Abstract: A protective carrier for holding a loaded spare magazine in a position of readiness for immediate insertion into operative engagement with a firearm. A latch release mechanism is operable simultaneously with the operation of the magazine release mechanism of the firearm, permitting an empty magazine and a loaded spare magazine to be released together, the empty magazine being allowed to fall clear of the firearm while the loaded spare magazine is grasped and inserted into the weapon for use in a minimum amount of time. The spare magazine carrier of the invention protectively surrounds the open upper end of the spare magazine to shield cartridges held therein against contamination by dirt, mud, and the elements, in order to help avoid malfunction or damage of the weapon.

Abstract: A free floating fishing rig made of hollow plastic has a swivel rig on one edge to tilt the disc when a fish bites. It is discus shaped to permit sailing it into a desired fishing location. Stacking features are provided for carrying a plurality of the floats in a pail or the like. Also there are retrieval means for recapturing the float and water dissolvable rig holding means for holding the rig adjacent the discus when sailing into position.

Abstract: An amusement device consisting of a manipulative puzzle having a plurality of hollow prism-shaped pieces rotatably connected by swivel joints. Each swivel joint comprises a base centrally formed in a wall of one prism and inserted through a hole located in a confronting wall of an adjacent prism. The base is secured by a screw passing through a washer fitting over the swivel joint base. In addition, a set of projections fit into corresponding depressions located on the respective confronting walls to hold the prisms in place until moved. An infinite number of configurations may be imparted to the puzzle by manipulating the prisms, however, it is preferred that the player manipulate an elongated rectangular shaft of interconnected prisms to attain a substantially spherical configuration.

Abstract: The problem of providing a greater tolerance in the hole diameters of toy blocks held together by frictionally fitting resiliently deformable connector elements is resolved by connector structural features. Thus, the connector element has a hollow cylindrical body of resiliently deformable plastic with separate slots extending axially along the cylindrical circumferential walls on diametrically opposite sides of the cylindrical body and at opposite ends. This provides independent conformation to mating block holes for each end so that entry of one end into a smaller hole will not deform the connector to decrease friction at the opposite end, and thus a tight fit will result in a larger hole.

Abstract: A talking figure play set comprising an environmental structure having a record player with an upwardly pointing stylus on its tone arm and a plurality of human figures or animal figures, or both, each having an open-bottom base with a phonograph record permanently recessed therein. The tone arm with its upwardly pointing stylus is recessed in a circular opening in the housing of the record player along with support means, such as a ledge or rim, for the open-bottom bases of the various figures. The phonograph record recessed in the open-bottom base of each figure has a sound recording on spiral grooves which is compatible with the appearance of the figure. When the open-bottom base of one of the figures is inserted in the circular opening in the housing of the record player, the record player is turned on to reproduce the sound recording associated with the particular figure while that figure remains stationary to allow a child to perceive the figure as a talking figure.

Abstract: A synthetic polymeric ice nucleation inhibitor is employed for protecting light frost-sensitive plants against frost injury by inhibiting the ice-nucleating activity of the ice-nucleating bacteria normally present on the plants, and thereby reducing the temperature at which frost injury occurs. The inhibitor is applied to the plants in the form of a solution of a synthetic polymer having covalently bound to its main backbone chain both pendant hydrophobic groups and pendant hydrophilic groups. The ratio of and average intermolecular spacing between the hydrophobic groups and the hydrophilic groups in the polymer, and the molecular weight of the polymer, are selected so that in combination they provide the polymer with a limited room temperature water solubility within the range of from about 1 .mu.g/ml to about 100 mg/ml.

Abstract: An interior security door panel for receipt inside the frame of a stationary and sliding glass door and adjacent thereto. The interior security door panel preventing unlawful entrance through the door.

Abstract: A shower door jamb assembly is comprised of a separate latch jamb member having a perpendicularly extending leg portion and jamb support wherein the jamb support includes a jamb support base, which adjustably holds the jamb member, and a mounting frame structure. The jamb support base has a transversely oriented receiving slot extending laterally through the base to releasably hold and constrain the movement of the extending leg portion of the latch jamb member. Adjustment screws releasably secure the latch jamb member within the jamb support base receiving slot whereby the latch jamb member, by a transverse plane adjustment, can be made to conform to the plane of the shower door before the latch jamb is secured into a fixed, completely installed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a hard and brittle material using a system for applying vibration in two directions with a strip-shaped flat cutting tool. The material to be cut is caused to make a reciprocating motion of a given stroke length together with a first small-amplitude, low frequency vibration in directions parallel to the reciprocating motion. Concurrently with this, a second small-amplitude vibration is applied also to the material to be cut in directions parallel to the cutting direction of the cutting tool into the material and in synchronism with the first small-amplitude vibration. Meanwhile, cutting pressure is applied to the cutting tool to a desired degree with a cutting fluid containing abrasive grain supplied to the cutting part of the material during the process of cutting.

