Abstract: A lock valve includes a lock valve body having a bore with a valve spool reciprocatingly received therein. There is a check valve adjacent each end of the bore. Each of the check valves has a check valve member facing the bore and resiliently biased towards a valve seat at each end of the bore. A pressure relief port communicates with the bore near the center thereof and between lands of the valve spool. A pair of spaced-apart grooves are disposed within the spool valve bore. Each groove permits fluid communication past a land of the valve spool when the valve spool is displaced towards one end of the bore by fluid pressure applied to other end of the bore so as to unseat the check valve member adjacent to the one end to the bore and allow pressurized fluid to pass from the one end of the bore, through the groove, and into the relief port.

Abstract: A transmission device (10) having at least one form-fitting shifting element (12) which is hydraulically actuated via a hydraulic system (11) with hydraulic pressure (p—12), in the area of a piston chamber, via a feed line (20) that conveys hydraulic fluid, to shift from a disengaged to and engaged operating state. A non-return valve device (27) is arranged upstream of the form-fit shifting element (12).

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a pipe manufacturing process is shown. A compression or injection molding operation is used to form a sealing gasket which is used in the subsequent pipe manufacturing operation. A Stirling engine cycle is used to recover heat during the gasket manufacture. The Stirling engine is driven by waste heat from the mold members or other associated parts of the injection or compression molding apparatus. The recovered waste heat is used to subsequently heat the female pipe end which is being belled in the pipe manufacturing process.

Abstract: A high efficiency vapor (steam) engine/pump process in a closed system can use either water or liquefied gases for its working fluid to extract thermal energy from the ambient or non-ambient heat sources to increase its heat transfer rate and obtain power generation efficiency over 50%. A slow-speed two-phase piston steam engine's flywheel has a high ratio gear reducer attached to increase a generator's speed and produce power with over 50% efficiency and meet its power generation requirements (3,600 RPM). This two-phase vapor (steam) engine/pump substitutes the cooling condenser's and pump's functions of compressing the waste streams directly back into the boiler, and allows the process to run at temperatures lower than room temperature, with no need for a conventional cooling condenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant and a method for the conversion of heat energy into mechanical, electrical and/or thermal energy, the method comprising at least two circuits which are connected by means of at least one common subsection, the first circuit having at least one expansion apparatus (9), and the common subsection being connected to the first and second circuit via at least one jet compressor (3), a working medium being routed in the first circuit and a propellant being routed in the second circuit and a mixture of working medium and propellant being routed in the common subsection, the mixture formed in the jet compressor (3) subsequently being separated into a working medium stream and a propellant stream in a separation apparatus (6), the working medium being recirculated into the first circuit and being supplied to an evaporator unit (8), the evaporated working medium being supplied to the expansion apparatus (9) and subsequently to the jet compressor (3), and separated propellant being recirc

Abstract: Today, the world is faced with many problems such as the Greenhouse Effect, global warming, ozone layer depletion and increased pollution. One direct cause of these problems has been linked to the emission from internal combustion engines. One way to combat these problems is to create a system which utilizes a small internal combustion engine or electrical motor coupled with a hydraulic network. The hydraulic network will exponentially increase output energy without raising the emission levels. In the case where an electrical motor is being used, there is a complete void of pollutants. This motor/hydraulic coupling not only helps save the environment, but provides a cost-effective means of power.

