Abstract: A weed destroying system carried on a vehicle and having electrodes for contacting weeds and a high voltage generator and a step-up transformer for supplying high voltage to the electrodes is provided with a tamper-proof safety system having redundant safety interlocks to effectively ground the vehicle and redundant safety interlocks to prevent energization of the generator until the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed and which de-energizes the generator if any one safety interlock is bypassed or fails in an unsafe condition, thereby requiring plural simultaneous failures to create a condition that is hazardous to the operator or to a bystander. The safety system also provides immediately-visible warning of the electrical hazard created by the apparatus and provides visual and aural indications to the operator when a safety interlock has been bypassed or is jammed closed.

Abstract: A process for mass propagation of plantlets, which comprises cultivating in vitro a piece of a plant in a medium to obtain an aggregate with stems, leaves, buds, roots, flowers and/or bulbs and cultivating said aggregate in a liquid medium with shaking to obtain plantlets. This process may be applied to a wide variety of plants from Gymnospermae to Angiospermae.

Abstract: It has been found that the insertion of a copper object through the bark of the flowering tree prior to the setting of the fruiting wood of said tree will cause substantial enhancement of the flowering of said tree with consequent increase of fruit where produced, while limiting the growth of the foliage.This effect is reversible in that removal of the copper object prior to the setting of the fruiting wood will return the tree to the normal ratio of flower and fruit to foliage.

Abstract: The window in the door of a motorcar may be raised and lowered by means of a lifting mechanism including an electric motor connected to a speed reducing, worm gear transmission and a lifting arm turned by the output shaft of the transmission through further speed-reducing gears. The stroke of the window movement is limited by cooperating fixed, but adjustable abutments on supporting structure and an abutment connected to the output shaft of the worm gear transmission for joint rotation.

Abstract: A grinding tool for metal machining which is provided with matrix-bonded abrasive grains, the hardness of the matrix varying over the grinding area, along which the workpiece moves in a single operation during its passage.

Abstract: A toolholder for use in shaping the blade of a screwdriver with a grinder having a grinding wheel and a guiding surface parallel to the axis of the wheel, the toolholder including a pair of blocks adapted to clamp the shank of the screwdriver between them, each block providing a guiding surface angularly related to the shank and disposed oppositely of the other block; clamps spaced along the axis to draw the block onto the shank and selectively adjustable to bring the guided surfaces into normal relation with a plane normal to the axis; and a pair of projections on the blocks bearing indicia indicating the relative spacing of their ends when the guided surfaces are in such normal relation, the toolholder being guided by engagement of one of the guided surfaces with the guiding surface to shape one side of the blade and being invertible with the screwdriver for guidance of the toolholder by engagement of the other of the guided surfaces by the guiding surface to shape the other side of the blade.

Abstract: A method for improving the overall performance of grinding wheels containing cubic buron nitride abrasives through the application of an organopolysiloxane fluid to the point of contact between the grinding wheel and a workpiece being subjected to the action of such grinding wheel. The organopolysiloxane fluid is non-toxic, and non-flammable and functions as a lubricant and coolant in the grinding process.

Abstract: A spiral stairway construction, designed for ease of assembly, is adapted for use by hobbists on a reduced scale, for display in model homes and elsewhere and for a spiral stairway installation in residences and the like. This stairway comprises a semicircular wall, a central vertical post support assembly and a plurality of treads or steps each diverging from its mounting or proximal end to its distal end as is usual in spiral stairway treads. Each proximal end has a mounting hole for removable attachment to the post support assembly in a vertically spaced relationshiped provided by spacing alignment on such support and each distal end is removably engaged with a designated point on the wall to dispose the treads in a helical path. The assembled construction is free standing and does not require anchoring the wall or post support assembly to any supporting surface.

Abstract: A storage silo includes a support structure and a disassemblable container mounted on the support structure with its longitudinal axis extending vertically. The container includes a plurality of neighboring sections which conically diverge in the downward direction and have upper and lower end portions which overlap one another in assembled condition of the container. The sections fit into one another in disassembled condition to form a transportation package; a discharge hopper of downwardly converging conical configuration is also accommodated, in inverted condition, in the transportation package, as is a protective railing which, in the assembled condition, is mounted on the top of the container. The lower end portions of the upper sections may fittingly surround, or may be fittingly received within, the upper end portions of the respective downwardly adjacent sections in the assembled condition, and these cooperating end portions are connected to one another by screws, bolts, or similar connectors.

