Abstract: A structure for use in structural, load bearing construction is made from cold rolled shapes and/or shaped from structural grade sheet metals or structural shapes. The structure includes interlocking box trusses containing core members held by four web members in perpendicular alignment and pairs of parallel spaced chord members as well as facing units. Each web member and each chord member has a plurality of alternating, tapering, and projecting teeth and transverse strikes on transverse edge faces and at least one of the opposing primary faces. Each projecting tooth has a shape of a truncated pyramid with a taper on three sides of an inverted trapezoid base and with orthographic projection of a greater side, and has facets joined with at least one primary face at obtuse angles, a distance between the facets at the juncture with the primary face being less than at other respective facets. Chord members are aligned and interconnected with respective chord members of adjacent box trusses.

Abstract: A steel framed building construction (50) includes external wall frames (52, 54) and internal wall frames (57, 58) which support one or more planar ceiling frames (56). A roof structure includes one or more substantially planar roof frames (76, 78) extending substantially parallel to associated roof surfaces which the roof frames support. The roof structure further includes support means (70, 74) extending between the roof frames (76, 78) and the ceiling frames (56) to transfer the weight of the roof structure to the ceiling frames (56) to thereby distribute the combined weight of the roof structure and the ceiling frames (56) and the support means (70, 74) through the external and internal wall frames (52, 54, 57, 58). A new roof structure is also claimed. A construction methodology whereby the wall frames, the roof frames and the roof support frames are all constructed from the same steel section is also claimed.

Abstract: An anchor member for mounting a tarpaulin to a bearing structure includes: a shaft; an obliquely arranged transverse pin located at a first end of the shaft; a rod member protruding from the shaft and having a first hook-shaped protrusion at an end thereof; and a double hook located at a second end of the shaft. The double hook includes two hook arms positioned on opposite sides of the shaft, and each of the hook arms has an opening. One hook arm includes a second hook-shaped protrusion that engages the first hook-shaped protrusion of the rod member to thereby form a spring lock that completely closes the opening of the first hook arm. In use, an elastic band connects the anchor member with a bearing construction, wherein the elastic band, when mounted, is received in the openings of the hook arms of the anchor member.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching an outer and inner facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an outer and inner wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture for filling with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the outer and inner block surface of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of outer and inner mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of outer and inner continuous wall grooves.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member includes a structural member and a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being received within a cavity of the structural member and bonded thereto by thermally expansible foaming structural reinforcing material. The reinforcing member includes a carrier, a structural reinforcing material element, a directional shelf separate from the carrier, and a fastener coupling the directional shelf to the carrier. The directional shelf includes a platform which is apertured to permit the reinforcing material to foam and expand therethrough to bond the carrier directly to an adjacent wall of the structural member. At least one directional wall extends at an oblique angle to the platform to limit the expansion of the structual reinforcing material therepast during foaming.

Abstract: Hinge arrangement for pivotally connecting structural parts (1) which in oppositely inclined surfaces facing each other are provided with an open-ended T-shaped undercut elongate groove (3) in which may be inserted from the ends of the groove at least one support component (4) with lugs (4″) corresponding to the cross-section of the groove and with a cylindrical receptacle (4′) for insertion of the hinge axle (L), the support components cooperating with at least one unitary hollow pivot profile (5) arranged between the structural parts and provided with inclined walls (5′) corresponding to the inclined walls of the structural parts and adjacent to the cylindrical receptacles of the support components (4) with two partially cylindrical receptacles (7) into which may be inserted the hinge axle (L) extending through the receptacles of the structural parts so that one or both structural parts may be pivoted by 90° or one of the structural parts may be pivot by 180° relative to the other.

Abstract: A process for installing a carpet underlay resistant to water requires placing a padding over a floor, mechanically securing the padding to the floor and placing an underlay over the padding. The underlay is formed of a water resistant fabric or water resistant film. The fabric being treated with a water repellent finish. The resulting fabric or film being resistant to water such that 20 ml of water poured on a sample of the underlay from a height of 6 cm results in no wet spot after 10 minutes, or results in a wet spot having a maximum diameter of 2.54 cm, on a paper towel located directly beneath the location on the underlay on which the water has been poured.

