Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a stirrer tool that includes a head component having a first plurality of projections extending substantially radially out from and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a body portion. Head component may also have a second plurality of projections extending in a substantially distal direction away from a distal end of the body portion, and all of the projections may be made of a substantially stiff material that is flexible enough to be bent to fit through an opening in a container that is smaller in diameter than a diameter of the head component and stiff enough to mix viscous products. The projections may further be capable of being shortened by cutting off a selected length of the projections. The first plurality of projections may be configured to create a vortex mixing action and the second plurality of projections may be configured to reach and stir up sediment on bottoms and in corners of containers.

Abstract: A wickless heat pipe assembly comprising a pair of conduits each having a vaporization region at one end and a condensing region at the other. The vaporization regions are configured to prevent the heat-transferring fluid, while in liquid form, from flowing downwardly into their respective conduits. A pair of liquid return passages connect each condensing region with the vaporization region of the opposite conduit through a check valve. Cyclically alternating changes in pressure in the two conduits are produced by alternately applying heat to the two vaporization regions. The pressure differentials cause any liquid collected at the condensing region to be returned to the vaporization region. This positive pumping action of the heat transfer fluid permits the heat pipe assembly to operate in almost any attitude and is particularly suitable for the downward transfer of heat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for heating and storing a fluid contain the fluid in a heat insulated space and prepare by heating of a heat transfer medium in a first region located at a distance from that space a vapor having a certain pressure and being condensable through transfer of heat to the contained fluid. A second region of a pressure lower than the mentioned vapor pressure is provided by heat transfer to the contained fluid in the mentioned space. The vapor is passed to the lower pressure second region into heat transfer relationship with, but physically separate from, the mentioned fluid and is converted by heat transfer to said fluid to a condensate in that lower pressure second region whereby the fluid is heated. The condensate is maintained physically separate from the fluid and is recycled from the second region to the first region.

Abstract: A quaternary flux composition for electroslag consumable electrode remelting of superalloys and ferrous base alloys in weight percent consisting of about 40% CaF.sub.2, 20% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 36% CaO and 4% MgO.