Abstract: A patch (10, 30, 40) or other device applied to a fruit or vegetable for releasing a gas, preferably ethylene, which accelerates maturation or which retards maturation, preferably carbon dioxide. The device attaches to a portion of the fruit or vegetable and releases the gas upon application or upon demand. Ripening or retardation is selective in a bunch of connected fruits such as bananas when applied to one finger, thereby providing selective ripening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a hybrid field production method which employs preserved pollen and a pollen bank for breeding purposes. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of employing stored pollen in hybrid field production instead of employing pollen producing plants in the production field.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.

Abstract: A window, particularly for installation in an inclined roof surface, comprising a main frame and a frame hinged to the top thereof as well as a frame lifting arm inserted between the main frame and the frame, the arm having one end pivotally connected with a lateral member of the main frame or the frame and its other end pivotally connected with a slide shoe which in a longitudinally displaceable manner is connected with the corresponding lateral member of the main frame or the frame, respectively. The slide shoe is associated with a pre-stressed lifting spring, as a first coupling first coupling member on the slide shoe is adapted to engage with a second coupling member connected with the lifting spring when installing the window.

Abstract: A circular stage platform capable of accommodating one to four dancers is cyclically, vertically reciprocable, a distance of about three feet within a cage which encloses the dancers, the latter remaining visible to the spectators. The system is used in nightclubs or the like.

Abstract: A new Sign Post Stabilizer for increasing the stability of a sign post by providing multi-directional support. The inventive device includes a post sleeve positionable over a sign post and a pair of L-shaped wing members extending horizontally outward from the post sleeve. The post sleeve includes a pair of aligned mounting holes for securing the post sleeve to a lower section of the sign post with a standard bolt and nut fastener. The post sleeve is secured to the lower section of the sign post such that the pair of L-shaped wing members extend outward from the post sleeve below the surface of the ground when the lower section of the sign post is driven into the ground. Each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members extends outward from the post sleeve in about 180 degree spaced relation. In addition, each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members is bent at a wing angle along an imaginary vertical axis so as to form adjacent multi-planar vertical walls.

Abstract: A house 2 is isolated from the foundation 1 by a rolling bearing 3. A vibration control device 6 with a releasable rigid connector 5 is added in parallel to the rolling bearing 3. Further, a release controller 8 of the rigid connector 5 is connected to the output end of an earthquake detector 7 on the house 2, so as to release the rigid connector 5 in response to output signal from the earthquake detector 7. Thus, the building 2 normally stands without vibration against wind by rigid connection to the foundation 1 through the rigid connector 5. On the other hand, when earthquake occurs, the rigid connector 5 is released by the release controller 8 by the output from the earthquake detector 7, so as to control the vibration of the building 2 by a combination of the rolling bearing 3 and the vibration control device 6.

Abstract: A modular containment system, primarily for secondary containment of potentially hazardous materials, includes a series of interconnectable berm members which can be interlocked together to form virtually any desired containment perimeter. A sheet of flexible plastic material is laid over the containment area, and extends over the shoulders of the perimeter structure as a liner for the containment area. The liner is secured to the top of the perimeter structure, such as by a snap-in tube arrangement. For high stability of the perimeter structure, the modular berm members are hollow, formed of plastic material, to be filled with water or sand, as well as having a low, wide profile.

Abstract: A footing connector and a method for use thereof. The connector is preferably T-shaped and includes integrally formed end caps which may be used to prevent cement or the like from entering into the connector. The connector is used in a drainage network to drain water away form the outside of a building and to evacuate unwanted gasses from the inside of a building.

Abstract: Cold formed, light-gauge metal structural framing for building construction, including a one-piece jamb member, a one-piece load-bearing header member connected to said jamb member, and a one-piece upper channel member connected to at least one of said jamb member and said header member and spanning a juncture of said jamb and header members. The framing may also include an expandable, cold formed, light-gauge metal window frame subassembly.

