Abstract: A high efficiency vacuum cleaner includes a debris transport passage and a plurality of debris inlets maintained in generally parallel spaced relationship with the floor. The total area of the debris inlets is less than or equal to the minimum cross-sectional area of the debris transport passage. Debris is removed from the floor in an air stream flowing into the debris inlets, the air stream generated by a vacuum source. The debris inlets may be mounted on one or more rotating heads, and the height of the debris inlets over the floor may be adjustable. The rotating heads may be driven by a motor and a belt drive. The belt drive system may be isolated from the airflow carrying the debris.

Abstract: An infrared remote sensing device and system for determining or allowing an inspector to determine whether a motor vehicle warrants an enhanced safety inspection to detect a defective or faulty brake system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus defining a combustion and fluidized heating system for the heating of ladles of the type commonly used in the foundry and steel industry is described whereby fluidized-bed technology is employed to achieve greatly improved fuel efficiency. In the method, the particles forming the substance of the bed are placed directly into the ladle. The same may be drawn from a prior heated ladle. In practice, the initial heating medium be it gas or liquid or solid or electric may be replaced in final heating by the direct introduction into the bed of solid or fluid fuel to achieve combustion within the bed itself. Alternatively the bed may be heated electrically as by immersion of an electric resistance heater in the bed. Control of the combustion and the fluidizing medium is inherent in operative characteristics of the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating ladles of the type commonly used in the foundry and steel industry is described whereby fluidized bed technology is employed to achieve greatly improved fuel efficiency. In the method, the particles forming the substance of the bed are drawn directly into the ladle from a mother fluidized bed unit wherein a flow balancing is effected to establish a relatively steady state, simultaneously as the flow to various ladles under treatment may be changed. The invention is particularly adapted to the use of coal as a fuel.