Abstract: This invention provides an arcuate frame rib for the frame of a covered shelter. The arcuate rib includes an adjustable and pivotal base mounting at each end of the arc. The rib is formed by sections of tubing joined by a rigid coupler having an angled upper member with tube receivers at both ends to slideably receive the tubular sections, a lower member with tube guides at both ends to slideably receive and guide the tubular sections received in the tube receivers and a central body member joining the upper and lower members. The lower member generally includes a reinforcement that carries a double assembly pin receiving tab. Rib braces generally connect the lower members of successive rigid couplers to support the rib by being pinned to the double pin receiving tabs. For further reinforcement, there are generally knee braces formed of knee tubing strengthened by a gussett plate and clamped to the rib braces.

Abstract: Principal members of structures are manufactured as foldable assemblies of like size and shape structural members, foldable for handling, packaging, shipping, and storage, and unfolded into their respective principal member configurations. Each like size and shape structural member has its opposite end surfaces formed on a sixty degree bias, whereby one longitudinal edge surface is longer than the other opposite edge surface, thereby creating opposite trapezoidal side surfaces. Each of these members has two spaced holes formed along its centerline, and each of these holes is equally spaced from a respective bias end. Regarding relative design dimensions, the respective longitudinal centerline length of each like size and shaped structural member is given the formula dimension, L, then the space between holes, X, is equal to 0.464L, and the space from each hole to centerline end, Y, is equal to 0.268L.

Abstract: A thermal barrier apparatus and process for fabricating same, wherein the apparatus provides insulation between two or more juxtaposed frame members which may be simultaneously exposed to different temperatures and environmental conditions. A stretchable attachment strip, which is stretched to a reduced insertion shape, is at least partially inserted within corresponding strip acceptance channels of the two or more juxtaposed frame members. After the attachment strip has been properly inserted, there is a recovery step during which the stretched attachment strip recovers back towards a recovered restraining shape which not only binds the juxtaposed frame members together, but which also results in a contiguous but thermally broken profile.

Abstract: The closure device includes a roll of heat-fusible strip material, an end-of-strip support member, a receptacle placing member for placing successive receptacles at a receptacle closure location facing the end-of-strip support member, a weld head disposed above a placed receptacle, a grasping member disposed facing the end-of-strip support member, and a drive member disposed relative to the receptacle closure location on a side opposite to the end-of-strip support member.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a closure bonding material disposed thereon and a reinforcing member associated with the sheet of material. The sheet of material is wrapped about a floral grouping to provide a wrapper. The reinforcing member cooperates to provide reinforcing member rigidity to the wrapper for preventing damage during movement when the wrapper is packed in a carton.

Abstract: An improved shock-reducing saddle pad comprising a layer of polyurethane foam having an upper side to which is attached a T-shaped pocket. Inside the T-shaped pocket there is a plastic-encased impact dispersing gel mold. A cover material is placed over the entire upper side of the layer of polyurethane foam, including the T-shaped pocket filled with the gel mold. To the under side of the layer of polyurethane foam there is attached a layer of a lightweight, elastomeric rubber which, while also absorbing downwardly directed impact forces, conforms to the contour of the horse's back, preventing slippage of the saddle pad and saddle, though not absorbing sweat.

Abstract: An equine athletic boot includes a panel of shock absorbing material that is wrapped around the lower leg of a horse above and below the fetlock. The panel is shaped in such a way that when so wrapped, the lower end of the boot is higher on the front side of the leg to allow full forward extension of the pastern, and slants down and below the fetlock for full protection thereof. Carried by the panel is an inflatable U-shaped tubular bladder. When the boot is properly positioned on the leg, the two vertical portions of the bladder align with the indentations formed between the flexor tendons and canon bone. When inflated, the bladder fills the forementioned indentations resulting in substantially uniform pressure around the full circumference of the leg. In addition, the closed end of the U-shaped bladder is disposed underneath the fetlock providing support and protection of the seismoid bones.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the height of a vehicle, by rotating the angle of a base shaft eccentrically supporting a support shaft. Wheels are fitted to a support shaft eccentrically connected to a base shaft rotatably supported by bearings disposed on push-pull type electric mowing machine. One of the ends of a connecting member is fixed to the core of the base shaft and an adjustment device is fitted to the other end of the connecting member. Alternatively, a base shaft is supported concentrically and rotatably at the core of a composite shaft type mowing machine in such a manner as to protrude from both end portions of a rotary shaft. The base shaft is rotatably supported by an apparatus main body at both end portions of the base shaft and eccentrically with respect to the base shaft, and wheels are fitted to both end portions of the support shaft. An adjustment pulley is fixed to the base shaft either inside or outside the bearings. The position of the height is adjusted by controlling this adjustment member.

