Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of unusable fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.

Abstract: A shredder for reducing used solid waste material to chips is described. The shredder and a storage container for the shredded wood are a part of a single mobile unit for on-site shredding and removal of shredded waste. A single drive engine is used to propel the vehicle in typical highway travel mode and also to power the shredder and auxiliary motors. A special vehicle drive unit/shredder coupling system is used to minimize torsional stress and strain on the drive engine. A lift mechanism is used to lift the pallets into the shredder and a paddle/pressurized air system is used to convey the shredded waste to an attached trailer.

Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for an enlcosed space in a building is comprised of a refrigeration subsystem handling the enclosed space sensible heat load and of a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem handling the enclosed space latent heat load. The dehuymidification subsystem primarily utilizes available heat from the refrigeration subsystem for liquid desiccant regeneration and dehumidifies ventilation air from the ambient atmosphere for subsequent mixing with enclosed space recirculated air to control the relative humidity within the enclosed space to a desired level. Total system performance efficiency is improved by a novel method of operation of system elements.

Abstract: Chocolate mold filling apparatus having chocolate molds having different number of cavity, cavity volume, cavity fill opening height, and cavity fill opening spacing characteristics. Each mold further has a base flange which incorporates a process code keyed to the mold different characteristics. A sensor detects the base flange process codes and controls a connected conveyor, chocolate metering pump, and chocolate mold fill tube.

Abstract: A refrigeration fluid flow control device for application to absorption refrigeration systems for either cooling or heating air is comprised of an inverted, generally U-shaped, dripper tube having a non-siphon bend which joins on inlet leg and an outlet leg. The inlet leg projects into a refrigeration liquid pool; the outlet leg directs liquid flowed by pumping and surface tension effects, and not by a siphon effect, to the active heat transfer surface of an absorption refrigeration system absorber, evaporator, or desorber assembly.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for compressing gaseous fluids, especially refrigerant gas vapors operating in refrigeration cycles, combining reciprocating pistons in a rotating cylinder member which is mounted for rotation in a stationary frame and is driven by an external source of rotative power. The cylinder block rotates in an encircling port ring member which contains inlet, interstage, and outlet port sets with the number of port sets, numbering more or less than the number of cylinders, to provide a vernier effect in the timing of connections between the port sets and the cylinders.

Abstract: One or more circuit-breakers (20 and 32) are installed into power pack circuitry 10 to prevent fire and destruction of the power supply 12 and circuits as a result of shorted components. One or more additional circuits 30 allow simultaneous use of more than one device or provide for a backup device should the first circuit fail. The circuit-breaker (20 or 32) permits quick recovery of the circuitry in dangerous situations such as mining or hunting activities. Batteries 12 of a power supply are attached to a specially designed adjustable belt 40 that allows the weight of the power supply to be positioned over the hips of a user thereby reducing back strain and discomfort. The weight of the power pack is further distributed over the user's body by means of a shoulder harness 70.

Abstract: A hybrid air conditioning system for an enclosed space in a building is comprised of a refrigeration subsystem handling the enclosed space sensible heat load and of a liquid desiccant dehumidification subsystem handling the enclosed space latent heat load. The dehumidification subsystem primarily utilizes available heat from the refrigeration subsystem for liquid desiccant regeneration and dehumidifies ventilation air from the ambient atmosphere for subsequent mixing with enclosed space recirculated air to control the relative humidity within the enclosed space to a desired level. Total system performance efficiency is improved by a novel arrangement and control of system elements.

Abstract: Construction scaffolding comprising adjacent end frames with joined vertical support members is provided with movable rung members that are extendible and retractable, that engage the exterior surface of the vertical support members, and that are secured to the support members by clamp members having quick-release threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A sterile plant growth system and a method of use including an upper plant growth container and a lower reservoir container and fluid communication through a wick from the reservoir to a plant growth medium in the plant growth container. The system is sealable and autoclavable, unbreakable, and reusable to provide sterile growing conditions.

