Abstract: A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that is configured to receive a refrigerant from a condenser at a fixed expansion device and a variable expansion device. The system is further configured to output a first portion of the refrigerant to a first downstream HVAC component at a fixed flow rate using the fixed expansion device. The system is further configured to apply a first force to a pin of the variable expansion device based on a sensed temperature. The system is further configured to apply a second force to a valve of the variable expansion device via the force applied to the pin and to output a second portion of the refrigerant to a second downstream HVAC component at a variable flow rate based on the second force using the valve of the variable expansion device.

Abstract: A skate brake for use on in-line roller skates of the type typically having 3, 4, or 5 wheels in linear alignment. The brake has a channel shaped sheet metal frame that fits around the wheel carriage of the skates. The frame holds a number of brake pads in the spaces between the wheels of the skate. An actuator cable connects the frame to a hand held control lever. When the lever is operated, it causes the frame to slide forward, bringing the brake pads into frictional contact with the wheels to cause a braking action. The brake is simple and lightweight, and it does not interfere with the maneuverability of the skates. The brake is easily adapted for retrofitting onto preexisting in-line skates. Also disclosed, is a method for attaching the hand held control levers of a pair of skates together so that the brake mechanisms can be simultaneously operated with one hand.