Abstract: A method and installation for generating energy using the BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) reaction wherein condensate is pumped from an expansion chamber and is fed to a first heat exchanger. There, the liquid gas is heated in a first step to a certain temperature. The liquid gas is heated in a second heat exchanger with a safety valve to a higher temperature and, while expanding, is introduced via a pre-expansion valve, at the end of a feed line, to a BLEVE-reaction chamber. The BLEVE-reaction takes place in the reaction chamber, during which gas is released and supplied via the outlet pipe to a gas turbine. The gas turbine drives a generator. The turbine and the generator may be housed in the closed expansion chamber. The cycle of the method is controlled by means of a regulating control. The method described is particularly suited for a thermal power plant, the waste heat of which is transformed into electricity.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine wherein the cylinders making up the engine block are radially disposed in a common plane and rotate with the output shaft. The engine block rotates within a surrounding cam surface and the pistons in each cylinder move radially in and out in a motion geometrically defined by connecting rods, a rocker arm pivoted at a point fixed with respect to the rotating engine block and a cam follower which rides on the cam surface. The rocker arm preferably is counterbalanced to reduce centrifugal forces on the cam surface. The cam surface is contoured to produce the motion to the pistons by means of the linkage as the engine block rotates. The engine block includes a rotary valve port associated with each cylinder. The engine block rotates into cooperating relationship with stationary inlet and exhaust ports in the engine housing to provide intake and exhaust cycles.

Abstract: A combustor element face plate made of a thermally highly conductive material, such as copper, has a plurality of cooling holes extending therethrough. Some of the cooling holes are located about the injector openings, while other cooling holes are located adjacent the peripheral edge of the face plate.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system comprising two cryogenic rectification plants wherein a fluid mixture comprising argon and nitrogen is withdrawn in a defined manner from the first plant and passed into the second plant such that argon production is enhanced to more than offset the additional separation power requirements.

Abstract: A sampling system for cryogenic liquid sampling which passes vaporized cryogenic fluid to an analyzer through a conduit having a defined restriction such as an orifice at or downstream of the input and which prevents choke flow in the conduit by simultaneously reducing the pressure which promotes choke flow and improving the ratio of the fluid pressure at and downstream of the restriction in the direction which resists choke flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing low temperature refrigeration comprising a refrigeration sub-system for circulating a first refrigerant to provide alternately two outputs for different time periods including a first output at a relatively warm temperature level and a second output at a relatively cold temperature level. The sub-system outputs are furnished to a cryosorption pumping circuit comprised of a closed loop conduit for a second refrigerant and connected to a plurality of sorbent beds which cause cyclic adsorption and desorption of the second refrigerant material. External conditioning utilizing the first refrigerant is used to cause further temperature reduction of said second refrigerant in the closed loop conduit of the cryosorption pumping circuit.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration system having a refrigerant compressor driven by an internal combustion engine. Microprocessor based electrical control maintains the temperature of a conditioned space at a desired set point via heating, cooling and null cycles, with the engine being started and stopped, as required. During the engine starting process, a suction line modulation valve, if used, is closed, engine pre-heat time is selected, including using engine temperature to access a look-up table, and current draw is checked during pre-heat. Excessive current terminates pre-heat. Control diagnostics checks the voltage level on both sides of a refrigerant high pressure switch, before initiating engine cranking. Prior to stopping the engine, a control option initiates a heating cycle for a short time when null is being entered from a cooling cycle, to warm the evaporator and prevent premature starting of the engine.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a transport refrigeration system which is effective regardless of the temperature of a served space relative to a selected set point temperature. Different "windows" of acceptable and marginal performance are provided in the form of different minimum magnitudes of .DELTA.T, i.e., the algebraic difference between the return and discharge air temperatures, as a function of ambient and return air temperatures. The transport refrigeration system is thus monitored at all times, during both cooling and hot gas heating modes, and also including during initial temperature pull down of the cargo space, enabling an early warning to be generated for a marginal performance, and an early shut down to be initiated for unacceptable performance. In a preferred embodiment, a maximum value of .DELTA.T is also provided, which, if exceeded by the actual .DELTA.T, indicates a restricted air flow in the cargo space.

