Abstract: A prestretch roller assembly for a film delivery system includes upstream and downstream prestretch drive rollers for engaging and stretching a stretch film web. The web extends around an upper portion of the upstream drive roller and thence directly to a lower portion of the downstream drive roller, to form a generally S-shaped path. The downstream drive roller is rotatably mounted on a stationary frame, and the upstream drive roller has one end rotatably connected to the stationary frame and a second end rotatably connected to a swing frame. An upstream idler roller is rotatably mounted on the stationary frame upstream of the upstream drive roller, and a downstream idler roller is rotatably mounted from the swing frame downstream of the downstream drive roller. The axes of all four rollers are coplanar when the swing frame is moved to a closed position.

Abstract: A unique motor for powering a cutting unit in an electric mower is disclosed. The motor is mounted above the cutting unit. A second motor is provided to drive one or more accessories and is also mounted above the cutting unit. The motors are symmetrically placed toward opposite ends of the cutting unit. The second motor acts as a counterbalance to the first, so the cutting unit has similar weight on both of its ends. This eliminates the need for a torsion spring counterbalance system, allows increased mobility of the cutting unit, and facilitates servicing of the cutting unit.

Abstract: A handle for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a lawn mower, includes a control system for allowing the user to manually vary the ground speed of the mower provided by a self propel system. The control system includes a handle grip on the handle that slides up and down relative to a lower portion of the handle. As the handle grip slides down, the ground speed increases. As the handle grip slides up, the ground speed decreases. A grab member can be used to allow the operator to have leverage in pushing the handle grip down.

Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, a mower is provided which includes fly-by-wire electric steering through an electric mower.

Abstract: A foliage harvester is provided, as is a mechanical drive arrangement which includes a pivotally mounted main gearbox. An extension assembly extends forwardly with respect to the main gearbox for a relatively short length, and a connection assembly operatively joins the rotating portion near the rear end of the mechanical drive assembly in a manner which prevents substantially any side-to-side or generally horizontal movement between that portion of the mechanical drive assembly and the rotatable main gearbox. At the same time, this operative joining incorporating use of the connection assembly permits limited up-and-down or generally vertical movement of the mechanical drive assembly with respect to the pivotable main gearbox. In an especially preferred arrangement, the implement is a center pivot mower conditioner, and the mechanical drive operates the cutting and conditioning assemblies during operation of the mower conditioner on either side behind the towing vehicle or tractor.

Abstract: A reel-type cutting unit including a reel blade for cutting grass in cooperation with a fixed blade. The reel blade is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely of a vehicle body, to move from front to rear relative to the fixed blade with respect to a forward traveling direction of the vehicle body. The cutting unit has a main case surrounding the reel blade to define a space for carrying grass clippings in a rotating direction of the reel blade to a top level of the reel blade. A guide member is connected to the main case for receiving the grass clippings carried to the top level. The guide member defines a grass receiving space having a grass discharge opening. The grass discharge opening is connected to a grass catcher through a duct.

Abstract: A portable trimmer has a supporting tube extending straight forward from an engine at its rearward end to a cutting device at a forward end. A handle-bar is mounted on a middle portion of the supporting tube at an intersecting point. First and second grips extend upwardly from two corresponding ends of the handle-bar. The handle-bar has a first portion extending from an intersecting point to the first grip, and a second portion extending from the intersecting point to the second grip. The first portion extends across a width of an operator's body, and is bent in a rearward direction. The supporting tube has an inclination with respect to a phantom line connecting the first and second grips such that said cutting device is located in front of a center of the operator's body when the operator holds the grips in a natural posture. This portable trimmer increases the area in which weeds can be cut in a single movement, and provides for easy handling.

