Abstract: A fire resistant barrier and system for dynamic building expansion joints comprising a plurality of layers of fire resistant material comprising: a first mechanical support layer having a first and second major surface; a second layer having a first and second major surface, wherein the second layer provides protection and mechanical support to the fire barrier; and at least one layer of intumescent sheet material having a first and second major surface; said at least one layer of intumescent material is disposed between said first mechanical support layer and said second layer; and wherein said first mechanical support layer, said second layer and said at least one layer of intumescent material are locally bonded together over only a portion of their width substantially continuously along the length of the layers of said fire resistant material.

Abstract: A room arrangement for dividing and providing privacy between adjacent living areas in a hotel room, apartment or other similar facility. The room arrangement includes a first room or hallway and an adjoining second room, such as a dressing room with an attached closet or storage area. A bi-directional door is positioned between the first room and the second room. The bi-directional door is selectively positionable between a first position for providing a partition between the second room and the storage area and a second position providing a partition between the first room and the second room. A "two way" catch mechanism maintains the bidirectional door in one of the first and the second positions. In the preferred embodiment, a third room, such as a bathroom, adjoins the second room wherein when the bi-directional door is positioned in the second position, the third room and the second room and the storage area are separated from the first room.

Abstract: A tile panel system has a frame for supporting one or more tiles. The system includes a plurality of vertical support member. Attached to the support members are two piece blocks that clamp around the vertical supports. Horizontal rails then extend between oppositely positioned clamp. Tiles are then releasably secured to the horizontal rails via spring clips or other appropriate mechanisms.

Abstract: A variable width panel includes a frame having a knock-down construction adapted for on-site assembly. The frame includes a first rigid stile adapted to be disposed in a generally vertical assembled orientation along a first side of the frame. At least two rigid cross-members having first ends thereof rigidly attached to the stile are disposed in a vertically spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a generally horizontal assembled orientation. The cross-members having predetermined full width with a construction which permits the cross-members to be cut to a custom width at a second end thereof during the on-site assembly for use in a special width panel that is adapted for connection with the standard width panels. The frame also includes fasteners for detachably connecting the second ends of the cross-members with the second stile to define a pocket therebetween.

Abstract: A concrete floor of a portable storage building is made for one or more storage units with each unit including a floor made through use of a single pair of mold sections or a plurality of pairs of mold sections interconnected for multiple storage units. Each mold section has a raised center and a circumferencial channel with concrete being poured onto the raised center and into the circumferencial channel. Removable exterior mold side walls complete the floor mold. A jack bracket is removably attachable to the floor corners and in turn is engageable with a hydraulic jack for raising and lowering the floor for loading onto the flatbed of a truck for transport to a remote site of use. A chain hoist connected to a top edge of a building wall panel is used to pivot the wall panel to a raised vertical position as the hoist moves on a rail to the vertical plane of the wall panel when raised.

Abstract: The insulation barrier is made with a flexible foam polyethylene substrate and a film which is secured to at least one side of the substrate and which extends from at least one lateral edge of the substrate. The insulation barrier may be supplied in roll form or in panel form. In one embodiment, the film may be provided with a plurality of small holes to permit moisture vapor to pass through under a differential pressure on opposite sides of the barrier. In still another embodiment, the substrate may be provided with spaced apart embossments while the film is provided with pockets receiving the embossments. The barrier has multiple uses as an insulation/vapor barrier for interior and exterior use on buildings including use in roofing, flooring and walls.

Abstract: A modular decking system particularly adapted for use with docks in tidal coastal environments is presented. The system provides removable modular decking sections that allow the user to remove the decking prior to a large storm, preventing destruction of the dock by the hydraulic forces of violently rising water. Alternatively, the system may be used in a residential or commercial situation allowing the user to install decking over an area that typically requires access, such as over a flat roof or over areas containing buried services such as cables or piping. The system comprises a number of decking sections that are used with a conventional joist system. Each section includes a plurality of planks that are joined together in parallel to rails that hold the planks together during transportation, installation and removal of the decking sections. A joist cap is provided over each supporting joist, and clamping mechanisms are provided to secure the decking sections to the joist system.

