Abstract:
A fluid cooled electrical ionizer assembly includes a stack of honeycomb sheet-like structures of dielectric material with an electrode between each pair of honeycomb sheet-like structures. Alternate electrodes are electrically coupled together to each other and may be coupled to respective terminals of an electrical circuit. Fluid passages in the honeycomb sheet-like structures provide a place for fluid to affect electrical characteristics of the ionizer assembly and/or to provide for cooling. A method of assembling an ionizer assembly includes placing ionizer subunits including a dielectric honeycomb sheet-like structure and an electrode in parallel planar, overlying relation with the honeycomb. A method of cooling an ionizer assembly of dielectric honeycomb structure and electrodes includes directing a fluid through flow channels in the honeycomb structure.
Abstract:
A dispensing device for a bactericidal pellet such as chlorine tablets which is readily adapted to being placed on a hopper container for the pellets and which can dispense the pellets such as in conjunction with a well or a water recirculation system while employing a minimum number of parts. The pellet dispenser employs a unique rotor member with pellet carrying passages designed to dispense the pellets from the hopper and out of the pellet dispenser in an individual manner and without jamming. In the instance where pellets may become improperly placed in the pellet carrying passages so that the rotor does not properly move inside the rotor housing, a bi-directional self-reversing motor is utilized so that the tablet dispensing sequence will continue in an accurate manner. This is effected in part by a bidirectional rotor member which is able to dispense tablets in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner.
Abstract:
The disinfection of water or other fluid is accomplished by passing a stream of the fluid through a laser beam which radiates light in the ultraviolet range. A gas pulsed laser is disclosed which produces a beam having a substantial width and depth and a measurable length, as measured in the direction of fluid flow. The laser is positioned out of contact with the stream but with its beam filling the cross-section of the stream of water which can flow through a flume or over a weir. Flow meters are provided which adjust the rate of pulsing of the laser, and therefore the intensity of the ultraviolet light, in relation to changes in flow. Sensors are also provided to adjust the intensity of the laser for changes in turbidity or organic content of the fluid. In one embodiment the fluid flows through a spiral tube which directs the fluid to and fro through the laser beam. In another embodiment, the length of the laser beam is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the laser beam source and a diverging lens. The laser beam may be reflected off of mirrored surfaces, and utilizes the scattering of the ultraviolet light produced by suspended particles in the fluid being treated.
Abstract:
A fluid pump having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a pumping chamber, inlet and outlet check valves, and a pumping device that draws fluid into the pumping chamber and pumps fluid from the pumping chamber. The pumping device includes a pair of springs, a solenoid actuator, and a pumping diaphragm. During the energization stroke of the actuator, the movable member thereof moves substantially independently of the pumping diaphragm. One of the springs (51) instead urges the pumping diaphragm area (50) to cause a suction head in the pumping chamber. Since the strongest force output of a solenoid actuator ordinarily occurs at the instant of energization, the majority of such force output can be converted to work for storage in the other spring (72) during such energization without having to rely on such solenoid actuator to effect suction. After the solenoid actuator is deenergized, the second spring (72) effects substantially constant pumping pressure on the fluid in the pumping chamber.
Abstract:
A method of encapsulating a toxic material with a resinous plastic wherein the toxic material is admixed and coated with the resinous plastic to result in an encapsulated product having a protective skin thereover. The method involves an extrusion step followed by a severing of the extruded product into discrete particles for either subsequent injection or compression molding or additional extruding with additional resinous plastic. Geometric forms result which can indicate the type of toxic material as well as be of a size so as not to be ingested by animals and have imprinted warning indicia. Liquid as well as solid toxic materials can be encapsulated.
Abstract:
A method of photodegrading a metallic chelate complex wherein ultraviolet light is directed into an aqueous solution of a metallic chelate to photodegrade the metallic chelate and isolate the metallic portion. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength of no greater than about 210 nm and the method is especially adapted for photodegrading metallic chelates in electroless nickel plating baths and metallic ethylenediamine triacetic acid to recover the metallic portions as well as reduce toxic waste.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for effecting a chemical reaction, including a mixer/charger for simultaneously mixing and electrically charging a fluid input to produce a charged fluid output, chemical reaction containment vessel for containing ingredients undergoing a chemical reaction separately from the mixer/charger, and a coupling for fluidically coupling the charged fluid output from the mixer/charger to the containment vessel to influence the chemical reaction. The method includes simultaneously mixing and electrically charging a fluid input to produce an electrically charged fluid output, and delivering the electrically charged fluid to a medium undergoing a chemical reaction to influence the chemical reaction thereof.
Abstract:
A pair of flapper valves are mounted in parallel to control the flow of a fluid into a reservoir. The flapper valves are opened by a first rotatable cam which is rotated through one or more complete revolutions when a float control switch in the reservoir is opened thereby indicating a drop in the level of fluid in the reservoir. Each complete revolution of the first cam actuates an impulse switch for a short duration. The impulse switch energizes a low speed memory motor and increments the output shaft of the motor. Each increment corresponds to one complete revolution of the first cam and, therefore, one unit of a fixed quantity of fluid passing through the valves. The output shaft of the memory motor rotates a second adjustable cam that controls the actuation of a switch which in turn controls a dispenser for dispensing a chemical additive into the fluid added to the reservoir.
Abstract:
A diffuser for air or other fluids has a rigid body with an upper disc portion having a series of radially projecting fingers about its perimeter. The fingers are relatively narrow and blunt. A diaphragm formed of a soft elastomer has a rim portion which receives the fingers. The diaphragm overlies the disc and normally closes a central opening in the body. Spaces at the base of the fingers are not covered by the rim portion of the diaphragm and air or other fluid escapes through those spaces when it is admitted under pressure through the central opening in the body. A circular cylindrical wall depends from beneath the disc at the bases of the teeth to discourage the fluid from collecting beneath the disc. In another embodiment, the spaces through which the fluid passes are covered by an open cell foam in the form of a ring that surrounds the wall and that is held in place against the rim portion by a plate mounted to the body and seated against the bottom of the wall. The fluid is forced through the foam to exit as fine bubbles.
Abstract:
A fuel, such as coal, is prepared by mixing with a petroleum product and possibly other materials to form a grease-like substance. In a motionless mixer the grease-like substance is combined with air to form a foam-like dispersion of fuel and air. Such foam-like dispersion is delivered substantially continuously to a combustion chamber for combustion thereat. The combustion chamber is relatively closed and has means cooperative with the foam-like dispersion and the pressure of expanding gases of the combustion process to impede flow of the foam-like dispersion therein; consequently the foam-like dispersion is maintained at a pressure head to maintain the air dispersion therein. The speed and heat of combustion may be controlled by controlling flow rate or pressure of the foam-like dispersion. Means are provided for reducing pollutants and for efficiently transferring heat out from the combustion chamber.