Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the protection of the leg of the operator of a weed whip, the device including a cylindrical wall having elastic mechanism at the upper end of the wall for securement to the user's leg and mechanism at the lower end of the wall for securement with respect to the foot of the operator.

Abstract: A simulated shoulder is provided for purposes of creating a costume. The shoulder includes a platform having an upper and a lower surface, horizontally disposed support columns defining the periphery of the shoulder platform, and a head supporting structure attached to the upper surface for support of an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder is attached to the head supporting structure and simulates a head or supports a costume mask. An elongated support column extends downwardly from the platform. The support column is attached at one end to the platform and spaced apart a sufficient lateral distance so as to accommodate a wearer's head. There is also provided an adjustable flexible strap attached to the support columns to hold the structure to a wearer and for supporting the shoulder platform.

Abstract: A garment comprises an outer shell and a support unit integrally secured thereto by an adjustable securement to allow an upper band of the support unit to expand and contract about a wearer of the garment relatively freely of the waistband of the outer shell so as to avoid collapsing it. The outer shell garment may thus be presented as a tailored, smooth finished garment with no indication that the support unit is beneath and the need to use a stretch fabric in the outer shell waistband is thereby alleviated, facilitating the look of a high quality tailored piece of clothing having a smooth, non-gathered waistband. Integration of the support unit into the outer shell also allows a closure and one or more stays of the support unit to be properly aligned or offset from the outer shell as needed to minimize or prevent bulges or lines in the outer shell.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly is provided that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. A chamfered washer is provided to cooperate with the retaining body and an annular sealing gasket to produce a fluid-tight seal on the interior surface of the tub wall and provide frictional engagement with a cover member spanning the drain aperture.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising:

Abstract: An organic solvent-based dry cleaning composition, method and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. The composition includes at least one organic solvent and water, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition may also include at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific stain remover.

Abstract: A geocomposite system for increasing the service life of roads, bridges, or the like, includes a geocomposite layer having a geomembrane disposed between two geotextile backings, a structural layer for supporting the geocomposite layer, and a base layer formed on top of the geocomposite layer. The geomembrane is impermeable and the geotextile backings are sufficiently porous to provide a wicking action of moisture or liquid laterally along the geomembrane and out of the geocomposite system to prevent moisture or liquid damage. The geomembrane prevents the intrusion of liquids including deicing salts into the structural layers of roads, bridges, or the like abating deterioration in the structural layers such as corrosion of reinforcing steel. The geocomposite layer is bonded to and conforms to the structural layer, thus reducing reflective, shrinkage and fatigue cracking and increasing the structural capacity of the road or bridge.

Abstract: A device for a vacuum cleaner that has a vacuum source (12) connected to an inlet channel, and an outlet channel for air flowing through the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a device for electrostatically charging a feather-duster (20) or a micro fiber type with static electricity.

Abstract: A device for a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum source communicating with an inlet channel and an outlet channel for air flowing through the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a holder (19) for a dust pick-up tool such as a feather-duster (20) or a micro fiber-type duster/. The holder is provided with a chamber (21) which, by operation of a valve (28, 30), can be connected to the inlet or outlet channel so that the dust pick-up tool is cleaned by the air flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose.

Abstract: A portable leaf blower having a fan unit (10) with a fan (11) and a combustion engine (12) for driving the fan. The fan unit (10) is arranged in a shell (16,17) provided with a lower inlet opening (23) through which air, during operation, flows to the fan (11). The shell is further provided with an upper opening (24). When the engine (12) has been cut off, air for cooling the engine (12) flows through the shell (16,17) by means of self convection from the lower inlet opening (23) to the upper opening (24).

Abstract: Improved draught excluder for fastening doormats, of the type formed by an elongated prismatic body, consisting in that the prismatic head is formed by a sheet, in that it has, along its side, a “T”, and in that its transverse arms are free, one of them being bent at right-angles.

