Abstract: By using a thermal insulation foam/film laminate wherein each major planar surface of a foam panel has a facer film bonded thereto that meets certain performance criteria rather than a foam panel by itself, composite walls that have a foam panel sandwiched between concrete layers can be made with fewer steps.

Abstract: A laminate reinforced beam assembly includes a beam having a channel shape defined by spaced side walls. The beam has a contact location where it would be subjected to a point loaded force. A reinforcement layer is provided on each of the side walls. The reinforcement layer is made of a polymer which forms a structural foam in its cured condition and which has a shape wherein its side edges taper toward each other in a direction away from the contact location.

Abstract: A waterbar for use between adjacent panels (22, 24) in a diaphragm wall, the waterbar comprising a first member (5) in the form of an elongate strip (6) provided along a first longitudinal edge (8) with a hydrophilic material (7) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (9) with a retaining channel (10), and a second member (12) in the form of an elongate strip (13) provided along a first longitudinal edge (15) with a hydrophilic material (14) and along the opposite longitudinal edge (16) with a keying projection (17). The retaining channel (10) of the first member (5) is shaped so as to slidably retain the keying projection (17) of the second member (12), and either the retaining channel (10) or the keying projection (17) is provided along its length with a hydrophilic material (18), which serves to seal the joint between the first and second members (5,12).

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels, and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: Device for supporting and connecting concrete reinforcing elements which has a base adapted to rest on a supporting surface, an upright post extending from the base, and a clip mounted on the post having a pair of orthogonal sockets engagable with two horizontally extending reinforcing elements for connecting the elements together at right angles to each other and holding the elements a predetermined distance above the supporting surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle trim panel assembly and method including a molded plastic trim panel having a facia portion, an integral skirt portion, a plurality of flat cantilever platforms on an inside surface of the facia portion, and a plurality of pairs of raised bosses on the inside surface of the facia portion. Each platform has a pair of side panels attached thereto by integral “living” hinges. A push-in fastener is supported in a slot in each platform. The side panels are folded down and snapped behind the raised bosses which retain the side panels in active positions defining struts between the platform and the inside surface of the facia portion. Force applied to an outside surface of the facia portion thrusts the push-in fastener into a socket in a vehicle body panel to secure the facia portion without the push-in fasteners being externally visible. The struts react to the facia portion a fraction of the thrust applied to the push-in fastener to prevent flexure of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stud (1) intended for a timber wall and a method for manufacturing the stud (1). The stud (1) constitutes a part of a wooden frame on which, for example, plaster board panels (12) are secured in order to form the wall. The stud (1) is provided with at least two longitudinal grooves (6, 7) made alternatingly from opposing sides (2, 3) of the stud (1). Each individual groove (6, 7) is wholly open towards that side (2, 3) it was made from. Each groove (6, 7) moreover displays openings (10, 11) in the opposite side (2, 3) and portions (8, 9) with residual material between the openings (10, 11). Each longitudinal groove (6, 7) is thus alternatingly through-going and alternatingly not through-going.

Abstract: A structural joint assembly is provided and comprises a pair of quadrilateral elongated hollow elements with one end of one of the elements being swaged, the swaged end of one element and the unswaged end of the other element being disposed in a telescoping relation, and the two elements being interconnected.

Abstract: A carton sealer is provided whereby a bent-back portion having non-sticky outer surfaces can be formed at a tip of an adhesive tape that is supplied in order to join flaps on a carton. The carton sealer of the invention can join flaps on a carton that is conveyed by adhesive tape. The carton sealer comprises: a tape sticking mechanism that applies adhesive tape from an adhesive tape supply unit onto a sticking-on region extending from a lead region on a front face of an advancing carton, through a joining region extending in the conveying direction, to a tail region on the rear face of the carton, a cutter for cutting the rear end of the adhesive tape that has been applied, and a suction head that forms a bent-back portion at the head of the following tape formed by cutting. Reduced pressure subjected to the suction head acts on and applies suction to the non-sticky surface of the adhesive tape, thereby bending the adhesive tape back so as to form a bent-back portion having non-sticky outer surfaces.