Abstract: A method of determining the mechanical behavior of solid materials by using stress field modified miniature specimens. The method is an improvement in the method of determining mechanical behavior information from specimens only so large as to have at least a volume or smallest dimension sufficient to satisfy continuum behavior in all directions. Mechanical behavior of the material is determined from the measurements taken during the loading of the specimen resulting in the formation of cracks and/or the further propagation of cracks in the miniature specimen. The specimens include construction features for applying additional stress field modifying loads upon the specimens during the test. These additional loads result in a desired stress state in the specimen which could not be achieved otherwise. A particular example is the introduction of a transverse tensile load during a bend test to increase the transverse stress field to achieve plane strain conditions in a thin specimen.

Abstract: A heat pump system comprised of an internal combustion engine and a rigidly connected refrigeration compressor is provided with a vibration isolation support having compression springs which have spring rates and natural vibration frequencies that are substantially less than the lowest operating frequency of the internal combustion engine/refrigeration compressor combination.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a biased by-pass throttle valve that trims the flow of supplementary combustion air for mixing with basic combustion air and fuel induced in carburetor venturi. The by-pass throttle valve is controlled by an electrical stepmotor that is regulated by a pre-programmed microprocessor in response to sensed engine speed and engine manifold pressure conditions to thereby improve engine operating efficiency and reduce noxious emissions without utilizing catalytic converter equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for acoustically detecting different conditions of boiling occurring within a liquid and developing useful control signals correlated to the detected boiling condition. Distinctions are made between no-boiling, sub-cooled boiling, and full or rolling boiling conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in measuring the softness of a fibrous product comprises a piezoelectric polymer film sensor, preferably polyvinylidene (di)fluoride with adhered opposed electrode surfaces, a sample of the fibrous product in direct contact with one of the sensor electrode surfaces, acutation components acoustically activating the fibrous product sample to cause the film sensor to generate an output electrical signal, and a spectrum analyzer for characterizing the fibrous product softness from the output electrical signal.

Abstract: The function and advantages of a split hook and a mechanical hand are combined into a single unit obviating the complex and difficult process of interchanging hook and hand units while at the same time providing the dexterity of a hook for grasping and manipulating small objects and the prehensile function of an operable locking thumb including extending holding times without the need for cable manipulation. Covering the split hook members with finger-shaped material and adding rigid fingers enhances the cosmetic appeal of the unit.

Abstract: A method of determining fracture mode transition behavior (FMTB) of solid materials by using stress field modified miniature specimens. The method is an improvement in the method of determining mechanical behavior information from specimens only so large as to have at least a volume or smallest dimension sufficient to satisfy continuum behavior in all directions. FMTB of the material is determined from the measurements taken during the loading of the specimen resulting in the formation of cracks and/or the further propagation of cracks in the miniature specimen and/or fracture. The specimens are provided with grooves that induce additinal stress field modifying stress components in the specimens during the test. These additional stress components result in a desired stress state in the specimen which could not be achieved otherwise. The methods are useful in determining FMTB for the material, when the specimen thickness is smaller than previously thought necessary for valid FMTB determinations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the ultrasonic detection and evaluation of flaws in annular test objects including an arrangement of ultrasonic transducers that are rotated about the outer surface of the test object and provide an ultrasonic indication fo flaws in the object, and for electronically collecting, storing, and analyzing the flaw data gathered by the ultrasonic transducers, to further provide a predetermined objective indicia of acceptablility concerning the structural integrity of the test object.

Abstract: An outdoor-type gas lamp is provided with a photovoltaic solar cell means, a rechargeable battery connected to the solar cell means, a normally-opened electromagnetic gas valve means, and an ignitor means connected to both the photovoltaic solar cell means and the rechargeable battery means, with the photovoltaic solar cell means generating a bins voltage that closes the flow of illluminating gas through the gas valve means and blocks the flow of energy from the battery means to the ignitor means when energized by daylight.

Abstract: A fuelgas range is provided with multiple burners and control apparatus which assures flow of an ideal pre-mixture of fuelgas and air to each burner over a wide range of flow values and independently of each other burner. The control apparatus includes an air blower, an air plenum, and valve means for introducing air to the range burners from the plenum and maintaining the pressure of air in the plenum at a constant value.