Abstract: Window frame members are joined by an arrangement comprising a pair of frame strip members having in cross section a U-shaped receptor. Each of the arms of the receptor have laterally inwardly directed projections. A connecting strip is provided having in cross section a central portion and a catch lug at each end for entry within the receptor. The catch lug is provided with outwardly directed projections on each of its lateral sides which cooperate with the inner edge of the inwardly directed projections on the receptor. The catch lug and the receptor are formed so that a cavity is defined within the receptor, which cavity can be filled with a hardenable filler.

Abstract: An edge structure for use with a room dividing panel is provided, as well as room dividing panels utilizing the edge structure, and a method of manufacture and/or utilization of such panels. The edge structure includes a unitary extrusion, elongated in a first dimension, of flexible plastic material. The extrusion includes a hollow anchoring portion adapted to anchor the extrusion in a channel in the room dividing panel, and elongated in a second dimension transverse to the first dimension; a pair of support portions extending outwardly from and on opposite sides of the anchoring portion and adapted to engage and overlap an edge of the room dividing panel; and a pair of flexible lips. Each of the lips has one end thereof integral with a support portion, extends toward the other of the support portions, and terminates in a free end unconnected to any other structures.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a nut member frictionally temporarily affixed in an opening in a support member, and a bolt having a tightly wound helical spring shank. The nut member is formed with a threaded recess for receiving the spring shank, and compressible leading end segments which expand behind the supporting member when the nut is snapped in place. The nut member can be withdrawn if desired while the bolt shank is in threaded engagement with the nut. When so engaged, the flexible bolt shank can be moved in any direction to facilitate installation and removal of objects supported by a plurality of fastener assemblies.

Abstract: Preformed panels having a layer of insulation secured to the rear surface of a facing layer are retained in position against a wall by horizontally disposed banding having resiliently coupled ends. A vertical member along one side edge portion of a panel has a spring portion terminating in a flange angled outwardly away from the facing sheet so that a side edge portion of the next adjacent facing sheet may be inserted therebetween and clamped against the facing sheet of the first panel to thereby interlock adjacent horizontally disposed panels.

Abstract: Before a main wall is prepared by pouring concrete, a profile element with anchor steel rods extended through its bottoms is fitted to a planking in such a way that a cavity is created between the bottoms of the profile element and the planking. The profile element has two side walls and two bottoms lying in the same plane. The anchor steel rods extended through the bottoms form U-shaped loops on the one side of the element, whereas the end portions of the anchor steel rods bent in right angles from the legs of the U-shaped portions lie on the other side of the element. The surface of the profile element is roughened and its side walls enclose each a sharp angle with the bottoms. By means of the profile element locked in the concrete of the completed main wall a groove is formed in the outer face of the concrete main wall out of which groove the end portions of the anchor steel rods can be bent outward without additional works, such as scratching-out of a plastic body as per the prior art.

Abstract: Vibration energy is absorbed in a structure in which bores are formed in a rigid part and viscoelastic material is applied in the bores.

Abstract: A method of constructing concrete reinforced structures employs a wall module which includes a plurality of spaced, thin walled tubes and a channel along the upper edge thereof within which concrete may be received to respectively form vertical and horizontal structural supports. A plurality of spaced, vertical support studs disposed on opposite sides of the tubes provide the module with sufficient compressive strength to carry the load of a floor mounted thereabove prior to filling the module with concrete. After the floor has been mounted on the wall modules, concrete is simultaneously poured into the tubes and channel of the module as well as into the space between the module and the floor to provide a continuous concrete connection between the floor and the wall of the resulting structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier pack for a number of bottles or similar objects that are produced with a relatively large tolerance in their diameter. The carrier pack consists of a blank that is wrapped around the bottles or similar objects. The two ends of the blank overlap where they are joined. At least one of these two ends has incisions which extend into the side wall next to respective the end section. The incisions are preferably positioned beside the bottles or similar products, which means that tabs are formed that are as wide as the bottles.The closing process for the carrier pack involves the individual tabs of an end section being pressed onto the other end section separately and elastically according to the dimensions of the bottles or similar objects, until the bottles are firmly held in place.The apparatus needed to close the carrier pack involves fingers attached to a chair mechanism. These fingers engage with edges of the blank at the end of the same.

