Abstract: A solar heat collecting device of the flat panel type, a process for its manufacture and parts thereof, made of extruded profiles in particular of aluminum or aluminum alloys. The device comprises a casing accommodating a heat collector assembly comprising a plurality of elongate extruded heat collector bodies, side by side, each having a tube co-axial with its axis of extrusion, flanked on each of its opposite sides integrally by an extruded web and further comprising a manifold at each end to which the respective tube ends are sealingly and communicatingly brazed. The edges of the adjoining webs of adjoining elongate bodies overlap slightly but are movable free of mechanical constraint or mutual attachment in relation to one another. Together the elongate bodies present the incoming solar radiation with a substantially plane uninterrupted area for absorption.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting device of the flat panel type, a process for its manufacture and parts thereof, made of extruded profiles in particular of aluminium or aluminium alloys. The device comprises a casing accommodating a heat collector assembly comprising a plurality of elongate extruded heat collector bodies, side by side, each having a tube co-axial with its axis of extrusion, flanked on each of its opposite sides integrally by an extruded web and further comprising a manifold at each end to which the respective tube ends are sealingly and communicatingly brazed. The edges of the adjoining webs of adjoining elongate bodies overlap slightly but are movable free of mechanical constraint or mutual attachment in relation to one another. Together the elongate bodies present the incoming solar radiation with a substantially plane uninterrupted area for absorption.

Abstract: A process and gas generator is disclosed for generating by dry distillation of solids and gasification of solids, a fuel gas substantially free of condensable dry distillation volatiles which would interfere with the intended use of the gas, e.g. for powering an internal combustion engine. To achieve this, solids beds in distinct dry distillation and gasification zones are maintained under conditions favouring thermal cracking of condensable (tar) volatiles in the hot regions of both zones. For optimal control of these conditions these zones are physically separated by internals within a single reactor vessel and optionally by performing part of the dry distillation (pyrolysis) in a separate reactor vessel, in which case pyrolysis volatiles are fed in counter-current to the dry distillation bed, withdrawn from the top thereof and fed into and through the embers bed of the gasification zone.

Abstract: A process and gas generator is disclosed for generating by dry distillation of solids and gasification of solids, a fuel gas substantially free of condensable dry distillation volatiles which would interfere with the intended use of the gas, e.g. for powering an internal combustion engine. To achieve this, solids beds in distinct dry distillation and gasification zones are maintained under conditions favouring thermal cracking of condensable (tar) volatiles in the hot regions of both zones. For optimal control of these conditions these zones are physically separated by internals within a single reactor vessel and optionally by performing part of the dry distillation (pyrolysis) in a separate reactor vessel, in which case pyrolysis volatiles are fed in counter-current to the dry distillation bed, withdrawn from the top thereof and fed into and through the embers bed of the gasification zone.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for monitoring movable elements, in particular windows and sunroofs in motor vehicles, such that an object clamped between the movable parts and the part at rest is detected in a reliable fashion, the force acting upon such objects is maintained at the lowest possible value and the direction of the window is inverted as rapidly as possible. In order to ensure a reliable protection, a cutoff threshold consists of a constant component and a variable component, with the size of the difference (Dn) between the cutoff threshold and the instantaneous value of the rotation time (tu) influencing the switching signal.

Abstract: A welding backup shoe apparatus that comprises a double-acting fluid cylinder having a piston rod extending from it. A first retainer shoe is attachable to the piston rod and a second retainer shoe is opposed to the first retainer shoe. A first backup shoe to be received by the first retainer shoe and at least two other backup shoes are received by the first retainer shoe and by the second retainer shoe. The backup shoe is arcuate externally to be a close fit within a pipe. A guide is attached to the first retainer shoe, slidably engaging the second retainer shoe to guide the movement of the retainer shoes relative to each other. A release device is attached to the cylinder to abut the first backup shoe; and cables attach the two other backup shoes to the cylinder.

Abstract: The dry distillation of oil shale and like volatilizable materials as carried out by intimately mixing it with a fine-grain hot heat-transfer medium. According to the invention the hot distillation residue is passed in direct heat exchange with a cooling gas and the latter is utilized as one component of a preheating mixed gas which is passed in uniflow with the devolatilizable material through at least one riser. Hot combustion gases can make up other components of these mixed gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the upgrading of coal for coking purposes and improved cokes resulting from such upgrading. Pitch obtained as a by-product of pressure-gasification (Lurgi-process) is used as an additive either alone or blended with SRC. The additive is employed in amounts of 1% and 50% by mass, preferably 5 to 15% of the total blend. The additive preferably has an R-and-B softening temperature above 80.degree. C. The additive can be subjected to various treatments, e.g. heating in presence of hydrogen, to improve its characteristics.