Abstract: A portable floor system includes a plurality of substantially rectangular floor panels adapted for connection along their edges to form an extended floor surface. The extruded edges include complementary tongues and grooves, and complementary locking members for aligning and connecting the edges of the panels. The tongues include notches and the grooves have complementary vertical pins to aid in aligning the panels during locking. The portable floor system has transitional edge trim panels that provide a transition from the floor surface to the underlying supporting surface. The edge trim panels include ribs forming slots for receiving alignment members that provide alignment between the ends of the edge trim panels. The alignment members include set screws and L-shaped members for inserting into complementary ends of corner edge trim panels.

Abstract: A tie device (1) is provided, for tying objects together, such as reinforcing bars (7, 8) prior to pouring concrete therearound. The tie device (1) comprises a pair of arms (2, 3) in a U- or V-shaped configuration, and has a hook (5, 6) at each end thereof. The hooks (5, 6) are designed to automatically interengage when brought together. An apparatus and method for tying the tie device (1) are also provided.

Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring bricks to a wall includes an anchoring bracket which is mounted adjacent to the wall and a receiving slot in the bracket for receiving a brick support therein. The anchoring bracket is secured to the wall using threaded fasteners. The brick support includes a supporting flange and a mounting flange mounted in an L-shaped orientation. The receiving slot supports the mounting flange therein such that the supporting flange extends laterally outward from the wall for supporting the bricks thereon.

Abstract: An insulation product includes an elongated comformable body of fibrous insulation having front and rear major surfaces and two elongated side surfaces. A facing is adhered to the front major surface of the conformable body, the facing having sufficient tensile strength to withstand a pressure, without tearing, of about 1.0 pound per square foot from the fibrous insulation in a wall cavity defined by wall studs, when the facing is adhered to the wall studs. The facing is bonded to the conformable body with sufficient strength to provide product integrity to the insulation product when it is cut lengthwise. The insulation product can be expanded when unconstrained to a high loft thickness so that when the batt is placed in an insulation cavity having a thickness less than or equal to the high loft thickness, the insulation product can be expanded to fill the insulation cavity. The fibrous insulation material has a resistance to compression less than about 1.

Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously creating a pair of inner packing and then simultaneously placing them into side-by-side cartons by pulling the lead inner packing from two sets of inner packings, moving the pulled inner packings towards each other until they are positioned side by side, gripping the inner packings and opening them and finally, while being gripped, moving the inner packings into the side by side cartons.

Abstract: In a method for packaging flat articles, articles are brought in a continuous stack (P) along a support level to a grouping station so that their planes are upright from the support level, wherein product batches to be placed in a package, such as a box, are separated from the stack by an automatic grouping device. For grouping articles having different thicknesses at different ends in the direction of their plane, a stack portion (OP) is separated from the stack, the stack portion is gripped by a gripping device, and it is rotated around one axis so that its direction deviates from the original. The first stack portions (OP) so rotated are placed next to such second stack portions, whose directions in relation to said one axis deviate 180.degree. from the direction of the first stack portions, and the first and second stack portion so placed next to each other are formed to the product batch to be placed in the package.

Abstract: A method for packaging of objects (50), by means of pieces (32a) of sheet material, obtained from a continuous strip (32), comprises translation, with continual motion, of the objects (5) in individual succession, from upstream towards downstream, on three conveyors (1, 2, 3), and, for each object (50), during the wrapping operations, the transverse wrapping bar (14) is stopped during its path of longitudinal advance downstream, in a specific position, which is further forwards than the rear end of the object (50), and simultaneously, the means (25) of supply of a continuous strip (32) of packaging material are stopped, in order then to actuate cutting means (21), which cut off a piece (32a) from the said continuous strip (32) which is rendered stationary, and, when the cutting off has taken place, the advance of the wrapping bar (14) is resumed, and the packaging of the object (50) itself is completed. A machine for implementation of the said method.

