Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system designed for storing excess over demand energy generated by a steam cycle electrical generating plant during slack electricity demand periods and for recovering the stored energy to provide supplemental electricity during peak demand periods.The system utilizes one or more moving bed heat exchangers for transferring heat between the steam cycle of the power plant and a moving bed of refractory particles. Pipes and valves establish fluid communication between the heat exchangers and the steam cycle to supply fluid to selectively heat the moving bed of refractory particles or to cool them as the case may be.One or more insulated silos are provided for storing the refractory particles and means are provided for transporting the particles between the silos and the heat exchangers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling or maintaining the latent heat of vaporization in work producing cycles such as the Rankine cycle by eliminating phase changes by replacing the condenser in such cycles with a compressor and restricting or limiting the expansion to reduce compressor work requirements.The standard compound turbine prevalent today consisting of a single Curtis stage in tandem with pressure compounded stages has been replaced with several two-row Curtis stages.An alternative embodiment utilizes one or several two-row Curtis stages and a condenser as in the Rankine cycle but limits the expansion, maintaining a relatively high pressure typical in exhaust from this type of turbines. The high pressure maintains the temperature of the condensate sufficiently high to eliminate feed water preheating.Sacrifice of low pressure output is compensated in both cases by salvaging latent heat of vaporization which would not be possible economically, if expansion carried to the maximum.

Abstract: A power plant is disclosed in which a steam turbine/coal-fired steam boiler is integrated with an air turbine via using the convection section of the boiler to heat compressed air for the turbine, by indirect heat exchange with the flue gas, the hot turbine exhaust being sent to the boiler as preheated combustion air. In this way, only clean air reaches the turbine and not combustion products which would result from direct firing of fuel in compressed air, whereby coal may be burned instead of premium quality fuels. Platens in the radiant section of the boiler are used both to regulate flue gas temperature and take over some of the usual convection section services to release it for compressed air heating service.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a machine, and particularly an automotive vehicle, includes an energy storage device which selectively receives energy from the prime mover for storage via a predetermined path and delivers stored energy to the prime mover load via the same path. In the preferred embodiment the energy storage device is an elastomeric tube which is disposed for rotational movement about a shaft and secured at the ends to respective end members. Braking units permit selective braking and releasing of the end members relative to fixed supports. A set of planet gears are controlled by the brake actuation to drive a sun gear or be driven by a ring gear to effect energy inflow and outflow, respectively, from the elastomeric tube. The storage device is permitted to store energy or release its stored energy as a function of vehicle control and operational parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing the operation of one or more slave engines with that of a master engine in which a servomechanism automatically controls the operation of the slave engines to synchronize them with the master engine while each slave engine and master engine remains directly connected with a manually operable throttle to provide for concurrent operation and overcontrol of the engines so as to dominate the operation of the slave engines by the servomechanism.

Abstract: A miniature cryogenic cooling system having low microphonics and thermophonics. The apparatus includes a cold finger incorporating primary and secondary working volumes and their associated regenerative beds. Both volumes are adapted to effect cooling. A displacer reciprocates within the cold finger under the influence of push-pull pressure waves from a dual compressor assembly. The cold finger includes an arrangement for providing pneumatic cushioning of the reciprocating displacer to control displacer slamming.

Abstract: The invention relates to an atmospheric heater particularly for cryogenic fluids. Examples of cryogenic fluids which can be heated are liquified nitrogen and liquified oxygen.

Abstract: A cryopump having two refrigerator stages operable for producing progressively lower temperatures and at least one surface between the refrigerator stages and in such thermal communication therewith as to have, during operation of the refrigerator stages, temperatures which adsorb and desorb thereon at least one gas in the cryopump, having the improvement comprising:shield means extending over substantially all of the surface for substantially preventing the gas from circulating to the surface; andmeans for maintaining the shield means at a substantially constant temperature during operation of the refrigerator stages.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping gas continuously a plurality of articulated panels of getter material, each of which absorbs gases on one side while another of its sides is simultaneously reactivated in a zone isolated by the panels themselves from a working space being pumped.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for cooling cement which comprises injecting liquid nitrogen into a pneumatic transport line used to convey the cement.