Abstract: A device for locking steel reinforcing or prestressing members (15) in a positive manner in an anchorage (14) includes an axially extending cylindrical anchoring sleeve (1) with a throughbore (2) and a deformation section (3) extending from a leading end in the setting direction (S) and divided by axially extending slots (4) into at least six bending elements (5). An expanding element (8) with a throughbore (9) free of threads has a contact surface (10) for the bending elements (5) and the contact surface is inclined relative to the axis A of the anchoring sleeve (1). The expanding element (8) can be displaced against the deformation section (3) for spreading the bending elements (5) radially outwardly against the receiving surface of a receiving bore in a base material forming the anchorage. The contact surface (10) forms an angle (.alpha.) with the axis (A) of the anchoring sleeve (1) in a range of approximately 30.degree. to 80.degree..

Abstract: A modular office panel system comprises a central core surrounded by a rigid frame. A pair of generally rigid panel members are disposed on opposite sides of the core. A channel member has a central portion disposed between the frame and core with right angle bent sides extending around opposite sides of the frame. The channel member sides terminate in reversely bent portions defining flanges for engaging the rigid panel members. The reversely bent portions also define resilient edge portions in engagement with the sides of the frame. A fabric material covers the panel members and is retained on the panel by insertion of marginal edges of the fabric between the sides of the frame and the resilient edge portions of the channel member.

Abstract: A modular panel system for the purpose of partitioning spaces. The modular panel system includes at least one panel, and a plurality of panel supports. Each panel support includes a member, a cap at a first end, a base at a second end, and a panel retaining arrangement. The base is shaped to support the member in a free-standing upright position. The panel retaining arrangement serves to permit the attachment and removal of an appropriately configured edge of a vertically oriented panel between the cap and the base without the use of tools, and the rotational movement of the panel about an axis defined by the edge.

Abstract: A post having particular utility for use in a highway sound barrier wherein a number of posts are set along the highway to support acoustical panels. Each post is made of reinforced precast concrete having side channels to mount the acoustical panels. The posts are supported on poured concrete footings having a tapered depression in the top surface which is reinforced by a surrounding array of closed loop reinforcing rods. The post is inserted in the depression and bonded thereto by a quick setting grout.

Abstract: A roof drain for draining rain water from a flat roof comprises a conduit, with a roof flange, a strainer for straining debris from the water entering the drain, having an openable cap. The roof flange extends peripherally outwardly around the top of the conduit, and provides a connection between the surface of the roof. The conduit provides a connection with a drainage pipe located beneath the surface of the roof. The roof flange has a flat outer top surface and an recessed inner portion with a shoulder connecting the inner and outer portions of the roof flange. The strainer includes a hollow strainer basket with open bottom and top faces and side walls containing a plurality of apertures, and a strainer flange extending peripherally outwardly around the bottom edge of the side walls of the strainer basket. The outside dimension of the strainer flange is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the roof flange.

Abstract: An earthquake and severe weather resistant, fail-safe building block and construction method for fabricating the blocks and structures therefrom. The blocks are hollow and include at least two subassemblies joined by interconnecting webs with provisions for single subassemblies to square off wall edges. Each subassembly includes upper and lower frames joined together by a plurality of structural columns perpendicular to the planes of the upper and lower frames. The upper and lower frames are dimensioned to form interfitting male and female receptacles that permit the blocks to be interconnected so that an assembly of blocks with structural integrity may be created by snapping together courses of blocks with each course staggered relative to the adjacent course.

Abstract: A method of modifying a glazing panel having a box section, wherein the box section has walls of relatively transmissive material and such walls include a first pair of opposed walls, the method comprising the first step of forming a longitudinally-extending sheet of material selected from the group consisting of a heat reflective material, a heat absorbent material and a heat absorbent and reflective material to have a major web portion and a longitudinal fold defining a side portion having a free edge remote from the fold, the second step involving folding the side portion to extend substantially at right angles to the web portion and inserting the so-folded length in the box section so that the major web portion extends between the pair of opposed inner walls of the box, and the free edge of the side portion remote from the fold contacts with another inner wall of the box.

Abstract: A case erector with A-B detect is disclosed. This case erector eliminates the need to sort A and B type cases and thus increases the rate at which boxes can be erected. Whether the case is an A or B type case determines how far into the case erector the flattened case is fed and whether the case is unfolded to the left or the right.

