Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the gap between a piston and engine cyinder wall of either a reciprocating engine or a reciprocating compressor. The apparatus includes a plurality of functionally-identical, gas-bearing-supported seal blocks that locate in a slot running circumferentially around the engine piston. Gases fed from the engine chamber to the gas bearing carrying the load on the seal block in the direction of piston travel. The seal block includes a gas accumulator cavity for gas storage. An orifice feeds gas from the gas accumulator cavity to the gas bearing interfacing between the seal block and the engine cylinder wall. The apparatus also includes a reaction piston having gas communicated thereto from the engine chamber.

Abstract: A flow control device for solid particulate material such as recycled granular solids utilized in a fluidized bed combustion vessel includes a generally horizontal material feeder conduit having an outlet end in communication with the fluidized bed of the combustion vessel and a receiving end remote therefrom. An upstanding material collector conduit having a lower end in communication with a receiving end of the feeder conduit is provided and an upper end of the collector conduit is adapted to receive a flow of particulate solid material to be fed at a controlled flow rate into the combustion vessel. The upstanding collector conduit forms a standpipe for retaining a quantity of material to establish a pressure sealing head or column of material extending upwardly of the receiving end of the feeder conduit.