Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage of flowing liquids from pipes includes an upstream flow-rate sensor positioned between a source of a flowing liquid which is conducted from a source to a destination terminal such as a VAV heat exchanger, and a downstream flow-rate sensor positioned between an outlet port of the destination terminal and a return line for the flowing liquid. The apparatus includes electronic control circuitry which is responsive to a differential flow-rate between upstream and downstream measured flow rates which exceeds a predetermined limit value in removing a valve-opening signal to the upstream shut-off valve, thus closing the valve to interrupt flow of liquid through the valve if the differential flow-rate signifies a leak. Optionally, the apparatus also includes a downstream shut-off valve positioned between the destination terminal and a return line, which is also closed in response to a differential flow-rate exceeding the limit value.

Abstract: A refrigerating machine equipped with a compressor has an intermediate-pressure portion in which refrigerant having intermediate pressure higher than the pressure of the refrigerant at the suction side of the compressor and lower than the pressure of the refrigerant at the discharge side of the compressor is allowed to be introduced, and a heat exchange circuit formed between a heat-source side heat exchanger and a using side heat exchanger. The heat exchange circuit branches the refrigerant flowing from any one of the heat exchangers to the other heat exchanger, carries out heat exchange between one branched refrigerant and the other branched refrigerant or the refrigerant before the branching so that the one branched refrigerant is set to gas-phase refrigerant, and the gas-phase refrigerant thus achieved is led to any one of the intermediate-pressure portion and refrigerant suction pipe of the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing a speaker phone with a telephone network includes switch means for selectively connecting said interfacing apparatus with a telephone network to permit either conventional or automatic answering. A coupler, responsive to ringing signals on the telephone lines discharges a charging capacitor to a level sufficient to cause the automatic, hands-free interconnection of the speaker phone with the telephone line. In one embodiment, a timer is provided for limiting the length of time during which the speaker phone is coupled to the telephone line. A reset switch is provided in cooperation with the timer to permit the timing cycle to be reset upon command, thereby to shorten the time of connection if desired. The system operates in either a timed or extended mode. To bypass the timer and indefinitely extend the time during which the answered call is coupled between the telephone lines and the speaker phone, an extend switch is also provided to override the timer.

Abstract: An improvement in a high pressure condensate return unit and a method of using such a unit are disclosed. In a high pressure condensate return vessel of the type which includes a receiver portion and a deaeration portion for separating non-condensible gases from the steam condensate for venting from the vessel, the improvement includes a throttle valve responsive to the level of condensate within the vessel for controlling the amount of condensate returned directly to a steam boiler or recirculated to the interior of the unit. When fully open, the throttle valve substantially causes all of the condensate pumped from the outlet of the vessel to be returned to the vessel for deaeration, whereas when the throttle valve is fully closed, all of the condensate is provided directly to the boiler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for absorbing a portion of the moisture removed from material woven on a fluid-jet loom. A shed of warp yarns is formed in the loom and a fluid jet is used to feed weft yarns into the warp yarns for forming a length of woven material. An opening extends at least the width of the length of material, and the material is moved over the opening. Air is pulled through the opening for removing moisture from the length of material as it moves over the opening. The air has a temperature greater than that of the surrounding atmosphere. The improvement includes reducing the temperature of the moisture-laden air to at least the dew point of the surrounding atmosphere for reducing the moisture content of the air before the air enters said surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A reciprocating preferably transparent break guard is disclosed for use in connection with a reciprocating machine, such as a bending machine. Adjustable switching means are operatively associated with the machine for controlling the actuation of a hydraulic piston connected to a frame for the guard. When the machine is in its upper position for receiving a workpiece, the switching means causes the piston to be actuated to maintain the guard in its upper position free from interference with the break. When the machine is actuated and starts its downward stroke, the switching means actuates a solenoid to release the piston causing the guard to drop smartly in front of the break thereby preventing the operator from accidentally inserting hands or fingers into the break of the machine. In its lowered position, the machine again actuates the switching means to operate the piston to raise the guard to its upper position.

Abstract: An energy conservation enthalpy control system utilizes a sensing unit for sensing the wet bulb temperature of sampled air, both outside air and return air, under conditions which approximate adiabatic saturation. The unit includes a housing adapted to pass filtered air through the unit. Water circulated throughout from a sump in the housing is intimately contacted and mixed with the air by a spray or an evaporative pad. A temperature sensing element located in the sump or in the airstream provides a signal indicating the wet bulb temperature of the air under adiabatic saturation conditions. The unit provides the inputs to a control system which operates to coordinate the operations of return air dampers, outside air dampers, and air conditioning equipment.