Abstract:
A burner tube (1) for use in an oven such as a tunnel oven. The burner tube includes a tubular body (2) having an axially extending slot (3) therein and an inlet (6) for combustible gas, the burner tube further including a metal mesh (4) which covers the slot. In use, the burner tube defines a flow path for combustible gas so that combustible gas entering the burner tube at the inlet passes through the slot and exits the burner tube through a flow area of the metal mesh. The flow area of the metal mesh is greater than the area of the slot at the outer surface of the tubular body. In use, a visible flame is anchored to the flow area of the metal mesh and the metal mesh incandesces to produce radiant heat.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling a propulsion system of a space-borne object (e.g., a satellite) is based on the principle that temperature in the propellant tank of the propulsion system is directly proportional to the pressure therein. Accordingly, when pressure drops, the system and method maintains a desired pressure in the propellant tank by heating the tank. The amount of heat to be applied is determined based on an evaluation of thruster performance data collected during satellite test maneuvers. Heating of the tank may be coupled with the introduction of helium gas to provide a two-pronged approach for maintaining tank pressure. Alternatively, the helium gas may itself be heated prior to its introduction into the propellant tank. By maintaining a desired tank pressure, efficient performance of the satellite thrusters is assured.
Abstract:
A jerrycan comprises a container housing having four sidewalls, a base and a top. The jerrycan includes a manual pump unit and a water filter cartridge disposed within the housing, together with an externally mounted tap coupled to the water filter cartridge. A carrying handle is integrally formed with the top. When constructed the jerrycan is sealed and is both water- and air-tight. The container housing includes at least one internal brace member consisting of a hollow tube integral with the sidewalls.
Abstract:
A container (10) for liquids is provided, in which pressurisation of the container is used to force the liquid through one or more membranes to an output. The membranes are disposed across substantially an entire length of the container, and pass liquid in preference to air. As a result, the liquid may be extracted from the container in any orientation. A particular use for this kind of container is as a portable water bottle containing a filter (20).
Abstract:
A container (10) for liquids is provided, in which pressurization of the container is used to force the liquid through one or more membranes to an output. The membranes are disposed across substantially an entire length of the container, and pass liquid in preference to air. As a result, the liquid may be extracted from the container in any orientation. A particular use for this kind of container is as a portable water bottle containing a filter (20).
Abstract:
A container (10) for water comprising: a container housing (11) for holding water, the housing having a base, side walls and a top wall; a water filter (19) comprising one or more membranes (22) which are effective to pass water in preference to air under the influence of a pressure differential; an output valve (20) coupled to the water filter (19); and, a pump (18) for establishing a pressure differential across the walls of the container housing, wherein the container housing comprises a main volume (MV) within which the water filter (19) extends and a header volume (HV) above the water filter. For a given internal capacity of a water container of the present invention, the provision of a header volume ensures that the surface area of the water filter in contact with water in the main volume is constant so long as there is water within the header volume. This keeps the membranes of the water filter working at maximum efficiency for longer than they would otherwise. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a capacity of between 1 and 6 litres, more preferably between and 6 litres. Preferably, the ratio of the header volume to the main volume is at least 1:6, more preferably at least 1:5.
Abstract:
In the present invention we replace a standard dip tube in a fluid dispenser with a hollow fiber membrane that passes liquid in preference to gas. Under the influence of a pressure differential, any liquid in contact with any portion of the hollow fiber membrane passes through the wall of the membrane and travels internally along the length of the membrane to a dispenser head. The fluid dispenser is thereby capable of operating in substantially any orientation and is effective to dispense substantially its entire contents.
Abstract:
A tie-down system for a vehicle transporter comprises a tie-down apparatus for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter, comprising a vehicle support assembly, including a front deck and further including a rear deck that is variably positionable with respect to said front deck. At least four variably positionable securement devices are associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective flexible tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices to enable nonuniform variations in relative positions of the securement devices, each tension member portion capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices. A tension-applying mechanism is interconnected with each tension member portion to adjust the pull-down force on each of the securement devices and a tension-equalizing mechanism, interconnected with each tension member portion, capable of automatically distributing tension applied by the tension-applying mechanism among each tension member portion so as to substantially equalize said pull-down force automatically with respect to the four securement devices despite nonuniform variations in the relative positions of the securement devices, the tension-equalizing mechanism further capable of maintaining the substantially equalized pull-down force during and after adjustments of the relative positions of the front deck and the rear deck.