Abstract: A constructional toy having a plurality of nodal elements and a plurality of co-operating rod elements with each nodal element being substantially spherical and having a plurality of channels formed on its peripheral surface, including a first channel encircling said nodal element so as to pass through the poles thereof. At least four other channels are spaced about the peripheral surface so as to be intercepted by said first channel adjacent the poles of the nodal element, the lips of each said channel having inwardly projecting beads thereon. The rod element has a shank with a connecting portion at each end with a cross-section of a shape which can be "push-fitted" into a co-operating channel and held so that the longitudinal axis of the rod element is in substantial alignment with the geometrical center of the nodal element.

Abstract: An aerodynamic toy having a circular-shaped rotatable, free-flight body of generally convex/concave shape is provided. A downwardly extending rim portion integral with and forming a smooth continuous curve with the body acts in flight as a primary air foil. Spiral-shaped air spoilers are provided on the upper surface of the convex-shaped body.

Abstract: A climbing toy including a body with two circumferential grooves of different depth. Strings are wound in opposite directions in the two grooves. The toy climbs when tension is applied to the two strings. The toy contains no axles, bearings or other mechanisms.

Abstract: A stepping device supported on two legs capable of walking or stepping up and down steps. The device has a pair of legs rotatably mounted to and suspended vertically from spaced points on a link. A pendulum is rotatably mounted to the link and suspended vertically from a central axis on the link between the leg mounting points. Means is provided for swinging the pendulum from the vertical thereby increasing the lever arm from the center of gravity of the pendulum to the mounting point of the leg closest to the pendulum. As the pendulum approaches the horizontal, the moment about the mounting point in a direction opposite the direction of pendulum movement exceeds the counter moment about the mounting point. This causes the link to lift the trailing leg up and over the leading leg, thereby maintaining the balance of the device on the supporting leg and causing a stepping movement.

Abstract: Apparatus selectively applies a sprayable treatment liquid to target vegetation. The apparatus is configured for being carried by an agricultural implement, as at the rear of a tractor, and includes support structure including a boom extending across several rows of vegetation. A plurality of wig-like applicators of flexible, absorbent textile material are carried in selectedly positionable relationship from the support structure. The applicators are adapted for physically contacting target vegetation, being positionable with respect to the individual rows. The applicators are carried in such manner that they open forwardly for receiving and partly surrounding target vegetation in the rows and for subsequently contacting foliage of the target vegetation as the tractor travels along the rows. Foliage parting aprons are optionally utilized with the applicators, being carried in front of a respective applicator for parting foliage of the target vegetation before the same is contacted by the applicator.

Abstract: Living cells of plants, such as Thallophyta and Embryophyta are grown at an accelerated rate in a multi-medium hydroponics mixture consisting of a carbon dioxide gas impregnated inert, nonionic, non-aggressive, liquid medium which is non-miscible with water; and an aqueous hydroponic nutrient liquid medium; as compared to the single medium nutrient aqueous liquid medium.The process consists of growing clone cells, or callus, in a mechanically mixed suspension of a nutrient hydroponic liquid, made up of water and selected soluble mineral nutrients; and supplementing the growing cells need of carbon, the principal cell mass, with carbon dioxide carried dissolved as a non-ionic gas in an inert, non-hypertonic, non-hypotonic liquid; rather than use of "sugar".

Abstract: This invention relates to a soilless culture device comprising a culture solution tank and a cultivation vessel having a flow path for the solution fed from the solution tank. Where the solution flow path, or cultivation vessel is substantially long, the flow path is arranged to turn at an intermediate point so that it is divided into two portions, forward and return, disposed in parallel relation and allowed to communicate with each other at any desired point by means of a short-circuiting path. Equalization of the culture solution between the supply side and the discharge side can be thus attained. A level regulating pipe adapted to regulate the solution level in the cultivation vessel is provided between the solution tank and the cultivation vessel. A cup for adjusting the solution level is removably mounted in the opening of the level regulating pipe.

Abstract: A personal security door arrangement constituted by the juxtaposition of two doors, which may be coupled together at will, in one same frame in an opening, the outer door affording complete visibility and, possibly, the passage of small objects, while the inner door is conventional. Said doors are hingedly mounted to the frame on the same side, rotate in the same direction and have interrelated lock arrangements.

