Abstract: I, Michelle Van Patten have invented a new design/utility for an INNER NOSE AIR FILTER as set forth in the following abstract. The inner nose air filter purpose is to reduce the inhaling of air pollution. The invention was born out of the need to alleviate the amount of black residue being expelled from the nose after a day of working in the Los Angeles/Long Beach port environment. The invention is meant to provide a comfortable, functional and readily usable inner nose air filter. It should be disposable and may be provided in basic white as well as various color combinations to promote daily use for the duration of the work shift when subject to the environmental elements of air pollution. The views reveal two cone-shaped cylindrical air filters connected by a nose clip/wire for attachment to the nostril separator or individual insertion. The hope is to reduce nontoxic and possibly toxic substance ingestion.

Abstract: A filter pack is formed of a pleated filter section and a top edge band and a bottom edge band that form a frame. The filter section and the frame are formed of a nonwoven polymer material, preferably a polyester material. The filter section is retained in the frame by an adhesive, preferably also a polyester material. The filter pack provides more filtration media per area, leading to more efficient filtration. The filter pack is fully shreddable and does not require separation into various components for recycling.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a dust-proof filter apparatus comprising a -shaped pleated body which is formed by a upper base plate, at least one connection bond, and a lower base plate, at least one filter which is arranged into the body, and at least one elastic buckle assembly which consists of a clasp element and an interlocking opening. The clasp element and the interlocking opening are, respectively, located in the surface of the opening end of the body. By using the elastic buckle assembly, the filter can be fastened and loosened conveniently. In addition, the dust-proof filter apparatus can be mounted into a conditioner or cooling system to provide the fresh air.

Abstract: The ceramic honeycomb filter having a plurality of honeycomb structures each having an outer wall and a large number of flow paths partitioned by cell walls inside the outer wall, which are bonded to each other in the direction of the flow paths, desired flow paths on exhaust gas inlet and outlet sides being sealed, wherein at least one plug on an exhaust inlet side is disposed at a position inside the filter separate from an inlet end surface of the filter; and wherein inlet-side plugs are formed at desired positions of end portions of at least one honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine includes a crop harvesting header mounted on a transport vehicle for carrying the header across the ground with at least one upper connecting link extending from the vehicle frame to an upper frame member and two support arms each extending from a front end at the header to a rear end pivotally mounted on the vehicle frame and arranged at a height below the upper link. Each support arm has a respective float spring connected thereto at a pivot thereon forwardly of the rear end and extending therefrom to the vehicle frame for applying a lifting force on the support arm. Each support arm has a pivot connection at the rear end defined by a pivotal link connected at a forward end to the frame by a resilient bushing and at a rear end by a similar bushing to the rear end of the support arm.

Abstract: A crop conditioning apparatus includes two parallel fluted intermeshing rollers mounted for rotation about respective axes for passage of crop material therebetween and for movement of the axes in a direction to increase and decrease the spacing the rollers. The rollers and flutes are substantially rigid, such that rotation of the rollers while intermeshing without crop material therebetween and while out of synchronism causes unacceptable noisy contact between the flutes. Each roller being driven by a respective one of two motors arranged to generate substantially equal torque so as to tend to rotate the rollers at common angular velocity. A timing arrangement for maintaining the rollers in synchronism includes a gear wheel having a plurality of gear lobes thereon projecting radially outwardly therefrom on one roller and a disk parallel to the gear wheel with a plurality of rollers projecting outwardly from one face of the disk into a position between the gear lobes of the first member.

Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a chassis and a mower deck movable with respect to the chassis. A cylinder assembly is mounted to said chassis, and includes an actuating cylinder, and a piston shaft selectively extendable and retractable with respect to the cylinder under the influence of fluid pressure within the cylinder. A deck lift assembly is interconnected to the chassis and the mower deck for adjusting the height of the mower deck with respect to the chassis. The deck lift assembly includes a pivot member pivotally connected to the chassis. A jack is removably coupled to the pivot member, such that the chassis is raised and lowered in response to movement of the piston shaft with respect to the cylinder. The jack utilizes the existing hydraulic system and cylinder assembly of the lawnmower to raise the lawnmower with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A ply-twisted yarn useful in cut resistant fabrics is made by providing a first multifilament yarn of continuous organic filaments having a tensile strength of at least 4 grams per denier and having a twist in a first direction of from 0.5 to 10 turns per inch; providing a second yarn comprising 1 to 5 continuous inorganic filament(s); and ply-twisting the first yarn and the second yarn about each other 2 to 15 turns per inch in a second direction opposite to that of the twist in the first yarn to form a ply-twisted yarn having an overall effective twist of +/−5 turns per inch.

Abstract: A recuperator support includes a first pivot mount that defines a first pivot axis and a floating pivot mount that defines a floating pivot axis. The recuperator is coupled to the pivot mounts and pivotal about the pivot axes. The floating pivot mount accommodates thermal growth of the recuperator. The first pivot mount may be mounted to a frame such that the first pivot axis is fixed with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A gas turbine installation which includes a compressor which compresses supplied air and discharges the same, a combustor which combusts the compressed air obtained from the compressor and fuel and produces combustion gas, a turbine which is driven by combustion gas provided from the combustor, a regenerative heat exchanger which heats all or a part of the compressed air being supplied from the compressor to the combustor by making use of the heat of the exhaust gas exhausted from the turbine and a plurality of water spraying devices which are provided at positions from an intake air chamber of the compressor to the outlet of low temperature side gas flow passage in the regenerative heat exchanger and is characterized in that the regenerative heat exchanger is constituted by connecting in series a plurality of heat exchangers having different heat transfer surface configurations.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curable bond liner with a high filler content that is curable sufficiently for casting of the propellant by exposure to ultraviolet light at a wavelength between 350 and 400 nm. By irradiating the liner at this wavelength, the initiator can be activated without interference from the filler components or heat cured liner components. After the casting of the propellant, the bond liner is heat cured along with the propellant.

Abstract: A NOx occluding and reducing catalyst 20 is provided in an exhaust gas passage of an engine to occlude the NOx in the exhaust gas of a lean air-fuel ratio. The engine is provided with an injector for directly injecting the fuel into the combustion chamber, and the fuel fed by a fuel pump into a common rail with pressure is injected. The additive containing a sulfur-solidifying agent that forms a solid sulfate upon the reaction with sulfur in the fuel due to combustion, is injected into the common rail from a tank due to a pump, and is supplied into the combustion chamber through the injector together with the fuel. When the condition of the atmosphere of the NOx occluding and reducing catalyst is the one where the NOx in the exhaust gas is little absorbed, the ECU adjusts the discharge amount of the pump, and decreases the amount of the additive injected into the common rail or interrupts the injection. This decreases the consumption of the sulfur-solidifying agent.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided for switching a switching valve at an optimal timing in accordance with an actual activated state of a catalyzer and a heated state of an adsorbent to achieve an optimal exhaust gas characteristic. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprises a catalyzer disposed in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, an adsorbent filled in a second passage circumventing a first passage in the exhaust system for adsorbing hydrocarbons within exhaust gases, a switching valve operable to switch between an open position for opening the first passage and a close position for closing the first passage, an ECU for detecting an atmospheric pressure state, and a switching valve driver for driving the switching valve to the close position upon start of the internal combustion engine, and driving the switching valve to the open position in accordance with the detected atmospheric pressure state.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reducing the amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and soot particles in the lean exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using a particle filter, wherein the soot particles have a soot ignition temperature TZ and the particle filter is regenerated from time to time by raising the temperature of the particle filter to above the soot ignition temperature and burning the soot particles, wherein the temperature of the filter is increased to the temperature required to initiate soot ignition by burning additional fuel on the catalytic coating when the exhaust gas back pressure reaches a predetermined value. The process is characterised in that the particle filter is provided with a catalytic coating comprising a first group of components for reducing the ignition temperature of soot, said first group of components contains at least one oxygen storage component and at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the aftertreatment of exhaust gases from combustion engines, in particular from internal combustion engines. The device according to the invention and the method are intended to be of simple construction, should be inexpensive to produce and operate and should have less adverse effect on the flow conditions in the exhaust gas stream. To achieve this object, at least one region which is filled with beads is provided in the exhaust-gas stream, the beads preferably being hollow beads. The exhaust gas from the combustion engine is passed through this region, and it is possible to achieve particle agglomeration with simultaneous separation of these particles. In addition, further regions which are filled with metal fibers may follow the at least one region filled with beads, and the exhaust gas is additionally passed through these further regions.

