Abstract: A wrapping (1; 11) for plants or flowers placed in a pot like container (2), made from a resilient material of natural rigidity and consisting of a frustoconical tubular element open at both ends, the terminal portion at the tube end of smaller diameter having a retaining stop shoulder (4; 14) extending along at least a part of the circumference of the tubular element and defining a free internal opening which is smaller than that of an adjacent portion disposed in the direction of the tube end having the smaller diameter, which stop shoulder is formed by a local cut (3; 13) in the tubular element disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the tubular element.

Abstract: A planting tray for direct deployment of trays and plants is described. The tray is ideally formed of a sturdy, biodegradable material. The tray has a flat member with a specific matrix of openings formed therein. A plurality of baskets, in a specific deployment, are affixed to the flat member. The baskets have a plurality of perforations, so that the roots of plants, deployed in soil within the basket, can grow out therethrough. Thus, the tray with plants can be embedded within the ground without the need for transplanting. The deployment of the baskets affixed to the flat member is such that two trays of the present invention may be intermeshed for spaciously efficient deployment.

Abstract: An add-on apparatus for feeding container plants. The apparatus contains a battery-powered pump which is designed to pump feeding solution out of a user-supplied container. The apparatus also contains a moisture sensor which is embedded by the user in the growth medium of the plant. This sensor controls the operation of the pump. On the condition of low moisture level, indicative of the need to feed, the pump operates for a controlled duration thus delivering a controlled amount of feeding solution to the plant.

Abstract: A low friction tape adhesively connected to a movable vehicle door glass for isolating the door glass from a rubber glass run channel and providing a low friction surface for slidably engaging the glass run channel to prohibit glass chatter and noise created by the sliding engagement of the door glass within the glass run channel. The glass run channel is housed within a stationary frame portion of the vehicle door and is utilized to support and guide the door glass as well as seal the door glass to the vehicle door. Separate segments of the low friction tape are applied to the vertical edges and the periphery of the sides of the door glass to prohibit direct contact of the door glass and the glass run channel. Due to the curvature of the door glass, the low friction tape must be applied in several separate segments so that wrinkling of the low friction tape is avoided when applying the tape segments to the door glass.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool such as a roll grinder grinds a workpiece into a roll shape by rotating the workpiece about its own axis at a prescribed speed, and moving a grinding tool in radial and axial directions of the workpiece. The machine tool has a first motor for rotating the grinding tool about its own axis and a second motor for moving toward and away from the workpiece in the radial direction thereof. The machine tool also includes a detector for detecting a drive current supplied to the first motor, and a control unit for comparing the value of the drive current detected by the detector and a preset current value and for controlling the second motor based on the result of comparison.

Abstract: The topology of parallel axis gears, such as spur and helical gears is modified to produce quieter and more smoothly operating gear sets with more uniform load distribution. A finite element analysis of the gear in its operating mode is made to produce a plot of radial and tangential deflections of the pinion and gear tooth surfaces which will occur when the gears are loaded during operation. The resultant plot is then inverted to produce a plot, or set of coordinates, which will define the path of travel of the gear tooth grinding wheel, which path is a mirror image of the plot of the finite element analysis. The resulting gears, when subjected to operating loads, will thus be deflected tangentially and radially to their optimum operating, or theoretical true involute, positions so as to produce quieter, smoother, and more evenly loaded gear trains.

Abstract: A steel ball machining apparatus comprises a ball machining mechanism having a pair of machining plates which are adapted to oppose and rotate relative to each other, a steel ball storing vessel for supplying to and receiving from said polishing mechanism steel balls, a steel ball supply path provided between said machining mechanism and said steel ball storing vessel, a steel ball discharge path provided between said machining mechanism and said steel ball storing vessel adapted to discharge said steel balls to said vessel, and a set of parallel bars provided in at least one of said steel supply path and steel ball discharge path so as to eliminate foreign matter.