Abstract: Composite products comprising or incorporating compression moldings of waste or filler particles (16) encapsulated and bound together by a thermoplastic binder (15) into a compacted mass of a shape selected for its end use, the compression molding being prepared by intensely mixing together particles of thermoplastic and waste or filler material to raise their temperature to bring the thermoplastic particles to a molten state where they coat the waste or filler particles (16), then compression molding the hot coated waste or filler particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane. The TPO or TPE adhesive is heated within the apparatus allowing application along the seam between the first and second membranes. The outlet of the nozzle is positioned between the first and second membranes with the TPO or TPE adhesive applied between the overlapping portions of the membranes while pressing the overlapping first and second membranes to hold the overlapping portions together.

Abstract: Reinforcement plate or mounting plate (12) for locally reinforcing a partition system, which wall comprises a number of uprights or pilars (8), and each pillar (8) of which comprises a C-shaped profile part, to which pillars (8) are attached wall parts, such as for example plaster-boards, in order in this way to form a partition (1). The reinforcement plate (12) comprises a planar metal plate which is provided with connecting means, with which the plate (12) can be connected with a clamping fit both to a first pillar (8), on one side, and to a successive pillar (8) on the other side. The connecting means comprise, on the one hand, hook-like members (17) and, on the other hand, gripping members (20), which hook members (17) can interact with an upright (8) and the gripping members (20) can interact with the next, second pillar (8), which is placed adjacent to the first pillar (8).

Abstract: A structural honeycomb panel building system including fabrication methods and equipment provides integrated, modular structural components such as floors, walls, ceilings, trusses and roof members that can replace materials conventionally used in frame buildings. The panels are substantially impervious to moisture and other environmental hazards and may be inexpensively fabricated and assembled at the building site. The structural panels are fabricated, oriented depending upon the load bearing characteristics of each individual panel, interfitted and assembled to provide an assembly of structural panels with predetermined load bearing properties.

Abstract: A platen machine for filling and sealing packages is provided having an upper platen and a lower platen journalled and independently moveable on a common alignment shaft to provide a close tolerance sealing mechanism with an independently operated heat seal element. The novel platen machine relocates clamping forces from the support frame to the alignment shaft so that the common alignment shafts bears the clamping forces and the carrier merely relies upon the frame to support the weight of the machine and not clamping forces. The upper platen moves toward the lower platen and the lower platen moves toward the upper platen to clamp a package between the two platens before an independently operated heat seal element is activated to advance to the clamped package and provide a heating and sealing cycle independent of the clamping cycle. Optional filling, gassing and evacuation can be provided during the clamping of the package without involving the separate heating and sealing operation.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for wrapping an object such as an agricultural bale with stretched film has a powered stretch film dispenser mounted to a swing arm disposed above a bale support; the swing arm is connected to a drive unit by which the arm is swung causing the dispenser to execute continuous circular motion about a bale on the bale support, the latter being operable to spin the bale slowly about an axis in the plane of motion of the dispenser. The dispenser derives power for positively dispensing wrapping film from the arm drive unit by way of a mechanical drive transmission. In use, turns of film are wrapped in overlapping, angularly displaced fashion about the bale and the rate at which film is dispensed always bears a fixed relationship to the speed of the drive unit, the angular speed of the swing arm and the rate at which turns are wrapped around the bale.

Abstract: A lawnmower reel and drive motor assembly with a mower frame and a reel and post supported by the frame. The motor has an opening which receives the post, and the motor is supported by the post in mounting the motor on the frame. The post has a slot therethrough, and a flat spring extends through the slot and abuts the motor and the post to thereby releasably hold the motor relative to the frame.

Abstract: A motor for powering a cutting unit in an electric mower. 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 finger roller for an agricultural implement has a shaft with a non-circular cross-section. Two or more finger disks are pushed onto the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft. The finger disks each have a hub with a central opening having an inner contour configured to match the cross-section of the shaft. The finger disks each have elastically deformable fingers connected to the hub. The fingers of each one of the finger disks are distributed uniformly about a circumference of the hub and project away from the hub. The shaft has a circumferential surface comprised of identical circumferential portions sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft. The finger disks each have an odd number of fingers when the circumferential portions are even numbered, and the fingers disks each have an even number of fingers when the circumferential portions are odd numbered.

