Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for the multi-effect distillation of water using incident solar energy wherein thermal gradients, established along the length of the still, induce the heat of water condensation to be recuperated to aid feedstock water evaporation. A fan induces air to flow through the still in a closed loop path through transparent plastic film ducts. Air passing through the lower air duct, progressively warms and evaporates feedstock water from the floor of the still. At the hot end of the duct, the airstream passes through an opening into the upper air duct where it passes down the length of the upper air duct in reverses direction, progressively cooling and condensing its vapor on the walls of the still. The heat of condensation conducts to the lower air duct by passing through the light-transmitting plastic film barrier that separates the two air ducts.

Abstract: A heat engine includes a plurality of heating side expansion chambers and cooling side expansion chambers, positioned on opposite sides of an axis, for providing rotation of an apparatus about its axis when the fluids inside the chambers expand and contract on the same side and plane of a rotational axis. This is accomplished by, shifting the weight of fluids off-balance, or a weight, when the fluid, expands and exerts a pressure on an elastic wall inside an expansion chamber and contracts and reduces pressure on an elastic wall inside an expansion chamber, or by moving an element or ring, through actuators, when fluids expand and contract in the expansion chambers. The engine further includes a heat source and a structure for supporting the expansion chambers and heat source, and providing direction of a desired motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power plant (1),

Abstract: A jet-propelled rotary engine comprises a stator and a rotor operatively coupled to the stator for rotation of the rotor relative to the stator about a rotor axis. The rotor comprises at least first and second jet assemblies wherein the first jet assembly defines a first converging flow region, a first diverging flow region downstream of the first converging flow region, and a first discharge port and wherein the second jet assembly defines a second converging flow region, a second diverging flow region downstream of the second converging flow region, and a second discharge port. The rotary engine further comprises a combustion region having an upstream portion and is adapted to cause a combustion reaction of an oxygen-fuel mixture in the combustion region in a manner to form combustion reaction products which comprise at least a part of thrust matter to be discharged through the discharge ports of the first and second jet assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-storage power plant, comprising

Abstract: A recuperator (10) in a thermal power installation such as, for example, a gas turbine installation or air storage power installation, having turbines (15a, 15b) and a generator (G), has sectors (S1-S4) with tubes for the circulation of air. Hot exhaust gases from the turbines (15a, 15b) are supplied to the recuperator (10) for the purpose of heating the air flowing through the sectors (S1-S4). According to the invention, the recuperator (10) has one or a plurality of external thermal reservoirs (HS1, HS2, HS3) which are connected between the (S1-S4) of the recuperator (10) and are heated during the normal operation of the power installation. During an outage period of the power installation, air is circulated through the installation components (10, 15a, 15b, 19), a temperature distribution being maintained in these components with temperature differences which are smaller than a critical magnitude with respect to transient thermal stresses in the components of the recuperator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a gas storage power plant (1) with at least two turbines (3), with at least two compressors (2) and with at least one gas reservoir (4). The compressors (2) are activated for charging the gas reservoir (4) and are at the same time driven by at least one electric motor (7). The turbines (3) are activated for discharging the gas reservoir (4) and at the same time drive at least one generator (12). In order to improve the operating profitability of the gas storage power plant (1), the number of instantaneously activated compressors (2) and/or turbines (3) depends on the current price at the particular time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cooling the blades/vanes of a main turbine 3 of a gas storage power plant 1, comprising at least:

Abstract: A variable cycle gas turbine engine (10) includes first and second compressors (18,16), combustion apparatus (20) and first and second turbines (22,24) operable to drive the first and second compressors (18,16) respectively via interconnecting shafts. The capacity of one of the turbines (24) may be varied, for example by means of guide vanes (32) which can be adjusted to reduce or increase a throat area (40) through which air leaves the guide vanes to impact the turbine. The capacity of the turbine may be increased at low engine speeds, to reduce the pressure ratio across the turbine and across the compressor (16) which it drives, thereby improving the surge margin of the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting a power plant (1), in particular a gas storage power plant, with the following steps:

