Abstract: A metering machine for filling capsules, each capsule having a hollow bottom shell and a hollow lid fitting one inside the other; the machine having a filling assembly for filling the capsules; the filling assembly having, successively in a preferred traveling direction of the capsules, an opening device for opening the capsules, a metering device, and a closing device for closing the capsules; the filling assembly also having a control device for ascertaining opening of the capsules, and a cleaning device for cleaning first and second seats respectively housing the bottom shells and the lids; and the control and cleaning devices cooperating with each other via a central control unit.

Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for packaging large series of similar articles or products which are delivered upon conveyor belts or the like, and wherein each subject to be packed is moved from the conveyor, while a bag is taken from a holder, blown up by air and kept by two gripper spoons, such that the bag can slip over the object, and the object is kept in the bag by a pusher.

Abstract: A saddle cinch comprises a belt and a breathable protective jacket fitted over the belt such that both longitudinal ends of the protective jacket are fastened respectively with two fastening segments located at both longitudinal ends of the belt, and that buckles fastened respectively with both longitudinal ends of the belt are located outside both longitudinal ends of the protective jacket, and further that the retaining rings fastened with the midsegment of the belt are located outside the protective jacket via the through holes located at the midsegment of the protective jacket. The protective jacket is provided in the outer surface thereof with a plurality of free grooves which are arranged equidistantly such that they intersect one another to form therebetween a plurality of knobs having a smooth top.

Abstract: A forage harvester is provided with a rotatable cutterhead (9), a solid cylindrical grinding stone (15), a motor (33) for moving the stone (15) along a path adjacent the cutterhead (9) and an adjustment mechanism for moving the stone (15) towards the cutterhead (9). During the final stage of the sharpening cycle the stone (15) is automatically moved along the path at a substantially lower speed in order to improve the finishing of the cutterhead (9), such that the shearbar (11) can be adjusted closer to the rotating cutterhead (9).

Abstract: A lawn mower deck protecting device including a lawn mower deck mounting portion comprised of a right side brace and a left side brace secured to the deck of the lawn mower. A stress bar couples with a handle of the lawn mower and the right side brace of the lawn mower deck mounting portion.

Abstract: A haymaking machine which includes a frame that has two windrowing rotors driven in rotation about substantially vertical axes, the frame having a linkage beam which connects the axle of the first rotor to that of the second rotor, the beam being articulated to the axle of the first rotor. The linkage beam includes at least one transverse joint shaft and the first rotor includes a toothed ring which meshes with a first gear wheel which is formed as one piece with a drive shaft and with a second gear wheel which is formed as one piece with a transmission shaft which extends to the second rotor and which includes a third gear wheel which meshes with a toothed ring of this rotor. The transmission shaft is housed in the linkage beam and is pivotable with the latter about the axle of the first rotor, the transmission shaft including at least one universal joint at the level of the joint shaft the linkage beam.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improvement in a lawn-cleaning device for picking up debris wherein flexible and deformable belts are used in an easily configurable compact structure whereby leaves and the like are pierced by spikes, tines or the like in repetitive motions of protrusion and retraction. Tines mounted on an inner belt protrude through spaced-apart suitably-shaped openings in an enclosing rotational member whereby debris is pierced for collection on the tines. Collected debris is automatically removed from the tines and collected in a debris receiver during retraction of the tines. The improvement comprises use of an inner belt provided with an array of outwardly-extending spaced-apart tines, constrained to move in a first pre-defined circuit within a second pre-defined circuit of an outer belt.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a new core wrap yarn which is strip resistant to the degree that it is able to be passed through a knitting needle at an entrance-exit angle of about 10.degree., at a tension of 100 grams and a speed of 100 meters per minute, without any apparent stripping or fuzz generation, wherein the method allows for convenient piecing-up operations.

Abstract: A steel cord (30) consists of a first group and a second group. The first group comprises two or more plastically deformed outer steel filaments (10) twisted around each other with a first twist pitch and the second group comprises one or more plastically deformed inner steel filaments (20) twisted around each other with a second twist pitch. The second group is twisted around the first group with a cord twist pitch. One of the inner or the outer steel filaments having a part load elongation of x %, all the other inner and outer steel filaments having a part load elongation of y %, whereby x and y fulfil the equation:x-0.10.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.x+0.10,and where all the inner and outer steel filaments have a deforming pitch that is substantially equal to the cord twist pitch.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a premixed lean burn combustor in a combustion turbine engine, the combustor having at least two stages (P,S,T), the control system including; an air flow evaluation module having means utilising an iterative algorithm to derive an accurate value of total air flow to the combustor, the evaluation module further having means dividing the derived total air flow value into the proportions (Mp, Ms, Mt) required by the combustor stages (p,s, t) and outputting signals in parallel representing the air flow to respective combustor stages (p,s,t), and a control module associated with each stage (p,s,t) of the combustor and responsible for setting the fuel demand signal for the associated combustor stage (p,s,t), each control module being adapted to set the fuel demand signal with reference to an appropriate one of said output signals.