Abstract: A cleaner for a roving apparatus which is free from an adverse effect caused by air flow blowing along an upper surface of a roller beam rearward of the roller beam, and which, after the fibers scraped from the bottom clearer cloth are collected to the rear of the roller beam, conveys the fibers to the end of an apparatus frame. The fibers, etc., adhered to the bottom clearer cloth are scraped by a scraper to fall onto a roller beam 1. The fallen fibers, etc., and the fiber waste which tends to be accumulated onto the upper surface of the roller beam are guided to a guide rail 25 by the action of air flow blowing from an air-blowing tube, to thereby accumulate on a bottom part 25a of the guide rail 25. The fibers, etc., are conveyed to the end of the guide rail 25 by a scraper 41 moving along the guide rail 25, and then collected in a dust box provided at the end of the apparatus frame. The bottom part 25a of the guide rail 25 is located lower than the upper surface of the roller beam 1.

Abstract: A condensing zone lies downstream of the front roller pair of a drafting unit of a spinning machine, in which condensing zone a drafted fiber strand is condensed. The condensing zone comprises a sliding surface having a suction slit, which sliding surface serves as a guide for a circulating, perforated transport belt. The transport belt transports the fiber strand to a nipping roller, which presses the fiber strand and the transport belt against the sliding surface. The nipping roller is connected to a drive, from which drive said nipping roller can be cut off in age the case of a break in the transport belt.

Abstract: A method for producing a spinning box frame for an open-end spinning machine wherein lateral elements (2, 3) of a spinning box frame (1) are connected with interposed bracing elements (4, 5, 6) by means of a welding process which substantially prevents the occurrence of heat distortion tensions. The bracing elements (4, 5, 6) are joined by means of a laser welding process, preferably with a CO.sub.2 laser, squarely on the interior wall (20) of the lateral elements (2, 3). The components (2 to 6) of the spinning box frame (1) are fixed in place in a welding device (26), which permits the exact positioning of the individual components during the laser welding process.

Abstract: An open-end spinning device (1) with a spinning rotor (17) which is mounted with its rotor shaft (8) in the V-slots of a support-disk bearing (5) and whose spinning cup (17) rotates at a high speed in a rotor housing (6) which is open to the front and can be loaded by suction. The rotor housing (6) can be closed by a pivotably mounted cover element (10) which comprises a sliver opening device and is arranged so that it can be disengaged if required. The cover element (10) can be attached to the spinning box (2) via a mounting device (20) comprising fork-shaped connecting brackets (22) and pivot bolts (30) rotatably seated in the housing wall (38) of the open-end spinning device (1). If required, the cover element (10) can be easily removed after securing means (32), which are easily accessible, have been loosened.

Abstract: An actual Wobbe Index is calculated for a turbine and compared to a reference Wobbe Index. By comparing the actual and reference Wobbe Indices and recognizing that the reference Wobbe Index has acceptable combustion dynamics, a measure of the combustion dynamics of the operating turbine can be obtained. To lower the possibility of combustion dynamics, causing combustor distress, a feedback signal is provided to change the temperature of the fuel gas provided the combustor. Since the Wobbe Index is a function of temperature and fuel composition, the variation in temperature can be effected to change the Wobbe Index to a reference Wobbe Index having known low combustion dynamics.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the combustion air to be used with a gas turbine engine for control the products of combustion and reducing emissions emitted therefrom have been used in the past. The present system includes a compressed air plenum being divided into a combustion air supply portion and a dilution or cooling air supply portion. A variable geometry system is positioned between the compressor section and the compressed air plenum. The variable geometry system is movably between an open position and a closed position. Movement of the variable geometry system varies the distribution of the compressed air between the combustion air supply portion and the dilution or cooling air supply portion. The system reduces emissions emitted from the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A ventilating system for adjusting temperature within acoustic enclosures for combustion turbines and other engines. The ventilating system includes a duct in flow communication with an inlet opening of the acoustic enclosure. A heat exchanger connected to a source of coolant, such as an absorption refrigeration system, is installed in the ventilating duct and changes the temperature of air passing through the ventilating duct. A blower causes air within the ventilating duct to pass over the heat exchanger and then into the enclosure through its inlet opening. As the air continues to pass through the enclosure and out of an enclosure outlet opening, the temperature within the enclosure around the engine is adjusted.