Abstract: A system and method for storing energy during an off-peak period and distributing energy during a peak period in a wholesale energy market. The system has a first energy directing device for directing energy produced in the wholesale energy market during the off-peak period into an energy storage device, and a second energy directing device for directing the energy from said energy storage device into the wholesale energy market during the peak period. Also, a method for creating profit in a wholesale energy market.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a working device (12) connected to a hydraulic circuit (10), especially for a load fork (16) which can be raised and lowered with a working cylinder (14) in a fork-lift truck, comprising a valve control unit which moves into an adjustment position when the load fork (16) is lowered even when carrying a load (18), a predefinable maximum volume flow being maintained in the hydraulic circuit (10). By providing the valve control unit with a pressure regulator (26) limiting a pilot control pressure for the control valve (28), once a predefinable regulating pressure differential is reached in the hydraulic circuit, said control valve moves into a regulating position in order to maintain the maximum volume flow and the known flow control valve is replaced in the main flow by a pressure regulator (26) disposed in the pilot control circuit (40) and which only needs to be dimensioned for low volume flows.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack with dual pump system includes two fluid reservoirs, two pumps for pumping the hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoirs to an inner fluid chamber of a hydraulic cylinder respectively, and two sequence valves each opening at a predetermined control pressure to enable the hydraulic fluid flowing from the inner fluid chamber back to the respective fluid reservoir, wherein the control pressure preset at the first sequence valve is smaller than that preset at the second sequence valve. Therefore, at an no load condition, the pumps are pumping the hydraulic fluid to the inner fluid chamber to speed up the lifting up of the lifting arm, and at a load condition, the first sequence valve is opened by means of a loading pressure while the second pumping means keeps pumping the hydraulic fluid to the inner fluid chamber to substantially lift up the lifting arm.

Abstract: The piston in the master cylinder of a hydraulic system of the kind that is used particularly in motor vehicles is made of a duroplastic polymer material.

Abstract: A master cylinder assembly (24) for an automotive braking system is adapted to provide hydraulic functions simulating the effect of a traditional vacuum servo device but without the expense associated with such a servo device. The master cylinder (24) comprises tandem high pressure small diameter cylinder portions (30, 32) to generate high pressure for the main brake-applying phase of any given brake application. These tandem high pressure cylinders are connected to the usual split hydraulic systems (26, 28) of the vehicle, for example diagonally split front/rear wheels. The master cylinder further comprises a fast-fill larger diameter portion (34) for achieving immediate clearance take-up and fast entry into the simulated servo portion of the brake application. The fast-fill chamber has a floating piston (40) dividing it into twin hydraulically isolated chambers (36, 38) serving the split hydraulic systems (26, 28) which are also subsequently pressurised independently by the tandem high pressure cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel regasification method and system in which the evaporative coolant is forced through an evaporation and condensation cycle, allowing control of the evaporative coolant condensation pressure; thus yielding a more flexible and more compact regasification system than those of the prior art.