Abstract: A vapor-air steam engine is described which operates at high pressure and utilizes a working fluid consisting of a mixture of compressed uncombusted air components, fuel combustion products and steam.In the new cycle described, working fluid is provided at constant pressure and temperatures. Combustion air is supplied adiabatically by one or more stages of compression. Fuel is injected at pressure as needed. At least about 40% to all of compressed air is burned. Inert liquid is injected at high pressure to produce steam and thus provide an inert high specific heat diluent vapor required for internal cooling of an internal combustion turbine or other type system.The use of extensive liquid injection inhibits the formation of pollutants, increases the efficiency and horsepower of an engine, and reduces specific fuel consumption. The new cycle may also be operated open or closed; in the latter case, the liquid may be recouped via condensation for regenerative reuse.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided with a plurality of compressors and a plurality of turbines. The compressors supply less than half of the oxygen received to the combustor chamber and thus fuel rich combustion occurs in the combustion means. A number of combustion ducts are positioned between adjacent turbines and oxygen is supplied to each of the combustion ducts from the respective compressor via the cooling passages of the respective turbine. Unburned fuel in the exhaust gases of the combustion means is mixed with cooling air in the turbines and is then burnt in the combustion ducts.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus for a catalytic converter has a pair of O.sub.2 sensors, arranged individually on the up- and downstream sides of the converter, and an electronic control unit for discriminating reduction of the purifying capacity of a three-way catalyst in the converter. This unit discriminates the reduction of the purifying capacity in accordance with the comparison between a decision value and the ratio between the respective frequencies of outputs from the O.sub.2 sensors. In the case where the O.sub.2 sensor on the upstream side is subject to thermal degradation, its decision value is corrected, or the decision itself is interrupted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for interrupting fuel metered to an engine during overrun operation. The engine is equipped with a catalytic converter and the method includes the steps of: determining a criterion for the temperature of the catalytic converter; checking to determine if the criterion satisfies a condition for the temperature of the catalytic converter which is characteristic for a high temperature of the catalytic converter; and, interrupting the metering of fuel to the engine when the condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-board monitoring of NO.sub.x trap performance is proposed that uses two HEGO sensors, one positioned upstream of the NO.sub.x trap, and the other positioned downstream of the NO.sub.x trap. When the engine A/F is reduced from lean to stoichiometric or rich operation to regenerate or purge the NO.sub.x trap the difference in the time it takes for the upstream and downstream HEGO sensors to switch from a lean to a rich indication provides a quantitative measure of the amount of NO.sub.x that was stored on the NO.sub.x trap during the previous lean period of operation. This measure is related to an estimated amount of NO.sub.x produced by the engine to infer the operating performance or efficiency of the NO.sub.x trap. The difference in the output voltage of the two sensors is compared with a predetermined value to determined when to terminate the NO.sub.x purge. When the efficiency drops below a predetermined value the time that the engine is run in a lean cruise mode is reduced.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: A device for judging the deterioration of a three-way catalyst comprising an upstream O.sub.2 sensor and a downstream O.sub.2 sensor which are arranged in the exhaust passage upstream and downstream of the three-way catalyst respectively. When the ratio of length of the output signal response curve of the downstream O.sub.2 sensor and the length of the output signal response curve of the upstream O.sub.2 sensor is over a threshold level, it is judged that the three-way catalyst has deteriorated. The threshold value is reduced as the mean value of the air-fuel ratio becomes off from the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method, and an apparatus for carrying out the method, for purifying exhaust gases from internal combustion engines is provided. The engines having a catalyzer system which includes a first catalyzer and at least one second catalyzer, arranged downstream of the first catalyzer, for the conversion of HC, CO and NO.sub.x exhaust gas constituents. Exhaust gases flow through both catalyzers during the entire operating period of the engine. The first catalyzer is suitable for at least the catalytic conversion of HC and CO exhaust gas constituents. In a first step of the method, the first catalyzer is operated over-stoichiometrically during the cold starting phase in order to reduce the HC and CO emissions and, in a second step of the method with .lambda.-controlled stoichiometric exhaust gas composition, the catalytic conversion of the exhaust gas in the first catalyzer is at least largely de-activated and takes place in the second catalyzer.

