Abstract:
A method for reducing particulate iron oxide and/or other iron units to molten iron utilizing gaseous hydrogen as reductant in a reducing furnace, in which the ore freely falls during the melting and reduction process. Reacted top gas is purified and recirculated through the reduction furnace, establishing a counter-flow relationship to the particulate iron oxide, thereby heating and reducing the oxide. The heat for reduction is generated by combusting a fraction of the hydrogen reductant with oxygen. Heat may also be supplied via the use of electric arc heating. Oxygen may be partially or wholly replaced with water in order to maintain reaction oxidizer ratios while reducing heat supplied to the reaction.
Abstract:
In a method for the production of steel in an environmentally benign fashion, energy sources other than conventional fossil fuels are used to produce reductant fuels. These reductant fuels are used for the reduction of iron ore and its conversion to steel. Furthermore, these reductant fuels may be stored in order to smooth fluctuations in the primary energy supply. Electrical energy may be stored to smooth out short term fluctuations in the primary energy source. Energy for the reduction and conversion process may be supplied in part directly from the primary energy source, avoiding inefficiencies in the production and storage of the reductant fuel. Possible primary energy sources include solar power, wind power, off-peak power supplied as part of load leveling plants, as well as conventional constant power output from an ordinary power plant.
Abstract:
An aircraft ground control system that moves an aircraft on the ground between landing and take off without external mechanical assistance from airport tugs or tow vehicles or reliance on thrust produced by the aircraft's engines is provided. The aircraft ground control system interfaces only with an aircraft auxiliary power unit or other aircraft power supply, but otherwise operates independently of aircraft systems. A system integrator and controller links cockpit controls designed to actuate the transmission of power to system components and to activate system components only under predetermined conditions with selectively activatable drivers in driving connection with one or more aircraft wheels to move the aircraft on the ground at selected torques and speeds.
Abstract:
The invention disclosed is a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage for driving an aircraft on the ground, comprising: an axle; a strut supporting said axle; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said axle; and drive means for driving said at least one wheel; characterized in that said drive means is disk shaped and is external to said wheel. In one embodiment of the invention, said drive means is mounted on said axle between said strut and said wheel. In a second embodiment, said drive means is mounted on said axle, on the side of said wheel furthest from said strut.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for assessing the activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents. In some embodiments, methods for assessing the activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents involve determining the extent of inhibition of acetylcholine release near the site of administration. In some embodiments, methods for assessing activity of topically administered chemodenervating agents involve observing a reflex motion of a limb of a subject.
Abstract:
A starter/generator machine for a turbine with a turbine enclosure, an air duct, and a plurality of fan blades is provided. The starter/generator machine includes a plurality of stator elements spaced at intervals in a ring shape adjacent to the air duct and a plurality of rotor elements mounted on the fan blades. The stator elements and the rotor elements are mounted to interact magnetically to exert a force sufficient to move the rotor elements. The stator elements are shaped to minimize air flow interference and are formed with a core, at least one pole, and multiple windings. The spacing between the stator elements and the rotor elements forms an air gap on the order of 5-10 mm, and the number of stator elements is different from the number of rotor elements.
Abstract:
The present invention is a ring generator with a rotor internal diameter equal to the turbine outside diameter, and having the turbine mounted on the inside of the rotor.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for driving an aircraft having an undercarriage wheel, comprising aircraft drive means for driving an undercarriage wheel, and a clutch disposed between said driven means and said wheel, wherein said drive means and said clutch are directly connected to the undercarriage apparatus. Said apparatus may have gears disposed between said drive means clutch, or between said clutch and said wheel. In a most preferred arrangement, the apparatus of the invention fits inside the hub of said wheel. When the invention is applied to an aircraft undercarriage wheel, the clutch allows the wheel to be disengaged for takeoff and landing.
Abstract:
A polyphase induction machine operated by an inverter drive system. The machine is constructed with concentrated full span windings. Twelve or more phases are used to sufficiently cover the airgap region, in contrast to the conventional three phases using distributed and chorded windings. Substantial efficiency and starting torque benefits are thereby obtained.