Abstract: A method and assembly for straightening a wall, the wall having a ground retaining side, the ground retaining side of the wall retaining ground material, the ground material having a ground surface, the assembly and method including positioning a cable anchor within the ground material below the ground surface; extending a first section of a flexible cable along a path through the ground from the wall to the cable anchor; extending a second contiguous section of the cable toward the ground surface; fixedly attaching the second section of the flexible cable to a jackscrew adapted for applying a pulling force to the cable; and utilizing an arcuately curved cable guide to transmit the pulling force to the wall and to the cable anchor so that the pulling force draws the wall toward the cable anchor.

Abstract: A method of construction which produces an air tight structure which is capable of being insulated to high R values. The method comprises the following steps: erecting an inner wall having a footer, a top plate, and spaced upright studs, along an inner edge portion of the supporting structure; covering the exterior side portion of the inner wall with a vapor barrier so that electrical wiring and plumbing may be run within the interior wall without penetrating the vapor barrier; erecting an outer wall having a footer, a top plate, and spaced upright studs along an outer edge portion of the supporting structure parallel to and spaced from the inner wall, said outer wall used to carry an exterior building wall covering after insulation which is positioned between the walls and between the studs of the outer wall; and, erecting a supported structure on top of the top side portion of the walls.

Abstract: Structural insulated panels having an inner insulating core and first and second outer facings disposed on opposed surfaces of the insulating core are securely attached to a structural member such as 2X stick structural members in a building structure. A strip of tape is wrapped around the structural member and opposed ends of the tape strip are adhesively bonded to the opposed outer facings of the panel. The tape strip may extend the full height or width of the panel to provide a secure, environmentally sealed connection between the panel and the structural member. An adhesive bonding agent may be inserted between an edge of the panel and the structural member to further increase the strength of the connection between the panel and structural member. The panel's edge may be provided with a C-shaped metal channel for more securely attaching the panel to the structural member by means of nails or screws driven through opposed ends of the tape strip and into the metal channel within the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to produce magazines, books, catalogues, brochures, periodicals, or the like on a collation or binding line, transport these products in a single stream of products towards a packaging line, divide the single stream of products into distinct streams of products where one such stream comprises products requiring wrapping and another such stream comprises products which do not require wrapping, transport the products requiring wrapping to a wrapping machine and sending these products through a wrapping process, transport the products that do not require wrapping around the wrapping machine, and merge the separate streams of products back into a single stream of products such that the products are arranged in a predetermined output order, such as demographic order.

Abstract: A leading end of packaging material is grasped in a packaging material holder while a load is wrapped. Packaging material is dispensed from a packaging material dispenser, and relative rotation is provided between the dispenser and a load to wrap packaging material around the load. The packaging material holder may be positioned on the rotating surface of a turntable but isolated from any electrical or fluid power source of a rotatable surface of the turntable. During the wrapping cycle, the packaging material holder moves downstream along the turntable, automatically releasing the leading end of the packaging material and automatically grasping a trailing end of the packaging material. The packaging material is weakened and then severed between the packaging material holder and the load. The packaging material holder is mounted to permit it to move upstream due to force exerted by the packaging material held in the holder.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: An automated positive count rotary slat packaging apparatus and related methods include independently rotatable rotary slats. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a positive count mechanism disposed in the pill delivery path adjacent the containers and a controller which is capable of generating an alarm or determining when a bottle is filled incorrectly. Accordingly, underfilled containers can be independently filled by further rotating only the respective rotary slat. A drive device for each rotary slat is also provided having frustoconical drive wheels connected to the ends of counterrotating drive shafts. The drive wheels, which are driven by a motor, engage corresponding frustoconical drive surfaces of the rotary slats to thereby rotate the slats.

Abstract: A method for opening perforations in an perforated article having a perforated lid exerts an impact force on an end portion of the perforated lid. A separator member is used to capture the perforated lid and then retract for separating the perforated lid from the main portion of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting perforations on an article has a retractable burst member and an opposed second retractable burst member that imposes an impact force on the perforations on the perforated lid. Retractable burst members are arranged for vertical movement towards and away from one another in a common plane. The article is positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the movement of the burst members so that the burst members can engageably contact the article at the perforations. A separator is used to capture the perforated lid at the burst perforations and then retract for separating the perforated lid from the main portion of the article.

Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.

Abstract: A pouch machine continuously forms a series of multi-pitch, multi-product pouches in a continuous web of pouch material by folding the web and then forming spaced side seals to define a pouch closed on three sides with an initially unsealed mouth on top. The pouch is opened to its maximum volume prior to filling by pressurizing the pouch. Pressurization is achieved by introducing a curtain of compressed air under a plate and passing the mouths of the pouches adjacent the plate and thus through the air curtain. First and second plates engage the front and back panels of the pouches to assure correct pressurization of the pouches.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus including a plurality of rotating laser beams for cutting vegetation. The apparatus comprises a housing including side walls being extended generally perpendicular to form a downwardly oriented opening. An electrically powered laser cutting device is rotatably positioned centrally within the housing. A transport device is connectable to the housing to provide movement of the housing and laser cutting device along a surface covered by vegetation. The laser cutting device generates at least one laserbeam that is continuously rotatable in a 360° arc underneath the housing, with the at least one laser beam being adjustable in angular direction to direct laser beams in a plurality of angles arcing downwardly across the vegetation being cut. The speed of rotation of the one or more laser beams increases proportionally as ground speed increases for the cutting apparatus to provide adequate cutting of surface area in proportion to the ground speed across the vegetation.

Abstract: A feederhouse on an agricultural combine. Having a first acoustic array having a first sounding board and acoustic sensor positioned beneath the front drum and feederhouse floor. A second acoustic array positioned behind the front drum and between the conveyor chain encircling the front and rear drums. The second acoustic array also has a second acoustic sensor and second sounding plate. The acoustic sensor detects the impact of a stone on the sounding plates. A signal is transmitted via a controller from the sensor to a solenoid controlling a stone trap door latch. When the door opens, a sled also rotates into contact with conveyor chain. This deflects any crop flow containing stones. To close the door, the feederhouse is raised and the door rotates into contact with the latch.

Abstract: Mower including a suspension device connecting a harvesting mechanism to a chassis and allowing the harvesting mechanism a heightwise movement with respect to the chassis. The mower further including a lightening device associated with the harvesting mechanism and including two elastically deformable members extending transversely to a direction of forward travel during work, each elastically deformable member acting, via a first of its ends, on a corresponding end of the harvesting mechanism. The mower including a centralized device for adjusting the lightening force exerted on the harvesting mechanism, where the device is coupled to the second ends of the elastically deformable members.

Abstract: An implement attachment apparatus is provided for use with a lawn and garden tractor and an implement. The implement has first and second attachment brackets having first and second holes and first and second slots respectively. The lawn and garden tractor includes a frame having first and second surfaces with first and second openings respectively. The tractor also includes a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame, an engine for use in providing locomotion to the plurality of wheels and, first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame. The implement attachment apparatus includes first and second pins as well as securing apparatus for securing the first and second pins in place. The first and second slots of the implement receive the first and second extension members respectively. The first and second holes of the implement and the first and second openings of the frame selectively receive the first and second pins respectively.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for lawn mowing comprising at least one rotor operating at a plurality of cutting levels. The rotor assembly has an abutment structure which is arranged at least at the upper cutting levels and has supporting points adjacent to the rotor to keep grass upright while being cut by the rotor.

Abstract: In rotor spinning devices whose rotors are mounted in a support-disk bearing and in which a support disk (1) has openings (5, 9) serving for the contactless measurement of speed for an optical control of a spinning-start carriage, deposits of dirt, especially fine dust, can build up in said openings (5, 9). This impairs the detection of signals. The portion of the inner surface (19) of the openings (6, 9) of a support disk (1) which is located in the direction of the outer edge of the support disk (1) forms such an angle (&agr;) with a line parallel to the axis of rotation (27) that the buildup of deposits of dirt is prevented.

