Abstract: A ladder for use with heavy machinery such as farm equipment, the ladder having platform steps, the ladder being convertible between a deployed position for supporting a person or other load, to a storage, scaffold, or ramp position in which the steps lie in a generally planar arrangement. When deployed, the ladder steps remain parallel to each other. The ladder includes two frames, the frames pivotably connected by a plurality of platform steps, one of the frames being pivotably attached to a piece of heavy machinery. The frame nest within one another in the storage configuration. The pivotable attachment to the heavy equipment may be wheels on the ladder frame that engage horizontal tracks on the heavy equipment, allowing the ladder to be lifted up, the frames nested, and the ladder in the storage configuration slid along the tracks and stored.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to temporary storage systems for the temporary storage of agricultural grain products. The temporary storage systems include an enclosing retaining wall comprised of a plurality of free-standing wall sections. The enclosing retaining wall can include multiple free-standing wall sections arranged in a circular, oval, or substantially rectangular shape. Each free-standing wall section includes one or more corrugated panels coupled with one or more support structures. The support structures can be constructed from a rigid material and include ground supports, which permit the free-standing wall sections to maintain a predetermined angle based on the angle of repose of the agricultural products stored. Each corrugated wall panel includes a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to the grain product, while maintaining the necessary rigidity to retain the loads imposed by the granular material.

Abstract: A ladder for use with heavy machinery such as farm equipment, the ladder having platform steps, the ladder being convertible between a deployed position for supporting a person or other load, to a storage, scaffold, or ramp position in which the steps lie in a generally planar arrangement. When deployed, the ladder steps remain parallel to each other. The ladder includes two frames, the frames pivotably connected by a plurality of platform steps, one of the frames being pivotably attached to a piece of heavy machinery. The frame nest within one another in the storage configuration. The pivotable attachment to the heavy equipment may be wheels on the ladder frame that engage horizontal tracks on the heavy equipment, allowing the ladder to be lifted up, the frames nested, and the ladder in the storage configuration slid along the tracks and stored.

Abstract: A PCV heater including a fitting having a plug and a heat sink coupled to the fitting. The fitting and the heat sink define a gas flow path having a first end and a second end. The second end of the gas flow path defines a discharge port and the heat sink is proximate to the discharge port. The heater also includes a heating element coupled to the plug and electrically connectable to a power source. The heating element thermally engages the heat sink to communicate heat from the heating element to the heat sink when the heating element is electrically connected to the power source.

Abstract: A PCV heater including a plug and a heat sink coupled to the plug. The plug and the heat sink define a gas flow path having a first end and a second end. The second end of the gas flow path defines a discharge port and the heat sink is proximate to the discharge port. The heater also includes a heating element coupled to the plug and electrically connectable to a power source. The heating element thermally engages the heat sink to communicate heat from the heating element to the heat sink when the heating element is electrically connected to the power source. A method for manufacturing the PCV heater includes the steps of placing a heat sink into a mold cavity, coupling a heating element to the heat sink, electrically connecting a first lead wire and a second lead wire to the heating element, and providing a high temperature plastic to the mold cavity to overmold the heat sink and the heating element.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in an HVAC system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a pair of streamlined jackets on one or more of the dispersion tubes that reduce heat loss to the air stream, thereby reducing the amount of condensate that is formed. The jackets are streamlined to minimize turbulence and static pressure loss.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in an HVAC system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a pair of streamlined jackets on one or more of the dispersion tubes that reduce heat loss to the air stream, thereby reducing the amount of condensate that is formed. The jackets are streamlined to minimize turbulence and static pressure loss.