Abstract: A given plurality of empty round (cylindrical) cans are brought by a can carrier into an empty can magazine of a textile machine which produces a band output. These cans are taken from the can carrier, one after another, to be filled at a filling station from whence filled cans are sequentially moved to a just emptied can carrier in a full can magazine. This can carrier, after the receipt of a given plurality of filled cans, are transported out of the full can magazine. Subsequently, the can carrier, which, in the intervening time, has been emptied and is now to be found in the empty can magazine, is transported by means of an elevated crossover into the full can magazine, which has become free. For the well-timed release of a can carrier loaded with empty cans as well as the transporting of a can carrier from the filling operation loaded with filled cans, there is a Hold Station serving as a buffer zone for an empty can with its can carrier.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic component provided with the terminal electrode having a three layer structure comprising a first layer, a second layer and a third layer successively formed on each end face of the main electronic component, the second layer being a porous structure to advantageously absorb the stress caused by expansion and shrinkage of the wiring board, thereby preventing the main electronic component from suffering the stress, and the non-porous first layer maintaining good electrical continuity with the inner electrode while the non-porous third layer serving for preventing permeation of the solder liquid along with maintaining good electrical continuity to the outside, thereby preventing the ceramic component from being mechanically damaged due to expansion and shrinkage applied from the wiring board when the ceramic electronic component is packaged on the wiring board.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for mechanically joining metal sheets, profiles and/or multi-sheet joints lying on top of each other, wherein joining tools are moved by power means towards the parts to be joined and a joint is made between the parts to be joined by the force effect of the joining tools. To make the joining tools easier to handle and widen the range of application for joints, it is proposed to reduce the reaction forces of the joining process by the fact that one joining tool applies the joining force to the joint at an exciting frequency which is above the characteristic frequency of the opposite joining tool, and the mounting of at least one joining tool is isolated from vibrations. The vibration isolation can also be arranged exclusively or in addition in the excited joining tool or the parts to be joined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electromagnetic assembly in the form of a magnet pole or of a stator packet of a long stator linear motor for a magnetic levitation train. The assembly includes a sheet stack (8) consisting of ferromagnetic material, and at least one further component (12, 13, 14). According to the invention, the sheet stack (8) is assembled from raw magnetic steel sheets and is positioned in a shaping tool. Thereafter by introduction of a hardenable mixture into the tool and hardening or hardening out of the said mixture, the sheets are in a single working step surrounded with the mixture and connected together to form the finished sheet stack (8). In the same working step, the sheet stack (8) is connected to the component (12, 13, 14) and the assembly as a whole is provided with its final electrical, magnetic, mechanical and/or geometric properties.

Abstract: Electrical terminal fastening dies are provided, which includes: an electric wire; an electrical terminal having the electric wire; a couple of dies to press the electrical terminal a substantially hexagon in cross section; an abutting plane provided on each of the couple of dies; a pressing groove provided on the abutting plane and having a section to be formed by dividing a hexagon symmetrically with a diagonal; a pair of terminal pressing planes formed on a surface of the pressing groove of at least either one of the couple of dies for pressing the electrical terminal; and a pair of flash preventing planes formed on the surface of the pressing groove having the pair of terminal pressing planes, and each connected to the abutting plane, for pressing the electrical terminal to form thin portions thereon so as to prevent a flash from arising on the electrical terminal.

Abstract: A method of supplying electric components (“ECs”) with an EC supplying apparatus including an EC-supply table including a displaceable table displaceable in a reference direction, and EC-supply units provided on the displaceable table such that respective EC-supply portions of the units are arranged along a line parallel to the reference direction, each of the EC-supply units including a driven member and a carrier-tape feeding device which feeds, based on the driven member being driven, a carrier tape carrying the ECs at a EC-carry pitch, at a tape-feed pitch equal to a quotient obtained by dividing the EC-carry pitch by an integral number, so that the ECs are positioned, one by one, at the EC-supply portion of each unit, a table displacing device which displaces the displaceable table and positions the EC-supply portion of each EC-supply unit, at an EC-supply position, a drive member which is provided near the EC-supply position, and a drive device which drives the drive member which in turn dri