Abstract: A method for treating valves having a sealing seat embodied on a movable valve element and a valve seat face embodied on a valve seat body in such a way as to improve the surface quality of the sealing faces. The movable valve element is set into a rotational motion, with pressure applied thereto toward the valve seat body held in a fixed position. During the rotational motion of the valve element a vibrational motion of ultrasonic range high frequency, acting parallel to the axis of rotation, is superimposed upon the rotary motion. Simultaneously a fine-grained lapping medium is applied to the valve seat face. The method is suitable for all valves having movable valve elements, the sealing seats of which cooperate with valve seat faces.

Abstract: A system for precision cleaning of contaminants from the surface of a substrate, such as delicate surfaces or precision parts, utilizing streams of carbon dioxide snow or other cleaning gas. The system includes an enclosed or sealed cleaning container in which at least one jet spray device is housed for directing a stream of cleaning snow against the surface to be cleaned. During cleaning, the cleaning container holding the substrate to be cleaned is maintained under a vacuum or, optionally, at ambient pressure, filled with a clean dry gas. The dislodged contaminants and spent snow are removed from the cleaning zone and disposed of or recycled. Cleaning is accomplished by pulsed application of the cleaning snow in combination with intermittent or continuous heating of the surface so that the surface is at an elevated temperature prior to and during each application of cleaning snow.

Abstract: A modular housing for telecommunication equipment is provided having mating upper and lower modules and a supporting framework for the lower module that it is placed in an excavation in the earth. The lower framework is configured to receive a forklift truck from any side and is provided with upwardly extending vertical frame members connected to each corner thereof. The frame component and the upwardly extending members are all configured to nestingly receive and support the lower module. The upwardly extending frame members are provided with a loop or bolt at their upper ends to provide means to receive a strap, cable, chain, rope or similar lifting means.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable, telescoping style mast assembly and method employs a plurality of tubular sections of differing diameters. The tubular sections are nested one-in-another and are slidable with respect to each other, in a telescoping manner, to provide a deployable/retractable telescoping mast assembly. Retractable pins are provided to retractably extend from a collar coupled to at least one of the tube sections. In their extended state, the retractable pins are adapted to extend through apertures provided in an adjacent tube section. The retractable pins are provided with a head at one end thereof. The head of each pin is adapted to be engaged by a guide coupled to a third tube section upon the third tube section being in a collapsed state. Upon engagement with the pin head, the guide operates to pull the pin into a retracted state so as to retract the pin out of the pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: A post frame building utilizing wood support posts having bottom portion of the posts sunken into the ground. An encapsulating sleeve for each underground portion of the posts providing a positive barrier against deterioration by ground contact. The sleeve may be trimmed at ground level or higher as desired.

Abstract: There is described a multiple-pane glazing unit which has top and bottom edges and two side edges and two or more, parallel glazing sheets enclosing a vertical cavity, or cavities. A convective-flow barrier is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge of the glazing sheets within the cavity, or cavities. The barrier is a strip-like member, dimensioned to be in sealing contact, in cold temperature conditions, with both glazing sheets which form a cavity between them. The strip is of a selected material, or of a physical configuration, such that it is flexible of itself or has a flexible edge or edges to accommodate variations in cavity width caused by, say, temperature changes along the length of the barrier. A second similar convective-flow barrier may be positioned adjacent and parallel to the top edge of the unit within the cavity and indeed, intermediate barriers may also be provided between top and bottom barriers and parallel thereto.

Abstract: A combined window and vent unit which is vandal resistant yet is versatile in its ventilation and insulation capabilities. There is a freely movable window panel which is positioned in a rigid frame structure without the use of any hinge members yet can be retained therein in an intermediate ventilating position. The frame structure for the vent unit is easily assembled and the panel members and screening can be easily repaired.