Abstract: A vegetable topper for cutting the leafy tops off of tubers, such as onions, after they have been uprooted from the field. The topper is mounted on a wheeled moveable frame towed by a tractor, which uses a vacuum to lift the tops and snip them off. The power for the vacuum fan and topping operation is derived from a power take-off of the tractor. The shearing means comprises a linearly reciprocating sickle blade whose height relative to the oncoming tops is optimally predetermined for a shearing type of cut for varying sizes of onions, providing maximum efficiency. The sheared tops are substantially mulched into fine particles within a fan in the vacuum system and dispersed to the side of the topper. A conveyor system lifts the untopped onions into proximity with the fan and sickle blades and consolidates already topped onions into a reduced area.

Abstract: A mulching mower has at least one generally enclosed cutting chamber in which a rotatable cutting blade is carried for rotation in a generally horizontal cutting plane. A sidewall defines the circumferential boundary of the cutting chamber and the grass clippings exit the cutting chamber through an open bottom side thereof. An attachment is abutted against the bottom of the blade and is secured thereto by the same attachment bolt that holds the blade to the engine drive shaft to provide a plurality of winglets that rotate in unison with the blade. The winglets include forwardly inclined grass deflecting surfaces that extend over an inner portion of each blade half and help evacuate the grass clippings from the cutting chamber. The tip portions of the blade may also be cut away or chamfered in the range of 7.degree.-15.degree. relative to a square radial tip configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary lawn mower blade that is designed to make multiple cuts of grass or other material being cut as the lawn mower blade is advanced over a cutting area. This is achieved by providing a generally upturned cutting edge about each end of the lawn mower blade. Because the cutting edge is inclined outwardly and upwardly, it follows that the grass or other material being cut will be progressively cut and recut as the mower blade passes over underlying material to be cut.

Abstract: A method of threading in a false twisting machine, capable of surely attracting the free end of a yarn by suction and of preventing the yarn from slacking during a threading operation. A traveling doffer travels along a false twisting machine which oils yarn with oiling rollers and takes up the oiled yarns in yarn packages. During the doffing operation, the free end of the yarn extending on the delivery side of the oiling roller is sucked, while the yarn is separated from the oiling roller.

Abstract: A device for handling wound bobbins which are wound on a spinning machine includes an attending device which is moveable along the spinning machine from one wound bobbin to another. A tending device includes a lever which carries a gripping mechanism, for swinging the gripping mechanism toward and away from a wound bobbin. The gripping mechanism has gripping arms which can be spread for receiving a wound bobbin and then brought together for grasping a wound bobbin. The gripping mechanism can then rotate the arms through 180.degree. and the lever can move the mechanism over a conveyor to deposit the wound bobbin onto the conveyor in the same orientation, whether the bobbin was removed from the spinning machine from one side or from an opposite side.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning machine with several spinning stations, which each comprise a drafting unit, and with depositing sites for cans containing sliver, transport devices are provided for transporting the slivers from the cans to the drafting units. The transport devices as well as the drafting units comprise devices which can interrupt the transport of an individual sliver.

Abstract: An armband is formed by the succession of central elements 3, intermediate elements 2 and lateral elements 1. Each central element 3 include at each of its ends two fixing pins 13, crossing distinct intermediate elements 2. The ends of these fixing pins 13 are located on the same side of the central element 3, being axially retained into the outside element 1 by rider 19 which authorises a relative rotation of these fixing pins 13 with respect to the outside elements 1.

Abstract: A method for providing both starting power and thermal management requirements of a vehicle incorporating a gas turbine engine by using the same unit to alternately provide both starting power and cooling air.

