Abstract: The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a maximum thickness of about 30% and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a maximum thickness of about 30% and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a Reynolds number in the range of about 1.1 to 1.3×106 and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a Reynolds number in the range of about 1.1 to 1.3×106 and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated underground piercing tool including an elongate cylindrical body carrying an anvil and a striker slidably received within a chamber. A valve assembly controls the communication of pressurized air to and from the body and is operator adjustable in order to produce forward or rearward movement of the piercing tool. The body and an end cap are connected by a tapered buttress thread. The striker defines a plurality of balancing grooves. A recess is formed in an end wall of the striker to inhibit pressurized fluid from being trapped between the striker and the end cap when the striker is reciprocated within the body. A tail adaptor is threadedly secured to the end cap using tapered buttress thread configurations. The valve assembly includes a detent mechanism and an improved exhaust bushing. The control spool is coupled to an end of said valve support by structure which includes a spherical element held in an elastomeric socket.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated underground piercing tool that includes an elongate cylindrical body carrying an anvil at one end and with a striker slidably received within a chamber defined by the body. An end cap, threadedly engaged with another end of the body, captures a striker within the chamber. A valve assembly controls the communication of pressurized air to and from the body and is operator adjustable in order to produce forward or rearward movement of the piercing tool. A strong threaded engagement between the body and the end cap is provided by a tapered buttress thread. The striker defines a plurality of balancing grooves which aid in the uniform distribution of pressurized fluid around the striker. A recess is formed in an end wall of the striker to inhibit pressurized fluid from being trapped between the striker and the end cap when the striker is reciprocated within the body.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge housing surrounds a shaft for rotating a basket within the pressurized cleaning vessel of a dry cleaning system that utilizes liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent. Primary and secondary seals are disposed between the cartridge housing and the shaft in a spaced relationship so that a primary chamber is defined. A final seal is also disposed between the cartridge housing and the shaft and spaced from the secondary seal so that a secondary chamber is defined. The primary chamber houses an inboard bearing while the secondary chamber houses an outboard and thrust bearings. Primary and secondary tanks containing supplies of oil communicate with the primary and secondary chambers, respectively, via their head spaces and wet sides. As a result, the bearings are lubricated. Solvent leaking across the primary seal is vaporized and delivered to the head space of the primary tank so that the pressure differential across the primary seal is reduced.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A high pressure chamber opening is equipped with a cylindrical element that features a circumferential flange. The circumferential flange features concentrically positioned primary and secondary O-ring seals that surround the chamber opening. A door is clamped to the circumferential flange and over the opening and the circumferential seals. As a result, the opening is sealed and an annular passage is formed between the seals. A port is formed in the cylindrical element so that the annular passage may communicate with a pressure switch. The port also communicates with a relief valve. The pressure switch signals the system operator when the pressure in the annular passage rises due to failure of the primary O-ring. The relief valve vents the annular passage when the pressure therein increases to a level where damage to the secondary O-ring could occur. The relief valve setting is such that the pressure within the annular passage may rise to a level where dry ice formation is prevented.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects being dry cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. A still is disposed within one of the storage tanks and receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide as it is returned from the chamber. The pressure in the storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide in the still to boil off. The gas is communicated to a third tank. The third tank may be used to initially pressurize the cleaning chamber. The system also includes a dispenser for the injecting solvent additives into the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid transfer system, for servicing a use device, releases stored cryogen from a bulk storage tank to a gas supply tank and a dispenser tank. The liquid cryogen in the gas supply tank is circulated through a circuit that includes a heat exchanger and the gas thus generated is returned to the gas supply tank so as to pressurize it. The pressurized liquid cryogen is released from the gas supply tank so that it flows through a vaporizer. The gas produced by the vaporizer is bubbled through the liquid cryogen in the dispenser tank so as to raise its temperature and pressure to the level required by the use device being serviced. Gas from the vaporizer is then delivered to the space above the liquid cryogen in the dispenser tank to as to create a pressure head that will cause the liquid cryogen to flow to the use device upon release. A venturi is connected to the tubing between the gas supply tank and the dispenser tank and is used to reduce the pressure in the bulk storage tank.

Abstract: A delivery and storage system for cryogenic fluids features a vehicle mounted dispensing system including a bulk storage tank that feeds cryogenic liquid to a sump containing a pump to pre-cool the pump. The pump feeds cryogenic liquid to another sump containing a meter so as to cool the meter. A valve selectively routes the cryogenic liquid from the meter sump to the bulk storage tank as the meter cools down. When the meter reaches operating temperature, cryogenic liquid is directed through the meter to a dispensing hose. The cryogenic liquid is dispensed into a liquid cylinder. The liquid cylinder features an automatic shut-off device to reduce the flow of the cryogenic liquid into the cylinder when the cylinder is full. The inner shell is held to the outer shell at the top by a combination stainless steel hose and composite cylinder neck. The bottom of the inner shell features a pair of pins which are supported by a strap across the bottom portion of the outer shell interior.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing a tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid features a tubular enclosure disposed within the cryogenic liquid. The tubular enclosure features an opening in its bottom and is in communication with a pressure builder coil external to the tank. The vapor side of the pressure builder coil is in communication with the head space of the tank. An electric heater element is disposed in the bottom of the tubular enclosure. An insulating tube may optionally be disposed about the tubular enclosure. In addition, a ball may optionally be positioned adjacent the opening in the tubular enclosure so that a check valve is formed. The device fits through the tops of existing cryogenic tanks.

Abstract: A system delivers cryogenic gas at a high pressure from a supply of cryogenic liquid maintained at a low pressure in a bulk tank. The bulk tank supplies liquid to at least one transfer tank. The transfer tank is pressurized by connecting it to a pressure building tank contaning gas at a high pressure. A heat exchanger is connected in circuit between the transfer tank and the pressure building tank. The transfer tank provides liquid at a high pressure to the heat exchanger so that a vapor is produced. This vapor is fed to the pressure building tank so that the high pressure therein is maintained. The transfer tank provides a high pressure flow of liquid to a vaporizer and a high pressure gas storage tank so that high pressure cryogenic gas may be produced and stored.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects being dry cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. A still is disposed within one of the storage tanks and receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide as it is returned from the chamber. The pressure in the storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide in the still to boil off. The gas is communicated to a third tank.

Abstract: A snap-action flow interrupt device for terminating flow into a cryogenic storage container utilizes the momentum of the incoming liquid spray as a means of maintaining a float in a submerged position until the proper liquid level is attained. The incoming spray of liquid exerts a downward impact force on a surface of the float. The rising liquid level exerts an upward and increasing buoyant force on the float. When the rising liquid in the tank disrupts the spray, the buoyant force snaps the float upwards to interrupt the flow of liquid. The abrupt motion of the float generates a pressure spike and flow reduction, either of which may be easily detected by automatic fill termination devices or by a human operator.

Abstract: A portable self-contained delivery station for liquid natural gas (LNG) is provided on a movable skid frame and equipped with an instant -on delivery system which may initiate LNG delivery immediately to a use vehicle. The skid is equipped with a spill containment feature such that the LNG may be contained in the event of spillage. A variable speed pump both controls LNG dispensing and saturation levels of the stored LNG. The pump is submerged in a sump tank which is separate from the bulk storage tank. The sump tank is flooded with an amount of LNG such that the pump is submerged. Delivery of LNG may thus occur instantly, without pre-cooling of the pump or associated meter.