Abstract: A machine for making packages with labels is provided. The packaging machine utilizes a supply of packaging material in the form of a length of plain plastic tubing and a supply of labels in the form of a continuous strip thereof. In a previous cycle of the machine, the tubing was heat sealed along a transverse strip near the leading edge thereof. The strip is subsequently advanced a predetermined distance between a first set of jaws which close, with a first sealing wire carried by one of the jaws then energized to seal a leading edge of the tubing which will form the next package. A knife severs the tubing below that seal and the upper edges of the severed section which has been advanced are engaged by clamps. These move apart with the jaws to open the upper edges, thereby enabling an article to be dropped into the resulting pocket in the severed package section. The jaws then close once again and a second sealing wire below the clamps seals the upper edges of the severed section.

Abstract: A photographic film insertion apparatus inserts photographic film segments into an insertion opening of a multi-layer package strip. A film conveyor conveys cut photographic film segments along a path and discharges the photographic film segments from a discharge end of the conveyor to the film insertion opening. After the film segments have been conveyed into the insertion opening, a film pushing element drives the film segments a further distance into the insertion opening. This ensures that all film segments are securely within the insertion opening and will not hang up or tip as the multi-layer package strip is advanced away from the film insertion station.

Abstract: In an improved machine wherein a plurality of component dispensers transversely deposit individual axial-leaded components on a moving conveyor belt in a preferred sequence for subsequent taping of the leads to form a belt of sequenced components, the rate of component deposition is increased although the linear velocity of the conveyer is decreased. Component leads are received in conveyor notches having a pitch distance which is a submultiple of the spacing between the component dispensers.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a novel closure for air evacuated tubular containers and comprises a tubular body having flexible, elastic sidewalls, an open end, a closed end formed by a cannula-pierceable, flexible, elastic end wall having a concavo-convex configuration in cross-section and a flange disposed radially about the periphery of the open end. The novel closure structure takes advantage of the vacuum force in the container to maintain a gas-proof, hermetic seal, reduces the thickness required of the closure to maintain the hermetic seal and is easier to assemble in an air evacuated container. The disclosure is also of a novel method of assembling the closure of the invention in an air evacuated tubular container.

Abstract: A method for sealing a cylindrical or truncated cone shaped container body the lower end of which is sealed with a base, comprising the steps of pouring a liquid into said container body through its upper open end to a predetermined level, slightly deforming upwards said base, and thereafter sealing the upper open end of said container body.

Abstract: There is shown apparatus and method for producing a container preferably made or constructed of heat sealable material. Shaping of the container is by forming and not heat stretching or other distortions. In the depicted examples of the container the travelling strip is formed with a midwidth transverse cut leaving on and at each edge a carrier strip. The formed container is preferably filled with a product and then a cover to retain the product is brought to this container and heat sealed in place by the apparatus. After this filling and sealing, the package is further severed at the prior transverse cut to make separate packages.

Abstract: In a seal removal station positioned along a bottle conveyor line upstream of a filling operation, oversized adhesive seals covering the mouths of plastic bottles are lifted off each bottle and transferred to a collector bin. Vacuum pressure generated in a plenum chamber formed in a stator member is transmitted to the non-adhesive upper surface of each seal through a perforated rotor surface rotating beneath the stator. Air jet means directing fluid pressure upward against overlapping marginal portions of each seal and guide surfaces to flatten out curled portions of the seal are utilized to assure seal lift off by virtue of fluid pressure differentials. A removed seal is kept adhered to the moving rotor surface by the maintenance of vacuum pressure above the seal. Adjacent to the collector bin, a further plenum having pressure air therein communicates through the rotor perforations with the adhered seal to propel the seal into the bin.

Abstract: Labels with and without final item identification mark are put on the individual items in a label collocation station located upstream an item wrapping station followed by a film sealing and cutting station, a heating tunnel and a stacker. Reading means associated to the label collocation station read any identification marks on the labels and control feeding of recognition tabs onto the wrapped items from tab feeding means arranged between the sealing and cutting station and the heating tunnel. Tab detecting means arranged between the heating tunnel and the stacker control the stacker to terminate the formation of a batch of items when a tab on a wrapped item is detected.

Abstract: In a skin packaging machine, a method and apparatus for maintaining a film heating oven at a low temperature wherein during a very short repeating duty cycle, e.g., less than a minute, the power to the oven heaters is applied for a short period and is shut down for the remainder of the period through solid state relay switching.