Abstract: An EGR system compensates for differing EGR flows and/or exhaust temperatures and can maintain the cooler exit temperature above the critical temperature, thereby reducing the possibility of EGR cooler fouling. A plurality of exhaust gas recirculation cooler modules is disposed between an exhaust gas passage and an air passage. The cooler modules receive exhaust gas from the exhaust gas passage and supply the received exhaust gas to the air passage for recirculation into an intake manifold. Each of the cooler modules includes a cooler portion, a bypass portion, and a flow control device. The cooler portion and the bypass portion are arranged such that fluid flowing through the cooler portion and the bypass portion flows therethrough without flowing through the other of the cooler portion and the bypass portion. The cooler portion reduces a temperature of the fluid flowing through the cooler portion.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system configure to route exhaust gas upstream of a compressor coupled to an intake of an engine in a low temperature environment. The system also includes a high pressure EGR system configure to route exhaust gas downstream of the compressor and upstream of the intake at a high altitude and/or in a low pressure environment. The system, in some embodiments, also may include a flow control configured to change flow of the exhaust gas of the low pressure and high pressure EGR systems based on operating limits and environmental conditions including temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable turbine geometry (28) of an exhaust gas turbocharger (2) of a motor vehicle, with a fixed guide blade ring (20) and an axially moveable control blade ring (15), wherein an axial relative position of guide blades (21) of the guide blade ring (20) to control blades (15) of the control blade ring (13) defines the size of inflow cross sections to a turbine wheel (11) of the exhaust gas turbocharger (2), and wherein the guide blades (21) and the control blades (15) extend in directions opposite to each other as far as to their respective free ends (18) and the control blades (15) are arranged on a cross carrier of the control blade ring (13), which as a function of the axial relative position opens, partially opens or closes additional inflow paths (29) for the enlargement or the reduction of the inflow cross sections.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes are rotatably adjustable for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. An elastically deformable member is disposed between a radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring and a radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing, the elastically deformable member having a radially inner surface contacting the radially outwardly facing surface of the center housing and having a radially outer surface contacting the radially inwardly facing surface of the nozzle ring so as to radially center the nozzle ring relative to the center housing.

Abstract: A turbomachine system comprises a first turbocharger comprising an exhaust gas flow first turbine for location in an exhaust path and a first compressor driven by said first turbine; a turbomachine for location in the exhaust path upstream or downstream of said first turbocharger and comprising an exhaust gas flow second turbine and a second compressor driven by said second turbine. The first turbine has an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of the second turbine. One of said first and second turbines is a radial outflow turbine. The arrangement provides for a relatively compact package. The radial outflow turbine may have a particular structure in which there is provided a deflector member at or near its inlet for directing the gas outwards, a stator for introducing swirl and a downstream turbine rotor. A shroud is fixed to blades of the turbine rotor to prevent leakage and to provide additional structural rigidity.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the alignment of a heliostat with respect to a receiver, wherein an image sensor device is arranged on a mirror device of the heliostat, wherein the heliostat is aligned by the image sensor device using image recognition in such a way that a first angle of a first vector pointing towards the sun, relative to a prescribed vector of the mirror device, and a second angle of a second vector pointing towards a prescribed target area of the receiver, relative to the prescribed vector, are in a relationship to each other which is dependent upon the prescribed vector of the mirror device, and wherein images of the sun and the prescribed target area and their position relative to the prescribed vector are determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a steam turbine comprising a high-pressure turbine section and a medium-pressure turbine section and/or a low-pressure turbine section. Said method is characterized by the essential aspect that the high-pressure turbine section is impinged upon by steam having relatively great conductivity while the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section remains closed during said impingement following a cold start. As soon as the conductivity drops below a certain value, the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section is also impinged upon by steam.

Abstract: A burner for use in a gas turbine engine includes a burner tube having an inlet end and an outlet end; a plurality of slots formed in the burner tube and configured to introduce air flows tangentially into the burner tube and impart swirl to the air flows; a plurality of fuel passages extending axially along the burner tube; and a plurality of fuel injection holes provided to each fuel passage. At least one of the fuel injection holes of each fuel passage is configured to inject a fuel flow tangentially into the burner tube between air flows of adjacent slots to form a fuel and air co-flow. A method of mixing air and fuel in a burner of a gas turbine is provided. The burner includes a burner tube including a plurality of slots formed in the burner tube. The method includes introducing air flows tangentially into the burner tube through the slots and imparting swirl to the air flows; and injecting fuel between air flows of adjacent slots to form fuel and air co-flows.