Abstract: In a method of freezing a liquid such as cream, a continuous, pulsating stream of liquid is dispensed from nozzles onto a stream of liquified gas flowing along downwardly inclined channels provided by a trough. The liquid forms itself into discrete spheroidal bodies, a substantial number of which have a larger cross-sectional area than that defined by the outlet of each nozzle from which they are dispensed. The bodies are carried by the liquified gas along the channels and at least their peripheries are frozen by the time the bodies reach the downstream end of the channels. Freezing may be completed by gas cooling. The bodies are then separated from the liquified gas.

Abstract: A sorption unit will be equipped with a heat discharge controller (41) that can be monitored/controlled by the consumer (50) in order to make a simultaneous use of the sorption unit as heat pump and heat reservoir possible.

Abstract: This accessory transfer coil kit is designed to circulate various types of coolants through an air conditioner or heating unit, instead of circulating raw water through such units, which causes corrosion and scale build-up in the existing heat transfer coil of such units. Primarily, the kit consists of an exteriorly mounted coil, which is coupled to the existing coil unit. The kit further includes input and output coolant lines, and a coolant pump, a priming pump, a coolant temperature gauge, expansion pipes, and valves are included, for the efficient operation of the kit, when installed to such existing air conditioners or heating units.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is efficiently constructed of molded plastic materials, with a minimum of parts and simplicity in assembly. A blower shroud of a squirrel cage type blower extends the height of the cooler unit interiorly, and is secured by fasteners to a top panel and a base panel. Four side panels with air inlet openings are secured at their edges to the top and bottom panels. Water-retaining material is secured to the inside of each side panel, and the top edge of each side panel forms a water trough for dripping water down into the water-retaining material to be evaporated as air enters the unit. The water is circulated by a pump which draws collected water from a basin in the base panel and delivers it to the troughs.

Abstract: The rate of temperature change of an infrared detector produced by a cooling source in a typical Joule-Thomson cryostat (or other cooling device such as closed cycle cooler) is reduced by interposing a thermal filter between the detector and cooling source. The thermal filter comprises at least two layers of a first material having a good heat conductivity and high heat capacity, such as copper, separated by a layer of a second material having a high thermal resistance, such as an adhesive, e.g., a silicone rubber. The thermal filter of the invention is a thermal analog of an electrical filter which smooths out voltage or current oscillations.

Abstract: (a) A programmable knitting machine(b) Machine comprising a matrix formed of conductors (A.sub.1) intersected by conductors (B.sub.j) at a point of intersection (T.sub.ij), display means (4), means (11, 12, 15, 16) for bringing the conductors (A.sub.i and B.sub.j) into contact, and a microprocessor.(c) The invention concerns the programming of knitting machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a textile product with the use of low-temperature plasma includes a reactor, and an arrangement for transporting a textile product to be treated, located within the reactor and arranged to move the textile product between taking-up shafts. The textile product is passed through a passage in the reactor formed between a pair of electrode plates. A mechanism maintains a vacuum in the interior of the reactor, and gas is supplied into the reactor between the electrode plates. The electrode plates are connected to produce a low-temperature plasma therebetween. The textile product such as a cloth, string or yarn can be treated effectively using only small amounts of heat energy and water resource.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting a continuously moving textile material with a liquid comprises an enclosure, a plurality of upper and lower rolls located in the enclosure and being generally vertically arranged and horizontally spaced therein to upwardly and downwardly guide the textile material therethrough, a plurality of tank means located in the enclosure for containing a volume of liquid wherein the tanks are positioned in ascending arrangement so that the liquid cascades from one tank to the next to effect counterflow relative to the general path of conveyance of the textile material through the enclosure. A method utilizing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A washing and extracting machine includes a frame assembly on which a cylindrical housing is rotatably and pivotally mounted. The housing is connected to the frame assembly by releasable connectors each including a pin secured to the housing and a toggle latch mechanism mounted on the frame and actuated by a actuator. A hydraulic motor is secured to the housing to rotate it relative to the frame. An extensible cylinder is mounted on the frame and to a bracket secured to the cylindrical housing. Upon actuation, the extensible cylinder pivots the housing relative to the frame. The bracket includes a slot in which an end of the extensible cylinder is slidably positioned. A toggle latch is mounted on the bracket to lock the end of the extensible cylinder in the slot during pivoting of the housing.