Abstract: In a method of operating a gas turbine group (34) with or without integrated steam process (20) and with or without an air reservoir installation (20), a series connection with one and the same air mass flow (16, 17) is used for cooling one or more structures (15, 18, 19) which are in effective connection with the mass flow of the gas turbine group (34), the cooling air mass flow being extracted from a position which has a sufficiently low temperature.

Abstract: A combustor liner segment includes a panel having four sidewalls forming a rectangular outer perimeter. A plurality of integral supporting lugs are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the panel and extend from respective ones of the four sidewalls. A plurality of integral bosses are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the panel and extend from respective ones of the four sidewalls, with the bosses being shorter than the lugs. In one embodiment, the lugs extend through supporting holes in an annular frame for mounting the liner segments thereto, with the bosses abutting the frame for maintaining a predetermined spacing therefrom.

Abstract: The expense of fabricating an annular combustor (10) for a gas turbine is minimized by providing a combustor housing (12) including a generally axially extending sleeve (14) and an annular liner (18) disposed within the housing (12) and about the sleeve (14). The annular liner (18) has concentric inner and outer axially extending walls (20, 22) spaced from the sleeve (14 ) and the housing (12), respectively, and also has a radially extending wall (24) spaced from the housing (12 ) and interconnecting the inner and outer walls (20, 22) at one end to define a combustion chamber (26). The liner (18) is spaced from the housing (12 ) and the sleeve (14 ) to define a compressed air flow path (28) extending from a radially outer compressed air inlet (30) to a radially inner compressed air outlet (32) in communication with the combustion chamber (26) axially remote from the radially extending wall (24).

Abstract: An enclosure containing hot gases cooled by transpiration includes means for applying a cooling fluid, said means comprising a hydraulic calibration sheath applied on the outside face of a porous wall that forms the inside portion of the enclosure, said sheath being made of a material that is proof to the cooling liquid and that is perforated by a multiplicity of microperforations having a distribution density that varies progressively over various different portions of said wall so as to provide greater perforation density wherever the heat flow to be cooled reaching the porous wall is high, and a cooling fluid feed volume formed between the sheath secured to the porous wall and an outer sealing envelope so as to apply a pre-determined flow rate per unit of area to said sheath in various different zones of the wall of the enclosure, spacers being interposed between the hydraulic calibration sheath and the outer sealing envelope.

Abstract: A control system which controls engine air/fuel ratio and provides a measurement of efficiency in the catalytic converter coupled to the engine exhaust. At the end of each of a plurality of test periods, one of three selected ratios of output signals generated from exhaust gas oxygen sensors positioned downstream and upstream of a catalytic converter are sampled and the weighted average of the selected ratio over a plurality of test periods is determined. When the weighted average exceeds a reference ratio, an indication of converter efficiency is provided. Such an indication is also provided when the selected ratio exceeds the weighted average by a preselected amount, such as three standard deviations, for a preselected number of times. The weighted average is reset to the selected ratio when the selected ratio exceeds the weighted average by a preselected amount.