Abstract: A steel cord for radial tires having a “2+5” construction structured by twisting a core and a strand in such a fashion that they have the same twist pitch length and the same twist direction, so that the number of processing steps for the twisting process is reduced from two to one, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs while achieving an improvement in productivity.

Abstract: Stress occurring in a moving blade in a gas turbine stopping process is decreased. Time t1 is load decrease start or fuel throttling start, time t2 is no load operation start, time t3 is fuel shut-off and time t4 is a time of largest stress. A 4/4 load maintained until t1 decreases gradually to a 0/4 load at t2, which is then maintained until t3 and then decreases further. The rotational speed is the rated speed until t2, at which point it is controlled to be decreased gradually to about 60% of the rated rotational speed at t3. The metal differential temperature between a moving blade point A and a platform point B is constant until t1 and is then decreased slightly between t1 and t2 and between t2 and t3. Differential temperature &Dgr;t, largest after t3, occurs at t4.

Abstract: A method and device are provided to enable optimizing combustion conditions of a continuous combustion device to produce low emissions of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons at all operative conditions. The continuous combustion device includes a slidable baffle to regulate, according to power levels, not only an airflow directly into a primary combustion zone and a secondary combustion zone but also an airflow into a fuel/air premix device to maintain the fuel/air ratio in the primary combustion zone optimized both at an average level and in local areas. Such that, low objectionate or harmful emissions can be reached without performance penalties of the combustion device, such as anti-ignition, flashback or flameout.

Abstract: A method for using an injector to combust a first fluid and a second fluid comprises a directing the first fluid step and a shrouding step. The directing step comprises directing the first fluid in a central coaxial flow generally perpendicularly through a first fluid passage that extends through an injector faceplate, and into a combustion chamber. In the shrouding step, a length of the central coaxial flow adjacent to the injector faceplate is shrouded with an outer coaxial flow. The shroud is formed by directing a portion of the second fluid through an annular/conical passage in the injector faceplate that surrounds the first fluid passage. The annular/conical passage is arranged such that the outer coaxial flow is directed radially inward and impinges on the central coaxial flow a distance after the central coaxial flow has exited the first fluid passage and after the outer coaxial flow has exited the annular/conical passage.

Abstract: An infrared suppressor system for a gas turbine engine is provided for suppressing infrared radiation associated with the hot metal parts of the engine and with the hot exhaust gases exhausted from the engine. The system features a unique arrangement of multiple baffles that are connected together as a single baffle module. The baffle arrangement permits mixing of hot and cool gas flows while eliminating line-of-sight infrared radiation in an axially compact suppressor. The baffles are additionally linked together into a single insertable baffle module that permits removal of the baffle module when infrared suppression is unnecessary.

Abstract: An exhaust system is provided including two catalysts and three oxygen sensors. The second catalyst is disposed downstream of the first catalyst. The first oxygen sensor is disposed upstream of the first catalyst, the second oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of the second catalyst, and the third oxygen sensor is disposed downstream of the second catalyst. A goal voltage corresponding to a desired level of nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon within the exhaust is provided for the third oxygen sensor. This goal voltage is based on engine RPM and MAP. The engine controller compares the goal voltage to an actual voltage generated by sensing the level of oxygen downstream of the second catalyst. Based on this comparison, an error value between the goal voltage and the actual voltage is obtained. This error value is converted into a goal voltage for the first oxygen sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling the air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passage including a catalytic converter. The method includes providing a first air-fuel ratio sensor upstream of the catalytic converter, and providing a second air-fuel ratio sensor downstream of the catalytic converter. A control module having an input connected to the first and second air-fuel ratio sensors and an output connected to actuators for controlling the engine is also provided. This establishes a first feedback loop including the first air-fuel ratio sensor and a second feedback loop including the second air-fuel ratio sensor. The method further includes detecting an output value of the second air-fuel ratio indicative of a rich or lean exhaust gas air-fuel ratio. In response to the output value, the system monitors the engine mass airflow, and controls the duration of air-fuel ratio of the engine as a function of the engine mass airflow.

