Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete forming system for constructing an upper wall for a bridge or a building, including: a plurality of beams, each having a flange; a plurality of steel bars arranged between the two opposing beams; a plurality of slabs on the steel bars; a plurality of brackets, each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the horizontal portion having a first engaging means, and the vertical portion being welded to an end of the steel bar; and a second engaging means for removably engaging the horizontal portion and the flange of the beam.

Abstract: A screed device (41, 42) formed by an elongated straight rigid member (54) that includes a pair of spaced threading assemblies (62) extending through member (54) between its rounded front side (47) and its back side (57). Each assembly (62) includes a screw (63) with a tapering neck (66), a head (64) for turning the screw (63), and a threading screw portion (67) projecting beyond the back side (57), along with a pair of bushings (71, 72) disposed within member (54) and in which the tapered neck (66) rotates, providing for the threading screw portion (67) to thread to a stud (22, 23, 24). The inner bushing (71) attaches to the tapering neck (66), to provide a cylindrical outer surface (75) that engages a cylindrical inner surface (76) on bushing (72) that is attached to member (54). Levels (78) are included in one wall (55, 56) of member (54).

Abstract: A veneer anchoring system discloses a low-profile wall tie for use in a wall having an inner wythe and an outer facing wythe. The wythes are in a spaced apart relationship and form a cavity therebetween. A combination of a wall anchor and a low-profile wall tie member is provided. The veneer anchoring systems hereof incorporate low-profile wall ties adapted for use with a dry-wall inner wythe and for use with a masonry block inner wythe. The masonry anchor has a truss portion with eye wire extensions welded thereto. The eye wires extend into the cavity between the wythes. Each eye wires accommodates the threading thereonto of a wire wall tie through the open end of the wall tie. The wall tie is then positioned so that the open end is utilizable as part of the facing wall tie. The masonry anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the interior wythe. The facing wythe is anchored by mounting in bed joints of the exterior wythe the open end of the low-profile wire formative wall tie.

Abstract: A fibreboard, insulating, wall panel includes an integral air and vapor barrier of metal foil or metallized plastic film adhered to one surface of the panel. Panels are attached to a stud wall frame. Abutting panel joints are taped to provide a continuance vapor barrier. Increased thermal and acoustic insulation as well as structural integrity of the barrier is provided by the panel.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board sidings, which comprises a flat substrate; first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction; a third upright portion formed along a longitudinal direction of the flat substrate; a locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion; and a slot formed in the substrate and extending laterally from one side to the other of the substrate; wherein the siding boards are adapted to be fastened between distal ends of the first and second upright portions and the locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion.

Abstract: A prefabricated building panel includes first and second side panel members. A thermally insulating core is disposed between those side panel members. A first panel end surface includes a pair of spaced projections defining a channel-way. A second panel end surface includes a pair of spaced channels and a thermal barrier plug. Two adjacent building panels may be interconnected by engaging the pair of spaced projections at the first end of the first panel in the pair of spaced channels in the second end of the second panel while simultaneously engaging the thermally insulating plug at the second end of the second panel in the channel-way at the first end of the first panel.

Abstract: A rigid tubular member of variable length and rectangular cross-section adapted to be sized, flared and conjoined with at least one other rigid member to create a variety of tubular member frameworks for greenhouse construction, and the like. Each member is provided with a plurality of elongate, linear groovings, either located proximal to, or coincident with, the external and/or internal elongate seams of the member, with the inscribed sets of groovings are such being of a depth sufficient to facilitate separation under manual force of at least one, up to four, of the end sidewall segments, providing flared end segments, either disposed at right or acute angles, which segments are adapted to be fastened to another rigid member in any of several locations, along it, in the course of a framework erection.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for framing at least a portion of a wide variety of structures. In each embodiment, the framing system includes a base, which may be attached to a foundation of the structure by conventional means, which preferably comprises at least one rectangular or square metal tube. Alternatively, the base may be made of other metal structures. The framing system further includes a plurality of lower connecting members attached to and extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of upwardly extending support members which are interconnected to the lower connecting members. The framing system may further include an upper member and a plurality of upper connecting members attached to and extending downwardly from the upper member. Each of the support members is also interconnected to one of the upper connecting members, which is aligned with one of the lower connecting members.

Abstract: A roof beam for constructing a conservatory roof comprises a glazing bar (10) and upper and lower capping (12, 14/50) thereon. The glazing bar has a cross bar (16) having trough formations (26) at each end, whereby there is a recess under the cross bar. The cross bar can, therefore, accommodate both a lower capping (14) for a transom roof beam and a lower capping (50) for a hipped conservatory roof end.