Abstract: An open-end spinning arrangement having a yarn withdrawal nozzle (10), by means of which the yarn is withdrawn form its transition zone within the spinning rotor and is rollingly and slidingly deflected while circulating in contact with the yarn withdrawal nozzle, additionally imparting a false twist. The yarn withdrawal nozzle has a depression (24), which is abruptly offset in the circulating direction of the yarn, by which the yarn loses contact with the yarn withdrawal nozzle (10) in the withdrawal direction of the yarn and over an angular area a of at least 10 degrees. Each time the rotating yarn tail sweeps over this depression, the false twist is completely interrupted and the actual twisting of the yarn at the yarn withdrawal nozzle (10) is cancelled.

Abstract: In a method of operating a power station plant with a closed or virtually closed CO2 process, a fuel quantity (21) and oxygen (18) required in this regard for the oxidation are introduced into the cycle for the internal combustion. A recuperator (8) acts on the downstream side of a turbine (2) belonging to the power station plant, at least one heat sink (24) operating downstream of this recuperator before the cycle medium (6) flows back into a compressor (1) which likewise belongs to the power station plant. A partial quantity of the compressed cycle medium (10) is directed into a condensing plant, the liquid CO2 formed here being disposed of in the best possible way.

Abstract: An energy producing system includes a compressor side for compressing an air/fuel mixture, and a turbine side for producing mechanical, electrical, and/or heat energy, and driving the compressor side. A catalytic combustor is disposed upstream of the turbine side for combusting a steady state air/fuel mixture during a steady state operation of the apparatus. During start-up of the system, the catalytic combustor is preheated by being supplied with a preheat air/fuel mixture capable of lighting-off therein at ambient temperature, whereby oxidization of the preheat air/fuel mixture in the catalytic combustor produces heat. The preheat air/fuel mixture is produced on-site, preferably in a reformer which burns natural gas in the presence of insufficient oxygen for complete combustion, thereby producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A combined cycle cogeneration power plant includes a combustion turbine formed by an inlet for receiving fuel, an inlet for receiving air, a combustor for burning the combustion fuel and the air, and an outlet through which hot gaseous combustion product is released; a regenerative fuel heating system formed by a plurality of heat exchangers for transferring heat to combustion fuel for heating the combustion fuel, and modulating control valves for controlling temperature of the combustion fuel; a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) connected to the outlet of the combustion turbine for receiving the gaseous combustion product. The HRSG is formed by a plurality of heat exchangers including steam/water drums, each having a surface blowdown connection, and evaporators connected to the steam/water drums, a water inlet connected with the heat exchangers of the HRSG, a steam outlet, and a stack for releasing the exhausted gaseous combustion product.

Abstract: A short take-off and vertical landing (“STOVL”) aircraft has a conventional gas turbine engine that is selectively mechanically connected to a vertically-oriented lift fan by a drive shaft when the aircraft operates in a vertical flight mode. An engine control provides for rapid response thrust control of the lift fan and low rotor spool when the pilot initiates desired changes in thrust. The control achieves the rapid thrust response by varying the inlet guide vanes of the lift fan, together with selective fuel flow scheduling. These variations result in a substantially constant low rotor speed, which facilitates the desired rapid thrust response and corresponding aircraft control.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to gas turbine engines in which distinct components are integrally cast so as to increase resistance to thermal stress and thus decrease the amount of cooling airflow required to maintain the structural integrity of the components. The inner duct wall of a reverse airflow duct is integrally cast with a circumferentially extending shroud surrounding the stator vanes forming the turbine nozzle. The integral casting permits the inner duct wall to withstand greater degrees of thermal stress and thus require less cooling.

Abstract: A single energy storage capacitor is used to apply electrical energy to selected propellant modules, each module generating thrust in a desired direction by the high voltage induced vaporization of the copolymer spacer material in a conventional coaxial cable within the selected module. A lightweight, low cost, and EMI free thruster is thus provided.

Abstract: A rocket engine includes a generally cylindrical annular combustion chamber, an injector attached to an injector end of the combustion chamber, a generally cylindrical annular step collar fitting within the combustion chamber at the injector end thereof, and an attachment of the combustion chamber, the injector, and the step collar. The maximum outer diameter of the step collar is from about 0.020 inches to about 0.024 inches smaller than the inner diameter of the combustion chamber, and has a length of from about 21 to about 31 percent of the length of the combustion chamber. The step collar is made of a material having a melting point greater than that of the combustion chamber. The attachment preferably includes a clip structure joining the combustion chamber and the step collar.

