Abstract: Methods for storing items are provided. In this regard, one such method includes: providing an item; providing a container; placing the item in a storage chamber of the container; and moving a cap of the container to a closed position. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a vapor dryer chamber (12) with a lid (14). A heater (16) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber to vaporize liquid drying medium (24), preferably isopropyl alcohol, in the bottom of the vapor dryer chamber (12). Cooling coils (18) disposed within an upper portion of the vapor drying chamber (12) condense the drying medium vapor. A vapor monitor assembly (30) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber (12) to monitor the vapor concentration within vapor dryer chamber (12). A controller (40) is associated with the vapor monitor assembly (30) and evaluates vapor concentration measurements from the vapor monitor (38).

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler and a system and method for fabricating the thermoelectric cooler are provided. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric cooler includes a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element composed of magnetic or magnetically susceptible material, a first thermoelectric sub-component, and a second thermoelectric sub-component. The first thermoelectric sub-component and the second thermoelectric sub-component are situated between the first and second magnetic elements. The first and second magnetic elements are selected such that a compressive force is exerted on the first and second thermoelectric elements. The magnetic elements are selected and adjusted in magnetic attraction such that the force exerted on the first and second thermoelectric elements establishes and maintains a contact of selected pressure between the first and second thermoelectric sub-components.

Abstract: A receiver-tank is provided with a vertical tank main body 140. An inlet 131 and an outlet 132 are provided in an inlet-and-outlet forming member 150 as a bottom wall of the tank main body 140. A desiccant-filled-layer 135 as a flow-resistance layer is provided in a lower part of the tank main body 140, and an upper space is formed above the desiccant-filled-layer 135. A suction pipe 133 is provided in the tank main body 140 with the lower end connected with the outlet 132 and the upper end opened toward the upper space. When the refrigerant introduced into the tank main body 140 from the inlet port 131 goes up through the desiccant-filled-layer 135, the flow velocity decreases, and liquid-stagnation R is quietly created bin the upper space. The liquefied refrigerant of this liquid-stagnation R flows out of the outlet 132 through the suction pipe 133. Thereby, the stable liquid refrigerant can be supplied.

Abstract: A critical point drying apparatus for sample preparation in electron microscopy and semiconductor wafer production includes a computer system to automate the operational modes in drying the specimen. These operational modes controlled by the computer system are: cooling, in which a drying chamber is cooled; starting, in which the specimen chamber is filled with a transitional fluid; purging, in which the transitional fluid purges an intermediary fluid from the drying chamber and the purged intermediary fluid is collected by a collector condenser; heating, in which the drying chamber is heated to elevate the transitional fluid to its critical point temperature and pressure; and bleeding, in which the drying chamber is depressurized to atmospheric pressure at a very slow rate until the drying chamber is completely vented, which signals the end of the drying operation. The drying chamber incorporates concave surfaces for pressure dispersal and to facilitate purging the intermediary fluid completely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing moisture from within an electronics enclosure is provided. In particular, dehumidification is accomplished by removing air from the enclosure, cooling the air thereby causing condensation of water vapor from the air, then heating the dehumidified air and returning the heated and dehumidified air to the enclosure. A single heat pump provides cooling and heating functions, effectively recouping heat extracted from the air to be cooled, and transferring the extracted heat to the air prior to its return to the enclosure. In this manner, electronics within the enclosure may be operated at temperatures below the dew point of ambient air surrounding the enclosure, without requiring a thermally insulated enclosure. Devices are provided to collect and purge condensate from the system, either in a continuous or periodic manner. Embodiments employing conventional vapor compression cycle heat pumps and thermoelectric heat pumps are described.

Abstract: An absorption refrigerator of excellent thermal efficiency where water vapor contained in the exhaust gas does not condenses even at the starting or during the partial load operation where the temperature elevation is small. A refrigerant drain heat collector 11 allowing the refrigerant liquid condensing by heating the intermediate absorption liquid in the low temperature regenerator 3 and flowing into the condenser 4 to exchange heat with a part of dilute absorption liquid and first and second heat collectors 26, 27 where the exhaust gas discharged from the gas burner 2 and the dilute absorption liquid exchange heat are installed and, at the same time, a absorption liquid pipe (absorption liquid branch pipe) 14 is installed, and a flow control valve 28 is installed in the absorption liquid pipe 14 and, furthermore, a controller 30 is installed in order to control the aperture of the flow control valve 28 so that a temperature sensor 29 continues to detect a predetermined temperature (for instance 100° C.

Abstract: An automated apparatus is provided for periodically transferring a pre-selected volume of treatment liquid to a collection pan in order to treat and prevent the clogging of the collection pan. The system includes a treatment liquid reservoir, at least one fluidic coupling, and a structure for enabling the periodic transfer of the volume of treatment liquid from the treatment liquid reservoir to the collection pan by way of the fluidic couplings, causing a treating of the collection pan.

Abstract: A dehumidifier system (10) comprising: a dehumidifying chamber (12) into which moist air is introduced and from which less moist air is removed after dehumidification; a desiccant solution (28) situated in at least one reservoir (30); a first conduit (13) via which desiccant solution (28) is transferred from the at least one reservoir (30) to the dehumidifying chamber (12), said solution being returned to said at least one reservoir (30) after absorbing moisture from the moist air; a regenerator (32) which receives desiccant solution from said at least one reservoir and removes moisture from it; a second conduit via which desiccant is transferred from the at least one reservoir (30) to the regenerator (32), said solution being returned to said at least one reservoir after moisture is removed from it; and a heat pump (44) that transfers heat from the solution in the first conduit to the solution in the second conduit.

Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption apparatus comprising an absorber assembly, a generator assembly, a condenser and an evaporator, the generator assembly comprising a boiler section, a solution-heated-desorber section, an adiabatic desorber or GAX desorber section, and a rectifier section, the interior space of at least one of said sections of said generator being substantially filled with structured packing material inert to an aqueous ammonia solution at generator temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the combined collection of freshwater from atmospheric humidity and cooling of closed spaces in hot and humid climates through collection and processing of water vapor condensate from air conditioning units and dehumidification and air-drying units. Components of air conditioning units are rearranged to allow outdoor air to go through the units to increase the condensate and hence freshwater production. Design modifications of dehumidifiers include separation of cooling and water condensation components from other components that radiate heat to enhance the cooling effects of dry air leaving the dehumidifiers. In addition, apparatus and methods are disclosed for adaptation of commercial dehumidifiers using gas refrigerants in providing ample freshwater quantities and comfortable space cooling.

Abstract: A heat pump system for air conditioning adaptable to cold regions, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve and an evaporator and forms a closed circuit. The structure features that said compressor is a scroll compressor, and a supplementary inlet is provided on the working chamber of the compressor. A subcooler is provided between the condenser and the expansion valve, thus forming a closed circuit with an electromagnetic valve and an electronic expansion valve for supplementary refrigerant vapor to the supplementary inlet of the compressor. Compared to the prior art, the present invention is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and assemble, highly effective in energy utilization and low cost, and the system can operate in low temperature environment with stability and reliability. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for popularization and application in cold regions.

Abstract: An organic antireflection coating is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A resist film is formed on the semiconductor substrate through the organic antireflection coating. The resist film is patterned for forming a resist pattern having an opening. A part of the organic antireflection coating exposed on the bottom of the opening of the resist pattern is removed with atomic oxygen. Thus provided is a method of forming a resist pattern so improved as to increase the dimensional accuracy of the resist pattern.

Abstract: A ceiling-embeded cassette type air conditioner has a driving fan, a heat exchanger, a cabinet, and a deflector. An air is controlled to have desired temperature and humidity while passing the driving fan and the heat exchanger. The cabinet and the heat exchanger define a fluid channel guided to exhaust ports between the cabinet and the heat exchanger. The deflector extends straight and inclined to the heat exchanger, so as to enable the air to smoothly flow toward the exhaust ports without a secondary air-flow. By the fluid channel, the quantity of blown-air is increased with the same motor while the noise is reduced with the same quantity of blown-air. Consequently, the performance and the efficiency of the air conditioner are improved.

Abstract: A supply canister is partially filled with a refrigerant circuit additive liquid and is partially evacuated. Additive liquid from the canister may be placed into the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system by (1) connecting the canister to the circuit after it has been emptied and a vacuum pressure created therein, (2) connecting the canister to the refrigerant circuit suction line during system operation, or (3) connecting the canister to the suction line with the system off, to thereby force refrigerant from the circuit into the canister, and then starting the system to cause the vacuum pressure in the suction line to draw the contents of the canister into the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: The air conditioner comprises heat transfer medium temperature adjusting device 1 for adjusting the temperature of a heat transfer medium, an absorption chiller 5 having as a heat source the heat transfer medium supplied from the heat transfer medium temperature adjusting device 1 via a heat transfer medium line 7a through which the heat transfer medium conducts, a valve 9a provided in the heat transfer medium line 7a, a by-pass line 11a branching off from the valve 9a, and an indoor unit 19 supplied with a refrigerant from the absorption chiller 5 or the heat transfer medium from the heat transfer medium temperature adjusting device 1 via the by-pass line 11a. Thereby, at the time of heating, the valve is switched to allow the heat transfer medium to pass through the by-pass line 11, so that the heat transfer medium can be directly supplied via the by-pass line 11 to the indoor unit 19.

Abstract: A chiller tank system for containment of chilled liquids comprises a first tank and a second tank position within the first tank. The first tank is spaced apart from the second tank so that insulation material can be positioned between them The second tank defines a chamber for receiving the liquid to be chilled. A straight-lined, chiller barrel is positioned vertically within the chamber, the chiller barrel defining a bore connected to a flexible, dual hose. The straight-lined chiller barrel extends downward into the tank thereby evenly chilling the liquid to avoid thermal stratification that causes vaporization by creating warm spots within the liquid. A refrigeration unit supplies inert refrigerant to the tank.

Abstract: A blower cover and an air conditioner using such blower. A rollable sheet is locked between two side plates by rollable connectors. A belt plate is secured between the side plates to lock the rollable sheet between the side plates. The belt plate also directs air from the blower. The blower cover can easily be assembled at a work site without welding or expert metal working. The blower cover is used in an air conditioner in which air is forced upwards from the blower and the air is directed into a heat exchange unit by one or more air deflectors. Another air deflector directs air coming out of the heat exchanger in an upwardly direction out of the air conditioner and this air deflector also directs any condensate downwards toward a drain system generally located below the heat air conditioner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying wood, characterized in that it comprises a pressurizing step to place a sealed chamber (1) under a predetermined pressure by injecting or generating saturating steam and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time interval, while ensuring a forced circulation of air and saturating steam within the chamber, a heating step to heat the wood core and central zone of the wood pieces by emitting microwaves at frequencies ranging between 400 and 2450 MHz, an evacuation step to carry away the liquid exudates from the wood which run down to the bottom of the chamber (1) where they are collected.

Abstract: A collapsible container is disclosed as having a number of walls which are movable relative to one another between a collapsed configuration in which at least a major surface of at least two of the walls are in contact with each other, and an expanded configuration in which the walls define a cavity adapted to receive an article, e.g. cans or bottles of soft drinks and beers, and the walls contain a casing containing saline water.