Abstract: A dual-sensor type air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine. A catalytic converter disposed within an exhaust pipe is flanked by first and second upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors 11, 12. An apparatus for detecting deterioration of the catalytic converter includes a deterioration decision circuit 54 for determining deterioration of the catalyst on the basis of at least the second air-fuel ratio sensor signal, a filter circuit 50 for filtering the second sensor signal, and a comparison circuit 51 for comparing the second sensor filtered and unfiltered signals. The deterioration decision circuit compares a deterioration parameter value derived from the result of the comparison with a predetermined value corresponding to a detected operation state of the engine to determine deterioration of the catalyst when the deterioration parameter value exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for controlling an air/fuel ratio of a four-cylinder internal combustion engine. In the system, an actual air/fuel ratio, at least at upstream or downstream of a catalytic converter installed at an exhaust system of the engine, is intentionally oscillated at least either in its amplitude or cycle. A characteristic of a desired air/fuel ratio as a periodic function is established with respect to time such that the desired air/fuel ratio varies at least either at a predetermined amplitude or cycle within a predetermined period. The characteristic is sampled by a time interval determined on the basis of a time interval between TDC crank angle positions of the engine. Each cylinder's desired air/fuel ratio is then determined from the sampled data, and a fuel injection amount for each cylinder is determined from the respective cylinder's desired air/fuel ratios. Fuel is then supplied to each cylinder in response to the determined fuel injection amount.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure system includes a pump and a dry valve situated in the inlet of the pump, the dry valve being actuated by a pilot valve capable of capturing the pressure differentials between inlet and outlet of the pump for shifting the dry valve between opened and closed positions. In the dry operational mode, the pump inlet operates at a pressure below atmospheric, thus providing a pressure differential substantial enough to move the dry valve to an opened position. In the preferred form, the pilot valve is a solenoid actuated two-position, four-way, spring loaded valve. The dry valve is a gate valve directly coupled to a fluid control motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder assembly for use in a variable external pressure envnment is provided. A hydraulic cylinder exposed to the variable external pressure environment has two chambers separated from one another by a piston. Hydraulic fluid fills each of the two chambers. In an "at rest" mode, the hydraulic fluid in the two chambers is pressurized to the variable external pressure. In an "at work" mode, pressure of the hydraulic fluid is selectively varied from the variable external pressure in one of the two chambers such that the piston moves. The entire assembly can be installed between the pressure and outer hulls of a submarine and utilize seawater to equalize the pressure in a balanced power stroke circuit.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine is disclosed having no rotating crank shaft. Each piston rod of the engine is connected to a hydraulic piston and cylinder the output of which drives the rotating output shaft of a hydraulic motor. A take off from the shaft of the hydraulic motor drives an air compressor which feeds compressed air to the combustion chamber through the latter's intake valve. Fuel is mixed with the compressed air before entering the combustion chamber and a conventional spark plug and coil is employed to ignite the fuel/compressed air mixture. The compressed air also is used to actuate the intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder through a solenoid controller. A computer is adapted to send signals to each valve solenoid to control its movement and to each spark plug coil in response to a throttle input and a piston displacement input applied to the computer.

Abstract: An engine including a supercharger wherein a waste gate valve is provided in the bypass passage bypassing the exhaust turbine of the supercharger and the supercharged pressure is controlled by the waste gate valve so that when the opening of the throttle valve provided in the intake duct falls under a set level, the air-fuel mixture is made lean and when it becomes greater than the set opening, the air-fuel mixture is made rich. When the air-fuel mixture is changed from a lean to rich mixture, the opening of the waste gate valve is made larger to reduce the supercharged pressure and thereby prevent abrupt fluctuations in the engine output.

Abstract: A cylindrical combustion chamber housing of a gas turbine, in which the compressor air is fed into the lower, conical part of the combustion chamber housing, the perforated cone (5), through a lateral, arc-shaped inlet elbow (2). The inlet elbow (2) is directly joined by the intake distribution element (1), in which the compressor air is led around the perforated cone (5) on both sides. The tangential flow is converted around a cone into an axial flow through the holes (7) in the perforated cone (5). The conversion of the direction of flow of the compressor air is supported by radially arranged ribs (3). As a result, optimal cooling of the entire injector tube (6) is achieved, while the pressure drop in the air feed area (1, 2 and 5) is minimized, and the efficiency of the gas turbine is increased at the same time.

Abstract: Impingement cooling of a jet engine subassembly, such as a combustor. Adjacent raised corrugation portions and intervening plate portions (having impingement cooling holes) of a corrugated plate define coolant channels in fluid communication with the engine compressor. Dividers positioned transverse to the corrugation portions have a top side attached to a bottom surface of the plate portions and have a bottom side attached to the combustor liner. Corrugation portions define therewithin return channels in fluid communication with post-impingement cooling air. The dividers prevent crossflow between the impingement cooling air and the post-impingement cooling air.

Abstract: Provided is a method for liquefying natural gas which can be readily adapted to LNG plants of all sizes without requiring expensive and special heat exchangers. The liquefaction of feed gas of natural gas and recycle natural gas is carried out with a single-component refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant in a high temperature stage, and with a substantially isentropic expansion in a low temperature stage, and a non-liquefied part of the recycle gas after the expansion step is pressurized with a compressor and recycled along with a recycle stream of non-liquefied par of the feed natural gas, the liquefied part by the refrigerant exchanging heat with the non-liquefied part stream produced from the substantially isentropic expansion, in a plate-fin heat exchanger or the like. The compressor is driven by the power obtained by the substantially isentropic expansion.

