Abstract: A grain storage safety net system and method is designed to reduce or prevent accidents involving grain carts and grain storage bins. The safety net system includes a strong and durable wide mesh netting which is secured to the inside periphery of either a grain cart or grain bin via a plurality of anchors. The netting thus blankets an upper ingress opening of the cart or bin, with the wide mesh netting allowing the ingress of grain while preventing human entry therein.

Abstract: A sewage digester cap for use with a generally cylindrical tank, the cap held in place by a series of concrete anchors to ballast the cap on the digester. The anchors are suspended from the cap by a series of steel cables. The cap includes a liquid sealing skirt of a length to maintain the liquid seal in the presence of a high liquid level within the tank. The cap has removable anchors allowing the digester to be adjusted to accommodate different gas pressures inside the tank by using different ballast weights. The anchors remain submerged even when the maximum liquid level is reached allowing for increased gas storage with minimal pressure change. Additionally, the anchors provide a lower center of gravity for the cap which also reduces the tendency of the cap to tip in the wind or other atmospheric conditions. The cap is removable to allow for cleaning, maintenance and disassembly for relocation of the cap.

Abstract: A large number of existing reinforced concrete structures, such as buildings and bridges, if subjected to abnormal loads, such as those expected during earthquakes or bomb blast, may experience significant inelasticity in their critical regions. It is economically not feasible to replace the entire existing infrastructure with new and improved structures; retrofitting provides the only solution to the problem of seismically and otherwise structurally deficient existing structures. A new retrofitting process has been developed to improve strength and deformability of existing reinforced concrete columns. The process involves determining column critical regions, identifying critical stresses that may lead to brittle shear and/or compression failures, determining external prestressing to overcome some of these stresses and to provide lateral confining pressure to improve the ductility of compression concrete.

Abstract: A form assemblage for making concrete and other building walls is disclosed. The form assemblage includes interlocking interior and exterior wall panels that are connected at a predetermined spacing with panel connectors that interlock with the interior wall panels and the exterior wall panels. The panel connectors have means for holding insulating foam panels at a position intermediate to the interior and exterior wall panels. Cavities between the insulating foam panels and the exterior and/or interior wall panels can be filled with concrete or other load-bearing materials. In certain aspects, the form assemblage can be used as a wall structure without the use of the load-bearing material.

Abstract: A wall plank structure composed of an upper panel, a lower panel and an interconnecting layer interconnected therebetween and made of PU foaming agent. Two lateral sides of the upper and lower panels are respectively formed with left and right side walls which are continuously bent and respectively formed with a projection and a recess in the same direction for inserting with each other. The inner sides of the opposite left and right side walls of the upper and lower panels are disposed with adjoining layers formed of films for adjusting the distance between the upper and lower panels as necessary in the manufacturing procedure so as to obtain various thicknesses of the wall plank.

Abstract: In the broader aspects of the invention there is provided a new and improved deck and beam connector for post and beam structures. The deck and beam connector has a deck flange mounted on the deck, the flange has an opening therein. Depending into the deck is a well secured to the flange. The well has a bottom and a bottom opening therein. A threaded bolt having an enlarged head is positioned within the bottom opening with the threaded portion within the well. The head is positioned within a step-diametered counter-sunk bore in the deck with the larger diameter portion thereof adjacent to the surface opposite that to which the deck flange is connected. A threaded member is positioned on the threaded shaft of the bolt within the well with a spring positioned on the bolt between the threaded member and the well bottom. The bolt is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position into which the bolt head is biased and within the larger diametered portion of the step-diametered bore in the deck.

Abstract: The present dry wall patch comprises a disc with a threaded rim. A lock nut is strongly attached to one side of the disc, and a bolt is inserted through the disc from the opposite side and threaded tightly into the nut. A wrench is applied to the bolt to turn the disc into a hole on a wall until the disc is recessed slightly within the hole. The nut includes teeth that dig into the disc to hold it in position while the bolt is being wrenched. The bolt is removed after the disc is in position. The hole is filled with spackle and sanded until completely flush with the wall. Other embodiments include a polygonal block screwed to the disc for mating with a turning tool, radial slots cut into the face of the disc for mating with a turning tool, holes drilled into the disc for mating with a turning tool, and a handle positioned through a block screwed to the disc.

