Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a pusher used in packaging equipment improved so that undesirable deformation of articles to be packaged can be effectively prevented. A pusher 1 used in the packaging equipment includes ahead unit 36 provided in its frontal end wall 46 with an air supply port 53 and in lateral walls 43 with air suction ports 52. The air supply port 53 is adapted to maintain fluid-communication between inside and outside of an envelope 2b as long as the frontal end wall 46 of the pusher 1 stays inside the envelope 2b. The air suction ports 52 are adapted to suck an amount of air inside the envelope 2b as the frontal end wall of the pusher 1 moves away from inside of the envelope 2b and thereby allow the open end of the envelope 2b to be formed with the gussets 57.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The method may include applying pressure to at least one tab area of the package. The at least one tab area may include a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being disposed in a first position substantially sealed from each other. The method may further include breaching a first breachable bubble, the first breachable bubble being formed within the first tab portion, and breaching a second breachable bubble, the second breachable bubble being formed within the second tab portion. Further, the method may include causing the first tab portion and the second tab portion to shift from the first position to a second position in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying tear tape to a wrapper by advancing the web by continuous movement in a machine direction; advancing the tear tape in a cross direction, and cutting the tear tape to provide a cut portion of the tear tape; advancing said cut portion of the tear tape in the cross direction and into alignment with a width of the web; and applying said cut portion of the tear tape to the web without stopping the web from said continuous movement in the machine direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises cutting blades useful for cutting tape in packaging processes and cutting assemblies or bag sealing assemblies using the blades. Generally, the blades comprise a support and a plurality of teeth attached to the support wherein a first set of a plurality of the teeth defining a flat tip are positioned on the support between a second set of a plurality of the teeth defining a sharp tip and a third set of a plurality of the teeth defining a sharp tip.

Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for insertion of uniquely shaped packaging may include the following elements, (a) a securing mechanism to hold a container along a conveyor in a predetermined location, (b) a transfer device which removes a spray cap mechanism from a second timing screw and aligns the spray cap mechanism over a container opening on the container, (c) a diptube assembly which locks a diptube hanging from the spray cap mechanism, and (d) the transfer device tightening the spray cap mechanism on the container opening after the diptube is inserted into the container opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for packaging at least two products with individual weights in a package in a quantity corresponding to a target weight. The device comprises a feed, packaging means, weighing means (9) and throughfeed means. The device further comprises at least two adding means with associated weighing means (17) in a weighing unit (14) for the purpose of selectively adding unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging, and with selection and control means for selecting at least one of the at least two unrelated products or groups on the basis of the weight of the initial group, the target weight and the weights of the at least two unrelated products or groups determined with the weighing means (17) associated with the adding means for the purpose of actuating the adding means in order to add at least one selected of the at least two unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing sealed packages from a web of packaging material having a surface of uneven thickness comprises a pressure roller to press the surface against a corresponding forming roller for sealing the package. The pressure roller comprises an elastically deformable body; and a core of greater rigidity housed therein, with the core comprising a first end surface cooperating with the body, and a radially inner second end surface. The core includes a first portion and a second portion, with the radial distance between the first and second surface at the first portion being greater than at the second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mat or molded pre-form that may be used as a mounting mat to mount a fragile monolith within an outer housing of an exhaust gas treatment device, such as automotive catalytic converters and diesel particulate traps. The mat or pre-form may also be used as thermal insulation in the end cone regions of the exhaust gas treatment device. The mat and pre-form includes an inorganic microporous insulation component and a flexible fibrous material component. Exhaust gas treatment devices and methods for making exhaust gas treatment devices including the mat or pre-form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile cooling apparatus and method for harvested produce includes working platform and a cooling zone. Produce harvested along the working platform and transferred thereto is placed into the cooling zone which, in one embodiment, is located on an opposite side of the working platform from where harvesting is occurring. The cooling zone may be open at an outward facing end thereof, to permit offloading of harvested produce to a second mobile apparatus. The cooling zone may be dimensioned to contain at least one pallet and, in one embodiment, two pallets positioned side-by-side.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn mower with a compression ignition combustion engine that can use multiple fuel types such as petroleum based fuels or plant based fuels or any combination thereof. The lawn mower includes a chassis with a rear end having a plurality of spaced wheels, a compression ignited engine mounted on the chassis to provide power to the lawn mower and a plurality of grass cutting blades mounted directly or indirectly on an output shaft of the compression ignited engine. The lawn mower also includes a handle projecting from the rear end of chassis and a fuel tank and a fuel line supported by the chassis to provide the multiple fuel types to the compression ignited engine.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes an air injection system comprising a plurality of air injection tubes having a staggered arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of air injection tubes is configured to inject air into an exhaust duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical system and method that modulates airflow in an aircraft inlet diffuser that is used in conjunction with an aircraft engine that integrates both a center turbine engine and a high Mach engine such as a constant volume combustor (CVC) arrangement or ramjet arrangement with intakes formed co-centrically about the turbine. The modulation system uses two articulating components, a movable air flow duct and an articulating cone. The air flow duct, in a first position, is in exclusive air flow communication with the circular intake face of the turbine in a first position to receive air from the intake diffuser. In this configuration the expandable cone is in a retracted position and does not redirect airflow and allows the aircraft to operates in low speed mode as only the turbo jet receives airflow. In a transition speed mode, the air flow duct is retracted to allow air flow to both the turbo jet and the CVC.