Abstract: A fuel supply control unit for a gas turbine includes a fuel supply system for sending fuel in a fuel reservoir to a plurality of gas turbine combustors, a heater provided for the fuel supply system for heating the fuel, a pressure reducing valve and an inlet fuel cutoff valve disposed on a downstream side of the heater, and a pressure reducing valve controller which detects an inlet fuel pressure of the inlet fuel cutoff valve and which supplies a pressure reduction control signal to the pressure reducing valve if a detected fuel pressure is higher than a required fuel pressure of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A turbojet-engine thrust reverser comprising at least one pivoting hollow door (3) which in the forward-thrust mode is integrated into the external cowling and which in the thrust-reversal mode constitutes a flow-deflecting obstacle by forming a scoop. A movable deflecting cascade (23) comprising vanes is combined with each door (3). The movable cascade (23) hinges about a pivot (24) and comprises at least one upstream portion forming a deflector (26) projecting, in the thrust-reversal mode of the door (3), beyond the outer surface of an outer panel (4) of this door (3) in such manner that any interference between the exhaust flow from the door (3) and the flow deflected to the outside of the door (3) is avoided.

Abstract: A solid/fluid hybrid propulsion system for a projectile launchable from a launch platform includes a container having a fluid reactant therein, an outer casing, and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed and arranged to be moved between an operative position in which at least a substantial portion of the cartridge is received within the outer casing and an inoperative position in which the cartridge is dissociated from the outer casing. The cartridge includes at least a combustion chamber containing a solid reactant therein, a thrust nozzle proximal to one end of the combustion chamber, an oxidizer distribution plate proximal to the opposite end of the combustion chamber and having an injection nozzle therethrough, and a protective liner extending along at least the length of the combustion chamber and being interposed between the exterior surface of the solid reactant and the interior surface of the outer casing when the cartridge is in the operative position.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rocket engine which improves the reliability of engine re-ignition by supplying additional oxygen to the ignitor directly from the rocket engines main fuel/oxygen injector elements, thereby eliminating the need for a supplemental oxygen supply system.

Abstract: A plant control system for controlling a plant includes an actuator for generating an input to the plant and a first detector for detecting an output from the plant. A manipulated variable determining unit determines a manipulated variable which determines the input to the plant according to a sliding mode control process such that an output from the first detector will be equalized to a predetermined target value. The manipulated variable determining unit determines the manipulated variable to converge a plurality of state quantities, which comprise differences between a plurality of present and previous time-series data of the output of the first detector and the target value, onto a balanced point on a hyperplane for the sliding mode control process, which is defined by a linear function having variables represented respectively by the state quantities.

Abstract: A method for operating a multicylinder internal combustion engine with at least one adsorber catalytic converter in the exhaust line of the internal combustion engine includes operating the adsorber catalytic converter with periodically alternating adsorption and desorption operation. The exhaust leaving the adsorber catalytic converter in desorption operation is recycled and/or an oxidation catalytic converter is provided upstream of the adsorber catalytic converter. Exhaust recycling takes place occurs selectively in only one set of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine and this set of cylinders is operated in a state of incomplete combustion during desorption operation. Rich afterburning may be performed during desorption operation of the adsorber catalytic converter in the oxidation catalytic converter connected upstream and the oxidation catalytic converter is operated at an increased temperature during short regeneration phases to remove soot.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifier equipped with a catalyst converter including an early-activation catalyst converter and a pre-catalyst converter for purifying harmful exhaust gas discharged form an engine evaluates a characteristic of the exhaust gas purification rate of the catalyst converter from the cooled condition to the warmed condition of a catalyst to diagnose a deterioration of the early-activation function of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A NO.sub.x reduction system includes an SCR catalytic converter and a metering assembly for reducing agent. A control unit for the reduction system is integrated together with the actuators and sensors as a functional unit at the reducing agent container. This provides savings in terms of lines and plug-in connections, and relieves the burden on the control unit of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold comprising a plurality of exhaust pipes and a merging portion applies exhaust gas from each cylinder uniformly to an oxygen sensor in a merging portion at low speed thereby improving the durability of the oxygen sensor. A downstream forward end of each exhaust pipe of the exhaust manifold, when connected to an inlet wall of a merging case having the oxygen sensor mounted on a side thereof, is formed in the shape of a bell mouth for leading the exhaust gas to the oxygen sensor. Each exhaust pipe is fixedly welded to the merging case at a position upstream of the forward end of the bell mouth. An angle formed by lines perpendicular to tangential lines at starting and ending points of a curved portion of the bell mouth at the forward end of the exhaust pipe is set in the range of 45.degree. to 75.degree.. As a result, the bell mouth spreads over the whole interior of the merging case and reduces a flow rate of the exhaust gas, and part of the exhaust gas flows toward the oxygen sensor.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold has inner and outer tubes made of stainless steel and welded to flanges provided at inlet ports of the exhaust manifold, from which exhaust gas discharged from an engine enters the exhaust manifold. The inner tube has flat portions, and shield plates disposed within the inner tube protect the flat portions from being directly vibrated by pressure waves of the exhaust gas. Accordingly, the vibration of the flat portions is lowered, so that high frequency noise from the exhaust manifold is reduced.

