Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a compressor in its induction system which has a compressor wheel rotatably mounted in an intake duct combustion air compressor, whereby the combustion air is compressed to an increased boost pressure, and an auxiliary duct which opens into the compressor intake duct, an adjustable blocking element being arranged in the compressor intake duct upstream of the compressor wheel and an adjustable swirl device being arranged in an opening region of the auxiliary duct, and an NOx storage catalytic converter being disposed in the exhaust gas system, the blocking device and the swirl device are adjustable so as to generate an air fuel ratio with an excess of fuel, and, at the same time a propulsive swirl is applied to the compressor wheel when the blocking element is moved to a position in which air supply to the compressor intake duct is restricted.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism connected to the intake and exhaust systems of an engine. The mechanism may achieve recirculation of exhaust gases despite varying differential pressures or delta pressures between the systems, particularly since intake pressures may often exceed exhaust pressures. Pressure sensors may be situated proximate to the input and output of the flow control mechanism. There may a flow sensor proximate to the flow control mechanism. Cylinder pressure or pulse sensors may be situated in or about the engine. A processor may be connected to various sensors and provide prompt active control of a valve or like device in the flow control mechanism. Such valve may operate sufficiently quickly so as to prevent backflow from the intake system into the exhaust system upon sudden pressure changes in the systems. The quickness of the active valve control may also permit recirculating stipulated amounts of exhaust gas to each cylinder.

Abstract: A controller (70) controls the boost pressure of an internal combustion engine (60) comprising two intake/exhaust units, each intake/exhaust unit comprising a turbocharger (10) which supercharges intake air in an intake passage (20) using exhaust energy in an exhaust passage (30), and an exhaust gas recirculating device (40, 41) which recirculates a part of the exhaust gas in the exhaust passage to the intake passage. The controller (70) calculates an opening difference between valves in the two units (S121), and controls a regulating device (13) in each of the two units on the basis of this opening difference (S123-S125). As a result, the boost pressures of the turbochargers (10) match, and hence an equal amount of NOx can be discharged from each exhaust passage (30), and the NOx can be purified favorably by a catalyst.

Abstract: This is a system that converts an energy input, preferably a renewable source generated thrust of a shaft, to useable thermal energy for an efficient non-combustion based central heating system with cogeneration capability. System enables the force applied by the shaft to be multiplied through a Pascal hydraulic link between a small piston and the large piston. The large piston compresses the gas. A static oil thermal stabilization volume facilitates thermal equilibrium condition with the working gas, where heat conduction is established between the gas compressed by the large piston and through the medium of static oil volume, and steam is used to heat residential and/or commercial buildings. After a pre-determined time, the thrust of the shaft is reversed ending a cycle. A non-combustion, hydraulic power generated compression based central heating and cogeneration system is presented as what is new in the art.

Abstract: Uninterruptible power is supplied to a load connected to a power line by connecting the power line to a rotatable member that includes a Rankine cycle turbine coupled to a device that operates as a motor when line power is operative thereby rotating the member at a standby rotational speed so that a predetermined amount of kinetic energy is stored in the rotating member, and that operates as a generator when the line power is inoperative and the member is rotated by the application of vaporized working fluid to the turbine. Working fluid is vaporized and maintained at an operational temperature level only when the line power is inoperative. The working fluid is held at a standby temperature level, preferably greater than the operational temperature level, while the power line is operative whereby the working fluid contains a predetermined amount of stored thermal energy while the power line is operative.

Abstract: A system for reducing the volume of liquid water emitted from an exhaust pipe of a hydrogen-fueled engine is described. A vaporizer unit has a main body portion, a spraying assembly and a vapor port. The main body portion surrounds at least a portion of an exhaust manifold of the engine. The vapor port couples the vaporizer unit to the exhaust pipe of the engine via a vapor pipe. The spraying assembly is configured to spray liquid water over at least a portion of the exhaust manifold. The apparatus also includes a liquid-vapor separator placed inline in the exhaust pipe of the engine, and a sump coupled to the exhaust pipe. The sump collects liquid water recovered by the liquid-vapor separator. Finally, the apparatus includes a pump coupled to the sump and to the spraying assembly and configured to provide the collected liquid water to the vaporizer unit.