Abstract: An exhaust mixer for a gas turbine engine includes an annular wall having upstream end adapted to be fastened to an engine case and a downstream end forming a plurality of inner and outer mixer lobes. A support member interconnects at least a number of the inner lobes, and includes a circumferentially extending stiffener ring located radially inwardly from the inner lobes and a series of circumferentially spaced apart mixer struts radially extending from the inner lobes to the stiffener ring. The mixer struts have a radial length at least equal to a width of a main gas path defined between the inner lobes and the exhaust cone such that the mixer struts extend entirely through the main gas path. The stiffener ring being fixed solely to the mixer struts such as to float with respect to the exhaust cone and permit relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: In a method for operating a lambda sensor disposed in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine,—the heating element is subjected to a predefined heating power substantially with the start of the engine;—during the heating process, the sensor signal is detected and compared to a threshold value specified for a lean and/or rich fuel/air mixture ratio, wherein the threshold value correlates with a sensor temperature, which is below the water ingestion critical temperature, and to a valid lambda signal,—when one of the specified threshold values is reached for the first time, a measured variable correlating with the sensor temperature is determined and the lambda signal is set as valid and forwarded, and—the determined measured variable correlating with the sensor temperature is transferred to a closed heating element control loop as a target value that corresponds to a target temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine comprises the following steps: determining the exhaust gas volumetric flow in the flow direction of the exhaust gas downstream of the particle filter (2), detecting the pressure present in the exhaust gas line (1) in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas prior to the particle filter (2), comparing the exhaust gas volumetric flow determined hinter the particle filter (2) with the detected pressure present upstream of the particle filter (2) and evaluating the results of the comparison with consideration to the exhaust gas back pressure of the uncharged particle filter (2) and the exhaust gas back pressure caused by the particle filter charge, said pressure being higher than the uncharged filter. Further described is a corresponding device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, which system comprises a monolith substrate (10) coated with a catalyst, which monolith substrate comprising a plurality of substantially parallel channels, each channel having a length extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; and a first sensor disposed in a hole (16) defined in part by an external wall of the monolith substrate, wherein the monolith substrate comprises a portion (12) of the plurality of channels wherein the catalyst composition in at least a part of the length of channels extending from the upstream end has an increased activity for a reaction for which the catalyst composition is intended relative to catalyst composition in a remainder (14) of the monolith substrate, the arrangement being such that the sensor is contacted substantially only with exhaust gas that has first contacted the catalyst composition having an increased activity.