Abstract: A medical-appliance driving apparatus is provided. The driving apparatus includes a first pressure sensor, which detects the inside pressure of a first positive pressure tank, and a second pressure sensor, which detects the inside pressure of a second negative pressure tank. A controller calculates the mean value of the pressure data detected by the first and second pressure sensors and if the mean value is greater than the predetermined mean value, a first valve is opened for a predetermined time. If the mean value is smaller than the predetermined mean value, then a second valve is opened for a predetermined time. The controller also calculates the pressure difference between the pressure data detected by the first and second sensors. If the pressure difference is greater than the predetermined difference value, the output level of a pump is lowered. If the pressure difference is smaller than the predetermined difference value, then the output level of the pump is raised.

Abstract: A hydraulic device comprises a variable displacement pump, a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a plurality of directional valves capable of controlling the delivery oil flowing into each of the actuators, a plurality of pressure compensation valves which compensate the pressures of respective directional valves, and a delivery oil flow rate varying means capable of controlling the pump delivery. At least one of the pressure compensation valves decreases its output flow to a particular actuator according to an increase in the loaded pressure of the particular actuator. With this arrangement, if the loaded pressure of the particular actuator suddenly changes, the loaded pressure attenuates to ensure stable operation of the hydraulic device. Further, the stable operation is fee of hunting for both low-load actuators and high load actuators, regardless of an independent operation or a compound operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic controller (1), in particular for the control of the rotating mechanism of an excavator. A hydraulic motor (5) is driven by means of a hydraulic pump (2) in a hydraulic drive circuit, the hydraulic pump (2) and the hydraulic motor (5) being connected by a first and a second working line (3, 4). The hydraulic controller (1) includes an adjustment arrangement (26) for adjusting a setting piston (28a), acting on the displacement volume of the hydraulic pump (2), arranged between two setting pressure chambers (26, 27), in dependence upon the pressure difference between two control lines (20, 21). In accordance with the invention, a respective separate brake valve (24; 25) is provided in each connection between each of the two setting pressure chambers (26; 27) with the pressure fluid tank (10).

Abstract: A device for controlling a hydrostatic drive (1) having a resonator (2) which is connected on the one hand to the hydrostatic drive (1) and on the other hand to a pressurized-fluid supply line (4) and to a return line (5), and having a periodically actuatable switch valve (3) which connects the resonator (2) alternately with the pressurized-fluid supply line (4) and the return line (5). In order to assure advantageous control conditions, the resonator (2) has at least one pressure chamber (6) with a movable, oscillatable chamber limitation (7) for changing the chamber volume movable chamber limitation (7) form a part of a single-mass oscillator comprising mass and spring (10). The pressure chamber (6) which can be connected alternately with the pressurized-fluid supply line (4), the return line (5) and the hydrostatic drive (1) can be acted on via the switch valve (3) with a switch frequency which lies in the supraresonance region of the single-mass oscillator.