Abstract: A method of ageing stones having top and bottom faces and side faces is disclosed. The top faces and bottom faces are defined by peripheral edges. The side faces are defined by edges extending substantially perpendicular to the peripheral edges. An array of stones are provided. The stones are maintained in the array. The stones are beat whilst being maintained in the array by subjecting the stones in the array to a vibratory movement. The stones of the array are permitted to have the freedom to move relatively to one another during the vibratory movement. The freedom of movement causes the peripheral edges of the stones to impact against one another. The vibratory movement causes distressing of the peripheral edges of the stones without breaking the side faces and edges defining the side faces of the stones.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: An insulated roof panel comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced parallel web trusses secured to an inner sheathing and an outer sheathing. Each of the web trusses comprises at least one top cord, a bottom cord and a plurality of webs joining the cords together. A vapor barrier is sandwiched between the bottom cords of the web trusses and the inner sheathing. A layer of insulation extends upwardly from the vapor barrier a height less than the height of the insulated roof panel in order to allow air to flow over the insulation. Sleeves built in to the web trusses allow fasteners of a length less than the height of the panel to secure the roof panel to timber frame members.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a closed metallic canister with a gas under pressure comprising means for forming a gas filling opening in the canister, and dispensing means for sequentially injecting a high pressure gas through the gas filling opening to charge the canister, and depositing and fusing a fusible body in the gas filling opening, while continuing to inject gas into the canister and utilize the force of the gas to urge the dispensing means into sealing engagement with the canister being charged.

Abstract: A wrapping machine is disclosed, for wrapping an article. The machine is designed for wrapping five surfaces of the article except the bottom thereof. The machine has detectors for determining the length of the front surface and the back surface of the article in order to provide a web piece having an adequate size for wrapping the article. The machine may have blowers for folding the web piece and providing a clean and net wrapped article. A method for wrapping an article is also provided.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hermetic re-closeable package suitable for various products, in particular food products (4), which consists in partly overlapping two (1,2) sheets of flexible material in order to define two longitudinal side edges (1a,2a) overlapping each other, in joining the two edge regions in such a way as to make them separable and recloseable, in locating the product on said sheets, with one side located next to the edge regions sealed in such a way that they are separable, thereafter in wrapping the so joined sheets around the product by sealing one to the other the side edges opposed to the edges among them already joined; in joining the opposed free ends of such sheets and in sealing them so as to form two end seals; an air-tight packaging is thus produced, openable and recloseable after each partial drawing of product through the opening made by separation and raising of the edge region from the underlying one.

Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.

Abstract: A file block or a drawer filler for supporting file folders, envelopes, and the like within file drawers or containers. The file block has a rectangular structure with six rectangular walls. At least one wall resiliently extends outward, which creates pressure against file folders and the like to be supported. Also disclosed is a blank for the file block, from which the file block is easily assembled.

Abstract: Different ways are disclosed for manufacturing air cell dunnage in which the variation in thickness of the individual bubble walls is significantly reduced. In one embodiment, the bubbles are formed from a plastic sheet having regions which vary in thickness so that when these regions are vacuum formed into bubbles, they result in bubbles having an approximately uniform wall thickness. The sheets are extruded through a die which is shaped to profile the thickness of the sheet from side to side. Longitudinal profiling of the thickness is provided by means of shaping bars which move vertically with respect to the extruded sheet. The variation in wall thickness also can be reduced using flat plastic sheet by controlling the application of the vacuum to the hemispherical dies which form the bubbles. The vacuum may be applied progressively through rings of apertures from the bottom or opening of the bubble to the top or apex of the bubble.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing a product by means of a flat blank having a central portion supporting the product and in turn having first lateral wings, and two opposite lateral portions, each having second lateral wings; the method and machine provide for folding the first lateral wings using at least one folding body, which has a first and a second folding edge differently inclined with respect to each other, and is rotated about an axis of rotation so that the first folding edge folds a respective first lateral wing to a given angle of less than 90°, and the second folding edge folds corresponding second lateral wings to an angle of 90°; the folding body is then rotated further about the axis of rotation so that the first folding edge completes the folding of the first lateral wing to 90°.

Abstract: A slicing machine that deposits foodstuff slices in a stack atop a support in a stacking station has a sheet-interposing device provided with a supply roll of sheet material and a feed roller for feeding a leading end of the sheet material in a direction to the stacking station. a guide between the station and the roller imparts to the sheet leading end an upwardly concave U-shape to stiffen the sheet leading end so it projects horizontally stiffly from the guide above the station. A cutter movable between the guide and the station cuts off the sheet leading end so that the cut-off end drops down in the station.