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor including a casing and a stator assembly. The casing extends around the stator assembly, the stator assembly including a plurality of stator vanes, and a plurality of bleed scoops. Adjacent stator vanes define a static high-pressure region, the bleed scoops formed at least partially within the high pressure region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbogroup (1) of a power generating plant. A turbine unit (2), has a turbine (4) and a further fluid-flow machine (6) on a common turbine shaft. A generator unit (3), has a generator (8) on a generator shaft (9). The turbine shaft (5) and the generator shaft (9) are connected to one another. A third radial bearing unit (13) supports the generator shaft (9) on a side of the generator (8) which faces the turbine unit (2). A thrust bearing unit (16) supports the turbine shaft (5) axially between the generator (8) and the additional fluid-flow machine (6). A first radial bearing unit (11) and/or a second radial bearing unit (12) have/has pendulum supports (20) which are in each case supported on a bearing pedestal (21). At least one of the pendulum supports (20) is supported on the associated bearing pedestal (21) via a spring element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbogroup (1) of a power generating plant. A turbine unit (2), has a turbine (4) and a further fluid-flow machine (6) on a common turbine shaft. A generator unit (3), has a generator (8) on a generator shaft (9). The turbine shaft (5) and the generator shaft (9) are connected to one another. A third radial bearing unit (13) supports the generator shaft (9) on a side of the generator (8) which faces the turbine unit (2). A thrust bearing unit (16) supports the turbine shaft (5) axially between the generator (8) and the additional fluid-flow machine (6). The thrust bearing unit (16) and the third radial bearing unit (13) are integrated in a common bearing block (17) which is firmly connected to a fixed foundation (18).

Abstract: Solid state thermioninc refrigerators with elements having at least one barrier segment connected to wire-equivalent segments. The barrier segment has solid state regions that establish a potential energy barrier to electric carriers. This barrier is such that the circulation of a negative electrical charge from one of such regions to another region experiences an increasing potential energy. Elements can be superconducting or nonsuperconducting. Elements can also include an inverse barrier.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric cooler includes a current sensing circuit which is adapted to control the current through the thermoelectric cooler using proportional, integral, derivative (PID) processing.

Abstract: A device for separating dry solid and liquid by cooling spray has a material reservoir which can adjust and control low temperature for preserving material, a high-pressure pump for extracting material to high-pressure sprayer. Besides, material is pressurized to become a spray state for spraying by adjusting a nozzle of the high-pressure sprayer, and then dry air having high temperature can form a circulating cycle in the steel tub via a heat exchanger of a gas-drying machine to make water content of a spray of liquid be absorbed by dry air having high temperature such that original material becomes powder solid. Besides, air inside the steel tub absorbs much water content due to heat exchange, and then the air with much water content and high temperature is cooled via the heat exchanger when passing through an air filter. After water content of the air is condensed, the air is reheated for using in next cycle.

Abstract: The operating efficiency of indirect evaporative cooling processes and indirect evaporative cooling apparatus employing a dry side channel and a wet side channel separated by a heat exchange plate are improved by placement of holes in the heat exchange plate. Further improvements are obtained when the flow direction in the wet side channel is cross-current to the flow direction in the dry side channel. Placement of desiccant materials in the dry side channel also serve to improve the operating efficiencies of these processes and apparatus.

Abstract: A frosting cooler creates and maintains frost on cold products, such as bottles of a beverage stored in the cooler, thereby to provide a visual manifestation of the cold condition of the beverage. The cooler has the ability to deliver moisture to the products within the cooler so that frosting may be produced in environments where there is low humidity in the ambient air without freezing the liquid contained by the bottle. The cooler is operated to control to protect the frost on the products, once formed. In addition, the cooler is controlled to prevent frost build up on an evaporator and fan of the cooler in the presence of the additional moisture.

Abstract: A cooling system controller controls the capacity of a variable capacity compressor based upon the temperature of a housing being cooled, the suction pressure of the compressor or both of these criteria. The cooling system controller is capable of controlling either single-evaporator or multiple-evaporator refrigeration systems. The multiple-evaporator systems can have evaporators of similar temperatures or of mixed temperatures. The controller also allows the use of one or more condenser fans that are operated in a lead/lag fashion to control the cooling capability of the system.

Abstract: A removable food support element in a refrigerator, for example a shelf, drawer or the like, comprising a body to be positioned on supports present on opposing walls of a refrigerator compartment; there being provided, associated with the body of the element, setting means enabling the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment to be set and the set temperature information to be transferred to control means for the refrigerator refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to hold and transport groceries for home delivery comprises a chassis and a storage unit. The storage unit includes multiple compartments maintained at different temperatures to keep items placed therein refrigerated, frozen or at ambient temperature. Each of the compartments is easily accessible from the ground and has at least one rack mounted therein. The racks support totes filled with grocery orders.