Abstract: An improved refrigerant recovery and recycle system is disclosed. Refrigerant vapor, refrigerant liquid and oil entering the system from a refrigerant circuit being discharged are separated into liquid and vapor phases at near atmospheric pressure. Any remaining liquid refrigerant is vaporized within the phase separation means (5) by heat from the surrounding environment. Oil free refrigerant vapor flows through a selective adsorption column (8), which removes gaseous contaminants and water vapor, into a flexible membrane variable volume storage container (14) where it is confined at atmospheric pressure. Inventory of refrigerant vapor within the container is continuously monitored by means of a weight scale (15) which is adapted to compensate for the buoyancy of the surrounding atmosphere. Any air that enters the system stratifies at the top of the container (14) and is eliminated by operation of a piston pump (26).

Abstract: A heat-pump refrigeration cycle is constructed using a compressor, a four-way valve, a water heat exchanger, a receiver, and air heat exchangers. The compressor draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant. The four-way valve switches a direction of refrigerant flow, and a water heat exchanger allows an exchange of heat between inflow refrigerant and water supplied from a water supply unit. The receiver stores liquefied refrigerant, and a parallel circuit of a plurality of air heat exchangers allows an exchange of heat between the inflow refrigerant and indoor air. The water heat exchangers are positioned at a location higher than the receiver, which, during the cooling operation, permits liquefied refrigerant generated at the water heat exchanger to run down into the receiver. This prevents the refrigerant from remaining in the water heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method of determining and controlling a load by a controller. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a signal for a first predetermined time period on an electrical line having a load in parallel with a capacitor; monitoring the electrical line for electrical activity within a second predetermined time period following the first time period; and controlling the load in response to the presence or absence of the electrical activity.

Abstract: Electric expansion valves are provided midway along liquid-side pipes connected to indoor units. Electric flow control valves are provided midway along gas-side pipes connected to the indoor units. The indoor units detect air-conditioning loads, and a capability of a compressor is controlled in accordance with the sum of the air-conditioning loads. At the same time, the opening degrees of the flow control valves are controlled in accordance with the individual air-conditioning loads of the indoor units. In the heating operation mode, a high-pressure-side pressure of a refrigeration cycle is detected. When the high-pressure-side pressure becomes a preset value or more, an expansion valve and a flow control valve corresponding to an indoor unit whose operation is stopped are opened to predetermined opening degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of rapidly cooling or freezing a composition comprising a walled housing member having a cooling chamber and a door for accessing the cooling chamber from the exterior of the housing, an evaporator and a blower for circulating cold air from the evaporator to the cooling chamber, first and second reactors each containing a complex compound consisting of a metal salt and ammonia adsorbed thereon, heaters in the reactors for heating the complex compound, and valves and conduits for directing ammonia from the evaporator to the reactors, from the reactors to the condenser, and from the condenser to the evaporator, and control means for sequentially operating the heaters for alternately heating the complex compounds in the reactors, operating the air handling means and one or more of the valves, and switching means for turning the apparatus on and off.

Abstract: There is disclosed a decorative interchangeable and detachable earring assemblage comprising individual and separable earring units which can all be of the same size and shape or of different sizes and shapes enabling the earring units to be mixed or matched depending on the fashion mood of the wearer.

Abstract: A variable configuration is disclosed. The variable configuration aspect of the earing allows the appearance of the earring to be altered at will by the wearer. This adaptability allows appropriate variations of the earring to be worn on differing occasions for differing functions. The earring also mimics the appearance of a plurality of separate earrings worn together.

Abstract: The invention relates to circular pieces of jewelry having a rotating outer band and a process for manufacturing such jewelry. A circular piece of jewelry according to the invention includes an outer band which is coaxial with an inner band and which are mounted to rotate about their common axis. The inner band includes an inner ring having a central part placed between two thinner ends to which it is joined by two shoulders. The piece of jewelry further includes two lateral rings which abut against the two shoulders and which are welded on the ends after having engaged the outer band on the central part. The outer band is maintained captive in the groove defined by the two lateral rings in which it may rotate freely.

