Abstract: An improved head is provided for an apparatus which places a stopper in the opening of a filled container. The head has a sleeve which includes an inflatable bladder for receiving the end of the filled container and for temporarily sealing the periphery of the container around the opening. A housing is disposed over the sleeve. The housing has a top surface and defines an access passage which communicates between the top surface and the inside of the sleeve. The stopper is subsequently inserted into the container through the access passage. The housing defines a chamber around the access passage, and the chamber communicates with the access passage. A conduit projects from the housing top surface in communication with the chamber, and vacuum can be drawn through the conduit.

Abstract: A toner cartridge recharging tool has a base that includes a workholder to receive and prevent significant axial movement of a toner cartridge. There is also a guide slot mount and a swivel arm mount attached to the base. The toner cartridge is inserted between a pair of receiving members and the adhesive strip seal is wrapped over the insertion tongue. The tongue guide shoe and the tongue itself are fit into the two guide slots and the swivel arms are engaged with a protrusion on the tongue guide shoe. Movement of the arm thus forces the insertion tongue into the thin slit in the side of the toner cartridge and, when the movement of the arm or arms is reversed, the adhesive strip seal is left in place.

Abstract: A work head changer is disclosed which automatically changes a capping head used in a rotary multicapper or a filling nozzle in a rotary filler. A controller controls the rotation of a rotatable body of the rotary multicapper, for example, thus bringing the individual capping heads to a stop successively and intermittently at a predetermined work head replacement position. In case of the rotary multicapper, each capping head is detachably mounted on the rotatable body through a connection. A work head delivery mechanism removes a capping head which is brought to a stop at the work head replacement position from the connection, and attaches a capping head of another variety which has been stored in a stocker to the connection at an empty location from which the capping head has been removed.

Abstract: A rivet feed system which includes a base feeder assembly (28), having a rivet passageway (30) extending lengthwise therethrough. The base feeder assembly (28) includes cutout regions to receive rivet injectors (24) which are moved in operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an opening (80) in the injectors (24) forms a part of the passageway (30) through the base feeder assembly (28), while in the second position, the opening (80) is positioned directly beneath a vertically oriented rivet cartridge (22) to receive a rivet therefrom. The passageway (30) is connected to a source of pressurized air (32) which moves rivets therealong to a rivet machine or the like. The plurality of cartridges (22) positioned along the base feeder assembly contain rivets of various selected sizes.

Abstract: A packaging machine with a flite adjustment mechanism for readily changing the distance between a rearward and a forward set of flites where a flits head shaft is coupled by a chain to a slave shaft by a phase adjuster. The flight head shaft drives a pair of outboard flite sprockets and chains. The slave shaft drives an independently rotating hub which drives a pair of inboard chains via inboard flits sprockets, which are driven at approximately the same speed as and angularly deflected from a pair of outer sprockets. Spacing of the flites is changed by adjustment of a phase adjuster. A splined network also allows for adjustment to accommodate different flits lengths.

Abstract: Cap holder means which holds the inner peripheral surface of a cap has an outer diameter which may be shrunk to a value less than and expanded to another value greater than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap. When the cap holder means assumes a shrunk condition in which the outer diameter thereof is less than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap, the cap holder means is capable of smoothly receiving a cap from a cap feeder. Upon receiving a cap, the cap holder means may be changed to an expanded condition presenting an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the cap, thereby allowing caps of any varying internal diameter to be centered with respect to the cap holder means. This allows a smooth delivery of the cap from the cap holder means to a capping head.

Abstract: A decorative covering for a flower pot where a sheet of material is extended about an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a band is secured about a portion of the sheet of material to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material for cooperating to hold the sheet of material in the position extending about the flower pot to provide the decorative covering.

