Abstract: A method and system for reporting availability of a plurality of servers. The method comprises the steps of for each of said plurality of servers, periodically searching a log file for indication of a crash or shutdown or start, computing the time said crash or shutdown or start occurred, and sending said time and indication as an e-mail to a database on a server. The method further comprises the steps of calculating the duration of downtime for each said crash or said shutdown; for each server, sorting said e-mail by order received; and displaying for each of said plurality of servers, said duration of downtime in said order. For example, the sending step includes the step of sending said e-mail to a database on a pre-identified one server; and the sorting step includes the step of sorting said e-mail by order received by said pre-identified one server.

Abstract: A multi-user system for managing a database, and comprising a file access processor and a plurality of application support processors. The file access processor is provided to access the database, and the support processors are connected to the file access processor to read and update data objects in the database. The file access processor includes a locking system to lock data objects for selected support processors to limit access to locked data objects by the other support processors. This locking system includes an implicit locking subsystem to place implicit locks on data objects automatically in response to receiving processing requests from the support processors, and an explicit locking subsystem to place explicit locks on data objects in response to receiving explicit locking requests from the support processors. The explicit locks are integrated into the locking scheme in a manner minimizing lock conflicts.

Abstract: A file sharing system, comprising a file access processor and a plurality of application support processors; and the file access processor, in turn, includes a central data access system and a storage system is provided to form directories from data in the database, and to change data in that database. Each support processor includes a local cache to acquire and hold directories formed by the data access system; and for each directory acquired by at least one support processor, the data access system further includes a directory gate and a multitude of directory change blocks holding information describing changes in the database that affect the directory. The directory change blocks established for a given directory are arranged in a first chain anchored to the directory gate established for the directory. For each support processor that has acquired at least one directory, the data access system further includes a directory acquired block for each directory acquired by the support processor.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration machine for conditioning the interior of a trailer comprising a frame, a refrigerant compressor, a condenser assembly, and an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes a housing, a heat exchanger extending within the housing for conducting the refrigerant fluid therethrough, and heat exchanger support apparatus connecting the heat exchanger to the frame to support the heat exchanger independently of the housing. The evaporator assembly further comprises a blower unit extending within the housing to circulate air therethrough, and blower unit support apparatus connecting the blower unit to the frame to support the blower unit independently of the housing.

Abstract: A refrigeration circuit comprising serially arranged low and high stage compressors, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The circuit also includes by-pass means connecting a low pressure line with the high stage compressor for conducting refrigerant vapor therebetween to by-pass the low stage compressor, and a quench line connected to the by-pass means for conducting liquid refrigerant thereto. A check-quench valve is located at the intersection of the by-pass means and the quench line. The check-quench valve has a quench position blocking the by-pass means and opening the quench line, and a by-pass position opening the by-pass means and closing the quench line.

Abstract: A tube extracting mechanism comprising an elongated frame defining an opening in the front end thereof and a longitudinally extending passageway in communication with the opening. A sleeve is slidably supported by the frame for longitudinal movement within the passageway. The mechanism further comprises an expandable jaw supported by the sleeve for longitudinal movement therewith, and a mandrel in communication with the expandable jaw for expanding the jaw. A plurality of teeth extend annularly about and radially outward from the expandable jaw. Each tooth includes an annularly extending central section having a gripping edge generally defining an arc for engaging the interior surface of a tube, and a pair of end sections wherein each end section annularly extends from the central section and includes a tapered edge, wherein the tapered edges radially taper inward to facilitate withdrawing the tube gripping apparatus from the tube.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration machine for conditioning the interior of a trailer comprising a refrigerant compressor, a condenser assembly including a condenser fan, and an evaporator assembly including an evaporator fan. The machine further comprises a fan shaft for driving the condenser and evaporator fans, an engine for driving the compressor and the fan shaft, and a frame supporting the refrigeration machine. The frame includes a box sub-frame, a condenser assembly support sub-frame, an evaporator assembly support sub-frame, and a shaft support sub-frame rotatably supporting the fan shaft.

Abstract: A wheel of a turbomachine is secured to a shaft of the machine by initially securing the wheel between one end of the shaft and a piston-like member. A space is formed between opposed sides of the member and wheel by moving the member relative to the wheel. A spacing member is placed in the space for placing a compressive force on the wheel for positively securing the wheel to the shaft.

Abstract: A motor compressor unit and a method of reducing noise transmitted therefrom. The motor compressor unit comprises a compressor for compressing a vapor, a motor for driving the compressor, a shell encompassing the compressor and motor, and a supply of lubricant disposed within the shell. The motor compressor unit further comprises a lubricant absorbent, fibrous material positioned against interior surfaces of the shell for dampening sound waves generated within the motor compressor unit, and a cover positioned between the lubricant supply and the fibrous material for separating the fibrous material from the lubricant supply and preventing contamination thereof by the fibrous material.

Abstract: A motor compressor unit and a method of dampening sound waves generated therein. The motor compressor unit comprises a compressor for compressing a vapor, a motor for driving the compressor, a shell encompassing the compressor and motor, and a supply of lubricant disposed within the shell. The motor compressor unit further comprises a perforated lining positioned adjacent to the shell and annularly extending around the compressor for capturing a thin film or lubricant between the shell and the lining.