Abstract: A fabric washing machine has a container for fabrics and fluid to wash the fabrics. A switched reluctance motor is connected to the container. The motor is operated at a constant torque and the time needed to accelerate the container and a load of fabrics from one speed to a higher speed is measured. The measurement may be repeated with a different torque input. The inertia of the system, and thus the size of the fabric load, is calculated from the time measurement. The load size information, whether calculated or inputted, is used to calculate the blend of fabrics in the load. Water is added to the container in predetermined increments, and the container is oscillated a predetermined number of strokes and the required torque is measured after each addition of water. The required torque is used to calculate the blend of fabrics as the torque value varies with load size (already known) and the percentage of cotton in the load.

Abstract: A laundry machine is constructed to discharge liquid from fixed nozzles located within a fixed tub, through holes in the bottom of a basket within the tub. The liquid impacts and levitates the clothes within the basket. The liquid is recycled through the pump. Extraction of liquid from clothes is by spin rotation of the basket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to apply dyes to a moving material to print the same which employs dye applicator gun bars to direct a plurality of streams of dye onto the moving sheet in a predetermined pattern, and wherein means are provided for accurately positioning and adjusting the gun bars on their support frame to facilitate accurate placement of the dye streams on the moving material during the printing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper proof lockable firearm case having an internal chamber sized and configured to store a firearm. The case has a door which may be opened responsive to unlocking a computer controlled lock. The lock actuator consists of depressions in the case corresponding to fingers of the user's hand, with each depression having an actuator button. Depressing a sequence of buttons including simultaneous and sequential depressions in a pre-programmed sequence results in unlocking of the case and opening of the door to allow access to the firearm. A key lock is also provided in the event of battery failure.

Abstract: A retrofit knob cylinder has a cross-shaped slot on the rear of the cylinder plug and a cross-shaped opening through a plug retainer so that a number of different tail pieces may be assembled to the plug and extend through the opening and may be positioned either horizontally or vertically depending on which portion of the cross slot they are assembled in.

Abstract: In the rolling of metal strip, a detector roll is used to determine variations along the width of the strip and to make sure that one lateral edge of the strip takes up a predetermined position with an individual roller on the detector roll, either the strip is moved sideways with respect to the roll or the roll is moved in the direction of its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A device for straightening a rigid wire delivered in coil form for supplying a metal-working machine is compact and easy to control. The wire is stationary in an axial conduit of a rotor supported on a carriage (B) which is moved axially by means of a first hydraulic jack (13). The rotor carries the wire by stationary guides and a central guide which is moved radially (C) between a centered position and an excentric position by means of a second hydraulic jack (62) while the rotor rotates and the carriage advances. The hydraulic fluid collected at the output (71) of the first jack is transmitted directly to an input (66 or 67) of the second jack (62) so as to actuate it at a speed proportional to that of the first.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for levelling continuously moving metal strips exclusively by tensile rolling levelling. The strip to be levelled is subjected to two successive tensile rolling operations in the direction in which it moves. In the first tensile rolling operation the tensile rolling levelling is performed with relatively low tensile stressing and considerable rolling deformation, while over the second tensile rolling distance the strip is subjected to only slight bending with substantially higher tensile stressing. The result of these successive different kinds of stretching-and-rolling levelling is a flat strip which maintains its flatness even after a prolonged storage period.

Abstract: In order to bend a hollow profile strip (53), especially a hollow profile strip (53) from which a spacer frame for an insulating glass pane is to be produced, the hollow profile strip (53) is conducted continuously for an exactly defined length, held laterally and from the bottom, underneath a roller (70) and, subsequently to the roller (70), is deflected out of the conveying direction. An apparatus suitable for this purpose comprises a gripper (52) for the defined feeding of the hollow profile strip (53), a roller (70) in contact with the wall of the hollow profile strip (53), which is then located on the inside of the curvature, and holding down the hollow profile strip (53), and a lever (59) with a stop surface (62) for the hollow profile strip (53) subsequently to the roller (70).

