L-O-N-G life filter

C onsuming high energy to burn off the filtered carbon, most particulate filtration systems are inefficient and require costly filter replacement. Originally designed to save energy at power plants, this patented filtration system uses centripetal acceleration, instead of heat, to renew a metal-composite-filter media that never needs replacing.

Inlet exhaust gas drives a turbine that rotates the torque tube and filter discs. Gas exits the upper turbine housing, then swirls through the rotating filter media, trapping the particulate matter. Through centripetal force, the particulate matter is propelled radially off of the filter media where it drops into a collector. Remaining exhaust gas exists through perforations in the center tube.

In all turbines, efficiency is related to how effectively the fluid flows through the vanes. In this design, high torque results from holes cut in the center of cup-shaped vanes, reducing turbulence and allowing the gas to flow smoothly. The system may be configured for diesel engine applications, but requires an auxiliary motor to drive the turbine when exhaust-gas velocity is too low.

Ron Snyder, PCI Consultants, 4934 Washington St, Schnecksville, PA 18078; Tel: (610) 760-8644; Fax: (610) 760-0405; E-mail: [email protected] .

Reactive hybrid bearing

I n most bearing applications, overload conditions are the exception rather than the rule. While extra load capacity goes to waste during normal operation, engineers must typically consider maximum load conditions and over-rate bearing load capacity to prevent damage and extend life. By converting from rolling-contact to plain contact upon overload, the hybrid Linear Ball Transfer Bearing(TM)reacts, preventing bearing damage under impact or overload conditions.

Developed as a rack-support bearing for automotive steering gears, this bearing design extends Thomson's patented segment-bearing technology into many new applications. Self-aligning in the roll, pitch, and yaw axes, the bearing supports the steering rack against pressure from the pinion and eliminates stick/slip in either power or manual steering systems. Reducing friction by as much as 100 times compared to plain-type contact bearings, it offers lighter-touch (easier-to-operate) manual steering, and reduces power requirements, enabling downsizing of motors and hydraulic assist units in power-steering systems.

Its low-height profile (as low as 0.5 inch), saves space compared to traditional rolling contact bearings. Capable of operating at temperatures up to 500F, its load capacity exceeds 500 lbf for 2 million inches of travel. Its open geometry eases placement/ removal, and opens up other applications where engineers wish to place, move, and lift off a load such as in palletizing operations. Available in many configurations and materials, the product can be adapted for use as an axial guide for auto-seat slides, sliding doors, cargo platforms, and removable sliding tables.

Dave Roth, Thomson Industries Inc., 2 Channel Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050; Tel: (516) 944-1382; Fax: (516) 767-7952; E-mail: [email protected] .