Abstract: In a grinding machine having a workpiece drive device for rotating a workpiece about an axis and an infeed device for effecting relative infeed movement between a rotating grinding wheel and the workpiece, a computerized numerical controller is provided with a data input device for inputting a numerical control program for the workpiece and data indicative of the shape of the workpiece for storage in a memory device. A data processor of the controller calculates the rigidity of the workpiece based upon the shape data being stored in the memory device. Further, the data processor modifies by calculation rotational speed data and infeed rate data given in the numerical control program, based upon the calculated rigidity of the workpiece. The modified rotational speed data and the modified infeed rate data are respectively output to the workpiece drive device and the infeed device, so that the grinding condition of the workpiece is modified in accordance with the calculated rigidity of the workpiece.

Abstract: A grinding gage assembly for grinding of shafts at machines providing a stationary support of the axis of the rotating shaft and a movable support for the rotating grinding wheel. A block is attached to the stationary support of the shaft axis. An angle transfer lever has two arms running at an about 90 degree angle from a hinge axis and the end of one of the arms contacts the block in an about tangential direction relative to the hinge point. The hinge axis is about vertical to the direction of motion of the movable support. A motion transmitting rod is disposed at the movable support in a vertical direction and contacts with one end in its longitudinal moving direction the second arm of the angle transfer lever in tangential direction such that the angle transfer lever transmits any relative motion of the block onto the motion transmitting rod. A dial indicator engages the second end of the motion transmitting rod to display the relative change in position of the motion transmitting rod.

Abstract: An in-line sander for hand held operation and having a housing in which a rotating electric motor drives a drive shaft to rotate on a first axis, with a second axis of the drive shaft canted to the first axis and supporting a bearing thereon. A bearing housing is supported on the bearing to orbit therewith, the bearing housing having an arm extending to a platen support and extensibly and pivotably connected to a portion thereof. This orbiting of the bearing housing influences motion of the platen support in accordance with the angle of the cone described by the second axis of the drive shaft. The platen support is made of a resilient material and carried by the housing on legs extending to a base portion, which legs have a low moment of inertia in the direction of in-line sanding, and a high moment of inertia normal to the direction of in-line sanding, so as to be disposed to motion in the in-line sanding path only.

Abstract: A metallic crossbar device has mounting means for the end regions of spectacle frame yokes and space for a number of adjacent spectacle frames oriented in about the same direction. The cross-bar device comprises two crossbars which run parallel to each other and are spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the spacing of the end regions of the spectacle frame yokes. The crossbars have cross yokes at their end regions which rigidly connect the crossbars together. Each of the crossbars comprises two adjacent, flexurally stiff partial bars and clamping means for clamping one partial bar like a vice against an adjacent partial bar. The partial bars have a maximum clamping height which corresponds to the unprocessed length of the spectacle frame yoke end regions. Both partial bars have strip-shaped plastic clamping linings on their sides adjacent each other.

Abstract: A housing supports a rotatable saw blade with a portion of the blade projecting below the housing for contacting material to be cut. Two sets of nozzles are provided on the housing for directing a coolant liquid to opposite sides of the blade. Each set of nozzles includes an upper row for interrupting laminar air flow on the blade surface and channeling such air flow into the discharge from a lower set of nozzles.

Abstract: There is provided a scaife for the polishing of gemstones wherein the abrasive material is embedded in a matrix of a material maintained in the solid state, which material has a high enthalpy of phase transition from solid to liquid. Suitable materials are frozen water, frozen water/organic liquid mixtures such as water/alkanol mixtures and suitable metals or metal alloys. There is also provided a process for the polishing of gemstones which comprises establishing a layer of abrasive embedded in a suitable solid matrix in or on the surface of a rotatory plate and polishing the gemstones, overheating being prevented by the high enthalpy of solid/liquid transition of the said matrix.

