Abstract: A window for mounting in an inclined roof surface has a frame structure and a sash structure, which is hingedly connected (13-15;51-53) with the frame structure for pivoting about a horizontal axis relative thereto, and in which an insulating pane (3;33) is mounted. The top, bottom and side members (1,2,4,5;31,32,34,35) of the frame and sash structures are made from wood profiles with exterior cladding members (16-18;46,48) of weather-protecting material which, in the closed position of the window, overlap the spaces between the frame and sash structures and the hinge connection between the structures.

Abstract: A method of assembling window or door frames includes the step of injecting, and partially setting, adhesive (14) in at least one intermediate space (13) between the glass (3) and the frame sections (1) whereby the gears and frame section are adhesively bonded. The frame section (1) has at least one intake channel (1) for adhesive (14) extending through it and connecting the intermediate space (13) for the adhesive (14) to the outside of the frame section, and the adhesive is injected therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frame that is placed at an opening portion in a partition provided in houses and the like, and specifically an adjustable frame comprising a plurality of frame adjustable fasteners including: a fixing member including an external thread member having a cylindrical manner for being incorporated at a partition side of an opening portion in a partition provided in houses and the like, and a base member for rotatably supporting said external thread member; and an internal thread member for being rotatably engaged with said external thread member and for installed in a frame body. The adjustable frame allows the external thread member to be turned, thereby adjusting its length, capable of fixing to the opening portion of the partition. Further, if necessary, the adjustable frame may be comprised of a pair of frame members having the width where a first frame member and a second frame member overlap in part in a thickness direction of the partition (wall thickness).

Abstract: A wall spine assembly for a modular office system comprises a plurality of individual panel assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies includes a vertical support structure and mechanically affixed lower panels in a rigid box-beam structure. Facing panels are removably attached to support brackets mounted on the vertical supports. A cavity exists between the facing panels and vertical supports to permit the lay-in of cabling through the office system. A crown member is provided on the top of the vertical support and is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of accessories above a desk or other work surface attached to the panel. The panels, and especially the crown, permit the mounting of office components such as shelves, storage cabinets, lighting fixtures and the like anywhere along the horizontal length of the wall. A horizontally telescoping vertical end post is also provided.

Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.

Abstract: An early warning leak detector. The early warning leak detector is placed in a hole is formed in the sealed deck of a roof. The early warning leak detector has an exterior shell having a nipple for connecting the early warning leak detector to a hose. Located within the exterior shell is a one way valve. The one way valve allows water to pass through the early warning leak detector while maintaining any negative pressure between the roof deck and the roof membrane.

Abstract: A expansion joint cover for covering the top or exposed side of an expansion joint in a structure. The expansion joint cover includes a plate having top and bottom faces, and a pair of sides. The plate also has a plurality of spaced apart fastening holes therethrough extending between the top and bottom faces of the plate. Each fastening hole comprises upper and lower portions. The outer diameter of the upper portion of each fastening hole is greater than the outer diameter of the associated lower portion of the respective fastening hole such that each fastening bore has an annular shoulder formed between the upper and lower portions of the respective hole.

Abstract: A finished flooring underlayment is disclosed including a flexible membrane which is resistant to water, mold and deterioration under wet or dry conditions, and which has intertwined filaments bonded to the membrane surface that act as mortar reinforcement and as gauges to provide a uniform thickness of application for cementicious mortar. The mortar is provided separately and is mixed to a suitable consistency with either water or latex additive, then poured or placed on the mat, utilizing the gauges provided by the filaments to effect a uniform thickness of application. This mortar hardens to a strong, load bearing surface or slab suitable for application of finished flooring.

Abstract: A clear, permanent form, for steel reinforced concrete structures. Sections of the clear form, are to be factory extruded, from a clear polyvinyl chloride material, so as to make the assembly of the forms, the installation of the steel and utilities, and the inspections that are required, easier. The clear forms will protect the steel reinforced concrete structures from the elements that cause these structures to fail. The clear form consists of two factory extruded profiles, that are totally different in shape. The sections that make up the form, can be modified, cut to any length or angle and assembled on site. It takes two sections, of one profile, to form both vertical sides of the form, and two sections, of the other profile, are horizontally inserted, between the vertical side sections, to create an elongated empty container. The assembled clear form is 7⅝ inches wide and 8 inches high, and is open on four sides.