Abstract: A setup table on a bottle handling machine which includes feed-end and delivery-end star wheels and associated guide tracks for the bottles as well as drive devices for the individual star wheels and handling stations, and a support plate that covers the drive devices. A plurality of handling machines are combined into a unit, and the axis of rotation of a rinser is located on a first line, and the axes of rotation of the feed-end and delivery-end star wheels of the rinser and of the filling machine are located on a second line that runs at some distance from the first. The axis of the delivery-end star wheel of the filling machine and the axis of rotation of a crown corker are located on an additional line that runs at an angle to the second line. The axis of an additional capping machine and the axis of the delivery-end star wheel of the crown corker and of the additional capping machine are located on an additional line that runs parallel to this third line.

Abstract: A high-frequency heat-sealing apparatus is provided which is capable of achieving a satisfactory seal in which a sealed zone is narrower in its width than at its central portion and in which contaminants such as liquid beverages are not present between thermoplastic material layers over the longitudinal direction of the sealed zone. The apparatus transversely heat-seals a tubular packing material made of a laminate including a synthetic resin layer and a conductive material layer in the presence of a fluid. A ridge shaped to contain an arcuate partial curve in its transverse contour is formed on the action face of a high-frequency coil flush with the flat action face of one of the pressing members for pressing the central portion of a sealed zone having two rounded and narrowed right and left sides. A flash portion for a molten thermoplastic resin is formed adjacent to the outer side of the high-frequency on the cutting side of the coil.

Abstract: A process for packaging selected traditional cuts of pork loin by cutting the whole pork loin at successive saw stations to form a predetermined number of traditional cuts and moving the formed traditional cuts to corresponding traditional cut locations. After a first traditional cut is formed at the first saw station, the remainder of the whole loin is positioned at another saw station where a differing traditional cut is formed. The process is continued at additional saw stations so that the entire loin is formed into traditional cuts, the cuts are collected at collecting locations, and an array of cuts are placed in a package tray. The package is then sealed and can be gas flushed and thereafter accumulated in bulk or cases for removal to a remote location where they can be refrigerated or frozen.

Abstract: Provided are an arrangement and method for changing a film roll (R) in a wrapping machine, the wrapping machine comprising at least film distribution means (3) for supplying a wrapping film (F) in a continuous web from the film roll (R) around a piece (P) to be wrapped, roll fixing means (310) fitted in the film distribution means (3) for fixing said film roll (R) in a rotatable manner and substantially in the vertical direction, crank means (2) supported in a movable manner in a frame structure (1) and arranged to transfer said film distribution means (3) around the piece (P) substantially in the horizontal direction, wherein said film distribution means (3) are also arranged to move substantially in the vertical direction, and cassette means (11) for storing at least one film roll (R) and transferring it to the film distribution means (3) for the change of the film roll (R), as well as film fixing means (120) arranged in said cassette means (11) to fix the film end (Fa).

Abstract: An endless carrier for a packaging machine includes leading clamps which are mounted on one endless chain and trailing clamps which are mounted on another endless chain. The chains are independent of each other such that the distance between trailing clamps and leading clamps can be adjusted simply by moving the position of one chain relative to the other. The present invention may be incorporated in a newly built packaging machine or a retrofit kit for replacing the endless carrier of a preexisting packaging machine. To provide for ready adaptation of the distance between leading and trailing clamps, one of the sprockets connected to the drive shaft of the packaging machine can be a phase sprocket capable of being fastened and unfastened to the drive shaft such that the chain can be rotated simply by rotating the sprocket relative to the drive shaft to reposition the endless chain relative to the other endless chain.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthopedic saddle seat cushion, and method for cushioning, to prevent the coccyx of a rider from touching the saddle, to prevent or eliminate lower back discomfort or injury. The cushion allows a substantial area of the rest of the buttocks-seat of the rider to contact the saddle which permits the rider to feel the saddle and thus maintain good control of the animal being ridden. The saddle seat cushion is a circularly shaped outer ring of material that contains a mechanism for inflating the ring, which comprises an inflation tube for putting a gas, or any combination of gases, such as normal air, into the ring to inflate the ring, and an air plug for retaining gas in the ring. There is a fastening mechanism to secure the cushion to the saddle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suspension mechanism for a front mower or a mid-mount mower. A mower housing is suspended from a tractor body through a support axis extending in a fore and aft direction, and a seesaw arm pivotable about the support axis. Housing connectors, each having an elastic element such as a spring, are arranged between the seesaw arm and mower housing.