Abstract: Extruded aluminum alloy base, intermediate and top panels and a decorative plastic insert are provided. One marginal portion of the base panel is mounted on a support member on a building. An opposing marginal portion on the base panel is formed with a coupling member and with a perpendicular flange. An adjoining marginal portion on the intermediate panel is formed with a member-receiving channel and a perpendicular ledge. An opposing marginal portion on the intermediate panel is formed with a coupling member and with a perpendicular ledge. An adjoining marginal portion on the top panel is formed with a member-receiving channel and with a perpendicular flange. An opposing marginal portion of the top panel is adapted to be mounted on the support member on the building. The relatively adjoining flanges and ledges on the base, intermediate and top panels are adapted to receive a plurality of machine screws.

Abstract: The anchoring rod for anchoring an article to a base using a compounded mass including a synthetic resin, has a threaded portion at its rear end for fixing the article; a threaded nut engagable on the threaded portion for applying a mounting torque; a head having a shoulder facing toward the rear end, an outer surface tapering towards the front end of the anchoring rod and having a wedge-like tip at the front end; a conical portion connecting the head and the threaded portion and tapering toward the head; and a resilient annular washer bearing on the shoulder of the head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cover which is supported or suspended from a self-supporting, open air framework constructed over a vessel. The cover is sealed to the vessel.

Abstract: Construction block units having spaced vertical bores with angularly disposed reduced rear access openings are assembled without mortar and have elongated rearwardly extending anchors with head ends received in the bores, the outer portions of adjacent converging anchors interengaging and supported so that the head ends extend vertically above a row of units for engagement by a second row of units to form a retaining wall. A freestanding wall is formed by parallel rows of facing block units interengaged by anchors having head ends at each end engaging angularly disposed bore openings in the facing offset units and supported so that the head ends extend into successive stacked staggered units.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a metal brace consisting of a strip of sheet metal the side portions of which are doubled over or bent through about 180 degrees, so that the strip, or at least a nailing flange of the strip, is of double thickness sheet metal. In this way the raw edges of the strip are safely displaced from the sides of the brace. Moreover, it has been found that it is much easier to drive a nail through two superimposed thicknesses of sheet metal than to drive it through a single piece of sheet metal of double the thickness. Therefore the bracing strip according to the invention made of light gauge sheet metal may have high strength in compression, but be easier to nail, without preformed nail holes, than a conventional bracing strip. An alternative embodiment may have formed in it a plurality of access locations to use as nail holes.

Abstract: An improved metal framing member that utilizes stiffening sections to enable lighter gauge of metal to be used. The framing member also features embossed surfaces that facilitate fastening using standard self-tapping fasteners. Safety edges are provided to eliminate the sharp edge problem of handling metal framing members. The framing member is designed to be fabricated using rollforming methods in all standard sizes of studs, floor joists, rafters, and trusses.

Abstract: A device for erecting walls and/or ceilings includes a support shaped-section evincing approximately cross-sectionally T-shaped webs to which at least one beam for wall- and/or ceiling segments can be detachably affixed, further a clamping lock detachable fastened inside the hollow beam and comprising a central retaining element and two spring-steel, lateral retaining elements mounted symmetrically relative to central retaining element. The retaining elements engage adjacent and undercut channels formed by the webs and are tightened against two adjacent webs of the support shaped-section by a rotationally actuated, transverse tightening system crossing the three retaining elements through mutually flush clearances. At the same time, the tightening system affixes the clamping lock inside the beam.

Abstract: The said structure presents a constitution which, as well as providing a great resistance, supposes an effective reduction of the depth of floor slabs and technical layers built with current construction systems while allowing the incorporation of various technical elements and installations.