Abstract: A method of minimizing the volume of the depressions 240 in aluminum cavity filling processes, by depositing a conformal first layer of aluminum alloy 220 by chemical vapor deposition, long-throw sputtering, collimated sputtering, or ionized physical vapor deposition, to partially fill the cavity 202. This layer is preferably deposited at low temperature (e.g. less than 300 degrees C.) and lower deposition pressure (if deposited by sputtering). Subsequently, a second layer of aluminum alloy 230 is deposited by sputtering at temperatures greater than 350 degrees C. and at high power (e.g. greater than 10 kW) to close the mouth of cavity 202. The second layer of aluminum 230 is then forced into the remaining volume of the cavity 202. As part of the cavity 202 is filled with aluminum alloy 220 before the high pressure aluminum extrusion/reflow, less material is required to be transported into the cavity 202. Therefore, a smaller depression 240 above the cavity is produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an elongated member, such as a tape, which can be severed into multiple contact inserts for use in place of conventional rivet-type contacts. The elongated member includes an elongated head and an elongated body which form a contact head and a contact body when the member is severed without a cold heading operation. The members are designed such that the body of the contact insert is deformed when the contact is secured to a workpiece, such as a metal stamping. The members can be fed directly into a progressive die used to make the stamping, and severed into contact inserts and secured to the stamping within the die.

Abstract: A gear molding method for molding a plurality of plastic gears having a different number of ribs without changing costly gates uses a mold having a prescribed gear shape including a prescribed number of grooves substantially radially arranged in the mold. A prescribed number of gates is provided for pouring molten plastic into the mold. When a plastic gear is molded and separated from the mold, a prescribed number of grooves are additionally cut at a middle angular position between each of the pair of neighboring grooves without changing the gates. Then, another gear having increased number of ribs is molded using the same gates.

Abstract: A hand held pistachio nut opener for splitting open pistachio nut shells and removing the edible nut from the opened half shells comprises forwardly directed upper and lower protruding members having forward distal edges adapted to be inserted in the lateral peripheral separation between the half shells of the pistachio nut to split open the half shells. The upper protrusion member is operative to open upwardly relative to the stationary lower protrusion member. The upper forward protrusion member is secured to a rearward extension member operatively rotatable about an interconnecting means secured to a rearward extension means of the stationary lower protrusion member.

Abstract: A heatable cutting device has a plastic base body having a recess on one side thereof. A cutting blade, made of metal or ceramic, is inserted into and fixedly connected to the recess. An electric heating element for heating the cutting blade is provided. The electrical heating element is fixedly and permanently connected to a side of the cutting blade facing the base body. The electrical heating element is attached to the cutting blade by printing, sintering or gluing. An electric connection for connecting the cutting device to an electric voltage supply device for operating the electrical heating element is provided. A temperature sensor is connected to an upper side of the cutting blade in the area of the cutting blade that is heated by the heating element.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for scissors-type shear allows closing and locking of the shear even when the locking element is placed in a locked position before the shears are closed. The shear includes first and second blade assemblies pivotably connected to one another. Each blade assembly includes a blade and a handle. A locking mechanism is slidably mounted on a first handle. The locking element is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the sliding lock mechanism engages a catch element on the second handle to lock the shear in the closed position. The locking mechanism includes resilient arms and the catch element includes inclined cam surfaces. When the locking mechanism is placed in a locked position before the shear is closed, the ends of the resilient arms engage the inclined surfaces of the catch element, allowing the resilient arms to flew outwardly and pass over the catch elements.

Abstract: A cutting blade cover for a brush cutter comprises a central portion 50, a first blade accommodating portion 28, a second blade accommodating portion 29, and a third blade accommodating portion 30. The first, second, and third blade accommodating portions 28, 29, 30 are provided radially from the central portion 50. The first blade accommodating portion 28 includes a first concave portion 31. The second blade accommodating portion 29 includes a second concave portion 36. The third blade accommodating portion 30 includes a third concave portion 40. The first concave portion 31 has an inner shape conforming to an outer shape of the first blade 17 to cover an outer periphery of the first blade 17. The second concave portion 36 has an inner shape conforming to an outer shape of the second blade 18 to cover an outer periphery of the second blade 18. The third concave portion 40 has an inner shape conforming to an outer shape of the third blade 19 to cover an outer periphery of the third blade 19.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: A container, such as a nursery container, includes a tag attached thereto in a manner to render the tag tamper resistant and tamper evident. The container includes at least one slit formed in the side wall of the container for receiving the tag. The slit can be provided in the side wall at the upper end or at a point between the upper end and the bottom. The tag has a coupling member at one end with at least one projecting hook-like member. The coupling member is inserted through the slit until the projecting member hooks over the exposed edge of the slit to resist separation of the tag from the container.

