Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) is specified having a housing (2), in which a primary side (3) having a primary-side flow path (5) is arranged between an upstream connector 6) and a downstream connector (7) and a secondary side (4) having a secondary-side flow path (10) is arranged between an inflow connector (11) and an outflow connector (12), wherein the primary side (3) and the secondary side (4) are in heat-transferring connection along a heat exchanger section (15) and a first temperature sensor (16) is arranged in the region of the outflow connector (12). The desire is to improve the ability to regulate and monitor the heat exchanger (1). To this end, there is provision for at least one second temperature sensor (18-20, 24, 25) to be arranged on the heat exchanger section (15) and for both temperature sensors (16; 18-20, 24, 25) to be connected to an evaluation device (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying a metallic surface, which method comprises chemical vapour deposition on a substrate in a chamber adapted for CVD and involves at least the step of interrupting the chemical vapour deposition by cutting off the flow of reactant gas, and where the substrate and the metallic surface form a part of a completed member and that this member during or after the interruption is subjected to a polishing of the metallic surface after depositing at least a part of the depositing metallic compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a component from first and second parts which are joined in a welding process wherein a laser beam is transmitted in a direction from a laser source and at least partly into a gap. The gap is made between edges of the component, and to enable a faster laser welding process, the laser has a focus point size which is at least of the size of the gap. To enable better control of the width of the gap, the invention further provides a method and components wherein one part is formed with a neck which extends into a complementary socket of the other part to prepare the parts for the welding process. The invention in particular concerns welding of brass.

Abstract: An object comprising an electrically conductive body part, e.g. comprising copper or silver, and a layer comprising a refractory metal, preferably tantalum. At least part of the refractory metal layer has been transformed into an electrically conductive ceramic material, preferably a tantalum boride. The refractory metal layer improves the corrosion resistant properties of the object and the ceramic material prevents oxidation of the refractory metal layer, and thereby passivation of the object during conduction of a current. The object is suitable for use as an electrode in corrosive environments. The object is cost effective because passivation can be avoided without applying a layer of precious metal. Also a method of forming the object in which the ceramic material is preferably provided by applying boride in a gaseous or solid phase and heating the object.

Abstract: An improved method for detection of engine faults especially suited for use on ships. The method is in particular related to the detection of a fault in an internal combustion engine having within the housing a crankshaft connected to a piston. The method includes determination of a pressure difference between the housing and the area outside the housing. If comparison of the pressure difference with a fault indicating pressure difference limit shows that the pressure difference is greater than the fault indication pressure difference limit then the presence of the fault is indicated. According to the method is in the pressure difference determined by comparing the pressure existing in the housing with the pressure of the area outside the housing, while attenuating pressure changes of the area outside the housing, so that pressure changes having a duration equal to or less than a defined fault characteristic period of time are supposed.

Abstract: An IR sensor (1), especially a CO2 sensor, is described, having a filter arrangement (6), downstream of which there is arranged a detector arrangement (7), and an evaluating device (8) which is connected to the detector arrangement (7), the filter arrangement (6) having a first filter (9) and a second filter (10), which are configured as bandpass filters and each have a passband and of which the first filter (9) allows passage of a predetermined IR band and the second filter (10) does not, and the detector arrangement having two detectors (14, 15), each of which is associated with a filter (9, 10). The objective is to simplify the use of such an IR sensor. For that purpose, the passband of one filter (10) is arranged within the passband of the other filter (9) and the evaluating device (8) forms the difference of the signals (S1, S2) of the detectors (14, 15) and normalises it to the signal (S1) of a detector (14).

Abstract: A method of visually investigating a coated surface of an object, the coating comprising a metal or an alloy, in order to determine whether or not the coating is tight. An increasing potential is applied to the object until a desired current level has been obtained or until a maximum potential has been reached. In case the coating is tight this results in a change in colour of the coating. This may be due to a polarization of the coating material and/or due to an increase in thickness of a naturally occurring metal oxide layer. In case the coating is tight the desired current level can not be obtained, and the potential is increased to the maximum level resulting in a change in colour. In case pinholes are present it is possible to obtain the desired current level, and the increase in potential is stopped before it is high enough to cause the change in colour. Provides a dramatic visual effect allowing an immediate determination of whether or not pinholes are present.

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigeration system comprising a variable compressor capacity, and at least two refrigeration entities, e.g. display cases. Suction pressure is controlled by means of permitting/preventing a flow of refrigerant into evaporator of one or more refrigeration entities. Compressor capacity is controlled to match a desired capacity level and based on a signal derived from one or more properties of the one or more refrigeration entities, said signal reflecting a possible difference between the current compressor capacity and a current refrigeration demand of the refrigeration system. Reduces wear on compressors because switching them ON/OFF is avoided to the largest extent possible. Prevents problems relating to conflicting control strategies due to control parameters, e.g. suction pressure, being controlled by means of two or more controllable parts, e.g. compressors and flow of refrigerant into refrigeration entities.

