Abstract: A hollow building element of plastic material for use in forming roof structures comprises one or more longitudinal ducts and having, at opposite sides thereof coupling members, whereby elements may be connected to each other directly or indirectly, wherein lower coupling members at opposite sides of the element are sized to meet with co-operating lower coupling elements of adjacent elements offset from a central axis parallel to adjacent element sides.

Abstract: The present invention presents a block which by layer-building therewith, can be used to form walls so that a log house can be constructed with ease. With the present invention, rainwater which has penetrated through the areas where the blocks are linked is prevented from coming through to the inside wall side. The present invention also increases the surface area supporting the weight of the block thereby reinforcing the strength of the building. A block 1 is comprised of a hook-shaped joint 2, a linking protrusion 3, a linking groove 4, and an insertion through hole 5. A first slanting surface 31 which is slanted away from one side and toward the other side is formed in the top of the linking protrusion 3 together with a second slanting surface 32 which faces toward the one side and away from the other side. Flat surfaces 33 and 34 are formed on both ends of these slanting surfaces which are higher than each of these slanting surfaces.

Abstract: An anchorage kit 100 includes components which may be assembled in various ways to provide anchorages 101-107 suitable for connection in series between a safety line and any of various structural members. The kit 100 includes opposing brackets 120, 140 which are interconnected by bolts 170 extending therebetween, and which may be supplemented by one or more braces 160 secured to the intermediate portion of one or more of the bolts 170.

Abstract: A wall plate for attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical or nearly vertical masonry wall is disclosed. The wall plate comprises a flat plate having a multiplicity of nail holes and at least two bolt holes therethrough, at least one anchor extending from a first side of the flat plate and fixed to it, and means for threadedly attaching at least two bolts to the flat plate from its other side. A method of attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical or nearly vertical masonry wall using the wall plate is also disclosed. A vertical nailable form is erected and the wall plate is nailed to the inside of the form. Concrete is poured into the form to a height above the anchors of the wall plate. After the concrete has hardened, the forms are removed. Two angle connectors are bolted to the wall plate and a horizontal or sloping beam is bolted to the two angle connectors.

Abstract: A method for attaching a window well to the outer surface of a window opening. The method includes providing a window well mold, and providing a window well clip for use with the mold, the clip having a first face and a second intersecting face. An opening is provided in the first face for receiving a bolt, with a sheath aligned with the opening. A support member is provided extending between the two faces to provide rigidity for the well clip. Means are provided for removably attaching the clip to the window mold, and the clip is attached to the mold to form a mold-clip assembly. The assembly is next set in fresh concrete with the first face flush with the outer surface of the window opening. After the concrete is hardened, the mold is removed, leaving the clip embedded in the concrete. A bolt is then provided and inserted into the first face opening, attaching the bolt to the window well, and tightening the bolt into the sheath.

Abstract: A modular building unit (1-6, 1A) including a building block (10, 10A) having lower and upper faces (9, 9A, 11, 11A), side faces (12, 12A, 13, 13A) and end faces (14, 14A). At least the lower and upper faces are provided with mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) interfit with mating mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) on similar adjacent modular building units (1-6, 1A) to join the adjoining building block units (1-6, 1A) in predetermined dimensionally accurate relationships. A method of securing the mounting strips (21-24, 53A, 54A) to the building block or brick (10, 10A) and the method of interlocking and securing adjacent modular building units (1-6, 1A) to each other are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of mounting strips (53A, 54A) is shown in FIGS. 8-10. A mold (203) is shown in FIG. 12 for the preferred method of forming a building block or brick (200).

Abstract: A method of installing an insert in a sandwich panel for mounting a fastener includes making a hole in the panel and inserting a spacer having a height greater than the thickness of the panel. An entrance rim of the spacer extends above an upper surface of the panel and a setting tool exerts a force on the entrance rim to force it into the hole and to position an upper edge of the entrance rim flush with the panel surface. The spacer can include an annular groove on an interior wall of the entrance rim to facilitate the cold working deformation during an installation in the panel. An outer exterior surface of the entrance rim can be indented and coated with a first sealing compound to ensure a water-tight seal with the panel. A second sealant material can be provided within the entrance rim for sealing with a head of any fastener extending through the spacer. An improved floor panel with spacer is accordingly provided for aircraft.