Abstract: A system for building shaft casing for dumb-waiters in a building structure with prefabricated assemblies that are readily stackable over each other. One lower, middle and top assemblies constitute the minimum combination typically used in going from one floor to the next. However, the middle and upper assemblies can be repeated depending on the structure where the system is installed. The assemblies include each four elongated corner members with respective ends that receive connecting pin members that permit the structurally stable stacking up of the assemblies. A central and continuous passage is defined. The lower assembly includes two apertures with adjacent compartments within the central passage one to have access to the dumbwaiter and the other one to access the motor and control means. The top assembly has an aperture to provide access to the sprocket mechanism used with the chain that suspends the dumbwaiter within the shaft casing.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall form system which can be taken to a construction site, joined to other wall forms to form a wall, and filled with concrete. The wall form has an outer wall and an inner wall, each of which can be made from gypsum wall board, plywood sheathing, OSB sheathing, medium density overlay plywood, cement board, rigid foam board, exterior gypsum sheathing, steel siding, steel or aluminum sheet, or fiberglass panels. The outer and inner panels are braced by a series of horizontal, zigzag wires. Vertical wood strips having horizontal grooves corresponding to the wires are used to hold these wires in place. Electrical boxes, plumbing conduits, electrical conduits, doors, windows, and floor joist pockets are made by including a wood mold inside the wall mold, forming the desired hollow structure within the concrete.

Abstract: A supplemental reinforcing structure for supplementally reinforcing an existing reinforced concrete pier and a reinforced concrete pier reinforcing method facilitating and simplifying field work, and capable of saving time and labor necessary for field work and of improving the quality and reliability of field work. A closed steel plate structure is constructed so as to surround a reinforced concrete pier with a space formed between the closed steel plate structure by connecting a plurality of steel elements including flat steel elements (6) having longitudinal mating edge portions (5) for forming mechanical joints and angular steel elements (7) having longitudinal mating edge portions (5) for forming mechanical joints and a shape resembling an angle iron. The mating edge portions (5) of the adjacent steel plates (6, 7) are joined together to connect the adjacent steel plates (6, 7). A freely formable hardening material is filled in the space and is made to harden therein.

Abstract: A utility pole comprises an inner structure disposed within an envelop formed of a different material than that of the inner structure, thereby enabling the combination of the qualities inherent to both materials in a single utility pole. The utility pole may be of a modular construction for allowing equipment and accessories to be integrated to the utility pole. For instance, a transformer may be added between two adjacent sections of the inner structure of the utility pole.

Abstract: A light-gauge truss framing element constitutes a longitudinal constructional beam having a uniform generally T-shaped cross-section, in which a vertical portion of the cross-section defines a web of the beam and a transverse horizontal portion defines a symmetric flange. The beam comprises a material having a thickness in a range of about ten to about twenty-two gauge and having a yield strength in a range of about thirty-six to about fifty-five kips per square inch. The web, in transverse cross-section, resembles a compressed V-shaped element which may be selectably reinforced through the use of rods or stiffening elements internal or external to the apex of the V-shaped web.

Abstract: A web-reinforced wood joist defines a top edge surface, a bottom edge surface opposite to the top edge surface, a first lateral web surface, and a second lateral web surface opposite to the first lateral web surface. A longitudinal metal reinforcement is applied to at least one of the first and second lateral web surfaces. This metal reinforcement includes at least one sheet metal strip formed with integral teeth distributed at predetermined intervals along the entire length thereof and driven into the wood to fixedly secure the metal reinforcement to the joist's wood. This web-reinforcing method is suitable to reinforce any type of elongated structural wood members to improve their strength in bending, direct tension, direct compression, direct shearing and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.