Abstract: A center channel having H-shaped section is installed in perpendicular on a chassis of the door to the panel and divides the door glass into two portions. The center channel is fixed to the door chassis and panel by upper and lower brackets fixed thereto. Upper bracket (14) extends in lateral from the upper end of the center channel wherein an engagement (16) is parallel to a wall of a glass run channel (22) of the inner door chassis. The upper bracket (14) is fixed to the door chassis by a screw (4) through the walls of the glass run channel and the door chassis.

Abstract: A fitting for walls or panels comprises a female coupling element which can be mounted on the panel or wall and a support element which can be fixed releasably in the female coupling element. Coupling means and complementary coupling means provided for restraining the support element in the female coupling element comprise a pin and a catch seat, respectively, and resilient means are also provided for urging the pin into the catch seat so as to prevent accidental disengagement of the coupling means and the complementary coupling means.

Abstract: A raceway structure which is fixedly attached to and extends longitudinally along one horizontally extending edge of a panel assembly. The raceway structure includes a U-shaped channel member which resiliently but releasably snaps into engagement with longitudinally spaced supports which are fixed to and project downwardly from the bottom frame rail of the panel. The supports occupy only minimal space within the channel member. The raceway channel member is provided with increased height relative to its width to provide upper and lower interior channel regions which accommodate power and telecommunication cabling systems. The supports are releasably engaged with upper edges of the channel member and provide the primary support for securing the channel member to the panel.

Abstract: Incombustible fireproof network elevated floorboard in which the cover boards are locked on the leg supports of the floorboard by screws. The floorboard is made of steel reinforcement and cement and is able to achieves enhanced fireproof effect to meet the strict requirement for incombustibility of skyscraper building. The floorboard of the present invention can be easily and quickly manufactured and assembled.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A glass block window assembly has a window frame formed from a window frame extrusion, a window sash formed from a window sash extrusion, and spaced separation strips holding glass blocks within the sash. The window sash extrusion has spaced connectors projecting laterally from the extrusion and securing opposite ends of the separation strips to opposite sides of the window sash. The sash is hinged to the window frame, constraining the sash to movement to an acute opening angle further restricting the sash to movement to an acute opening angle.

Abstract: A removable tile wall covering includes a number of ceramic tiles held on the wall surface with disengageable-reengageable VELCRO fasteners. The wall covering is simple and inexpensive to install, and the tiles are easily removed for cleaning or redecoration.

Abstract: A wall structure is provided with a decorative relief pattern milled into the outer facade forming a matte having a grid-like interconnective cellular structure. The matte is mechanically fastened to a wall structure and a layer of plaster material is set within the matte's cellular structure An outer finish coat is applied to complete the cladding assembly.

Abstract: A spacing web frame assembly for a molded construction form for use in forming a reinforced concrete wall including a pair of inner and outer vertically-oriented attachment studs and a reinforcing wire truss assembly having ends attached to the inner and outer attachment studs to provide a predetermined spacing distance between the inner and outer attachment studs. The studs are visible to the outside when the molded foam panels are attached thereto and the concrete is then added to form the walls. The studs may be formed of either wood or metal, depending upon the type of attachment fasteners desired to be driven into the studs.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.

Abstract: A first connector is accommodated in a connector housing, with a first connection member lying down relative to the first terminal. The first connection member is raised relative to the first terminal. The first connector and a second connector are stacked to be connected each other.

Abstract: A carton filling device incorporates a conveyor 1 for moving cartons 3 and objects 2 to be located in the cartons simultaneously down a track with the objects respectively facing opposite to open ends of the cartons located at one side of the conveyor, A control arm 5 is situated in a start position at the other side of the conveyor and carries pushers for engaging the objects 2 and pushing them towards and into the open ends of the cartons 3. A control mechanism is adapted to move the control arm 5 not only across the conveyor 1, but also down the conveyor at the same speed of movement as the conveyor and to return the control arm 5 back to the start position once the objects have been inserted into the cartons.

Abstract: A high speed straw insertion machine has a device which feeds a straw, feeds a lifter and then engages the straw with the lifter. This assembly is transported to a mechanism which secures the lifter to the straw and then puts the straw and the float into a container. The container with the straw and the float is transported to an anchoring machine which engages the straw and the container to trap the straw and float entirely within the container. In one embodiment, the straw is positioned between a corner and a shoulder defined by the container and is retained in this position due to the flexibility of the straw. In another embodiment, the straw is positioned below a rib formed in the body of the container.