Abstract: A push-pull steel cable (10) comprises a core (12) and an outer layer of filaments (16) twisted around the core (12). The cable (10) is provided with an external coating (20) of polyethylene terephthalate. The coating (20) gives to the cable (10) a good resistance against corrosion, a good weatherability, a good adhesion and adhesion retention and a friction resistance which is comparable to the friction resistance of a cable with a nylon coating. The cable (10) can be used as a brake cable, a shifting lever cable or a window elevator cable.

Abstract: Crimped yarns that comprise a conjugate multifilament yarn having unique surface texture, dry touch, and stretchability; woven/knitted products comprising said crimped yarn; and production methods of crimped yarn as a conjugate multifilament yarn comprising polyester polymer components and has (a) number of crimps (CA): 2.5 crests/cm≦CA≦10 crests/cm, (b) number of developed crimps (CB): 8 crests/cm≦CB≦30 crests/cm, (c) shrinkage stress (TS): 0.0882≦TS (cN/dtex)≦0.221, (d) apparent shrinkage percentage (SC): 40%≦SC≦80%, and (e) shrinkage percentage of fiber in boiling water (SW): 2%≦SW≦8%, and produced by subjecting a crimp-forming conjugate multifilament yarn to relaxation-heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the guidance of a spun thread in a spinning station, wherein, after the thread has been produced, it runs in its travel direction through a withdrawal device, a measuring instrument, and a traversing apparatus. The invention makes possible a smooth and stable thread guidance between the withdrawal device and the traversing apparatus, so that both the run of the thread and the quality of wound filament of the thread can be monitored. Between the measuring instrument and the traverse apparatus, at least one deflection roll is provided.

Abstract: A two stage expansion and single stage combustor compressed air energy storage cycle that employs a heat exchanger to raise the temperature of the compressed air before it enters a high pressure expander. A combustor heats the exhaust from the high pressure expander and creates a working gas to drive a low pressure expander. The exhaust from the low pressure expander is supplied to the heat exchanger to raise the temperature of the compressed incoming air. A portion of the exhaust of the high pressure expander is cooled and employed in a cooling circuit within the low pressure expander. A starter valve in the compressed air input circuit finely tunes the incoming air during startup. The startup air flow is heated by an auxiliary duct burner until the low pressure turbine exhaust reaches operating temperature and is sufficient to heat the incoming air under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes an electrical generator, a turbine and a compressor intermediate the generator and the turbine. Rotating components of the turbine, compressor and electrical generator are secured together by a tie-bolt. The tie-bolt is pre-stressed such that faces of the rotating components of the turbine, electrical generator and compressor maintain contact during high-speed, high-temperature operation of the system. The tie-bolt includes a thermally less conductive short portion that is secured to the rotating component of the turbine wheel, and an elongated portion that extends through the rotating components of the compressor and electrical generator. The short, thermally less conductive portion of the tie-bolt inhibits heat from propagating from the turbine end towards the compressor. The short, thermally less conductive portion can be a titanium rod that is inertia-welded between the elongated portion of the tie-bolt and the rotating component of the turbine.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for regulating the flow of a pressurized working fluid through a nozzle having a nozzle throat. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a valve body defining a valve bore, a pressure inlet and a nozzle plenum. The nozzle plenum fluidly communicates with the nozzle throat. A valve seat is disposed between the pressure inlet and the nozzle plenum. A valve member is slidably disposed within the valve bore. The valve member comprises a first end disposed proximal the valve seat and a second end distal the valve seat. The first end comprises a valve face and the second end comprises first and second rear surfaces. The second rear surface is spaced apart from the first rear surface. The first rear surface cooperates with the valve bore to define a rear chamber. The second rear surface cooperates with the valve bore to define an actuation chamber, the volume of which is not a function of the valve member diameter.

Abstract: An axially symmetric turbojet-engine exhaust nozzle which is directable as a unit. The exhaust nozzle is situated downstream of an exhaust duct (1) fitted with a spherical wall (5). A single control ring (12) driven by linear actuators (30) allows regulation of the nozzle cross section and direction. Converging flaps (7) are guided on an upstream side by the spherical wall (5) and are supported at a downstream side by a control lever (13) which hinges on the control ring (12) and rests upstream on an external surface (16) of the spherical wall (5). Diverging flaps (10) hinge on the converging flaps (7) to form an inner ring of hot flaps. The diverging flaps (10) are situated downstream in an extension of the converging flaps (7) and further hinge on an outer ring of cold flaps (11), which in turn hinge on the control ring (12).