Abstract: A concrete or other roofing tile is provided which simulates wood shake roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration. The simulated wood shake configuration includes an angled cut portion by means of a butt treatment, and also includes the use of an elongate medial slot which has a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flooring panel which comprises a supporting plate made of wood material and provided on at least one face with a covering. The supporting plate is provided at its edges with tongues and grooves which fit into and onto corresponding grooves and tongues on further similar panels. Each edge of the supporting plate has both a groove and a tongue to provide a firm connection.

Abstract: A modular structural element, including a planar surface layer of cladding material. A substrate layer is bonded to the surface layer and includes an outwardly-extending attachment flange defined by the thickness of the substrate layer and proximal to the surface layer around two adjacent side edges for receiving fastener elements through the thickness of the substrate layer and into the support member. A tongue projects outwardly from the flange remote from the surface layer. Two spaced-apart elements define a groove therebetween extending along adjacent sides of the substrate layer for receiving the tongue of a complementary adjacent structural element. The flange resides at all points intermediate the tongue and the surface layer for permitting the tongue to float within the groove of the complementary structural element for preventing damage to the surface layer resulting from relative movement between adjacent structural elements.

Abstract: A structure for closing a cavity of a hollow structural member and for reinforcing the hollow structural member. The structure includes a reinforcement member comprising a plurality of reinforcement plates arranged in a spaced relationship. The reinforcement plates being interconnected to form at least one receiving space therebetween. The reinforcement member being disposed in the cavity in such a way that the reinforcement plates are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow structural member. At least one foamable member is received in the at least one receiving space of the reinforcement member. The foamable member being adapted to close the cavity and to secure the reinforcement member in the cavity when expanded by external heating.

Abstract: A device for installing roof fabric on the roof of a metal frame building having a plurality of parallel purlins on the top thereof. The device retains a spool of fabric therein and includes a frame having a guide that movably slides on the top of the purlin and a tensioning device that engages a lower surface of the purlin, whereby movement of the device allows the fabric to unroll over the roof.

Abstract: A plurality of shingles and straps are installed in a manner effective for reinforcing and securing a roof to provide controlled separation of parts of the shingles while maintaining an intact roof surface covering. Appropriate placement of the shingle straps results in a roof which is able to withstand extreme forces, e.g. wind speeds up to about 150 MPH, such as those encountered in a strong hurricane. The method and device may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of the roof.

Abstract: A wall for the booth of a coating plant is formed in the conventional manner by a sectional frame (3) composed of at least two vertical, hollow posts (4, 5) and at least two horizontal, hollow crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9). At least one zone (10, 11, 12) which is bounded by two posts (4, 5) and two crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9) is covered by a plate (34, 35). The corresponding plate (34, 35) is secured over the associated zone (10, 11, 12) of the frame (3) with the aid of “local” blocking devices (15 to 27) separated from one another spatially. Each of these blocking devices (15 to 27) comprises at least one retaining portion (31b, 31c) which can be inserted in a corresponding locating opening (28a, 28b, 29a, 29b) in the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9) such that a contact portion (31a) of the blocking device (15 to 27) lies against the outside of the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: A round baler for forming crop material into cylindrical bales, having a main frame, a plurality of conveying elements supported on main frame for defining a bale forming chamber, and a pickup for feeding crop material into said chamber. The conveying elements each have a crop engaging surface extending transversely of the main frame for forming a cylindrical package of crop material under conditions where the pickup is feeding crop material into the chamber. A dispensing assembly dispenses wrapping material from a storage container into the chamber for wrapping the outer surface of the cylindrical package of crop material to form a round bale. The storage container, mounted in an operative position on the main frame, is pivotable to an inoperative position away from the dispensing assembly for providing unobstructed access to the storage container and the dispensing assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved package wrapping machine which produces a wrapped product having a good seal and a favorable appearance for packages of varying sizes and shapes. More particularly, these improvements are obtained by utilizing a novel film gripper having sections that are separately disengageable to release tension on lateral sections of the film web during the wrapping of smaller than average packages, thereby preventing unwanted stretching of the film so as to promote a good seal for the packaged goods and avoid the formation of unsightly film tails. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel package pusher is utilized to convey the package to be wrapped from a package infeed location to a registration position on the package wrapping elevator.