Abstract: An abrading block (10) especially suited for wet hand surface finishing operations is provided. The abrading block (10) comprises a body (11) having a bottom surface (12) having an opening (13) therein. Bottom surface (12) is adapted to hold a sheet of abrasive material (14), also having an opening (15) therethrough, in a substantially planar position with an abrasive working face (16) exposed and with the opening (15) through the sheet of abrasive material (14) aligned with the opening (13) in the bottom surface (12). The body (11) also includes an opposite surface (17) capable of being grasped by the hand of the user, a cavity (18) capable of containing liquid, and a conduit (19) extending from the opening (13) in the bottom surface (12) to the cavity (18) for passage of liquid from the cavity (18) to the opening (13). An air vent (20) may be provided through the body (11 ) into the cavity (18) to permit liquid to flow therefrom under gravity.

Abstract: A flexible enclosure associated with a surface and materials or things oriented within the enclosure with the enclosure being arranged in a plurality of embodiments for protecting materials or things enclosed thereby.

Abstract: A stage capable of rapid assembly and disassembly is provided for a traveling show. Through the use of appropriate vertical columns, main trusses and I-beams, a support structure is formed for the stage. Appropriate lighting and curtain structures are then supported from the I-beams. Collapsible tables provide a stage area.

Abstract: A slab-hanging device which removably supports the slabs of crypts in the desired flush array of a whole series of such slabs, as provide the front and removable wall of mausoleum crypts, which has an auxiliary support member adjustably supporting the device in a desired position in front of the crypts' supporting structure and in a desired particular position in front of that structure and accommodating the irregularities of that surface, preventing sagging of the slab-support caused by heaviness of the slabs.

Abstract: A method and structure for partially isolating a building or other structure from the effects of an earthquake is disclosed. A generally vertical trench is formed spaced apart from the building and between the building and a known or suspected earthquake source. The trench is at least 100 meters deep and is filled with a material having a low shear modulus such as a fluid. The fill material inhibits the transmission of seismic waves, particularly S waves, through the material and further prevents the failure of the trench walls.

Abstract: A roof vent includes a plate and a housing integrally formed together. An opening in the plate extends upwardly into the hollow interior of the housing. A partition located within the housing divides the interior of the housing into an upper and lower section. The partition includes a hole allowing for fluid flow between the upper and lower sections. A diaphragm lays on the upper surface of the partition over the hole in the partition. The diaphragm prevents fluid movement from the upper section of the interior into the lower section of the interior, but allows for reverse flow of fluid. A diaphragm positioning member is located in the upper section and maintains the diaphragm in its position on the partition over the hole in the partition. The diaphragm positioning member includes at least one opening in it allowing for fluid passage between the partition and the diaphragm and through the opening in the diaphragm positioning means.

Abstract: An anchorage for a support cable of a bridge construction includes an anchorage block for anchoring one end of the cable relative to a structural bridge component, the block including anchor heads and hollow tubes extending in registry with anchor head passages at one end of wall of the block and terminating at an opposite end wall of the anchorage block. The cable includes a tubular sheath seated against the anchorage block and extending through its bearing plate as well as through a bearing plate on the bride component. Cable strands are threaded through the sheath and through the hollow tubes as well as through the anchor head passages, and the cable strands are simultaneously stressed by means of hydraulic stressing jacks operating between the bearing plates.

Abstract: A support system for landscape screens is disclosed in which the panels of an elevated or computer floor are provided with sockets which receive studs. The studs are mounted on tracks which, in turn, are secured to the lower side of the landscape screen. The tracks permit the studs to be located at various positions along the landscape screen so that the studs can be positioned within the sockets in the floor panels. The floor panel sockets are eccentrically located so that they can be located in a plurality of positions by properly orienting the panel within the floor system. Various height adjusting means are disclosed for adjusting the height of the studs, and in turn the screen above the floor surface. Further, various structures are illustrated for anchoring the tracks to the landscape screens.

Abstract: A system for attaching furring adjacent a column includes a corner clip (140, 142) having a first leg (160) for attachment adjacent a column and a second leg (162) extending from the first leg. The second leg (162) extends substantially longitudinally of the column. The clip may be attached directly to the column or to the ceiling or decking adjacent the column. One end of a corner angle (150) is engaged over the second leg of the clip. The opposite end of the corner angle is engaged over the corresponding leg of a similar clip. The corner angle is then plumbed by moving the second end of the angle and clip, and the clip is attached to the decking or ceiling to maintain the angle plumb. Furring (G) is attached to the corner angle to cover the column.

Abstract: A clip member is disclosed for underlying the areas of interconnection of main and cross runner members of a grid system for suspended ceilings. The runner members include downwardly opening recesses between their respective tile supporting flanges, and the clip member provides the appearance of an uninterrupted recess in the cross members at the areas of interconnection.