Abstract: A wall element (29) for a wall structure (21) of a gas turbine engine combustor (15). The wall element (29) comprises a main member (36) with an upstream edge region (30) and a downstream edge region (31). A plurality of heat removal members (38) are provided on the main member (36). The downstream edge (35) of the wall element and/or the downstream facing surface of the heat removal members closest to the downstream edge (35) are provided with a thermally resistant coating.

Abstract: A method of reducing gas turbine engine distortion includes coupling a core gas turbine engine to a power turbine, coupling the power turbine to a thrust bearing support assembly through a frusto-conically shaped structural support such that the net axial thrust of the coupled core gas turbine engine and power turbine reacts through the thrust bearing support assembly at engine centerline to facilitate minimizing distortion of the core gas turbine engine casing, and supporting the thrust bearing support assembly such that all of the remaining thrust generated by the core gas turbine engine and the power turbine is reacted to ground.

Abstract: A fuel gas heating control equipment in accordance with the present invention is provided with a gain-determining portion 21 and a time-constant-determining portion 22 which determine values of a gain and a time constant to be used for PI calculations being performed by a PI calculation portion 14. The gain-determining portion 21 specifies a small time constant for the PI calculation portion 14 during load fluctuations when the generator output increases, and specifies a large time constant for the PI calculation portion 14 when the generator output reaches the maximum output. In consequence, during load fluctuations, responsiveness is good and a rapid change in temperature can be followed, so that a fuel gas temperature will not fluctuate in response to a slight change in temperature at the maximum output, thereby achieving a stable fuel gas temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material that can be used for magnetic refrigeration, wherein the material substantially has the general formula (AYB1-Y)2+?CWDXEZ Wherein: A is selected from Mn and Co; B is selected from Fe and Cr; of C, D and E at least two are different, have a non-vanishing concentration and are selected from P, B. Se, Ge, Ga, Si, Sn and Sb; wherein at least one of C, D and E is Ge or Si; W, X, Y and Z each is a number in the range 0-1, and W+X+Z=1; and?as a number from (?0.1)-(+0.1).

Abstract: A method and system that uses the flow of drilling fluid to cool electrical components in a downhole environment. A substantially cylindrical housing comprises a wall which houses at least one electrical component directly coupled to a thermoelectric cooling device. An opposing surface of the thermoelectric cooling device contacts a flow of drilling fluid through a hollow passageway in the wall. The flow of drilling fluid acts as a heat sink to transfer heat from the cooling device to a remote location. In this manner, heat is efficiently and directly transferred from the electrical component to the cooling device to the drilling fluid, while the location of the present system within a wall of the housing enables reliable protection of sensitive electrical components from hostile effects downhole.

Abstract: A cooling and warming apparatus includes a housing having a top side with a number of open receptacles for receiving perishable items. Thermally-conductive bases are attached to the bottom of the receptacles. Thermoelectric elements are provided in thermal communication with the thermally-conductive bases. A heat sink having heat-dissipating fins is provided in thermal communication with at least one of the thermoelectric elements. A fan draws air into the housing, through the heat-dissipating fins of the heat sink, and out of the housing. A temperature controller controls the operation of one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermoelectric cooling of an insulated enclosure having a plurality of thermoelectric cooling units, with their cold sides exposed to the enclosure interior, where they are affixed to an array of individual, self-sufficient interior heat pipes through a conductive metal connecting member. Their hot sides are exposed to the ambient exterior and similarly affixed to an array of individual, self-sufficient exterior heat pipes, each set of heat pipes having a stack of fins affixed; interior fins to collect heat and exterior fins to disburse heat.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pallet assembly which facilitates direct cooling of the wafer carrier. In one embodiment, the pallet assembly comprises a frame which holds at least one carrier of a component. The pallet assembly further comprises a tray which is operable for being mechanically coupled with the frame. The tray comprises at least one discreet region which corresponds with the carrier when the tray is coupled with the frame. In embodiments of the present invention, the discreet region comprises at least one hole extending through the tray for permitting a coolant medium to dissipate heat from the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus for storing, preserving and dispensing perishable and degradable food and goods. A housing is provided, in which at least one modular unit is disposed. Physically removed from the modular unit is a vacuum pump for creating a partial vacuum therein. Optionally provided are a temperature control device to create and maintain a range of temperatures; a humidity control device to create and maintain a humidity range; and, a gas sourcing system to create and maintain various gas environments within the modular unit(s). The modular unit can be a slidable drawer. Moreover, more than one drawer can be provided, each drawer stacked above one another, with or without a housing, and all of the drawers being operatively connected to the vacuum pump, and optionally connected to the temperature control unit (only provided for the closed housing), the gas sourcing system and the humidity control device.

