Abstract:
A unique filtration device (10) which continuously removes several gas phase contaminants from an airstream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with a selected liquid which can capture the gas phase contaminants. The wicking fibers (20) are generally disposed parallel and are formed into a filter element (12) which extends from the airstream to be cleaned into another airstream which can strip and carry away the unwanted gas phase contaminants. The gas phase contaminants are conveyed to the stripping airstream by a concentration factor induced molecular migration. The airstream to be cleaned is directed through a compartment (16) across which the filter element (12) extends so the complete airflow is through filter element (12). Filter element (12) also extends into another compartment (18) through which the stripping airstream flows. The wicking fibers (20) include internal longitudinal cavities (22) each with a relatively small longitudinal extending opening (24). The wicking fibers (20) are filled with the selected contaminant removing liquid through capillary action by which the individual wicking fibers (20) rapidly draw the selected liquid, with which they come into contact, through the internal cavities (22). The absorption liquid remains within the wicking fiber cavities (22) and generally does not enter the space between the wicking fibers, yet through the longitudinal openings (24) the liquid is in full communication with the airstream flowing past the fibers (20).
Abstract:
A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is placed between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50 DEG C to 100 DEG C above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to mixtures of difluoromethane ("HFC-32") and chlorine. More particularly, the invention provides azeotrope-like compositions of HFC-32 and chlorine.
Abstract:
A noise cancellation system which balances the photocurrents derived by a measurement signal and a reference signal of a sensor. The invention has application in any measurement device which detects a small signal in combination with high noise content and further utilizes a reference signal. The invention is useful in an optical measurement system by splitting an optical beam into measurement (28) and reference optical beams (26); passing the measurement through a sample cell (30) for measurement information; converting the measurement beam (28) and reference beam (26) into a measurement current representing information signals impressed on a current signal that is modulated by undesirable noise signals and a reference current representing said carrier current signal exclusive of said information signals and modulated by said noise signals respectively; generating a voltage source as a function of said reference current and a feedback control voltage resulting in the flow of a correction current modulated by said noise signals; and combining said measurement current and said correction current in a way which substantially cancels the undesirable noise signals from said measurement current and produces said feedback control voltage which comprises an output signal containing the information component of said measurement current. Other applications include acoustic, infrared, frequency or other types of measurement systems.
Abstract:
An immobilized cell bioreactor is provided, which bioreactor includes a tank (10) providing a compact and highly efficient system for biodegrading organic pollutants in a fluid. The tank (10) is generally cylindrical and includes a plurality of chambers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), the fluid flowing sequentially through the chambers to an end chamber (20) from which the fluid is discharged. The chambers support a volume of mixed biomass media. The tank can be operated either aerobically or anaerobically in a multi-phase treatment process.
Abstract:
A magnetic core-coil assembly generates an ignition event in a spark ignition internal combustion system having at least one combustion chamber. The assembly comprises a magnetic core of amorphous metal having a primary coil for low voltage excitation and a secondary coil for a high voltage output to be fed to a spark plug. A high voltage is generated in the secondary coil within a short period of time following excitation thereof. The assembly senses spark ignition conditions in the combustion chamber to control the ignition event. The assembly is constructed from sub-assembly parts that can be manufactured with existing machines at reasonable cost.
Abstract:
Azeotrope-like compositions of trifluoromethane, carbon dioxide, ethane, and hexafluoroethane are provided. The compositions of the invention are environmentally desirable for use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, blowing agents for polymer foam, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics.
Abstract:
1-Chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1233zd) or other olefin impurities are removed from 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa) by contacting the R-245fa in the liquid or vapor phase with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light providing an exposure of at least about 0.02 watts-hour/kg.
Abstract:
An air contamination monitor includes a sample heater connectable to an air source such as an aircraft engine bleed air port. The heater causes any oil and other hydrocarbons in the sample air to decompose into CO2 and H2O. A vacuum pump draws the heated air sample from the heater to a carbon dioxide analyzer. The response of the analyzer is recorded by means of a strip chart or paperless recorder.