Abstract: A diesel heater includes a combustion chamber and a fuel pump for pumping diesel fuel to the combustion chamber. An air supply device supplies combustion air to the combustion chamber. An igniter ignites the diesel fuel to generate combustion heat. A heat exchange fluid supplying device supplies fluid in heat exchange relationship with the combustion heat. A thermal sensor in contact with the heat exchange fluid generates a temperature signal related to the temperature of the heat exchange fluid. A flame detector detects an ignited diesel fuel flame and generates a flame signal in response thereto. A microprocessor includes a memory and a plurality of input/output ports wherein the input/output ports are electrically connected to the thermal sensor, the fuel pump, the heat transfer fluid supplying device, the igniter, the combustion air supply device, and the flame detector. The memory stores a normal operating sequence, a start-up sequence, and a tail start period for the start-up sequence.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introducing steam into an airstream in heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header and steam dispersing structure is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. One embodiment of the invention presents a unique modular design whereby the steam dispersing structure can be quickly connected and disconnected from the headers. This allows the apparatus to be broken down and assembled on site, which simplifies and reduces the expense of installation.

Abstract: A heat exchange humidifier for generation of steam-to-steam or fluid-to-steam humidity may include at least one steam tube in a heat exchanger array which may be coated with a non-stick surface such as tetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.) coating or the like, to prevent the build-up of minerals. The steam tubes in the heat exchanger array are in a substantially layered configuration, each layer being offset and below the preceding upper layer, or in helical configuration. This organization of the tubes in the heat exchanger array maximizes convection currents in a fluid surrounding the steam tubes to minimize dead water films and maximize heat transfer from the steam or fluid inside of the tubes to the surrounding water, resulting in an overall increase in boil-off capacity for adding humidity to the air.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for introduicng steam into an airstream in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system includes a supply header, steam dispersing structure and structure for collecting condensation from the steam dispersing structure. The supply header is adapted for connection to a source of steam and is preferably elevated with respect to the return header, so that condensation in the supply header is forced into the return header under the influence of steam pressure and gravity. Both headers may further be inclined to improve drainage of condensation. The invention optionally may utilize fenders in conjunction with the steam dispersing structure to minimize heat transfer to the airstream.

Abstract: A humidifier unit is used with a forced air heating system and includes a water reservoir, a water inlet connection to the reservoir, control means for maintaining the water level at a predetermined depth, and a heat exchanger for heating the water to produce steam. This reservoir has a removable top plate for closing the open top defined by the upper edges of side and end walls. Horizontal flanges extend inward from the upper edges of the reservoir side and end walls and act as a gasket base. Lips extend upward from the inner edges of those horizontal flanges and act as an internal horizontal gasket retainer. Finally, flanges depend from all sides of the top plate and are positioned to surround the upper edges of the side walls and to act as an external horizontal gasket retainer.

Abstract: A water-steam separator is used in conjunction with a steam humidifier system to maintain the relative humidity within a desired range in buildings. The separator includes a container, a vapor inlet supply pipe, and an outlet steam distribution pipe. One portion of the outlet steam distribution pipe extends outwardly from the container and has apertures therein for distributing dry steam. Another portion of the outlet steam distribution pipe extends inwardly toward the center of the container and has an opening spaced inwardly from the container wall to reduce condensates entering the outlet pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust hood includes a collection chamber with a converging inlet passageway which directs the rising fume laden air downwardly toward a reverse turning area from which a baffled cleansing chamber extends upwardly. The collection chamber has a large top air capture pocket above the inlet passageway. The cleansing chamber includes alternating baffles on the opposite walls and generally a V-shaped in cross section with a smooth apex. The baffles define a generally serpentine for a mechanical cleansing path. The air cleansing nozzles permit periodic washing of the cleansing chamber surfaces. A common wall between the inlet passageway and cleansing chamber is pivotally mounted for access to the chamber. A water bath may form the bottom wall of the turning area. The stream angularly engages the bath with bath effective agitation, atomization and turbulence for mixing and removal of foreign matter from the air which then turns and moves through the cleansing chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier unit is used with a forced air heating system and includes a water reservoir, a water inlet connection to the reservoir, control means for maintaining the water level at a predetermined depth, and a heat exchanger for heating the water to produce steam. This reservoir has a removable top plate for closing the open top defined by the upper edges of side and end walls. Horizontal flanges extend inward from the upper edges of the reservoir side and end walls and act as a gasket base. Lips extend upward from the inner edges of those horizontal flanges and act as an internal horizontal gasket retainer. Finally, flanges depend from all sides of the top plate and are positioned to surround the upper edges of the side walls and to act as an external horizontal gasket retainer.