Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a bearing-housing structure provided to the housing and adapted to rotatably support a rotor, a motor provided to the bearing-housing structure and adapted to drive the rotor, and an impeller provided to the rotor. The bearing-housing structure includes a bearing shaft having a bearing surface that rotatably supports the rotor. The bearing shaft provides only a single bearing of the non-ball bearing type for the rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for cleaning and restoring the operating efficiency of organic liquid chemical exchangers in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to disassemble the equipment and without the need to rinse contaminate from the equipment after cleaning. Used is a formulation of monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package specifically suited to oil rinsing. The terpene-based chemical is injected into organically contaminated exchangers using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for interior cleaning and by cleaning, removing noxious gas and/or restoring the operating efficiency of organically contaminated hydrocarbon processing dynamic devices in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to manually enter an unsafe environment and mechanically remove organic contaminants. Used is a formulation of non-aqueous, monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package. The terpene-based chemical is injected into the organically contaminated device using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor. The device is activated during the process. The vapor may be optionally directed against the normal-flow direction of the device.

Abstract: Managing instant messages may include receiving instant messages created by or on behalf of one or more message sources for delivery to an intended recipient. From among the received instant messages, qualifying instant messages may be identified that satisfy a capture rule, and two or more of the qualifying instant messages may be captured. The intended recipient may be informed of the captured instant messages unobtrusively, and also may be enabled to manage the captured instant messages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for cleaning and restoring the operating efficiency of organic liquid chemical exchangers in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to disassemble the equipment and without the need to rinse contaminate from the equipment after cleaning. Used is a formulation of monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package specifically suited to oil rinsing. The terpene-based chemical is injected into organically contaminated exchangers using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising an upright cylindrical drum having top and bottom walls which extend radially inward from its cylindrical side walls. The upper annular wall has a center aperture greater in diameter than the corresponding center aperture of the lower annular wall. A liquid slurry is delivered to the interior of the drum as it rotates, forcing separation of solid particles as they migrate outwardly toward the drum side walls. Excess liquid escapes over the top of the drum through the opening at the center of the upper annular wall. An independently rotatable scraper blade is coaxially mounted with the drum and is located adjacent the interior side walls. The scraper blade can be independently braked to assist in removing solid materials from the rotating side walls while drum rotation is being terminated.

Abstract: A reclaiming system for used foundry sand containing a sodium silicate (water glass) binder. The resulting chunks of sand and binder are disintegrated by mechanical crushing in a water wash. A primary slurry containing discrete particles of sand and both dissolved and suspended binder is conveyed to a settling tank where the sand settles from the slurry. The heavier particles of sand are removed by a ladder conveyer, which allows liquid to drain from the sand as it is being elevated. The sand is dried in rotary drum dryers, being subjected to a constant flow of heated air. The remaining secondary fluid, containing particles of binder, is directed to a centrifugal separator, where the suspended materials such as binder particles are removed from the liquid. The liquid is then recirculated in the system, eliminating discharge of liquid or the need for substantial replenishing of liquid during the process.