Abstract: Process for producing a wound roll that is wrapped on its circumference, an apparatus for winding and wrapping the wound roll, and the wrapped wound roll. The process includes winding a material web into the wound roll, attaching a wrapping web to the material web, and winding the wrapping web attached to the material web around the circumference of the wound roll. The apparatus includes a material web delivery path, a winding device, and an output path of a packaging web dispenser that feeds into the material web delivery path. The wrapped wound roll that includes a wound material web having a circumference covered by a wrapping web. A width of the wrapping web which corresponds to a width of the wound roll. Moreover, the wrapping web is arranged such that in at least one section, the wrapping web is positioned radially inside of the material web.

Abstract: The invention consists in a method of setting up a machine for sealing closure clips between a stamp and a bottom tool, which for coaling the clip are first of all moved towards each other up to a sealing distance and are then moved away from each other, and where the sealing distance between stamp and bottom tool is detected by means of a sensor. The invention also consists in a device for sealing closure clips between a stamp and a bottom tool, where the device includes a sensor for detecting a sealing distance between stamp and bottom tool.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging an object, like a stack of goods (1) disposed on a pallet (2), with a shrinkable foil (8, 20) a foil hood (20) is formed out of a foil hose (8). Said foil hood (20) subsequently is opened by a first gripper means (10, 11), is gripped and is moved to the object. Subsequently, said foil hood (20) is pulled over said object to be packaged and simultaneously shrunk onto said object. Therein, the heating means (17) during pulling over of said foil hood (20) is disposed with a fixed distance above a gripper means (16) for pulling over said foil hood (20) over said object. By the method in accordance with the present invention and by the corresponding apparatus, the output of the plant can be increased, wherein said foil hood (20) is shrunk onto said object essentially without creating folds, without the foils of the good itself or the hood pasting together.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for blow-molding, sterilizing, filling and capping plastic containers under conditions of positive control in a close-coupled, compact machine to enhance operational efficiency.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically produced, curled, grouped, and combined in a decorative element which is packaged for distribution. The apparatus serves to impart a helical curl to at least one of a plurality of ribbon strands, meters the strands into preselected lengths, separates the lengths from the ribbon stock, and packages the resulting coiled ribbon arrangements for distribution to customers. The apparatus includes one or more roll stands for storing rolls of ribbon stock, a feed unit for advancing the ribbon through the apparatus and imparting a tendency to curl the strands, a tension regulator unit for accumulating metered lengths of the stands and regulating the advancement of the ribbon strands through the apparatus, and a packaging unit for attaching the ribbon on a placard, to form a decorative element having a cluster of curled ribbon strands.

Abstract: To improve the safety of horseback riding, a fabric saddle with hook fastener strips sewed to its side fenders attaches to the horse using a new design of harness that gives the rider the ability to mechanically make a secondary tightening of that harness around the horse after the standard initial manual girth strap tightening has been done. This secondary tightening has the characteristic of being controlled so as not to harm the horse yet it snugs the saddle up so there is much less likelihood of the saddle slipping off the horse's back. As the rider mounts, the loop fastener strips on the rider's pants legs match with the hook fastener strips on the saddle and hold the rider onto the animal so the rider is not accidentally thrown off the horse. Quick dismount is not inhibited since the hook and loop fastener strips separate readily when the riders kick their legs away from the horse.

Abstract: The apparatus is an improvement to a feederhouse on an agricultural combine. The apparatus has a first acoustic array having a first sounding board and acoustic sensor positioned beneath the front drum and feederhouse floor. There is a second acoustic array positioned behind the front drum and between the conveyor chain encircling the front and rear drums. The second acoustic array also has a second acoustic sensor and second sounding plate. The acoustic sensor detects the impact of a stone on the sounding plates. A signal is transmitted via a controller from the sensor to a solenoid controlling a stone trap door latch. When the door opens, a sled also rotates into contact with conveyor chain. This deflects any crop flow containing stones. To close the door, the feederhouse is raise and the door rotates into contact with the latch.

