Abstract: Automatic watering systems for hydrating a cut tree or the like from a reservoir of standing water are described herein. Automatic watering systems may include a water source comprising a tank and a supply-water reservoir within the tank. Water may be automatically delivered from the supply-water reservoir to a tree-receiving reservoir which may be associated with a tree stand. Water in the tree-receiving reservoir may be taken up by the tree to keep the tree branches green and supple. A controller detects water levels in the supply-water reservoir and tree-receiving reservoir to control operation of a pump which pumps water to the tree-receiving reservoir for continuous tree hydration. The tank and other components of the system can be made to have the decorative appearance of a gift package to enhance the appearance of the tree and surrounding decor.

Abstract: An air-cooled chiller system includes a heat exchanger including a first tube bank including at least a first and a second flattened tube segments extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relationship; a second tube bank including at least a first and a second flattened tube segments extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relationship, the second tube bank disposed behind the first tube bank with a leading edge of the second tube bank spaced from a trailing edge of the first tube bank; a fan creating an airflow across the first heat exchanger, the airflow flowing over the first tube bank prior to flowing over the second tube bank, wherein refrigerant flows in the heat exchanger in a cross-counterflow direction opposite that of the airflow direction.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a plurality of evaporator tubes through which a volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed and a separator to separate a flow of liquid refrigerant from a vapor and liquid refrigerant mixture. A distributor distributes a flow of liquid refrigerant over the plurality of evaporator tubes. One or more vents stacks direct a flow of vapor refrigerant from the separator to a vent stack outlet in proximity to a refrigerant pool of the evaporator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping system for closets with sliding doors (2) comprising: a damping device (1) and an actuating element (3), wherein the damping device (1) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of a door (2) through deformation of flanges (7) of respective supporting parts (5, 6) of said damping device (1) to allow the damping device (1) to be secured in the closet itself and to allow said damping device (1) to slide driven by the actuating element (3) during the relative movement between both; or the element actuating element (3) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of the door (2) through deformation of flanges (3c) of said actuating element (3), which allows it to be secured and to slide driven by the damping device (1) during the relative movement between both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping system for closets with sliding doors (2) comprising: a damping device (1) and an actuating element (3), wherein the damping device (1) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of a door (2) through deformation of flanges (7) of respective supporting parts (5, 6) of said damping device (1) to allow the damping device (1) to be secured in the closet itself and to allow said damping device (1) to slide driven by the actuating element (3) during the relative movement between both; or the element actuating element (3) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of the door (2) through deformation of flanges (3c) of said actuating element (3), which allows it to be secured and to slide driven by the damping device (1) during the relative movement between both.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a plurality of evaporator tubes through which a volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed and a separator to separate a flow of liquid refrigerant from a vapor and liquid refrigerant mixture. A distributor distributes a flow of liquid refrigerant over the plurality of evaporator tubes. One or more vents stacks direct a flow of vapor refrigerant from the separator to a vent stack outlet in proximity to a refrigerant pool of the evaporator.

Abstract: An air-cooled chiller system includes a heat exchanger including a first tube bank including at least a first and a second flattened tube segments extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relationship; a second tube bank including at least a first and a second flattened tube segments extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relationship, the second tube bank disposed behind the first tube bank with a leading edge of the second tube bank spaced from a trailing edge of the first tube bank; a fan creating an airflow across the first heat exchanger, the airflow flowing over the first tube bank prior to flowing over the second tube bank, wherein refrigerant flows in the heat exchanger in a cross-counterflow direction opposite that of the airflow direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging heat between two fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes an integrated blower with a diffuser fin baseplate. The baseplate includes diffuser fins on a surface of the baseplate. The diffuser fins are integrated with the blower. At least one channel is formed in the fins or baseplate for flow of a fluid through the baseplate.

Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger having a return manifold with a partition, a front wall, and a rear wall is provided. The partition separates the return manifold into a collection chamber and a distribution chamber. The front and rear walls define a fluid channel. The front wall has a plurality of perforations placing the fluid channel in separate fluid communication with the collection chamber and the distribution chamber.

Abstract: An absorption chiller assembly (20) includes a low-stage generator (42) that utilizes heat from vapor resulting from operation of a high-stage generator (26) and heat from another hot liquid such as coolant fluid associated with a prime mover (22). An example low-stage generator (42) includes an arrangement of conduits for directing flow of the two heat sources through the low-stage generator in a manner that both sources simultaneously interact with a refrigerant solution within the low-stage generator. A disclosed example includes an integrated diverter valve that is preassembled and packaged within an absorption chiller assembly. A disclosed heating mode in one example includes using an absorber (60) and a condenser (56) for heating fluid useful for heating operations.

Abstract: Detonators comprising a base charge of explosive material present a safety hazard for transportation and storage, especially when a plurality of detonators are packaged together. Disclosed herein are detonator protectors for the explosive ends of detonators that, at least in preferred forms, prevent ejection of shrapnel and/or explosive energy upon detonator actuation. Also disclosed are corresponding detonator assemblies, packages comprising protected detonators or detonator assemblies, and corresponding packaging methods.

