Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus (201) that use electrostatic and/or electromagnetic fields (203) to enhance the process of spray forming preforms or powders (8). The present invention also describes methods and apparatus for atomization and heat transfer with non-equilibrium plasmas (24). The present invention is also directed to articles, particularly for use in gas turbine engines, produced by the methods of the invention.
Abstract:
A residential method for treating water with an ozidizing gas operates under elevated pressure. The elevated pressure is obtained by means of a pressurized oxidizing gas source (e.g. an air pump) or a prandtl layer turbine. The elevated pressure of the treated water is optionally used to dispense the treated water. The prandtl layer turbine may be used to obtain particularly fine bubbles of a gas (e.g. bubbles from about 1 mu to about 20 mu in diameter) in a liquid.
Abstract:
A residential method for treating water with an ozidizing gas operates under elevated pressure. The elevated pressure is obtained by means of a pressurized oxidizing gas source (e.g. an air pump) or a prandtl layer turbine. The elevated pressure of the treated water is optionally used to dispense the treated water. The prandtl layer turbine may be used to obtain particularly fine bubbles of a gas (e.g. bubbles from about 1 mu to about 20 mu in diameter) in a liquid.
Abstract:
A cyclonic separation device (20) is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit (46) in flow communication with an inlet (32) to a cyclone (30) is located and configured to extend longitudinally through a central portion of the cyclone (30), whereby the sharp bending of the conduit may be reduced, thereby reducing pressure losses in the device, without unduly interfering with the cyclonic flow within the cyclone. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators. The cyclonic separation device may be incorporated in a vacuum cleaner such as an upright vacuum cleaner. A three dimensional conduit which is optionally used with a cyclonic separator is provided.
Abstract:
A plate (10) supports a venturi (11) within a conduit (20) and divides the fluid flow stream into a first stream which flows through the venturi tube (11) and a second stream which bypasses the venturi tube (11). A variety of adjusting mechanisms are disclosed for varying the cross-sectional area of the bypass flow. The apparatus is adapted to allow the back pressure within the venturi tube (11) to force an increasing proportion of the flow stream to bypass the venturi tube (11) in order to maintain a relatively constant aspiration rate within the venturi tube. The adjustment mechanisms disclosed include a second plate (12), similar to the first plate (10), which is manually rotated and a blocking ring (60) which moves responsive to changes in rate of flow of the fluid flow stream. Helical passages (605) may also be provided at the outlet to promote mixing.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for filtering a dirty air stream in a vacuum cleaner to obtain a clean air stream comprises subjecting the dirty air stream to a first cyclonic separation stage (32) to obtain a partially cleaned air sream and subjecting the partially cleaned air stream to an electronic filtration stage (50) and optionally a second cyclonic separation stage (60) to obtain the clean air stream. The electronic filtration stage (50) is optionally removable with a cyclonic cleaning stage from the vacuum cleaner. The electronic filtration stage (50) is optionally an electrostatic precipitator which utilizes air flow through the vacuum cleaner to generate the voltage used by the electrostatic precipitator.
Abstract:
A process and reactor for chemical conversion is taught. The process allows the selective breaking of chemical bonds in a molecule by use of fast rise alternating current or fast rise pulsed direct current, each fast rise portion being selected to have a suitable voltage and frequency to break a selected chemical bond in a molecule. The reactor (500) for carrying out such a process includes a chamber (514) for containing the molecule and a generator for generating and applying the selected fast rise current.
Abstract:
A generator is taught which uses alternating current or pulsating direct current to produce ozone from oxygen. The generator comprises a high voltage (212) and ground electrode (210) separated to form a gap (18) for accommodating a dielectric member (214) and gas to be reacted. The generator includes many features which may be used alone or in combination to provide an energy efficient and safe apparatus.