Abstract: A novel process provides an inflatable bag for filling the void and particularly head space of partially filled boxes, the bag comprising an air chamber therein and manufactured from a single sheet of linear, low density polyethylene folded and heat sealed with a first end seam, a second end seam, and an upper end seam, and the bag including a check valve traversing the upper seam, the valve in communication at one valve terminus with the air chamber and in communication with the exterior of the bag at a second valve terminus.

Abstract: A method for setting a folding station included in an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed. This apparatus further comprises a document-supply station, an envelope-inserter station, transport means interconnecting these stations and setting means for setting at least the folding machine. For setting the fold height of a fold to be formed in a document or stack of documents, data are inputted to the setting means, these data representing the height of an envelope intended as a package for the document or the stack of documents. The fold height is determined and set by the setting means, at least partly depending on the inputted data representing the height of the envelope. The invention enables rapid and reliable setting of a folding station of an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed. The invention further relates to an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed, adapted for carrying out the present method and a folding station adapted for use as a part thereof.

Abstract: A package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil is filled with granular material and the filled package, placed in a holder with flat sidewalls, is vacuumized internally and closed. According to the invention, a relief element is mounted in a wall of a pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls of the holder. The relief element is pressed against the filled package supported by the sidewalls of the holder for the purpose of providing the package with a relief. The relief element depresses the filling locally without essentially changing the shape of the package. The formation of the relief occurs at a time when the pressure difference between the exterior and the interior of the package is less than the pressure difference prevailing when the closed vacuum package is arranged in an atmospheric environment. Thus, at that time, the filling is softer than the hardness of the filling when it is subject to the pressure difference mentioned last.

Abstract: An improved shrink tunnel having an upper secondary conveyor in spaced relation to a lower main conveyor adapted to compress a wrapped product during an initial period of the product's journey through the shrink tunnel. In the preferred embodiment an outer drive roller is suspended over the main conveyor by an adjustable actuator arm with an inside idle roller being rotatably attached to the outside drive roller. Thus, the weight of the idle roller and side frame bars provide the compression. In operation a wrapped product is delivered to the main conveyor which conveys the product through the shrink tunnel. Prior to entering the shrink tunnel the upper surface of the wrapped product comes in contact with the secondary conveyor. The weight of idle roller and the side frames compress the package. During this time, the shrink wrap on the sides of the package is being shrunk by the heat. Upon leaving the secondary conveyor the shrink wrap on the top and bottom is exposed to the heat and is shrunk.

Abstract: A method for discontinuous delivery of products, such as tubes or capsules supplied continuously by a production facility to a delivery station of a machine. A box-filling installation, for example, is located at the delivery station. The machine has two carriages guided along the same path. While the first carriage which is moved in steps is loaded at the transfer station, the second carriage is already at the delivery station, where it is unloaded and subsequently rapidly moved on until it again abuts the carriage. Thus, loading of the carriages at the transfer station can take place continuously. So that the carriages can perform the movement cycles, such as step-by-step movement, driving, stopping, rapidly moving on until connection with the other carriage, independently of each other, an individual drive is provided for each one of the two carriages.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined count and/or weight of objects into a receptacle includes a conveyor, an object sensor, a controller, a trickle-feed conveyor, and a receptacle conveyor. The conveyor conveys the objects and has at least one grouping assembly which is capable of capturing a group of objects and supporting that group of objects during conveyance. The object sensor is disposed to detect the presence of each of the groups of objects prior to discharge and relays information relating to the number of objects within each group of objects. The controller communicates with the object sensor, monitors the information relayed, generates instructions, and tracks the location of each grouping assembly from detection to discharge into the receptacle. The controller also monitors the number of objects in each group of objects discharged into the receptacle.

Abstract: A clip for mounting top panels of vinyl siding is formed from a continuous strip of metal with three contiguous portions joined by respective bights defining a pair of oppositely directed resilient panel gripping portions. One of the resilient portions engages the top panel and the other engages the next to top panel in such fashion as to allow limited relative float of the panels.

