Abstract: A gantry crane for facilitating the installation and removal of cast iron hearth plates in a refractory incinerator includes an elongate rectangular frame assembly having parallel side and parallel end members. An elongate central beam, positioned between and parallel to the side members, is movable along the end members, and a user-actuable lift mechanism is mounted for movement along the central beam. A plurality of support legs support the frame assembly above the hearth plates within the incinerator, and the lift mechanism is positioned over the individual hearth plates by adjusting the positions of both the central beam along the end members and the lift mechanism along the central beam. After raising a hearth plate, the plate can be removed from the incinerator by moving the lift mechanism along the central beam and the central beam along the end members. The size of the gantry crane is adjustable so as to permit use within similarly designed incinerators of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in cleaning residue from boiler tubes including a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a wall having a plurality of openings permitting airflow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. A vacuum is generated in the upper chamber and filter bags surround the openings for filtering air flowing through said openings. A vacuum hose is connected to the lower chamber and is adapted to be connected to one end of the boiler tube. An air driven tool is inserted into the opposite end of the boiler tube to remove material from the inside of the boiler tube. The bottom of the lower chamber defines a trough adapted to receive particulate material cleaned from the elongated tubes. An auger is housed in the trough for selectively discharging the particulate material from the trough. A spray nozzle is also provided for wetting soot as it is discharged from the trough.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing for low pressure operation of a high pressure boiler including a low pressure relief valve mounted on the boiler and adapted to release steam from the boiler at a steam pressure lower than the pressure developed during high pressure operation of the boiler. An electrically operated control valve is provided for selectively connecting the low pressure relief valve to the boiler, and the valve is controlled for precluding connection of the low pressure relief valve to the boiler until the steam pressure in the boiler drops below the relief pressure of the low pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A trailer of the type for use in supporting machines such as snowmobiles, lawn and garden tractors and the like. The trailer includes a frame supported for pivotal movement about the axis of the trailer axle such that the rearward end of the trailer can move toward the ground such that the bed of the trailer is inclined to thereby facilitate loading of a machine onto the trailer. The trailer also includes a draw bar having a forward end including a hitch device adapted to be connected to a vehicle, and the rearward end of the draw bar is pivotably connected to the trailer frame and bed forwardly of the vehicle axle. A lever assembly is also provided for mechanically lifting the forward end of the trailer bed with respect to the draw bar so as to cause the rearward end of the trailer to move downwardly toward the ground to a loading position.

Abstract: A blowdown system for controlling blowdown of a boiler such that the level of dissolved solids in the boiler is carefully controlled. The system includes a blowdown tank connected to the bottom of a boiler. Controls are provided for causing blowdown when the content of dissolved solids in the boiler water reaches a first level. Surface blowdown is caused when the dissolved solids reach a second level and a controlled or modulated increase in surface blowdown can then be provided so as to cause surface blowdown proportional to the level of dissolved solids in the boiler water. Blowdown can also be provided through alternate water columns.