Abstract: The mixer has a circular forward end which is attached to the exit of a jet engine, or the core of a bypass engine. The mixer has radial lobes which increase in their radial dimension with increasing distance aft of the forward end. There are corrugations, termed circumferential lobes, in the after portions of the walls of the radial lobes. These circumferential lobes increase the ratios of wetted areas to cross sectional areas of the passageways through the mixer. Also, the dimensions of these lobes are small relative to the radius of the mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improved monitoring of the conversion rate of an exhaust gas catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine. To achieve this, the temperature values determined downstream from the exhaust gas catalytic converter within a given time window is added with time interval (dt). A starting time (tA) and a time interval (dt) are influenced inter alia according to the operating mode of the internal combustion engine by taking into account fuel mass flow during a given time period. The total value arising during time interval (dt) below a curve (25) is compared with a limiting value and an error signal is outputted once a given deviation value is reached.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the air/fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine having a first group of cylinders and a second group of cylinders. The first group of cylinders is coupled to a catalyst and at least one oxygen sensor, which provides a first feedback signal. The second group of cylinders is coupled to a catalyst and a post-catalyst oxygen sensor, which provides a second feedback signal. A controller uses the first and second feedback signals to calculate a short-term air/fuel bias value for the second group of cylinders. The controller also calculates a new long-term air/fuel bias value corresponding to the current engine speed and engine. The new long-term air/fuel bias value is based on a previously-calculated long-term air/fuel bias value calculated for the same engine load and speed. A total air/fuel bias value is calculated based on the short-term air/fuel bias value and the long-term air/fuel bias value. The new long-term air/fuel bias value is stored for future calculations.

Abstract: An engine where first combustion where the amount of the EGR gas in the combustion chamber is larger than the amount of EGR where the amount of production of soot peaks and a second combustion where the amount of EGR gas in the combustion chamber is smaller than the amount of EGR gas where the amount of production of soot peaks are selectively switched between and where an NOx absorbent is placed in the exhaust passage of the engine. When SOx should be released from the NOx absorbent, the first combustion is performed under a rich air-fuel ratio, while when the second combustion is performed, auxiliary fuel is injected during the first part of the suction stroke or the expansion stroke and the injection timing of the main fuel is delayed by a large extent.

Abstract: While the amount of intake air introduced into an internal combustion engine is being increased by an intake air quantity control unit, an ignition timing control unit manipulates the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine to converge the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine to a target rotational speed according to a feedback control process (PI control process). The ignition timing control unit has a function to vary the feedback gain of the feedback control process depending on the ignition timing, such that the feedback gain is smaller as the ignition timing being manipulated is more retarded.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying system for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The exhaust gas purifying system comprises an exhaust gas composition regulating device for producing a low HC concentration reducing agent in a lean exhaust gas atmosphere where air-fuel ratio is leaner than a stoichiometric value. The exhaust gas composition regulating device is disposed in an exhaust gas passageway of the engine. The low HC concentration reducing agent is low in concentration of hydrocarbons to have an exhaust gas composition having a volume ratio of NOx/HC not less than 50 in the exhaust gas passageway immediately downstream of the exhaust gas composition regulating device. Additionally, a NOx treating catalyst is disposed in the exhaust gas passageway and located downstream of the exhaust gas composition regulating device. The NOx treating catalyst is arranged to reduce NOx in the presence of the low HC concentration reducing agent supplied from the exhaust gas composition regulating device.

Abstract: An improved pressure fluid supply and delivery apparatus is disclosed that has a pressure compensating function and yet a reduced loss in pressure. The apparatus includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump unit(10; 60, 61) having a plurality of fluid discharge ports(10a, 10b; 60a, 61a) independent each other and a common drive shaft. A plurality of fluid circuits (11, 12) are connected to the plural discharge ports (10a, 10b; 60a, 61a), respectively, and a plurality of fluid operated actuators (14, 16; 14, 14′, 16, 16′) are connected via respective operating valves (13, 15; 13, 13′, 15, 15′) to the plural fluid circuits (11, 12), respectively. Also included in the apparatus is a displacement control means (19, 20; 64, 64) operable in response to discharge pressures in the fluid discharge ports (10a, 10b; 60a. 61a) and load pressures in the actuators (14, 16; 14, 14′, 16, 16′) for controlling discharge fluid pressure of the variable displacement pump unit (10; 60, 61).