Abstract: Method of packing an article in a container in which a quantity of loose fill material is introduced into flexible pouches to form cushions, and the pressure within the pouches is reduced to create a pressure differential which compresses the cushions and molds them to a shape corresponding to the interior of the container. The compressed cushions and the article to be packed are placed in the container, with the article between the cushions, and the pressure differential is then eliminated so that the cushions reexpand and fill container. In one disclosed embodiment, the cushions are molded to the shape of the container by placing the uncompressed cushions in a frame having a side wall with a contour similar to that of the container and a lateral dimension greater than the container, allowing the loose fill material within the pouches to flow to the side wall so that the cushions have a shape similar to the interior of the container, and thereafter reducing the pressure to compress the cushions.

Abstract: The Invention provides a waste storage device comprising a main body and a lid, the main body including a waste aperture inlet arranged to receive a storage bag, the lid comprising storage bag severing means movably mounted thereon and a formation arranged to hold the storage bag against movement relative to the lid when the lid is in a closed position, for operation of the severing means, in which the lid is movably fastened to the main body between said closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A protective mask for a horse has a cap shaped to conform to a top region of a horse's head. Two sleeves are formed integral to the cap to receive the ears of the horse. An opening is provided in the cap between the sleeves to allow a forelock of the horse to extend therethrough. Alternatively, the cap has three openings spaced laterally across an upper region of the cap to allow the ears and forelock of the horse to extend therethrough. A mesh face panel is coupled to a bottom edge of the cap and extends downward to substantially cover the eyes of the horse. A nosepiece is coupled to a bottom edge of the face panel, and extends laterally to span a bridge of the horse's nose. A seal formed of fleece material is provided on an inner surface of the nosepiece to rest on the bridge of the horse's nose to substantially prevent insects from passing under the nosepiece.

Abstract: A machine for cutting plant matter equipped with a limiter device includes a first assembly connected to a first unit and a second assembly connected to a second unit. The second unit is connected to the first unit by an articulation allowing the second unit to pivot about an axis of the articulation within limits allowed by at least one stop. The stop is elastically deformable so as to limit pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a first pivoting torque, and so as to tolerate a much greater amount of pivoting of the second unit about the axis when the second unit is subjected to a second pivoting torque.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement having a chain link (1). The chain link (1) has two link plates (2, 3), located spaced apart opposite one another, with edge and side faces (4, 5, 6) and at least one crossmember (7) which connects the link plates (2, 3). A fastening unit (8) is provided which has webs or tines (9, 10) which are spaced apart and extend in the longitudinal direction of the link plates (2, 3). The fastening unit (8), the crossmember (7) and/or at least one link plate (2, 3) have interacting connecting means (13, 20), by means of which the fastening unit (8) can be connected to the crossmember (7) and/or at least one link plate (2, 3) with the webs (9, 10) directed inwards into or inwards into and outwards out of the chain link (1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of operating a burner. The method includes feeding an auxiliary gas into a liquid fuel upstream of an injection orifice during the ignition and during part load of the burner, and interrupting the feeding of the auxiliary gases within high load ranges of the burner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam-cooling system for gas turbine combustors in combined plants possessing a steam-cooled combustor; in order to maintain the combustor outlet steam temperature at planned values even during the starting and during the periods of load fluctuation, a steam valve 12 is opened and steam from a boiler 4 is conducted, and thereby the combustor of the gas turbine 1 is cooled, and steam recovery valve 11 is opened and this steam is returned to steam turbine 5. During the starting, steam is caused to flow from an auxiliary steam source 3, and a warming up is conducted. When the amount of steam at the combustor outlet decreases, the temperature of the temperature sensor 31 increases, and when this exceeds a planned value, a temperature regulating valve 30 is opened and steam from steam turbine 5 is extracted and is let into the cooling steam outlet side flow path 61 of the combustor.