Abstract: For a cotton harvester, a low profile row unit which is light in weight and which has a removable top panel structure for easy access to the brush rolls and augers. Rows of horizontal bristles mounted on the panel structure close the top of the row unit to prevent detached cotton from being thrown out of the harvesting compartment. A reinforced lower shell assembly maintains sufficient transverse and vertical stability in the row unit structure and together with the top panel structure eliminate need for an upper supporting arch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a clamping system for knives with angular cross-sections, especially suited for agricultural cutting operations in which a portion of the length of the sidepiece extending the cutting edge of the knife protrudes over the knife holder when the knife is clamped, with the clamping element engaging the knife in the area of its angular bend. This system allows for a reduction of knife thicknesses while maintaining other desirable characteristics, and provides the knife with greater strength in the area stressed by bending as compared with the unclamped position of the knife.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying a musical instrument string as it is being fabricated by winding a fine metal wire helically about a core, the apparatus comprising a first roller having a fixed axis and a second roller mounted on a moveable arm for moving the second roller toward and away from the first roller, and a controllable air cylinder apparatus connected to said moveable arm for moving the second roller toward the first roller. As the string being wound and rotating passes between the two rollers and is maintained between guides, the crown or outer arcuate surface of each helical winding is flattened at the outer surface of the string, resulting in a string which produces less noise when the player slides his fingers along the string to change positions, and which still provides perfect intonation and frequency response.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use on an open-end spinning machine provided with a sensor which senses tension in yarn being produced and a switching mechanism for interrupting a fiber feed device responsive to the sensor sensing a drop in yarn tension. The switching mechanism includes a switch-on member 3 and a main switch member 4 that is switched on upon actuation of the switch-on member for putting the sensor 10 and fiber feed device out of service. A switch-off member 5 is provided for switching off the main switch member 4 for putting the sensor and the fiber feed device 60 back into service.

Abstract: A yarn brake for applying tension to a yarn at the entrance end of a tube as the yarn moves through the tube and which may be utilized in a hollow spindle assembly of a textile yarn processing machine, such as a two-for-one twister. The yarn brake includes a first braking surface formed on a yarn entrance end of the tube and a movable brake member resting on the yarn entrance end of the tube and having a second braking surface on the underside thereof for cooperating with the first braking surface to apply tension to the yarn moving therebetween. The yarn brake includes a threading slot formed in the entrance end of the tube for threading of the yarn through the tube without moving the braking member from the entrance end of the tube.

Abstract: Operatively connected with a spinning ring of a ring spinning or ring twisting machine is a tubular inner ring at a small distance, the upper limit or boundary of such inner ring being located at a higher position than the traveller guide surface defined on the spinning ring, in such a manner that unthreading of the thread, which no longer is tensioned by the traveller is rendered impossible. Also the inner ring and/or the spinning ring are provided with at least one slot-opening by means of which traveller debris can escape. Furthermore the distance of the outer upper edge of the inner ring from the traveller guide surface is to be chosen sufficiently large, so that upon restarting of the winding process the traveller does not collide with the inner ring.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a crimped continuous multifilament yarn by the sequential steps of air-jet texturizing to form multiple random filamentary loops, immediately pulling out metastable loops formed in the yarn without heating and without stretching or deforming the yarn filaments, next shrinking and heat setting the yarn at a temperature of about 150.degree.-245.degree. C., and then winding the yarn onto a spool at a predetermined yarn tension. The resulting spooled texturized yarn has valuable properties and characteristics in subsequent processing and textile operations.

Abstract: When an open end spinning machine is stopped, a fiber supply to a spinning rotor is first stopped and thereafter, substantially simultaneously with stoppage of both a yarn take-up roller and a yarn winding roller, a yarn end is held by a yarn holding device at a time when it still remains in a region which undergoes the suction effect of a subatmospheric pressure produced in the spinning rotor. The spinning rotor is subsequently stopped. On starting, the holding of the yarn end by the yarn holding device continues even after restarting of the spinning machine until the subatmospheric pressure produced in the spinning rotor reaches substantially the same value as that produced during a normal spinning operation. Therefore, there is prevented any snarling phenomenon, resulting in a greatly increased success rate in the operation of connecting yarn ends on re-starting of the spinning machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an erroneously inserted empty bobbin is disposed on a spinning frame which is provided with an automatic doffing and donning apparatus and a conveyor having empty bobbin supporting pegs mounted thereon. The detecting apparatus photoelectrically or electromechanically detects whether or not an empty bobbin is correctly inserted onto the corresponding empty bobbin supporting peg based on the fact that an incorrectly inserted bobbin inclines backwards and projects upwards. When the incorrectly inserted bobbin is detected, an alarm is actuated in order to notify an operator in charge of the spinning frame of the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ornamental link chains (Venetian chains). In accordance with the invention the cutting to length is followed by a conveying step transversely to a feed direction, both conveying steps are carried out transversely to a direction of action during the cutting to length, preliminary and finish bending (closing), the section of flat wire is held down for the preliminary bending and for the closing, the particular closed individual link is pushed into the extraction section to adjust the first transverse web in the assembly plane, and the striking is superimposed on the extraction of the chain.