Abstract: In a tubular bagging machine with two cross-sealing jaws 1, 2, which are movable toward one another and thereby cross-weld a foil tube, product that moves between the cross-sealing jaws 1, 2, interferes with the cross seam, and results in a leaky cross-seam of a tubular bag. In order to reliably recognize entrapped product 10, it is suggested to measure the performance resistance of the servomotor on the cross-sealing jaws 1, 2, which are moved by a servomotor drive 4, in order to determine product entrapment. The machine controller 8 can additionally receive from the drive 4 a value for the jaw position, which position value corresponds to a desired momentary jaw pressure. A product entrapment is determined from a high or measured performance resistance value from the desired value. A reliable product entrapment recognition is achieved through the use of the light-metal cross-sealing jaw.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping an item, such as a floral grouping is provided. The wrapping material has a bonding material on a surface so that, when the wrapping material is formed into a wrapper, the wrapper may be releasably attached to a mounting surface, such as a board or wall, by way of the bonding material.

Abstract: A combination custom printed form and container and method of using is provided. In a preferred embodiment, custom information for a prescription is printed on the form which includes information and warning labels to be attached to a prescription drug vial and information such as receipts and patient counseling information. After attaching the labels to the prescription drug vial, the prescription drug vial is placed in the associated container which is given to the customer.

Abstract: A portable storage and display case for toy action figurines. Compartments, located within the case, allow the user to strategically place the figurines within the case. Transparent walls facilitate use of the case for display purposes in addition to allowing the user to quickly assess its contents and easily locate desired figurines within the case.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided with a sealing block and inductors embedded in the sealing block. Each of the inductors is partially exposed above the surface of the sealing block and is provided with a first pressing portion for pressing the packaging material. The sealing apparatus also includes counter elements, each of which is disposed in opposing relation to the inductors so that packaging material can be squeezed between the counter elements and the inductors. In addition, a voltage applying device is provided for inductors and the counter elements are provided with a second pressing portion at a position corresponding to the portion of the packaging material that is nearer to a liquid food than to the sealing zone.

Abstract: Drums or vessels with bungs or orifices having generally cylindrical walls with edges capable of being sealed-against are sealed with closures that deform into contact with those edges and provide seals that are tamper-proof.

Abstract: A packaging device for continuously forming and filling a package having a plurality of separate sealed cavities comprises a plastic film winding barrel, a vacuum cavity forming device, a filling means, an aluminum foil winding barrel, a pressing sealing means, and a cutting machine. The vacuum cavity forming device causes the plastic film to be formed with a plurality of cavities. The filling means pumps liquid material into each of the cavities holes. Aluminum foil is adhered to the strip plastic casing by a pressing sealing means. Finally, the cutting machine serves to the cut the strip casing to complete a packaging process.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for delivering tablets or performs to an encapsulating machine includes a number of vertically extending chutes, each capable of holding a number of tablets aligned in a row along the respective chute. A plunger mechanism temporary engages one of the tablets in the chute so as to prevent downward movement of the tablet and all pills located above it in the chute. A rotatable feed roll is located adjacent a bottom end section of the chutes and this roll has a number of tablet cavities, each capable of holding an individual tablet. Pivotable stop members are used to prevent temporarily downward movement of the bottom pill in each chute, this pill being located downstream of the plunger. These stop members move to a pill releasing position when the plungers are engaging their respective tablets in the chutes. Each stop member prevents downward movement of its respective row of pills in the chute past the stop member when the plunger is moved to a position of disengagement.

Abstract: A system for controlling the header speed of a windrower to a set point includes a variable displacement pump producing a variable outflow of hydraulic fluid for driving the header via two hydraulic motors, the system being characterized in that the pump is driven by a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having a duty cycle that is dependent on the speed and the acceleration of the header. When the header speed falls outside a window or range of speeds centered at the set point, header speed is used to modify the duty cycle of the PWM signal and bring the header speed back within the window. In addition, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is decremented if the acceleration of the header exceeds a threshold and the header includes disk type cutters.

Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner is provided in a header for a harvester having a pair of rollers, each supported on separate pivot arms and engagable with the slack and taut strands of the chain or belt. The pivot arms are mounted about a common pivot and are spring biased into engagement with the chain or belt by a common spring. When the drive direction is reversed, the normally slack side of the chain becomes taut and assumes a straight-line position between the sprockets or sheaves. The pivot arms will rotate about the pivot and the pivot arm on the strand that has now become slack will rotate to tension the slack strand. The biasing spring coupled to the two pivot arms biases the rollers against the two strands of the chain and provides a fixed tensioning force on the chain that does not require adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing communication cables with improved, more uniform impedance characteristics at signal frequencies up to and above 600 MHz. The apparatus includes an “inside-out” rigid twisting machine and at least two bobbins supported within each such machine. Each rigid twisting machine includes a drive for spinning each of the bobbins about their respective axes, and fly-off arrangement is provided for flying off an insulated conductor wire wound on each of the bobbins with substantially no tension in the wire when the bobbin attains a first rotational speed. Guides are provided for guiding the wires from each of the bobbins to a closing point where the wires are closed. A double twist bow arrangement is provided which includes second drive for twisting the closed wires at a second rotational speed to form a twinned cable.