Abstract: A generator produces ultra-high purity nitrogen and ultra-high purity oxygen simultaneously by the liquefaction and rectification of feed air. Feed air is rectified in a first rectification column, and nitrogen gas separated to the top of that column is liquefied, in a nitrogen condenser, by oxygen-enriched liquid air separated to the bottom portion of the first rectification column. The oxygen-enriched liquid is fed to the upper portion of a second rectification column having a reboiler at its bottom, so that through rectification oxygen gas is fed from above a liquid reservoir to the lower portion of a third rectification column. Through rectification of the oxygen gas in the third rectification column, high purity oxygen gas, from which impurities having boiling points higher than that of oxygen have been removed by liquefaction, is fed to the center portion of a fourth rectification column which has a condenser in its top portion and a reboiler in its bottom portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating air in which a refrigerant stream produced at the top of a single column is expanded with the performance of work. Such expansion can be carried out in an expansion machine coupled to a recycle compressor by an energy dissipative brake. An oxygen stream is removed from a bottom region of the column and a compressor compresses an oxygen stream to column pressure which is at an above atmospheric delivery pressure. After compression, the oxygen stream is divided into two partial streams. One of the two partial streams is fed back into a bottom region of the column as a vapor to provide boil up while the other of the two partial streams is taken as a product which having been derrived from the compressed stream is therefore at the above-atmospheric delivery pressure. The refrigerant stream is heat exchanged countercurrently with incoming air to be separated in order to add refrigeration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for chilling a food product which includes a food distribution device having a pair of circular members including at least one spaced-apart partition defining a food receiving area; the circular members rotating to cause food delivered to the food product receiving area to fall into a food storage compartment in a uniform manner; and a cryogen releasing device connected to one of the circular members which uniformly distributes a cryogenic substance to the food product within the food storage compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for continous production of flake ice comprises one or more refrigerated discs mounted on a hollow shaft. Each disc rotates in the vertical plane and includes a plurality of narrow internal channels which extend substantially over all of the operative portion of the disc and are of substantially equal length. The discs form the evaporator of a refrigeration circuit, and an evaporative refrigerant is circulated to the channels in each disc via the hollow shaft. During each cycle, water is applied to both external flat surfaces of each disc at a first angular location and the film of water which adheres thereto freezes as the disc rotates. The ice sheet so formed is removed from both sides of the disc at a second angular location by scraper blades.

Abstract: A machine for freezing or chilling a liquid continuously to produce a slurry of the liquid and frozen crystals feeds the liquid into a vertically oriented heat transfer tube at its upper end. A refrigerant flow at the outer tube surface evaporates in a vapor/foam stream causing the liquid to freeze at the inner tube surface. A whip rod, preferably one that is free-standing, revolves over the inner surface to dislodge the frozen crystals mechanically and to distribute the liquid. An additive to the liquid such as ethylene glycol (in water) aids the dislodging. In one form, a mechanical flow guide surrounding the outer surface produces a thin, high velocity upward flow of the boiling refrigerant to increase the heat transfer. An orbital drive propels the whip rod. In one form the orbital drive includes a pair of horizontal plates coupled between the whip rod and at least one eccentric crank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing refrigerant of one type for contamination by refrigerant of another type as would be the case if an air conditioning or refrigeration system charged with a non-chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant received a replenishment charge of a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant. A sample of the suspected refrigerant mix is exposed to a reagent that will decompose the contaminant refrigerant but not the refrigerant that is proper for the system. The sample is then tested for a product of the decomposition. If the product is present, then one can conclude that the contaminant refrigerant is present.

Abstract: A portable refrigerant recovery and recycling apparatus and method for removing and recycling chloroflourocarbon (CFC), hydroflourocarbon (HFC) and hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants from refrigeration systems through a closed loop connection which prevents the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere. A refrigerant is drawn by suction through a filter in its liquid state and transferred to a storage tank. When all liquid refrigerant has been so transferred, a refrigerant vapor recovery process automatically engages and retrieves and condenses the remaining refrigerant vapors, thus completing evacuation of the closed loop refrigeration system until the refrigeration system is evacuated to a pressure of approximately 29 inches Hg absolute for low pressure refrigeration systemes and 20 inches Hg absolute for high pressure refrigeration systems, at which time the present invention automatically shuts off.

