Abstract: A tool support and presentation device is described. The device has a base with a centrally mounted spindle and a resilient diaphragm mounted on the spindle. The diaphragm has plural collets therein and each collet may receive a tool. The diaphragm may be automatically or manually flexed to display the tools in an easily accessible configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the device is cylindrical and the diaphragm is automatically flexed by a spring disposed between the diaphragm and the base which upwardly urges a central portion of the diaphragm and thereby presents the tools in a frustoconical array.

Abstract: A scraping device for use on powered stone floor dressing units which includes a solid support body and a scraping blade fastened to the support body. The support body is T-shaped, made from hardened steel and is mountable to a floor dressing unit by a universal locking bracket. The scraping blade is removably attachable to the support body, has a plurality of scraping edges available for use and is usually made from a carbon alloy, thereby providing a durable tool for extended use.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the pressure of the CNG in the vehicle tank.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the discharge pressure of the CNG.

Abstract: The technique of the instant invention includes the preparation of a new mechanical seal life prolonger (SLP) by the compounding of a relatively few, inexpensive, and readily available materials. The instant technique is simply and easily placed into practice by, for example, applying relatively small amounts of such compound to the outside edges or peripheral portions of the relative movement interface between the seal faces of mechanical seals in association with fluid handling devices while such devices are in an operating mode. Depending on the degree of disruption of the sealing surfaces, a single application of such compound is sometimes sufficient to obtain the desired results or it may be necessary to subsequently apply such compound to the leaking seal at regular intervals subsequent to the first application thereof, until such time as it may be convenient to replace such seal faces.

Abstract: The technique of the instant invention includes the preparation of a new mechanical seal life prolonger (SLP) by the compounding of a relatively few, inexpensive, and readily available materials. The instant technique is simply and easily placed into practice by, for example, applying relatively small amounts of such compound to the outside edges or peripheral portions of the relative movement interface between the seal faces of mechanical seals in association with fluid handling devices while such devices are in an operating mode. Depending on the degree of disruption of the sealing surfaces, a single application of such compound is sometimes sufficient to obtain the desired results or it may be necessary to subsequently apply such compound to the leaking seal at regular intervals subsequent to the first application thereof, until such time as it may be convenient to replace such seal faces.

Abstract: A steam system management method and apparatus includes a condensate collection reservoir with a pilot operated, pressure actuated dump valve that has a quick, snap action fully open/fully closed mode of operation. The pilot operation of the dump valve is actuated by a very low voltage solenoid actuator powered by a thermal-electric generator which thermionically converts heat from the steam system directly to electricity. Condensate dumps are controlled by liquid level sensing switches positioned near the top and bottom of the reservoir and electrically connected to a relay logic that turns the solenoid on and off. Temperature sensors positioned in the steam system and adjacent the thermal-electric generator are utilized in combination with the thermal electric generator and a microprocessor to monitor the air content in the steam system and to open the dump valve to purge excess air from the steam system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring steam quality of wet or two-phase flowing steam includes a flow-through densitometer comprised of two parallel tubes connected to two common nodes, a vibrator for causing the tubes to vibrate, and a transducer for detecting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations. A temperature probe detects the temperature of the steam, and a computer is used to monitor the vibrations and temperature and to calculate steam quality. The computer can also be used to control the vibrator. An intake sampler is positioned in a flowing steam line to divert a representative sample of the wet steam into the densitometer. The bulk density of the steam is determined as a function of the fundamental frequency of the densitometer with the steam flowing therethrough, and the steam quality is determined as a function of the bulk density and vapor density, which is a function of temperature.

Abstract: A shaped activated wood-based carbon with essentially no pore volume in pores greater than one micron in diameter and a higher apparent density is prepared from an active granular wood-based carbon with a significant pore volume in pores greater than one micron in diameter and a lower apparent density by the invention process of grinding the active granular wood-based carbon to a fine powder, mixing the ground carbon with a liquid selected from water or other polar molecule and a bentonite clay binder, shaping the mixture, drying the shaped active carbon to remove the liquid, and heat-treating the dried product to calcine, or fix, the clay binder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable lightweight filter assembly which has a high flow through capacity and which is adapted to be positioned in a relatively small inaccessible space. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing having an air outlet at one end, a plurality of air inlet apertures in the side wall thereof, an offset pleated hollow cone-shaped filter element positioned within the housing and a reuseable air inlet bonnet adapted to be releasably secured to the housing about the air inlet apertures therein for securement of the filter assembly to a hump hose or other air flow coupling. Additionally, the bonnet can include a tubular moisture separator entending from the upstream end thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting clustered produce stalks. The apparatus includes a cylindrical produce-receiving chamber which is mounted for rotation about a first axis, and a cylindrical blade carrier which is mounted outside of, and adjacent the produce-receiving chamber for rotation about a second axis offset from, and substantially parallel to the first axis. A plurality of blades mounted on the carrier extend radially through suitable blade-receiving apertures in the produce-receiving chamber. Further included is a powered shaft for rotating the chamber and the carrier at the same speed, with such rotating producing generally radially directed, recurrent reciprocation of each blade relative to its associated aperture. In operation, produce stems and stalks become captured in notches formed in the blades, and are drawn against the inner surface of the produce-receiving chamber and cut as the reciprocating blades retract through associated apertures.