Abstract: A bottling machine for filling or capping containers having a generally circular cross section is provided. The bottling machine includes a rotatable star wheel having a plurality of peripheral individual removable neck support assemblies for receiving and moving the containers through the machine. Each of the individual neck support assemblies includes a pocket support for holding the containers and a snap locking mechanism including a piston on the neck support assembly cooperable with a clamp pin on the star wheel for releasably attaching each of the neck support assemblies to the star wheel.

Abstract: A wrapping material for both wrapping a floral arrangement and removing the wrapping material from the floral arrangement, comprising a sheet of material having a pull tab and pull indicia thereon, the pull tab sized to be easily graspable, a bonding material disposed on the sheet of material near the pull tab. A floral arrangement is utilized, the floral arrangement being wrapped in the sheet of material and being substantially surrounded and encompassed thereby, the pull tab and pull indicia readily visible on the wrapped floral arrangement so that the pull tab is readily graspable to remove the sheet of material from the floral arrangement, the removal being accomplished without causing damage to the floral arrangement. Methods of using the wrapping material to both wrap a floral arrangement and to remove the wrapping material from the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A novel method and system for wrapping a bale supported on a platform in a wrapping position with a bale wrapping apparatus including a rotating arm positioned above the bale, a downright member extending downwardly from an outward end portion of the rotating arm, and a wrap carriage movable up and down the downright, wherein the downright and the wrap carriage orbit the bale in the wrapping position as the rotating arm rotates to apply a film or wrap material about the bale. A bale stabilizer, positioned above the bale in the wrapping position, with a plate extendable into contact the bale stabilizes the bale during application of the wrap about the bale. An upender with laterally movable arms and pivoting paddles is positionable to engage and disengage the bale. The upender is movable to raise and lower the clamped bale from and back to the platform, and the paddles are pivotable to rotate the raised bale. The upender includes a carriage movable up and down relative to a base.

Abstract: A plastic packaging material which, when formed as a package having seams, will provide a predictable line of failure along a seam when the package is opened to prevent the package from tearing down the side. The predictable failure path is provided through a lamination process involving specific resins or blends of resins laminated in three (or more) layers in which an extruded inner layer forms a weak inner bond wholly within that inner layer to create the predictable line of failure and in which the process of forming the material does not inhibit processing speed, efficiency, and economics of materials used to provide this reliable openability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing tagged two-ply infusion packages. The string (14) forming the tags is supplied to a rotating drum (12) which has a plurality of pins (17) protruding from its periphery. The drum (12) is rotatably mounted so as to cooperate with a web (1) used to form at least one layer of the two-ply infusion package. As the drum (12) rotates the string (14) is guided around the pins (17). The web (1) is introduced to the drum (12) by a roller (29) and urged against it by a curved guide (30) to transfer the string from the periphery of the drum to the surface of the web (1). The guide (30) is heated so as to melt the thermoplastics coating on the web (1), whereby the string is attached lightly to the web by the combination of heat and pressure from the guide (30).

Abstract: A reproducible and reliable method for packaging food which may include an automatic temperature control system. The film is sealed to the tray at a first location spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of the tray. The film is then severed. At appropriate times, excess heat may be removed from the inside of the sealing and severing apparatus. The upper housing of the severing apparatus may have a cooling vent which is automatically operated to exchange the hot atmosphere which is collected in the upper part of the chamber.

Abstract: Selecting a dimension representing the distance between a residential gas hookup, downwardly through an intended subterranean trench to a gas main typically located along a public right of way, such as a street, and selecting a plastic pipe having a predetermined length at least equal to such dimension. Then, fabricating at a manufacturing site remote from the intended site of installation, a kit including a metallic riser having an upper end formed with a coupling screw thread and a lower end. Inserting one extremity of the plastic pipe through the riser to leave an excess length projecting from such lower end, forming a joint between the plastic pipe and such upper end, coiling such excess length into a coil and securing the assembly in a package to form the kit. A selected number of the kits may then be stored in their packaged form for subsequent shipment to the installation site to be installed and connected to make a hookup between the hookup location at respective residences and such main gas line.