Abstract: A packaging machine for forming pouches from a web of material having web tension control. A second pair of infeed rolls allows web tension through a sealing section to be controlled. An unwind reel is power-driven according to downstream web demand to thereby minimize tension spikes through the infeed section. The power unwind further minimizes the amount of festoon area needed. An entire packaging machine may be provided using modules. The registration-related operations of each section are independently controlled so that each module need only coordinate input and/or output speeds with interfacing sections.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for winding a web of wrapping foil (F) around an object (1). The wrapping apparatus comprises a ring guideway (2) defining a track of variable curvature and foil dispenser (6). The foil dispenser is provided with idler assemblies (10, 11) supporting the foil dispenser as it moves along the ring guideway. In the idler assembly, an inner idler (12) mounted with bearings on the foil dispenser frame (7) leans by its circumference on an inner rolling surface (3) of the guideway (2). A first outer idler (3) leans by its circumference on an outer rolling surface (4). A lateral idler (14) leans on a lateral rolling surface (5). The idler assembly comprises a second outer idler (15), which leans on the outer rolling surface (4) at a distance from the first outer idler (13). A pivoted frame (16) is mounted with bearings on the frame so that it can turn about a swing axis co-incident with the axis of rotation of the inner idler (12).

Abstract: The invention consists of an engine driving a wet clutch and hydrostatic pump and connected hydrostatic motor. The output of the motor drives the sun gear of a hydro-mechanical planetary drive and the output of the clutch drives the ring gear of the same drive. The carrier is the output and drives the rotors of an agricultural combine. The transmission is controlled by a microcomputer. The microcomputer receives signals from an engine speed sensor and a rotor speed sensor and transmits controlling signals to the hydrostatic pump's swash plate and to a clutch valve allowing a quantity of hydraulic fluid to enter the clutch. The microcomputer can also send a signal to brake the ring gear while reversing the direction of the hydrostatic pump motor to allow act as a reverser for the rotor. The microcomputer also can receive signals from the rotor speed sensor to open the clutch valve allowing a quantity of hydraulic fluid to enter and synchronize the clutch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive arrangement of a crop conveying and/or processing mechanism of a harvesting machine with an internal combustion engine (25) that is arranged to drive the crop conveying and/or processing mechanism through power transmission elements in a first operating mode in a first direction at a first speed, and a reversible motor (86) that is arranged to drive the crop conveying and/or processing mechanism in a second operating mode at a second speed in a second direction that differs from the first direction. The drive arrangement is also able to be driven in one or both of third and fourth operating modes.

Abstract: A jackknifing row unit for a combine cornhead comprising a hood pivotally connected between a divider and a row unit frame. A four-bar linkage formed by a tension member and a compression member interconnected between the hood and the row unit frame supports the divider. The four-bar linkage is movable between the row unit operating position and the jackknifed storage position.

Abstract: A fabric (144) for use as a stab-resistant insert in protective textiles comprises a plurality of steel cords (100). Each of the steel cords (100) comprises a longitudinal axis (102) and two or more steel filaments (104). Each of the steel filaments (104) forme a twisting angle &agr; with the longitudinal axis (102) of the steel cord (100). The steel cords (100) have two or more of such twisting angles which are substantially different from each other so that any penetrating stab or knife is stopped.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for feeding liquid and/or gaseous fuels to gas turbines, by means of which method the same feed path to the burner of the gas turbine can be used for both fuels, the liquid fuel being processed before being fed to the burner. This processing takes place in a fuel pre-evaporator which, for the purpose of processing the liquid fuel, has an evaporator tube 2, which is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, interacts with a heating device (3) and, at its one end, is connected to a feed device (4) for a flushing gas, and, at its other end, is connected to a fuel feed and discharge appliance (5).