Abstract: A triad exhaust system comprising a diverter rotatably engaged with a muffler and an exhaust pipe. The diverter has a plurality of ports which are alignable with a muffler intake and an exhaust pipe intake. When the diverter is rotated to a "BOTH" position, diverter ports permit exhaust gasses to exit an exhaust manifold through both the muffler and the exhaust port. When the diverter is rotated to a "MUFFLER ONLY" position, a diverter port permits exhaust gasses to exit the exhaust manifold only through the muffler. When the diverter is rotated to an "EXHAUST PIPE ONLY" position, a diverter port permits exhaust gasses to exit the exhaust manifold only through the exhaust pipe. A quadrant bearing indicia is provided to permit an operator to ascertain the position of the diverter. A flexible cable may be attached to the diverter to permit operation of the triad exhaust system from a remote location such as from the motorcycle handlebars of a motor cycle.

Abstract: A control valve is provided in a line between a variable displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic cylinder. The control valve controls flow rate of working fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder according to a manipulated variable of a lever. The control increases a discharge of the hydraulic pump in association with the increase in the manipulated variable and also controls to suppress the discharge as the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump increases. A proper response corresponding to the operator's feeling can be realized in consideration of an actual pressure loaded on an actuator on the basis of a positive control system.

Abstract: Two synchronous hydraulic polyphase motor-generators with axial cylinders are connected by rigid or flexible pipes. One functions as a generator, the other as a motor to transmit torque and power. Sinusoidal piston motion is developed without the use of cams. The pistons cause columns of fluid to alternate between motor and generator, producing synchronous rotation. Apparatus for synchronizing, coupling and decoupling the motive force are disclosed.

Abstract: A heater head for use with a thermal regenerative machine has a heater shell formed from a single piece of material. The shell has a tubular body with a cap-shaped end portion provided at a distal end and an open mouth portion provided at a proximal end. The heater head also has a mounting flange with a receiving portion configured to mate in fixed assembly with the open mouth portion of the heater shell. The mounting flange is constructed and arranged to mount the shell assembly to a housing of the thermal regenerative machine. The shell assembly and housing are hermetically sealed there between. Furthermore, a heater head for use with a thermal regenerative machine typically has a heater shell and a heat exchanger portion. The heat exchanger portion is formed substantially from a corrugated piece of sheet metal. The heat exchanger portion is affixed to an inner portion of the heater shell.

Abstract: A combination of a master cylinder and a fluid reservoir includes a master cylinder, a reservoir, and a pair of elastomeric seals between the master cylinder and the reservoir. The master cylinder has a first bore which defines a first reservoir seat and a second bore which defines a second reservoir seat. The first bore and the second bore are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The master cylinder also has a rigid snap-in attachment seat disposed between the first bore and the second bore. The reservoir has a first cylindrical seating projection and a second cylindrical seating projection spaced the predetermined distance from the first seating projection. A snap-in attachment member is disposed between the first and second seating projections for alignment with and engagement with the snap-in attachment seat. The seals are disposed between each of the first bore and the first seating projection and the second bore and the second seating projection.

Abstract: An annular inward turned flange and a plurality of ribs are integrally molded on an inner peripheral surface of an cylindrical portion formed at an upper portion of a reservoir for a master cylinder. The ribs extend from a lower surface of the flange and are disposed in a distributed manner in a circumferential direction of the flange. An annular flat surface area is formed on an upper surface of the flange, and a tip end of a working oil filler is placed into close contact with the annular flat surface area. Thus, when a working oil is filled under pressure into the master cylinder and its output hydraulic pressure circuit through the reservoir by the working oil filler, the urging force from the working oil filler can be reliably supported, and the deformation of the reservoir by a filling pressure cannot be produced.