Abstract: A vacuum means for detecting transverse seal areas dividing unsealed areas in adjacent plies of a moving, multiple ply web includes vacuum ports defining a gap through which the web moves. Unsealed web areas are sucked against the ports. When a sealed area enters the gap, it is sucked to one or the other port, uncovering the opposite port. The ensuing pressure differential is sensed to indicate a seal entering or passing the gap. Seal signals are produced and used to control accurate cutting at the seals to separate the web into individual pouches. Control and circuitry apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to both an apparatus and method of forming a thin flexible and to some extent resilient material strap from a supply of sheet film and further wherein the apparatus and method involves the positioning of the formed stretchable strapping about and in binding relation to the exterior of any one of a plurality of various types of packages, articles, etc. The apparatus comprises positioning means which serves to grip a free end of the formed stretch strapping and exert a pulling force thereon to direct it about a predetermined path of travel surrounding the article being bound and subsequently securing a length of the stretch strapping in binding engagement with the exterior surfaces or portions of the article being bound.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping machine includes a web dispenser and a rotatable support for providing relative rotation between the web dispenser and load to wrap a web of packaging material around the load. Cooperating engagement members are selectively and positively engageable with each other throughout the rotation of the rotatable support for stopping the rotation of the rotatable support when the engagement members are positively engaged and for permitting rotation of the rotatable support when the engagement members are disengaged. One of the engagement members is mounted on a rotatable support and the other is mounted on a fixed support. An actuator selectively engages engagement members. One engagement member preferably includes at least two stop units spaced at a distance less than the distance between the engageable formations of the other engagement member.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling seed trays particularly tobacco seed trays, with growing filler material whereby dry pockets are prevented from forming in the seed trays. The method includes partially filling an upright loading device with the filler material in a manner so that the surface plane of the filler material is at an inclined angle of repose with respect to horizontal. A leading edge of the filler material is established and maintained from the front end of the loading device. A seed tray is passed below the loading device so that the forward edge of the seed tray initially passes below the leading edge of the filler material so that the filler material cascades down into the individual pockets of the seed tray at a controlled rate. In practicing this method, the individual pockets of the seed tray are generally completely filled from the bottom up with the filler material before being conveyed under the bulk portion of the filler material, thereby minimizing the occurrence of dry pockets.

Abstract: System of packaging with an outer container having a container insert therein for holding a predetermined volume of material. The outer container includes a container bottom having a periphery and a container wall extending generally upwardly to define an interior container portion of predetermined volume sized to accommodate the container insert. The container wall includes a neck portion complementarily sized to accommodate the exterior surface of the container insert. The container insert includes a bottom having a periphery and a wall extending generally upwardly to define an interior portion of predetermined volume for holding the material. The insert wall includes a vent which allows air to pass from the interior container portion to the atmosphere when the container insert is positioned therein. For assembly, the outer container is maintained at a temperature greater than the container insert and the container insert is positioned therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bagging a cylindrical object in one bag in a plurality of bags. The apparatus includes a finger assembly with fingers that are placed into a partially opened open end of the bag that is to receive the cylindrical object. After insertion into the open end of the bag, the fingers are separated uniformly in all directions and moved away from the rest of the bags, providing an appropriately shaped opening for the object to pass into the bag. The object passes through the expanded plurality of fingers into the opened open end of the bag. After the bag has been filled, a gripper finger grasps one edge of the bag and the finger assembly moves upwardly away from the bag as the bag is pulled onto a conveyor, where the bag is closed in a bag closure machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable whereby stable transmission characteristics, such as length and tension, are maintained throughout a specified length of the cable. A slotted rod having spiral grooves formed longitudinally on the surface thereof is hauled by a hauling device, optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons are inserted into the spiral grooves, and a binding is applied onto the outer surface of the slotted rod to form the basis for an optical fiber cable stranding. The optical cable stranding with the optical fibers or the like inserted in the spiral grooves and with the binding applied thereon is wound around a guide wheel, thereby maintaining stable transmission characteristics throughout a specified length of the cable, and then further hauled. The guide wheel is rotatable about a rotary axis perpendicular to the hauling direction of the slotted rod.