Abstract: Due to variations in the thickness of the film used in wrapping packaged product and various other reasons, the wrapping film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., occasionally causes uneven pulling on the film with resultant turning around or twisting of the film on the packaged product, which causes a breakdown in the wrapping operation. Such breakdowns are avoided by placing on each side of the film wrapping apparatus, a film tracking, preferably electrostatic, probe appropriately spaced from the film so as to position an electrostatic charge thereon. If the film tries to creep sideways, one side of the film is exposed much more to the static generating cone on that side and less on the other. The resultant static friction forces built up on one side of the film and less on the opposite side cause the film to creep towards the side with less static friction build up until the static forces on both sides become equal and cure or avoid the twisting procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for preventing theft of riding saddles (12) includes a one-piece, rigid lock device (34) and a padlock (36). The lock device (34) is formed by a finished steel rod having one end bent into a circular shape to form a ring (40) having an extension (42) integrally secured and extending therefrom. The ring (40) is of a size for placement around the saddle horn (16) and for abutment with the saddle body (14). The extension (42) extends through the opening (20) in the saddle body (14) when the ring (40) is received on the saddle horn (16) and adjacent to a bar (28) of a saddle rack (22). A series of apertures (44) are formed in the extension (42) for slideable receipt of the legs of the clasp (38) of the padlock (36). Additionally, the clasp (38) of the padlock (36) extends around the bar (28) of the saddle rack (22) to anchor the lock device (34) to the saddle rack (22).

Abstract: A tandem running gear on a self-propelled agricultural machine, in particular a combine, where in the front a drive axle (1) and on both sides thereof swing arms (3, 3A) are disposed under the chassis (2). The swing arms (3, 3A) can be charged by hydraulic work cylinders (8, 8A) in such a way that a respectively preset wheel load distribution between the drive wheels (5, 5A; 6, 6A) and the steered wheels (7, 7A) is attained using a measuring and control device for the hydraulic device.

Abstract: A self-adjustable mobile force balanced grape and raisin harvester is disclosed having a pair of driven oscillating shaker heads mounted on sub-frames enabling each shaker head to center itself on the row of grape vines being harvested even when the foliage of the vines are not aligned in a linear path. The harvester is also provided with a pair of stretchable belts mounted on interconnected plastic chain links for reliably transporting grapes or raisins to an elongated discharge conveyor which is positioned transversely when collecting and discharging grapes from the harvester and is pivoted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when moving along roadways.

Abstract: A truck fitted with a rear loading compactor in combination with a system of equipment facilitates the picking up of leaves from City streets. Compaction of the leaves allows more carrying capacity and fewer trips to the dump thus improving efficiency. The leaves are raked into the gutters by property owners. A two-man operation, the truck driver operates a sweep mechanism from the cab of the truck. The driver lowers the sweep and as he drives forward the leaves are windrowed allowing the truck's wheels to straddle the row. As the truck moves the row emerges from under the rear of the compactor and is loaded by one of three different types of loaders; a belt loader, a drum loader or a scoop loader. Each type has its own particular attributes. The second operator rides a side platform and raises and lowers the loader from operating position to running position. The running position is used when hunting new leaf piles or taking a load to the City's compost.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a yarn and processing the resultant end of the separated yarn comprising a controllably rotatable abrasive element (1) disposed between two yarn-tensioning mechanisms (2,3) which hold the yarn in position and under tension for engagement with an abrasive surface of the abrasive element. The abrasive element (1) is mounted stationary with respect to the yarn-tensioning mechanism (2,3) such that the yarn 4 can be wrapped around the abrasive element (1) at a predetermined angle of wrap (.alpha.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to convey spinning cans from a first into a second position by a movable traveller. The traveller intersects the projection of housing sections and/or of the can guides on the plane of the movement of the traveller. An actuating device for a switch is installed in the direction of movement of the traveller between the traveller and the projection on the housing section and/or the can guide to stop the movement of the traveller.