Abstract: An object comprising a conductive body part, a layer comprising a refractory metal (e.g. tantalum), and a layer comprising a precious metal (e.g. platinum or gold). A metallurgical bond has been formed between the layers. Thereby oxidation of the refractory metal layer, and thereby passivation of the object, can be avoided even with small amounts of precious metal. This lowers the material costs while ensuring desired corrosion resistant properties. The object is suitable for an electrode to be used in a corrosive environment, in particular when a large conductivity is needed. Also a method of manufacturing the object. The metallurgical bond is provided by heating the object.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer having a significantly increased actuation force and improved response time as compared to similar prior art capacitive transducers. In the capacitive transducer of the present invention it is not necessary to balance response time and actuation force or to provide pre-strain to the transducer in a direction of actuation. Additionally, buckling in the capacitive transducer is prevented, or at least substantially reduced, in a simple manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for delivering a controlled or restricted flow of liquid and limiting bubble fragmentation at the inlet. This is achieved in flow restrictor with a flow channel having over most of its length a substantially constant, minimum hydraulic diameter D=4A/W wherein A is the minimum local cross-sectional area of the channel and W is the minimum local wetting perimeter of the channel, by smoothly widening the channel at its inlet such that: at distances z from the inlet face with 0<z<z1, the channel has a hydraulic diameter Dz?k*D wherein k?1.3; at distances z from the inlet face with z1<z<z2, the channel has a hydraulic diameter Dz with k*D?Dz?D; and at distances z from the inlet face with z2<z, the channel has a hydraulic diameter Dz with Dz?1.02D, except possibly for a similar widening of the channel at the outlet.

Abstract: A composite for a transducer facilitates an increased actuation force as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers. The composite facilitates increased compliance of the transducer in one direction, an improved reaction time as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers, and provides an increased lifetime of the transducer in which it is applied.

Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterised in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).

Abstract: A water purification device includes a fluid pump, a diaphragm unit having a diaphragm, which separates a primary side from a secondary side, and a consumer having a pressure requirement. The fluid pump is connected with the primary side and the consumer is connected with the secondary side. In order to supply the consumer with water under a high pressure, the fluid pump supplies the pressure (P2) for the consumer through the diaphragm. A pressure control valve is arranged upstream of the diaphragm unit to control the pressure on the primary side in dependence of the pressure on the secondary side.

Abstract: In known filter-drier cases for refrigerant circuits, the refrigerant flows through filter and drying means in a serial manner. During operation of the refrigerant circuit, this causes an undesirably large pressure drop. It is the task of the invention to provide an improved filter-drier arrangement (1, 1?) with a smaller pressure drop. For this purpose, it is proposed to design the filter-drier arrangement so that a part of the refrigerant flows in parallel through the filter (21, 43) and the drying means (17, 43).

Abstract: A tubular elastomer actuator with a shape in a cross-sectional view which shape exposes at most one single axis of symmetry of a specific length, e.g. an oval shape. The actuator could be made from a sheet made from a plurality of plate shaped elements which are laminated together and rolled. Each plate shaped element may have a corrugation that gives the element an anisotropic structure, and contains an electrode on only one surface. The actuator displacement is the result of shrinkage displacement of the plate shaped elements upon the application of electrical field across their thickness.

Abstract: A tubular elastomer actuator with a shape in a cross-sectional view which shape exposes at most one single axis of symmetry of a specific length, e.g., an oval shape. The actuator could be made from a sheet made from a plurality of plate shaped elements which are laminated together and rolled. Each plate shaped element may have a corrugation that gives the element an anisotropic structure, and contains an electrode on only one surface. The actuator displacement is the result of shrinkage displacement of the plate shaped elements upon the application of electrical field across their thickness.

Abstract: A valve (4) for a refrigeration system. Comprises two diaphragms (8, 10) being operatively connected. One diaphragm (8) is in contact with the refrigerant, the other (10) is in contact with the filling fluid. The two diaphragms (8, 10) may have different active areas. In combination with the connection between the two diaphragms (8, 10) this provides a ‘pressure gearing’ between the filling fluid and the refrigerant. Allows the pressure of the filling fluid to be relatively low even when the pressure of the refrigerant is high, while ensuring that the valve (4) can function properly. Particularly suitable for high pressure refrigeration systems, such as CO2 systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a solenoid actuated valve with a plunger which moves in a sleeve under influence of a magnetic field from the solenoid and further comprising a damping device for reducing noise and wear caused by the plunger when it bounces against a top part located in the sleeve. The damping device comprises a first part which forms the limit of the travel of the plunger and another part which is allowed to move relative to the first part in a dampened movement. To enable application in a vacuum system, the damping device comprises a conduit which allows evacuation of a chamber confined between one end of the sleeve and the damping device. The invention further provides a damper for a solenoid actuated valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve actuator comprising a support member for supporting a rotatable positioning element operatively connected to a valve rod. The valve actuator further comprises a track follower adapted to follow at least part of a track provided in the positioning element. The track follower is biased against at least part of the track by a resilient member. The rotatable positioning element comprises a curved outer portion arranged in an associated bearing formed in the support member.