Abstract: A method capable of continuously manufacturing a metallic bent pipe having straight pipe portions at both ends of a bent pipe portion which have been subjected to the same heat treatment as that for the bent pipe portion.

Abstract: The bending assembly for one or more tubes at a time comprises a matrix or ie with substantially smooth cylindrical skirt and a sliding block provided with a groove for receiving the tubes to be bent and angularly rotatable relative to the matrix or die. The matrix or die and sliding block, along with a bearing shoulder for the tube to be bent, are retractable in a direction at right angles to the bending plane. In addition to the bending assembly, the apparatus comprises clamping devices and also structure for automatic centering of the tube and taking up of the tolerance on the legs or between different bendings. These last mentioned devices are arranged in line in a same structure, the bending and clamping devices being mounted on slides.

Abstract: A rolling stand includes a frame and a pair of working rolls mounted on the frame centered on and rotatable about respective parallel axes and defining a nip so that a strip can pass in each of a succession of passes forming a single run through the nip so that with each pass the thickness and width of the strip are reduced. The ends of the working rolls project laterally beyond the longitudinal edges of the strip. Respective backing rolls mounted on the frame extending generally the full length of the working rolls are braced toward the nip against the working rolls to urge same against the strip. Tools displaceably mounted on the frame reduce the diameters of the projecting ends of the working rolls several times after respective passes during a single run so that the working rolls only contact the respective backing rolls along a diatance equal generally to the workpiece width.

Abstract: A bending mandrel arrangement for use in a machine for the simultaneous bending of a plurality of parallel reinforcing rods for concrete comprises a work support beam on which the rods rest, a trackrail mounted on said work support and having an upper open grooveway and a vertical wall, a plurality of mandrels having arms which engage in said trackway and abut said vertical wall so that the mandrel arms can be simultaneously urged into clamping engagement with said trackrail, and a bending bar which is movable around said mandrel arms to bend said rods.

Abstract: A fourslide metal wire and strip forming machine is provided with a removable drive motor mounted on a hinged door; a clutch shaft journalled in a plurality of bearings permitting easy removal and replacement of electric clutch and brake assemblies; a dual-speed drive shaft driven by a shiftable gear train, turning a reversible feed cam providing single and double feed cycles; a positive-action feed mechanism with resilient shock-mounting actuation for the feed carriage gliding on a low-friction ball-and-groove bushing; at least one tool-carrying angle slide cooperating with the conventional four slides converging upon the mandrel; an adjustable kingpost removable from behind the preferably vertical fourslide plane; and a supplemental "electronic handwheel" drive motor connected for reversible incremental actuation in small increments to facilitate tooling and feed assembly set-up operations.

Abstract: A movable piston is arranged within an open-ended cylinder, the piston having a peripheral groove for receiving liquid mercury to create a sliding gas-tight seal between the piston and the cylinder. The cylinder wall is provided with a plurality of openings, arranged to prevent mercury from escaping through said openings while permitting gas introduced into the interior of the cylinder to escape therefrom. When the piston reaches an equilibrium condition, the height of the piston represents the gas flow rate, which is determined by the flow rates through the total number of openings beneath the sliding seal. As an alternative embodiment, the flow rate is controlled by a downwardly moving piston. As another alternative embodiment, the piston is free to move up or down to compensate for fluctuations in pressure and/or flow rate within the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and system for experimentally determining response characteristics and strength capacity of submerged hull structures subjected to underwater explosion. This method and system allows testing in relatively shallow water, near the shore and in close vicinity of data recording and process equipment. Moreover, the test item is more accessible for inspection and modification/s, as necessary. This method and system also allow a more controlled environment independent of waves and weather.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for continuous analysis of a gas and particulate stream. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously analyzing a gas and particulate exhaust stream comprising metal fluorides to determine the fluoride concentration of such stream. A sampling nozzle communicating with a sampling line is placed in a gas and particulate stream. A gas-dissolving solvent is injected into a portion of the stream in the inlet portion of the sampling nozzle forming an aerosol. This portion of the stream and aerosol form a mixture comprising aerosol, gas and particulate which flows through the outlet portion of the sampling nozzle and through the sampling line. The aerosol in the mixture impinges against the inner surface of the sampling line wetting such inner surface with solvent; such mixture is scrubbed in the sampling line to enhance dissolution of gas in the solvent.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of open-tube supercritical fluid chromatography.