Abstract: A cooling system including a thermosyphon subsystem and a spray cooling subsystem, each being configured to evaporatively cool a component, and a controller configured to selectively operate the spray cooling subsystem based on the cooling requirements of the component. The controller controls a valve limiting the operation of the thermosyphon when the spray cooling system is active. The component is configured to run in a plurality of performance states including a low power state and a high power state. The spray cooling system operates when the component is in the high power state. The controller can order the component to operate in a lower power state if the cooling systems are inadequate to the cooling needs. The cooling needs are determined with a component temperature sensor, a vapor temperature sensor, a vapor pressure sensor, or a power usage sensor.

Abstract: A component cooling system including a sprayer configured to eject a stream of cooling fluid and a stream deflector to control deflection of the stream. The sprayer may be continuous or incremental. Excess spray may be deflected into a gutter configured to obstruct cooling fluid from striking the component. The stream deflector may operate using a contact surface, controllable orifice heaters, and/or electrodes is configured to deflect the stream in one or more degrees of freedom. Multiple sprayers may have overlapping spray patterns for redundancy.

Abstract: A method includes calculating an energy consumption model for at least one component of a building system, accessing actual weather data, applying the actual weather data to the energy consumption model, and determining an expected energy consumption value for the at least one component of the building system based on the applying.

Abstract: An apparatus for the diagnosis of a cooling system which receives inputs in the form of data about a cooling system, and measurements made from the cooling system, and which then calculates the amount of refrigerant to be removed or added to the cooling system for optimal performance. In addition, methods for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system are disclosed. The methods may apply to FXV (fixed expansion valve) systems and may include making and displaying a prediction of a refrigerant adjustment based upon measurements such as return air wetbulb temperature, condenser air entering temperature, refrigerant superheat vapor line temperature, and refrigerant superheat vapor line pressure. A method for ensuring correct setup of a cooling system is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a defrost apparatus of a refrigerator which can defrost an evaporator by a defrost heater, when moisture of the ambient air of the evaporator is frozen on the surface of the evaporator. The defrost apparatus of the refrigerator includes a pair of evaporators and a pair of defrost heaters to selectively defrost the pair of evaporators. A path varying means for guiding air flow is installed near the pair of evaporators. The air is not supplied to the defrosted evaporator, for performing the defrosting operation. The air is supplied to the non-defrosted evaporator, for performing the cooling operation. As a result, the defrosting operation is efficiently performed, and the temperature does not sharply increase in freezing and refrigerating chambers, so that the food can be maintained fresh for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a building in some cases includes a main HVAC blower for moving temperature-conditioned air through the building plus a smaller ventilation blower for providing fresh air. A controller regulates the ventilation blower's speed to provide a target ventilation flow rate regardless of changes in the pressure differential between the indoor and outdoor air. To ensure that the target rate is appropriate for a particular building, the target flow rate is determined based on a ventilation setting that reflects a specified number of bedrooms and a specified amount of floor space of the building.

Abstract: Multi-air condition system including a plurality of outdoor units, a pressure equalizing pipe connected such that refrigerant can flow among the outdoor units, for eliminating refrigerant pressure differences, and imbalance of an amount of refrigerant flow among the outdoor units, and control valves at portions of the pressure equalizing pipe connected to the outdoor units respectively, for cutting off introduction of the refrigerant to a relevant outdoor unit under the control of a controller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a dehumidifier in which a dehumidified air flow path and an exhaust heat air flow path are formed. A cooling-and-dehumidifying member is positioned in the dehumidified air flow path and a heat exhaust member is positioned in the exhaust heat air flow path. A case covers an aperture common to the dehumidified air flow path and the exhaust heat air flow path. An imaging unit is connected to the dehumidifier by a connecting air flow path through which dehumidified air is introduced into the imaging unit from the dehumidified air flow path.