Abstract: The device involves the placement of an air pump turbine and the aircraft outflow valve in a duct through which all the air flows, with the turbine shaft attached to that of an electric generator, to a hydraulic pump, and to the N2 and accessory gearbox inside the engine, the air is also sent through a duct to strike inclined against the tips of the fan blades and against the tips of the first stage of the low speed compressor blades of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A rotary engine has a driving shaft and a driving rotor secured in rotation to the driving shaft. The driving rotor has one or several outwardly open rotor chambers distributed around its periphery and each having several inclined pressure application walls that act as a kind of driving blade to convert the explosion pressure into a rotary motion of the rotor. A stator surrounds the driving motor and contains at least one explosion chamber inwardly open toward the driving rotor and provided with an outlet past which the rotor chambers move with at least two pressure application walls at the same time. An electric ignition plug is arranged in each explosion chamber and at least one valve-controlled mixture inlet or a valve-controlled air inlet and a valve-controlled fuel inlet open into the explosion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology of diagnosing an exhaust gas purifying apparatus about a fault in its temperature control function of controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes the exhaust gas purifying catalyst, and a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of this exhaust gas purifying catalyst. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus is judged to be faulted, wherein at least one of a state of the temperature control means and a state of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst serves as a parameter.

Abstract: A system for purifying exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine having a NOx reduction catalyst (NOx absorber) installed in the exhaust system of the engine which absorbs NOx in the exhaust gas generated by the engine in a lean environment where a lean fuel mixture is supplied and desorbs to reduce the absorbed NOx in a rich environment where a rich mixture is supplied. In the system, the rich fuel mixture is supplied for a period immediately before cutoff. With the arrangement, the NOx reduction catalyst desorbs the absorbed NOx and is regenerated to absorb NOx sufficiently. At the same time, the NOx reduction catalyst is regenerated from sulfur poisoning, thereby preventing the NOx purification efficiency from being degraded.

Abstract: A system for supplying an implement with hydraulic fluid includes a first hydraulic pump generating a first flow, a second hydraulic pump generating a second flow and a valve assembly adapted to be coupled to the implement and coupled to the first and second flows. The valve assembly couples the first flow to the implement. The valve assembly also selectively adds the second flow to the first flow to provide a low flow or a high flow. The valve assembly couples the first flow to the implement via a first coupling in response to a first signal and via a second coupling in response to a second signal. The system further includes a manually operable control coupled to the valve assembly and movable between the first position which the first signal is generated, a second position in which the second signal is generated and a third position in which a third signal is generated. The system also includes a foot pedal control coupled to the manually operable control and to the valve assembly.

Abstract: A system for improving the efficiency of a modem power plant for generating electricity with a water-cooled shell and tube steam condenser with an air removal system is disclosed. An air removal system typically includes an air offtake pipe and a two-stage liquid ring vacuum pump. The operating pressure of this type of air removal system under steady state operation attains equilibrium by itself and cannot be changed. This invention adds a pressure control system to lower the operating pressure at the inlet of the vacuum pump of the air removal system so that an optimum minimum pressure is attained to reduce air inventory inside the condenser. This enhances heat transfer and improves power plant efficiency. The pressure control system contains a pressure control device (e.g. miniature condenser), a chiller, and a pump with variable speed. These components are connected in a loop that circulates cold water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling the airflow into a compression ignition engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). The control strategy includes the steps of measuring the intake manifold pressure and exhaust manifold pressure, and using these values, estimating the EGR flow fraction. The EGR flow fraction is then used in a proportional plus integral feedback control loop to generate position commands for the EGR valve. Similarly, the intake manifold pressure signal is used in a proportional plus integral feedback control loop to generate position commands for the VGT. In this way, the EGR valve is used to regulate the EGR flow fraction to a desired value and the VGT turbine is used to regulate the intake manifold pressure to a desired value.