Abstract: A livestock detaining gate preferably constructed of steel, having a gate latch system for locking gate panels into a closed position, and for permitting the panels to rotate into either a forward or rear open position. The latch system is preferably comprised of two cylindrical pipe sections suspended from parallel bars, which are also parallel to the upper edge of the closed gate panels, and are positioned slightly above said upper edge, with one cylinder to the front and one to the rear of the closed gate panels. An additional parallel rod is positioned slightly ahead of the forward cylinder, with another parallel rod positioned slightly behind the rear cylinder. The cylinder may swing inward upon contact with the closing gate panel top, allowing the gate panel to close. However, the extreme forward and rear rods prevent either cylinder from swinging outward, thus locking the gate panels in the closed position. A cantilever lift system is connected to the cylinder supporting rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping an external circumferential arcuate face of a workpiece includes an axially split, radially resiliently expandable sleeve having an inner face constituting a lapping surface, an axial clamping arrangement for immobilizing the sleeve in a radially resiliently expanded condition. The apparatus has an operative state in which the sleeve is immobilized by the clamping arrangement in the radially resiliently expanded condition in which the inner diameter of the sleeve corresponds to a desired working diameter of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated grinding apparatus having a dust removal structure. The grinding apparatus has a housing and a movable work plate which is driven by a compressed-air motor. An inlet piping connection is provided for compressed air and is connected in fluid circuit with an inlet opening of the compressed-air motor. A suction piping connection is also provided which is connected to the inside of the housing and to which a suction device can be connected. A discharge-air piping connection is provided which is connected to an outlet of the compressed-air motor and is guided outwardly from the housing.

Abstract: A rotary grinding tool includes a central core constructed concentrically with respect to rotary axis. Lamellae, which are made of support mesh or the like coated with grinding material, are fixed along the total length of their roots to the core and extend approximately in axial planes passing through the rotary axis. The case is provided with a shank or the like for fixing the tool to a rotary grind machine. In order to permit the use of such a grind tool also into the inside angle without impairing its usefulness for peripheral grinding and without additional outlay, the lamallae project steadily increasingly beyond at least one end face of the core with increasing distance from the rotary axis, starting from their respective roots secured in the core.

Abstract: A trough belt cleaning apparatus adapted to be continuously fed with articles in radial direction, particularly a blasting system, wherein the articles to be cleaned are placed onto a belt and discharged from the latter when the cleaning operation has been performed wherein the belt defines, as seen in the direction of belt travel, first a receiving or collecting trough and a subsequent downstream processing trough with the processing trough being defined or bounded on the upstream and downstream sides, as seen in belt travelling direction by guide pulleys acting to deflect the belt during the processing operation, and wherein the pulleys are adapted to be raised and lowered while the belt is travelling.

Abstract: An insulated vehicle body, such as a refrigerated truck or trailer, has load carrying reinforcement beams in the roof structure with bottom slots accessible through openings in the ceiling skin to receive removable hangers that may be used to suspend meat rails or other articles from the roof structure.

Abstract: A method for constructing a multi-edged shell surface using elongated strips of wood or other materials. The positioning of the strips and the shaping of the ends of the strips are defined by a procedure employing circumscribed cones.

Abstract: A parking garage includes a plurality of closely spaced, vertically extending columns arranged in files to form a regular array. The close column spacing largely eliminates the need for beams, spandrels, safety walls, guardrails, or cables previously used to connect adjacent columns. Two of the files form external garage walls whose columns each include portions which are offset with respect to a vertical column centerline. The offset portions alternate vertically and any given offset portion either projects or is recessed with respect to the offset portions immediately above and below it. Each offset portion faces a corresponding offset portion on an adjacent column so that all of the offset portions create a pattern when viewed from a distance. The appearance thus created eliminates the need for curtain walls or any other facade.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with damp-proof courses which can be used at the end of a cavity wall of a building structure adjacent to a door or window frame. The invention provides a damp-proof course, which has a high degree of versatility in use. The damp-proof course in accordance with the invention comprises a strip of corrosion-resistant moisture impermeable material (and is preferably formed as a plastics extrusion) and its cross-section provides two web-like elements arranged at an acute angle in the range 45.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to each other the first web having at least one undercut formation on the inside of the angle and the second web having at least one undercut formation on the outside, each of the undercut formations providing anchorage for wall ties at any position along the length of the strip, and at least one of the webs also has a moisture barrier formation on its inside extending throughout the length of the strip.

