Abstract: An integrated control system for use with an engine connected to a generator providing electrical power to a switchgear is disclosed. The engine receives gas produced by a gasifier. The control system includes an electronic controller associated with the gasifier, engine, generator, and switchgear. A gas flow sensor monitors a gas flow from the gasifier to the engine through an engine gas control valve and provides a gas flow signal to the electronic controller. A gas oversupply sensor monitors a gas oversupply from the gasifier and provides an oversupply signal indicative of gas not provided to the engine. A power output sensor monitors a power output of the switchgear and provide a power output signal. The electronic controller changes gas production of the gasifier and the power output rating of the switchgear based on the gas flow signal, the oversupply signal, and the power output signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drilling counter sink fastener holes in composite materials with conductive foil lightning strike protection systems. Initially a non-destructive depth detector is scanned over a prospective fastener hole location. Then the depth of a conductive foil below a surface is detected. When the detected depth is less than a predetermined depth, a signal that indicates that a countersink fastener hole may be drilled is output. When the detected depth is greater than a predetermined depth, a signal that indicates that a countersink fastener hole may not be drilled is output.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprising a hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and plant for the pneumatic transportation of solid particles in the form of a diluted phase through a conduit (1), with which the transport air in said conduit is given a velocity which is at most equal to the air velocity chosen for a maximum particle load level. The free flow from the pressurized air source (3) is regulated on the basis of measured air velocity or on the basis of a state corresponding thereto, such as air pressure in the conduit, and an established relationship between the free flow and the said measured velocity of the air or a state (pressure) corresponding thereto, essentially independently of the particle load. There is thus maintained in the conduit a preferably constant transport air velocity with all different occurring levels of particle load.

Abstract: A buffer box for use in a vacuum drainage system. The buffer box defines a reservoir of known effective size which provides substantially consistently sized slugs of liquid which may be efficiently pulled up a vertical lift. The buffer box includes an outlet and an air intake orifice which may be sized relative to one another so that only liquid from the reservoir is evacuated. The outlet has an upper edge which may be spaced from a base portion of the buffer box at a height which optimizes liquid velocity out of the box and defines a level above which only water is evacuated from the reservoir.

Abstract: A bi-directional pneumatic conveyance system which relies upon a single pumping element, and which bi-directionally conveys an item therethrough based upon the position of the item is disclosed. Such a system has plural stations, sensors for sensing pressures at a designated area in each station, a connective tube network pressure generator that includes a pneumatic source and a valve device for internally arranging such generator to create pressure or vacuum conditions within the network, depending upon the state of the pumping element and the internal arrangement of the valve assembly. A control device responds to pressure indications from the pressure sensors and to operator commands in order to control the valve assembly and the pumping element to selectively depressurize and pressurize the tube network and thereby convey the carrier.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted feeding apparatus for delivering finely pulverized particulate materials, such as powdered metal, is disclosed in which a material holding hopper has a feeder tube extending into a lower disposed filling chamber subject to sub-atmospheric pressures to effect vacuum assisted gravity flow of the powder material into the filling chamber. Powder in the filling chamber is vacuum/gravity fed to a mold cavity until the cavity is filled, whereafter powder is accumulated in the filling chamber until the discharge end of the feeder tube is occluded by the powder to disrupt the feeding operation.