Abstract: This Device is a simplified Solar Steam Engine. It consists of a sole reciprocating piston within a slotted cylinder. A piston actuating arm extends through the slot to provide the power take off. The Actuator Arm also provides the power to a slide valve (4) within an input/output (I/O) Manifold that directs the steam correspondingly to each end of the steam engine to move the piston back and forth. The actuator arm provides the power directly to a load such as a pump piston Which in turn also requires the back and forth movement to provide air pressure for air tools. water jet propulsion power could be provided for small boats like kayaks or canoes and the like. Even compression for Home-air conditioners may be possible.

Abstract: A device for storing and releasing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas can be used to drive pneumatic mechanical mechanisms. The hydrogen gas is stored in a metal hydride material. The metal hydride is in thermal contact with a thermoelectric module (10) (TEM). When acted upon by an electrical current through the TEM one volume of metal hydride (12) is heated and releases hydrogen gas while a second volume of metal hydride (28) is cooled and absorbs hydrogen gas. There is a pressure difference generated between the heated volume and the cooled volume. This difference in pressure is used to drive a pneumatic-mechanical mechanism to perform work.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and device for increasing the energy efficiency of a power plant. The invention comprises monitoring the power consumption of a power plant subsystem. The subsystem being monitored should be a subsystem that directly influences a measurable condition that is related to generator output. The generator output of the power plant generator is monitored as a function of the measurable condition. The power consumption of the subsystem influencing the measurable condition is compared to generator. The subsystem power consumption can then be adjusted output.

Abstract: An outer container constructed of a non-metallic material and an inner container constructed of metal permanently secured to said outer container. The inner container houses a material which when activated alters the temperature of food or beverage housed within the outer container and in contact with an outer surface of the inner container. Preferably, the outer container is constructed of food grade glass or plastic or paper products having a waterproof interior and the inner container is permanently affixed thereto by a threaded plug or a washer like member welded thereto respectively.

Abstract: In this cooling and heating device by using gas and heat pipe of this invention, which is different from the conventional method, perfectly non-polluting gas, including air, is used as a refrigerant material, without changing of state, in the open loop circuit. The temperature separation of lower temperature and higher temperature is accomplished by a rapid gas expansion means, a high speed gas rotation means and a high speed heat transport means which includes a heat pipe. This device can be applied as a perfectly non-polluting operating principle of a cooling and/or heating device for general use, it can be used in wide area such as factories, stock houses, offices, homes, cars, ships, aircraft, etc.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic liquid storage tank features a main tank containing a ullage tank. The top portion of the main tank communicates with the bottom portion of the ullage tank through a pipe segment and an opening in the ullage tank. The pipe segment is dimensioned and positioned so that the main tank fills with incoming cryogenic liquid while the ullage tank remains primarily empty. The restricted flow into the ullage tank causes the flow of cryogen into the main tank to decrease when the main tank is nearly full. This decrease in flow is utilized to terminate the filling of the tank. Removal of product from the main tank decreases the pressure and the liquid level therein so that liquid flows out of the ullage tank and is unable to return.

Abstract: An environmental control system provides for two stage compression and expansion of a bleed air within a cooling cycle, while allowing for a separately driven fan to handle ambient air as a heat sink. The system comprises a plurality of compressors capable of compressing a water vapor bearing air to produce a compressed air. A reheater is capable of cooling the compressed air. A condenser is in flow communication with the reheater, with the condenser being capable of condensing the water vapor. A water extractor is in flow communication with and intermediate of the condenser and the reheater. A plurality of turbines are in flow communication with and downstream of the reheater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasively diagnosing a closed air refrigeration system includes a sensing unit which can be selectively placed over the evaporator inlet duct and the evaporator outlet duct to respectively measure the evaporator inlet enthalpy and the evaporator outlet enthalpy. Using both of these enthalpies, a computer calculates a sensible heat ratio for the evaporator which is useable to diagnose the system. Similarly, the sensing unit can be selectively placed over the condenser intake and condenser exhaust to measure the condenser intake enthalpy and the condenser exhaust enthalpy. Using these enthalpies, the computer calculates a sensible heat ratio for the condenser which is useable to further diagnose the system. Further, superheat and subcool set points can be calculated and compared with rated set points to evaluate the system. In an alternate embodiment, separate sensing units can be used simultaneously to measure the various enthalpies.