Abstract: This invention describes a miniaturized hybrid diesel-electric engine formed by a closed-loop system powered by plasma-aided combustion of JP-8 fuel (or other hydrocarbon fuels) working in tandem with a vapor cycle utilizing miniaturized expanders and condensers. The output of this engine is electric power and mechanical work. Water, or organic fluids, heated by the combustion product developed inside a special burner, undergoes an explosive, quasi-supersonic conversion to steam. This steam drives a high-speed turbine connected together with a gas turbine outputting shaft work. This work output is utilized to power internal subsystems, cool down the miniaturized condensers, and to produce torque and electric power. The dimensions of this miniaturized hybrid-engine are so compact that it can fit inside the battery compartment of most applications requiring high-density miniaturized power sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved variable geometry inlet for a scram jet engine having at least one combustor module. The variable geometry inlet comprises each combustor module having two sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls has a central portion with a thickness and a tapered profile forward of the central portion. The tapered profile terminates in a sharp leading edge. The variable geometry inlet further comprises each module having a lower wall and a movable cowl flap positioned forward of the lower wall. The movable cowl flap has a leading edge and the leading edges of the sidewalls intersect the leading edge of the cowl flap.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided which can convert an open combined cycle gas turbine into a reduced or zero emissions power system. The system includes a compressor which compresses air and combusts the air with a hydrocarbon fuel. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust which is expanded through a turbine. The turbine drives the compressor and outputs power. The exhaust exits the turbine and then is routed through a heat recovery steam generator. A bottoming cycle portion of the system includes a gas generator which combusts a hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen. Water is also entered into the gas generator where it is heated and combined with the products of combustion, before entering a bottoming turbine. The water is then separated and routed back to the gas generator after preheating within the heat recovery steam generator.

Abstract: In a method for maintaining a combined-cycle power station at readiness, an supplemental firing (44) with a fresh air supply fan (46) and, preferably, the feed and supply pumps (21, 23, 31, 38) are operated continuously or intermittently when the combined-cycle power station is not in use, in order to maintain specific states and media flows in the two-phase circuit of the combined-cycle power station. In one embodiment of the invention, the media in the two-phase circuit are prevented from freezing by means of the supplemental firing. Furthermore, media states which prevent air -from entering while the power station is not in use and which thus prevent corrosion damage can also be maintained. In addition to this protective maintenance of readiness, the supplemental firing is also used when the combined-cycle power station is not in use, in order to produce and maintain conditions which allow the combined-cycle power station to be started and loaded quickly.

Abstract: A swirler includes a tubular body having a row of secondary radial swirl vanes. A tubular ferrule adjoins the body at the secondary vanes, and includes a row of primary swirl vanes. The primary vanes are disposed axially obliquely to the secondary vanes, with a common annular inlet facing radially outwardly for swirling air radially inwardly therefrom with axial momentum into the tubular body.

Abstract: A method for gas turbine engine off-load starting includes using a starter connected to a rotor of a gas turbine engine to start the gas turbine engine while terminating or reducing torque transmission from the starter to accessory devices until a gas turbine engine starting cycle is completed and the gas turbine engine is operating under a self-sustaining condition.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing the formation of ice on or removing ice from an internal surface of a turbofan engine. A splitter region, associated with a booster compressor of the turbofan engine, is identified. The splitter region has surfaces internal to the turbofan engine subject to inlet icing conditions. A resin is molded along a leading edge of the splitter region, and electric coils are installed within the resin to prevent ice build-up on the splitter region or to remove ice from the splitter region during icing conditions.

Abstract: With a method for cryo-preservation, at least one specimen is arranged on a storage substrate and specimen data, which are characteristic for features of the specimen, are stored at specific positions. Also, a storage substrate for cryo-preservation with such a method is described.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frozen vegetable or part thereof, wherein said process comprises the steps:

Abstract: A thermal zone demand controlled air conditioning fan coil unit using dual cascade arranged heat pumps, chilled water, or a combination of chilled water and hot water, with or without back up electric resistance heat strips, and having an air circulation system for circulating air to and from a plurality of thermal zones and including a conditioned air chamber having first and second heat exchange refrigerant coils or direct or reversed cycle water coils being connected in refrigerant circulating relation respectively with the heat pumps, chilled water coil A plurality of thermal zone blowers conduct conditioned air from the conditioned air chamber to respective thermal zones of a building space. Electronic controller circuitry of the system is coupled for thermal demand control of the heat pumps and the thermal zone blowers for operation of the first heat pump during average thermal load and for operation of both heat pumps during greater thermal load.