Abstract: A method of banding the mane of a horse is described as well as the apparatus for performing the method. The method of banding the mane of the horse is made possible by a staple gun having generally U-shaped staples provided therein which are stapled around individual groups of hairs. The method comprises the steps of separating the horse's mane into individual mane groups and at least partially encircling each mane group with a selectively removable staple to maintain the mane groups separate from one another.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a crop pick-up assembly which is wider than the baling chamber and equipped with right- and left-hand stub augers for centering the crop for delivery through the inlet of the baling chamber. In order to prevent the augers from compressing crop against crop feeding tines located between the inner ends of the stub augers, crop lifters are mounted to inner end portions of each of the stub augers. The stub augers are each double flight augers with the flights being offset 180° from each other. The crop lifters each include first and second lifter plates respectively associated with the first and second flights, the lifter plates each having a first end fixed to the auger core and being curved outwardly from the core to the outer periphery of the associated flight.

Abstract: A cut-resistant, machine knittable, composite yarn that utilizes a yarn or fiber strand or component of normal strength (no greater than 10 grams per denier tenacity) liquid crystal polymer, to provide a composite yarn of comparable high cut-resistance to composite yarns of similar construction that utilize high strength synthetic yarn or fiber. Also protective articles of apparel knitted from such yarn, specifically a cut-resistant protective glove.

Abstract: A spinning can transporter for a plurality of spinning cans disposed on a platform. The platform has a standing place for the operator or driver equipped with controls for steering the transporter. To make it possible for the operator/driver to exchange spinning cans from the operator's standing place, these controls are always within reach of the operator. This results because the controls are adjustably mounted on the transporter loading platform. In addition, there is at least one can loading area in front of, and at least one can loading area behind the operator's standing place to allow the operator to move relative to the cans to alternatively dispose of or receive cans onto the platform.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a yarn y that is unwound from a supply bobbin 1 into a control member 3 for controlling the propagation of twisting toward a supply bobbin, then introduces the yarn into a friction-disk-type false twister 4 to suppress fluff, and finally controls the yarn feeding speed in the friction-disk-type false twister in order to control the yarn tension. The present invention can reduce the amount of fluff on a yarn that is unwound from a supply bobbin and wound around a winding package and control the yarn tension. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the needs for a special device for controlling the tension.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized in controlling the amount of cooling steam supplied to high temperature parts 8 in accordance with the dynamic characteristics of exhaust heat recovery boiler 2 when the load on gas turbine 1C is changing, in a gas turbine steam cooling system provided with an exhaust heat recovery boiler 2 for operating gas turbine 1C and generating steam using the exhaust heat from gas turbine 1C, the combined cycle plant being controlled by driving the steam turbines 3,4 by directing a steam line from exhaust heat recovery boiler 2 to steam turbines 3,4, cooling high temperature parts 8 of gas turbine 1C by branching the steam line from exhaust heat recovery boiler 2, and returning the cooled steam to the steam line.

Abstract: A modular power plant apparatus, and method of power plant assembly. An inlet air module is provided on feet which are mounted on self centering rugged linear roller guides which are linearly displaceable along a track. When the fuel-air mixing module is retracted along the roller track, the main engine housing is pivoted on an engine stand, to position the output shaft upward. An exhaust bearing plate is removable from the main rotor housing, to allow the rotating element to be removed. When exposed, hot section elements can be inspected, repaired, and replaced.

Abstract: A method for starting a burner device for a gas turbine, where the burner device comprises at least one burner member (5), arranged to be supplied with a liquid fuel, and an ignition member (9), which is activated for igniting a fuel which is supplied to the burner member (5). The fuel which initially is supplied to the burner member (5) and which is ignited by means of the ignition member and generates a burner member flame mainly comprises an ignition gas.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant is provided that carries out mixing of steams heated to a high temperature by cooling a high temperature cooled part of a gas turbine. Other steam favorably, guarantees the safety of the alternating current apparatus, so that it is operated stably over a long period of time. The combined cycle power plant is equipped with a mixing tube that mixes exit steam from a steam cooling system and a bypass steam. The exit steam from the steam cooling system that has been heated by cooling the high temperature cooled part of this gas turbine and the bypass steam that is not introduced into, but bypasses, this high temperature cooled part in order to control flow volume and temperature of the steam introduced into the high temperature cooled part are introduced into the mixing tube and mixed. Thus a mixed superheated steam having uniform pressure and temperature is formed, and there is no deleterious effect on any downstream equipment.

Abstract: The energy generating installation comprises a gas turbine (10) which is operated by steam injected via a steam line (16). The outlet (18) of the gas turbine (10) is connected with the heat exchanger (21) of a waste heat boiler (19). The waste heat boiler (19) contains a steam drum (22) connected to a preheater (24) and a steam generator (23) of the heat exchanger (21). According to the invention a solar steam generator (36) is connected to the steam drum (22) in a second circuit (39). The steam produced by the solar steam generator (36) is heated in a superheater (22) and then used for steam injection purposes. The energy generating installation offers high flexibility at high efficiency despite the unreliable availability of solar energy.