Abstract: A container and jig assembly for dispensing a sheet of material and for wrapping the sheet of material about a flower pot or floral grouping. The container accommodates a roll of sheet material suitable for wrapping flower pots or floral groupings. In addition, the container may have a cutter for separating a sheet of material from the roll of sheet material. The jig assembly is attached to the container and has a jig opening surrounded by a sheet-supporting surface. The jig opening is sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of a flower pot or a stem end portion of a floral grouping. In operation, a sheet of material is separated from the roll of sheet material and disposed on the sheet-supporting surface over the jig opening. The lower portion of the flower pot or the stem end portion of the floral grouping is inserted through the jig opening and carries a portion of the sheet of material with it. In the process, the sheet of material is formed into a covering about the flower pot or floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for compressing livestock feed comprises a hopper for receiving the feed; a precompression assembly precompressing the feed; a first compression chamber coupled to the hopper to receive the precompressed feed therefrom; a first ram movable along a longitudinal axis of the first compression chamber and having a first pusher plate for pushing the precompressed feed along the longitudinal axis of the first compression chamber to produce a compressed block of mixed feed product; and a second, reduced volume compression chamber operatively connected to the first compression chamber at a distal end of the first compression chamber for receiving compressed feed pushed from the first compression chamber by the first pusher plate. The first pusher plate defines one side of the second compression chamber when the first ram is fully extended and the second compression chamber has an opening at one end thereof for discharging the compressed feed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for use in a bag forming/filling/sealing machine for controlling the operations of a film transportation motor, an article feeding motor, frame driving motor and a sealer opening-closing motor, wherein rotations of the film transportation motor and the article feeding motor are controlled based on the rotation of the frame driving motor. The rotation cycles of the film transportation motor, the article feeding motor and the frame driving motor are determined based on a reference pulse which is generated by a crystal oscillator and inputted to a central processing unit. When a value of the length of articles to be packaged is inputted to the central processing unit, the central processing unit specifies a cyclic variable speed of the frame driving motor based on data stored in a memory.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and securing the ends of packing straps which are pressed by a pressure plate against a tensioning wheel. The pressure plate is designed to be lifted off of the tension wheel by the operating lever thereby allowing rotation of the tensioning wheel via an actuator element, thus enabling insertion of the strap ends into the tensioning device. This arrangement makes a special release lever unnecessary.

Abstract: A weeder and mulcher apparatus including an engine that has a fuel tank and is capable of generating electrical energy. Included is a trailer that has a front end with a trailer hitch and a trailer body supported above the ground. Also, included is a tank that has a tank top, a pair of fluid lines and an amount of fluid therein. The tank is mounted on a top surface of the trailer. Additionally, an air compressor that has a housing unit and a pair of lines is included. The compressor has a pair of legs that support the compressor on the top surface of the trailer. The compressor is powered by the energy produced by the engine. Lastly, a pair of pumps are included. Each pump has a top end for receiving one of the pair of air lines of the compressor. Each pump has a bottom end for receiving one of the pair of fluid lines of the tank. Each pump pressurizes the fluid of the tank and transports the pressurized fluid through a plurality of fluid jets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a broken thread end in a yarn spinning machine into a position in readiness for piecing wherein the broken thread end is retrieved from a bobbin, routed through a yarn spinning mechanism, guided into the nip of a pair of rollers of an operating drafting apparatus without abrasion of or interference with the yarn end during the guiding of the yarn end and wherein the yarn end is deposited in a position in the drafting apparatus such that the yarn end is controllably withdrawn from the drafting apparatus through the spinning mechanism and pieced or joined with a new sliver as the yarn end is withdrawn.

Abstract: An opening roller for an open-end spinning arrangement is provided with a combing ring, which is slidably mounted onto a base body and is supported between two clamping surfaces. In order to fix the combing ring radially to a cylindrical guiding surface of the base body, the combing ring is provided with a centering surface on its inner circumferential surface. The combing ring has stopping surfaces on its end sides, which are arranged to engage the clamping surfaces. The centering surface is limited to an end area of the inner circumferential surface. The part of the inner circumferential surface of the combing ring which is located outside of this end area is free from counter-surfaces of the base body. As a result of this arrangement, the seat-engaging surfaces are on the one hand very short, while on the other hand various embodiments of combing rings can be used.