Abstract: The present invention involves a harvesting machine with a front-mounted harvesting attachment that is pivotable about a shaft running transversely to the direction of travel comprising and capable of lifting when an obstacle is detected that includes a sensing device with at least one double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder unit, having a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, arranged on the harvesting attachment, a control valve associated with the sensing device in such a way that when the sensing device is not operated, the first cylinder chamber is in fluid communication with the second cylinder chamber by a control valve and when the sensing device is operated, fluid communication between the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber is interrupted by the control valve.

Abstract: A combined discharge and grass collection mower deck (12) is adapted to have a baffle housing (20) attached at the deck's discharge opening that deflects grass clippings downwardly and outwardly into a diverging, narrow, fan-like pattern without wind rowing, or alternatively, the discharge opening may be closed by a plate (35), and a secondary opening (36) from the top of the deck is attach to a collection system.

Abstract: In a combined power station (32) having a plurality of power islands ( L1, . . . , L3), which operate in parallel and which each comprise a gas turbine installation (3), a steam turbine (5), a generator (4), a water/steam circuit with a heat recovery steam generator (13) and a condenser (K1, . . . , K3), and associated auxiliary installations (20, 21), substantial standardization is made possible because each of the power islands (L1, . . . , L3) has its own cooling tower (KT1, . . . , KT3) associated with it, and because the cooling tower (KT1, . . . , KT3) is connected to the respective condenser (K1, . . . , K3).

Abstract: A pressurized fluidized bed combined electricity generation system for improving gas turbine output increases and prevention of surging is provided. This pressurized fluidized bed combined electricity generation system is a combined electricity generation system comprising a steam turbine; a pressurized fluidized bed boiler for generating steam for supply to the above-mentioned steam turbine by combusting air from an air supply system and fuel from a fuel supply system; and a gas turbine driven by exhaust gas comprising combustion gas from the above-mentioned pressurized fluidized bed boiler and the above-mentioned air; and a compressor directly coupled to the above-mentioned gas turbine.

Abstract: A by-pass gas turbine engine including a primary and a secondary nozzle which are substantially convergent, wherein the primary nozzle is situated radially within, but axially protruding from, the secondary nozzle characterized in that the primary and secondary nozzles have a substantially common central axis along their lengths and the direction of airflow exiting at least one of the primary or secondary nozzles is at an angle to the central axis of the engine and that the direction of airflow exiting each nozzle is at an angle to the other thereby promoting preferential distribution and mixing of the airflows. The end of both the primary and secondary nozzles may be truncated at oppositely orientated oblique angles. The internal profile of one or both nozzles may be arranged such that the airflow leaves the that nozzle at an angle to the axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: An upstream-side catalyst is provided at a location in close to an exhaust manifold of an engine. An HC absorbent and a downstream-side catalyst are installed in series at the downstream side. With the upstream-side catalyst put in an inactive state, the HC absorbent absorbs HC having passing through the upstream-side catalyst. After the upstream-side catalyst has been activated, HC released from the HC absorbent is refluxed to the upstream side of the upstream-side catalyst through a reflux path to be removed by the upstream-side catalyst. At that time, the ECU executes catalyst-early-warming control right after an engine start in order to raise the temperature of the upstream-side catalyst at an early time so as to shorten the time it takes to activate the upstream-side catalyst.

Abstract: The time profile of the output signal of an NOx measurement transducer arranged downstream of the NOx storage catalyst is used, during and after the regeneration phase, to derive a criterion as to whether the quantity of regeneration agent to be supplied to the NOx storage catalyst in a regeneration phase must be changed in order to achieve an optimum action of the exhaust-gas purification system. The output signal is picked off at the amperometric NOx measurement transducer at two electrodes. The measurement transducer exhibits the two-position behavior necessary for the method.

Abstract: In an automatic vending machine in which a number of items are stored in a commodity storage and cooled by a cooling unit included in a refrigerating circuit, a temperature sensor detects a storage temperature within the commodity storage to produce a temperature signal. Responsive to the temperature signal, a calculating unit calculates a temperature variation rate prior to a defrosting operation of a defrosting unit, which is intermittently carried out for the cooling unit. With reference to the temperature variation rate, a defrost control part controls the defrosting operation.