Abstract: A chamfering pressing machine including a blanking-chamfering section having a die, in which the die has a shearing die section, a chamfering die section and a guide section, a punch for shearing a sheet of material to form a product, the sheet of material being placed on said blanking-chamfering section, and a cushioning pad received in said die capable of an upward and downward movement so as to support said product.

Abstract: Mechanical forming apparatus and method for manufacturing planar contact projections for a flexible circuit is disclosed. A forming die includes a punch assembly configured for mating with a die plate. The punch assembly comprises a pin plate coupled to a punch plate and configured to hold adjusting pins and forming punches, respectively. Each forming punch has a tail with a contoured tip that conforms to the geometry of a desired contact projection. The die plate has a plurality of cavities configured and dimensioned for receiving the tail tips of the punches. In operation, the punch assembly and die plate are placed in a die set and installed in an open position in a punch press with a flexible circuit positioned therein. When activated, the press closes the die set, causing the punch tails to push against the flexible circuit, while circuit material flows into the die plate cavities. As the cavities fill, any excess material is compressed into peripheral areas of the die plate surrounding the cavities.

Abstract: An instrument for bending a rod, wherein the instrument includes an elongated handle and an angled tip extending therefrom. The tip includes a channel or bore therethrough for receiving the rod. The top side of the tip may include a flat surface thereon. Two such instruments are used to bend a rod by inserting one end of the rod into the channel of one instrument and the other end of the rod into the channel of the other instrument. Force is applied to the instruments to preliminarily bend the rod. The instruments are each then rotated 180 degrees, and further force is then applied to the instruments to further bend the rod. The force may be applied until the flat surface on each instrument abuts each other.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory stores values defining a released position or a depressed position of a clutch pedal. A potentiometer mechanically linked to the clutch pedal produces an output signal whose value or magnitude represents the current position of the clutch pedal. When power is turned on, first and second end limit values which electrically define the depressed and released positions of the clutch pedal are read from the memory, a constant value is added to the first end limit value and subtracted from the second. Thereafter, each time the output signal is sensed for control purposes, the output signal is compared with the end limit values. If the output signal is less than the first end limit value it replaces that value in the memory and if the output signal is greater than the second end limit value it replaces that value. The sensor is thus calibrated in a manner transparent to the operator each time the system samples the sensor output signal for control purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the identification of a gas flow or its disturbances. A gas flowing in a gas pipe is allowed to pass through at least two flow-restricting elements in series, the pressure differences of a flowing gas being measured over said elements and effecting the identification by means of such measured pressure differences.

Abstract: A soil desorption device and method which utilizes an easily manufacturable and assemblable pressure cell to contain soil samples. The pressure cells are in turn easily attachable to pneumatic pressure manifolds and can be independently valved. The cells are also easily adapted to be connected to collection containers for any desorbed fluid. Each cell utilizes a cylindrical container having rubber gaskets at opposite ends and which can be sandwiched between top and bottom plates to seal the container. A thin nylon membrane having small pores is positioned at the bottom of the container and the bottom plate has apertures to allow fluid forced through the membrane to pass to the fluid collection devices. This cell presents low impedance to fluid flow, produces high flow rates, and allows maintenance of good seals and accurate pressurization of each cell. These and other features and advantages allow for more economical and better soil desorption procedures and soil hydraulic characteristic measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the rapid detection and location of a gas leak. A collimated beam of light is scanned across the component under test which has been pressurized with a tracer gas that strongly absorbs the light. When the light passes through the gas emerging from the source of the leak, the light energy absorbed by the gas produces an acoustic emission which is detected by a microphone. The resulting signal may be processed either as an alarm to notify the operator that a leak is present, or, it may be processed in coordination with the beam scanning mechanism to indicate exactly where the leak is located on the component.