Abstract: A method for controlling reductant added to an exhaust of an engine having a lean NOx catalyst and a particulate filter adjusts a reductant amount during particulate filter regeneration. The method adjusts the reductant amount to account for reducing agents released from the particulate filter that are experienced by the lean NOx catalyst. In addition, management of particulate filter regeneration is based on both an estimated amount of stored particles and conditions of the lean NOx catalyst. In this way, operation of both the particulate filter and the lean NOx catalyst can be optimized. Also, termination of particulate filter regeneration is determined based on operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An engine having in an exhaust system a lean NOx catalyst for purifying nitrogen oxide in an oxygen excessive exhaust gas by using a reducing agent, includes an intake air quantity decreasing device for decreasing a quantity of intake air flowing through an intake system when the nitrogen oxide needs to be purified by the lean NOx catalyst, and a combustion heater provided separately from the internal combustion engine also serves as a CO2 adding device for adding carbon dioxide to the intake air when a flowing quantity in the intake system decreases by operating the intake air quantity decreasing device. With this arrangement the reducing agent such as hydro carbon and the like can be supplied even when eliminating an auxiliary injection hitherto needed in the internal combustion engine having the lean NOx catalyst.

Abstract: A method of minimizing torque disturbances in an internal combustion engine for a vehicle having a lean NOx trap that is periodically purged. The method includes the steps of generating feedforward values of first engine characteristics as a function of desired engine torque and generating feedback values of second engine characteristics as a function of intake manifold pressure. Target values are then calculated for predetermined engine variables based on the first and second engine characteristics. Engine variables are then set to the target values to compensate for torque disturbances resulting from the lean NOx trap purge cycle. According to the disclosed method, the feedforward path schedules the throttle, fuel rate and spark timing based on an engine model to produce a demanded engine torque. The feedback path then uses the values of fuel rate and spark timing to compensate for torque variations.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing unburned fuel components, the amount of unburned fuel components adsorbed to the adsorbent is determined with good precision. The amount of fuel components adhered in a passage that is located upstream of the adsorbent and that conducts fuel components is determined. By taking into consideration the determined amount of adhered fuel components, the amount of fuel components adsorbed to the adsorbent is determined.

Abstract: This invention relates to an exhaust system with a catalytic converter for the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The system comprises at least one heat exchanger having a cooling fluid therein, selector means for selectively directing the exhaust gases, wholly or partly, into the heat exchanger in order to cool them, and means for using the heat of the heat exchanger cooling fluid to heat the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The heat exchanger may be located upstream or downstream of the catalytic converter. The invention provides depollution of the exhaust gases and heating of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator comprised of a toroidal piston within a toroidal enclosure, with differential fluid pressure alternatively applied to upper and lower surfaces of the piston to cause a reciprocating motion, and with plural double ended piston rods extending in parallel above and below the piston, and slidably extending in fluid sealed relation through end caps of the toroidal enclosure to distribute the vibrational force produced by the reciprocating piston over plural points of a surface area of the mass to be vibrated, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress, strain, or harmonics in the mass.