Abstract: An apparatus determines whether or not there is a malfunction in a reducing agent supply apparatus having a reducing agent addition valve provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The reducing agent addition valve injects liquid reducing agent into the exhaust gas. A temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the exhaust gas is provided at a position in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine through which the reducing agent injected through the reducing agent addition valve passes. As the reducing agent is injected through the reducing agent addition valve, the temperature decrease of the exhaust gas at the position through which the reducing agent passes is calculated by a temperature decrease calculation unit. Whether or not there is a malfunction in the reducing agent supply apparatus is determined by a diagnosis unit, based on the temperature decrease of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an SOX trap catalyst (13) which traps SOX contained in the exhaust gas is arranged upstream of an NOX storing catalyst (15) in an engine exhaust passage. When the NOX storing catalyst (15) should release NOX, auxiliary fuel is injected into a combustion chamber (2) at a combustible timing after the completion of injection of fuel into the combustion chamber (2) for generating the engine output. At this time, the auxiliary fuel is injected so that the air-fuel ratio A/F of the combustion gas in the combustion chamber (2) does not become below a minimum allowable air-fuel ratio M where SOX trapped at the SOX trap catalyst (13) will not be released.

Abstract: Upon no detection of the closing abnormality where the EGR valve does not become in the totally closed state (when the flag Fa is value ‘0’), the engine is controlled using the target fuel injection amount obtained from the correction of the basic fuel injection amount toward the increase direction, in the case that the engine is operated together with the recirculation of the exhaust in the preset high-load operation range (when the flag Fi is ‘1’). Upon detection of the closing abnormality (when the flag Fa is value ‘1’), the engine is controlled using the target fuel injection amount obtained from the correction of the basic fuel injection amount toward the increase direction, in the case that the engine is operated together with the recirculation of the exhaust in the whole range that the engine is operable together with the recirculation of the exhaust.

Abstract: Provided is a gas engine wherein NOx concentration in exhaust gas can be maintained properly regardless of fuel gas composition. A gas engine (101) comprises a fuel gas supply regulation valve (45) for regulating fuel gas supply, an engine speed sensor (71) for detecting engine speed, an engine torque sensor (72) for detecting engine load, and a controller (50) for calculating a proper fuel gas supply and regulating the fuel gas supply regulation means to ensure the proper fuel gas supply thus calculated, wherein the controller (50), calculates the temperature difference of a combustion chamber in the combustion stroke of one combustion cycle by recognizing at least the engine speed and engine load and calculates the NOx concentration in exhaust gas based on the temperature difference, calculates a proper fuel gas supply based on the NOx concentration and regulates the fuel gas supply regulation valve (45) to ensure the proper fuel gas supply.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine includes receiving a request to regenerate a particulate matter filter and regulating, in response to the request, operation of the engine and an electric heater that heats an inlet surface of the filter such that for a first period, the heater maintains the inlet surface within a first temperature range above a regeneration temperature of the filter and combustion of a first mass of accumulated PM within the filter is initiated, for a second period following the first period, exhaust cools the inlet surface to within a second temperature range below the regeneration temperature and combustion of the first mass is inhibited, and for a third period following the second period, the inlet surface is maintained within a third temperature range above the regeneration temperature and a second mass of the accumulated PM is combusted. A related control system is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a technology that enables easier adjustment of the temperature of an exhaust gas purification apparatus to a target value by supplying an appropriate quantity of fuel to the exhaust gas purification apparatus even in the case where sub-injection and exhaust addition are performed in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A urea injection control system (10) for a vehicle having an exhaust line (16) in fluid communication with a SCR catalyst (18) and a urea injector (14) for injecting urea into the exhaust line includes a controller (12) for controlling the flow rate of urea injection at the urea injector. The controller (12) compares an optimum urea flow rate (20) with a flexible urea flow rate (22) determined by a flexible flow rate calculator. The controller (12) selects the minimum value of the optimum urea flow rate (20) and the flexible urea flow rate (22), and controls the urea injector (14) to inject urea at the minimum value.