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine having means capable of determining the temperature inside a combustion chamber without mounting a special temperature sensor therein and of controlling the operation of the components according to the detected inside temperature of the combustion chamber, which is provided with means for measuring a resistance value of a glow plug driven with a constant current, means for measuring a flow rate of air supplied to the combustion chamber and means for determining an inside temperature of the combustion chamber by searching a specified temperature corresponding to a measured value of glow-plug-resistance and a measured air-flow-rate from a table holding therein resistance-temperature characteristic data of the glow plug predetermined for airflow rate as parameter.

Abstract: A power plant is disclosed having a combustion chamber (1) in which the combustion of a combustible material is performed, while forming hot combustion gases to drive a gas turbine device (14, 20, 27). A topping combustion device (8, 23) is arranged to receive the combustion gas and raise its temperature to a level suitable for the gas turbine device. A gasifying reactor (1) is arranged to produce a combustible gas for combustion in the topping combustion device (8, 23). A first conduit member (18) is arranged to supply an oxygen-containing gas, necessary for gasification, to the gasifying reactor (10) and a second conduit member (9) is arranged to supply the combustible gas from the gasifying reactor (10) to the topping combustion device (8, 23). A member (35) is arranged at the second conduit member (9) and adapted to cool down the combustible gas supplied to the topping combustion device (8, 23).

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant with no intercooler for compressed air includes a compressor, a combustor for burning fuel with compressed air from the compressor to produce combustion gas, a turbine driven by the combustion gas, a generator driven by the turbine to generate electric power, a regenerative heat exchanger which heats the compressed air with the heat of exhaust gas of the turbine and has a water spray arranged therein for spraying water droplets onto the compressed air therein, and a spray device directly communicating with the compressor for spraying water onto compressed air of high temperature from the compressor to humidify the compressed air, the compressed air being led to the regenerative heat exchanger.

Abstract: To clean the exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines or other machines which are operated with fossil fuel, it is proposed to firstly pretreat the exhaust gas in a non-thermal normal-pressure gas discharge and subsequently allow a selective catalytic reduction of oxidic noxious substances to take place with the addition of a suitable reduction substance, or to allow a selective catalytic decomposition to take place. The device for removing the oxidic noxious substances is characterized by a series circuit of at least one module with a gas discharge section and at least one module with a catalytic-converter section, and is suitable in particular for use in a diesel engine.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust system includes an exhaust manifold, an exhaust pipe, and a catalytic converter connected at its upstream end to the exhaust manifold by an inlet connector and at its downstream end to the exhaust pipe by an outlet connector. The outlet connector is cone-shaped having a spiral outline.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having two banks of cylinders by which pulses of exhaust gas are alternately directed to a crossfire assembly. The crossfire assembly, which is located in the exhaust system, includes a gas accelerator chamber which divides each pulse of exhaust gas between two secondary exhaust outlets and causes a low pressure wave to occur in the exhaust system to enhance scavenging of a subsequent pulse of exhaust gas and thereby improve engine performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring system comprising at least one pneumatic spring which consists of at least the following: a pneumatic spring cap as an upper component; a pneumatic spring piston as a lower component; pneumatic cushioning bellows made of elastomer connecting the two opposite components with the help of fastening elements. The bellows can roll off, when an interior space having elasticity of volume forms at the outer wall of the piston, inside their roll-off zone. The pneumatic spring system also consists of at least one control valve configured in particular as a magnet valve; a compressor having integrated residual pressure maintaining function; and a pilot controlled check valve connected to the pneumatic spring, which is preferably situated in the pneumatic spring cap or piston, and as such is accommodated in a housing, although different mounting variations exist.