Abstract: An annular combustion chamber has an inner wall and an outer wall of ceramic matrix composite material, together with a chamber end wall that is connected to the inner and outer walls. Elastically-deformable link elements connect the inner wall and the outer chamber walls to inner and outer metal casings. Each of the inner and outer chamber walls is subdivided circumferentially into adjacent sectors along longitudinal edges, each sector extending continuously from the end wall to the opposite end of the chamber and being folded outwards from the chamber at each of its longitudinal edges to form a portion having a U-shaped cross-section terminated by a folded-back margin that is spaced apart from the outer face of the corresponding chamber wall. The link elements are connected to the inner and outer chamber walls by being fastened to the sector margins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impingement sleeve for a gas turbine combustion transition piece. The impingement sleeve includes, a housing positionable proximate a first portion of a transition piece body having at least two flanges integrally formed thereon, and a cover positionable proximate a second portion of the transition piece body having at least two lips integrally formed thereon, the at least two lips are weldlessly attachable to the at least two flanges to position the impingement sleeve radially outwardly of the transition piece body.

Abstract: Provided is a control method for a gas turbine plant having a first and a second combustors in series, such that combustion gases produced in the first combustor flows into the second combustor. The second combustor having a fuel lance with internal partitions, for injecting at least one fuel and a gas having a mixture of inert gas and support air into the second combustor. The partitions enable the gas to carry, and/or veil, at least one of the fuels as the fuel exits the lance. A variable of the second combustor is measured and the inert gas to support air mixture varies in response to variations of the variable so as to at least partially compensate for the operational effects of the variable on the operation of the second combustor.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for modifying the content of a gaseous fuel comprising: a supply of the gaseous fuel; a supply of an oxidant; and a combustion device for utilising the oxidant to partially combust a first proportion of the fuel thereby to produce products of the partial combustion including intermediate combustion products, the products of the partial combustion mixing with the remaining proportion of fuel not partially combusted thereby to provide the modified fuel, wherein the partial combustion is controlled so as to provide the intermediate combustion products required to produce a predetermined modified fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting power output of a turbine during a transient event are provided. A cooling substance may be provided and at least a portion of the cooling substance may be directed to a compressor inlet of the turbine for a predefined time in order to augment power output of the turbine.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit (40) having a defroster (30) has a refrigeration compartment (44), an evaporator coil (26) having an amount of crystallized water being aggregated thereon from air and a thermo-electric module (32, 46, 48, 50) having a semiconductor material. The thermo-electric module (32, 46, 48, 50) provides heating from a first location of the thermoelectric module (32, 46, 48, 50) and cooling from a second location of the thermo-electric module (32, 46, 48, 50) based on a Peltier effect when a current from a power supply is traversed through the thermo-electric module (32, 46, 48, 50). The heating from a first location heats the evaporator coil (26) to defrost the aggregated amount of crystallized water thereon. The cooling from the second location is communicated to the refrigeration compartment (44).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for the cooling of a system on an aircraft or other platform. According to embodiments described herein, a first coolant is routed through a heat-producing system to absorb heat and maintain the system at a desired temperature. The first coolant is routed through a thermoelectric chiller for cooling before returning to absorb further heat from the system. Thermoelectric cooler modules within the chiller transfer heat from cold plates containing the first coolant to hot plates containing a second coolant. The second coolant absorbs the transferred heat and is routed to a radiator, where the heat is discharged into an ambient air stream. The second coolant is routed back to the hot plates to absorb further heat.