Abstract: A method for performing chemical warfare and similar cleanup activities and apparatus enabling the performance of such activity in high-temperature environments while maintaining safe and worker comfortable body temperatures. The disclosed method and apparatus rely on alternate periods of work and rest with the rest periods being additionally used for worker body temperature regulation such as cooldown. A portable temperature regulated liquid source is provided. Avoidance of worker encumbrance by personally-borne apparatus and the maintenance of non-tethered independent condition during work portions of the operating cycle provide advantages over the most closely related prior methods and apparatus. Human subject test results are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulic refrigeration system (10) employs as a preferred embodiment a hydrocarbon fluid as a refrigerant in combination with a non-miscible carrier fluid. A plurality of stages (110, 210, 310) of hydraulic refrigeration system (10) may be used by conveying the segregated refrigerant vapor from each stage to the entrainer (240, 340) of the next succeeding stage (210, 310). The liquid refrigerant of the last stage (310) is conveyed to an evaporator (416), which may be remotely located. The outflow of the evaporator (416) is conveyed to the entrainer (140) of the first stage (110). Second and succeeding stages include a non-miscible carrier fluid return line (268) connected to the respective separators (214, 314) for returning the non-miscible carrier fluid to the separator (114) of the first stage (110).

Abstract: A device for evacuating and charging refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit (64) includes a hand pump to evacuate the circuit. The pump has a pump cylinder (10), in which a pump piston (12) is movable to and fro by a piston rod (16) which has a pump handle (14) mounted thereon. The circuit is charged with refrigerant from a container (18), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the pump cylinder (10) and is fastened to the cylinder.

Abstract: A manually operated refrigerant recovery device is disclosed that includes a piston/cylinder pump combination, wherein the piston defines opposing fluid chambers in the cylinder. A handle is attached via a connecting rod to the piston. First and second one-way check valves are provided at the pump inlet and outlet to ensure that fluid flows in only one direction through the pump. A pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber opposite the pump chamber and is continuously manually adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The pressure relief valve is closed upon initial pressurization of the pump to dampen sudden upward movement of the handle and is open during pumping to facilitate manual pumping. In another embodiment, a manually operated refrigerant recovery device is disclosed which includes a piston/cylinder pump combination, wherein the piston defines opposing fluid chambers in the cylinder.

Abstract: A defrost cycle controller for a refrigerator or freezer having a compressor and a defrost heater, comprising a relay operatively connected to the compressor and the defrost heater via contacts to couple one or the other to a power supply, the relay having a normally closed contact to which said compressor is connected and a normally open contact to which said defrost heater is connected; and a control circuit operatively connected to the compressor, defrost heater and relay and configured to implement the following algorithm: (a) first, energize the relay; (b) second, monitor the relay contacts; (c) third, if the contacts do not change states, de-energize the relay; and (d) fourth, rest for a predetermined period, and then commence the algorithm.

Abstract: To provide an absorption air conditioning system and cooling/heating change-over method which do not make users uncomfortable just after a cooling mode is changed to a heating mode and vice versa, there is provided an absorption air conditioning system including an absorption cool water/hot water making machine for producing cool water/hot water for air conditioning, a room machine for carrying out the air conditioning of a room by circulation of the cool water/hot water from the absorption cool water/hot water making machine, and a piping for introducing the cool water/hot water from the absorption cool water/hot water making machine to the room machine, wherein the system further includes a bypass piping connected between the absorption cool water/hot water making machine and the room machine through a valve, and a means for opening/closing the valve.

Abstract: A defrost controller for a refrigerator/freezer including one or more of the following features: (1) a timer module that can serve as a real time, cumulative time or variable time defrost timer; (2) an algorithm to control defrosting in view of frequent power outages; (3) a power up defrost cycle; (4) a default reaction to loss of compressor run information; (5) a simple manufacturing test initiator; (6) a test initialization via thermostat actuation; (7) a relay power supply which supplies two different energization voltages; (8) a relay energization signal which decays rapidly from a voltage in excess of the relay rated voltage to a voltage within the relay rated voltage; and (9) respective relay energization sequence to overcome light contact welding.