Abstract: To provide an individual-spindle-drive type multiple twister that enables the position of a spindle that has stopped due to a malfunction to be promptly identified, thereby making it possible to drive and stop each spindle easily. An individual-spindle-drive type multiple twister M comprising a large number of twisting units installed in a line, each of which rotates a spindle so as to twist yarn Y1 released from a supply package P, and each of the spindles having a spindle drive source 8, wherein a switching means 23 corresponding to the spindle drive source 8 for each spindle is provided at the same or approximately the same height relative to a machine body in order to drive and stop the spindle drive source for each spindle.

Abstract: A chain link used in fabricating a flexible energy guide chain for supporting energy conduits from a fixed attachment point to a moveable consuming load. The chain link is composed of two parallel side plates and a base plate interconnecting the side plates so as to form a U-shaped passage for the conduits. A cover is pivotally mounted to one of the side plates by a hinge connection which permits pivotal movement between a first stable position wherein the passage is open and a second stable position wherein the passage is closed. The hinge exerts a spring force which resists movement of the cover from either of its stable positions toward the other stable position.

Abstract: In a control system for controlling at least one variable (TITm) of a process, the at least one variable (TITm) being calculated from a multiplicity of measured process variables (TATm, pCm), the measured process variables (TATm, pCm) in each case being measured via associated measuring sections (18, 19), the transfer functions (G2(s), G1(s)) of which have a different time response, an improvement in particular during transient actions is achieved in that, to avoid instability, correction means (21) which equalize the different time responses of the individual measuring sections (18, 19) are provided.

Abstract: A gasification power generation system includes: a gasifying section for allowing a fuel, such as coal, to react with a gasifying agent, such as air, to produce a gasified product gas; a power-generating section for generating electricity using energy obtained by burning the gasified product gas, which is produced by the gasifying section; and a preheating section for preheating the gasifying agent supplied to the gasifying section, to a self ignition temperature of, e.g., about 1000° C. The preheating section raises the temperature of air supplied into the gasifying section, to a high temperature of about 1000° C. when a fossil fuel, such as coal, is used as the fuel. Thus, it is possible to achieve gasification power generation with a high generating efficiency using inexpensive, simple constructions and to realize a stable and low NOx combustion of the gasified product gas.

Abstract: In a power generating plant which utilizes fuel gas for combustion at a predetermined pressure to drive a primary load, and where the fuel gas is supplied at a pressure higher than the predetermined pressure, an improvement is provided wherein a fuel gas expander is located downstream of a source of the fuel gas and upstream of a combustor for decreasing the pressure of the fuel gas, and wherein excess energy from the expander is used to drive a secondary load.