Abstract: A cutting blade is removably attachable to an adjustable height string trimmer assembly for a string trimmer machine. The line holder disc is modified by forming a large diameter concentric flange or shoulder about the central passage thereof, with the cutting blade being modified by forming a central passage therethrough having an essentially equal diameter to the shoulder of the line holder disc. A series of matched bolt holes are also formed through the blade and the line holder disc.

Abstract: A machine for mowing and chopping corn and similar stalk-like harvested crops has a number of drawing-in and mowing drums which rotate about a vertical axis and which are provided with protruding driver gear rims. The drawing-in and mowing drums are disposed in the transverse direction on either side of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the machine centrally ahead of a chopper which has an insertion duct which takes up the cut, harvested crops. The insertion duct is bounded above and below by two insertion rollers disposed at a height from one another and laterally by two conveying drums which are at a transverse distance from one another. The conveying drums transport the cut, harvested crops along and rotate about vertical axes.

Abstract: A tomato harvester includes loading systems designed to introduce cut plants into the harvester. Further systems designed to shake the plants received from the loading systems detach the tomatoes. A number of parallel bars are situated below the loading systems and are oriented toward the shakers. A conveyor pulls the plants from the loading area towards the shakers and then from the shakers towards a discharge area. The route of the conveyor has at least one section which leads from the discharge area to the shakers. The harvester is configured to eliminate a number of components which can cause soil accumulation and clogging in known harvesters.

Abstract: A universal fruit-picking tool including a cage of a generally elliptical spheroid shape having a three-dimensional triangular opening in its upper half fitted with four cutters. Each cutter has a V-shaped gathering and cutting slot of unique design. The cage is supported by a tele-handle. The complex structure of the cage and cutters allows the new device to easily pick and, at the same time, safely catch the fruits, whatever the position of the tele-handle and the opening, which turn arbitrarily in three-dimensional coordination as the user desires. The general structure of the device is rigid, it does not dangle, it is aerodynamically shaped and agile and therefore it is possible to direct and push the device into the crown of fruit trees among close twigs, small branches and leaves in order to pick fruits easily.

Abstract: A baler for making rectangular crop bales has a generally horizontally disposed fore-and-aft extending baling chamber. The pickup of the baler is disposed underneath the baling chamber in line with the path of travel of a reciprocating plunger in the overhead chamber. An in-line transfer duct leads generally upwardly and rearwardly from the pickup to the bottom of the chamber. An enclosed crop flow passage is defined from a point immediately behind the pickup to a point located at the opening in the bottom of the baling chamber and presents a forwardmost cutting zone, a packing zone behind the cutting zone, and an accumulating zone behind the packing zone. Cutter apparatus within the cutting zone reduces the crop materials into smaller pieces as they flow through the cutting zone, whereupon a separate packer takes the materials from the rear side of the cutter apparatus and packs them in a downstream direction toward the accumulating zone where they form into a charge.

Abstract: A yarn-connecting device for a cheese-producing textile machine having a pneumatic splicing device (22) located outside of the normal travel path of the yarn, a gripper tube (25) acted upon by suction air for manipulating yarn ends to be spliced, and a pivotable gripper tube flap (18) for closing the gripper tube mouth (27). A control crank (33) is arranged at an upper end position (II) of the gripper tube (25) for acting on the gripper tube flap (18) such that in the course of pivoting the gripper tube (25) into the position (II), the gripper tube flap (18) is lifted slightly off the gripper tube mouth (27), while the gripper tube flap (18) always closes the gripper tube mouth (27) when the gripper tube (25) is pivoted out of the position (II).