Abstract: The heater has increased quick responsiveness to temperature control of air, and the air conditioner can realize highly accurate temperature control using the heater. A duct unit having heat sources comprising electric lamps in the inside thereof is attached to an air duct. Air coming into contact with glass bulbs of the electric lamps is heated by radiant heat and transferred heat generated by lighting the electric lamps, whereby the heater with increased quick responsiveness to temperature control is obtained. A first heater and a second heater are provided in the air duct, respectively, and temperature sensors for controlling these heaters are attached to the air duct and a precision environment chamber, respectively, whereby temperature control in two stages with different temperature resolutions is made possible, and an air conditioner with high accuracy excellent in controllability can be provided.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: There is provided an air conditioning system and method for operating an air conditioner according to a user's physical response to external conditions. The air conditioning system includes: an indoor environment sensing unit/a personal characteristic value reception unit for measuring an indoor environment and the user's physical status so as to obtain information used to operate an air conditioner; a control unit including at least a microprocessor, for finding out personal characteristic values which are used to evaluate the user's physical status on the basis of information inputted from the personal characteristic value reception unit; and a driving unit controlled by the control unit, for promptly enhancing the user's physical status.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed which takes advantage of low ambient temperature conditions so as to activate a refrigerant flow that bypasses the compressor. The activation of the refrigerant flow is achieved by the intelligent control of a pump positioned between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of an expansion device upstream of the evaporator. The refrigerant flow produced by the pump does not require any particular positioning of the condenser and evaporator components with respect to each other. The evaporator preferably absorbs heat from water circulating in a secondary loop which is used to remove heat from a building by one or more fan coil units.

Abstract: To provide a transportable cooling unit for maintaining a transport volume at a defined temperature, comprising a closed cooling circuit and a controller sensing a temperature present within said transport volume and controlling said cooling circuit so as to provide the cooling power demanded at said evaporator for maintaining said defined temperature and minimizing energy consumption, said controller operates said closed cooling circuit between a maximum possible heating power and a maximum possible cooling power in a sequence of different operational stages, said controller further operates said closed cooling circuit in each one of at least two upper operational cooling stages at a compressor speed related cooling capacity different from said compressor speed related cooling capacity in said other upper operational stages and within said respective upper operational stages said controller operates a compressor in an uninterrupted mode and adjusts said cooling power stepless speed control of said compressor

Abstract: A climate control system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided that includes a ventilation fan for facilitating movement of air out of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fan is selectively controlled by an electronic control unit, which receives a signal from a temperature sensor indicating that operation of the fan is needed. A plurality of thermoelectric devices are used to control the temperature of the ambient air in the passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle seats are each equipped with at least one thermoelectric device to heat and cool each seat individually. A retractable window cover may optionally be provided to reduce transmission of infrared light into the vehicle interior. The combination of the ventilation fan, the thermoelectric devices for each seat and for the ambient air, and the optional retractable window cover allows for the elimination of the vehicle's central air conditioning system.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having a viewing area with the first side and a second side. An air outlet on the first side guides air across the viewing area to an air inlet on the second side. A first fan and a second fan communicate with the air inlet. A volume extends between the air inlet and the first and second fans. The partition divides this volume between the first and second fan.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving bar. The food serving bar includes a cabinet having a bottom, opposite sides and opposite ends defining an interior space. A top wall and an opening in the top wall are above the interior space. A plurality of elongate, generally parallel spaced apart dividers of thermally conductive material extend lengthwise of the cabinet in or below the opening. The dividers have side walls dividing the interior space into elongate generally parallel cavities. A temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the dividers has heat transfer lines extending along the side walls of the dividers. Upwardly facing surfaces on the dividers support food-holding pans such that the pans extend down into the cavities adjacent the side walls. Thermal barriers below the upwardly facing surfaces inhibit the transfer of heat between the side walls and the upwardly facing surfaces.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system contains an evaporator housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an inner space formed therein. An air-through flow evaporator is disposed in the evaporator housing. At least one injection device is supported by the evaporator housing and is directed into the inner space. A supply line is connected to the injection device, and through the supply line and the injection device a cleaning agent and/or a disinfecting agent is injected into the evaporator housing.