Abstract: The present invention includes a thermoacoustic assembly and method for improved efficiency. The assembly has a first stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator and at least one additional heat exchanger. The first stage Stirling thermal unit is serially coupled to a first end of a quarter wavelength long coupling tube. A second stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator, and at least one additional heat exchanger, is serially coupled to a second end of the quarter wavelength long coupling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing efficiency of a gas turbine and a marine structure having the gas turbine are disclosed. The marine structure includes an ambient LNG vaporizer for regasifying cryogenic LNG via heat exchange with air and the gas turbine for generating electric power. The marine structure includes a moist-air mixing chamber disposed at an upstream side of the gas turbine, a condensed-water nozzle to spray condensed water, generated from air during the heat exchange in the LNG vaporizer, into the moist-air mixing chamber; and a cold air supply pipe to supply air, cooled by the heat exchange in the LNG vaporizer, to the gas turbine via the moist-air mixing chamber. The method reduces the temperature of air supplied to the gas turbine by condensed water or cold air generated during regasification of LNG through the ambient vaporizer in the marine structure, thereby increasing the efficiency of the gas turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing efficiency of a gas turbine and a marine structure having the gas turbine are disclosed. The marine structure has a cargo tank for storing cryogenic liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a gas turbine for generating electric power. The marine structure further includes a heat exchanger to cool air for combustion supplied to the gas turbine using a cold source or cold heat of the LNG stored in the cargo tank, a heat transfer medium circuit to indirectly transfer the cold source of the LNG stored in the cargo tank to the heat exchanger, and a heater to heat a heat transfer medium having undergone heat exchange with the air for combustion while passing through the heat exchanger. The temperature of air supplied to the gas turbine is lowered using the cold source generated upon regasification of LNG in the marine structure, thereby increasing the efficiency of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A low-temperature-slush-fluid producing apparatus capable of achieving an increased weight solidification rate of slush fluid is provided. A low-temperature-slush-fluid producing apparatus includes a slush-fluid producing unit that includes a heat exchanger having a heat-transfer surface and disposed in a liquid-phase low-temperature fluid L stored in a container and scraping means for scraping a solid-phase low-temperature fluid formed on a surface of the heat-transfer surface; and a cryogenic-fluid generating unit for supplying into the interior of the heat-transfer surface a cryogenic fluid having a lower temperature than the liquid-phase low-temperature fluid L stored in the container.

Abstract: A cold trap is disclosed with a chamber having partitions or surfaces that direct the incoming wet vapor to substantially all of the cold inner surfaces of the cold trap. Typically, the cold inner surfaces are the inner walls of the chamber. The interaction of the wet vapor and the cold surfaces condense the molecules. The wet vapor minus the condensed molecules may be heated and returned to the source of the wet vapor for reuse. One example of the partitions or surfaces is a spiral inclined plane where the wet vapor flows along the spiral plane that acts to drive the wet vapor toward the cold inner walls of the chamber.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a vehicle having a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The HVAC system may comprise a refrigerant loop having a first leg and a second leg, and a refrigerant compressor in the refrigerant loop. In the first leg, an evaporator provides cooling to a passenger cabin of the vehicle, an evaporator shut-off valve selectively blocks the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator, and an evaporator thermal expansion valve is upstream from the evaporator. In the second leg, a battery heat exchanger receives the refrigerant, a battery thermal expansion valve is located upstream from the battery heat exchanger, and a battery cooling shut-off valve selectively blocks the flow of refrigerant through the battery heat exchanger. The shut-off valves and compressor are controlled to control the cooling of the passenger cabin and the battery pack.

Abstract: An HV_ECU executes a program, which includes a step of receiving route information; a step of acquiring a duty command value of a battery cooling blower; a step of calculating a cooling airflow; steps for acquiring a battery temperature and an intake temperature; a step of calculating a value TB?TC; a step of calculating a cooling performance; a step of estimating a battery temperature; and a step of performing fail safe processing when in an abnormal state.

Abstract: An ice harvester has an ice cube tray having at least two compartments for holding ice cubes; a rotating member used to remove ice cubes from the ice cube tray; at least two arms extending from the rotary member for removing ice cubes from the ice cube tray; a motor coupled to the rotary member for powering rotation of the member; and a divider wall formed in the ice cube tray extending vertically between the arms having an edge, wherein the arms are rotated toward the edge to remove ice cubes from said tray, and wherein the edge breaks a web formed between adjacent ice cubes in the tray during rotation of the arms. The arms can be offset from each other along a circumference of the sweeping member. The edge of the divider wall can have ramped portions to facilitate the breaking apart of the cubes to reduce required motor torque.

Abstract: An ice tray in accordance with the present disclosure has an ice cavity formed on a first side for receiving water and creating an ice cube and a water cavity formed on a second side, the water cavity adjacent the ice cavity such that when warm water is poured in the water cavity, heat transfers to the ice cavity and melts the ice cube.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heat transfer apparatus, and related methods, involve a curved flow path, a heat source external to and in thermal communication with at least a portion of an inner radial boundary of the curved flow path, and a working fluid, including a heavier component and a lighter component, flowing through the flow path. The flow path causes the working fluid to experience centrifugal force so as to preferentially force the heavier component toward the exterior wall portion and thereby cause the lighter component to preferentially absorb heat from the interior wall portion.