Abstract: A winding method for winding a yarn by mounting and removing a defining guide on and from a yarn guide of a drum winder, wherein the defining guide defines a movement of a yarn in one direction according to a winding width and the drum winder has a normal traverse drum and a yarn guide provided at the section via which the yarn is fed to the traverse drum.

Abstract: An elongate and arcuately curved yarn heating plate of the type adapted for use in a false twist yarn crimping machine which utilizes a specific relationship between the curvature of the heating plate and the heat imparted to the yarn so as to permit the length of the heating plate to be shortened as compared to conventional lengths. More particularly, the present invention involves the shortening of the radius of curvature of the heating plate from known and accepted values, which has been found to permit the length of the heating plate to be shortened while still providing adequate heat transfer to the yarn.

Abstract: An adapter is used to connect a conventional lamp shade finial to a pull chain for a fan or the like. The adapter has a length of bead chain, and a threaded member on one end of the chain. A larger bead prevents the threaded member from coming off the chain; and, the threaded member is sized to be received by the standard base for a lamp shade finial. A lip on the threaded member limits the insertion of the threaded member into the finial base. The other end of the length of bead chain has a connector to connect the adapter to the existing pull chain, and this may be a conventional bead chain connector.

Abstract: An active cooling mechanism for a turbine disk is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which disclose a turbine section having a rotor assembly, a disk with an attachment means, a radially movable heat shield disposed therebetween, and a cooling passage which directs cooling air over the forward surface and radially outer surface of the attachment means. During operation, rotational forces urge the heat shield radially outward to create a gap between the heat shield and the attachment means, the gap defining a portion of the cooling passage.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a gas turbine combustor obtains a stable combustion with limited NOx emission through a control of a fuel flow rate according to a turbine output and a control of a flow rate of intake air mixed with the fuel.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for high pressure treatment of wastes without the addition of excess oxygen and without interference by corrosive deposits. Waste materials are suspended or dissolved in a processing fluid. The pressure of the fluid is raised to a pressure in the range of from about 70 psig to about 5,000 psig. A boiler is then used to heat the high pressure fluid to temperatures above the critical temperature. Solids within the boiler participate in fluidized bed particle scrubbing technology in order to minimize the fouling and corrosion occurring within the boilers during heating. From at least a portion of the vapors produced by the heating in the boiler, net energy output is produced. Useful byproducts can be produced from the vapors.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed having an air compressor and a generally annular combustion chamber, with a generally annular diffuser located between the compressor and the combustion chamber so as to direct air exiting from the compressor toward the combustion chamber. The diffuser has inner and outer walls and defines an exit which is located adjacent to an opening in an upstream wall portion of the combustion forming a dome cowl. The dome cowl divides the air emanating from the diffuser exit into a primary air stream passing through the opening and one or more secondary air streams which pass between the walls defining the combustion chamber and the walls of a casing enclosing the combustion chamber assembly. A guide is associated with the diffuser for directing water in the air passing through the diffuser away from the opening such that it will not pass directly into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A spacecraft has, in addition to redundant thrusters T3, T4 prime thrusters T1 or T2 arranged to be operated one at a time which are supplied with propellant 1 via valves V1 and V2. The thrusters are of the kind in which energy is transferred to the propellant by employing electrodes which create a current flow path through the propellant gas. A single power supply PSU1 provides power to several electrically-powered thrusters. It is connected such that when actuated all the thrusters to which it is connected become charged. However, only the thruster which receives propellant is able to carry current as the propellant forms part of the current carrying circuit, and this thruster therefore draws power. This technique allows the use of a single power supply for several thrusters while eliminating or minimizing the necessity to switch power from one thruster to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a general method for increasing the energy conversion from metal-containing rocket and ramjet propellants. According to the invention, this is achieved by means of combining the combustion of the fuel with exothermic intermetallic alloying reactions between components incorporated in the fuel.The invention also concerns rocket and ramjet propellants formulated in accordance with the abovementioned method.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor includes a solid propellant fuel grain component which incorporates fuel strengthening agents or mechanical retention devices. In one embodiment, the hybrid fuel formulation is a modified elastomeric polyurethane reaction product based on a liquid hydroxyl-terminated homopolymer of butadiene. A reinforcing agent is added which increases the tensile and tear strength of the grain by 50%. By so strengthening the grain, separation of the grain during the last portion of the burn is minimized. In a second exemplary embodiment, mechanical web stiffeners are provided in the form of a core configuration about which the fuel grain is cast. The web stiffeners are in the form of an open tetrahexagonal truss structure which mechanically traps and adheres to the fuel and becomes an integral part of the fuel grain geometry. In both embodiments, the integrity of the webs is maintained throughout the burn.