Abstract: A connector having a main body and a first group of at least four projections which extend outwardly from the body in a common plane. A second group of at least four projections extend outwardly from the body at an angle of between 15.degree. and 75.degree. to the aforesaid plane and preferably at a 45.degree. angle to the said plane. The projections of each group are equi-angularly spaced about an axis normal to the plane and the projections of the second group are angularly staggered by half the angle between adjacent projections of the first group about the axis relative to the projections of the first group. Each projection is of non-circular, and preferably triangular, cross-section and the body and projections are made of non-flexible plastics material. Such connectors are used to connect together elongate members having tubular ends to form a framework structure.

Abstract: The one-piece steel connector is secured to an end face of a laminated timber via tendons which are embedded in the timber and nuts which are threaded onto the ends of each tendon. In one embodiment, a connector is secured to a cylindrical hub via bolts which are threaded radially into the hub. In another embodiment, a connector connects two co-linear timber members together. In another embodiment, a connector connects two angularly disposed timber members together.

Abstract: For the fabrication of a bag-in-box (BIB) package, there is first provided a semifinished, collapsed BIB package wherein a flattened bag is placed within a collapsed box and secured to at least one of its inside surfaces by means of an adhesive. After erecting the package, the bag is inflated into close internal contact with the box by introducing a gas under pressure through a fitment attached to the bag and projecting outwardly of the box. The opposite ends of the box are closed with sets of foldable end flaps, with the aid of an adhesive. Preferably, the bag is further secured to the inside surfaces of a pair of opposed ones of the four bottom end flaps of the box. The opposed pair of bottom flaps are held folded out during the introduction of the pressurized gas into the bag, in order that the bottom end portion of the inflated bag may make neat contact with the inside surfaces of the box. There is also disclosed herein an apparatus for erecting, filling, and sealing thus fabricating the BIB package.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging cigarettes, the apparatus comprising means for applying a strip of packaging material about a group of the articles to form a tube and folding and gluing the ends of the wrapper to define the package is provided with a plural stage drying apparatus which permits a long glue drying operation without adversely effecting the speed of operation of the packaging apparatus. The drying apparatus includes a pair of adjacent, synchronously rotated, drums which have receiving cells for the packages. The packages are transferred, typically in pairs, into individual cells of a first drum and are subsequently simultaneously transferred from cells in the first drum into cells of the second drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a multi-component yarn as well as a multi-component yarn produced thereby, in which staple fibers and at least one endless yarn are combined with each other in a defined manner such that a wrapped yarn will result which purely externally has as far-reachingly as possible the properties of a pure staple fiber yarn; the sliver and the endless yarn or yarns are fed separately to a feed roller pair, are combined thereat travelling at the same velocity and parallel to one another, and are subsequently exposed together to a false twist and finally wrapped by a fine-count binding yarn; the predominantly nonvisible part of the wrapped yarn is constituted by the endless yarns which render the yarn bulky with relatively low material expenditure.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which is movable along a spinning machine having numerous drafting mechanisms. The cleaning apparatus has air jets directed onto the drafting mechanism to loosen lint or fiber fly, which is taken up by suction openings. First air jets are arranged above and below the working or operating region of the drafting mechanism; these air jets respectively produce a horizontal air veil in order to prevent the fiber fly from being blown onto adjacent machine parts, or onto the floor of the workshop. Additionally, a second jet produces a strong flat air stream which essentially extends at right angles to the horizontal air veils of the first air jets, and extends approximately in the center thereof. A row of suction mouthpieces is respectively provided on both sides of the flat air stream of the second air jet.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a silver (2) of textile fibers is drawn in a drawing mechanism (3), strengthened in a wrapping unit (4) by wrapping with a fine filament yarn into a roving (5) and the latter is drawn in the drawing mechanism (11, 12) of a spinning machine down to the desired yarn thickness. Rupture of the filament yarns in the drawing mechanism of the spinning machine takes place not in the predrawing zone but only in the main drawing zone. For wrapping of the roving a filament yarn is employed, the tension in which at an elongation of 4% amounts to at least 10 N and the ultimate strength of which amounts at most to 100 cN, and in which the ratio of elastic elongation to total elongation at a loading of 15 CN does not fall below the value of 80%. The wrapping unit (4) is surrounded with a stationary casing one half (45a) of which may be swung out.

Abstract: A process for producing a twisted yarn is provided. A sheaf of staple fibers is drafted and bundled to form a bundled sheaf of staple fibers having substantially zero initial twist. At least two such bundled sheaves are then twisted together to form the twisted yarn.

