Abstract: An anchoring apparatus that is suitable for use in anchoring a first member (such as but not limited to a façade material) (22) to a second member (such as but not limited to a building exterior) (21). This anchoring apparatus can comprise, for example, a base member (51) that is configured and arranged to move selectively along an anchor limb (30) (which might be, for example, secured to the second member) and a plurality of fingers (52) that are attached to the base member and which are selectively movable, only once, from a non-deployed state to a deployed state.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface and, fibre cement cladding panels are secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an express joint formed thereon.

Abstract: In order to provide a spacer profile for an insulated glazing unit, which profile has a cross-section based on a rectangular shape, is provided with two parallel spaced side walls which, when said insulated glazing unit is assembled, will be placed against the panes of glass to be kept apart from each other, and is further provided with first and second transverse walls which extend between said side walls and of which the first will be adjacent to the edge of the glazing unit and the second will face the space between the panes, with the intention of enabling simple handling of said profile when assembling the spacer frame whilst maintaining a high absorptive capacity for water vapor, it is proposed that said spacer profile comprises a binder matrix and, embedded therein, a particulate adsorbent material for water vapor, and that the binder matrix is permeable to water vapor.

Abstract: A method of modular pole construction an elongate modular pole structure is disclosed. A first step of the method involves providing hollow tapered pole section modules, each module having a first open end and an opposed second open end. A cross-section of the second end is less than a cross-section of the first end. The modules are stacked to form an elongated modular pole structure of a selected length by mating the second end of a first module with the first end of a second module. The first and second modules may have different structural properties, such that poles having desired structural properties can be constructed by selectively combining modules having differing structural properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and winding bags is disclosed. The film approaches the infeed nip on the surface of a roller and on a film guide recessed in the roller for an arc of at least 10, 45, 60 or 90 degrees. The film is preferably guided to one of two alternative film paths. An over speed nip may be provided between the infeed nip and the alternative film paths to separate rolls or to separate all bags. An overlapper can be included. Rods that travel in an elliptical orbit, and/or air nozzles can be part of the overlapper. Air nozzles or a rotating brush can direct the film to the appropriate alternative path. Banders can be used, and can include a conveyor for providing tape to the spindle and two sources of air.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. Also disclosed is a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.

Abstract: Packaging machine for packaging lollipops provided with a stick and a head in a film/foil sheet, comprising a rotatably driven drum having a series of lollipop holders thereon, the drum furthermore being provided with a series of film/foil folding means for folding a respective film/foil sheet around the head around a longitudinal centre axis substantially parallel to the stick, the device furthermore comprising a series of twisters for twisting a film/foil tube section protruding in the longitudinal direction of the lollipop head while continuing to clamp the lollipop head and while the drum continues to rotate.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone dust separator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least three dust separation units for separating dust stepwise from relatively larger size. The dust separation units comprise a first dust separation unit primarily separating dust from external air drawn in; a second dust separation unit secondarily separating dust from the air primarily dust-separated by the first dust separation unit; and a third dust separation unit thirdly separating dust from the air secondarily dust-separated by the second dust separation unit. Here, the first to third dust separation units are multi-layered in a serial manner.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for a range hood, which is used for separating at least one of particles and liquid drops from an air flow penetrating the filter arrangement. The filter arrangement includes at least two shells that are disposed one inside the other. The inventive filter arrangement is characterized in that the shells are removably connected to one another such that producing, handling, and cleaning the filter arrangement is simplified.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exhaust filter including an inner cylindrical pleated filter media and an outer cylindrical pleated filter media positioned outside the inner cylindrical pleated filter media. The inner and outer cylindrical pleated filter media are separated by an annular gap. The inner cylindrical pleated filter media has a shorter length than the outer cylindrical pleated filter media. The exhaust filter also include a first end cover in which first ends of the inner and outer cylindrical pleated filter media are secured, a second end cover in which a second end of the outer cylindrical pleated filter media is secured, and an interior end cap in which a second end of the inner cylindrical pleated filter media is secured. The exhaust filter further includes an inlet stub secured to the second end cover. The exhaust filter can be mounted in an outer housing having a compression gasket sealing arrangement for providing a seal about the inlet stub of the exhaust filter.