Abstract: A fire-seal for a cable penetration is provided with a pre-fabricated fire-sealing body comprising a corrugated tubular casing filled with a pre-compressed fire resisting elastic silicon foam. The body is placed in a site-poured concrete wall before pouring, or in an aerated concrete block from which a fire wall is then built. A tubular tool with a removable tip is driven through the foam so that one or more conduits can be threaded through the tool and foam. The tool is thereafter withdrawn from the foam and opened along an axial slit so that it can be removed transverse to the conduit.

Abstract: A plug adapted to be inserted into the open end of a channel of a concrete slab which is provided with a plug portion having a perimeter conforming to the cross section of the channel and of smaller diameter than the cross section of the channel, the plug being provided with outwardly extending fingers from the perimeter of the plug portion which are adapted to engage the surfaces of the channel, the fingers having arms extending therefrom which support a ring adapted to abut the exterior surface of the slab about the channel to accurately position the plug within the channel. The plug permits water to drain from the channels through slots between adjacent fingers and facilitates the use of mortar for joining the ends of adjacent slabs or the like.

Abstract: A device for centering cases into which articles such as bottles are deposited from an article loading machine. The case into which the articles are to be deposited are fed by a conveyor to a position below a grid set upon which the articles are carried. The case is shifted longitudinally and laterally by means of movable arms to a centered position directly below the articles so that the articles are properly positioned for loading into the case. In one embodiment, the movable arms are connected as tongs which engage the front and rear edges of the case when shifting the case to the centered position. In another embodiment, the arms are in the form of space plates that are carried on spring loaded linkages that are positioned an equal distance from a centered position in alignment with the article loading machine. In a third embodiment, arms having inclined surfaces adjacent the ends thereof are manipulated by a power operated cylinder for shifting the case to the centered position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying stretchable plastic film to loads for containment of the loads using two connected rollers driven by the film web so that the rollers are driven at different speeds to elongate the plastic film beyond its yield point and wrapping the elongated film after it has been stretched past its yield point around a rotating load. A roller can be added to the apparatus to increase the set time for the elongated film after it is stretched by the connected rollers. In addition, a web narrowing device may be placed upstream or downstream from the apparatus to reduce the hazard of edge tear under high elongation forces.

Abstract: Mower with an elongated housing supporting bottom-driven cutter discs and with a hollow stiffening beam inside the housing, the beam extending from the connection end of the housing and being situated between the axes of rotation of the discs and the rearmost positions of the elements pivoting the cutters to the discs, the beam extending the whole length of the housing and being filled with foamed synthetic plastics material.

Abstract: A pruning boom for pruning or trimming trees, bushes, shrubs and the like. A plurality of circular saw blades are rotatably mounted on a saw carrying member. Each saw blade is positioned for rotation in a spatial plane which intersects the spatial plane containing the surface of the saw carrying member located immediately behind the saw blades at an identical non-perpendicular angle. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one pruning boom is mounted on each side of the front-end of an agricultural vehicle to construct a machine for pruning parallel rows of citrus trees. During such pruning operations, the angular relationship between the rotating saw blades and the saw carrying member prevents newly cut branches and limbs from wedging in the space between the saw blades and the saw carrying member. The saw blades are overlapped at their peripheries with the uppermost portion of each saw blade positioned behind the lowermost portion of the adjacent saw blade above it on the saw carrying member.

Abstract: Layers of fibrous material are deposited in a bale forming chamber in continuous folded-like arrangement. The deposition and compaction of the subsequent folded-like layers is accomplished in a continuous process in which the bale forming chamber and the feeder-compactor mechanism perform a reversing-oscillating motion relative to each other imparting the necessary forces and displacement on the fibrous material to form rectangular bales with sufficiently high density.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for making stranded wire, and in one odiment comprises a lightweight frame with low centripetal and friction force generating characteristics for receiving individual wires from spools mounted on a "floating" bed, and imparting twist to them prior to the finished strand being accumulated on a take-up reel. Other embodiments may include a wire stranding machine wherein a spool tray for holding spools of wire to be stranded is removeable mounted at each end to the interior of a twisting frame by means of bearings such that the twisting frame may revolve about and relative to the tray.