Abstract: Multiple twist spindle to impart two+two twists to textile yarns and threads, whether they be continuous filaments or discontinuous fibres, the spindle comprising a spindle support (16) which supports a support (13) for the feed bobbin (12) maintained substantially stationary and two counter-rotating parts, respectively the inner rotary part (18a) and the outer rotary part (18b), the counter-rotating parts (18a, 18b) being coaxial to each other and substantially coaxial to the axis (19) of the spindle (10), the thread (F) unwinding from the feed bobbin (12) and leaving the inversion element (15) located above the bobbin (12) is induced by the counter-rotating parts (18a, 18b) to follow a path which first descends and then ascends, and then sent to collection means, the paths defining respectively an inner balloon (11a) and an outer balloon (11b) rotating outside the feed bobbin (12), the thread (F) receiving two twists for each revolution of each of the counter-rotating parts (18a, 18b), there being incl

Abstract: An open-end spinning frame (1) having a spinning rotor (3), whose rotor shaft (4) is supported, free of axial thrust, in the bearing wedge of a support disk bearing arrangement (5) and is fixed in place by means of a magnetic axial bearing (18). The axial bearing (18) has a stationary magnetic bearing component (27) fixed on the bearing housing (26), and a rotating magnetic bearing component (44) arranged at the end of the rotor shaft and having at least two annular shoulders (46) defined by recesses (47) in the rotor shaft (4). The sharpness of the annular shoulders (46) is reduced in the area between their outer circumference (58) and the adjoining radial faces (50) of each annular shoulder, e.g., via curved or beveled surfaces in such area, and the base surfaces (49) of the recesses (47) are each connected via rounded sections (51) with the radial faces (50) of the adjoining annular shoulders (46).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a secure yet easily adjustable link design for use in interconnected link jewelry and watches. A link for a bracelet is disclosed that allows for easy adjustment in the length of the bracelet, utilizing a bar and spring system. To remove a link from the bracelet, the links must be at approximately a right angle, force must be applied outwardly to the link with the spring from which a bar is to be removed, and the links easily separate. Similarly to couple links, the links must be at approximately a right angle. When the links are at approximately a right angle, the bar of the first link can enter the spring of the second link. When the links are at any other angle, the bar is secured in the spring and cannot be removed or dislodged. The disclosed bar and spring system allows for a secure yet easily adjustable link system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for power generation, by which high-efficiency power generation is achieved by utilizing a boiler-oriented fuel such as inexpensive coal, heavy oil and waste plastic, and by further utilizing a gas-turbine-oriented fuel in some cases, without exerting bad effects on the environment, at low equipment cost. In the apparatus, first, the boiler-oriented fuel is separated into a distillate and a residue by partial processing. The distillate (in some cases, with a gas-turbine-oriented fuel) is supplied to a gas turbine to generate electric power. Further, a combustion exhaust gas discharged from the turbine is supplied to a boiler. Then, the residue (in some cases, with a boiler-oriented fuel) is burned to obtain steam. Further, electric power is generated by the steam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention uses such reserves to generate electric power. The invention permits the use of these reserves at significantly lower cost than by producing pipeline natural gas to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. These reserves currently generally are used only after the removal of impurities to produce pipeline natural gas quality turbine fuel. The latter current technology is capital intensive, and at current natural gas prices, economically unattractive. The process of the invention can remove the impurities from the gas from the natural gas reserve necessary for protection of the environment, and leaves inert gasses in the fuel in an amount which will increase the output of a gas turbine for the generation of power by about 5 to about 20%.

Abstract: A method of generating power. Ramjet structural components to provide inlet compression, a combustion chamber, and an outlet nozzle are provided at one or more circumferentially spaced locations along the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. Ramjet compression occurs by impingment of an inlet air stream between a rotating inlet structure and an adjacent stationary wall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a nozzle formed between a rotating outlet structure and a stationary wall. The ramjet operates at supersonic velocities, and preferably in excess of Mach 2.0, to produce shaft energy. The rotor rotates about an axis defined by an output shaft.