Abstract: A seal heated by hot pressurized vapor is cooled by providing a chamber in which the seal is located and for containing vapor that leaks thereinto. The pressure in the chamber is reduced by connecting it to a source of low pressure; and liquid is supplied to the chamber at a pressure above the reduced pressure of the chamber and at a temperature below the temperature of vapor leaking into the chamber. The liquid is introduced into the chamber as droplets for contacting vapor that leaks thereinto thereby cooling the vapor and thus cooling the seal. The flow rate of the liquid is adjustable in accordance with the temperature of the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: Active magnetic regenerator and method using Gd.sub.5 (Si.sub.x Ge.sub.1-x).sub.4, where x is equal to or less than 0.5, as a magnetic refrigerant that exhibits a reversible ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic-II/ferromagnetic-I first order phase transition and extraordinary magneto-thermal properties, such as a giant magnetocaloric effect, that renders the refrigerant more efficient and useful than existing magnetic refrigerants for commercialization of magnetic regenerators. The reversible first order phase transition is tunable from approximately 30 K to approximately 290 K (near room temperature) and above by compositional adjustments. The active magnetic regenerator and method can function for refrigerating, air conditioning, and liquefying low temperature cryogens with significantly improved efficiency and operating temperature range from approximately 10 K to 300 K and above. Also an active magnetic regenerator and method using Gd.sub.5 (Si.sub.x Ge.sub.1-x).sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for delivering controlled doses of a liquid cryogen. Controlling a restriction in a return conduit and other system geometry maintains proper circulation through a delivery and return conduit, enabling reliable control over the temperature and pressure of the liquid cryogen at the site of dosing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant to a refrigeration device is provided. The system includes a mixing chamber that retains and produces the product, a compressor, and an evaporator secured to the exterior of the mixing chamber for providing freezing of the product being produced within it. The system further includes a expansion valve coupled to the evaporator that regulates the flow of the refrigerant through the evaporator. A scraper rotatably mounted within the mixing chamber is provided for scraping the frozen product from the interior surface of the mixing chamber. A beater motor rotates the scraper. An electronic control is provided for controlling the refrigeration cycle. The electronic control employs a microprocessor which is operated in accordance with an algorithm for controlling the operation of the expansion valve.

Abstract: An air cooling and control system for a refrigerated food merchandiser having an insulated cabinet with a product are having adjacent product zones, plural modular evaporator coil sections of substantially equal heat exchange potential and being of predetermined length and arranged in horizontal, spaced, end-to-end predetermined disposition and separate air moving means associated with each coil section and a corresponding product zone for circulating separate air flows through the coil sections and to the product area for cooling. The system further includes a first refrigerant metering valve for controlling liquid refrigerant flow on the high side of the evaporator sections, and a second refrigerant metering valve for controlling suction pressure and refrigerant vapor flow on the low side of the evaporator sections. An electronic control senses exit air temperatures downstream of the evaporator sections and operates the second metering valve in response thereto.

Abstract: An energy efficient HVAC system for motorized vehicles includes an HVAC selector switch for activating and deactivating one or more of the group consisting of an air conditioning mode, a venting mode, a heating mode, a bi-level mode and a defrosting mode; a temperature control switch for regulating an amount of hot or cold air produced by the HVAC system including an air conditioning compressor a device for activating the air conditioning compressor during the air conditioning mode, and a device for intermittently activating the air conditioning compressor during the defrosting mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat pump or air conditioner system is provided. The air conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, a cooling coil and an air mover (blower). According to the preferred embodiment, the air mover (blower) is activated at a time after the compressor has been activated to pre-cool the cooling coil and allow for more efficient and effective moisture removal. Also, deactivation of the air handler is delayed for some time after the compressor is deactivated to allow for utilization for the residual cooling ability of the cooling coil due to the presence of cold refrigerant in the cooling coil when the compressor is deactivated.