Abstract: A method for the air conditioning of a vehicle interior as a function of incident solar radiation. In a vehicle with, for example, a four-zone air conditioning system, the incident solar radiation is detected by means of sensor elements assigned to the various air conditioning zones in the vehicle and is used for regulating the air conditioning capacity. In order to avoid faulty regulation due to a detected incident solar radiation which does not influence or only slightly influences the passengers because of perpendicular incident radiation, for example, on the roof, the hood and the trunk lid, the incident radiation direction is determined by means of the sensor elements and the regulation of the air conditioning capacity is adapted correspondingly, so that the situation of too intensive cooling, for example in the case of perpendicular radiation on the vehicle roof, is avoided.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including an evaporator, a suction header in fluid communication with the evaporator, a compressor in fluid communication with the suction header, and a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor and the evaporator. The refrigeration system further including a controller operable to control the compressor and a sensor coupled to the compressor. The sensor is operable to acquire a parameter for the compressor. The method of operating the refrigeration system includes acquiring a value for the parameter with the sensor, and determining if the sensor is faulty.

Abstract: A pressure control valve to be integrated into a steam-compression type refrigerating cycle includes: a temperature-sensing cylinder for sensing the temperature of refrigerant on the outlet side of the gas cooler; a temperature-sensing pressure responding element provided with a temperature-sensing chamber communicating through a capillary tube with the temperature-sensing cylinder and designed to drive a valve body into a closed or open state in response to fluctuations of inner pressure of the temperature-sensing chamber; and a valve main body attached to the pressure responding element; wherein the temperature-sensing cylinder and the temperature-sensing chamber are filled with CO2 at a predetermined density and also with a bulking quantity of an inert gas, thereby enabling to adjust the pressure of refrigerant on the outlet side of the gas cooler in order to secure a maximum coefficient of performance relative to the temperature of refrigerant on the outlet side of the gas cooler.

Abstract: A method and system determines when a climate control system of a hybrid vehicle can be operated without the use of an A/C compressor. The method and system make this determination by determining whether the vehicle is at idle or is being driven and determining whether or not the A/C compressor is required to function to maintain air conditioning comfort in the vehicle. The A/C compressor couples to an engine of the vehicle when the engine is on in order to function. The method and system turn off the engine and thereby turn off the A/C compressor if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is at idle. The method and system turn off the A/C compressor without turning off the engine if the A/C compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: Multi-type air conditioner including a plurality of compressors, a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in the plurality of compressors for sensing temperatures in the compressors respectively, and an equalizing pipe in communication with the plurality of compressors, for uniform distribution of oil among the plurality of compressors according to the temperatures sensed at the plurality of temperature sensors respectively, thereby distributing oil among the compressors uniformly at an exact time point at which the oil is distributed among the compressors non-uniformly, not only to permit improvement of the performance of the compressors, but also to permit improvement performance of the air conditioner having the compressors.

Abstract: A method for controlling a multi-unit air conditioning system adapted to cool or heat room spaces while passing a refrigerant in one direction or in a reverse direction is disclosed. In the method, which is applied to a multi-unit air conditioning system including at least three compressors, when a compressor re-operation is repeatedly carried out after all of the compressors have been turned off, to turn on again at least one of the compressors, repetition of the compressor re-operation is carried out for a predetermined number of different orders in such a manner that at least one of the compressors is turned on first in an associated order of the repeated compressor re-operation.

Abstract: A cooling/heating system is disclosed which includes a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger which are connected in series via a refrigerant line, wherein a refrigerant, which flows through the refrigerant line, heat-exchanges with supply water. A method for controlling the cooling/heating system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the ineffectiveness or failure of a fan that is used to cool an electronic device. The method and apparatus use temperatures measured before and after the fan is energized to determine if the temperature trend is affected by the operation of the fan. If the trend is not substantially affected by the operation of the fan, it is determined that the fan is not operating effectively and the user may be notified.

Abstract: A dehumidifying apparatus is provided. The dehumidifying apparatus includes a desiccant dehumidifying unit, a recovery channel disposed to pass air through a first section of the desiccant dehumidifying unit, for evaporating and condensing moisture of the desiccant dehumidifying unit. A first inlet channel is disposed to pass through a second section of the desiccant dehumidifying unit, for allowing air to flow therethrough and eliminating moisture from the air. A second inlet channel is disposed to directly introduce external air to pass through a third section of the desiccant dehumidifying unit, for recovering heat of the desiccant dehumidifying unit.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat.