Abstract: A production apparatus for spinning ring spinning filaments and staple compound slivers into compound yarns wherein the main improvement comprises altering the three-line roller draft system to a four-line roller draft system, combining multi-filaments with short staple fiber clusters and then the resultant being twisted to form compound ring yarns that are superior to the conventional ring yarns. It indeed achieves the maximum practical value and is adaptable to industry uses.

Abstract: A mixing device is comprised of a pair of nested flow separator conduits (202, 204) with convolutions (201, 206) on the outlet ends (203, 205) and means of adjusting the relative position of the convolutions on one of the outlet ends relative to the convolutions on the other outlet end. The relative movement of the convolutions (201, 206) provides a method to modulate the rate of mixing between flows passing through the flow separator conduits (202, 204). Exemplary embodiments of the invention include application of the mixing device as a furnace (20) and as a gas turbine combustor (150).

Abstract: A method for cooling and eliminating temperature variations in a power plant for combustion of a fuel in a pressurized fluidized bed includes pressuring air in a compressor and supplying the pressurized air to the pressurized fluidized bed through air paths after the pressurized air is cooled and temperature variations in the pressurized air are substantially eliminated prior to supplying the pressurized air into the pressurized fluidized bed in at least one transfer surface provided in the air paths.

Abstract: A method and control system for modulating a starter turbine (14) speed to a predetermined reference speed to prevent crash engagement with a turbine engine (16) during restart. The turbine engine (16) is coupled to the starter turbine (14) by a ratchet and pawl clutch (17), and crash engagement is prevented by modulating the starter turbine (14) speed to the predetermined reference speed, which is below a minimum pawl engagement speed, until the pawls have locked-in. A control system (10) in accordance with the present invention includes an electronic control (18) section and a mechanical pneumatic actuation means (20) which operate to limit the speed of the starter turbine (14) to the predetermined reference speed which is below the minimum speed at which crash engagements occur. The electronic control (18) provides an adjustment signal (26) corresponding to the difference between a sensed starter turbine speed signal (24) and a reference speed signal (49).

Abstract: The fuel control system supplies an engine via a pressure raising and shut-off valve. The valve is operated by a piston and cylinder arrangement. A shut-off motor controls the fuel pressure in a control line of a rapid shut-down valve. The rapid shut-down valve is operable to connect the cylinder to a high pressure fuel supply (HPf) via relatively large diameter pipes. The shut-off motor also controls the fuel pressure in a second control line connected directly to the cylinder. The shut-off motor is operable to supply high pressure fuel to the cylinder via the second control line. The rate of fuel flow into the cylinder via the second control line is less than that via the rapid shut-down valve so as to provide a normal rate of shut-down.

Abstract: A power management system for turbine engines includes a plurality of switches, each allowing for engine speed and engine torque to be controlled together. The switches correspond to various modes of operation of the turbine engine. When a switch is selected, a mode signal is supplied to a FADEC which, in response, issues speed and torque commands to an associated engine. The FADEC includes function generators that issue the torque commands as a function of outside ambient conditions. The torque commands are continuously updated for changing ambient conditions. Further, takeoff torque can be corrected for heating conditions. The power management system can also provide torque commands as a linear function of power lever angle.

Abstract: Fatigue, the phenomenon of structural or system failure, caused by repeated excitations from high frequency noise or vibration levels, can occur without warning in inlet cowls, fan ducts and thrust reverser translating cowls of aero engines. In modern day nacelle and fan duct design, the use composite structures predominates and a composite structural component is provided which does not suffer or does not suffer the same extent from such potential fatigue problems. The structural component has a front face for exposure to fatigue generating energy and includes a composite frontal region which includes the front face and which comprises a matrix and a high fatigue-strength metal or metal alloy mesh embodied within the matrix or partially embodied within it at the front face. The matrix is in sheet form and comprises or includes a synthetic resin.