Abstract: Part of high-pressure air is extracted from the vicinity of the final stage of a compressor and is introduced into a water spraying chamber, and water at the normal temperature is injected into the high-pressure air from a nozzle installed in the water spraying chamber, to prepare a cooled coolant. The coolant sometimes contains water drops. The cooled coolant is fed into coolant passageways which are provided inside a moving blade in a manner to extend from the root part to the tip of the moving blade. When the coolant passes through the passageways, the moving blade is cooled by the coolant, and after the cooling, the coolant is emitted into a turbine main gas passageway. In case where the water drops are contained in the coolant, they vaporize during the cooling of the moving blade, to cool the air of the coolant, to suppress the temperature rise of the coolant and to enhance the cooling effect.

Abstract: A rotating fluidized bed combustor particularly adaptable for mounting on conventional gas turbine engines comprising an annular fluidized bed, defined by inner and outer spaced apart coaxial, cylindrical, perforated walls, which rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. Compressed air and solid or liquid fuel enter the bed through the outer perforated wall and fluidize the bed. The air reacts with the fuel within the bed to produce hot combustion gas which exits the bed, together with unreacted compressed air, through the inner perforated wall. When employed with gas turbine engines, the gases exiting the bed are directed into the guide vanes of the gasifier turbine. Cooling tubes pass substantially longitudinally through the rotating fluidized bed and compressed air is directed through the tubes to absorb combustion heat from the bed.

Abstract: Pressurized communited solid fuel particles are mechanically reground in a fuel injector prior to being radially injected in a swirling motion into a combustor where the fuel is mixed with oxidizing fluid in a swirling motion that is opposite to the swirling motion imported to the solid fuel particles and burned to form both solid and gaseous products of combustion. The products of combustion are passed through separator where the solid products of combustor are removed by inertia. Means are also provided for injecting liquid or gaseous fuels into the combustor to assist in the combustion process and meeting varying load demands on the engine.

Abstract: A two-stage ramjet engine including an aft end, ejectable, boost stage-combustor/nozzle assembly for initially accelerating from low-to-mid-supersonic launching speeds to high supersonic speeds, and mounted in a tandem arrangement immediately aft of a separate, forward end-cruise stage-combustor/nozzle assembly positioned directly behind an inlet-diffuser section for subsequently further accelerating from high supersonic to hypersonic speeds after ejecting the entire boost stage.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling particulate emissions from a combustion apparatus, as a diesel engine. Diesel engine exhaust particles are electrically charged during the formation of the particles in the engine combustion chamber. A particle collector is used to collect the electrically charged particles on collecting structures connected to a high voltage power supply and ground. The collecting structures of the particle collector can be a plurality of parallel metal plates, spaced cylindrical rods, or concentrically located cylindrical members. A fibrous matrix can be located adjacent the particle collecting structure to collect the charged particles as they move through the matrix. In one embodiment, the collected particles separate from the collecting structures and return to the engine intake. In another embodiment, a removable collecting cartridge has electrically conductive plates for collecting the charged particles. The entire cartridge is removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: In a system and process which forms reaction products particulates in an exhaust gas, a substantial portion of the reaction products are separated in a concentrated form by a first stage for delivery to a collector and reaction products remaining in the exhaust gas are separated by a final stage which incorporates the reaction products in one reactant. The reactant incorporating the reaction products subsequently reacts and repeatedly passes through the stages of separation thereby collecting substantially all of the reaction products in concentrated form by the first stage and providing a clean exhaust gas after the final stage without adding substantially to system weight or complexity.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing permanent deformation during use and storage of encased expandites that constitute a thermodynamic working fluid for use in combination with a thermal fluid in a thermodynamic energy conversion system. The working fluid is made up of thousands of encased expandites, each of which includes a mass having a flexible covering encasing the mass for enabling rapid heat transfer between the mass and the thermal fluid, for enabling the encased expandite to maintain its integrity as a separate object when submerged in the thermal fluid, and for enabling the volume of the encased expandite to change in accordance with the characteristic interdependent relationship between changes in the density, temperature and pressure of the mass when the encased expandite is submerged in the thermal fluid. Each of the flexible coverings has a maximum containing volume prior to becoming permanently deformed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake master cylinder device including a first and a second cylinder bore formed within a body. A piston member is formed with a first piston and a second piston, which are respectively engaged with the first and the second cylinder bores to define a first and a second cylinder chamber, the arrangement being such that when the piston member is moved in a certain direction the volumes of both the first and the second cylinder chambers are reduced together. The piston member is biased in the direction opposite to said certain direction. A fluid conduit opens from the second cylinder chamber for connection to a brake actuator. A first one way valve always allows fluid to flow freely from the first to the second cylinder chamber. A second one way valve allows fluid to flow from a fluid reservoir, within which fluid is kept at atmospheric pressure, to the first cylinder chamber, when the pressure in the first cylinder chamber is below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An air supply system for the catalyst regeneration zone of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit also supplies a pressurized air stream to the turbine of an electrical generating plant. The compressor which produces the pressurized air stream is driven by passing the flue gas of the regeneration zone through a power recovery expander. Preferably, the pressurized air stream is first heated by heat exchange against the turbine effluent and then admixed with hot gas from separate turbin-type gas generators prior to being passed into the turbine. This provides a very practical and relatively low-cost cogeneration process.