Abstract: A hydraulic raising apparatus with automatic regulated speeds can automatically adapt its raising speeds for various load conditions. It mainly comprises additional hydraulic circuits, check valves and adjustable relief valves arranged between the piston rod side chamber and the rodless side chamber of hydraulic cylinders and pumps. The arrangement enables hydraulic cylinders and pumps to change their working modes in a hydraulic circuit, depending on loaded conditions, from a piston type to a spool type and vice versa. Hence the hydraulic apparatus can adjust its raising speeds in agreement with loads. When the apparatus bears a light load, it will quickly carry the load to position. On the other hand, when the load is heavy the apparatus will move it at a slower speed and thus need just reduced input energy. Therefore, the apparatus according to the invention can enhance efficiency to the greatest extent.

Abstract: Motion-converter apparatus for converting bidirectional rotary movements to unidirectional rotary movements includes: an input shaft for inputting the bidirectional rotary movements; an output shaft for outputting the unidirectional rotary movements, the output shaft having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the input shaft; a drive bevel gear coaxial with, and driven bidirectionally by, the input shaft; a pair of driven bevel gears coaxial with the output shaft and meshing with the drive bevel gear on opposite sides of the axis of the drive bevel gear so as to be driven bidirectionally thereby but in opposite directions with respect to the output shaft; and a pair of one-way clutches coupling the driven bevel gears to the output shaft such that both one-way clutches are effective to drive the output shaft only in one direction. Various applications of such apparatus are also described, including wave and tide motors, wind turbines and bidirectional-movement measuring devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder piston unit, especially for steam engines with expansion by heat influx, which is constructed as follows: a piston guided in the cylinder element has a displacer, a heating device is mounted on the cylinder element for the stroke area of a non-compacting displacer, the working medium is supplied in a vapour or liquid state in the area of the upper dead point, the expanded working medium is discharged at least in the area of the lower dead point. A pore burner is assigned to the cylinder piston unit in an advantageous mamler. To this end, the invention provides for the heat transfer sections (B, C) of a pore burner (50) which surrounds the cylinder head (43) along part of its height to be arranged at the level of the warm section (41) of the cylinder in the stroke area of the displacer (3) and at the level of the cylinder head (43).

Abstract: A method of combusting fuel and air in a burner of an external combustion engine having a heater head. The fuel and air are combined to form a fuel-air mixture which is characterized by a fuel-air ratio. An exhaust gas product is produced when the fuel-air mixture is combusted in the burner of the external combustion engine. A flame is formed by igniting the fuel-air mixture at a first fuel-air ratio produced by a first air flow rate and a fuel flow rate. The air flow rate is then increased to produce a second fuel-air ratio. The fuel flow rate is also controlled based upon a temperature of the heater head of the external combustion engine. The flame is maintained at the second fuel-air ratio by adjusting the air flow rate based on the fuel flow rate. The external combustion engine may be, for example, a Stirling cycle engine.

Abstract: An exhaust passage (2) of a diesel engine (1) is connected to an intake passage (3) via an exhaust gas recirculation passage (4) provided with an exhaust gas recirculation valve (6). A turbine (52) of a variable capacity turbocharger (50) is provided in the exhaust passage (2). The controller (41) controls the opening of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (6), and the opening of a nozzle (53) of the turbine (52). A controller (41) first calculates a target exhaust gas recirculation valve opening surface area based on a target exhaust gas recirculation flowrate, and controls the exhaust gas recirculation valve opening to the target exhaust gas recirculation valve opening surface area.

Abstract: A transportation system is based on battery powered vehicles operating in an isolated geographic area within which a base electrical load during the day exceeds the normal electrical load during the night. The system is operated by generating power for the load by using a geothermal power plant that operates day and night at a substantially constant power output. The vehicles are operated during the day; and power generated by the power plant supplies the base electrical load. Recharging of the batteries of the vehicles occurs only at night when power generated by the power plant in excess of the normal electrical load is available for recharging purposes.