Abstract: A heat pump system (10) including a heat generator (15), a heat engine (26) supplied with heat engine working fluid (18) by the heat generator (15) having a heat engine cylinder chamber (34), a heat engine piston (32), and a heat engine piston rod (35), a preheating chamber (31) employing the heat engine working fluid (18) to heat the heat engine cylinder chamber (34), a compressor (40) driven by the heat engine (26) employing compressor working fluid having a compressor cylinder chamber (46), a compressor piston (44), and a compressor piston rod (47), a spacer (50) separating and joining the heat engine piston rod (35) and the compressor piston rod (47), a sealing assembly (38) associated with the spacer (50) separating the heat engine working fluid (18) and the compressor working fluid, and a valve assembly (60) communicating with the heat engine cylinder chamber (34) and controlling the ingress and egress of heat engine working fluid (18) to the heat engine (26).

Abstract: Disclosed are a rotary type ice maker and a method for making ice using the same. The rotary type ice maker comprises an ice making mold having ice making cavities in upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, a rotating shaft for supporting the ice making mold so that the ice making mold is rotated by its own weight or by the weight of ice cubes in the ice making cavities, and a mold position fixing device for fixing or releasing the ice making mold by engaging with the ice making mold or separating from the ice making mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable apparatus for the making and dispensing of frozen alcoholic or nonalcoholic, ice or dairy drinks and to methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: An icemaker for an ice supply system for preventing water from overflowing from the ice tray by vibration and/or shaking of the surrounding structure includes an icemaker, a container provided at a lower part of the icemaker and an ice chute for supplying the ice stored in the ice container. An ejector in the ice tray of the icemaker and a dropper device having an inclined upper surface at a side of the open top of the ice tray are provided for dropping the ice discharged upwardly by the ejector. The dropper has no gap or slot through which the ejector passes to prevent water overflow through the dropper. An overflow prevention device is provided at another side of the open top of the ice tray for preventing water filled in the ice tray from overflowing.

Abstract: An inexpensive portable food container capable of keeping food cold and fresh for several hours. The apparatus comprises two parts: a main compartment consisting of rigid sidewalls and a bottom, and a cover removable from said main compartment, wherein said sidewalls, said bottom and said cover contain a refrigerant substance that remains cold for several hours. The apparatus is designated to be placed inside a fridge (or any similar device) until the refrigerant substance gets cold or frozen. Afterwards, users can place food inside the main compartment, close it with the cover and carry the apparatus with them for later consumption of fresh food. The apparatus can be carried inside a handbag, briefcase, backpack, or any similar device.

Abstract: The frigorie accumulator comprises a housing which defines in its interior a region for holding a frigorie storage substance such as a eutectic solution, and at least one duct which extends in a heat-exchange relationship with the housing and can contain a refrigerant fluid for removing calories from the storage substance held in the housing until it brings about freezing thereof. The housing comprises: a substantially tubular, extruded profiled section, made of a thermally conductive material, defining first heat-exchange walls between the region and the environment outside the housing, and second heat-exchange walls between the region and the refrigerant fluid contained in the duct, and a first end closure element and a second end closure element which can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to the ends of the extruded profiled section.

Abstract: An object is to improve an assembly operability while enhancing disconnecting and connecting properties between a main body and a refrigerating unit of a refrigerating device, and there is disclosed a refrigerating device (showcase) which is provided with a refrigerating unit including a refrigerant circuit constituted of a compressor, a radiator as a high-pressure-side heat exchanger, an evaporator as a low-pressure-side heat exchanger and the like and which supplies, by a blower, cold air subjected to heat exchange with the evaporator to a storage chamber as a space to be cooled constituted in a main body by a blower to cool the chamber, wherein a mechanical chamber is constituted under a bottom surface of the main body, the compressor and the radiator are installed on a unit base on the bottom surface of the mechanical chamber, and a refrigerating box in which the evaporator and the blower are stored is attached to the bottom surface of the main body via hooks so as to communicate with the storage chamber.