Abstract: A folded linkage for coupling a crankshaft and a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion along a longitudinal axis. The folded linkage has a guide link with a first end coupled to the piston. A connecting rod couples the distal end of the guide link to the crankshaft which rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of piston motion and located between the proximal end and the distal end of the guide link. A guide link guide assembly supports lateral loads on the guide link at its distal end. The folded linkage may be applied to couple the compression piston and displacer piston of a Stirling cycle machine to a common crankshaft.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a first controller which is only switched through to an actuator for a turbocharger if a fault recognition device detects no fault in the operation of the engine. A switchover is made from the first controller to a second controller, if the fault recognition device detects a critical fault. In this connection, the second controller receives a system deviation as an input signal that is different from the one received by the first controller. Thus in the event of a fault, the turbocharger can be controlled in a very flexible manner without the danger that the speed of the turbocharger is increased into its critical range.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a multicomponent working fluid includes a circulating fluidized bed configured to combust a collection of solid particles producing flue gases carrying particulate matter. Heat from the flue gases is transferred to a multicomponent working fluid contained within a plurality of first fluid tubes forming an enclosure for containing and directing a flow of the flue gases. The enclosure may also contain additional tubes forming a superheater. A separator receives the flue gases from the enclosure and separates the particulate matter therefrom expelling a first portion of the flue gases substantially without the separated particulate matter and a second portion of the flue gases containing the particulate matter. A heat exchanger receives the second portion of the flue gases provided as an output from the separator. An adjustable flow controller regulates the flow from the separator of the second portion of the flue gases to the heat exchanger and to the enclosure.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine including in-line intercooling wherein compressor intercooling is achieved without removing the compressor main flow airstream from the compressor flowpath is described. In an exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine suitable for use in connection with in-line intercooling includes a low pressure compressor, a high pressure compressor, and a combustor. The engine also includes a high pressure turbine, a low pressure turbine, and a power turbine. For intercooling, fins are located in an exterior surface of the compressor struts in the compressor flowpath between the outlet of the low pressure compressor and the inlet of the high pressure compressor. Coolant flowpaths are provided in the compressor struts, and such flowpaths are in flow communication with a heat exchanger. In operation, air flows through the low pressure compressor, and compressed air is supplied from the low pressure compressor to the high pressure compressor.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant comprises an air compressor, gas turbine including at least one high temperature section, and driven equipment, which are operatively connected in series, a gas turbine combustor arranged between the air compressor and the gas turbine, a fuel system disposed for supplying a fuel to the gas turbine combustor, and a heat exchange section for heating the fuel from the fuel by means of a high pressure air as a heating medium fed from the air compressor.

Abstract: A three stage lean burn combustion chamber (28) comprises a primary combustion zone (36), a secondary combustion zone (40) and a tertiary combustion zone (44). Each of the combustion zones (36,40,44) is supplied with premixed fuel and air by respective fuel and air mixing ducts (76,78,80,92). The primary fuel and air mixing ducts (78,78) comprise first and second radial flow swirlers (60,62). The primary fuel injectors (64,66) inject fuel into the first and second swirlers (60,62). The primary fuel injectors (44,66) and the first and second swirlers (60,62) are arranged such the fuel to air ratio of the fuel and air flowing from the passages (61) of the first swirler (60) into the primary combustion zone (36) is different to the fuel to air ratio of the fuel and air flowing from the passages (65) of the second swirler (62) into the primary combustion zone (36).

Abstract: An electrical system is disclosed which includes a supply voltage and electronic circuitry which requires an operational voltage that is less than the supply voltage. A thermoelectric heat pump is interposed between the supply voltage and the electronic circuitry to produce heating or cooling using the excess power which would otherwise be dissipated in a regulator. A voltage regulator is provided between the output of the thermoelectric heat pump and the electronic circuitry to provide the operational voltage to the electronic circuitry.

Abstract: An ice detector for an ice water bath tank having an evaporator system operated by a compressor to promote the growth of ice therein. The detector includes a device for providing reciprocating motion and a probe connected to the device. The probe is capable of reciprocating movement within the ice water bath tank until a predetermined amount of ice grows adjacent to the probe.

Abstract: A method of constructing a heat exchange system for a medium to be frozen, including the steps of: extruding a composition to form a reconfigurable tube; cooling the tube with the tube in a substantially straight configuration so that the tube is substantially set in the straight configuration; after cooling, reconfiguring the tube from the straight configuration; transporting the tube reconfigured from the straight configuration to a site at which the tube is to be used; and at the site placing the tube in the straight configuration and connecting the tube in a medium to be frozen so that a fluid within the tube is in heat exchange relationship with the medium to be frozen.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort range, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space and having an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner.

Abstract: Air conditioning system and method in which a refrigerant from a compressor is circulated through a cooling element within a hermetically sealed, thermally insulated cooling compartment to cool a fluid within the compartment, and transferring the cooled fluid out of the compartment for use in cooling a space. In one disclosed embodiment, the fluid which is cooled is air which is blown out of the compartment into the space to be cooled. In another disclosed embodiment, the fluid is a coolant which is contained within a vertically extending tube that extends both within the compartment and through a heat exchanger positioned beneath the compartment, with air being cooled by blowing it through the heat exchanger and then into the space to be cooled.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser for liquefying a refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a plurality of refrigerant passages disposed at a downstream side of the condenser, a switching valve for switching a flow of refrigerant to one of the refrigerant passages so that the refrigerant liquefied by the condenser flows through the selected refrigerant passage, the switching valve including a valve body, and a controller for controlling the switching valve so that the switching valve performs a switching operation upon expiration of a period of time sufficient for an interior of the valve body of the switching valve to be filled with the liquid refrigerant after start of the compressor.