Abstract: A cooling device is constructed by a water impermeable member defining a water passage, the water impermeable member being provided with a vapor permeable member which is permeable to water vapor and impermeable to water, and has the form of a mesh and made of a material having water repellency. The cooling device has a long-life operation while preventing wear-out of the vapor permeable member. Further, optimally setting the size of an opening of the mesh member enables to securely dissipate water vapor outside of the cooling device through the vapor permeable member while efficiently suppressing water leak.

Abstract: The present invention related to a refrigeration dehydration apparatus for efficient and cost-effective dehydration of a variety of gases, in particular natural gas to very low dewpoint without solid ice/gas-hydrate deposition. The present invention provides a low-cost dehydration apparatus universally applicable to both terrestrial and off-shore NG exploitation.

Abstract: A redundant ice making machine having a freezing zone and a storage zone. Each zone has a transportation system that carries receptacles along with freezable material in or through each zone, and are connected from the entrance of the zones to the exit of the zones. The two zones are connected by means of an external transportation system that begins at the exit of the freezing zone, and contains a defrost zone, a separation zone and a filling station.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing a magnetic holding field about a chamber for accumulating frozen 129Xe. The apparatus includes a magnetic field source and a yoke for supporting the magnetic field source about the chamber. The magnetic field source provides a magnetic holding field having a field strength of greater than 2 kiloGauss. The apparatus may further include yoke for coupling the magnetic holding field through a portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A cooling system and method for use in industrial plants are disclosed. A hot fluid stream is first cooled in an air-cooled stage to an intermediate temperature, and then to a final temperature in a water-cooled stage. The two-stage cooling method, which has advantages over either air-cooling or water-cooling alone, is well-suited for applications or locations where water use is restricted due to economic or environmental concerns.

Abstract: This plant comprises N (N>1) air distillation units (1) in parallel, each one of which comprises a main air compressor (3) driven by a steam turbine (4); an air distillation apparatus (8) producing liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen; at least one pump (9) for pumping liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen to a high production pressure; and a cycle compressor (10) adapted to compress part of a cycle fluid.

Abstract: In a press molding apparatus for press molding a plurality of glass materials into a plurality of glass optical elements by the use of a pressing mold including upper and lower molds each of which has a plurality of molding surfaces, at least one of the upper and the lower molds is a heat generator within which heat is generated when the heat generator is subjected to a high-frequency induction heating by an induction heating coil. The heat generator having a plurality of shape-processed portions (130) produced by partially processing a shape of the heat generator in order that a temperature distribution of the heat generator is adjusted. The apparatus simultaneously press forms, into the glass optical elements, the glass materials supplied between the molding surfaces of the upper and the lower molds which are subjected to the high-frequency induction heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of depositing a cladding layer over external surfaces of a waveguide structure formed on a planar substrate, the waveguide structure comprising a planar waveguide core formed on the planar substrate and a raised structure formed on the planar substrate adjacent the waveguide core. The invention allows high-aspect-ratio gaps in a planar optical waveguide structure to be filled without incorporating macroscopic or microscopic voids. In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing a cladding material over the planar waveguide structure, etching the deposited cladding material so as to reduce shadowing effects between the waveguide core and the raised structure during the deposition of the cladding material, and controlling at least one parameter of the deposition so as to form a cladding layer front the deposited material. In another embodiment, the method involves modifying the profile of the waveguide structure before depositing the cladding layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber preform-heating furnace that is simple in its structure and excellent in uniformity of the temperature distribution in a circumferential direction of an optical fiber preform. The optical fiber preform-heating furnace includes a furnace core tube into which an optical fiber preform is supplied; a heater that surrounds the furnace core tube; a pair of electrode connection portions with which the heater is provided and has a face opposing to an outer periphery surface of the furnace core tube; and electrode portions that are disposed to each of the electrode connection portions and connected to a power supply. When a cylindrical heat insulator is disposed between the furnace core tube and the opposing faces, since an outward heat transfer amount from the furnace core tube side through the electrode portion can be reduced, the temperature distribution in a circumferential direction of the optical fiber preform can be improved in its uniformity.