Abstract: A master cylinder with a main piston (12) located in a main bore (110) of a body (11). A reaction arrangement including a reaction piston (3) which slides in a secondary bore (120) in the main piston (12) for providing a reaction to a pneumatic booster. The reaction arrangement includes a shut-off seat (31) associated with the reaction piston (3), an annular wall (4) located in the secondary bore (120) at a distance from the reaction piston (3), a ratio change-piston (5) located in a leaktight sliding in a central passage of the annular wall (4) and a floating piston (6) mounted in a leaktight sliding within the ratio change piston (5) for providing the reaction piston (3) with a reaction force when an actuation force is applied to quickly to the reaction piston (3).

Abstract: An auto-reheat system for use with a steam turbine in which a portion of the heat energy supplied to the turbine from a heat source is directed to an ensuing region of the vapor path where the transiting vapor has expanded to such an extent that it begins to become "wet." The portion of heat energy directed to the ensuing region is delivered concurrently with the supply of heat energy to the admission port of the turbine, permitting a higher temperature to be maintained within the transiting vapor and thereby reducing the quantity of moisture developing in the vapor during the latter stages of the turbine expansion cycle. The result is improved turbine energy output and reduced blade maintenance costs.

Abstract: An annular premix section that reduces NO.sub.x and CO emissions of a gas turbine combustor by providing a more homogeneous fuel/air mixture for main stage combustion is provided. A gas turbine combustor according to the present invention includes a nozzle housing, a main fuel nozzle, and a main fuel swirler. A main combustion zone is located adjacent to the nozzle housing. The main fuel nozzle extends through the nozzle housing and is attached to a nozzle housing base. The tip of the main fuel nozzle is located downstream of the nozzle housing base. The main fuel swirler surrounds a portion of the main fuel nozzle, with a downstream end of the main fuel swirler located downstream of a main fuel injection port and upstream of the main fuel nozzle tip. The main fuel swirler is adapted to receive a flow of compressed air and to mix a fuel with the flow of compressed air to form a fuel/air mixture flow.

Abstract: The liquid fuel injector includes continuous air assist with both the liquid fuel injector tube and the surrounding air assist tube constrained or reduced in diameter at the discharge ends thereof. The associated gas turbine engine compressor provides combustion air to the combustor and also air for continuous air assist with a separate air pump. The air assist air may be cooled in a heat exchanger either before or after the separate air pump. The liquid fuel injector may be mounted within an annular air blast tube and directed tangentially at the inner wall of the combustor. A solenoid valve controlled purge line, together with solenoid valves in the liquid fuel and air assist lines can be utilized to purge any liquid fuel in the liquid fuel injector and manifold upon shutdown of the combustor. The liquid fuel injector can also be insulated and liquid fuel can be used to cool the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a combustor and a gas turbine engine, wherein the combustor includes a combustor wall defining a combustion chamber tube surrounded by pressurized air. The injector comprises a nozzle tip assembly protruding through the combustor wall into the chamber, the nozzle tip including a first air passage forming an annular array communicating the pressurized air from outside the wall into the combustion chamber. A second air passage is made up of an annular array of individual air passages spaced radially from the first air passage and communicating the pressurized air from outside the combustor wall into the combustor.

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling beverage containers, such as hot drinks or cold drinks, in a vehicle. A beverage container, such as a can of pop, is inserted into the device and its insertion activates the selected function, either heating or cooling. The beverage container may be inserted with one hand and removed with one hand, allowing it to be used safely by a driver. Heat transfer members within the device conform to the beverage container, and automatically adjust for different sizes of beverage container circumferences. The heat transfer members also automatically adjust themselves to accommodate varying top-to-bottom taper of beverage containers. A thermally conductive and pliable interface layer between the beverage container and the heat transfer members insures efficient heat transfer contact, and efficient heat transfer.