Abstract: The magnitude of a variable property of a tire such as the dynamic imbalance may be predicted by measuring lateral runout at positions close to the end of the thread pattern on both sides of the tire and determining the first harmonic runout values. The first harmonic runout values relative to the centerplane of the tire at different circumferential positions around the tire are arithmetically added. The largest sum at any point on the circumference of the tire gives an indication of the maximum dynamic imbalance of the tire. Tires can be screened by the system comparing this sum with predetermined amounts corresponding to the maximum acceptable dynamic imbalance or other standards and providing visual signals identifying those tires with the largest sum exceeding this predetermined amount or the other standards.

Abstract: System for testing pneumatic tires. A tire that revolves under a load is deformed at the area in which it meets the roadway. Such a deformation results in the tire having an effective rolling radius that is shorter than the radius it has while static and/or unloaded. According to the invention, tires are tested by determining their effective rolling radii. When tires having similar effective rolling radii are used on an automotive vehicle, the undesirable torque steer effect is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in packaging electronic systems for use in high temperature well boreholes. A fluid tight hollow body member or sonde is provided having unique longitudinally extensive hollow support and mounting members for electronic components. The hollow interior of the support and mounting members contain a bismuth eutectic alloy heat absorbant material for evenly distributing heat developed in the electronic componentry throughout the logging tool.

Abstract: An internal gate rotary vane fluid meter which has markedly improved performance as a result of precise control over the geometry and dimensions of the rotating elements and the fluid flow path. In particular, the outer diameter of the gate is the maximum possible which still allows the crescent to have an arc about the rotor axis which is sufficient to enclose the radial center lines of any adjacent pair of rotor vanes.

Abstract: A digital quartz accelerometer includes a pair of spaced double-ended tuning forks fastened at one end to a base and at the other end through a spacer mass. Transverse movement of the resonator members stresses one and compresses the other, providing a differential frequency output which is indicative of acceleration.

Abstract: A method and a system for testing the bonding of foam insulation (22) attached to metal. The system involves the use of an impacter (10) which has a calibrated load cell (12) mounted on a plunger (14) and a hammer head (16) mounted on the end of the plunger (14). When the impacter (10) strikes the insulation (22) at a point to be tested, the load cell (12) measures the force of the impact and the precise time interval during which the hammer head (16) is in contact with the insulation (22). This information is transmitted as an electrical signal (20) to a load cell amplifier (28) where the signal (20) is conditioned and then transmitted to a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer (34). The FFT analyzer (34) produces energy spectral density curves (power plotted against frequency in Hertz) which are displayed on a video screen (39). An operator, by observing the frequency point at which the curve terminates, may determine the quality of the bond.

Abstract: A fixture for mounting an ultrasonic transducer against the end of a threaded bolt or stud to test the same for flaws. A base means threadedly secured to the side of the bolt has a rotating ring thereon. A post rising up from the ring (parallel to the axis of the workpiece) pivotally mounts a variable length cross arm, on the inner end of which is mounted the transducer. A spring means acts between the cross arm and the base to apply the testing transducer against the workpiece at a constant pressure. The device maintains constant for successive tests the radial and circumferential positions of the testing transducer and its contact pressure against the end of the workpiece.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes an acoustical mirror that deflects an ultrasound beam generated by an ultrasound crystal toward an object under examination. The probe includes a thin flat motor whose rotor is controlled by a control system. The control system creates commutating signals that are applied to stator coils of the motor. An error signal that is related to the difference between the actual and desired positions of the object rotated by the motor is applied to the commutating signals to alter their amplitude or polarity to change the torque developed by the motor.