Abstract: A flat knitting machine comprising a transfer jack bed (9) holding transfer jacks (7) in such a manner as to freely advance and retract, wherein when a loop is transferred from the transfer jack (7) to the needle (19), the loop retaining portion (53) of the transfer jack (7) put in its advanced position is moved down to its lowered position, first; then, a back side (39b) of a needle hook of the needle (19) is made to go into the loop (111) retained on the loop retaining portion (53) of the transfer jack (7); then the loop retaining portion (53) is raised up to its raised position; and thereafter, a front side (39a) of the needle hook of the needle is made to go into the loop, whereby the transfer of loop can be ensured with a reduced burden on the loop in the transfer of loop through the use of a common track for the needles of the front bed (13a) and for the needles of the back bed (13b).

Abstract: A double-layer sock includes substantially coextensive, separately knitted inner and outer layers that cooperatively form a fabric receptacle dimensioned to fit over the foot and at least a portion of the leg of the wearer. The separately knitted inner and outer fabric layers are joined by sewn attachment stitches. The attachment stitches include stitching extending completely around the open leg end of the receptacle and tack stitching located within the toe sections of the layers. The layers are each preferably knit in a manner, such as by a circular knitting machine, requiring toe closure seams. The toe closure seams face toward one another in a juxtaposed relationship, such that the rib presented by each seam is overlain and concealed by the opposite fabric layer. The outer layer preferably presents inwardly facing terry loops so as to further minimize bulging created by the closure seams. A form for facilitating fabrication of a double-layer sock is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional knit fabric comprising front and back knit layers and a connecting yarn consisting of monofilament for connecting the knit layers to each other, characterized in that the curvature of the monofilament in the three-dimensional knit fabric is in a range from 0.01 to 1.6, and the bending elongation of the monofilament is 20% or less when the three-dimensional knit fabric is compressed to 50%.

Abstract: A latch includes a mortise lock assembly having a sliding live bolt and dead bolt. A spindle connected to opposed handles actuates the live bolt. The dead bolt includes a cam restrained by mechanical stops and a follower moving in a limited range of motion in a slot formed in the side of the lock housing. An oval key cylinder engages the cam and is mounted on an escutcheon plate. The key cylinder includes a spindle with approximately one-quarter turn of free relative rotation. The key cylinder spindle mounts to a thumb turn button so that the spindle may be actuated through one-quarter turn by either the thumb turn button or the key cylinder.

Abstract: A locking cap is selectively locked into place within a tubular opening, such as the open end of a standpipe used to charge a building sprinkler system. The locking cap has an expandable sleeve and a spreader member. As a key is turned, the spreader member is drawn into the expandable sleeve which is urged outward. The outward movement of the expandable sleeve increases a frictional component such that the expandable sleeve becomes frictionally locked within the tubular opening. The key has an end design that is complemented by an end of an actuator shaft such that the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the locking cap is reduced.

Abstract: How I came up with this idea, I am having problems in keeping unwanted people out of my apartment, when I am not there. The criminals was prying open the door knob locks and picking the Dead Bolt Locks. I went around to several Hardware Stores and Locksmith Stores around the city. I looked and observed the Dead Bolt Locks and all the door knob locks. I brought so many locks and the problem still is happening. So I wanted to invent something to give the police proof that this problem is happening so they can make a report.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the transmission of unlocking force from a lock cylinder arranged in a lock cylinder casing to an operating arm in a locking mechanism, especially in a vehicle lock. The device is characterized in that a first end of a cable sheath is fixed to the lock cylinder casing adjacent to the lock cylinder. A second end of the cable sheath is fixed adjacent to the operating arm of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granular fertilizer which is coated with a thermosetting resin layer (first thermosetting resin layer), a water-insoluble material layer and a thermosetting resin layer (second thermosetting resin layer) from inner to outer layers, and it can release fertilizer ingredients for a long time, by a smaller amount of coating materials than known coated fertilizers.

Abstract: Roll gap control is provided using a first roll position detector that detects a first position of a first roll, a second roll position detector that detects a first position of a second roll and a third roll position detector that detects a first position of the third roll. A processor determines a second position of the first roll based on the first position of the second roll and the first position of the third roll.

Abstract: A bending machine includes a base frame and arms hingedly coupled to the base frame. The arms include a jaw for clamping a workpiece to be bent. The bending machine also includes a shaft including eccentric shaft portions. The eccentric shaft portions couple the arms to the base frames and have a first eccentric axis and a second eccentric axis. The first and second eccentric longitudinal axes are spaced apart such that the arms rotate and translate as the eccentric shaft portions are rotated about the first eccentric axis. The shaft also includes at least one connecting shaft portion that interconnects the eccentric shaft portions.