Abstract: Multi-component spun yarn. The surface of an open-end spun yarn (staple fibers) having a small degree of twist is covered with a continuous yarn twisted in the same direction. The length of the continuous yarn is greater than that of the open-end spun yarn. Manufacturing method and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-component yarn comprising as one component an open end yarn core formed in an open end spinning chamber from staple fibers, and at least a further component consisting of a longitudinal formation which is wrapped on this yarn core in said spinning chamber, advantageously along a helix in the direction of the twist of the yarn core while maintaining the original character of the formation wrapped on the yarn core. The invention also includes the method of and the apparatus for forming such multi-component yarn.

Abstract: This improved support assembly for rotating spinning rings of a spinning frame includes a spinning ring holder (20) and a mounting bracket (30) which are each molded of a thermoplastic material having shock-absorbing and vibration-dampening properties. A ball bearing (50) rotatably supports the ring holder (20) on the mounting bracket (30) and the resilient property of the thermoplastic material prevents interference fit of the ball bearing (50). The ring holder (20) extends over and around the upper portion of the ball bearing (50) and felt seals (60, 61) are provided above and below the ball bearing (50) to prevent the entry of lint and the like into the ball bearing (50).

Abstract: A spinning or twisting spindle is formed of a one-piece metal spindle top having a spindle shank and a whirl formed of a die cast aluminum alloy, and preferably one containing more than 12 percent silicon in crystalline form. The spindle is formed according to preferred methods whereby the spindle top is die cast so as to produce a spindle that is overized relative to an intended final size, the cast spindle top is machined to its final size and a fixed connection is formed between the shaft and the spindle top. The connection, in one embodiment, is created by press fitting the shaft into an opening cast into an end of the spindle top, while in a second method, the connection is formed by die casting the spindle top about the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a voluminous, false twist texturized filament yarn having a great number of individual protruding filament ends; the filaments forming the filament yarn being of the same polyester raw material. The strength of such filament yarns must be of from 1.3 and 1.7 cN/dtex at a clamping length of 5 cm, and at a clamping length of 200 cm of less than 75% of the strength at 5 cm of clamping length, at least however of 0.8 cN/dtex, and the unevenness of the yarn must be less than 3 Uster %.These filament yarns can be processed to web-like structures which correspond to webs made from staple fiber yarns obtained by secondary spinning with respect to their textile properties, their handle, drape and appearance, and which furthermore are distinguished by their low pilling.

Abstract: The improved yarn brake mechanism of this invention is provided with a tubular brake housing having axially spaced apart inlet and outlet openings for passage of a yarn therethrough and an enlarged cavity formed in the tubular brake housing between the inlet and outlet openings. A pair of cooperating brake platelets is mounted in the enlarged cavity of the brake housing, the brake platelets having surface portions positioned in opposing contacting relation for applying tension to a yarn passing therebetween, and having peripheral portions which cooperate with one another to form a V-shaped groove for guiding the yarn between the opposing contacting surface portions.

Abstract: A fuel control for a gas turbine engine has a fuel flow limiting valve located in series flow relationship with a main fuel metering valve, which is manually operable, to prevent engine overspeed and overtemperature conditions. A pulse-modulated solenoid valve, responsive to error signals indicative of engine overspeeds or overtemperature conditions, modulates the pressure in an actuation cylinder which positions the flow-limiting valve so that it limits flow in accordance with the magnitude of the error signals. The solenoid valve is pulsed by a redundant analog control so that, during manual operation of the main fuel metering valve, overspeed and overtemperature protection is provided to the engine. An indicator is furnished to apprise the operator of overspeed or overtemperature conditions.

Abstract: An annular combustor of a gas turbine engine comprising a front burner device located in the inlet section of the combustor and a flame tube, featuring a longitudinal split coinciding with that of the engine. The flame tube is formed by two concentric, outer and inner, shells with curvilinear surfaces. Each one of the shells is split longitudinally into sections, the places of the split being sealed with sealing members. In addition, the combustor is provided with at least two ring-shaped longitudinally-split load-bearing members for each one of the shells. The ring-shaped load-bearing member located in the zone of the combustor inlet section is capable of longitudinal and radial movements while the load-bearing member located in the zone of the combustor outlet section is capable of only radial movement.