Abstract: This invention provides a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations having preselected frequencies. The sensor has a plurality of tuning mechanisms each being mechanically resonant with a different preselected vibrational frequency. The resonating vibrational movements of these tuning mechanisms apply varying stresses to a plurality of glassy magnetostrictive elements associated therewith. Each of the magnetostrictive elements is responsive to a different one of the tuning mechanisms. A magnetic biasing element imparts a magnetization to the magnetostrictive elements and a detecting mechanism associated with the magnetostrictive elements detects changes in the magnetization thereof caused by the varying stresses applied thereto.

Abstract: A magnetic transducer fits over and encompasses a rotatable shaft and has a primary or excitation magnetic assembly having a winding arrangement that is energized to provide a-c excitation for producing an alternating magnetic flux or field, adjacent to and within the shaft, which is modified as the shaft is torsionally stressed when torque is applied thereto. This stressing causes compression and tension in the shaft which alter the shaft permeability and thus vary the magnetic flux pattern in the shaft. The resulting or modified magnetic field is also a function of the shaft speed due to the shaft's armature reaction, eddy currents being generated in the shaft which develop a counter magnetic field that opposes and distorts the field produced by the primary winding arrangement. A pair of secondary or pick-up magnetic assemblies, having secondary windings, respond to the modified magnetic field and provide information signals relative to the torque and speed characteristics of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A resonator force transducer assembly includes an elongate base element, a first arm disposed generally in parallel with a front portion of the base element, a first hinge joining the arm near a rear end thereof to the base element at about the middle thereof, an elongate resonator element such as a quartz crystal attached to the front ends of the arm and base element to extend therebetween, a second arm disposed generally in parallel with a rear portion of the base element, and a second hinge joining the second arm to the base element. A third hinge joins the front end of the second arm to the rear end of the first arm to form a type of compound lever arrangement so that when a force is applied to the second arm to urge it either toward or away from the base element, a portion of this force is transmitted via the third hinge to the first arm to urge it either away from or toward the base element to thereby stress the quartz resonator element.

Abstract: A transducer for indicating changes of an applied physical force including a first electrically propertied means connected within an electrical circuit to create an electrical potential across the first means, a second electrically propertied means adapted to be placed in contact with the first means in a manner so as to reflect a linear relationship between the area of contact between the two means and the force applied to the second means. A preferred embodiment utilizes an elastomeric actuator to apply the force to the second means.

Abstract: A sampler for communicating with the interior of a vessel containing a slurry under pressure extracts a sample of the slurry from the vessel and conveys the same to a point of collection. The sampler includes a conduit having an inlet for communication with the interior of the vessel and an outlet to the exterior of the vessel, and a valve for selectively establishing and interrupting communication between the conduit inlet and the interior of the vessel. When communication is established, a sample of slurry flows into the inlet, through the conduit and to the outlet for collection, and when communication is interrupted a source of flushing liquid is coupled with the inlet to flush the conduit clean of residual sampled slurry. By virtue of introduction of flushing liquid through the conduit when slurry is not being sampled, residual slurry is prevented from settling out and/or hardening in the conduit and clogging the sampler.

Abstract: An electric starter apparatus for small internal combustion engines wherein engagement of a starter pinion gear with engine flywheel gear teeth is produced by the axial translation of a nut member mating with helices formed on the motor shaft. An elastomer drive and cushion member is interposed between the nut and pinion gear wherein axial displacement of the pinion gear is through the elastomer, as is the transmission of torque to the gear. The elastomer includes an annular axially extending projection received within an annular recess defined in the pinion gear whereby the recess partially confines the elastomer during torque transmission and engine cranking, and concentrically locates the elastomer relative to the motor shaft.

Abstract: An economical power take-off unit with a direct mount hydraulic pump that attaches directly and rigidly to the differential housing of an automobile or truck. When installed, the unit shares the differential gear lubricant and is an integral component of the vehicle power train. The unit can be remotely operated from the cab of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion or stationary. A one way roller clutch is used to protect the hydraulic pump and equipment when the vehicle is operated in reverse gear.