Abstract: An American style press brake tool and tool holder having a safety key. The holder has a body with walls defining a downwardly open, tool receiving recess having a top, a downwardly facing force-delivering shoulder adjacent the bottom of said recess, and a shelf within said recess having an upwardly facing surface spaced upwardly from said force-delivering shoulder. The tool comprises a body having a lower work-engaging surface, an upwardly facing force-receiving shoulder engageable with the shoulder of the tool holder, and an upwardly extending tang receivable in said recess, the upper end of the tang being spaced from the top of the recess. A manually operable actuator is spaced below said force-receiving shoulder, and a safety key is coupled to the actuator for movement horizontally into and out of alignment with the shelf between locked and unlocked positions, respectively.

Abstract: The calibration circuit is used with a differential input, monolithic integrated circuit preamplifier in a sensor system. The calibration circuit tests the integrity of the sensor, the preamplifier, and the wiring in the sensor system. The calibration circuit includes first and second calibration capacitors having different capacitances connected to the preamplifier input leads. A calibration signal source is connected between the capacitors. The capacitors are preferably implemented on the same integrated circuit as the preamplifier. In operation, a calibration signal of known amplitude is applied to the calibration circuit and the level at the preamplifier output is determined. The level at the preamplifier output indicates certain conditions relating to the integrity of the sensor and its wiring, for example, an open circuit condition or a short circuit condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing defects in electrochemical gas sensors, in which the water vapor pressure of the air surrounding a sensor is suddenly changed by changing to more dry or more humid air, thereby causing a sharp change in the acidity at the working electrode, and hence, a transient current from the sensor. The response of the sensor to the change in water vapor pressure is monitored and is used for sensor diagnostics. Lack of sensitivity of the sensor to the water vapor pressure change is an indication that the sensor does not have appropriate sensitivity to the gas to be detected. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for diagnostic testing of sensors without a gas filter.

Abstract: An electronic speedometer calibration device includes a microcontroller and an entry device. The microcontroller receives an electrical speed signal from the speed sensor. The microcontroller is instructed to change the frequency of the electrical speed signal by some multiplication factor. The multiplication factor may be entered through a keypad, a computer download, or through any other suitable device. The multiplication factor is preferably shown on a display device. The multiplication factor may be greater than or less than one. The microcontroller will output an electrical speed signal to the electronic speedometer with a frequency which has been modified by the multiplication factor. The speedometer will display the corrected speed. A second embodiment of the electronic speedometer calibration device includes a digital frequency multiplier and a digital frequency divider.

Abstract: A micro-gyroscope (10) having closed loop operation by a control voltage (Vty), that is demodulated by an output signal of the sense electrodes (S1, S2), providing Coriolis torque rebalance to prevent displacement of the micro-gyroscope (10) on the output axis (y-axis). The present invention provides independent alignment and tuning of the micro-gyroscope by using separate sensors and actuators to detect and adjust alignment and tuning. A quadrature amplitude signal is used to detect misalignment, that is corrected to zero by an electrostatic bias adjustment. A quadrature signal noise level, or a transfer function test signal, is used to detect residual mistuning, that is corrected to zero by a second electrostatic bias adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and related systems for efficiently detecting substances that are illegally transported in commerce, particularly by common carriers. The methods rely on a vacuum-induced collection of particulates from bulk material used to subvert or deter conventional detection methods. The disclosed methods are particularly adaptable for detecting illegal drugs such as cocaine but are also applicable to explosives and toxic materials. The methods may be employed for inspecting cargo shipments as well as smaller packages such as luggage and airline carry-on items.

Abstract: A portable olfactometer for sensing and measuring odors by sniffing has a barrel which carries selectively different D/T ratios of odorous air to a nose mask and has a selective set of inserts for providing different D/T ratios at the input to the barrel.

Abstract: Problem:

Abstract: A method and system for determining the actuating pressure of a servo cylinder that is actuated by pressurized fluid. The actuation displacement of the servo cylinder is obtained from a sensor or other device. A pressure sensor measures inflow pressure at one point of a pressurized fluid line supplying the servo cylinder. The actuating pressure is determined based on the inflow pressure and the change in the actuation displacement of the servo cylinder.