Abstract: An ambient pressure gas turbine system is provided for mid-range power plants (for example, 1-4 MW) while achieving low NOx emission levels. The system includes a combustor that burns a hydrocarbon fuel at ambient pressure. A first heat exchanger upstream of the combustor heats the working fluid. A turbine downstream from the combustor expands combustion gases. The combustion gases are directed to the first heat exchanger for heat exchange with the working fluid and then to a compressor operative to compress the combustion gases. A second heat exchanger between the first heat exchanger and the compressor further cools the combustion gases to the compressor inlet temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additional air supply duct which is additionally installed at the inlet duct connected to an exhaust duct of a gas turbine of a combined-cycle power generation apparatus, for providing the air required for additional combustion in the duct burner of a heat recovery steam generator. The air supply duct of a heat recovery steam generator according to the present invention diverges to left and right at the upper side of the real portion of the inlet duct connected to the exhaust duct of the gas turbine, and the terminal parts thereof, facing each other in a staggered manner, are respectively installed through the left and right sides of the inlet duct. Further, the penetration depth into the inlet duct is set to one eighth of the width of the inlet duct. In this way, uniform distribution of oxygen concentration can be formed at the end face of the entrance of the duct burner, thereby simultaneously achieving flame stability and complete combustion.

Abstract: A cooling system for a combustion turbine transition section. The combustion turbine includes a compressor assembly with a compressed air bleed line, a combustor assembly, a transition section with integral cooling channels, a turbine assembly with integral cooling channels. The compressor assembly is coupled to the combustor assembly, the combustor assembly is further coupled to the transition section, the transition section is further coupled to the turbine assembly. The compressor assembly, combustor assembly, transition section, and turbine assembly form a flow path. The cooling device includes a compressed air steam generator, a feed water source coupled to, and providing water to, the compressed air steam generator, a steam pipe coupled to the transition section cooling channels and the compressed air steam generator. The compressed air bleed line passes through the compressed air steam generator. In operation, the compressor compresses the ambient air thereby raising the ambient air temperature.

Abstract: In a combined cycle power generation plant in which a gas turbine is cooled by steam, pressure loss of the cooling steam is prevented from increasing and the cooling steam is recovered efficiently. The gas turbine's stationary blade or moving blade is provided with a plurality of mutually independent passages which are arranged in parallel, whereby pressure loss of the cooling steam can be reduced.

Abstract: A stream of primary gas flowing through a bi-stable thrust vectoring nozzle becomes attached to a first or second surface extending downstream of the nozzle, each surface incorporating one or more control ports for controlling to which surface the stream is attached, wherein relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the angle of discharge from the first surface is substantially different from the angle of discharge from the second surface, preferably with the first surface substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. In one embodiment, a plurality of nozzles are arranged with the respective first surfaces substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle combination and each of the respective second surfaces arranged to laterally deflect a respective portion of the stream of primary gas in a respective direction along each of two orthogonal lateral axes.

Abstract: A vortex flow field and an apparatus and a method to produce and sustain it. The flow field includes an outer fluid vortex spiraling toward a closed end of the flow field generating apparatus and an inner fluid vortex substantially concentric with the outer vortex spiraling away from the closed end and toward an outlet opening in which the inner vortex spirals in the same direction as the outer vortex, but in the opposite axial direction. The invention also relates to a rocket propulsion system utilizing the flow field in which the propulsion system includes a combustion chamber with a fuel source and an oxidizer source flowing along the flow field.

Abstract: A non-metallic vehicle gas-directing component includes a plurality of ceramic members embedded within an inner surface. The ceramic members extend into a passageway to form a boundary layer between the flow of exhaust gas and exposed portions of the inner surface to provide a highly heat resistant and lightweight passageway for directing a high temperature gas. A method for producing the vehicle gas-directing component includes temporarily attaching a plurality of ceramic members to an inner mold core during a lost core molding process. In one disclosed embodiment, the ceramic members are temporarily attached directly to the inner mold core by an adhesive. In another disclosed embodiment, the plurality of ceramic members are attached to an inner contour of a core casting cavity by an adhesive.

Abstract: An aircraft flap drive system utilized a variable displacement motor (15) having a fluid pressure actuated device (23) to vary the displacement of the motor. The system includes a displacement control valve (41), and an electrohydraulic control means (55,67,85) operable in response to an electrical input signal (91) to communicate pressurized fluid from a source (11) to the motor. The displacement control valve (41) includes a load sensing arrangement (13,53,49) responsive to an increasing load on the motor to bias the displacement control valve toward a position whereby the motor moves toward its maximum displacement (minimum flow). One result is that the conventional fixed displacement motor, of a particular size and weight, may be replaced by a variable motor which is smaller and lighter.