Abstract: A propulsion system for converting rotary motion into unidirectional motion and consisting of a frame, a pair of counterrotating lower members rotatably mounted to the frame and containing damping elements, a pair of upper members containing damping elements and rotatably mounted to the frame and positioned above the lower members, each at an angle to the lower member so that each contacts a surface of the member below it at a single point, and a motor and drive train for driving the lower members. Each lower member includes a pair of studs mounted at its periphery which engage radially extending posts mounted to its corresponding upper cylinder so that rotation of the lower member causes the upper member to rotate in the same sense and at the same angular velocity. The superposition of the damped upper members upon the damped lower members generates unbalanced centrifugal forces which create a constant unidirectional resultant force.

Abstract: A ball screw brake and stop assembly having an elastomeric compression pad or elastomer member circumferentially surrounding the ball screw and received in a counter bore of a non-rotating assembly having a bore receiving the ball screw with the pad confined on its outer diameter and at one axial end. A striker member, dimensioned to be receivable within an open axial end of the counter bore, functions as a stop member limiting axial movement of the ball nut. Upon projection of the striker member into the counter bore, further movement of the ball nut causes axial compression of the elastomer member providing resistance to further axial movement of the ball nut. At the same time, radial expansion of the elastomer member, caused by compression in the axial direction, causes the inner diameter of the elastomer member to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the ball screw to break rotation of the ball screw.

Abstract: An anti-jamming mechanism for a device providing linear rotary movements consisting of a simple one-piece collar having split end portions with one of the portions anchoring the collar to a rotatable and axially movable sleeve driven by a screw mechanism, the other end portion acting as a spring-like flexible finger reacting against a stepped stationary housing portion to stop rotation of the sleeve while permitting its axial movement upon continued rotation of the screw until the finger clears the end of the step, whereupon the sleeve is permitted to rotate freely with the screw without further axial movement.

Abstract: Three clutch system for operating the composite transmission power train of a farm tractor, comprising first and second power shift clutches, and a master clutch connected by intervening gearing in separate paths to the different power shift clutches so as to be in series with either one. The power shift clutches are selectively connected by electrical hydraulic controlling means to a tractor engine at an engine connected end of a speed transmission in the power train; the master clutch is at the output end of the speed transmission, connecting it to a range transmission which completes the composite transmission power train hereof. A digital microcomputer chip is responsive to manually controlled engagement and disengagement of the master clutch and to other critical control parameters, and is programmed to monitor and control the three clutch controlling means.

Abstract: An impact damping or cushioning means is provided to overcome the noise occasioned when a reciprocating slide block member, to which steering rods are secured, is limited in motion by engaging the ends of a housing slot in which the member slides. Such slide block is secured to a drive rod in the housing, which may be a pinion driven rack or operated by a pressure piston, and protrudes through the slot for connection to steering rods. The construction effects a damped or cushioned initial impact engagement of increasing resilient resistance up to the point of metallic non-yielding engagement of either end of the slide block with the respective end of the slot. Thus, the cushioning means at each end of the travel is of deforming, compressible rubber-like plastic material compressed in comfinement during initial impact in a recess which may be in the slide block or in the housing slot edge.

Abstract: A plurality of lock bolts are flexibly stacked in a frame at a lesser angle above the horizontal than the frame is slidably mounted in a rack and pinion jack-up rig's horizontal part. The steeper frame mounting angle reduces sliding friction by the vertical component of gravity. The flatter mounting angle of the lock bolts increases bolt locking efficiency that is a maximum at the horizontal. Free ends of the lock bolts project beyond the frame and are adapted to engage and disengage with the rack of the rack and pinion jack-up rig, the rack being oppositely mounted on the vertical part thereof. The frame is slidably actuated by an hydraulic cylinder pivoted to the horizontal part and the frame. The projecting free ends are roughly wedge shaped for engaging with the rack, and have arcuate lower engaging surfaces and flat upper engaging surfaces, the last of which extend from respective vertical abutments to define a steeper angle than opposing rack engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A microtome actuable both manually and by a motor, with a single coupling element, whereby rotation of the hand wheel when the motor drive is engaged and thus the risk of injury by the manual grip are excluded. The coupling element is located in the hand wheel and is capable of locking in two positions by means of pulling and rotating, the respective positions establishing the manual or motor drive mode. The drive mode is made readily apparent from the outside by means of symbols. In the hand wheel, an equalizing weight for the object carriage is provided.