Abstract: Various shaped abrasive particles are disclosed. Each shaped abrasive particle includes a body having at least one major surface and a side surface extending from the major surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of operating a geothermal energy system includes selectively connecting each of a plurality of borehole heat exchangers to any other of the plurality of borehole heat exchangers thereby to permit flow of a working fluid between the borehole heat exchangers and to selectively distribute the working fluid within the plurality of borehole heat exchangers. Each borehole heat exchanger has an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate coaxial conduits interconnected at the bottom end, the first conduit being tubular and surrounded by the second conduit which is annular. Each borehole heat exchanger has a major portion thereof extending in a substantially inclined orientation at an angle of from 3 to 95 degrees from vertical, the borehole heat exchangers being connected to a manifold for the working fluid.

Abstract: A geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid and comprising an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end, a manifold for the working fluid to which the plurality of borehole heat exchangers is connected, and a plurality of valves connected between the plurality of borehole heat exchangers and the manifold, whereby the first and second conduits of the plurality of borehole heat exchangers are selectively connectable to the manifold by operation of the valves.

Abstract: A thermal energy system includes a first thermal energy system, a closed loop geothermal energy system, an intermediate heat pump thermally coupling the first thermal energy system with the geothermal energy system, and a second thermal energy system thermally connected to the geothermal energy system. The first and second thermal energy systems have opposite net thermal energy demands from the geothermal system. The geothermal energy system has first and second groups of borehole heat exchangers and each borehole heat exchanger contains a working fluid. Each borehole heat exchanger includes an elongated tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongated conduits interconnected at the bottom end. Each group of borehole heat exchanger is selectively and alternatively connectable to the intermediate heat pump. The first thermal energy system may be a refrigeration system having condensers and the closed loop geothermal energy system may provide cooling of the condensers.

Abstract: A geothermal energy system comprising at least one borehole heat exchanger, Hie at least one borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid and comprising an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate coaxial conduits interconnected at the bottom end, the first conduit being tubular and surrounded by the second conduit which is annular, the at least one borehole heat exchanger having a major portion thereof extending in a substantially inclined orientation at an angle of from 3 to 95 degrees from vertical.

Abstract: A thermal energy system comprising a first thermal system, the first thermal system in use having a heating and/or cooling demand, a closed loop geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid, and an intermediate heat pump thermally connected between the first thermal system and the geothermal energy system. Each borehole heat exchanger may comprise an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end. In particular, the first thermal system is a refrigeration system and the ‘closed loop geothermal energy system provides cooling of the condenser(s) of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid and comprising an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end, a manifold for the working fluid to which the plurality of borehole heat exchangers is connected, and a plurality of valves connected between the plurality of borehole heat exchangers and the manifold, whereby the first and second conduits of the plurality of borehole heat exchangers are selectively connectable to the manifold by operation of the valves.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that a strip of reticulated foam which is semi-conductive can be continuously electroplated, utilizing a cathode roll which is positioned, in a first electroplating zone, outside of the electroplating bath. An anode is immersed in the electroplating bath. The strip of reticulated foam is first introduced into the electroplating bath and travels in the direction from the anode to the cathode roll prior to contacting the cathode roll. In this way, the strip achieves a partial plate at the anode which provides a current path between the anode and the cathode roll effective for sustaining the plating reaction in said first electroplating zone.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a guide for a reticulate electrode bus connector. The guide comprises a body portion having an upper surface. A pair of spaced apart legs depend downwardly from a body portion and define with the body portion a guide longitudinal dimension. The legs define a longitudinally extending slot dimensioned to accommodate the reticulate electrode. The legs comprise planar, facing inner surfaces adapted to press against opposite sides of the electrode. A longitudinally extending ductway extends from the body portion upper surface to a slot. The ductway is aligned with a center line of the slot intermediate the planar facing inner surfaces. A plurality of openings extend through each of the legs communicating with the slot. The openings expose a substantial portion of the surface area of the reticulate electrode within the confines of the slot and are substantially uniformly disposed along the legs.

Abstract: The present invention resides in part in a process for removing a multivalent metal ion contaminant such as can be found in an acidic waste water. The waste water may also contain one or more extraneous metals such as copper. This process aspect then more particularly involves the steps of (1) simultaneously reducing said multivalent contaminant to a lower valence state and said extraneous metal to a metal state, while at the same time inhibiting reoxidation of the multivalent contaminant to a higher valence state; and (2) removing the multivalent contaminant which has been inhibited from reoxidation.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that a strip of reticulated foam which is semi-conductive can be continuously electroplated, utilizing a cathode roll which is positioned, in a first electroplating zone, outside of the electroplating bath. An anode is immersed in the electroplating bath. The strip of reticulated foam is first introduced into the electroplating bath and travels in the direction from the anode to the cathode roll prior to contacting the cathode roll. In this way, the strip achieves a partial plate at the anode which provides a current path between the anode and the cathode roll effective for sustaining the plating reaction in said first electroplating zone.

Abstract: Monopolar, bipolar, and hydrid filter press electrolytic cells for electrolytic processes utilizing a novel method of introducing and removing electrical energy are disclosed. The invention contemplates a novel low pressure, high surface contact area connecting means for joining the anode element and cathode element of electrode assemblies. The invention also contemplates a low pressure, high surface contact area contact of the current distributor member to the back plate.

Abstract: An efficient electrolytic recovery system, having several safety mechanisms, for recovering precious metals from a liquid medium is described. The system includes at least oen electrolysis cell unit having a plurality of reticulate metal foam cathodes. The system of the invention will efficiently recover such precious metals as Au, Ag and Pt. The system may also include a pH adjust means and a means for oxidizing cyanide in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Monopolar, bipolar, and hybrid filter press electrolytic cells for electrolytic processes utilizing a novel method of introducing and removing electrical energy are disclosed. The invention contemplates a novel low pressure, high surface contact area connecting means for joining the anode element and cathode element of electrode assemblies. The invention also contemplates a low pressure, high surface contact area contact of the current distributor member to the back plate.

Abstract: A unitized electrode-intercell connector module is prepared for use in a bipolar electrode, especially for use in such electrode of the M-alkaline electrolyte-AgO types. In such special electrode, an imperforate foil, contacted with a conductive foam, is plated to a unitized, electrobonded assembly. Pyrolysis can lighten the assembly and may further provide for subsequent resistance to attack in an electrode environment. For the special electrode the reticulate portion of the assembly can be filled to provide an AgO electrode and the bipolar electrode completed by using a suitable electronegative metal on the foil side opposite from the AgO electrode.

Abstract: A reticulate primary electrode, usually cathode, and method for making for use in an electrochemical cell. The cathode is openly porous, in substantial physical contact with a separator used in the cell for separating anode and cathode compartment within the cell, and intermetallically bound to a cathodic current collector used within the cell.

Abstract: Line painting equipment mounted on a small tractor with an air compressor mounted on the front of the tractor and a paint containing tank mounted on its rear portion. A further elongated pressurized paint container is mounted on one side of the tractor and inclined downwardly towards the front of same. A boom is clamped to the tractor forward of the pressurized paint container which is also normally inclined downwardly towards the front of the tractor. The boom is so secured to the tractor that it can be selectively rotated on its longitudinal axis, moved outwardly on a substantially vertical axis and moved vertically about a substantially horizontal axis. A paint spray gun is removably mounted on the front of the boom as is an adjustable boom support wheel which governs the height of the paint spray gun over the underlying surface. An adjustable guide to indicate to the operator where the paint is sprayed is mounted from the steering linkage of the tractor.