Abstract: Provided is a combustion chamber for producing a pressurized gas containing: a wall structure defining an interior chamber; an explosion chamber disposed within the interior chamber and arranged such that compressed air can contact an exterior surface of the explosion chamber to cool it, a first reflecting surface for reflecting a pressure wave within the interior chamber; a second reflecting surface for reflecting the pressure wave within the interior chamber, wherein the first and the second reflecting surfaces are constructed and arranged to resonate the pressure wave in the interior chamber; at least one first inlet for introducing a first gas into the interior chamber; and at least one outlet from the interior chamber for drawing off a pressurized gas from the interior chamber.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a drive arrangement arranged to rotate a first drive member, the first member being in screw-threaded engagement with a second member, the second member being in screw-threaded engagement with a third, output member, wherein the screw-threaded engagement between the first and second members is such that, when the first member rotates at a given speed relative to the second member, the second member moves axially relative to the first member at a first speed, the screw-threaded engagement between the second and third members being such that, when the second member rotates at the said given speed relative to the third member, the third member moves axially relative to the second member at a second, higher speed. The invention also resides in an aircraft engine thrust reverser system utilizing one or more of the above actuators for deploying cowls of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing deterioration of a nitrogen oxide (NOx) catalyst for an internal combustion engine. An output signal indicative of concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gas passing through the NOx catalyst is generated from a NOx sensor. Rates of change in the detected NOx concentration are calculated a plurality of times over a predetermined period of time after an air/fuel ratio becomes less than a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio. A representative value derived from the calculated rates of change in the detected NOx concentration is compared with a predetermined reference value for determining that the NOx catalyst is deteriorated.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for a lean burn internal combustion engine including a three-way catalyst, a hydrocarbon trap downstream of the three-way catalyst, a NOx trap downstream of the hydrocarbon trap, and an electrically heated catalyst located between the hydrocarbon trap and NOx trap. In one embodiment, the NOx trap includes an integral particulate filter having alternating blocked channels extending longitudinally. The inlet channels filter particulate matter and the outlet channels have a NOx absorbent wash coat for absorbing exhaust gas NOx. A method of controlling the exhaust system during cold start engine operation is provided to reduce cold start emissions. The method further includes a control procedure for activating the electrically heated catalyst for desulfation and particulate matter burn-off.

Abstract: A device for controlling the air/fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to an endothermal engine, in which a first and a second oxygen sensor disposed along an exhaust duct of the engine upstream and, respectively, downstream of a catalytic converter generate a first and respectively a second signal representative of the stoichiometric compositions of the combusted gases, the device having a first control circuit receiving as input the first signal and generating a correction parameter adapted to be applied to a quantity of fuel calculated in an open loop in order to obtain a corrected quantity of fuel for an injection unit of the engine, the device having a second control circuit which receives the second signal, supplies a correction signal to the first circuit in order to modify the correction parameter and has a control branch adapted to sample the second signal at a predetermined time frequency and to vary the correction signal when the difference between two successively sampled values is greater than a pre

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for an engine equipped with a turbocharger and an exhaust pipe having a NOx conversion catalyst therein. The system comprises a reservoir for storing pressurized air received from the turbocharger, a reductant injector in fluid communication with a reductant supply, and a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir and connected to the reductant injector. The reductant injector is responsive to an injection signal for atomizing and injecting a quantity of reductant into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe for introducing a quantity of air and reductant mixture into the exhaust gas flow upstream of the NOx conversion catalyst.

Abstract: A secondary air injection system for reducing the hydrocarbon emissions of an internal combustion engine that is provided with an air pump supplying air to the exhaust manifold of the engine through a check valve assembly and an elastomeric hose characterized in that a baffle in the shape of a helix is located internally within the hose so as to cause the exhaust pressure waves from the engine and passing beyond the check valve assembly to impinge upon the solid compound surface of the baffle and be divided and diffused as they progress along spiraling paths so as to prevent objectionable noises being generated in the hose by the pressure waves.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine. A plenum chamber has two ports, one which is connected to a header tube for conducting a stream of exhaust gas and another which is connected to a ram tube adapted to collect outside air provided by movement of a vehicle in which the internal combustion engine is installed. The plenum chamber is constructed so that the outside air is caused to travel thereinside at least a substantially non-zero set-back distance before being permitted to join the stream of exhaust gas. Preferably, the exhaust system also includes one or more reverse flow controllers associated with respective cylinders of the internal combustion engine, downstream from the exhaust ports thereof.

Abstract: A variable rate ride control is disclosed and adapted to control the ride of a machine having varying load conditions. The variable rate ride control system includes an accumulator arrangement selectively connectable to an actuator arrangement of the machine. The accumulator arrangement has a variable pressure rate so that the accumulator arrangement can adapt to varying load conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic controller, in particular for the control of the rotating mechanism of an excavator. In a hydraulic drive circuit a drive hydraulic pump (2) and a drive hydraulic motor are provided, which are connected via working lines (3, 4). The hydraulic controller includes an adjustment arrangement (9) for adjusting a setting piston (12) arranged between two setting pressure chambers (10, 11) and acting upon the displacement volume of the drive hydraulic pump (2). Further, a pre-control arrangement (8) is provided which acts upon one of the setting pressure chambers (10, 11) with a setting pressure, in dependence upon the pressure difference between two control lines (6, 7).