Abstract: A method of varying turbine output from approximately 85% rated load down to approximately 65% rated output or alternatively from 100% down to approximately 85% where the turbine forms part of a supercritical installation having a steam generator for generating steam to a predetermined amount in excess of critical pressure. The installation includes a feed water pump or maintaining pressures in the steam generator to the predetermined amount in excess of critical pressure, a division valve and a turbine control valve. Output is varied by maintaining the control valve in a fully or partially open position, the division valve in a fully open position and varying the delivery pressure of the feed water pump from the predetermined supercritical pressure to a pressure slightly above critical.

Abstract: A control and method for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger of an air source heat pump. A defrost cycle is initiated when ice and frost have accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger sufficiently such that, as a function of the indoor temperature of a comfort zone, the maximum permissible heat transfer degradation at which the efficiency and reliability of the temperature conditioning system are optimized, has occurred. Heat transfer degradation is determined from the outdoor ambient air temperature and the temperature of either the outdoor heat exchanger, or the compressor suction line. If the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger or the suction line is less than a predetermined value, a deferred defrost cycle is initiated wherein the defrost cycle starts after a fixed time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: A method of controlling energy usage of a multi-state heat pump system in which the system includes a preprogrammed microprocessor-based controller which places and maintains the system in the most energy efficient mode of operation consistent with achieving a desired room temperature level within a reasonable period of time. The controller responds to actual room temperature and a user-inserted temperature setting to place the heat pump system into an operating state indicated by a predetermined set of operating state criteria which establishes the required operating state and the timing of state changes. Changing to higher (less energy efficient) operating states is enabled only when periodic checks of the rate of change of room temperature indicate the desired temperature will not be achieved in a selected time period.

Abstract: An improvement in a refrigerated display case in which an air flow restriction baffle is positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the air conduit containing the defrost ambient air band. The baffle increases the linear velocity of the air band and the air momentum sufficiently to cause the band to flow away from the access opening of the display case whereby continuous recirculation of the defrost air is avoided. The baffle can form a restricted air flow cross-sectional area which is about 50% to 90% of the cross-sectional area of the air flow conduit immediately proceeding the position of the baffle. A restricted air flow area of these amounts enable a linear velocity increase of about 10% to 100% based on the air band velocities normally used during defrost cycles.

Abstract: An adapter for connection with the access valve fitting of a closed refrigeration system which includes a screw threaded coupling engaged with the externally threaded nipple on the refrigeration system with the adapter including a screw threaded adjustable abutment member in a normally open passage for automatically opening the normally closed "Schrader" valve with the adapter itself including a duplicate "Schrader" valve oriented in perpendicular relation to the axis of the existing "Schrader" valve and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter itself with the adapter also including threaded fittings enabling connection with a pressure gauge, hose, closure cap, or the like.