Abstract: Foldable filter assemblies and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An air filter assembly including a frame having opposed substantially rigid end members and a flexible side member, the end members being connected to the flexible side member, and an air filter media connected to and disposed within the frame such that the frame is adapted to be disposed in a planar use position, and the end members of the frame are adapted to be moved toward each other prior to installation into the planar use position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific filtration media which includes a substrate having cellulose fibers, bicomponent fibers, adhesion fibers, binder, and pressure sensitive adhesive. Also contemplated are fire retardant filtration media containing bicomponent fibers and polyester fibers or acrylic fibers, and optionally cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers of the invention are pretreated with flame retardant, providing a beneficial material for filtration purposes.

Abstract: A processor for processing standing plants has a primary crop sub-system for processing upper parts of the standing plants and a secondary crop sub-system for processing lower parts of the standing plants, the primary and secondary crop sub-systems operable to process the respective upper and lower parts of the standing plants as the processor moves through a stand of the standing plants. The processor, as part of a field located vehicle, is operated to separate a primary crop such as corn cobs or grain from the standing plant at a first processor zone, and to separate a secondary crop suitable for bio-fuel processing from the standing plant at a second processor zone. Settings of the primary and secondary crop sub-systems can be made adjustable so that the relative lengths of upper, lower and root parts of the standing plants can be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A harvesting device for mechanical harvesting of vegetables and the like. A pair of circular supports rotates on an axle disposed and are disposed in a housing. The circular supports are positioned on opposite sides of a picking path defined by a void in the housing and through which the vegetables pass as the harvester moves. Each circular support having at least one picking element extended into the picking path.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cotton stripper row unit for attachment to the front of a mobile harvester chassis for movement through a field with rows of cotton plants spaced at predetermined intervals. The cotton stripper row unit has a primary frame capable of attachment to the front of the mobile harvester chassis. A series of planar dividing walls extend perpendicularly outward from the front of the primary frame. A cotton row receiving mechanism is located between two planar dividing walls, and each adjacent cotton row receiving mechanism shares at least one common planar dividing wall. The separate cotton receiving mechanisms are capable of receiving a row of cotton plants upon movement through the field, and each cotton row receiving mechanism is made up of only one auger and two brush rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for collapsing an on-board crop receiver of a harvester to a transport position, utilizing a remotely releasable locking element to allow telescopic collapsing or retracting the receiver without entering the receiver, and powered apparatus for positively collapsing a duct extending between a row unit of the harvester and an inlet opening of the receiver. The duct is telescopically retractable at an inclined angle by a similarly inclined duct driver to a height about equal to that of the receiver when in the transport position, so as to be freed from the receiver and any associated hood extending outwardly therefrom associated with the inlet opening. Using crop compactor apparatus within the interior of the receiver, the compactor can be lowered and the locking mechanism unlocked, and then the compactor operated to telescopically collapse or retract the receiver. The receiver can be extended in the reverse order.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow rate of fuel to a turboshaft engine in acceleration or in deceleration, the engine having a free turbine and a core engine, the apparatus comprising sensors transmitting information to regulator means, said information relating: to a first speed of rotation NTL of said free turbine; to a second speed of rotation Ng of said engine's gas generator; to an internal temperature T4 of the gas at the inlet to the free turbine; to the external pressure; and to the external temperature. The apparatus further comprises control means activated by said regulator means to actuate a fuel metering system of the engine. In addition, the regulator means evaluates the flow rate of fuel to be supplied to the engine in acceleration or in deceleration on the basis of at least one optimum regulation relationship, said regulation relationship determining a main modulated flow rate as a function of a modulated speed of rotation.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter includes elevating a temperature of a gas stream flowing into an inlet of the diesel particulate fitter to greater than or equal to 450° of the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, wherein the gas stream at the inlet of the diesel particulate fitter contains an amount of NOx of equal to or greater than 300 ppm, and an amount of O2 of equal to or greater than 5% volume, thereby burning the soot within the diesel particulate fitter. The method also includes elevating a temperature of the gas stream flowing into the inlet of the diesel particulate filter to less than or equal to 550° C. at the inlet of the diesel particulate fitter, wherein a burn rate of soot from porous watts of the diesel particulate filter is greater than or equal to 3.8 grams/liter/hour.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine has a hydrogen concentration sensor (2) disposed upstream of a catalytic converter (1) in the engine exhaust system to detect a hydrogen concentration in the exhaust gas. An optimum combustion air-fuel ratio is then estimated based on the detected hydrogen concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a time-temperature history of an aftertreatment device. The apparatus includes an aftertreatment device comprising a substrate, and at least one thermal monitoring member (TMM) in thermal contact with the substrate. The TMMs may comprise a material that exhibits an electrical resistivity change at temperature over time. The apparatus may include a controller configured to measure the electrical resistivity of at least a portion of the TMMs, and to determine a thermal history based on the electrical resistivity measures.