Abstract: At a refrigerator or freezer cabinet (10) with a space for storing goods, an evaporator (38) extends along the rear wall (18) of the cabinet and confines in sidewards direction a chamber (52), which is also confined by the rear wall (18) and an intermediate wall (44) arranged in front of the rear wall. An opening (54) is arranged in the intermediate wall (44), through which opening an impeller (56) sucks in air from the space and blows the air out into the chamber (52), the cross sectional area of which decreasing in vertical direction so that the air is evenly distributed along the evaporator (38) before the air in sidewards direction passes through the evaporator out into the space along the rear wall, from where the air circulates further on through the space between shelves located therein back to the opening (54).

Abstract: A self-cooling beverage container having an open base forming a compartment or chamber adapted to receive and hold a sealed base component containing a freezable liquid or gel disposed therein is disclosed.

Abstract: A compression system including a compressor driven by a motor, an optional accumulator, a liquid/gas separator, heat exchangers in the form of a condenser and an evaporator, expansion valves and conduit in the form of piping to connect these components together. The liquid/gas separating means is a lubricant separator, typically a cylindrical horizontal or vertical vessel used in conjunction with a gas compressor. The lubricant separator accepts discharge flow from the compressor which includes a mixture of a “smokeless” lubricant and refrigerant gas in a range of particle sizes forming a fluid stream, separates the refrigerant gas from the lubricant and collects the lubricant for reuse in the compressor. Because the lubricant used in the lubrication system rapidly agglomerates into larger size droplets and does not produce an aerosol, the separator does not require a coalescer element to coalesce aerosol and does not require a manway for serving the coalescer element.

Abstract: A field and/or customer replaceable packaged refrigeration module with thermosyphon is suitable for use in standard electronic component environments. The field replaceable packaged refrigeration module portion is self-contained and is specifically designed to have physical dimensions similar to those of a standard air-based cooling system, such as a fined heat sink or heat pipe. The field replaceable packaged refrigeration module is coupled to a thermosyphon and serves to lower the base temperature of the thermosyphon sub-system, thereby allowing intermittent operation of the field replaceable packaged refrigeration module with the thermosyphon sub-system.

Abstract: An ejector cycle device includes a gas-liquid separator for separating a refrigerant flowing out of an ejector into gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator further separates refrigeration oil from the refrigerant. The refrigeration oil used by the ejector cycle device is less compatible to the refrigerant on the low-pressure side than the compatibility of the refrigeration oil with the refrigerant on a high-pressure side.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for refrigerating liquefied natural gas under pressure (1), comprising a first step wherein the LNG (1) is cooled, expanded and separated (a) in a first base fraction (4) which is collected, and (b) a first top fraction (3) which is heated, compressed in a compressor (K1) and cooled into a first compressed fraction (5) which is collected; a second compressed fraction (6) is drawn from the fuel gas (5), cooled then mixed with the cooled and expanded LNG (1). The invention is characterised in that it comprises a second step wherein the second compressed fraction (6) is compressed and cooled, and a flux is (8) drawn and cooled, expanded and introduced in the compressor (K1). The invention also describes other embodiments.

Abstract: The invention provides a setting for a precious stone comprising a support for a precious stone; contact means for establishing a contact between the support and a stone within the support; a detector for detecting a break in the contact; and an emitter for emitting a signal on detection of the break in the contact. The setting provides a means of alerting wearers of an item of jewellery that the precious stone is loose within its support.