Abstract: A vehicle engine exhaust gas treatment system (10) for use on a tractor comprising storage means (11) for storing urea, injector means (13) for injecting urea into a catalytic converter (21) located in an exhaust (22) of an engine (23), an air duct (29;30) via which air is drawn into the engine, and cooling means for cooling the urea on its passage from the storage means to the injector means, the cooling means comprising a heat exchanger which includes an inner pipe (15; 17) through which the urea flows on its way to the injector means, the inner pipe extending within the air duct (29;30) to cool the urea.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic honeycomb articles which possess a unique microstructure characterized by porosity between 40% and 70%, and the presence of coarse pores exhibiting a depth equivalent to the thickness of the cell wall and a dimensional width, in the plane of the cell wall, exhibiting a diameter that is at least as large as the thickness of the cell wall. The articles exhibits reduced filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop across the filter, and a reduced regeneration need. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as off-road and retro-fit diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the ceramic article wherein the pore former is capable of forming coarse pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for at least one media line (2), such as for a urea-water solution for exhaust gas after-treatment in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The connection device comprises a connection part (4) having a socket (6) for the circumferentially sealed insertion of a line-side plug section (8), and retention means (10) for locking the inserted plug section (8) in place to prevent detachment. The retention means (10) is configured in such a way that starting from a normal operating position the inserted and locked plug section (8) can be moved over a specific travel path relative to the connection part (4) in opposition to a return force (F), in order to enlarge an internal volume inside the connection part (4) to which the medium is admitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust element including a line for exhausting the gases of a motor vehicle with a combustion engine and through the inside of which flows a fluid with the exhaust gases and of an additive to these gases. The exhaust element has, mounted inside it, a static device for mixing this additive with these exhaust gases. The static device for mixing the additive with the exhaust gases comprises at least one helicoid having an axis extending in a direction that makes a set angle with the direction of flow of the fluid through this exhaust element.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle, comprising a hydraulic actuation device for moving one or more moveable components of the vehicle. The actuation device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated drive means, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid as well as one or more hydraulic actuators connected to the pump through hydraulic hoses. The hydraulic actuators act on the one or more moveable components. The pump is designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulic actuators. A pressure ripple reduction device for reducing pressure ripples in the hydraulic fluid originating from the hydraulic pump is provided, having an expansion chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle cab tilting device for a vehicle with a tiltable cab, a chassis and pivot means which connect the cab to the chassis, in which the cab can be tilted through an angle with respect to the chassis between a driving position and a forwardly tilted position. The tilting device comprises a pump (1) having at least one pump port (2) for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid (3), and a hydraulic tilting cylinder (20) for tilting the cab, which tilting cylinder has a first and a second connection port (21, 22). The tilting cylinder is a multistage telescopic hydraulic tilting cylinder with an outer telescopic part (30), at least one intermediate telescopic part (40), and a central telescopic part (50), each intermediate telescopic part and the central telescopic part being displaceable with respect to one another and to the outer telescopic part.

Abstract: Apparatus for generation of wave power comprising a first longitudinal floatation body (1) which is floating in a substantially vertical position in a body of water. The device also comprises a second floatation body (2), which encircles the first body (1) and the second body being adapted to move in response to waves relative to the first body (1). It also comprises energy transmission means (5, 6; 52, 53) coupled between the first and the second body, to transfer movement energy from the second body to at least one electric generator (8) on the first body. The first body (1) is anchored to the seabed by a tension leg (16), which is under a sufficient tension to prevent the first body (1) to move vertically because of the waves. The first body has a ballast chamber (29, 30), which is situated below the lowest level of the water.

Abstract: A system for a sequential turbocharger includes a mode selection module, a feed-forward selection module, and a control loop module. The mode selection module generates a control mode signal based on an engine speed signal, an engine torque signal, and an engine mode signal. The control mode signal indicates one of an open-loop control mode and a closed-loop control mode. The feed-forward selection module determines a feed-forward value based on the control mode signal, the engine speed signal, and the engine torque signal. The control loop module determines a loop control value at least one of based on the feed-forward value, a variable geometry turbine (VGT) control signal, and an error signal; and based on a bypass valve (BPV) control signal and the error signal when the control mode signal transitions from the open-loop control mode to the closed-loop control mode.