Abstract: A plant for exploiting geothermal energy by circulating water through a geological formation (1) at a substantial depth below the earth surface (2), comprises at least one supply hole (3) leading from the surface (2) down to said formation (1) and at least one return hole (4) for transporting heated water from the formation to the surface. The supply and return holes (3, 4) are interconnected by a plurality of heat absorbing holes (5) which are spaced more than 50 m apart. The heat absorbing holes (5) have a total length of many kilometers but a relatively small diameter in the order of 10 cm. A method for designing the plant involving determining the dimensions of the heat transfer holes (5) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid compressor apparatus includes a compressor for delivering a compressed fluid having a fluid pressure, whereby the compressed fluid includes a volume of liquid entrained in the compressed fluid. The apparatus also includes a prime mover for driving the compressor, the prime mover having an exhaust system which vents high temperature exhaust fluid. The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe with a first exhaust pipe end and a second exhaust pipe end. A main separator is in fluid communication with the compressor for receiving the compressed fluid and separating the liquid entrained therein from the compressed fluid. The main separator includes an outlet for discharging the compressed fluid after all of the liquid has been substantially removed therefrom.

Abstract: This invention is related to so-called combined cycle co-generation installations, and it addresses present concerns of the industry. Among these, combustion stability, corrosion (due to large water content in the flue gases), large heat transfer areas, and the like. In some embodiments, an additional heat exchanger is added to heat combustion air with a portion of the exhaust gases resulting from an engine, preferably a gas turbine. As a result, the efficiency of the cycle will improve, the oxidant will be enriched by above 50% oxygen, the combustion process will be enhanced, and the dimensions of the boiler may be reduced. It is considered that the combustion air will require between 10% and 80% of the total flue gas volume, more preferably between 20% and 40%. This is the portion of the flue gases sent through the heat exchanger. A control system designed to optimize the flow of the different streams is also presented.

Abstract: A low or no pollution engine is provided for delivering power for vehicles or other power applications. The engine has an air inlet which collects air from a surrounding environment. At least a portion of the nitrogen in the air is removed using a technique such as liquefaction, pressure swing adsorption or membrane based air separation. The remaining air is primarily oxygen, which is then compressed and routed to a gas generator. The gas generator has an igniter and inputs for the high pressure oxygen and a high pressure hydrogen containing fuel, such as hydrogen or methane. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide with carbon containing fuels. Water is also delivered into the gas generator to control a temperature of the combustion products. The combustion products are then expanded through a power generating device, such as a turbine or piston expander to deliver output power for operation of a vehicle or other power uses.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine, including an axial fuel chamber and a spiral metering valve in the chamber.

Abstract: An evaporator device for an ice maker with a grid of ice cells in horizontal rows and vertical columns. The grid is formed by a plurality of vertical integral structures interleaved with a plurality of vertical partitions. Each vertical structure is shaped to form the tops, bottoms and backs of the ice cells of a column. The sides of the ice cells of a column are formed by the vertical partitions to the right and left of a vertical structure. An evaporator tube threads bores and holes in the vertical structures and the vertical structures. The evaporator tube is expanded to mechanically bond the evaporator tube with the vertical structures and the vertical partitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates an installation structure of the rear air conditioning unit 1, and comprises: a left bracket 20 having a body fastening portion 21, an air conditioning unit fastening portion 23 into which bolt holes 22 are bored, and a temporary fastening portion 25 into which a connecting hole 24 is bored and located at the lower side of the air conditioning unit fastening portion via a predetermined space, in one body, and installed beforehand in a body constructing member 7; a left installation member 40 having a bracket fastening portion 42 into which bolt holes 41 are bored and a connecting hook 43 which is downwardly provided at the point of the bracket fastening portion, and fastened on the side portion of the air conditioning unit. The connecting hook is inserted into the connecting hole for temporary fastening, and after that, the bracket fastening portion is fastend to the air conditioning unit fastening portion by bolts 26.