Abstract: A method of quantitative analysis of solids carrying drilling mud and removed from a drilling fluid circulating in a wellbore being drilled is described. The method comprises the steps of: sampling the removed solids, and analyzing the sample to determine the density of the solids and their weight fraction, drying a known weight of the sample to constant weight so as to obtain the solids in the form of dry solids, and analysis of the latter by an infrared spectroscopy technique. The concentration of the substances in the removed solids is then determined. The method can be applied to the control of the drilling operation by monitoring the quantity of products added to the drilling fluid, such as barite and polymers, or a product coming from the borehole wall or the underground formation being drilled. The invention also applies to the control of the working condition of the mud solids equipment.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing apparatus for measuring very low fluid flows comprising a fluid mass flow sensor for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid from a temperature differential between predefined points within the sensor; a fluid flow channeling element for accepting the fluid at an input temperature and pressure and directing the fluid across the sensor, and wherein the input temperature and pressure about the sensor is maintained; and a fluid flow dampening element for providing an average fluid flow to the sensor.

Abstract: A system for indicating level of material that includes first and second probes disposed for operative coupling with material whose level is to be sensed. First and second electrical input circuits are respectively coupled to the probes and provide first and second signals. First and second electrical output circuits provide respective indications of material level by operating relay switches. A latch circuit has inputs that receive the respective first and second signals, and an output that changes state only when both first and second signals change state. The output circuits are selectively connected by jumpers either to the associated input circuit or to the latch output.

Abstract: A tube inspection station includes a receptacle having walls defining a cavity for holding energy coupling liquid and receiving an object to be inspected in the liquid. At least one wall of the receptacle has a longitudinal bore defined and extending therein from an opening at the top thereof above the cavity and a transverse bore extending through the wall. The transverse bore intersects with the longitudinal bore and opens at both interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. The station also includes a transducer operable for sending waves of energy from its first end into the cavity toward the object and receiving echos of energy at the first end from the object for measuring a parameter of the object. Also, the transducer is operable for transmitting input and output signals at its second end.

Abstract: A device and method for guided testing of an object, and in particular, an internal structural component in an object, using non-destructive ultrasonic techniques is provided. A housing containing at least one ultrasonic transducer probe is adapted to be placed directly on the surface of the object to be tested. Eddy current probes are provided in the housing to guide the ultrasonic probe such that the ultrasonic energy will be directed at the appropriate internal structural design component of the object to be inspected. A microcomputer is then used to record the data obtained using ultrasonic signals and the position on the object using the information designed from the eddy current probes.

Abstract: A vibration detector for sensing imbalance of a part in a balancing machine uses an eddy current proximity detector for sensing vibration movement of a portion of the machine. To prevent spurious signals due to magnetic fields varying at the part rotation frequency, a mu-metal can is secured to the vibrating portion of the machine, an electrically conductive coupon is attached inside the can for vibrating movement therewith, and the proximity detector is spaced from the coupon by a small gap for producing AC signals representing the vibration amplitude.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a case, a diaphragm provided within the case, a pressure detecting part provided within the case for detecting pressure applied to the diaphragm, and a pressure transmission chamber formed between the diaphragm and the pressure detecting part for sealingly accommodating therein liquid through which the pressure is transmitted from the diaphragm to the pressure detecting part. The pressure transmission chamber is arranged to cope with the volume changes of the liquid due to the temperature changes thereof.

Abstract: A torque measurement device is described which facilitates the testing of a handset cap of a public telephone for determining compliance with evolving mechanical disassembly requirements. The device is an interface between the handset cap under test and the torque measurement tool for uniform application of torque to the handset cap and the acquisition of reliable and reproducible test results. The device is a metallic receptacle having in its base a cylindrical aperture which conforms dimensionally to the shape of the handset cap and lodges the handset cap during testing. Also, the device includes set screws which bear against the cap to hold it uniformly in place during testing.