Abstract: An aircraft bypass turbofan engine subassembly for ground deceleration (e.g., thrust reversal). A fan nacelle has a through passageway connecting its inner exterior surface and outer exterior surface. A passageway end is located on the inner exterior surface aft of the aft-most row of fan rotor blades. A row of pivotable fan outlet guide vanes is located radially between the fan and core nacelles and longitudinally aft of the flow splitter and the passageway end. Apparatus is provided to pivot the vanes to block passage of bypass air and to open the passageway for ground deceleration.

Abstract: Fuel contacting elements for gas turbines comprise high temperature alloys having a coke inhibiting layer of titanium carbide, titanium nitride, titanium boride, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A control apparatus for speedily warming up a catalyst disposed within an exhaust pipe connected to an internal combustion engine. The control apparatus calculates a demand fuel injection quantity into the engine on the basis of an operating state of said engine, and corrects the calculated demand fuel injection quantity on the basis of a warming-up state of a catalyst provided in an exhaust pipe of the engine so that an air fuel ratio in the engine is repeatedly controlled to a rich side and a lean side in a state that the warming-up of the catalyst is not completed. The control apparatus is equipped with an inhibiting function to inhibit the air fuel ratio from being controlled to the rich side and the lean side when the engine takes an operating state that the injection quantity is set to a rich side with respect to the theoretical air fuel ratio.

Abstract: An HC adsorbent and a first three-way or oxidation catalyst are installed in an exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine in that order in a flow direction. A second three-way or oxidation catalyst is installed upstream of the HC adsorbent in the exhaust conduit. When the exhaust gas flows through the second catalyst, the thermal energy of the exhaust gas is compensated for warming-up the second catalyst in a cold period. As a result, the warming-up of the HC adsorbent is delayed and the HC adsorbent can adsorb the HC included in the exhaust gas for a relatively long period. After the second catalyst has been warmed-up, the HC included in the exhaust gas flowing into the HC adsorbent is oxidized. As a result, the HC adsorbent is prevented from being saturated for a short period of time.

Abstract: In a system for supplying oil to a fluid drive, the fluid drive having an impeller, and a runner fluidically coupled by oil between them, the degree of coupling being determined by the amount of oil between them, a temperature sensor is located to sense the temperature of oil as it is being discharged from the impeller-runner, and the temperature so sensed is translated into the opening and restricting of a control valve controlling the flow of oil to the fluid drive to maintain the discharged oil temperature substantially constant. An external reservoir is connected to the sump of the fluid drive by pipe of sufficient size to provide a head space above the oil being removed from the sump, and the reservoir itself is of such a size as to provide head space and to provide a dwell time long enough to permit detrainment from the oil of air entrained in the oil as it passes through the fluid drive system.