Abstract: A multi-air-conditioner includes an exterior unit, interior units and remote-controllers. The exterior unit collects operation data of each of the interior units, determines an operation condition, and transmits the operation condition to each of the interior units. The interior units transmit the operation condition to the exterior unit, receive the operation condition from the exterior units, receive the operation setting condition from the remote-controllers, set an operation condition based on the operation setting condition which is received from the remote-controllers and the exterior unit, and transmit the operation condition to the remote-controllers. The remote-controller receives the operation condition from the interior units and transmits the operation setting condition to the interior units.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration network including refrigeration system units constructed and arranged for placement in strategic proximity to corresponding product cooling zones within the shopping arena of a food store, each refrigeration unit having a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of its associated zone with an optimum floor space footprint in the shopping arena, and the condensing unit rack including a plurality of multiplexed compressors, condenser and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction conduits operatively connected to evaporators for cooling the corresponding zone, and the network also including another cooling source remote from said modular refrigeration units and constructed and arranged for circulating a fluid coolant in heat exchange relationship with the condenser to obtain optimum condensing and efficiency of said evaporators in cooling the corresponding zone.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided and includes a louver which is provided at a blowing opening. The louver is moved rotationally from above to below or from below to above by a variable speed mechanism. At the time of heating, a louver rotational speed while the louver is moved rotationally in a range of a blowing angle .theta..sub.1 is set to a speed .omega..sub.1 within a vortices generation area relative to a wind velocity of blowing air flow. Also, a louver rotational speed while the louver is moved rotationally over the blowing angle .theta..sub.1 is set to a speed .omega..sub.1 within a vortices non-generation area relative to the wind velocity of blowing air flow. Thereby, at the time of heating, downward reach of warm air in a room while the louver is moved rotationally below the predetermined blowing angle and a temperature diffusibility while the louver is moved rotationally above the predetermined blowing angle are improved.

Abstract: A temperature controlling method for a refrigerator and an apparatus therefor are provided, in which a sensing error between temperature sensors is corrected, thereby maintaining the interior temperature of the refrigeration compartment in equilibrium.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing ice vessels. Ice masses produced by ice making machine 3 is crushed to pieces by ice crusher 1. Then, the ice pieces are fed from an outlet chute 2A of the ice crusher 1 to one of female dies 12, which are provided on an endless conveyor 11. A male die 15 provided adjacent the ice crusher 1 is lowered to be depressed to the female die 12, thus molding ice vessel A. The molded ice vessels A are then transported in sequence to a terminal side 11A, at which they are detached from the female die 12 by a collecting plate 21 and then transported. According to the invention, there can be provided an apparatus which can make ice in proper quantities and is suited for mass production of ice vessels.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening section having a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes a coolant system defining a cold plate portion and a tower portion, a fluid system in heat exchange relationship with the coolant system and likewise defining a cold plate portion and a tower portion, means for dispensing at least one fluid from the tower portion, and a metallic unit comprising unitary cold plate and tower portions which respectively incorporate the cold plate and tower portions of the coolant system and of the fluid system.

Abstract: A glycol chiller comprising an elongate vertical sheet metal tank with front and rear walls, laterally spaced vertical end walls, vertically spaced top and bottom walls and a horizontal intermediate wall spaced between the top and bottom walls and defining a lower glycol chiller chamber and an upper glycol reservoir within the tank filler opening in the top wall, a flow through port in the intermediate wall conducting glycol from the reservoir into the chamber, a plurality of spaced apart partitions in the chiller chamber defining an elongate zig zag glycol flow passage with upstream and downstream ends within the chamber, glycol inlet and outlet fittings communicating with opposite ends of the flow passage and projecting from the tank to connect with glycol return and delivery lines extending from a related heat exchanging device; a motor driven pump downstream from the inlet fitting and operating to continuously recirculate glycol through the flow passage and the selected heat exchange device; an electric p

Abstract: An energy transfer system for a household refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a first venting system within the refrigeration appliance for cooling a cooling storage compartment and a second venting system within the refrigeration appliance for cooling at least one component of a refrigeration system which cools the cooling storage compartment, and a first and second set of conduits for enabling the transfer of outside air into, through and out of the first and second venting system. In one form of the present invention, the system may also include a thermostatically actuated valve for enabling outside air into, through and out of the compartment in response to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Unit for distribution and/or collection of cold and/or of heat, including: (a) a main exchanger (1) of heat between a refrigerant fluid (2, 21, 22) and a heat transfer fluid (3); (b) a means for producing cold with a means for heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid; (c) a closed main circuit (3) for continuous free circulation of the heat transfer fluid; (d) at least one heat transfer fluid drawing loop (7 to 11); characterized in that the flow cross-section of the main circuit (3), the maximum refrigerating power of the means for producing cold, Pmax, expressed in W, and the main heat exchanger (1) are sized relative to one another in order to satisfy, in operation, approximately the relationship: P.sub.Max =f.sub.m .times.c.times..DELTA.T, in which: f.sub.m is the mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, expressed in kg/s; c is the mass heat of the heat transfer fluid, in liquid form, expressed in J/kg/.degree.K.; .DELTA.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, as mounted on the outdoor unit or indoor unit of an air conditioner system, is formed with a plurality of passages for a refrigerant. To this heat exchanger, there is connected a refrigerant distributor for distributing the refrigerant to the individual passages or for collecting the distributed refrigerant. This refrigerant distributor is constructed by soldering two corrugated plate members to form a refrigerant conduit between the corrugations. Before these plate members are soldered, the refrigerant conduit is either partially constricted to form a throttle portion or partially bulged to form a filter portion by fitting a filter member in the bulging portion when the plate members are soldered. Thus, the refrigerant distributor can set the diversion of the refrigerant to a predetermined ratio by the simple device while reducing the space and lowering the cost.