Abstract: The apparatus obtains a decreasing gradient of the maximum oxygen storing quantity Cmax with respect to the increase in an air flow rate Ga on the basis of two maximum oxygen storing quantities Cmax, which are respectively estimated in case where the air flow rate Ga assumes two different values, and the two values of the air flow rate Ga. As the deterioration degree of the catalyst unit 53 increases, the decreasing gradient increases. When the deterioration degree of the catalyst unit 53 is the same, the decreasing gradient tends to be the same, even if the degree of the response of the change in the output from a downstream air-fuel-ratio sensor 67 varies. Accordingly, the obtained decreasing gradient can be a value correctly indicating the deterioration degree of the catalyst unit 53.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a metered dose of fluid from a supply tank (28) to a downstream chamber or vessel (10), comprises a pump apparatus (20) comprising a pump plunger (32) which is operable to perform a pumping stroke under the control of an electromagnetic actuator (36), including a solenoid (36a), to effect delivery of the fluid and a control unit (24) for supplying an input signal (58) to the solenoid (36a) to initiate a current flow to the solenoid (36a) and thereby initiate movement of the pump plunger (32). An electronic device (54) provides an output signal to indicate that movement of the pump plunger has stopped at the end of the pumping stroke, and a timer determines a time difference between the input signal (58) being supplied to the solenoid (36a) and the output signal being output by the electronic device (54).

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system has a NOx purification catalyst (22), and the catalyst (22) purifies exhaust gas of NOx when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust of an internal combustion engine (E) mounted on a vehicle is in a lean condition and recovers purification ability when the air-fuel ratio is in a rich condition. The system performs recovery control for setting the exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel condition in order to recover the NOx purification ability of the NOx purification catalyst (22), and at the time of retardation of the vehicle, both a fuel system rich control and an air intake rich control are used in the recovery control. The recovery control can be performed without worsening the drive comfort of the vehicle and with deterioration fuel of fuel consumption involved in the recovery control suppressed.

Abstract: An exhaust purification device for an engine comprises a catalytic device for purifying exhaust by using an additive, a deflecting device for allowing the exhaust to flow through and causing the exhaust to be agitated, upstream of the catalytic device, an additive injection device for injecting an additive, downstream of the deflecting device, a temperature detection device for detecting exhaust temperature, downstream of the deflecting device, and a control unit for controlling the additive injection device on the basis of the exhaust temperature detected by the temperature detection device. The temperature detection device has a temperature detection part located within a region where the exhaust having passed through the deflecting device has increased velocity.