Abstract: A rocket engine protection system for a recoverable rocket booster which is arranged to land in a salt water body for recovery. The system includes an inflatable water impermeable elastomeric bladder that may be fabricated of a silicone impregnated woven Kevlar material and which is stowed in a deflated condition on a rotatable arm that is journalled to the lower portion of the nozzle of a liquid rocket booster. The deflated bladder and the rotatable arm are protected by a pod cover that is hinged to the outer portion on the nozzle. During the controlled descent of the liquid rocket booster by parachute for landing in a salt water body the pod cover is released and opened upwardly by a gas cylinder actuator. The rotatable arm which is biased by a torsion spring is then permitted to rotate around to position the deflated bladder in a deployed position within the interior of the lower portion of the nozzle. The bladder is then inflated to form a plug within the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for regulating an Otto engine and for checking a catalyst connected downstream of the engine includes measuring at least a quantity of one component of an exhaust gas leaving an Otto engine before the exhaust gas enters a catalyst connected downstream of the engine, and measuring a quantity of at least two components of the exhaust gas after the exhaust gas leaves the catalyst. An apparatus for regulating the engine unit and checking the catalyst includes a lambda sensor disposed in the exhaust line between the engine unit and the catalyst. A first line is connected to the lambda sensor. A diagnosis and engine control unit is connected to the first line for receiving output signals of the lambda sensor. A sensor unit is downstream of the output of the catalyst. A second line delivers output signals of the sensor unit to the diagnosis and engine control unit. A third line delivers output signals of the diagnosis and engine control unit to the engine unit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring catalytic activity of a catalytic converter through which exhaust gas can flow in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes measuring a temperature at least at two temperature measuring sensors and periodically repeatedly determining a temperature measuring variable from signals issued by the sensors during operation of the engine with an engine monitoring system. According to one method, the sensors are spaced apart in flow direction in or near the catalytic converter, the temperature measuring variable is averaged over a sufficiently long period of engine operation to average out special strains and form a mean temperature value, catalytic activity is ascertained by comparing the mean temperature value with a predetermined limit value, and a report is issued if the mean temperature value does not correspond to the limit value.

Abstract: A catalytic converter is mounted at the exhaust gas outlet of a muffler for a two or four-cycle internal combustion engine of the type having one or two cylinders such as those used for lawn and garden equipment. The catalytic converter is located exteriorly of the muffler body in the path of the exhaust gases for oxidizing and/or reducing exhaust gas components subsequent to their discharge from the muffler. Secondary air supply is provided upstream of the catalyst within the converter by mounting the catalytic converter to provide a gap between the converter and the muffler body. Alternately, secondary air is provided by at least one opening formed in the converter upstream of the catalyst which communicates between the interior of the converter and atmosphere.

Abstract: A burner for heating an exhaust gas stream is disclosed having a combustor head with a fuel/air charge preparation apparatus comprising a fuel nozzle and dual vortex atomizer. The charge preparation apparatus is mounted on one side of a base member or partitioning member having an outlet through which the atomized fuel and air pass to a combustor chamber defined by a combustor tube fixed to a second side of the partition. The combustor tube has an ignitor and outlets for the burning fuel/air mixture. The outlets have flow directing louvers which function to direct the output in a predetermined direction to optimize mixing of the burner output with an exhaust gas stream. The combustor head is mounted through an opening in a housing which positions the combustor tube outlets in the exhaust stream.