Abstract: A horseshoe is manufactured from a length of rolled steel section whose outer edge (with respect to the finished horseshoe) is inwardly inclined. After shaping the section into the horseshoe configuration, the section is subjected to a fullering (grooving) operation in such a way that said outer edge is displaced into substantially vertical disposition.

Abstract: A thrust reversal system for reducing, neutralizing and/or reversing the thrust vector resultant of a solid propellant rocket motor utilizes a movable conical piston or plenum cover that fits over a plurality of small ports that are arranged in a circumferential band around the aft dome of the rocket motor. Before actuation, the cover seals the ports. When actuated, the cover is retracted aft a pre-set distance to uncover the ports, shock and the stroke time being controlled by a shock absorber which in one embodiment of the invention is of the hydraulic type and in other embodiments is of the mechanical type. The cover becomes a baffle which directs the combustion chamber gas exiting the ports outward and forward. Suitable control of the flow characteristics may be exercised by the setting of the travel distance of the piston cover and the number, size and orientation of the ports.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for a multicylinder internal combustion engine which may be an automotive engine. The manifold is of the dual type having a wall formed in the interior to serve as a partition between two separate exhaust gas passages which are communicable with first and second groups of engine cylinders, respectively. To enable installation of an exhaust gas sensor in the manifold, the partition wall has a generally cup-shaped portion which provides therein a chamber to receive the sensitive part of the sensor. The cylindrical side wall of the cup-shaped portion is formed with at least two fairly narrow apertures which provide fluid communication between the inner chamber and the two exhaust gas passages, respectively. In operation, small fractions of the exhaust gases flowing in the two separate passages enter the sensor chamber in the cup-shaped portion of the partition wall to enable detection of an average concentration of a specific component, e.g.

Abstract: An improvement in an exhaust gas purification apparatus wherein a detector senses the operation of a device for injecting additional intake air into the intake passage and triggers a timing unit. The timing unit produces a signal for a predetermined amount of time which holds open a control valve for introducing secondary air into the exhaust passage ahead of the catalytic converter. This structure enables the reduction of harmful components of the exhaust gas produced during a gear-change operation of the engine without greatly overheating the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A four cylinder, two-cycle engine (10) has an exhaust system formed in a die-cast cylinder block. The exhaust system includes four legs (25) connected to the exhaust ports (23) of the cylinders (12). The upper two legs join together, as do the lower two legs to form two exhaust branches (26) connected by an exhaust trunk (27). An exhaust outlet passage (28) connected to the trunk (27) to provide an outlet for exhaust gases. The exhaust system is formed to lie in a plane on the exhaust side of the cylinder block (16).

Abstract: A control system for a superhigh pressure generation circuit includes a hydraulic pump having a usual range of delivery pressure. An electrohydraulic servo valve controls the flow rate of pressurized fluid from the pump and supplies it to a primary side of a boost cylinder. A stepped piston slidably received in the boost cylinder strokes in response to the input fluid to generate a fluid pressure elevated in accordance with an effective sectional area ratio of the stepped piston in a secondary side of the boost cylinder. The fluid pressure in the secondary side is caused to coincide accurately with a reference pressure level on the basis of a feedback control.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for increasing the intensity of the secondary combustion of an internal combustion engine emission, by the injection of fresh air for the purpose of reducing the carbon monoxide content thereof, while simultaneously increasing the carbon dioxide content thereof, while lessening the polluting effects of the emission, and further in which emission heated air is introduced into the engine emission flow to further enhance the intensity of the secondary combustion reaction.

Abstract: An arrangement for exhaust gas recirculation in a supercharged internal combustion engine has an intake system and an exhaust system joined to each other via a conduit for recirculating exhaust gases to an intake conduit. This recirculation is controlled by a valve in response to the engine intake pressure, said valve having control means comprising an outer and an inner chamber separated by a movable membrane attached to which is a valve member regulating the flow through the conduit. Said valve member is acted on via the membrane by a spring in the outer chamber, which chamber is connected via a conduit to the intake conduit immediately upstream of the idle position for a throttle valve pivotably mounted in the intake conduit. The inner chamber is connected via a conduit to the intake conduit upstream of the connection of the conduit from the outer chamber but downstream of a compressor of the intake system.