Abstract: Process and device for operating an internal combustion engine with less pollutant emission, whose exhaust gas is subjected to an electrical aftertreatment during engine operation to convert pollutants, the emissions of which are measured. To improve a process with the features mentioned initially, so that on the one hand the desired reduction of emissions of the internal combustion engine is achieved during its entire time of operation, but on the other hand so that the design of the electrical system of the internal combustion engine does not have to be unreasonably large and thus costly, the electrical aftertreatment of the exhaust gas occurs only during the portion of the operating time during which emission peaks occur.

Abstract: A method of operating an externally-ignited internal-combustion engine which includes a plurality of engine cylinders each provided with cylinder valves, an ignition device, a fuel injection device and an electromagnetic valve drive for operating the cylinder valves, and which further includes an electronic engine control for controlling the cylinder valves, includes the following steps: monitoring the operation of the ignition device and/or the fuel injection device of each cylinder; and, during cold start and/or when a spark failure and/or an ignition failure is detected in one of the cylinders during the monitoring step, adapting the control of the electromagnetic valve drives of that cylinder to the changed operational conditions.

Abstract: An engine exhaust aftertreatment system is described in which lean NOx, exhaust aftertreatment devices are employed. Because temperature in the exhaust line varies as a function of distance from the engine and engine operating condition, exhaust aftertreatment devices are situated along the exhaust line to ensure that at least one of said exhaust aftertreatment devices operates at a temperature of high NOx conversion efficiency. Reductant quantity is scheduled by the engine's control unit to be supplied to the exhaust aftertreatment devices based on available information provided by sensors or embedded engine control unit models, including: temperature in the exhaust aftertreatment devices, available reductant in the exhaust stream, reductant storage in the exhaust aftertreatment devices, maximum adsorption capacity of the exhaust aftertreatment devices, engine operating conditions, and NOx, concentration.

Abstract: An engine control device, which is adapted for an engine provided with an NOx-absorbing material arranged in an exhaust passage for absorbing NOx in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and releasing NOx and absorbing sulfur content when the oxygen concentration drops, includes a discriminator for judging whether the amount of sulfur absorbed by the NOx-absorbing material has reached a prescribed quantity, and a reductant concentration controller which increases the temperature of the NOx-absorbing material by decreasing a quantity related to EGR ratio for desulfurizing the NOx-absorbing material based on the result of judgment made by the discriminator. When the quantity related to the EGR ratio is decreased, the temperature of exhaust gas increases. Consequently, the temperature of the NOx-absorbing material increases and the sulfur in the NOx-absorbing material is freed and released.

Abstract: A control system for a liftcrane that utilizes a closed loop hydraulic system that utilizes feed back and feed forward control architecture to provide responsiveness normally associated with systems that do not require feedback.

Abstract: The waves of the sea, move a float 1 vertically upwards and downwards. This motion is transferred and converted to rotational energy along a horizontal shaft 8. The float 1, an empty plastic sphere filled with ballast 11, floats half-immerged and moves the vertical metal beam 2, the length of which can be increased or decreased in order to deal with the tidal changes. The beam 2, attached with knuckle joints to the ends of a biparallel metal lever 3, transfers the vertical motion to the other end, to the saw 5, with the attached and vertically moving due to the biparallel lever chains 6, which rotate two gears, each chain to the diametrically opposite side of each gear, so that in every up/down movement, one gear is producing action while the other moves freely 20. The gears rotate the horizontal shaft 8 which is fitted on them and the horizontal shaft gives motion to the generator. Thus, every movement of the float 1, whether upwards or downwards, small or big, rotates the shaft 8.

Abstract: When a working implement comes close to a cab during operation, for efficiency, the operation should continue insofar as possible yet it is essential the working implement be prevented from striking the cab. To that end, a pilot pump oil line capable of supplying pilot pressurized oil to a solenoid proportional pressure reducing valve in a state where a control member is not manipulated, is provided in a stick contraction-side pilot oil line. When the working implement enters an interference prevention area, defined around the cab, the stick is automatically moved out so that the operation can continue yet the working element avoids the interference prevention area.