Abstract: A watch chain includes first and second sets of linked bases, each base including a body, a pair of parallel, curved, extending portions connected to opposite edges of the body, a projection positioned on a concave bottom of each extended portion for applying a finger-pressure, a beam fixedly mounted to and extending between ends of the extended portions, and an elliptical shaped arm having one end connected with the body and being movable between a raised position for inserting the beam of a second base between the arm and the body, and a folded position to fix the beam of the second base between the arm and the first body; a lock member connected to one end of the first set of linked bases; and a link member connected to one end of the second set of linked bases, with opposite ends of the first and second sets of linked bases being connectable to a watch.

Abstract: In a method of operating a power station plant which essentially comprises a gas-turbine group and a waste-heat steam generator (14) arranged downstream, the exhaust gases from said gas-turbine group, which essentially comprises a compressor (1),tcw a first combustion chamber (4), a first turbine (7), a second combustion chamber (9), a second turbine (12) and a generator (19), are directed through said waste-heat steam generator (14). The superheated steam (15) arising there is injected at a suitable point into the gas-turbine group. The saturated steam (16) arising there flows via a heat exchanger (17) through which a portion of compressor air (18) flows. The saturated steam (16) is converted into superheated steam (25) which is subsequently likewise injected into the gas-turbine group. The measures increase the efficiency and multiply the specific output of the plant.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.

Abstract: An ion thruster comprises a chamber in which propellant is ionized and an accelerator grid, whereby a flow of ions out of the chamber provides reactive thrust. Charge exchange between neutral atoms of propellant and fast moving ions produces slow ions which impact on the accelerator grid and erode it by sputtering, thus limiting the lifetime of the thruster. The invention includes an accelerator grid comprising a layer which includes graphite providing resistance to erosion and a support layer which overcomes the restrictions on engineering and strength of graphite. The accelerator grid can be constructed by machining a block of graphite 12 to produce an upper surface 13, to which the molybdenum grid 14 can be fixed. The block 12 can then be cut away to permit the graphite to be machined to the same contour as the surface 13. Apertures are drilled through the graphite using the existing apertures of the grid 14 as guides.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is directed to a method and apparatus for an arcjet starter. The invention discloses a method of moving an arc from the subsonic region of the thruster to the supersonic region by introducing a pressurized propellant into the casuty of the anode.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-purifying system for an internal combustion engine includes an alternator driven by the engine. A regulator controls voltage generated by the alternator. An electrically-heated catalyzer is arranged in the exhaust system of the engine and connected to the alternator to be electrically heated by electric power generated by the alternator. An ECU controls the regulator to control the voltage generated by the alternator and supplied to the electrically-heated catalyzer, according to a degree of aging of the electrically-heated catalyzer.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle having a radiator disposed above an engine, and a muffler disposed in a region below the engine. This system includes an air intake guide for guiding cooling air to the radiator from outside, an exhaust guide for guiding a large part of the cooling air having flowed past the radiator, forwardly of the vehicle, a cooling fan for producing air currents flowing from the air intake guide past the radiator to the exhaust guide, and ducts provided for opposite sides of the exhaust guide for guiding part of the cooling air having flowed passed the radiator into a muffler cover enclosing the muffler. The ducts communicate with positions of the muffler cover to blow the cooling air toward connections between exhaust pipes of the engine and the muffler.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders includes at least two adjacent connection branches which are interconnected by collection pipe sections having an expansion compensating bellows for accommodating differential thermal expansion therebetween and a gas flow guide pipe structure which extends into the bellows. At least one of the collection pipe sections comprises a multi-layered pipe wall with which the expansion compensating bellows is integrally formed.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid pump and fluid motor mounted within a transmission housing, and a brake connected to the motor shaft. The housing includes upper and lower sections. The brake includes rotor and stator plates, and a pin for urging the rotor and stator plates into frictional engagement. The upper and lower sections are joined along a split line and each has a mating half-round section, for positioning the pin.

Abstract: A hydraulic variable speed drive assembly including a hydraulic pump having a cylinder with an associated end cover, a hydraulic motor having a cylinder with an associated end cover, and an intermediate plate with ports or passages for enabling a flow of fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor at a high pressure and from the hydraulic motor to the hydraulic pump at a low pressure, in order to close the circuit. The shafts of the rotors of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor have a common geometric axis, static with respect to the outside, about which they can rotate independently, this rotation being their only possible movement. The variable drive assembly has as its only possible movement, the rotation about a geometric axis fixed with respect to the outside and is different from the geometric axis of the hydraulic pump cylinder, from the geometric axis of the hydraulic motor cylinder, and from the common geometric axis of the rotors.