Abstract: To control a relative rotation between two elements (10, 12), such as flaps of a deployable mechanical structure, on a space vehicle, a torsion bar (16) is used made of a bistable shape memory alloy, heated over its whole length by heaters stuck on the bar and retained by hooping rings. A stop (22) restricts pivoting to the pre-set pivoting angle to be controlled. Excess pivoting of the torsion bar (16) is applied to a mechanical fuse (18), interposed between the bar and one (12) of the elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for utilizing geothermal fluid comprising a two-phase mixture of geothermal steam and brine produced by a production well, includes an input conduit connecting the production well with the separator which separates the geothermal fluid into high pressure geothermal steam and geothermal brine. A connecting conduit connects the separator to a geothermal power plant which produces power from the high pressure geothermal steam. The input conduit is shorter than said connecting conduit to reduce pressure losses due to two-phase flow in the input conduit. The geothermal power plant includes a topping steam turbine coupled to a generator, and a flow control mechanism for applying the high pressure geothermal steam to the topping steam turbine which is constructed and arranged to drive the generator and produce exhaust steam at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generating power and/or heat in a combustion process having a fuel combusted with an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture as an oxidant supplied from a mixed conducting membrane capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures at elevated temperatures. The oxygen is picked up from the permeate side of the membrane by means of a sweep gas. The sweep gas can be obtained from at least one combustion process upstream the membrane. The sweep gas can be formed by mixing a recycled part of the exhaust gas containing oxygen and fuel which are passed over a catalytic or non-catalytic burner or combuster. The process produces a resultant exhaust gas with a high concentration of CO2 and a low concentration of NOx making the exhaust gas stream suitable for direct use in different processes, for injection in a geological formation for long term deposition or for enhanced oil and natural gas recovery.

Abstract: A power generating device employing hydrogen absorbing alloy and low heat and further comprising: two types of hydrogen absorbing alloys which are able to reversibly absorb and release hydrogen gas and which have different thermal equilibrium hydrogen pressure characteristics; said two types of hydrogen absorbing alloys loaded respectively in a first determined hydrogen absorbing alloy heat exchanger container (1) and a second determined hydrogen absorbing alloy heat exchanger container (2) which are connected ventably to each other; at least two sets of heat generating cycles which employ heat generated when hydrogen gas is moved between said first hydrogen absorbing alloy heat exchanger container (1) and second hydrogen absorbing alloy heat exchanger container (2) provided; a hydrogen compound of one of said hydrogen absorbing alloys at a low temperature side having a higher equilibrium pressure at the same temperature is heated by at least one low quality heat sources (8)(9)(10) having a temperature from 1

Abstract: In an improved system for recovering heat from a combustion gas produced by burning wastes, the combustion gas or combustible gas produced by partial burning of the wastes subjected to dust filtration in a temperature range of 450-650° C. at a filtration velocity of 1-5 cm/sec under a pressure of from −5 kPa (gage) to 5 MPa before heat recovery is effected. The dust filtration is preferably performed using a filter medium which may or may not support a denitration catalyst. Heat recovery is preferably effected using a steam superheater. The dust-free gas may partly or wholly be reburnt with or without an auxiliary fuel to a sufficiently high temperature to permit heat recovery. The combustion furnace may be a gasifying furnace which, in turn, may be combined with a melting furnace.

Abstract: A combustor dome module includes a mixer tube having a hollow heat shield sealingly joined around the outlet end thereof. The modules may then be assembled in an array for defining the combustor dome, with each module being individually removable therefrom.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for household use employs semiconductor refrigeration to produce an efficient, compact and non-polluting appliance. The ice cream machine includes a refrigeration plate, a heat radiator, a cold container, a motor and a stirring shaft. The refrigeration plate includes a plurality of P-N junction semiconductor refrigerators. The ice cream maker includes a power supply to provide 12VDC power to the semiconductor refrigerators. A thermal guiding device conducts heat from the cold container to the refrigeration plate.