Abstract: A unit capable of simultaneously producing liquid nitrogen of ultra high purity and liquid oxygen of ultra high purity, is provided. The inside of a first rectification column 6 is demarcated to an upper rectifying part 12, a middle rectifying part 13 and a lower rectifying part 14. To the upper part 11 above the upper rectifying part 12 is connected a nitrogen condenser 8. A second rectification column 7 has a reboiler 24 provided under its rectifying part 22. Ultra high purity liquid nitrogen is recovered from between the upper rectifying part 12 and middle rectifying part 22 of the second rectification column 7, where it is brought in countercurrent contact with gas evaporated by the reboiler 24 provided below the rectifying part 22 so that lower boiling point components are separated therefrom. Thus, ultra high purity liquid oxygen is recovered from below the rectifying part 22 of the second rectification column 7.

Abstract: A protector for use with a conventional pierced earring having a post. The protector is arranged for disposition within an opening extending through the earlobe of a person. The protector comprises a clutch member and a tubular flanged member. The clutch member has a hypoallergenic, e.g., titanium, flanged front portion, a rear portion, and a central passageway extending through it. Plural projections are mounted on spring fingers to extend into the central passageway of the clutch member. The tubular flanged member is formed of a hypoallergenic material, e.g., titanium, and has a flanged front portion and an elongated rear portion. The elongated rear portion has a free end having a pair of annular recesses extending thereabout.

Abstract: A free standing earring of hollow cross section in which the design motif in the form of surface ornamentation is continued from an outer arcuate surface over an inner planar surface to give the impression of a solid cross section.

Abstract: A washing machine having a rinse mode for rinsing laundry placed in a tub of the washing machine. Rinse mode control means controls water supply to the tub and rotation of the tub to carry out a spin dry rinse mode. The spin dry rinse mode includes a first operation during which water is supplied into the tub while the tub is rotated and a second operation during which the supply oft water is stopped and the tub is rotated. The washing machine further includes means for detecting the amount of laundry put into the tub. A rinse time change means controls the time for spin dry rinse mode in accordance with the amount of laundry detected. Thus, time can be saved and water conserved while still effectively rinsing the laundry.

Abstract: A multi locking hasp apparatus using two padlocks with lock keeper loops, two pivotally mounted jaws and a common back plate joined to the jaws at its pivotal mount. The free upper ends of each jaw engage holes in a hasp to lock the two members together as long as both padlocks remain locked in place. Should one of the two padlocks be unlocked and its keep loop removed from the jaw and back plate, the other padlock can be removed from the hasp's hole without unlocking it. This permits a series of secure areas or compartments to have a common lock with a common key or combinational lock while others may also unlock the other locks with individual keys or combinations.

Abstract: A handcuff for dual use as a quick-release training device and an actual restraint device, which has a bail and an arcuate ratchet member with teeth. The handcuff includes a locking assembly, disposed within a bail, that has a pawl having a first end pivotally coupled to the bail and a second end with teeth pivotal between a secured position in which the teeth of the pawl engage the teeth of the ratchet member and an unsecured position in which the second end of the pawl is separated from the ratchet member. The second end of the pawl further has a vertical shoulder for engagement with the flange of a key inserted within the locking assembly for manipulating the pawl between the secured and unsecured positions upon rotation of the key. A stop member is disposed above the pawl and movable in and out of contact with the pawl upon engagement with the key to prevent the pawl from being placed in the unsecured position when the stop member is in contact with the pawl.

Abstract: A lock guard (10) for use with a padlock (200) and a conventional tractor trailer door latch system (100). The lock guard (10) comprises a main housing unit (11) dimensioned to cover the door latch system (100) and including an exterior auxiliary housing unit (13) provided with a cut-out (61) dimensioned to receive a padlock (200) and an interior center piece unit (13) having an aperture (42) dimensioned to receive a portion of the padlock for captively engaging portions of the trailer door latch system.