Abstract: A rotary driving apparatus using air bubbles comprises multiple rotating turbine wheels arranged one above the other and supported to be horizontally rotatable supported by sides of a tank having a gas inlet at the bottom thereof and a gas outlet at the top thereof, multiple vanes of each turbine wheel being curved or bent so that ascending gas bubbles contact the inner enclosed surface of each vane, and the multiple turbine wheels are interlocked to each other by means of gears, a chain or a belt. A rotary driving apparatus using gas bubbles also comprises one or more screws rotatably supported at the top and bottom ends of a tank having a gas inlet at the bottom thereof and a gas outlet at the top thereof, the screw or screws being placed where ascending gas bubbles contact the screw flight. The gas is introduced into a liquid and the buoyancy of the resulting gas bubbles is used to generate a rotary driving force.

Abstract: An apparatus has a heat engine and a power output member drivenly connected to the piston of the heat engine and having an output for supplying work. The displacer is driven by an adjustable drive member. An adjustable signal generator is provided for modulating a signal which is sent to the adjustable drive to adjust the cycle profile of the displacer. The phase angle, the dwell time of the displacer at one or both ends of its cycle and/or the velocity of the displacer is thus adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus has a heat engine and a power output member drivenly connected to the piston of the heat engine and having an output for supplying work. A feedback member responsive to power demand from the apparatus by a load is provided to modulate the amount of heat provided by the heat source to the working fluid.

Abstract: A stroke control tool for controlling the position of a subterranean well hydraulically actuated double acting piston and cylinder actuator assembly. The tool includes hydraulic fluid measuring means positioned adjacent the well and is connected to the actuator by relatively inelastic hydraulic lines so that the volume of fluid communicating between the measuring means and the actuator can accurately be measured for determining the position of the actuator.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger employs multiple vanes in the turbine inlet with a unison ring and integral cast wall in the turbine housing forming the nozzle walls. The unison ring incorporates actuation slots receiving tabs on the vanes for opening the closing the nozzle area upon rotation of the unison ring. An integral electrohydraulic actuator rotates the unison ring through a rack and pinion driven crank shaft with direct position feedback to the spring biased variable current solenoid via a cam on the crank shaft.

Abstract: A description is given of an internal combustion engine/turbocharger configuration for an internal combustion engine/turbocharger system, which configuration allows maximum braking power combined with low thermal loading.

Abstract: An absorption power cycle is disclosed which achieves a closer match to heat source temperature glide, and also lower heat source exit temperatures, and hence higher conversion efficiencies, in practical equipment. Referring to FIG. 7, two separate absorbers (725 and 706) are provided, each with a pumping path for a different concentration absorbent liquid to a different temperature location within counter-current high-pressure desorber 721. Heat source 710 heats the high-pressure desorber 721 and superheater 724 in parallel, and subsequently heats intermediate-pressure desorber 761. Dotted lines in the figures signify vapor.

Abstract: The power plant according to the present invention improves the efficiency of conversion from thermal energy to electrical energy, and is provided with a first thermoelectric conversion element that generates electric power by using a difference in temperature between a temperature inside a boiler combustion chamber and a temperature of water supplied to the boiler from a feed water heater, and a second thermoelectric conversion element installed on the feed water heater that generates electric power by using a difference in temperature between a temperature of steam supplied from a turbine and the temperature of water supplied from a condenser.

Abstract: A combustor comprises an outer combustor casing defining a plurality of circumferentially adjoining combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber comprises a dome at an upstream end and an outlet at a downstream end. A plurality of pre-mixers are joined to the combustor dome of each respective combustion chamber. The pre-mixers comprise a duct having an inlet at one end for receiving compressed air, an outlet at an opposite end disposed in flow communication with the combustion chamber and a swirler disposed in the duct adjacent the duct inlet for swirling air channeled therethrough. A fuel injector is provided for injecting fuel into the pre-mixer ducts and for mixing with the air in the ducts for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame at the duct outlets.