Abstract: A plurality of directional control valves (5, 6) respectively disposed between a hydraulic pump (50) and a plurality of actuators (3, 4) each comprises a pump port (9), a pressure chamber (10), a feeder passage (11), actuator ports (12a, 12b), a reservoir port (13), first meter-in variable restrictors (15a, 15b) disposed between the pump port and the pressure chamber, and a pressure compensating valve (16) disposed between the pressure chamber and the feeder passage and having a pair of opposite ends, one of which is subjected to a pressure in the pressure chamber and the other of which is subjected to a maximum load pressure among the plurality of actuators. The hydraulic pump (1) includes a pump flow control device (2) for controlling a delivery rate of the hydraulic pump so that a delivery pressure of the hydraulic pump is held higher by a predetermined value than the maximum pressure obtained, as a load sensing pressure, from load pressures of the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: The flow rate of oil under pressure for operating an attachment for a hydraulic excavator or the like according to the type of attachment is controlled by a simple hydraulic circuit, capable of easily switching the flow rate and also capable of finely adjusting the flow rate. The circuit has directional control valves (2-4, 6-8), pressure compensating valves (17, 18) disposed at outlet ports of each of the directional control valves, load sensing valves (23, 24) for controlling discharges from the variable capacity type main hydraulic pumps (1, 5), and circuits (21, 22) for feeding back the maximum valve of load pressure between each actuator and the associated direction control valve to the pressure compensating valves and the load sensing valves via a shuttle valve (20). A directional control valve (4), which controls the attachment, has a restricting element for restricting an opening area of a spool of the directional control valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly for the supply of users in hydraulic control systems with pressurized fluid for the load pressure (LS) independent control of several simultaneously actuated hydraulic users wherein the ratio of the partial flows once set is maintained at undersupply of the system with the pressurized fluid. When the demand of the users exceeds the maximum output flow of the variable displacement pump, the (high) priority users receive the demanded quantity whereas the low priority users receive a reduced quantity by switching the control pressure for the low (i.e. no) priority users via a directional control valve and a pressure relief valve to a lower pressure level. Only when undersupply of the entire system occurs, i.e. when the maximum output flow of the variable displacement pump is no more sufficient despite the limitation of the control pressure for the low priority users, then the presently flowing partial flows of all users are reduced proportionally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic system for hydraulic operators for delivering pressurized fluid to a blower drive means and to the hydraulic operators of a hydraulic machine, comprising a variable delivery pump, control valves connecting the hydraulic operators and the blower drive means to the pump, a temperature responsive pressure valve for setting a temperature-proportional control pressure in the pressure line between the blower drive means and the respective control valve, wherein the control valve is subjected to the pressure in the control line in a sense to open the control valve, and a flow volume regulator associated to the variable delivery pump which regulator is subjected via a load sensing line by the load pressure occuring at the hydraulic operators or in the blower drive means depending on which pressure is higher.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure at a desired level. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propellers are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.

Abstract: In a combined liquid natural gas and compressed natural gas fueling station, liquid natural gas is stored in a cryogenic tank and dispensed to vehicles on demand. Compressed natural gas is produced on demand from the liquid natural gas by a high-efficiency pump and vaporizer system and dispensed directly to vehicles or stored for later dispensing. For greater efficiency, the pump and vaporizer system is powered by combustion of natural gas, including gas bled off to relieve pressure from the cryogenic tank.

Abstract: The process for the recovery of light hydrocarbon fractions from off-gases derived from the transfer of petroleum material, particularly from a marine loading operation. One process comprises introducing the off-gases containing a light hydrocarbon fraction to be recovered into a refrigerated absorbent column through a liquid ring compressor, employing as a motive fluid a heavy hydrocarbon fraction, recovering a bottom stream from the absorber column having the heavy oil and the light hydrocarbon fraction, then venting an overhead air stream with a low total hydrocarbon content. The process also includes an integrated process for the recovery of light hydrocarbon fractions from off-gases and includes, in addition to a refrigerated absorber column, a recovery stripper column for the removal of the light hydrocarbon fraction from the bottom liquid of the absorber column and the recovery and recycling of a heavy hydrocarbon fraction for use in the absorber column and with the liquid ring compressor.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously providing both high and low purity oxygen from a double column, double reboiler apparatus, the double columns being high and low pressure columns, the low pressure column having a lower and upper reboiler with an intermediate outlet in between, which process entails extracting a low purity oxygen stream at the intermediate outlet and a high purity liquid oxygen stream from a bottom portion of the low pressure column.

Abstract: A room air environment conditioner for conditioning and improving the air quality in a room. The apparatus includes an enclosed cabinet containing growing plants on trays filled with water to facilitate sprouting and growing of said plants without dirt or sand. The cabinet is separated into light and dark portions to permit regulated growth of said plants. The trays holding the plants have perforated covers upon which are placed a porous material to hold the seeds and the trays are first placed in the dark portion of the cabinet. Once the seeds sprout with roots they are transferred to the lighted portion of the cabinet to grow and generate oxygen. There is an air ionizer located within the cabinet and also a holder containing various chemicals or powders with curative components. A fan blows air through a wetted filter and the cabinet thus changing the oxygen and ionization content of the air in the room, cooling the air and introducing curative powders into the room.