Abstract: An apparatus, for controlling a plurality of hydraulic motors and a clutch for driving a drive shaft, can prevent a speed change shock and a load slip of a hydraulic motor as well as making a structure simple. The apparatus includes: a first volume variable hydraulic motor (1), connected to the drive shaft (3) through the clutch (5); a second volume variable hydraulic motor (2), which is always connected to the drive shaft (3); first tilt rotation control means (7, 8), for controlling a tilt rotation amount (a discharge volume cc/rev) of the first hydraulic motor by receiving a drive side pressurized oil (Pac) of the first hydraulic motor; and a zero tilt rotation holding means (10, 10A), for holding the tilt rotation amount of the first hydraulic motor at substantially zero in a state wherein the tilt rotation amount of the first hydraulic motor is controlled to be substantially zero.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a hydraulic actuator, including a high-low pilot valve having a sensing port for connection to a flow line. A single pressure line connects the high-low pilot to a hydraulic actuator. A second line connects the high-low pilot to a reservoir. A normally closed relief valve is connected to the single pressure line for relief of excessive pressure. A normally closed override valve is connected to the single pressure line for manual override of circuit controls. A pump is connected to the single pressure line for pressuring the single pressure line. The hydraulic control circuit has a normally open time out valve on the single pressure line, the time out valve being set to close a pre-set time interval after being manually activated, to isolate the high-low pilot, from the single pressure line to the hydraulic actuator, until the time out period has elapsed. The override valve is connected to the single pressure line between the time out valve and the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: To provide an improved braking feeling in a hydraulic brake apparatus, the apparatus includes a pressure source, and a regulator for regulating pressure in the pressure source to a regulated pressure corresponding to the operation force of the brake pedal to supply the regulated pressure to a power chamber during operation of the brake pedal. The regulator includes a pressure increasing valve which establishes and interrupts a fluid communication between the pressure source and the power chamber and a pressure decreasing valve which establishes and interrupts a fluid communication between the power chamber and a reservoir. The apparatus also includes a booster having a power piston operated by the regulated pressure in the power chamber, and a master cylinder associated with at least one wheel brake and interlocked with the booster. A valve member applies the pressure in the pressure source to the power chamber irrespective of operation of the brake pedal.

Abstract: A master cylinder provides separate flow paths through its secondary piston to provide greater fluid flow capacity from the reservoir to both the primary and secondary pressure chambers in response to the removal of brake fluid from the brake lines fed by the primary and secondary pressure chambers by a pump providing brake pressure for activation of one or more wheel brakes independently of the master cylinder. The secondary piston is provided with an axial fluid flow passage having check valves at each axial end permitting fluid flow only out of the axial fluid flow passage into the primary and secondary pressure chambers. A cross flow passage intersects the axial fluid flow passage between the primary and secondary check valves to communicate the axial fluid flow passage with the intermediate chamber and thus with the reservoir through the secondary compensation opening. The additional flow capacity to both pressure chambers provides improved reaction time for a traction control system at any wheel brake.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder Otto cycle internal combustion direct compound engine for motor vehicles with an exhaust-gas turbocharger providing direct turbo compounding upon the engine control module receiving a speed signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined cruise-speed mode. Upon receipt of the signal the module turns-off each fuel injector feeding a second group of the cylinders, while maintaining fuel injection to a first group of cylinders and fully opening the electronic intake-air induction throttle. As a result the unfired second group of cylinder pistons are driven solely by compressed inlet-air pressure during the time the vehicle travels at or above a predetermined light-load cruising-speed, while positive pumping work occurs in all the cylinders. The engine thus conserves fuel during light load cruising speed while maintaining low pollutant emissions.