Abstract: An engine system for a combustion engine that has an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold has a turbine having a turbine inlet for receiving exhaust gas and a turbine outlet for discharging exhaust gas, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) having a DPF inlet in flow-communication with the exhaust manifold and a DPF outlet in flow-communication with the turbine inlet. The exhaust at the exhaust manifold has a sufficiently high temperature to maintain passive regeneration of the DPF during normal operating conditions. If the engine system includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, the EGR inlet is in flow-communication with the DPF outlet, and an EGR outlet is in flow-communication with the intake manifold. High pressure, high temperature, filtered EGR gas is available for EGR recirculation.

Abstract: A control system for engine braking for a vehicle powered by a turbocharged engine uses a supercharger to assist a turbocharger compressor to boost turbocharger air flow into the engine cylinders. An engine driven air pumping device draws ambient air, or alternately exhaust gas through the pump inlet, compresses the air, and delivers the compressed air through the pump outlet to the turbocharger compressor inlet or alternately the turbocharger compressor outlet. The increased air flow into the cylinders and out of the cylinder exhaust valves increases retarding power of the vehicle.

Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, in which a mechanical energy flow can be generated for a intake airflow from an exhaust gas flow of the internal combustion engine. The turbocharger includes a mechanical energy converter connected between the exhaust gas flow and the intake airflow, by which converter the mechanical energy flow can be transferred and transmitted. The turbocharger also includes an electrical energy converter associated with the mechanical energy flow for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, or vice versa, to enable improved intake airflow charging of an internal combustion engine. By means of the electrical energy converter, an electrical energy flow can be selectively branched off to a battery or fed into the mechanical energy flow.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises a main steam generator and a back-up steam generator (20) which are both in fluid communication with a super heater (3) for superheating the generated steam. The superheater comprises a main heat source (6) for heating up a flow of heating gas. A back-up evaporator (2) is provided as a back-up steam generator for evaporating supplied water into steam. The back-up evaporator is connected in parallel to the main steam generator. An auxiliary heat source is provided for heating up the back-up evaporator. By controlling the auxiliary heat source (9), it is possible to supply more or less heat energy to the back-up evaporator to compensate for fluctuations in steam production of the main steam generator. The back-up evaporator is positioned away from the flow of heating gasses departing from the main heat source.

Abstract: A power generation system that includes a heat source loop, a heat engine loop, and a heat reclaiming loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. The heat source loop may also include a heat storage medium to allow continuous operation even when the source of heat is intermittent. Heat from the heat source loop is introduced into the heat reclaiming loop or turbine loop. In the turbine loop a working fluid is boiled, injected into the turbine, recovered condensed and recycled. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the turbine loop. The fluid of the heat reclaiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the turbine loop. The power generating system is capable of using low temperature waste heat is approximately of 150 degrees F. or less.

Abstract: A fuel system comprises a fuel nozzle having a first port and a second port, a first manifold connected to the first port, and a first inert gas buffer portion disposed between the first manifold and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: The gas turbine engine comprises at least one electrical generator and an electrical heater associated with a gas path of the engine. The heater is powered by the generator to selectively add heat to the gas turbine cycle.

Abstract: A system and way for controlling a gas turbine engine in the event of a partial or full load rejection from a generator is disclosed. Upon detection of a partial or full load rejection, the fuel flow of the combustor is directed to a secondary circuit of a secondary fuel nozzle to maintain a flame in a downstream chamber of the combustor. By maintaining the flame in the downstream chamber while the engine speed is controlled, the recovery process to a load condition avoids use of spark ignition system and flame detectors in the upstream chamber.

Abstract: A low emission and environmentally friendly apparatus and method is used to generate a high pressure stream of thermal vapor. The thermal vapor stream may be injected into a subterranean formation for recovery of highly viscous petroleum or used to turn a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator. In one implementation, the high pressure stream of thermal vapor is generated by burning a high temperature fuel, including any short or long chain hydrocarbon products from methane to coal, in an enclosed vessel to produce combustion gases. Various techniques may be used to improve heat distribution and lower the temperature of the combustion gases. Water may be used to quench the combustion gases and produce the superheated steam or vapor. The water may be introduced onto the combustion gases by spraying, weeping, dripping, and the like.

