Abstract: A device for bending a cap brim includes first and second interconnected block members each having an S-shaped portion upwardly extending from the outer edge thereof that forms a groove on the upper surface for receiving a side edge of a cap brim. An externally threaded shaft extends from an inwardly facing side of one of the block members and is threadedly received within a threaded bore on the other block member whereby rotation of the shaft moves the block members toward each other. Accordingly, a user can bend a cap brim to a desired curvature by securing the brim within the block grooves and moving the blocks a select distance until the desired curvature is achieved.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor system for introducing heat energy into or removing heat energy from fluidized reactants undergoing reaction includes, in a first embodiment, a fluidized bed reactor for fluidizing a particulate material in a fluidizing medium and a heat generator for supplying heat energy to the fluidized bed. A plurality of heat pipes interconnect the heat generator and the fluidized bed reactor with the evaporator portions of the heat pipes extending into the heat generator and the condenser portions thereof extending into the fluidized bed. Thermal energy from the heat generator is absorbed by the evaporator portions of the heat pipes and conveyed through the heat pipes to the condenser portions where the thermal energy is transferred to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying heat required for a reforming reaction through the use of heat pipes adapted to transfer heat from a source to reforming reactants. Heat pipes extend between two chambers, with a catalyst material being disposed within one of the chambers, such that heat is extracted from a hot fluid and then introduced into the reforming chamber in which a hydrocarbon and steam react in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of methanol is provided. A purge gas is removed from the synthesis reaction stage at an elevated pressure and is expanded prior to combustion in a gas turbine combustor. Exhaust gases are expanded and then sent to the reforming stage for either preheating reformer feed streams or providing heat necessary for the reforming of a feed stream with steam.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided having first and second fluid chambers for passing primary and secondary fluids. The chambers are spaced apart and have heat pipes extending from inside one chamber to inside the other chamber. A third chamber is provided for passing a purge fluid, and the heat pipe portion between the first and second chambers lies within the third chamber.

Abstract: Unreacted carbon produced during the partial oxidation of fossil fuel is removed from the reactor gaseous effluent with water, resulting in a carbon-water slurry. The carbon-water slurry is concentrated to about five to seven percent by weight of carbon mixed with fuel and injected into the reactor for the dual purposes of utilizing the carbon contained in the slurry as the feedstock for the partial oxidation process and the water as a temperature moderator for the reactor.