Abstract: A temperature-insensitive reference voltage for an integrated circuit is created by positioning a reference voltage generator circuit proximate to a temperature control structure formed directly on the chip. The temperature control structure utilizes the Peltier Effect to translate an applied voltage into a change in temperature. The voltage applied to the temperature control structure is regulated by a temperature regulator circuit. Both the temperature regulator circuit and the reference voltage generator circuit are formed from standard IC components. In response to detected changes in ambient temperature, the temperature regulator circuit communicates a control voltage to the temperature control structure. The thermal environment, and hence voltage output, of the voltage reference generator circuit is thus stabilized by Peltier heating and cooling relative to changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A vortex heater to transfer a vortex flow's heat flux to a separate gas flow in a system including a vortex tube having a slender tube plugged at the far end, fins attached to the slender tube's outer side and a shell which includes enclosing the finned vortex slender tube with the shell, thus forming an outer wall of the heat exchanger, connecting a vortex tube's inlet with a source of compressed gas and then discharging the gas flow through vortex tube's diaphragm to provide for the gas flow to undergo an energy separation in the vortex tube, connecting a separate gas flow with the heat exchanger inlet, and discharging this flow from the heat exchanger outlet, to provide for the vortex flow to cool down and for the heat exchanger's flow to heat up.

Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerating system has a refrigeration generation unit including a cold head with two ends. A pulse tube has its low temperature end connected to one end of the cold head and a regenerator has its low temperature end connected to the other end of the cold head. A pressure vibration source is connected to a high temperature end of the regenerator and serves to vibrate a working gas in the refrigeration generation unit by expanding and compressing the working gas. A flow control device is connected to a high temperature end of the pulse tube and establishes a phase difference between vibration and displacement of the working gas. The flow control device includes a buffer tank, a conduit interposed between the buffer tank and the high temperature end of the pulse tube, a restrictive member placed at one of the high temperature end and the low temperature end of the pulse tube, and a flow adjusting member interposed between the restrictive member and the pulse tube.

Abstract: A suitable slurry composition allows gas hydrates to be stored or transported under metastable conditions. The slurry includes gas hydrate particles and a carrier liquid for the gas hydrate particles. Suitable carrier liquids have a specific gravity in the range from about 0.6 to about 2, a pour point below about -20.degree. C. a viscosity of about 10 centipoise or less, and a thermal conductivity lower than that of the gas hydrate particles. The slurry can be stored or transported in a system that includes a container for holding the slurry; a device for agitating the slurry while in the container (e.g., a mixing blade, a rotating screw, a reciprocating box beam, or an ultrasound generator); a device for removing excess carrier liquid from the container while it is loaded or being loaded with gas hydrates and/or carrier liquid (e.g., a skimming device or a drain); and a device for reslurrifying the gas hydrates with carrier liquid before or during unloading of the gas hydrates from the container (e.g.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a Joule-Thomson cryostat or refrigeration system in which an expansion valve can be commandably actuated to partially withdraw the core of the expansion valve in order to dislodge and flush contaminants that have collected in the valve passageway, to open the expansion valve to increase flow to accelerate cooldown, and to control flow to regulate the amount of refrigeration produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, a control unit, and a device for continuously deep freezing foams, e.g., edible foams, in particular ice cream and whipped cream, to the storage temperature, without using deep freezing tunnels.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes a mold having a cavity with a bottom surface. The mold cavity is configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the mold cavity. The auger includes a rotatable surface at least partially defining the bottom surface of the mold cavity. The rotatable surface includes at least one ramp configured for lifting the ice off of the bottom surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a calibration method of a detecting section which is provided on a substrate incorporated into a system interconnection generator and which detects by detecting means an object to be detected or an value of the object to be detected. The calibration method comprises the steps of prior to the substrate being incorporated into the system interconnection generator, measuring by the detecting section a reference value of the object to be detected by the detecting section; storing at least one of an error with respect to the reference value measured by the measuring step and the measured value of the reference value in association with the measurement result; and after the substrate being incorporated into the system interconnection generator, outputting the measurement result of the detecting section based on at least one of the error and the measured reference value, stored by the storing step in association with the measurement result.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: An energy management system is disclosed that includes first, second and third heat exchangers, a compressor to provide compressed refrigerant for selective delivery to the heat exchangers, an expansion valve for the first and second heat exchangers for selectively delivering expanding refrigerant thereto, and a control valve communicating with the heat exchangers, expansion valves and compressor.