Abstract: In an integrated gasification power plant a steam recovery system is provided. The system enables power generation equipment designed for a predominant fuel and operating condition to efficiently utilize additional steam generation by syngas coolers when heat transfer surface condition or fuel characteristics enable additional steam generation. The system can detect excess steam generation, integrate it with the syngas cleaning process and transmit it to the power generation equipment. The system results in a low cost power generation system which is capable of efficiently operating with a wide range of fuels and a wide rang of operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing power, notably electrical power, comprising a gas turbine (10) with at least one compressor (12; 12a, 12b) having at least one compression stage, at least one expansion turbine (16), a heat exchanger (14) between said compressor and said expansion turbine, and a hot gas source (48, 72). According to the invention, the exchanger is a rotary regenerative exchanger (14) through which the hot gases and compressed gases from said compressor pass.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes an inter-section fluid cooling system. The inter-section fluid cooling system includes an intercooler configured to receive heated air from a first section of a turbine compressor system, to cool the heated air with a cooling fluid mixture to generate cooled air, and to deliver the cooled air to a second section of the turbine compressor system. The inter-section fluid cooling system also includes a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid mixture into the intercooler.

Abstract: A method for producing an intermetallic compound, the method comprising: (1) providing components A, B and X; and forming by solid state reaction of components A, B and X an intermetallic compound having a filled skutterudite structure and formula of AaBbXc; (2) melting the intermetallic compound having a filled skutterudite structure produced in step (1) in the presence of additional X; and (3) annealing the intermetallic compound of step (2) in the presence of additional X at a temperature equal to, or greater than the phase formation temperature of the intermetallic compound.

Abstract: A heat pump comprises an evaporator for evaporating water as a working liquid so as to produce a working vapor, the evaporation taking place at an evaporation pressure of less than 20 hPa. The working vapor is compressed to a working pressure of at least 25 hPa by a dynamic-type compressor so as to then be liquefied within a liquefier by direct contact with liquefier water. The heat pump is preferably an open system, wherein water present in the environment in the form of ground water, sea water, river water, lake water or brine is evaporated, and wherein water which has been liquefied again is fed to the evaporator, to the soil or to a water treatment plant.

Abstract: A pre-assembled, pre-tested quench path outlet assembly for providing a cryogen egress path from a cryogen vessel. A quench valve (26) is mounted within a flange (28). A cryogen egress tube (32) is sealed in leak-tight manner to the flange, to define a cryogen egress path (40) extending through the cryogen egress tube, the flange and the quench valve. The cryogen egress path is closed by a burst disc (34). In use, the pre-assembled, pre-tested quench path outlet assembly is mounted onto the cryogen vessel such that thermal stratification of gas within the cryogen vessel under normal conditions causes a lower end of the cryogen egress tube to be at a temperature below the freezing points of common air components.

Abstract: A cryostat (110) for use in a biomagnetic measurement system is proposed. The cryostat (110) comprises at least one inner vessel (112) and at least one outer vessel (114), and at least one cavity (126) arranged between the inner vessel (112) and the outer vessel (114), in which negative pressure can be applied to the cavity (126). The inner vessel (112) has a base part (136) and a sidewall (134) connected to the base part (136) in a circumferential connection region (140). The inner vessel (112) has a circumferential strengthening element (142) in the connection region (140), with the strengthening element (142) having a first fiber composite material with a first fibrous material (158) with an anisotropic orientation and with a local preferred orientation, the local preferred orientation being oriented substantially in the circumferential direction of the cryostat (110).

Abstract: A method of operating an ice maker including accepting a desired ice layer thickness setting, opening a water supply inlet valve to admit water from a water supply inlet, cooling an ice forming surface below freezing, directing the admitted water into a water collecting device, sensing an admitted volume of water, closing the water supply inlet valve based upon the sensed volume of admitted water and the set desired ice layer thickness, pumping water from the water collecting device to the ice forming surface via a recirculating pump, directing unfrozen water from the ice forming surface back to the water collecting device, determining a level of water in the water collecting device with a level sensor, initiating an ice harvesting routine based on input from the level sensor, operating a drain flow control device to selectively discharge water from the water collecting device to a drain outlet.

Abstract: An air conditioner is arranged so as to be able to accurately judge a refrigerant filling state within the air conditioner regardless of environmental and installation conditions.