Abstract: A method of regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) may include operating a vehicle including a diesel engine at an idle condition and applying a load to the diesel engine during the idle condition to increase an exhaust temperature of the diesel engine relative to a nominal idle condition. The increased exhaust temperature may regenerate a diesel particulate filter of the diesel engine during the idle condition.

Abstract: A diesel combustion engine comprises multiple particulate filters and corresponding exhaust piping and valving in the exhaust manifold and/or exhaust line, configured to enable regeneration to occur in one of the DPF filters through heating the exhaust from a single cylinder of the engine, while the exhaust from the remaining cylinders is temporarily routed through the other DPF filter during the regeneration event. Flow redirection devices are placed within the DPF filters to direct flow of exhaust gas through the DPF filters during regeneration in a manner to facilitate complete regeneration, including in outer volumes along the interior walls of the DPF filters.

Abstract: A breather device A1 for pressure relief includes a breather pipe 121 serving as a fixing part, and an inner pipe 122 serving as a communication part and is provided by the breather pipe 121 with fixation strength enough for securing the breather device A1 to a liquid tank 101. The inner pipe 122 has a vent hole P formed therein for provide fluid-communication between the inside of the liquid tank 101 and the outside thereof in a manner such that an inner surface forming the vent hole P is made of a resin.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a V-engine vehicle with enhanced exhaust gas purifying capacity and output performance is provided. In the exhaust system, a second bank offset from a first bank backward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is mounted in an engine compartment (6) in front of a dash panel (5), and a first catalytic converter (28) is connected to a rear end portion of a first exhaust manifold (27) of the first bank; a second catalytic converter (30) is connected to a rear end portion of a second exhaust manifold (29) of the second bank. Furthermore, an inlet port (28a) of the first catalytic converter (28) is positioned at a frontward portion of the vehicle (1) with respect to an inlet port (30a) of the second catalytic converter (30) and the frontward angle of inclination of the center line of the first catalytic converter (28) is greater than that of the second catalytic converter (30).

Abstract: An exhaust purification device for an engine comprises a catalyst device that purifies the exhaust gas of the engine by using an additive; a venturi-shaped mixing chamber that is disposed upstream from the catalyst device and extends from a taper portion with a diameter tapering downstream to continue to a constricted portion with a minimum diameter and then to a flared portion with a diameter that is increased in the downstream direction; a swirl-generating device that is disposed in vicinity of a most upstream section of the taper portion of the mixing chamber and generates a swirling flow in the exhaust gas; and an additive-injection device that is disposed upstream from the constricted portion of the mixing chamber and downstream from the swirl-generating device, and injects the additive into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an exhaust passage for transporting exhaust gases from the engine; an injector coupled to a wall of the exhaust passage, said injector including an injection axis that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a mixing region of the exhaust passage; and a first mixing device arranged within the exhaust passage downstream of the injector within the mixing region, said first mixing device including a plurality of flaps, wherein said plurality of flaps are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis; a second mixing device arranged within the exhaust passage downstream of the first mixing device; wherein the injection axis of the injector intersects the first mixing device.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system provided with a trapping device (6) arranged on an engine exhaust passage and trapping particulate matter in the exhaust gas, an ozone generator (21) for generating ozone, and an ozone adsorbent (22) able to adsorb ozone, wherein at least part of the ozone generated by said ozone generator is adsorbed by said ozone adsorbent and, when particulate matter trapped on said trapping device should be removed, ozone adsorbed on the ozone adsorbent is desorbed from the ozone adsorbent and supplied to the trapping device. Due to this, it is possible to use an ozone generator with a relatively low ozone generating ability to burn off PM trapped on a filter etc. efficiently.

