with a collector connected to the counter.

Abstract: An electronic remote reading system for a meter is disclosed, consisting of a permanent magnet on a shaft, rotating in proportion to volume passing through the meter. A switch, sensitive to a magnetic field, mounted on the outside of the meter in the influence of the magnetic field, a low current consumption circuit connecting the switch to a remotely located counter, powered by an energy source, such as alkaline batteries or a solar panel. The circuit is connected in such a manner that the power consumed is of such a small magnitude that the alkaline batteries have a life essentially equal to their shelf life. The solar panel is of a physical size to be mounted directly as part of the counter housing.

Abstract: A cylindrical counterflow, multi-fan cooling tower is disclosed having a cylindrical cold water basin and a cylindrical shell spaced above the basin. A deck is supported above the shell and a plenum chamber is defined within the shell between the deck and fill system. Water from a distribution system in the plenum chamber above the fill distributes water which flows down over the fill in counterflow relation to the air drawn up through the fill. Fans on the deck draw air through the space between the cold water basin and the shell through the fill system and plenum chamber and discharge it in the form of a high rising column of hot, moist air.