Abstract: A variable pressure power cycle and control system that is adjustable to a variable heat source is disclosed. The power cycle adjusts itself to the heat source so that a minimal temperature difference is maintained between the heat source fluid and the power cycle working fluid, thereby substantially matching the thermodynamic envelope of the power cycle to the thermodynamic envelope of the heat source. Adjustments are made by sensing the inlet temperature of the heat source fluid and then setting a superheated vapor temperature and pressure to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the heat source fluid and the working fluid.

Abstract: A turbine generator unit comprises a turbine (1) and condenser (2) with fible joint (33) between them. A table (4) supporting the turbine generator unit rests on springs (47). In conjunction with a baseplate (7) supporting the condenser (2) and supported on springs (67), it forms a cradle. The table (4) and baseplate (7) are linked together by means of columns (47).

Abstract: A system for injecting liquid ice into a stack of individual produce holding cartons (12) having openings (14) therein, comprising a plurality of side walls (20, 25, 27) positioned to enclose the carton stack in a position over a holding tank (18). The side walls include channels (31) into which liquid ice is pumped by a pump (36) through hoses (35) to a pair of manifolds (34) connecting with the channels. The carton stack on a pallet (11) is placed on a pallet tray (15) and shifted to a position between the side walls, the side walls are moved into close contact with the carton stack and liquid ice is pumped into the cartons to ice the produce.

Abstract: My invention relates to improvements in cascade cooling apparatus and to a method for maintaining a substantially safe low temperature level within an enclosure. In general, the invention is concerned with an apparatus that is designed for fail safe low temperature cascade cooling operation and specifically with preservation of biological specimen in low temperature storage. The invention incorporates a control system to continuously operate said cascade apparatus despite failure of a component therein, while maintaining a safe level of low temperature within the enclosure whose temperature is produced by said apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigeration system utilizing cooled spillover air from a refrigerated display case 10, the spillover air being recovered and removed from the ambient space through openings 9. The recovered spillover air is conducted through conduit 29 in heat exchange relation to a subcooler 33, lowering the temperature of refrigerant passing to the display case evaporator 19, the still cool spillover air then being used in a space air conditioning system 30.

Abstract: A gas condenser apparatus and method is described employing two heat exchanger stages for condensing water vapor and other contaminates, such as organic solvents, out of hot air or other treated gas by means of a cooling gas which is provided by feeding back the treated gas through the cooling passages of such heat exchanger stages after removal of the water and solvents. The heat exchangers are of the counterflow type so that the treated gas and the cooling gas flow in opposite directions therethrough. Preferably, water vapor is removed from the treated gas by condensing it in the first stage and the solvents are removed by condensing them in the second stage thereby separating the condensed water and solvents. Auxiliary cooling coils are provided at the input of the first stage and at the output of the second stage for further cooling of the treated gas.

Abstract: A microcomputer controlled charge control system for modulating charge in a heat pump refrigerant circuit. A charge receiver has its interior in thermal communication with the compressor suction line and has a single charge flow line connected via a charge control valve to the refrigerant circuit at a point intermediate two controllable expansion valves in the high side of the circuit. Super-heating and subcooling strategies are employed to maintain the charge level in the circuit at optimum performance levels, automatically adapting to changes in environmental load conditions on the heat pump heat exchange coils.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a preselected concentration of non-condensible gases in a condenser is disclosed. A compressor supplies the condenser with compressed ammonia. The compressed ammonia includes non-condensible gases. At least a portion of the compressed ammonia condenses, forms condensed ammonia and exits the condenser. A pressure controller operates an automatic valve to vent at least a portion of the non-condensible gases from the condenser. A temperature element senses the condensed ammonia temperature and sends a signal, based upon the condensed ammonia temperature, to the pressure controller. The pressure controller uses the signal to reduce the pressure of the condenser from a predetermined value to a computed value estimated to be necessary to maintain the preselected concentration of non-condensible gases in the condenser.

Abstract: In a heat pump type air conditioning apparatus of the type wherein a variable capacity type compressor is connected with a conduit including an outdoor heat exchanger, a first capillary tube and an indoor heat exchanger via a four way valve, there are provided a bridge circuit connected between the first capillary tube and the indoor heat exchanger, the bridge circuit being constituted by a first conduit including a first check valve permitting a flow of the refrigerant at the time of cooling and a second capillary tube, and a second conduit connected in parallel with the first conduit and including a second check valve permitting a flow of the refrigerant at the time of heating and a third capillary tube, and a bypass conduit including a controlled valve and connected between the first and second conduits, a cooling conduit for the compressor and connected to the control valve, and a control circuit for controlling the controlled valve in accordance with the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the