Abstract: A modular refrigerated structure 10 includes a modular perimeter 12 which defines a refrigerated space 30, a plurality of display openings 24 about the perimeter 12 and at least one personnel access opening 32 for personnel ingress and egress to the refrigerated space 30. Shelves 40 are positioned at each display opening 24 for displaying products. A plurality of roof modules 56 are supported over the perimeter 12 and include a refrigeration module 67, an air passage 60 positioned above a centrally located storage area 38, an air distribution plenum 68 and air outlets 80 positioned adjacent the perimeter 12.

Abstract: A refrigerated open display case has receptacles or holders for directly receiving wet-pack shipping containers, so that flowers do not need to be repacked into vases. A laminar flow of chilled air over the flowers establishes a laminar flow boundary layer with the warmer ambient air. An array of perforations serve as chilled air supply openings on the vertical riser walls, and chilled air is discharged in a laminar flow. A return air intake grille extends across the cabinet below the front of the lowermost shelf, in an undercut transverse recess. The front part of each shelf member has a chamfer or downward slope. The receptacles for the wet-pack containers can include cutouts that extend onto the chamfered front parts of the shelves. The forward wall of the container is exposed above the chamfer, which facilitates insertion and removal. Inside the cabinet, the coldest air leaving the evaporator coil passes in contact with the underside of the shelf members and with the containers.

Abstract: A cooling device for texturized yarns comprises a rotating drum equipped with a perforated wall, a unit capable of depositing the yarn exiting from a texturizing nozzle on the perforated surface, and a device capable of aspirating air from the inside of the drum, and elements are provided capable of circulating a refrigerating fluid inside the drum as well as elements, external, with respect to the drum, adapted to cool the air that is aspirated through the holes of the drum to cool the yarns.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus improves the insulating effect of a refrigerating chamber which is maintained at ultra low temperatures by a twin refrigerating apparatus. A vertical ultra low-temperature freezer 1 is composed of an insulating frame with a composite structure of a vacuum insulating panel and a foam insulating material, an insulating door with a composite structure of vacuum insulating panels and a foam insulating material, and a twin refrigerating apparatus which cools goods stored in the insulating frame. Ultra low temperatures are produced by the twin refrigerating apparatus in which a high-temperature side refrigerant circuit and a low-temperature side refrigerant circuit are in cascade connection.

Abstract: A portable food and beverage cooling device is disclosed and includes a flexible cooling pouch having outer and inner faces. A cooling pack is provided in the cooling pouch. The cooling pack comprises a plurality of alternating cooling cavities and connecting portions. Each of the cooling cavities of the cooling pack has a cooling substance therein capable of is cooled. A flexible insulating panel is provided in the cooling pouch. The insulating panel has a central region interposed between the outer face of the cooling pouch and the cooling pack. The insulating panel also has a pair of opposite side regions overlapping the cooling pack such that each side region of the insulating panel has a side portion interposed between the cooling pack and the inner face of the cooling pouch. The side portions of the side regions of the insulating panel face one another and are spaced apart from one another to define an air gap therebetween positioned between the cooling pack and the inner face of the cooling pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for refrigeration employing a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, wherein a condenser vent is provided for exhausting accumulated mixtures of non-condensable gas, such as air, and refrigerant gas, wherein accumulated non-condensable gas mixed with refrigerant gas from the condenser vent is provided to a membrane separator comprising at least two chambers separated by a selective membrane, said chambers being a high pressure chamber to which the non-condensable gas mixed with refrigerant gas is supplied, and a low pressure chamber into which the refrigerant gas is selectively permeated through said selective membrane for reintroduction and reuse in the refrigeration cycle, and on said high pressure chamber of said membrane separator, a vent is provided to exhaust non-condensable gas-rich raffinate gas.