Abstract: In the operation of an air atomized jet engine augmentor oil burner, the herein disclosed improvement typically comprises a means for modulating the fuel-air ratio of the wake combustion in the jet engine augmentor according to ambient pressures and densities of the supplied air to that ratio which will sustain the highest wake combustion thermal efficiency, and in the process to vaporize and ignite the fuel-air mixture therein instantly and completely into an intense and turbulent flame spread.

Abstract: A fairing added to the upstream end of the lobe of conventional lobed mixers or inverters for a gas turbine engine redirects the boundary layer so as to improve engine performance.

Abstract: Individually adjustable D-port inserts for securement to an engine header and projecting therefrom into exhaust ports to occupy the stagnation areas thereof and in each instance placeable for fine tuning thereof to optimize flow, and removeable with the header without alteration of the exhaust port configuration established thereby.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an exhaust system is shown provided with an air pump which is effective for supplying air to the exhaust system to oxidize unburned hydrocarbons within the exhaust gases of the exhaust system; a valve assembly, operatively interposed between the air pump and the exhaust system, is effective, in response to parameters of engine operation, to at times cause a portion or even all of the air supplied by the air pump to be delivered to the atmosphere instead of to the exhaust system.

Abstract: A pressure limiter-regulator for a hydraulic control circuit. In a single body, a single spring acts both on a central spindle, which provides the pressure regulating function, and on a ball which provides the limiting function. The invention is applicable to the hydraulic feeding of a hydrokinetic torque converter.

Abstract: A continuous band of Nitinol wrapping in between a cluster of tightly engaged rollers to form a series of S-shaped bends is used as the principle working medium of a thermal engine to convert low grade heat to mechanical power output. The band, together with the rollers, divides the space into an inner and an outer zone. A stream of warmer water and a stream of cooler water are guided to flow separately through one or the other of the two zones to make uniform and intimate contact with the segments of the Nitinol band alternatively at appropriate intervals. A well defined four-cycle operation of temperature and stress is thus established and can convert a portion of the energy which is available in the thermal gradient of the two water streams into a mechanical shaft power which may be tapped from one of the rollers.

Abstract: A device for converting heat energy to mechanical energy includes a reservoir of a hot fluid and a rotor assembly mounted thereabove so a portion of it dips into the hot fluid. The rotor assembly may include a shaft having four spokes extending radially outwardly therefrom at right angles to each other, a floating ring and four flexible elements composed of a thermal memory material having a critical temperature between the temperature of the hot fluid and that of the ambient atmosphere extending between the ends of the spokes and the floating ring. Preferably, the flexible elements are attached to the floating ring through curved leaf springs. Energetic shape recovery of the flexible elements in the hot fluid causes the rotor assembly to rotate.

Abstract: A transpiration air cooled combustor for use with gas turbine engines includes an annular wall of laminated readily deformable metal having plural layers of diffusion bonded material in a combustor wall with inner and outer surfaces; each of the inner and outer surfaces has pores formed therein by a process such as photoetching to provide numerous inlets on the outer surface of the combustor wall for directing cooling air through the wall to a plurality of outlets in the inner surface for flow of cooling air across the inner surface; and wherein at least two surfaces of the layers includes a plurality of continuously formed curvilinear grooves communicating with the inlets and outlets and also intersecting one another to form crossover passages between the grooves for communicating the inlets and outlets and wherein the curved grooves serve to produce minimal surface distortion and stretch marks across curvilinear portions of the outer wall portion of the combustor assembly to prevent formation tears therein

Abstract: This invention relates to the counter-parallel cooling flow for a combustor liner with means for loosely mounting one of the two spaced liner walls relative to the other to support it so that it "floats". The counter-paralled flow provides both convenctive and film cooling permitting the floating wall to be in axially spaced segments relative to the flow of combustor air. The floating wall is segmented in the circumferential direction to permit relatively minimal stress during thermal expansion.