Abstract: An arrangement of an internal combustion engine 7 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the internal combustion engine 7 has at least one variable working and combustion chamber 12. A first passage 14 is provided for delivering air to the combustion chamber 12. A second passage 26 is provided for delivering exhaust from the combustion chamber 12. A turbocharger is provided. The turbocharger has a compressor 18 with an outlet 16 fluidly connected with the first passage 14. The turbocharger has a turbine inlet 28 fluidly connected with the second passage 26. An exhaust 29 of the turbine is connected with a third passage 30. A first bypass passage 70 is provided between the first passage 14 and the third passage 30. A first valve 72 controls the flow of air through the first bypass passage between the first passage 14 and the third passage 30.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of energy by means of a fluid-flow machine is described, for the drive of which a compressor arrangement for compressing a compressible medium, preferably air, is provided, which medium, via a feed-line system, can be fed to the fluid-flow machine directly or after the interposition of a combustion chamber, in which the compressed medium can be ignited with the addition of fuel. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the compressor arrangement provides at least one compressor stage, in which the medium can be compressed isothermally.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine of an aircraft has an inlet fitting, a fuel nozzle, and a housing stem fluidly interconnecting and supporting the nozzle on the fitting. An internal heatshield assembly comprising an internal fuel conduit extends in a bore in the housing stem. An upper end of the fuel conduit has a rigid, fluid-tight connection with a fuel inlet passage in the fitting, while the lower end of the fuel conduit has a rigid, fluid-tight connection with the fuel nozzle. The bore closely surrounds the fuel conduit and a stagnant air gap is provided between the internal walls of the bore and the outer surface of the fuel conduit. The fuel conduit has a coiled portion to allow for thermal expansion.

Abstract: A heat-shield component with cooling-fluid return includes an outer hollow body and an insert that can both be mounted on a supporting structure. The outer hollow body encloses the insert with a gap. The outer hollow body has a first bottom side which can be exposed to a hot gas. The insert has a second bottom side with a plurality of holes through which the cooling fluid flows into the gap for impact-cooling the first bottom side. A heat-shield configuration for a hot-gas conducting component as well as a heat-shield assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An external pressure building circuit for a portable cryogenic liquid cylinder which includes a tubular member disposed outside of the cylinder. The tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the tubular member is in communication with the gas containing portion of the cryogenic liquid cylinder; the lower portion is in communication with the liquid containing portion of the cryogenic liquid cylinder. The tubular member between about 30 and 60 inches long and includes a plurality of fins attached to the tubular member. The fins act as a heat transfer device. In operation a quantity of cryogenic liquid enters the lower portion of the tubular member and is heated. Once the liquid is converted to a gas, it is returned to the gas containing portion of the cylinder. By converting a sufficient quantity of cryogenic liquid to gas, a pressure of greater than 400 p.s.i. can be maintained at a high continuous rate of flow, e.g., greater than 2000 cfh.

Abstract: A cryogenic thermal switch operates based on the principle of differential coefficients of thermal expansion of differing materials. A small gap is either closed or opened, dependant upon the relative dimensions of two pieces of differing materials. As the temperature of the pieces is raised, the piece having the greater coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) increases its dimensions at a greater rate, causing a gap to open up. Conversely, when the temperature of the pieces is lowered, the piece having the greater CTE shrinks proportionally faster, thereby closing the gap. The present invention makes use of a reliable flat-faced geometry for the two sides of the gap.

Abstract: A CT scanner (10) for obtaining a medical diagnostic image of a subject includes a stationary gantry (12), and a rotating gantry (16) rotatably supported on the stationary gantry (12) for rotation about the subject. A fluid bearing (18) is interposed between the stationary and rotating gantries (12) and (16), respectively. The fluid bearing (18) provides a fluid barrier (110) which separates the rotating gantry (16) from the stationary gantry (12). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid bearing (18) provides for quieter CT scanner operation at high rotational speeds. Moreover, eliminating the physical contact between the gantries minimizes wear and optimizes longevity.

Abstract: A method for controlling the purified water passage of a refrigerator with a water purifying filter is disclosed. The refrigerator has a first valve for controlling water supply to the water purifying filter and a second valve for controlling water supply to a dispenser and an ice-making unit. The method comprises the following steps. A first step is determining whether the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A second step is opening the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are operated. A third step is determining whether a refrigerator compartment door and a freezer compartment door are closed if one of the dispenser and the ice-making unit is operated. A fourth step is closing the first and second valves if at least one of the refrigerator compartment door and the freezer compartment door is opened. A fifth step is closing the first and second valves if the dispenser and the ice-making unit are not operated.

