Abstract: A method of converting energy into electricity using a gaseous working fluid and an evaporative fluid comprises pressuring the working fluid (20) in a compressor (1), heating the high-pressure working fluid (22) in a recuperator (8) using thermal energy in low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from a turbine (2), adding energy from an energy source (5, 6) to increase the temperature and enthalpy of the working fluid (32), expanding the working fluid (32) through the turbine (2), using the turbine to generate electricity, and cooling the low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from the turbine in the recuperator. The method further comprises lowering the temperature and increasing the mass of the high-pressure working fluid (22) after leaving the compressor (1), and/or after leaving the recuperator (8), by introducing the evaporative fluid (48, 49) to produce evaporative cooling.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using an externally-heated Brayton cycle. Atmospheric air is used with water injection in a thermodynamic cycle that includes compression (1), evaporative cooling (34), recuperative heating (8), evaporative cooling (36), external heating (9) and expansion through a turbine (2). Power capacity and overall efficiency are maximized by decreasing the temperature of working fluid entering recuperator (8) and heater (9) while increasing the mass flow through turbine (2).

Abstract: A method of converting energy into electricity using a gaseous working fluid and an evaporative fluid comprises pressuring the working fluid (20) in a compressor (1), heating the high-pressure working fluid (22) in a recuperator (8) using thermal energy in low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from a turbine (2), adding energy from an energy source (5, 6) to increase the temperature and enthalpy of the working fluid (32), expanding the working fluid (32) through the turbine (2), using the turbine to generate electricity, and cooling the low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from the turbine in the recuperator. The method further comprises lowering the temperature and increasing the mass of the high-pressure working fluid (22) after leaving the compressor (1), and/or after leaving the recuperator (8), by introducing the evaporative fluid (48, 49) to produce evaporative cooling.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using an externally-heated Brayton cycle. Atmospheric air is used with water injection in a thermodynamic cycle that includes compression (1), evaporative cooling (34), recuperative heating (8), evaporative cooling (36), external heating (9) and expansion through a turbine (2). Power capacity and overall efficiency are maximized by decreasing the temperature of working fluid entering recuperator (8) and heater (9) while increasing the mass flow through turbine (2).

Abstract: An actuator for controlling the pressure of fluid, such as water or steam, from a fluid source to a flow controlling orifice. The actuator can be used to apply such fluids to the web of a papermaking machine. The actuator comprises a housing having a first inlet connectable to the fluid source and a second inlet connectable to a pressure source. A resilient bellows structure extends between the first and second inlets within the housing to define an internal region of the bellows structure in sealed communication with one of the first and second inlets and an external region of the bellows structure in sealed communication with the other inlet. The bellows structure expands or contracts within the housing depending on the difference in pressures between the internal and external regions of the bellows.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for efficient transfer of sensible heat between a highly viscous fluid and a secondary fluid. This exchanger has an annular passage formed between an inner cylinder and outer cylinder. The highly viscous fluid passes through the annular passage while the secondary fluid passes both inside the inner cylinder and outside of the outer cylinder making both cylinders heat transfer surfaces. A scraper mechanism rotates within the annular passage which scrapes both heat transfer surfaces. The scraper mechanism driven by the pressure exerted by the fluid to be cooled. This scraping action serves to both continually clean the surfaces and to enhance the heat transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for efficient transfer of sensible heat between a highly viscous fluid and a secondary fluid. This exchanger has an annular passage formed between an inner cylinder and outer cylinder. The highly viscous fluid passes through the annular passage while the secondary fluid passes both inside the inner cylinder and outside of the outer cylinder making both cylinders heat transfer surfaces. A scraper mechanism rotates within the annular passage which scrapes both heat transfer surfaces. This scraping action serves to both continually clean the surfaces and to enhance the heat transfer efficiency.

Abstract: In a method for applying heat to a web, the web is subjected to dielectric heating in discrete segments, arranged transverse to the web, by modules containing pairs of electrodes. The heat thus generated can be used to vary the moisture and/or temperature profile. Each module has a built-in self modulating moisture leveler. Other properties of the web, which are varied by such process operations as wet pressing, drying, calendering, etc. and which themselves are influenced by the moisture/temperature of the web can thereby be also controlled by said dielectric heating in closed-loop fashion.

Abstract: A check valve to be interposed between a source of pressure and a device to be moved by the application of the pressure. The valve has a passageway communicating with the source of pressure and a passageway communicating with the device. There is a valve seat formed between the two passageways and a valve member contacts the valve seat. A valve stem can move the valve member to rest on the valve seat to close the valve but the stem is separate from the valve. With lessening of pressure in the source of pressure beyond a desired level the check valve may be closed. Movement of the valve stem to a position away from the valve member ensures that the valve will open but only when the pressure on each side of the valve is about the same. A particular application is to protect the lip of a head box in a paper making machine but may applications are possible.