Abstract: The present invention, firstly, lowers the lower end of pump shaft to lower the belt transmitting mechanism to thereby provide the axle driving system for the integral hydraulic transmission matching with the running vehicle of lower floor system, which is concretely the L-like-shaped center section fixed within the axle casing, so that the upper surface of the horizontal portion of the L-like-shaped center section is used as the pump mounting surface 3b, the position of which is set lower than the fixedly junction surface of the axle casing. The present invention, secondly, provides the axle driving system which is capable of quickly putting the hydraulic transmission at the axle casing in the operable state when assembled. Concretely, at the center section in the axle casing are provided the second charge ports 3s and 3t which can manually supply operating oil into the closed circuit from the exterior of the axle casing.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system for increasing the thermodynamic efficiency of internal combustion engines. In the system of the invention, the unused heat generated during normal engine operation in the exhaust gases, lubricating oil and engine coolant is utilized to compress air which produces additional energy that performs additional work in the engine system by means of a modified Rankine cycle. This same system used to maximize efficiency and increase power also acts to reduce pollutants in the exhaust emissions.

Abstract: An electric generating power plant and a method of operation thereof wherein the boiler (1) produces steam to a turbine driven-generator (2), carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas emitted from the boiler is simultaneously absorbed in an absorbing solution in an absorber (7), the absorbing solution with the absorbed carbon dioxide is passed through a regenerator (10) where the carbon dioxide is stripped from the absorbing solution, the regenerated absorbing solution is returned to the absorber (7), and steam from either the boiler (1) or turbine of the turbine-driven generator (2) is supplied to a reboiler (13) to provide heat for operation of the regenerator (10). During periods of high demand for electric power steam extraction from the boiler or turbine is discontinued, operation of the regenerator (10) is discontinued and the absorbing solution from the absorber (7) is stored in a first storage unit (15).

Abstract: An engine is provided which, in at least one cylinder or combustion area, is provided with a hydrocarbon rich fuel which produces upon combustion an exhaust gas containing unburned hydrocarbons, water vapor and carbon monoxide. The exhaust gas is treated in a catalytic converter and the reaction process that occurs therein produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide which is mixed with air to form a hydrocarbon lean, hydrogen enriched mixture. The mixture is subsequently ignited in other cylinders or combustion areas of the engine to produce power.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor of the pre-mixed combustion system in which the pre-mixed fuel and the air are combusted. The gas turbine combustor comprises main cylindrical nozzles provided in the end wall on the upstream side of a cylindrical combustion chamber, auxiliary nozzles formed to surround the main nozzles, a main pre-mixed gas supply for supplying a pre-mixed gas to the main nozzles, and an auxiliary pre-mixed gas supply for supplying a pre-mixed gas having an fuel/air ratio smaller than that of the main pre-mixed gas to the auxiliary nozzles, and wherein it is allowed to stably burn a lean pre-mixed gas having an fuel/air ratio of greater than 1 from a low-load condition through and up to a high-load condition of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system (10) incorporates a fuel splitter valve assembly (30) including a first valve (40) having a selectively positionable spool (42) disposed therein for controllably metering fuel flow therethrough for delivery to a first combustion chamber (22) and a second valve (50) operative to pass a second portion of the fuel flow to a second combustion chamber (24) while maintaining at least a desired minimum pressure upstream of the first valve (40) whenever the second combustion chamber is in operation, and to shut-off fuel flow to the second combustion chamber whenever the second combustion chamber is not in operation.