Abstract: In order to cool a room, a cooling element fitted in the ceiling region is cooled to below the freezing point, preferably to about -40.degree. C., during the cooling phases so that condensate forming thereon freezes immediately. During regeneration phases when the room is not in use, the cooling element is defrosted and the melted condensate is caught in a condensate tray beneath the cooling element and drained via a discharge. The great temperature difference between the room to be cooled and the cooling element also makes it possible to obtain a strong cooling effect with a small cooling element, especially by indirect radiation exchange between the room and the cooling element via an intermediate ceiling. In addition, the air in the room is dehumidified since water vapour is deposited on and bonded to the cooling element in the form of ice.

Abstract: An evaporator module for an air conditioner includes a substantially rectangular structural evaporator housing having a rear wall and a substantially open front. An air directing scroll is mounted within the housing adjacent the rear wall. Scroll aligning structures, provided on the rear wall of the housing, cooperate with structure on the scroll to support the scroll in its operative position. An evaporator fan and motor subassembly are mounted directly to a support extending from the rear wall. The rear wall of the housing and the scroll are provided with axially aligned openings which receive at least a portion of the evaporator fan motor therein. An evaporator coil and evaporator coil support subassembly is positioned in substantially confronting relationship with the evaporator fan and the scroll to thereby support the scroll and to further define the air inlet path across the evaporator and into the evaporator fan.

Abstract: A pressure reducing assembly is provided for managing refrigerant flow in a reversible HVAC system. Refrigerant lines from the system heat exchangers connect to bi-directional ports of a pressure reducing assembly which converts the high pressure refrigerant flowing from one heat exchanger into pressure reduced refrigerant that flows to the other heat exchanger. The pressure reducing assembly converts bi-directional refrigerant flow from the heat exchangers into unidirectional refrigerant flow through a pressure reducing device. Refrigerant emitted from the pressure reducing device flows out of the pressure reducing assembly to the other heat exchanger. The invention simplifies the interconnection of reversible HVAC systems by eliminating the complex plumbing and extra valves associated with conventional systems.

Abstract: A combination heating and cooling apparatus which comprises a compartment into which an item to be heated or cooled may be placed; an electromagnetic wave generator; wherein during a first mode of operation of the apparatus, the electromagnetic waves are directed into the compartment to heat the item; at least one sorber having a housing defining an enclosure; a sorbate/sorbent compound located within the enclosure; a waveguide for coupling electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator to the sorber; wherein electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electromagnetic wave generator are propagated through the enclosure to desorb the sorbate from the sorbate/sorbent compound; a condenser connected to the sorber; an evaporator connected to both the condenser and the sorber and positioned in heat exchange relation with the compartment; and a controllable valve interposed between the condenser and the evaporator; wherein sorbate which is desorbed in the sorber is condensed in the condenser and

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet defining a freezer compartment having an access opening and a closure member for closing the access opening. An ice maker is disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces and an ice storage bin is removably mounted to the closure member below the ice maker for receiving ice from the ice maker. The ice storage bin has an upper portion which is transparent and has a bottom opening. An ice discharge chute extends through the closure member below the bottom opening of the ice storage bin. A motor is mounted on the closure member. An auger is vertically disposed within the ice storage bin and is drivingly connected to the motor. Upon energization of the motor, the auger moves ice pieces from the ice storage bin through the bottom opening to the ice discharge chute for dispensing ice pieces from the ice storage bin.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a support panel extending sideways from a bottom of a storage heat insulating box at one side of the box. An evaporator heat insulating box is provided for accommodating an evaporator and is formed at the one side of the storage heat insulating box with an equipment accommodating space being formed between itself and the base panel. A back panel extends from the rear wall of the storage heat insulating box so as to form rear walls of the evaporator heat insulating box and the equipment accommodating space, respectively. A side panel is continuous to the back panel so as to define an air circulation space together with a side of the evaporator heat insulating box. A front panel is continuous to the side panel so as to provide a front of the evaporator heat insulating box and the equipment accommodating space.