Abstract: A process for improvement of wood-base active carbon made in the presence of phosphoric acid is disclosed herein. The improvement comprises controlling the amount of dissolved salts of the group sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the process acid to provide a metal ion concentration from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight. The controlled addition of these metal salts improves the adsorptivity for fuel vapors and the decolorizing activity of the carbon.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for activating carbon in a fluidized bed system which includes continuous activation at a temperature between 1,000.degree. F. and 2,200.degree. F. using a specific composition of fluidizing gases. The thermal energy required to activate the carbon and to maintain the bed temperatures is transferred only in part by the sensible heat of the fluidizing gases. The fluidizing gases contain excess oxygen, which reacts exothermically with the products of the activation reaction and contributes heat necessary to maintain the bed temperatures. The improved process may also entail introducing secondary excess air above the bed to react exothermically with products evolved from the reactions occurring within the bed to provide additional heat to drive the activation reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the magnitude of a property of a fluid including a body mounted on a torsion spring that is oscillated by a feedback of alternately an in-phase and an out-of-phase signal from an amplifier having a gain adequate to sustain the oscillations. If the in-phase signal has a frequency directly proportional to f.sub.n and the out-of-phase signal has a frequency directly proportional to f.sub.h, then the magnitude of the property p is determined by the digital computation of ##EQU1## where K and B are constants. The property p may be any one of several properties including but not limited to viscosity.

Abstract: An improved two-step fluid bed process for conditioning sized, agglomerative, high volatile bituminous coal is disclosed. The agglomerative bituminous coal is first crushed and sized for fluidization. A first treatment is conducted under oxidizing conditions at below the fusion temperature of the coal, preferably at about 600.degree. F., followed immediately by a second treatment under a non-oxidizing or inert atmosphere at preferably 800.degree. F. .+-.50.degree. F. The resulting oxidized and heat treated coal particles have a volatile content of at least 15% and are thereby rendered non-agglomerative when thereafter subjected to even higher temperatures, e.g., when making activated carbon and/or synthesis gas.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for activating carbon in a fluidized bed which includes continuous activation at a temperature between 1,000.degree.F. and 2,200.degree.F., preferably 1,700.degree.F. to 1,950.degree.F. in the bed. The activation step includes heat transfer by conduction through a distributor plate to the bed and means to achieve a high degree of particle agitation, thus allowing a continuous activation of carbon without the formation of sintered coal ash. The prevention of coal ash sintering allows the process to continue over long periods of time without frequent shutdowns. Carbonaceous material is fed into an initial compartment and a bed is formed on the floor of the compartment. The floor is a gas permeable distributor plate. Fluidizing gases are introduced through the plate into this compartment. As the carbonaceous material is added, some carbonaceous material overflows the initial compartment and forms a bed in another compartment.

Abstract: Fluidized bed technique for oxidizing normally agglomerative bituminous coal is disclosed. One high rank bituminous coal is prepared for activation by grinding, briquetting and crushing to the 3/4 inch to 4 mesh size. Thereafter, the coal particles are fluidized in an oxygen containing atmosphere at from about 400.degree.F. to 700.degree.F. Water is preferably added during oxidation, controlling the oxidation temperature. In this manner, coal particles are rendered non-agglomerative which, when thereafter subjected to carbonization and activation, yields superior activated carbon.

Abstract: A process for improvement of wood-base active carbon made in the presence of phosphoric acid is disclosed herein. The improvement comprises controlling the amount of dissolved salts of the group sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the process acid to provide a metal ion concentration from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight. The controlled addition of these metal salts improves the adsorptivity for fuel vapors and the decolorizing activity of the carbon.