Abstract: A rotor system for a rocket engine comprises a first hollow shaft portion and a surrounding annular duct. The interior of the first hollow shaft portion is adapted to receive a first propellant component, and is in fluid communication with a first rotary orifice. The annular duct is adapted to receive a second propellant component, and is in fluid communication with a second rotary orifice located proximate to the first rotary orifice. The rotor system further comprises a third rotary orifice operatively connected to second hollow shaft portion and in fluid communication with the interior of the first hollow shaft portion for discharging a second portion of the first propellant component at second location. The rotary orifices are operatively connected to respective rotary pressure traps that isolate the pressure at the respective rotary orifices from the respective inlet pressures of the respective propellant components.

Abstract: A compact portable transport unit for shipping hyperpolarized noble gases and shielding same from electromagnetic interference and/or external magnetic fields includes a means for shifting the resonance frequency of the hyperpolarized gas outside the bandwidth of typical frequencies associated with prevalent time-dependent fields produced by electrical sources. Preferably the transport unit includes a magnetic holding field which is generated from a solenoid in the transport unit. The solenoid includes a plurality of coil segments and is sized and configured to receive the gas chamber of a container. The gas container is configured with a valve, a spherical body, and an extending capillary stem between the valve and the body. The gas container or hyperpolarized product container can also be formed as a resilient bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure freezing system in which the pressure build-up ensues from a prestressed pneumatic cylinder. This results in a particularly rapid pressure rise in the sample holder.

Abstract: A system and method of control of refrigerant air conditioning including a humidity input sensor, and a coolant velocity sensor, using a control system set with a set point whereby to maintain a maximum evaporator temperature set point varying to suit each heat and moisture load condition over a range of conditions compatible with high engineering standards of performance.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, such as a consumer display unit 400, comprises a covered tray 403 or other compartment for accommodating consumer product to be kept cool, and a housing 420 for accommodating a replaceable charge of dry ice out of contact with the product. A tubular element 421 communicates between the covered tray and the housing 420 to allow cold air and carbon dioxide to flow from the dry ice to the product.

Abstract: A refrigerated body generally in the form of a cuboid with insulated walls, floor and ceiling with a door in one of the walls. A refrigeration unit is provided for the body with a heat sink heat exchanger unit positioned in the body and a heat source heat exchanger unit exterior of the body. Preferably the heat sink is located below the ceiling in the body and comprises two heat exchanger units with a fan positioned therebetween. The fan blows air in a longitudinal direction and a guide plate arranged parallel to a side wall opposite the door directs air from one heat sink to a discharge location near the floor of the body with the remainder of the air being directed longitudinally through the body.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration device is provided that includes a containerized beverage receptacle having inner and outer walls. The portable refrigeration device includes a refrigeration unit disposed within a refrigeration unit compartment disposed beneath the containerized beverage receptacle. A coolant circulating tube circulates coolant about the periphery of the beverage receptacle. A containerized beverage support is provided within the beverage receptacle and includes support shelves to support containerized beverages such as bottles of wine, soft drinks, or the like. A containerized beverage receptacle lid, having an indentation is provided that allows the neck of a wine bottle to pass there through when the lid is placed on the beverage receptacle.

Abstract: A hydratable packet pad (10) comprising a series of spaced, packet cells (17) made up of a backing sheet (11), preferably of an impervious plastic sheet material, e.g., polyester film, and an upper, porous, sheet (12) permeable to water, of, for example, non-woven polypropylene without any additive(s), with a tacky sealant (13), [e.g., 22.5% ethylene-methyl-acrylate (EMA)], used to affix and seal the two sheets together in a process forming the cells and to initially hold the polymer powder in the cell areas, which are initially deposited on the film in a squat cone, prior to the cells being formed. Within each cell of the packet is a superabsorbent polymeric material (14) of a multiply-cross-linked polymer, for example, a doubly cross-linked sodium polyacrylate polymer. The superabsorbent material also preferably includes no alcohol (OH) functional groups, and the sheeting materials preferably contain no cellulose materials.

Abstract: Process and system for liquefying a pressurized gas, especially natural gas. The process is carried out in two heat exchangers, and cooling for each heat exchanger is provided by a mixed refrigerant which is vaporized at a single essentially constant pressure. Feed precooling, low level refrigerant precooling, and high level liquid refrigerant subcooling are effected in one of the heat exchanger against low level refrigerant vaporizing at a single essentially constant pressure. The process and system of the invention are especially well-suited for installation on ships, barges, and offshore platforms.