Abstract: Fiber optic position transducer that includes a magnetic or electromagnetic element, one or more segments of magnetostrictive material, Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors, a rod of material that is impenetrable to magnetic fields, optical fiber. One or more of the sensors is fixed upon a segment of magnetostrictive material, which is fixed to a rod, and may only be displaced longitudinally. The Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors have different wave lengths and are made of the same optical fiber. The magnetic or electromagnetic element included may be made of NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) or metal alloys of TbDyFe (Terbium, Dysprosium and Iron), such as TX, Terphenol-D and others. It is applied to a control flow valve in an oil well, and it also refers to the calibration process of the position of the transducer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a fluid having a vapor-phase and a liquid-phase is provided. The heat exchanger includes a first manifold, a second manifold, a plurality of parallel channels, a mixing device, and one or more baffles. The parallel channels are in fluid communication with the first and second manifolds. The mixing device mixes the fluid flowing into the first manifold so that the fluid is a substantially homogeneous two-phase mixture of the vapor and liquid phases. The baffles are within the first manifold and ensure that the fluid enters the parallel channels as the substantially homogeneous two-phase mixture.

Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger having a return manifold with a partition, a front wall, and a rear wall is provided. The partition separates the return manifold into a collection chamber and a distribution chamber. The front and rear walls define a fluid channel. The front wall has a plurality of perforations placing the fluid channel in separate fluid communication with the collection chamber and the distribution chamber.

Abstract: An absorption chiller assembly (20) includes a low-stage generator (42) that utilizes heat from vapor resulting from operation of a high-stage generator (26) and heat from another hot liquid such as coolant fluid associated with a prime mover (22). An example low-stage generator (42) includes an arrangement of conduits for directing flow of the two heat sources through the low-stage generator in a manner that both sources simultaneously interact with a refrigerant solution within the low-stage generator. A disclosed example includes an integrated diverter valve that is preassembled and packaged within an absorption chiller assembly. A disclosed heating mode in one example includes using an absorber (60) and a condenser (56) for heating fluid useful for heating operations.

Abstract: Fiber optic position transducer that includes a magnetic or electromagnetic element, one or more segments of magnetostrictive material, Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors, a rod of material that is impenetrable to magnetic fields, optical fiber. One or more of the sensors is fixed upon a segment of magnetostrictive material, which is fixed to a rod, and may only be displaced longitudinally. The Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors have different wave lengths and are made of the same optical fiber. The magnetic or electromagnetic element included may be made of NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) or metal alloys of TbDyFe (Terbium, Dysprosium and Iron), such as TX, Terphenol-D and others. It is applied to a control flow valve in an oil well, and it also refers to the calibration process of the position of the transducer.

Abstract: A system for the measurement and surface data acquisition for optical fiber sensors containing Bragg gratings for the sensing of physical parameters originated from a set of oil wells, the system including: an optical system for signal processing, the signals being originated from physical parameters sensors installed in one single or in a set of oil and/or gas wells and resulting from the reflected wavelength in response to a perturbation of the physical parameter under measurement; an electronic system for signal processing for converting the optical intensity signals originated from the optical system into electrical signals with the aid of detectors that optimize the signal/noise ratio; and an optical switcher having an interface between a) and b), for expanding the number of monitored oil wells.

Abstract: An optical transducer 100, 200 and method for the simultaneous measurement of downhole pressure and temperature in a single- or multi-point configuration including a body 10a/10b with an elastic membrane 50 onto which at least one Bragg grating 60a/60b is attached, and at least an additional Bragg grating 60b/60a contained on the same optical fiber 30. The elastic membrane 50 conveys strain proportional to the pressure and temperature conditions to which is submitted said transducer to at least one Bragg grating 60a/60b, the portion of light not reflected by the Bragg gratings 60a, 60b continues along the remaining of the optical fiber 30.

Abstract: A fiber optics differential pressure transducer (100, 200, 300, 400) containing Bragg networks (118), said transducer being used to measure the differential pressure in a Venturi installed inside a pipe (1), through which a fluid like oil is displaced. The transducer comprises a body (110, 230, 360, 410) of different geometries and a diaphragm (2), at least one Bragg network (118) being attached on each of the surfaces of the same. The diaphragm (2) is placed parallel or transversal to the transducer's body (100, 200, 300, 400). The transducer (200) is isolated from the process fluid by flexible mechanical seals (201) which transmit the pressure up to surfaces of the diaphragm (2). The transducer (300, 400) is provided with two relief microvalves for the purpose of protecting the sensor [diaphragms (2)] in overpressure events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A reduced bleed vapor compression cycle environmental control system for an aircraft. The environmental control system provides conditioned external ram air to compartments such as the cabin, the flight deck, avionics compartment, and other equipment compartments, where conditioned air is needed. The system includes a first compressor for compressing the external ram air to cabin pressure and an evaporator for cooling the external ram air to a desired temperature. The system further includes a low-pressure water separator for removing moisture from the ram air prior to the external ram air being delivered to the compartment(s). The ram air compressor as well as a compressor for a refrigerant loop are driven by a turbine that expands a minimal amount of bleed air from an engine.