Abstract: A solar boosted heat pump for providing heating or cooling including a heat conducting plate which has an uninsulated rear surface and is exposed to the atmosphere and operates as a direct solar and ambient heat absorber when in its cooling mode. A refrigerant fluid carrying tube is provided in heat transfer relationship with the conducting plate which forms a part of a closed refrigerant flow system having a compressor and a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with a heat transfer medium. The plate also includes a sensor for varying the speed and/or the displacement of the compressor dependent on the light incident onto or energy on the plate.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the heat influx of a cryogenic transfer system. A gaseous phase of the cryogen used during normal operation of the system is passed through the system. The gaseous cryogen at the inlet to the system is tempered to duplicate the normal operating temperature of the system inlet. The temperature and mass flow rate of the gaseous cryogen is measured at the outlet of the system, and the heat capacity of the cryogen is determined. The heat influx of the system is then determined from known thermodynamic relationships.

Abstract: A local delivery truck 10 is provided with a thermal storage system for cooling the truck for a delivery run after the system has been charged during periods of off-peak power demand. This is done by chilling, with a refrigerant evaporator 32, a first high density fluid 24 such as methyl chloroform and circulating the chilled methyl chloroform from the lower part 22 of the storage container 20 to the surface of a second, lower density fluid 28. the latter is an anti-freeze solution such as water-methyl alcohol, and occupies the upper part 26 of the storage container. The chilling and circulating continues until the anti-freeze solution contains the desired amount of ice and slush which has formed at ever lowering temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for operating a refrigeration system without reverse cycle defrost are disclosed. A heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of zones, one zone being constantly utilized as a subcooler to both defrost said zone and to subcool the refrigerant. The remaining zones of the heat exchanger are utilized as an evaporator as is known in the art. A selector valve which is capable of indexing liquid refrigerant flow between zones and receiving gaseous refrigerant from the remaining zones is also disclosed. Additionally, a header arrangement having both expansion means and a conduit controlled by check valve is utilized to direct refrigerant flow from the subcooled zones to the remaining zones of the heat exchanger which act as an evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigeration system employing ambient air defrost and a method of operating such a system. The refrigeration system includes a cabinet having an opening in one of its walls, for enabling access to products in the interior of the cabinet. Extending along the walls of the cabinet are an inner, primary air conduit and an outer, secondary air conduit. The primary air conduit contains a plurality of fans for circulating the air along the conduit and a mechanism for refrigerating air passing through the conduit during a refrigeration cycle. The air circulated through the primary conduit forms a closed primary air band. A plurality of second fans are arranged within the secondary air conduit and during a refrigeration cycle circulate air through the conduit, thereby establishing a closed secondary air band during the refrigeration cycle. When the system is to be defrosted, the refrigeration mechanism is deactivated so that the air passing along the primary air conduit is not refrigerated.

Abstract: A control system for a reverse cycle refrigeration system for controlling the defrosting of the outdoor coil thereof on a cost effective basis; the control system comprising a controller means receiving inputs indicative of the temperature of the outdoor coil, and the operation of the compressor means; the controller means having a timing function which is initiated upon the outdoor coil temperature being at or below a preselected value and the compressor means being operated; the duration of the timing function being determined on a substantially continuous basis as a function of the magnitude of the outdoor coil temperature; and the controller means having an operative connection to the system so as to, upon completion of the timing function, place the reverse cycle refrigeration system into an outdoor coil defrost mode of operation.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case having at least two outlet air conduits with a unitary grid member covering the outlet openings of such conduits. The display case is formed by a cabinet having an interior display space for holding refrigerated products. A primary air conduit encircles the cabinet and has an outlet opening at one end adjacent to an access opening in the cabinet and an inlet opening at its other end adjacent to the access opening. The inlet and outlet openings of the primary air conduit are aligned so that air leaving the outlet opening is directed across the access opening of the cabinet and received by the inlet opening. A set of evaporator coils are arranged within the primary air conduit for refrigerating the air passing through such conduits. The air is circulated through the primary air conduit by a set of fans. A secondary air conduit extends along the cabinet and is positioned outside of the primary air conduit.

Abstract: A turbine assembly 100 is disclosed for dividing a stream of gaseous working fluid into two streams, one stream having a higher temperature than the other. A heating and refrigeration system incorporating the turbine assembly 100 is also disclosed.