Abstract: A self-contained cooler/freezer apparatus for carrying items in a frozen or refrigerated environment. The apparatus comprises an insulated container which is divided into two portions. The first portion is utilized for item storage and the second portion houses a pressurized coolant compartment for storing a solid coolant; namely, solid carbon dioxide or dry ice. The pressurized coolant compartment comprises removable insulation panel. These insulations panels are utilized to control the rate of heat transfer from the first portion to the dry ice within the pressurized coolant compartment. Based upon number of factors including desired temperature, storage duration, total item weight, the quantity of dry ice and the number of removable insulation panels can be determined. In essence, the pressurized coolant compartment is a controllable heat sink. Within a short period of time, the dry ice starts to sublimate, thereby forming cold gaseous carbon dioxide at a high pressure.

Abstract: A modular beverage cooling and dispensing system comprising a plurality of beverage cooling and dispensing modules, and a single power module containing a single compressor for servicing all of the beverage cooling and dispensing modules. Each beverage cooling and dispensing module comprises a housing, a tank within the housing for holding a liquid, an evaporator in the tank for chilling the liquid, and at least one beverage conduit positioned in the tank for exposure to the chilled liquid to cool beverage flowing through the conduit. A dispensing head is connected to the beverage conduit for dispensing beverage. Refrigerant lines connect the compressor of the power module and the evaporators of the beverage cooling and dispensing modules. The power module is physically separate from the beverage cooling and dispensing modules so that the power module may be placed at a convenient location remote from the beverage cooling and dispensing modules.

Abstract: A refrigerated compartment is disclosed for food preparation tables. The compartment is generally rectangular and extends laterally across the table and has an access opening at the top allowing exposure to ambient room air. A lower section of the compartment comprises a cold wall pan with air circulation and defines a lower cooling zone. An upper section of the compartment comprises a pair of oppositely disposed heat sink walls defining an upper cooling zone open to the room air. Plural open-top food pans are removably supported side-by-side in the compartment with the pans extending into the lower cooling zone and tops of the pans being disposed adjacent the bottom of the upper cooling zone.

Abstract: A coolant fluid circulation subsystem for engine driven heat pump systems including a coolant fluid loop through the engine and a recouperator, and through a thermostatic control valve operable to convey and to modulate flow from a coolant reservoir during engine operation, with the coolant fluid being selectively switchable, between first or second heat exchangers in heat exchange relation with the indoor and outdoor ambient condition selectively. An auxiliary pump and coolant fluid heater are provided in the subsystem to increase the heat contained in the coolant fluid and to exchange heat to the indoor ambient condition.

Abstract: A multistage centrifugal compressor, comprising a casing having an inlet portion and a compression portion. The inlet portion has an inlet opening gaseously coupled to an evaporator so as to receive a gaseous refrigerant. The inlet and compression portions each have a plurality of gas passages therethrough. The compression portion has an outlet opening that is located at the end of the casing which is opposite the end of the casing having the inlet opening. An electric motor assembly is positioned within the inlet portion of the casing so as to provide a transfer of heat dissipated by the motor assembly to the gaseous refrigerant entering through the inlet opening. The gaseous refrigerant flowing in the inlet opening passes through and about the motor assembly so as to cool the motor assembly.

Abstract: A face decoration, and a method of using it, includes a main ornamentation body for positioning on the face area of a user adjacent to and partially engaging the tragus portion of the ear. An upper ear attachment comprising flexible pliable wire secures the upper portion of the main ornamentation body to the upper pinna portion of the ear by being readily bent to fit into an upper groove in the back of the ear between the upper pinna ear portion and the adjacent portion of the head. An upper rear ornamentation device is fixed to the distal end portion of the upper ear attachment so that the distal end portion can be bent upwardly away from the ear groove to position the ear ornamentation device in back of the ear, in a suitable manner for viewing purposes. The upper rear ornamentation can be extended to project from behind the ear to adorn the area adjacent to the ear.