Abstract: A tube assembly, such as a flame tube for a gas turbine plant, includes a tube segment having an inner region for guiding a hot gas in one flow direction. A heat shield faces toward the inner region and includes a plurality of bricks being disposed side by side. At least one metal support frame supports the heat shield. The support frame has a plurality of conduits for supplying a cooling gas and a lip encompassing the tube segment and substantially covering the conduits toward the inner region leaving a slit for conducting the cooling gas from the conduits past the lip to the inner region.

Abstract: A thermoelectrically controlled cavity (22) is provided in a body (13) that is adaptable to be inserted into a cigarette lighter socket (14) with a jack (12). The cavity (22) has disposed therein thermoelectric cooling elements (26) that are operable to pump heat from a heat spreader plate to a heat sink (18) to maintain the temperature in the cavity (22) at a lower temperature than the automobile cab in which the socket (18) is disposed.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cylinder containing a bed of adsorbent material and a gas, e.g. carbon dioxide. A piston compresses the gas which is adsorbed by the adsorbent material and the heat of adsorption is dissipated by fins to atmosphere. The piston, when retracted, decompresses the gas which desorbs from the adsorbent material. Repeated compression and decompression of the gas causes a cold zone to be created within the material which is thermally linked to a location to be refrigerated.

Abstract: The efficiency of a thermoacoustic device including a gas-filled, elongated resonator tube (10), an acoustic driver (16) and a tube (10) for establishing a standing wave therein, an elongated stack (20) within the tube (10) having opposite (24, 26) spaced from the driver (16) can be increased with first and second heat exchangers (28, 30) in proximity to the stack (20) at each end (24, 26) thereof where each of the heat exchangers comprises at least one tube (56, 70) formed into a plurality of spaced runs (58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82). The tubes (56, 70) have an inlet (96) and an outlet (102) spaced therefrom and fins (94) are bonded to the tubes (56, 70) in the spaces between the runs (58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82).

Abstract: A system for producing liquid nitrogen from a nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon stream wherein excess refrigeration existing in a nitrogen rejection unit or in an integrated nitrogen rejection unit-helium rejection unit system is utilized to effectively generate a liquid nitrogen product stream.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system that includes a plurality of refrigerant storage containers, each having a refrigerant inlet port and facility for indicating quantity of refrigerant in the container. A refrigerant recovery unit for withdrawing refrigerant from equipment under service includes an outlet port and internal control for enabling operation of the refrigerant recovery unit to provide a flow of recovered refrigerant at the outlet port withdrawn from the equipment under service. A refrigerant flow control manifold connects the refrigerant recovery unit to the plurality of storage containers. The flow control manifold includes control electronics responsive to indication of refrigerant quantity in the several containers for automatically connecting the outlet port of the recovery unit to each of the plurality of containers as quantity of refrigerant in each container in turn reaches a preselected level.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a method for defrosting an inner door of a laboratory freezer having (a) a plurality of inner doors, each closing a separate compartment, and (b) an outer door covering the inner doors. The method includes the steps of opening the outer door, removing at least one inner door, closing the outer door and defrosting the removed inner door. In that way, an inner door is defrosted without disturbing the contents of the freezer and, particularly, the contents of the compartment from which the door is removed. Optionally, the freezer user may keep a spare inner compartment door on hand and use it to immediately replace the removed door before closing the outer door. Door defrosting steps and a new hinge mechanism facilitating quick door removal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is provided having a refrigeration system including means to enable automatic defrosting of the evaporator that is located in the compartment where food products are maintained at a temperature that is below the freezing point of water. The system includes a defrosting evaporator located exteriorly of the freezer compartment and connected in series flow relationship with the freezer evaporator whereby refrigerant first flows through the defrost evaporator and then through the freezer evaporator. The system includes means for applying heat to the defrost evaporator at periodic intervals of time to elevate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the freezer evaporator to a level above the freezing point of water. In one embodiment, this heat is obtained from an electrical resistance heating element disposed in heat-transferring relationship to the defrost evaporator.