Abstract: In order to improve a screw compressor for compressing refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit, comprising a compressor housing, in which a screw rotor receiving means and an inlet channel as well as an outlet channel for the refrigerant to be compressed are provided, at least one screw rotor arranged in the screw rotor receiving means, a drive for the at least one screw rotor and a lubricant supply which conveys lubricant from a lubricant reservoir acted upon by pressure via a line system at least to the at least one screw rotor during operation, in such a manner that the operation and the monitoring of the screw compressor are reliable it is suggested that a valve be provided in the line system of the lubricant supply, this valve being controllable by way of a difference in pressure between the pressure in the outlet channel and a reference pressure influenced by a pressure in the refrigerant circuit and opening when the screw rotor is compressing refrigerant as well as closing when the screw rotor is not comp

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle including a vapor compression-type refrigerating cycle and using combustible refrigerant includes a refrigerant recovery vessel in communication with a gas-liquid separator and which of recovers the combustible refrigerant by the communication with the gas-liquid separator, and a valve which controls the communication between the refrigerant recovery vessel and the gas-liquid separator in response to an external signal. When combustible refrigerant is used as refrigerant of a vapor compression-type, refrigerating cycle, leakage of the refrigerant may be reduced, minimized, or eliminated, and the recovery of the refrigerant may be carried out readily and efficiently without requiring significant changes to the system configuration.

Abstract: A circuit for the generation of cold or heat comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a restriction member made as a separate component and having a fixed throughflow cross-section, with the restriction member being inserted directly between two elements of the circuit such as a connection tube and a connection stub to reduce the manufacturing costs and the required construction space.

Abstract: An expansion device which is capable of reducing generation of untoward noise due to vibration of a valve element and suppressing a valve element suction phenomenon which occurs when high-pressure refrigerant flows through a variable orifice formed between a valve seat and the valve element. A damper chamber is formed by a cylinder formed in a housing formed with a valve seat, a piston integrally formed with a valve element, and an adjustment screw. When the valve element undergoes a sudden change in pressure of introduced refrigerant, the volume of the damper chamber changes to accommodate sudden motion of the valve element, whereby vibration of the valve element is suppressed, to reduce generation of untoward noise. The ratio (b/a) of the valve element diameter (b) of the valve element to the port diameter (a) of a valve hole is set to a value not larger than 1.

Abstract: A musical jewelry apparatus is disclosed. The musical jewelry apparatus comprises a front member, a rear member, a hinge member, a musical and a power source. The hinge member is partially disposed on a portion of the front member and a portion of the rear member; and is adapted to hingedly connect the front member and the rear member. The musical member, which is powered by the power source, is disposed in either the front member or the rear member.

Abstract: This invention is a necklace or bracelet with provisions to prevent the bunching of baubles, bangles and beads which are strung on the necklace or bracelet. Bunching is prevented by keepers which are removably attached to bands fixed at intervals on the strands of the necklaces or bracelets. Two types of keepers are disclosed, one of which has internal threads which interact with a threaded bands, and one which uses a clamshell structure to secure the keeper on a band. The keepers may have a variety of shapes for decorative effects, such as cylindrical, spherical, cubical, or pyramid-shaped.

Abstract: A mold open and close mechanism uses the hook of a blank mold half and the associated ridges of the upper mold support hanger to maintain the blank mold half on the mold but defines a vertical locating structure for placing the bottom surface of the blank mold half on the top horizontal surface of the lower mold support hanger with a vertical space between the hook of the blank mold half and the upper mold support hanger.

Abstract: A composite mold includes a mold base, a protective film provided on the mold base, and a water-cooling heat dissipation system disposed within the mold base. Wherein, the protective film is comprised of with a plurality of RexIry layers and a plurality of SiC layers, the RexIry layers and the SiC layers are alternatively stacked one on another, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75. Alternatively, the protective film is comprised of an RexIry layer, a catalyst layer and a carbon nanotube layer in that order, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber preform is provided, with which an increase of PMD and transmission loss of an optical fiber can be restrained. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber preform includes a process of heating a glass pipe and comprises the steps of (1) supporting the glass pipe at both ends thereof such that the longitudinal axis of the glass pipe becomes substantially horizontal and (2) heating the glass pipe with a heat source, wherein the bending moment at the supporting end of the glass pipe which is treated as a cantilever is 6 Nm or more, and the displacement of the heated region of the glass pipe in the heating process is equal to or less than 1.5 mm.