Abstract: A subcooling unit within a vapor compression refrigerant system contains a controller for controlling the rate of flow of refrigerant into the chamber of the subcooling unit. The controller receives a sensed temperature of the fluid entering a condensing unit within the chamber of the subcooling unit and computes a condensing pressure setpoint for the refrigerant flowing into the chamber of the subcooling unit. The controller is operative to compare the pressure in the subcooling chamber with the condensing pressure setpoint so as to determine whether to possibly increase or decrease the rate of flow of the refrigerant into the chamber of the subcooling unit.

Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photo voltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for use in cooling and dehumidifying an interior space while rejecting heat to several alternative sources. The system incorporates three primary heat transfer coils in a mechanical refrigeration cycle to provide comfort cooling to an interior space while rejecting heat to one of the two primary condensing mediums. In addition the beat transfer system of the present invention functions by transferring heat from the atmosphere to a pool, thereby functioning as a pool heater. In a first operating mode heat transferred from an interior space to the ambient atmosphere. In a second operating mode heat is transferred from an interior space to pool water. In a third operating mode heat is transferred from the ambient atmosphere to pool water. A refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger is disclosed having a gas trap for isolating corrosive gases from the metallic heat exchanger components, and further including a sacrificial zinc anode for corrosion protection.

Abstract: The efficiency of home external condenser units is improved by cooling ambient air by a water mist, preferably formed about 12 inches away from the condenser unit. Mist-forming nozzles or heads are mounted on the condenser unit housing and coupled to a water supply (spigot) via a solenoid valve coupled to the thermostat control circuit for the condenser unit.

Abstract: A brine cooling apparatus is provided which addresses to an environmental problem by not contributing to global warming and can prevent brine from freezing within a heat exchange. The apparatus is structured such that a screw compressor, a condenser, a main expansion valve and an evaporator are connected by a pipe so as to cool brine flowing through the evaporator. The refrigerant is an ammonia refrigerant, the evaporator is a plate type heat exchanger constructed by laying a plural sheets of plates, and capacity control means is provided in such a manner as to control a capacity of the screw compressor in accordance with the flow amount of the brine.

Abstract: An ice thermal storage type air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 14 equipped with a compressor 12 and an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor unit 17 equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 16 and an expansion valve 18b, and an ice thermal storage tank 5. The ice thermal storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger exchanger used as a condenser when the accumulated heat is used. The heat exchanger has a pipe-shaped heat transfer tube 1 and a plate-shaped fin 2 installed to the heat transfer tube. The fin is installed vertically, and a plurality of rows of the heat transfer tubes and the fins are arranged.

Abstract: A a refrigerator with enhanced freezer compartment access for slidably receiving a frame into the freezer compartment. The a refrigerator with enhanced freezer compartment access includes a refrigerator. The refrigerator has a top wall, a back wall, a bottom wall, a first side and a second side, the housing has a middle wall, the middle wall is oriented generally horizontal to the sides, the middle wall divides a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment. The freezer compartment is between the first side and the middle wall. A frame is slidably received in the freezer compartment. The frame has a back wall, a top wall, a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall defines a freezer door. A plurality of racks extends between the freezer door and the back wall. A plurality of guide rails, each having base portion, are mounted to the middle wall and the first side. A plurality of brackets slidably guide the frame in the freezer compartment.

Abstract: A portable animal storage unit comprising a pliable, foldable panel, said panel having an inner facing and an outer facing, a first side edge, a second side, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the inner facing and outer facing defining an insulating space therebetween, the inner facing being formed of a water-impervious material, the insulation space containing a thermal insulating material, a sack attached to the inner facing and having an openable end, the sack being made of a material that permits heat transfer, and a closure for holding at least the first side edge and second side edge together when the panel is folded such that the first side edge and second side edge substantially overlie one another.