Abstract: A timing circuit is provided comprising a light sensing component operable to generate a raw solar signal, a solar signal regulator comprising a voltage regulator and a low-pass filter, the solar signal regulator coupled to the raw solar signal and generating a regulated solar signal, a comparator coupled to the regulated solar signal and a reference value, the comparator configured to assert a solar output signal when the regulated solar signal exceeds the reference value, and a timing circuit coupled to the solar output signal and configured to assert a timer output signal a preset delay duration after the solar output signal is asserted, and to maintain the timer output signal for a preset output duration.

Abstract: A timing circuit is provided comprising a light sensing component operable to generate a raw solar signal, a solar signal regulator comprising a voltage regulator and a low-pass filter, the solar signal regulator coupled to the raw solar signal and generating a regulated solar signal, a comparator coupled to the regulated solar signal and a reference value, the comparator configured to assert a solar output signal when the regulated solar signal exceeds the reference value, and a timing circuit coupled to the solar output signal and configured to assert a timer output signal a preset delay duration after the solar output signal is asserted, and to maintain the timer output signal for a preset output duration.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for facilitating vapor passage therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The downcomer includes a series of grouped discharge orifices disposed above either the perforated inlet or, in some cages, covered inlet areas which comprise momentum barriers. The covered areas in conjunction with the grouped orifices break the momentum of the liquid impacting upon the inlet area to reduce weeping. The vapor rising through the open inlet area sections is also selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the grouped downcomer orifices to promote uniform aeration of the liquid. A splash deflector is disposed outwardly of the raised inlet area to reduce any liquid maldistribution flowing from the inlet area and to deflect liquid splashed outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A control switch for controlling the operation of an overhead irrigation system based upon the moisture level of the ground in an area to be irrigated. The control switch includes first and second moisture detection probes positioned at first and second underground locations in the area to be irrigated, which, upon detection that the soil is dry, place a positive conductive charge on the switch, thereby turning on the irrigation equipment. Upon detection that the soil is wet, the probes remove the conductive charge, thereby turning off the irrigation equipment. The control switch provides varying degrees of sensitivity to soil moisture, and varying time delays in turning the switch on when the soil is dry, and in turning the switch off when the soil is wet. A pulsing current protection circuit permits a positive DC signal taken from an AC triac to turn on the triac when both the AC and DC portions of the control switch share a common ground.

Abstract: A liquid activated control switch for detecting the presence of an excessive accumulation of low ionic strength liquids in an air refrigeration system and for controlling the operation of the air refrigeration system based upon the detection of the accumulated liquid which includes first and second liquid detection probes. When the liquid detection probes detect an excessive accumulation of liquid, the air refrigeration system is disconnected. After the excessive accumulation of liquid has been removed, the air refrigeration system remains disconnected until the switch is reset. Alternative embodiments of the liquid activated control switch prevent sloshing liquid in the vicinity of the probes from rapidly turning the switch on and off, by providing varying degrees of sensitivity to accumulated liquid. Time delays are provided in turning off the air refrigeration system when liquid is detected by the probes, and in turning on the system when liquid is no longer detected.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for facilitating vapor passage therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The downcomer includes a series of grouped discharge orifices disposed above either the perforated inlet or, in some cases, covered inlet areas which comprise momentum barriers. The covered areas in conjunction with the grouped orifices break the momentum of the liquid impacting upon the inlet area to reduce weeping. The vapor rising through the open inlet area sections is also selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the grouped downcomer orifices to promote uniform aeration of the liquid. A splash deflectror is disposed outwardly of the raised inlet area to reduce any liquid maldistribution flowing from the inlet area and to deflect liquid splashed outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A contact assembly and method for vapor liquid contact towers employing a round aperture cover secured above a contact tray by integral depending legs, the upstream leg being of greater width than the downstream leg.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The active area of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with directional thrust valves facilitating oriented vapor flow therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented into the liquid flow with the first leg having a wider surface area presented to the flow for diverting the flow therearound. The width of the first leg is less than the diameter of the valve aperture, about which the liquid is induced to flow into engagement with the vapor passing therethrough. The valve assembly is used in conjunction with, and outwardly of, a raised active inlet area to further control initially directed liquid flow from the perforated inlet area beneath the downcomer.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for improving mass transfer efficiency. The raised region reduces fluid pressure to vent excess vapor from the underlying tray. The vented vapor is selectively directed into the liquid discharged from the downcomer and imparted with a horizontal flow characteristic. In this manner both entrained liquid and entrained gas can be effectively released to facilitate a stabilized vapor-liquid flow configuration.

Abstract: A downcomer tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The region of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with a raised, perforated region for improving mass transfer efficiency. The raised region reduces fluid pressure to facilitate ascending vapor therethrough. A series of louvers selectively directs the upward vapor flow into the liquid region below the downcomer to generate a more efficient vapor-liquid contact and reduced back-mixing across the tray.