Abstract: A gravity engine converts one form of energy into another by using the expansion of a fluid medium to propel each of a plurality of bodies upwardly within one of a pair of adjacent vertical passageways. The expansion of a gas, such as steam supplied from a boiler heated by a solar panel, in a chamber and controlled by valves provides the force to propel the bodies against the force of gravity upwardly to the top of the first passageway. A guide directs the bodies from the top of the first passageway to the top of a second passageway wherein the bodies are stacked so that their combined weight acts upon a pocketed drive wheel at the bottom of the second passageway. The drive wheel is coupled to means such as an electrical generator to convert at least a portion of the potential energy of the stacked bodies into another form of energy. The pocketed wheel may also drive a pump used to return condensate water from the engine case to the boiler. The pocketed wheel carries the bodies, e.g.

Abstract: Methods of conveying solid particles via an elongate tube from a supplying region at one pressure to a receiving region at a substantially different pressure. Movable sealing zones, comprising mixtures of solid particles and liquid, contact the inner wall of the tube and are carried along with the particles when forced by a ram from the tube into the receiving region. While the particles and sealing zones are being conveyed into the tube, a gate or an auger at the receiving region may substantially seal it from the tube. Typically the sealing zones are formed as thin disks or annular layers of fine coal particles and oil, where discrete coal charges are fed into a gasifier unit.

Abstract: Methods of conveying solid particles via an elongate tube from a supplying region at one pressure to a receiving region at a substantially different pressure. Movable sealing zones, comprising mixtures of solid particles and liquid, contact the inner wall of the tube and are carried along with the particles when forced by a ram from the tube into the receiving region. While the particles and sealing zones are being conveyed into the tube, a gate or an auger at the receiving region may substantially seal it from the tube. Typically the sealing zones are formed as thin disks or annular layers of fine coal particles and oil where discrete coal charges are fed into a gasifier unit.

Abstract: A continuously operating system is provided to convey a sequence of steel plates in a generally vertical positioning to a plating station where a plurality of power supplied interlinked cathode-plate conveyor members are arranged to carry each plate past a vertically elongated plating head which contains an anode and the electroplating solution. The anode is also vertically elongated, and is adjustably positioned in the plating head or container to be relatively close to the face of the steel plate which is being plated but, at the same time, provides a space for the plating solution to have turbulent flow between the anode and the moving plate. A second plating head may be positioned along side the first to provide for the depositing of a nodular form of copper onto the initial deposit.

Abstract: A multi-color electrostatic printing machine having processing components adapted to produce an image for each color of an original being copied, individual color developing units for effecting development of the corresponding images and a program arrangement for coordinating in timed sequence the operation of the processing components and the transfer of each developed image in superimposed relationship upon sheets of paper.