Abstract: A control system for a thermoelectric device to maintain the temperature in a storage compartment at a set point. The system includes input terminals for receiving a DC voltage and output terminals for connecting to the thermoelectric device. First and second switches are provided and coupled to the terminals for connection when enabled by the application of the DC voltage.

Abstract: A switching thermal regulator for efficiently and accurately regulating the temperature of an attached device, which includes a constant current supply, a thermistor, a signal processing amplifier, and a switching power supply. The thermistor, which is attached to the device to be regulated, senses the temperature of the device, and signals this temperature to the constant current supply, and signals this temperature to the signal processing amplifier which, in turn, signals this temperature to the switching power supply. Based on this voltage signal, the switching power supply adjusts the output voltage sent to a cooler, which allows the device to maintain a constant temperature.

Abstract: To improve refrigerating efficiency by preventing working fluid flowing into a pulse tube from a high-temperature end side thereof from reaching a cooling part in a cryogenic refrigerator, a ball-shaped travel member which has almost the same cross-section as the cross section of the pulse tube is inserted into the pulse tube and moves together with the working fluid therein. In this arrangement, when the working fluid begins to flow into the pulse tube from a flow rate regulation part on the high-temperature end side of the pulse tube, the travel member located within the pulse tube moves toward a cooling part together with the working fluid flowing in the pulse tube. Since the travel member has almost the same cross-section as the cross-section of the pulse tube, there is no possibility that the working fluid flows through between the inner wall of the pulse tube and the travel member.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an air conditioner compressor for a particular vehicle application involves selecting the proper control curve. The control curve is a graph of suction inlet pressure verses discharge pressure. The graph has a linear portion over which increased discharge pressure decreases suction pressure. The low demand condition at which suction pressure is highest and discharge pressure lowest may result in an evaporator outlet pressure that is too high or too low. To change the evaporator outlet pressure, the control valve for the compressor is adjusted or replaced to vary the slope of the linear portion of the control curve. Varying the slope will change the maximum suction pressure to reach an optimized solution under low demand conditions. The slope is varied by changing a bias pin in the modular control valve to one of a different diameter. The bias pin is one factor that controls the opening and closing of the valve to vary the capacity of the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for ice seeding during cryopreservation of biological samples such as cells, harvested tissues, and cellular biological constructs such as culture tissue equivalents wherein ice seeding is performed by discharging a liquefied or chilled gas from a nozzle to the surface container containing said biological sample in cryopreservative. Inside a freezing chamber, containers are placed on racks that are located proximal to a sprayrail containing nozzles. Ice seeding is performed by discharge of liquefied or chilled gas from the nozzles to the container surface at the solid-liquid equilibrium temperature of the cryopreservative. Localized cooling of the container surface by the discharge results in ice seed formation within the container.

Abstract: Described are heat pump systems and methods for conditioning air, in which air is dehumidified including the steps of passage over an evaporator to cool and dehumidify the air, followed by passage over a subcooler to heat the air prior to passage into a space to be conditioned. Also described are heat pump systems and methods for conditioning air, in which air is heated by passage over a subcooler followed by passage over a condenser. The methods and systems are readily implemented and highly effective in improving system capacity.

Abstract: Compressor discharge temperature, ambient outdoor air temperature and thermal load are used as control parameters for controlling the expansion valve setting and indoor fan speed. Diagnostics monitor a feedback signal from the fan motor to detect fan over-speed and increased speed due to decreased air flow caused by a dirty indoor air filter. Discharge pressure of the compressor is monitored to detect a blocked outdoor fan. The difference between actual and optimum compressor discharge temperatures and suction pressure of the compressor are monitored to detect a stuck-closed expansion valve or low refrigerant charge. Compressor "short-cycling" is limited to prevent reduced reliability of the compressor. The difference between compressor discharge temperature and outdoor coil temperature is measured before and after startup to detect compressor failure.