Abstract: An actuation system for a servo-assisted transmission; the actuation system is provided with: a hydraulic circuit comprising a reservoir containing a control fluid, a hydraulic accumulator containing the pressurized control fluid, and a pump which draws from the reservoir and feeds the hydraulic accumulator; at least a hydraulic actuator comprising at least one actuation chamber and a mobile piston which slides within the actuation chamber; a solenoid valve for connecting the actuation chamber of the hydraulic actuator to the hydraulic accumulator and to the reservoir; and a recirculation circuit, which departs from at least one environment bordering with the actuation chamber of the hydraulic actuator and ends in the reservoir.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosed in a housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone (“hot zone”) receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone (“cold chamber zone”) is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the two zones can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive a turbine to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. In one embodiment, the turbine propels an axle in a rotational motion to transmit the power output of the heat engine to an electrical generator outside of the heat engine's housing. In one embodiment, the turbine includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades located in the hot zone and the cold zone, respectively.

Abstract: The current invention provides a stepping actuator, achieving large range up to ±35 ?m with low operating voltages of 15V or lower and large output forces of up to ±110 ?N. The actuator has an in-plane-angular deflection conversion which allows achieving step sizes varying from few nanometers to few micrometers with a minor change in the design. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the stepping actuator comprises a geometrical structure with a displacement magnification ratio of between 0.15 and 2 at operating voltages of 15V or lower. The present invention also provides a method for forming such stepping actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling boost pressure in an internal combustion engine, comprising a boost pressure control device by means of which the boost pressure in an internal combustion engine is controlled, the boost pressure control device having a bypass unit, preferably in the exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine, and the bypass unit having an actuating device which enables the bypass unit when a predetermined actuating device setpoint value is reached. According to the invention, an adapted value is established as the correction value (pwgad) as a function of preset and/or detected internal combustion engine parameters (rlsol, nmot), by means of which the setpoint value for the actuating device, which is specified as a function of the operating point, for a predetermined control deviation is adapted between a boost pressure actual value and a boost pressure setpoint value.

Abstract: A turbocharger unit for a multicylinder internal combustion engine has at least two exhaust lines for the evacuation of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber of the engine and at least one inlet line for the supply of air to the combustion chamber. The turbocharger unit includes at least one turbine which cooperates with at least one compressor to extract energy from the exhaust flow of the engine and pressurize the inlet air of the engine. The turbine is provided with a worm-shaped housing having at least two flow paths which are defined by guide tongues in the housing and which conduct mutually separate exhaust flows via stator blades to at least one turbine wheel. In order to maintain the kinetic energy in the separate exhaust flows, each respective guide tongue meets a stator blade extending toward the tongue.

Abstract: A pressure surface is propelled within an engine chamber. Air is introduced into the chamber. The air in the chamber is compressed with the pressure surface. The compressed air is charged with fuel. The fuel is combusted to propel the pressure surface within the chamber. The air and the combusted fuel are exhausted from the chamber. A turbocharger is powered with the exhaust to compress air. The air compressed by the turbo charger is passed into the chamber to propel the pressure surface in the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling EGR of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is capable of controlling EGR over a wide range of flow rates.

Abstract: An electric motor-generator and an engine are linked using a first belt that is looped around a crank pulley that is mounted to a crank shaft and a one-way clutch pulley that is mounted to a rotating shaft. An electronic control unit drives the electric motor-generator as an electric motor and drives the compressor by the electric motor-generator if engine speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A flexible method and arrangement provides an effective conversion of energy from any kind of energy sources and/or fuels by combustion and/or gasification, during long-term sustainable economy and environment, by energy conversion in stages. With an open partially circulated condensate system and/or a closed circulation feed water system, stages include first stage of conversion by gasification/combustion, pressurized and/or atmospheric with or without steam- and/or gas-turbines and/or pressurized fuel cell, followed by a second stage of conversion, which second stage utilizing condensation cooling including direct and/or indirect heat transmissions by the first stage produced pressurized mass flow of primary/secondary/residual heat comprising sensible and latent heat, by means of arrangement of expander turbines including counter current fed feed water/condensate fractions during preheating of condensate and feed water respectively before the return to the first stage of conversion.