Abstract: A Peltier element 4 is fixedly brought in close contact with a surface of a heat exchange block 3 with a large heat capacity which performs heat exchange with an end portion 2a of a heat pipe 2, heat transferring means 5 is disposed on a side of the Peltier element 4 which is opposed to the heat exchange block 3, the heat pipe 2 has at least one heat conduction extending portion 2b projecting from the heat exchange block 3, and heating medium about the heat conduction extending portion 2b is temperature-controlled by the operation control of the Peltier element 4 via the heat exchange block 3 and the heat conduction extending portion 2b of the heat pipe 2.

Abstract: A cooling device for RF filters and a low noise amplifier is provided. The device supports and effects simultaneous cryogenic cooling of a plurality of radio frequency filters to a first temperature, and of a low-noise amplifier array, electically connected to the filters, to a second higher temperature. The device includes a two-stage refrigerating engine having spaced-apart first stage and second stage gas expansion chambers. The filters are mounted in thermal communication with the second stage gas expansion chamber and the low-noise amplifier array is mounted in thermal communication with the first stage gas expansion chamber.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing, transporting, offloading, storing and distributing a natural gas to a marketplace. The method comprising producing the natural gas from a first subterranean formation, liquefying the natural gas to produce a liquefied natural gas, transporting the liquefied natural gas to a re-gasification platform, offloading and pressurizing the liquefied natural gas, re-gasifying the liquefied natural gas to produce a re-gasified natural gas, and injecting the re-gasified natural gas into a second subterranean formation which is capable of storing natural gas and producing a product natural gas stream therefrom and transporting the product natural gas stream via a distribution system to a marketplace.

Abstract: A produce merchandiser for displaying produce, such as fresh fruit and the like, at a controlled temperature. The produce merchandiser includes a bin receiving structure and a bin for containing produce. The bin receiving structure has a base, and a refrigeration unit mounted on the base. The refrigeration unit supplies cooled air to the produce. The bin receiving structure also includes a mast mounted to the base and extending substantially vertically therefrom. A lifting mechanism, comprising a carriage and an actuator, is also provided. The carriage includes at least one bin floor support arm, and is adapted to travel vertically on the mast. The actuator is for raising and lowering the carriage. The bin of the produce merchandiser is removably installed on the base unit.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser system (10) includes a compressor (20), a condenser (30), a display case (100) having an evaporator (40), an expansion device (50), and an evaporator pressure control device (60) connected in a closed refrigerant circuit via refrigerant lines (12, 14, 16 and 18). The evaporator pressure control device (60) operates to maintain the pressure in the evaporator at a set point pressure so as to maintain the temperature of the refrigerant expanding from a liquid to a vapor within the evaporator (40) at a desired temperature. A controller (90) operatively associated with the evaporator pressure control device (60) maintains the set point pressure at a first pressure for the refrigerant equivalent to a first refrigerant temperature during a first refrigeration mode and at a second pressure for the refrigerant equivalent to a second refrigerant temperature about 2 to about 12 degrees warmer than the first temperature during a second refrigerant mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a subcritically and transcritically operated vehicle air conditioner having a vapor compression circuit in which in which a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion valve and an evaporator are connected in series and form an integral closed cycle. On the high-pressure side of the vapor compression circuit, for the purpose of offering refrigerating capacity, a pressure is produced which is supercritical with reference to the critical pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the circuit, and a subcritical pressure is reached simultaneously on the low-pressure side of the circuit. Thermal energy is fed via the evaporator to the refrigerant cooled down on the low-pressure side with the refrigerant mass flow being regulated by the compressor and the desired high pressure being set by means of an expansion valve.

Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.

Abstract: An arrangement of apparatus for the measurement of the quantity amount of ice in an ice thermal storage system having a storage tank with a storage fluid and a cooling coil assembly therein, and the method for measuring such ice quantity, which apparatus includes a means to provide an uplift force to the coil assembly and, means for measurement of the vertical displacement of the coil in the storage tank and means for relating the vertical displacement of the cooling coil assembly to the quantity of ice on the cooling coil assembly, and further noting a specific uplifting force assembly for use in such storage tanks.