Abstract: A heat absorption conversion system which, as a single- or multistage system for providing heat and/or refrigeration, has at least one absorber and/or resorber constructed as an absorption heat exchanger. Loads per unit area for mass transfer and heat exchange and the heat transfer coefficient resulting therefrom in the absorber and/or resorber are set to a value as high as possible. To achieve this performance, the heat absorption conversion system has at least one cooled (i.e. nonadiabotic) absorption heat exchanger as the absorber and/or resorber with, as additional components, at least one solution cooler and a pump. These components, together with the absorption heat exchanger, a connection line and a control valve, form a recirculation circuit. This heat absorption conversion system operates even at low heat input temperatures or decreased refrigeration temperatures or elevated cooling medium temperatures.

Abstract: A resilient container configured to receive a quantity of hyperpolarized noble gas includes a wall with at least two layers, a first layer with a surface which minimizes spin-relaxation and a first or second layer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen. The container is especially suitable for collecting and transporting .sup.3 He. The resilient container can be configured to directly deliver the hyperpolarized noble gas to a target interface by deflating or collapsing the inflated resilient container. Related collection and transporting methods include forming the wall of the container and collecting the hyperpolarized gas in a way which minimizes its exposure to de-polarizing impurities. Also, a container includes a quantity of polarized gas and extends the T.sub.1 life by configuring the wall of the container with a controlled thickness of the surface coating and overlays the interior with an exterior which is substantially impermeable to oxygen.

Abstract: A process for separating natural gas and carbon dioxide from a raw feed stream, such as in carbon dioxide for EOR processes. Separation is by membrane separation at low pressures. By utilizing low pressure separation, highly selective membranes can be used and recycling becomes practical.

Abstract: A dephlegmator includes a feed gas passage and a refrigerant passage. A feed gas introduced into the feed gas passage from the bottom is heat-exchanged with a refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage. Components having low boiling points are withdrawn as rectified gases from the top, and components having high boiling points are discharged as condensates from the bottom. The refrigerant passage is divided into a first section on the top side and a second section on the bottom side by a bridgewall. In the first section, a liquid or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is introduced from the bottom of the refrigerant passage so as to flow parallel to the feed gas. In the second section, a gas fraction of the refrigerant discharged from the first section flows.

Abstract: In this plant (1), a common thermal insulation wall (14) surrounds first and second distillation units (2, 3, 4, 5). A first product stream is removed from the first unit and a second stream is removed from the second unit, the first and second streams are mixed without having previously been compressed or expanded with the production of external work.

Abstract: A distillation method and column in which a gaseous mixture is introduced into a bottom region of a packed column having a plurality packed beds using structured packing. The gaseous mixture comprises higher and lower volatility components. The packed column is operated so that the higher and lower volatility components have a relative volatility within the column in a range of between 1.05 and 1.8. In order to alleviate the effect of liquid maldistribution in the lowermost bed of such a column, the lowermost bed is sized to be between about 50% and about 80% of the height of the next overlying bed, with 80% being preferred and the total height of the packing within the column is at least about six meters.

Abstract: A hoop earring comprising a front portion and a back portion, where a post is attached to the front portion and a finding is hingedly connected to the back portion. When an earring is worn the finding is rotated about an axis of the hinge to cover the post. The front portion is designed in a way that allows it to be partially inserted inside an extended pierced hole, so that, when viewed from outside, such hole is not visible.