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharging system for an internal combustion engine including a turbine portion with adjustable turbine geometry for powering a compressor portion which delivers a pressurized charge air mass flow to the internal combustion engine air intake. A charge regulator controls the turbine geometry so that the cross-section of exhaust gas flow to the turbine portion is decreased with an increased working load of the internal combustion engine. It is further proposed that at least one heat exchanger is exposed to the charge air circuit so that heated air is fed thereto for heating such as to heat engine lubricating oil.

Abstract: Method, device and system for converting the kinetic energy of randomly moving particles into a usable form of mechanical energy. The device (74) includes a cylinder (75) which supports selectively permeable membranes (76) covered on one side with molecular gates. The cylinder (75) is encircled by another body (c) having stationary blocking surfaces (d) interposed between the selectively permeable membranes (76) to restrict the motion of particles contained between the cylinder (75) and the body (c). In a different embodiment, the device (74) may include a magnet for effecting ion separation. The method comprising the steps of selectively blocking particles moving in one general direction within the device while permitting the passage of particles in the opposite direction such that a vectorial force acting on the apparatus is generated.

Abstract: A method of operating a Kalina cycle power generation system, includes directing a stream of superheated binary working fluid to a turbine where it is expanded to produce power. A first portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to a distiller/condenser where it is transformed into a first concentration binary working fluid, having a first concentration of a component of the binary working fluid, and a second concentration binary working fluid, having a second concentration of the component. At least the first concentration binary working fluid is directed to a regenerative heat exchanger. A second portion of the expanded binary working fluid is also directed to the regenerative heat exchanger. The first concentration binary working fluid is transformed into a vaporized binary working fluid and the second portion of expanded binary working fluid is transformed into a feed binary working fluid in the regenerative heat exchanger.

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system according to the present invention has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, a turbine for expanding the heated compressed air to produce heat depleted expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity. According to the present invention, the system also includes combustible products producing apparatus for processing fuel to produce combustible products that include combustible gases and an external combustion chamber for burning the combustible products and transferring heat to the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted combustion products. The system also includes a closed Rankine cycle steam power plant having a water heat exchanger for vaporizing water and producing steam using heat contained in the heat depleted combustion products.

Abstract: A hybrid two stage expander having a first stage Stirling expander coupled to a second stage pulse tube expander. Both stages are pneumatically driven by a common reciprocating compressor in a typical application. The first stage Stirling expander provides high thermodynamic efficiency which removes a majority of the heat load from gas within the cryocooler. The second stage pulse tube expander provides additional refrigeration capacity and improved power efficiency with little additional manufacturing complexity since it has no moving parts.

Abstract: A process for in-line partial or complete freezing of products inside an enclosure comprising the steps of: introducing the products into the enclosure on a conveyor comprising an upper run and a lower run, the upper run including an upper face and a lower face; impregnating the conveyor with a cryogenic liquid by spraying the cryogenic liquid on the lower face of the upper run of the conveyor; bringing the product into contact with the conveyor and partially or completely freezing the product by heat transfer between the product and the cryogenic liquid retained in the structure of the conveyor; monitoring the impregnation of the conveyor; regulating the spraying of cryogenic liquid depending on the result of the monitoring. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various food processing methods and a food processing system minimize microbial growth while an animal, such as a chicken, is processed into food. During processing, temperature of an animal carcass and atmosphere surrounding the carcass are controlled by spraying gases and a mixture of ozone and water on the carcass, directing the gases through a passage in a wall to cool a processing area, and flowing the gases into atmosphere surrounding the carcass. Preferably, the gases include ozone and cryogenic gases recycled from a cryogenic freezer. The system uses a reduced amount of fresh water by recycling water used during food processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for ice seeding during cryopreservation of biological samples such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissues equivalents wherein ice seeding is performed by discharging a liquefied or chilled gas from a nozzle to the surface container containing the biological sample in cryopreservative. Inside a freezing chamber, containers are placed on racks that are located proximal to a sprayrail containing nozzles. Ice seeding is performed by discharge of liquefied or chilled gas from the nozzles to the container surface at the solid-liquid equilibrium temperature of the cryopreservative. Localized cooling of the container surface by the discharge results in ice seed formation within the container.