Abstract: A HVAC and battery thermal system and method for a vehicle having a passenger cabin and a battery pack is disclosed. The system may comprise a refrigerant loop and a coolant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg including an expansion device and an evaporator, and the second leg including an expansion device and a chiller. The coolant loop directs coolant through the battery pack and includes a controllable coolant routing valve, a bypass branch and a chiller branch, with the chiller in the chiller branch. The coolant routing valve has a bypass outlet that directs the coolant into the bypass branch and a chiller outlet that directs the coolant into the chiller branch. The coolant loop may also include a radiator branch and battery radiator, with the coolant routing valve including a radiator outlet that directs the coolant into the radiator branch.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for the cooling of an aircraft subsystem. According to embodiments described herein, coolant is routed through a heat-producing subsystem to absorb heat from the subsystem and to maintain the subsystem at a desired temperature. Bleed air from an aircraft engine is cooled, dehumidified, and routed to a cooling mechanism. In the cooling mechanism, a portion of the heated coolant is evaporated into the dehumidified bleed air, cooling the remaining coolant. The reduced-temperature coolant is routed back to the subsystem to absorb further heat. Humid air from the cooling mechanism and drying process may be utilized by other aircraft subsystems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

Abstract: An evaporator, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided. The evaporator includes a plurality of plates stacked parallel to one another in a vertical direction with openings that are aligned with one another for supply and return of a first fluid in the form of refrigerant and of a second fluid, wherein there are formed between two adjacent plates a flow passage of a first type for carrying the first fluid in alternation with a flow passage of a second type for carrying the second fluid, wherein a heat-transferring area of the plates has a length in the direction of refrigerant flow and a width perpendicular thereto, wherein the ratio of the length to the width is no greater than approximately 1.3, wherein the refrigerant flows through the flow passages in a first bank comprising one or more of the flow passages of the first type, and at least one second bank comprising one or more of the flow passages of the first type following the first bank after a reversal of direction.

Abstract: Provided is a showcase for displaying foods, and more particularly, an open-type showcase including a separate storage chamber installed in the showcase, isolatable from the exterior, and continuously receiving cold air through a cold air passage, similar to a display chamber, and capable of simply moving foods which can easily go bad, such as sandwiches or breads, displayed in the showcase, to the storage chamber and keeping the foods refrigerated after business hours, and blocking supply of the cold air into the display chamber when the display chamber is not used.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining condensate accumulated by an air handling unit element, the element presenting a footprint area, includes: a substantially unitary plurality of surfaces oriented between a first level and a second level and bounded by a peripheral wall. The first level is generally higher than the second level in an installed orientation. A first surface is situated substantially at the first level and is generally horizontal and presents a generally planar expanse generally coextensive with the footprint area in the installed orientation. A second surface generally extends from the second level at a first end of the apparatus to the first level at two loci separated by the first surface at a second end of the apparatus opposite the first end to orient the first surface in a generally nested relationship with respect to the second surface. At least one third surface joins the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device comprising a cooling unit (10) that is penetrated by a fluid to be cooled, in particular hydraulic oil, and a filter unit (12) for filtering said fluid, the filter unit (12) extending along a longitudinal side of the cooling unit (10) and a fluid collecting space (16) being arranged between the filter unit (12) and the cooling unit (10). The invention is characterized in that the fluid collecting space (16) has a uniform flow cross-section and is at least partially closed against the filter unit (12) by a concavely curved limitating wall (36). The optimized fluid guidance obtained thereby results in a uniformisation of speed while at the same time avoiding cavities and turbulences in order to ensure a trouble-free and energetically favorable operation of the inventive cooling device.