Abstract: A dry low nitric oxides (NOx) emissions combustor includes a premixing chamber for mixing fuel and cooling gas and a combustion chamber positioned downstream of the premixing chamber for the combustion of pre-mixed fuel and cooling gas. The combustor further includes a venturi having generally annular walls including converging and diverging wall portions that define a constricted portion and positioned between the premixing chamber and the combustion chamber through which the premixed fuel and air pass to the combustion chamber. The walls defining a passage for cooling gas flow extending axially along the combustion chamber and having an exit for flowing cooling gas to the combustion chamber. A plurality of inlets at the converging and diverging wall portions ingest cooling gas into the passage to produce an impingement cooling effect. A plurality of tubulators disposed downstream of the inlets interact with the cooling gas to produce a turbulated cooling effect.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor including: a primary combustion chamber; a secondary combustion chamber downstream of the primary combustion chamber; a venturi having a venturi throat; a transition piece; a cap assembly attached to the primary combustion chamber, and an external turbulator member in operable communication with the cap assembly, wherein the primary combustion chamber includes a mixing hole arrangement for improving homogeneity of an air and fuel mixture in the combustor; the venturi throat is disposed within a predetermined distance upstream from the downstream end of the primary combustion chamber; the transition piece is composed of a duct body, with a plurality of dilution holes formed in the duct body; and the external turbulator member includes a step positioned at the second end of the centerbody, the step defining a radial distance about the second end of the centerbody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baffle (10) for the bottom of a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine, comprising a flat portion of wall (10a) with an opening for an injector of the combustion chamber to pass through, two longitudinal edges (10c, 10d) for the assembly to two adjacent baffles and two transverse edges (10e, 10f), wherein at least one of the edges comprises a joint cover (10d1) arranging a housing (10d10) along said edge for an edge (10?c) of an adjacent baffle (10?) so as to seal the junction between the two edges. The invention also relates to a combustion chamber incorporating said baffles.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a modular chevron. The chevron includes dual skins fixedly joined together at a base flange, and at a rim extending along the trailing edge of the chevron between the base and apex thereof.

Abstract: A tip turbine engine includes an axial compressor having a plurality of airfoils compressing core airflow. The airfoils include bleed air openings on their suction side surfaces. The bleed air openings prevent separation of the compressed airflow, which permits each airfoil stage to perform increased compression without separation of the airflow. As a result, the number of stages can be reduced, thereby shortening the overall length of the turbine engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic refrigerator comprising separated hot and cold heat exchange units wherein a heat transfer fluid that exchanges a heat with a magnetic heat exchange unit having the magnetocaloric material pieces arranged to have a gap therebetween separately circulates through a solenoid valve.

Abstract: A magnetic material for magnetic refrigeration has a composition represented by (R11-yR2y)xFe100-x (R1 is at least one of element selected from Sm and Er, R2 is at least one of element selected from Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb and Dy, and x and y are numerical values satisfying 4?x?20 atomic % and 0.05?y?0.95), and includes a Th2Zn17 crystal phase, a Th2Ni17 crystal phase, or a TbCu7 crystal phase as a main phase.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit is disclosed for motor vehicles. The air conditioning unit includes with a compression refrigerant circuit where a refrigerant circulates, comprising comprehensively switched in series with respect to fluid flow at least one compressor upstream of a heat-delivering heat exchanger, and an expansion element upstream of a heat-absorbing heat exchanger, whereby into the flow path leading from the outlet of the heat-delivering heat exchanger to the expansion element an additional heat exchanger is integrated thermally coupled to at least one cooling means the temperature of which can be put to values below the temperature of the refrigerant in the compression refrigeration circuit at the position of the refrigerant's outflow from the heat-delivering heat exchanger, and a method for its operation.