Abstract: A method of improving the efficiency of an air conditioning and refrigeration system, comprising introducing a concentrate into the system which comprises introducing a concentrate into the compressor of the system, the concentrate comprising a a methylene-bis-(dibutyldithicarbamate), a calcium salt of dialkyl aromatic sulfonic acid, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxycinnaminic acid, C 7-9 branched alkyl ester, and nonylated phenylamine derivative; a novel additive consisting of introducing a concentrate into the compressor of the system, the concentrate comprising a a methylene-bis-(dibutyldithicarbamate), a calcium salt of dialkyl aromatic sulfonic acid, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxycinnaminic acid, C 7-9 branched alkyl ester, and nonylated phenylamine derivative, and an air conditioning system utilizing the polar compound containing a hydrogen phosphate group.

Abstract: A boosted source heat pump (BSHP) is presented having a primary compressor, a booster compressor, an economizer, and a lubricant management system. At least the primary compressor is a twin-single compressor. The lubricant management system includes traps to prevent migration of lubricant to a non-operating compressor, and aspiration tubes from the sump to the low pressure intake zone to each compressor.

Abstract: In an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a four-way switching valve, an outdoor-side heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor-side heat exchanger are connected in succession via pipes, the interior of an enclosed vessel of a compressor, which contains a refrigerant compressing section and an electric motor, is divided airtightly into a refrigerant discharge chamber and an electric motor chamber, two refrigerant flow path pipes are provided on the electric motor chamber side, and these refrigerant flow path pipes are appropriately switched to the refrigerant discharge side and the refrigerant suction side of the compressor via the four-way switching valve, whereby one compressor can be used as an internal high pressure type or an internal low pressure type.

Abstract: A system for dispensing carbonated beverage into an open container precisely controls the temperature of the carbonated beverages using an in-line zero&Dgr;T chiller. The chiller preferably includes a flooded freon-bath heat exchanger in which an output temperature of the carbonated beverage from the heat exchanger matches the temperature of freon within the heat exchanger under normal operating conditions. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of freon in the heat exchanger and a freon valve in the refrigeration circuit is electronically controlled in order to adjust the pressure of the freon and consequently the temperature of the freon in the heat exchanger. The optimum temperature for the carbonated beverage is selected either by choice, or in the case of carbonated beverages on ice to approximately the surface temperature of the ice in order to reduce foaming.

Abstract: A method of controlling chiller capacity in a chiller system. The method comprises the steps of: measuring entering the fluid temperature of a fluid entering a heat exchanger; measuring the fluid temperature of the fluid leaving the heat exchanger; determining a desired leaving fluid temperature; establishing chiller capacity as a function of the difference between leaving fluid temperature and the desired leaving fluid temperature; and adjusting the determined chiller capacity as a function of the difference between entering fluid temperature and the desired leaving fluid temperature.

Abstract: A method and a device for heating and cooling a compartment of a motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine are described. During a cooling operation, a medium in the circuit is guided through a compressor, an ambient heat exchanger, a throttle device, and an interior heat exchanger which are connected in series and form an integral closed circuit. On the high-pressure side of the circuit, a supercritical pressure is produced at the same time that a subcritical pressure is produced on the low-pressure side of the circuit. During a heating operation, the high-pressure side of the circuit during the cooling operation becomes the low-pressure side and the low-pressure side of the circuit during the cooling operation becomes the high-pressure side. The medium in the circuit is conducted in the interior heat exchanger at a supercritical pressure, with heat energy being transferred from the medium in the circuit to the compartment air supplied to the compartment.

Abstract: A two-step metering device for controlling the flow of an operating fluid to a variable capacity compressor is provided. The metering device includes a valve that defines a fluid flow path having a large orifice configured to allow a flow rate corresponding to a high operating capacity of the compressor and a small orifice configured to allow a flow rate corresponding to a reduced operating capacity of the compressor. The metering device further includes a control operable to adjust the valve to direct the operating fluid through the large orifice when the compressor is operating at the high capacity and to direct fluid through the small orifice when the compressor is operating at the reduced capacity.