Abstract: An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit, in the extended position, controls dispensing of content through a dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator includes a dispense amount checking unit that is provided on the dispensing unit, that is at least partially translucent, and that is configured to enable a user's ability to visibly perceive content as it is being dispensed from a dispenser outlet when the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position and the dispensing unit would otherwise at least partially block the user's view of content being dispensed through the dispenser outlet.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position, and a dispenser receiving structure defines a receiving space in which at least a portion of the dispenser unit is positioned when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator also includes a cover unit that is attached to the dispensing unit and moves with the dispensing unit. The cover unit covers a portion of an opening defined in a surface of a door by the dispenser receiving structure when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator further includes a shielding unit that covers a gap remaining between the dispenser receiving structure and the cover unit when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a driving unit is configured to move the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position and is configured to move the dispensing unit from the dispensing position to the received position. The refrigerator also includes a state return unit that is configured to detect a force applied to a cover unit when the dispensing unit is oriented in the dispensing position and that is configured to, in response to detecting the force applied to the cover unit, cause the driving unit to move the dispensing unit from the dispensing position to the received position.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position and a dispensing button unit moves, in a plane perpendicular to a surface of a door, between a stored position and an extended position. The dispensing button unit is configured to, in the extended position, control dispensing of content through the dispenser outlet in response to application of force to the dispensing button unit. The refrigerator also includes a driving unit that moves the dispensing unit from the received position to the dispensing position in response to user input and moves, in the plane to perpendicular to the surface of the door and simultaneously with moving the dispensing unit, the dispensing button unit from the stored position to the extended position in response to the user input.

Abstract: An ice cube catcher is disclosed for positioning on a door of a refrigerator to catch ice cubes dispensed from an in-door dispenser. The catcher may include a body having a sloped portion and a pair of sidewalls. The sloped portion may include a top and a bottom edge and a pair of ends. The sidewalls may be positioned at each end of the sloped portion and include a flange portion. These flange portions may have a fastener that may operable to secure the body to a refrigerator door. Finally, a water retention portion such as ridge or damn or groove be provided proximate the bottom edge of the sloped portion to retain water from melting ice within the body of the catcher.

Abstract: There is provided a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an icemaker for making and discharging ice, an ice bank for storing the ice discharged from the icemaker, an ice discharge duct for discharging the ice stored in the ice bank to the dispenser, and an approaching prevention unit that is disposed in the ice discharge duct to prevent a user from approaching the ice bank through the dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator comprises a water conduit for directing water supplied from an external water source to the main body of the refrigerator. An inlet valve distributes the water supplied from the water conduit into a hot water conduit and a separate cold water conduit. A cold water tank is mounted to one of the main body and the door for cooling the water supplied through the cold water conduit and then storing the cooled water therein. A hot water tube is mounted to one of the main body and the door for receiving the water supplied through the hot water conduit. The hot water tube includes a heater operably installed within the hot water tube and in direct contact with the water therein. The heater generates heat through the application of electric power thereto to heat the water within the hot water tube to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, an ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.

Abstract: An object is to provide a refrigeration apparatus capable of measuring a temperature in a storage chamber or the like by use of a measurement hole without influencing an installation environment. A refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a low-temperature-side refrigerant circuit 38 constituted of a compressor 20, an evaporation pipe 62 and the like, a storage chamber 4 constituted in an insulating box body 2 is cooled to an extremely low temperature by the evaporation pipe 62, the refrigeration apparatus further includes a mechanical chamber 3 which is constituted by the side of the insulating box body 2 and in which the compressor 20 and the like are installed, and a measurement hole 19 communicating with the inside of the storage chamber 4 is constituted in the side wall of the insulating box body 2 on a mechanical chamber 3 side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exterior member for a refrigerator that defines the appearance of the refrigerator. According to the present invention, the exterior member comprises a rear plate 84 formed of polyvinyl chloride, and a front plate 82 that is formed of polyethylene terephthalate and positioned in front of the rear plate 84 and has a desired color or pattern printed thereon. It is preferred that the front plate 82 be a transparent and have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and the rear plate 84 have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The exterior member is mainly used for defining a front face of a refrigerator door, but it may also be used as a finishing member for a lateral side of a refrigerator.

Abstract: A chemical heal pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part, In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is hold or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in the liquid state thereof. For example, the matrix can be a material comprising separate particles such as a powder or a compressed fibre material.