Abstract: A trip mechanism for use with a rotatable shaft comprising a Belleville spring encircling the shaft, a pair of collars secured to the shaft for mounting the spring thereon and engaging the spring to transmit rotary motion from the shaft to the Belleville spring, and a plurality of weights connected to the spring. The spring includes a reinforcing band portion annularly extending therearound, and the Belleville spring and weights are so proportioned that the spring will snap overcenter when the rotational speed of the shaft exceeds a preset value and will snap back overcenter toward an unstressed position when the rotational speed of the shaft is reduced.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system having a generator that includes a first, or primary, heat exchanger operatively connected to a low temperature energy source and that includes a second, or auxiliary, heat exchanger operatively connected to a high temperature energy source. Control means are provided so that energy is supplied to the generator from the high temperature energy source only after energy is extracted from the low temperature energy source and additional energy is required by the system. Various embodiments are disclosed showing different ways of positioning and operating the primary and auxiliary heat exchangers. Another embodiment illustrates a condenser system that efficiently operates to condense refrigerant vapor regardless of the distribution of the energy contribution between the high and low energy sources.

Abstract: A bearing and lubrication system for a rotatable shaft comprising a journal bearing assembly for supporting the shaft, a thrust bearing assembly for limiting axial movement of the shaft, and a ring surrounding the shaft and having a portion of the inner surface thereof drivingly engaged by the shaft wherein rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the rings. A supply of lubricant is disposed beneath the ring in the path of travel thereof as the ring rotates under the influence of the shaft, wherein rotation of the ring causes lubricant to cling thereto and be elevated thereby. A first portion of the elevated lubricant is introduced to the journal bearing assembly to lubricate surfaces thereof, and a second portion of the elevated lubricant is radially thrown outward by the ring.

Abstract: An erosion probe for monitoring erosion of a component of a turbomachine by fluid flow therepast comprising a shell having a predetermined erosion rate proportional to the erosion rate of the component, and an electric inductance sensor encapsulated secured within the shell for generating an electric signal indicative of shell erosion.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use with a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange tubes. The flow control apparatus comprises a housing; and the housing is divided into a first compartment for communication with a first set of heat exchanger tubes, a second compartment for communication with a second set of heat exchange tubes, an inlet compartment for connection to an external fluid source, and an outlet compartment for discharging fluid from the housing. First, second, third, and fourth ports are provided for transmitting fluid between, respectively, the first and outlet compartments, the first and inlet compartments, the second and inlet compartments, and the second and outlet compartments. The flow control apparatus further comprises a flow control gate having a normal flow position directing fluid through the second and fourth ports, and a reverse flow position directing fluid through the first and third ports.

Abstract: A tube end expander and a method of operating the same. The tube end expander comprises a rotatable, tubular cage defining a plurality of generally axially extending slots, and a plurality of rollers located within the cage and extending through the slots. The expander further comprises a rotatable, tapered mandrel axially extending into the cage in frictional, driving contact with inner surfaces of the rollers, and an auxiliary roller drive for transmitting rotary motion from the mandrel to the cage and rollers.

Abstract: A refrigeration machine and a method of charging the same. The machine comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected together to form a closed loop, vapor compression refrigeration circuit. The condenser includes first and second parallel refrigerant condenser coils, and refrigerant is condensed with greater efficiency in the first condenser coil than in the second condenser coil. The refrigeration machine further comprises a first sight glass for disclosing the presence of refrigerant vapor in the refrigerant fluid discharged from the first condenser coil, and a second sight glass for disclosing the presence of refrigerant vapor in the refrigerant fluid discharged from the second condenser coil.

Abstract: A suspension and seal system for a motor compressor unit mounted within a hermetically sealed shell. The shell defines at least one chamber filled with refrigerant suction gas and a second chamber filled with refrigerant discharge gas. The compressor's cylinder block includes a radially extending wall member. A second wall member is spaced from the first wall member for defining a space for receiving a combination seal and suspension member. Resilient members are provided at predetermined locations about the motor compressor unit and are squeezed between opposed surfaces of the unit and the shell for dampening motion of the unit within the shell.

Abstract: Apparatus for satisfying heating and cooling demands including a cooling circuit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, and a heating circuit including a booster compressor for drawing and compressing refrigerant from the high pressure side of the cooling circuit. Also disclosed is a sensor for sensing the temperature of vapor discharged from the booster compressor, and a control responsive to the sensor for terminating the heating action of the heating circuit when the temperature of vapor discharged from the booster compressor exceeds a preset value.

Abstract: A control for an air conditioning system of the type wherein a supply of air is conditioned at a central station, conditioned air is conducted through a supply air duct to a plurality of zones, and a plurality of discharge terminals discharge conditioned air from the supply air duct into the zones. The control comprises a plurality of air control valves, wherein each discharge terminal includes an air control valve for controlling the amount of conditioned air discharged into a zone by the discharge terminal; and a plurality of thermostatic adjusting devices, wherein each discharge terminal includes a thermostatic adjusting device for adjusting the air control valve to inversely vary the amount of air discharged into the zone in response to changes in the air temperature thereof.