Abstract: To obtain two or more fluid samples simultaneously, a sampling probe is provided which has an outer tube coaxially disposed about an inner tube. The ends of the inner tube and outer tube are typically spaced apart longitudinally, so that they may be positioned at different locations within a pipeline. Fluid flows through the inner tube and through the annulus formed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The fluid is then withdrawn from the inner tube and from the annulus for testing.

Abstract: A direct drive power window actuator for remote opening and closing of a pivotable quarter window of an automotive vehicle comprising a reversible motor, a power transmitting gear device operatively connected with the motor at one end and with a rotary shaft at the other end for rotating the rotary shaft, and a window mounted linkage for converting the rotational torque of the rotary shaft into an opening-and-closing force for the window.

Abstract: A cam mechanism that converts unidirectional rotary motion into substantially uniform oscillating motion is disclosed. The mechanism includes a cam having a cam surface of generally cardioid configuration having a first point of minimum distance from a rotational axis and a second point of maximum distance from the rotational axis such that an angle measured from a first line connecting the axis and the first point to a second line connecting the axis and the second point is less than 180.degree. measured in the direction of cam rotation. The cam may be driven from a power source having unidirectional rotary motion, such as the output shaft of a music box mechanism. A crank or rocker arm may be pivotally attached to oscillate about an oscillating axis and have a cam follower associated with the cam such that rotary motion of the cam causes the crank or rocker arm to oscillate about its oscillating axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driving device for driving or operating elongate display members at signs for consecutive, repeated presentation of series of images, whereby said elongate display members (2) are driven through pairs of gear wheels (15, 16) having conical teeth and whereby a driving gear wheel (15) in each pair of gear wheels is provided on a drive shaft (6) and a driven gear (16) wheel in each pair is operatively connected with the elongate display member (2) to be driven.

Abstract: An electrical transmission control employs in one embodiment, a rotary dial switch as a gear selector control which includes a plug means for connecting the switch directly into a receiving socket mounted to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality of sockets such that the gear selector control can be mounted at a preferred one of the locations. In another embodiment, the selector switch is a slide type switch. The switch can be removed from the socket and/or vehicle for providing anti-theft security preventing the transmission from being shifted without the gear selected control.

Abstract: A compound transmission (12) including main and auxiliary transmission sections (14,15) having several pin-type, double-acting, self-energizing synchronizer mechanisms (60,62,84). The several synchronizer mechanisms are configured to provide higher self-energizing forces for higher speed reduction ratio gears than for lower speed reduction gears, and to provide higher self-energizing forces for downshifts than for upshifts. The self-energizing forces are provided by improved self-energizing ramp surfaces (29e,29f,29g,29h and (111a,111b,111c,111d) formed in external splines 29 of a shaft 28 and in internal teeth extending radially inward from a shift flange 110. The shift flange carries improved pre-energizer and neutral centering assemblies (120) axially retained by end surfaces (102a,104a) of jaw clutch member (102,104).

Abstract: An anti-backlash rack and pinion drive system comprising a pair of spur gears on parallel shafts engaging a rack with countertorque preload imposed by a positive timing belt engaging a pair of pulleys respectively coupled to the shafts. Slack on one side and a resilient transverse load applied to the other side of the belt provides counterspur gear tooth pressure on the rack equal to the maximum drive load effected through reversible rotation of one of the shafts.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column apparatus includes two opposed toothed surfaces 36, 38. One toothed surface is disposed on a bracket fixed to the vehicle body structure. The other toothed surface is formed on a clamp plate 24 which includes resilient wings 44, 46 which lift the mating toothed surfaces out of engagement when adjustment is to be carried out.

Abstract: An automotive speedometer assembly includes a speedometer head, a cable for mechanically driving the head and a seal positioned within the cable proximate the head for preventing infiltration of lubricant from the cable into the head.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path including a liner (12) disposed within a conduit (16) and a motion transmitting core element (14) moveably supported by the liner (12). The liner (12) is made essentially of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The assembly (10) is characterized by the liner (12) further including poly(amide-imide) for increasing the strength and lubricity thereof. Preferably, the liner comprises 97 weight percent polytetrafluoroethylene and 3 weight percent poly(amide-imide).