Abstract: In the detection of circulating compositions in the cycle of a non-azeotropic refrigerant composed of three or more kinds of refrigerants, there have been drawbacks in that the number of sensors required is large, and large errors are contained in the circulating composition which can be detected. To overcome these drawbacks, the refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus comprises at least a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, and in a refrigerant cycle which uses as a working refrigerant a non-azeotropic refrigerant composed of N kinds (N≧3) of refrigerants and is provided with composition detecting means for detecting the circulating compositions of the non-azeotropic refrigerant, circulating compositions are determined by using (N−2) relations on compositions among a first component to a j-th (2≦j≦N−1) component of the non-azeotropic refrigerant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystallization apparatus and to a method for crystallizing a liquid from a solution, a mixture of liquids or a suspension. The apparatus comprises a growth zone in a vertically positioned tank, which growth zone is positioned below a nucleation zone. Via a delivery line the seed crystals are fed from the nucleation zone to the bottom end of the growth zone. In the growth zone the ice slurry slowly moves in a vertical direction at such a low velocity that heavier particles are able to precipitate and to be discharged at the bottom end. Preferentially, the nucleation zone comprises a vacuum apparatus for effecting a reduction in pressure in the nucleation zone to between 10−4 and 7·10−3 bar. Using the apparatus according to the present invention it is possible for waste water and effluent to be concentrated in a simple manner, clogging of, for example, filters owing to the settling of solid particles being prevented.

Abstract: An air conditioning system 100 may include a compressor 101 having a driving chamber 110, a cooling circuit 151, a heating circuit 152 and a controller 189. This system may release high pressure refrigerant from the compressor discharge port 120 into the compressor driving chamber 110 by means of the controller 189. The controller 189 may include a selector 181, a first refrigerant releasing means 183 and a second refrigerant releasing means 185. The selector 181 connects the discharge port 120 and the driving chamber 110 by both the first and second refrigerant releasing means 183, 185 when discharge pressure of the refrigerant has reached a predetermined high-pressure state during operation of the heating circuit 152.

Abstract: This invention provides an air conditioning system with a superior dehumidifying and sensible heat processing capability as well as energy saving, by enhancing the heating ability for the regeneration air, as well as enabling to increase the cooling performance (sensible heat processing performance) for the process air, and comprises a desiccant 103 for adsorbing moisture from process air; and a heat pump 200, including a compressor 260, that operates by using process air as a low-temperature heat source 240 and regeneration air as a high-temperature heat source 220 so as to supply heat to regeneration air for regenerating the desiccant; wherein a high-temperature heat source heat exchanger for exchanging heat with pre-desiccant regeneration air and refrigerant comprises a plurality of sections 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D divided along an air flow direction, and regeneration air passes the sections in an opposite order to that of refrigerant so that refrigerant, once condensed in the heat pump, is further cooled.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a case body, and an air cooling coil disposed in the case body to cool an air stream flowing thereacross. A blower is disposed in the case body, and is driven by an output shaft of a motor to blow the air stream across the air cooling coil and deliver cooled air stream forwardly and outwardly of the case body. A drain pane is disposed under the air cooling coil to collect droplets of condensate, and has a first outlet to drain water therein. A water pump includes a pump body with an accommodation chamber, and an impeller received in the chamber and provided with a driven shaft. The driven shaft extends outwardly of the pump body to form a coupling end to be coupled with the output shaft so as to enable the motor to drive the impeller to rotate.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for servicing a refrigeration system having a refrigerant containing an oil lubricant. The apparatus includes a support frame, a modular housing supported by the frame and defining internal accumulator, condenser, storage, and high and low pressure filter chambers, and a control plate assembly having a plurality of flow passages enabling flow communication between the various chambers. The control plate is adopted for connection to the refrigeration system being serviced, and has control valves operative to control flow of refrigerant through the passages to and between the internal chambers. A processor controls the control valves in a manner enabling selective recovery, evacuation, charging and/or flushing of the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: The present invention made use of the wet and dry type thermometers principle to obtain an improved evaporative condensing unit, both in term of thermal efficiency and in the operating cost, by utilizing normal and therefore still unsaturated air from the surrounding atmosphere in the cooling of the refrigerant fluid.