Abstract: In a gas turbine combustion system, liner stops mount a combustion liner within a flow sleeve. The liner stops are mounted on the outer surface of the combustion liner and the inner surface of the flow sleeve in a symmentrical array of liner stops. The liner stops have inclined contacting surfaces that support the liner within the sleeve, and provide rubbing contact between the two. These inclined surfaces are on a post of a male liner stop that fits into a channel of a female liner stop.

Abstract: The thruster comprises, on a common plate, a plurality of main annular ionization and acceleration channels having axes that are not parallel and that converge in the outlet direction of the channels. A magnetic circuit sets up a magnetic field in the annular channels. The thruster also has a hollow cathode, a device for regulating the ionizable gas feed rate to each annular channel, and a device for controlling the ion discharge acceleration current in the channels. The direction of the thrust vector of the thruster can be controlled without significantly increasing the mass of the thruster.

Abstract: A pneumatic unlocking and closing apparatus for doors has a soft braking phase at each end position. The apparatus includes a pneumatic piston-cylinder unit having a working chamber acting on a large piston area and a return chamber acting on a piston area which is reduced by the piston rod. The apparatus is operated by a substantially closed pressure actuation system having a compressed air pump creating both a working pressure in the working chamber and a less high counter pressure in the return chamber. The pressure system includes a first or plus tank having a certain predetermined high pressure to act as the working pressure in the working chamber for expelling the piston during the ordinary working stroke thereof; and a second or minus tank into which the air of the working chamber is evacuated when the piston is to be returned to its fully retracted position.

Abstract: A load arm suspension system for a load arm assembly with at least one hydraulic cylinder, which load arm suspension system comprises an accumulator which is connected to a first cylinder space of at least one cylinder. A tank for hydraulic oil is connected to a second cylinder space of the at least one hydraulic cylinder. A first valve member is arranged between the accumulator and the first cylinder space of the at least one cylinder and a second valve member is arranged between the tank and the second cylinder space of the at least one cylinder.

Abstract: The hydrostatic drive with regeneration circuit comprises a geroter flow divider which operates in conjunction with a two position three way valve and a check valve to provide regeneration flow for the hydrostatic drive when the valve is energized.

Abstract: A heat engine is constructed from sheet metal and the like. The heat engine has an outer container and inner container which contains a displacer and a power piston. A plurality of positioning members are provided to dimensionally stabilize the inner and outer containers. By providing positioning members that extend between the inner and the outer containers, a sandwiched construction is obtained which allows the inner and outer containers to reinforce each other thus permitting the use of thin walled containers and improving the thermal efficiency of the heat engine and decreasing the weight of the heat engine.

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 frequency of the displacer.

Abstract: A turbocharging device for an internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas manifold receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and a first charge air distributor distributing charge air to the internal combustion engine. A first set of exhaust gas turbochargers each has a turbine and a compressor, wherein the turbines of the exhaust gas turbochargers of the first set are connected in parallel to the exhaust gas manifold and the respective compressors are connected serially to the first charge air distributor. A second set of exhaust gas turbochargers with a turbine and a compressor is provided wherein the turbines of the exhaust gas turbochargers of the second set are connected in parallel to the exhaust gas manifold and the respective compressors are connected serially to the first charge air distributor.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a system for generating electricity and potable water 42. The system comprises an array of solar cells 12 which produce an amount of current. The solar cells have electrical connection means 14 to a bank of batteries 18. The batteries are connected by electrical connection means to an electrolytic device 20. The positive pole of the battery is connected to the cathode electrode 46 and the negative pole is connected to the anode electrode 48 which induces the electric current to pass through the liquid electrolyte 24. The current dissociates the water into its collectable gaseous component parts, oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is released into the atmospheric air but could be collected for some further process. A compressor 26 having electrical connection means to the batteries 18 and connection means to the electrolytic device 20 collects the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A deswirler system for a centrifugal compressor of a gas turbine engine that improves overall engine performance as a result of exhibiting significantly reduced friction losses. The deswirler system generally entails an annular-shaped manifold having an inlet configured to receive radially-outward flowing gas from a diffuser of the compressor, an outlet configured to discharge the gas in an axial downstream direction, and an arcuate passage therebetween. The deswirler system further includes a plurality of deswirler vanes directly within the arcuate passage and closely coupled to the diffuser.

Abstract: A combustor includes outer and inner liners joined at one end to an annular dome. A swirl cup is mounted to the dome and includes a flare cone extending therethrough. The flare cone has an obtuse flare angle for discharging fuel in a wide spray from an outlet of the cone. A flared beat shield surrounds the cone, and extends in part aft from the cone outlet, and is offset in part forwardly from the cone outlet to define a radially outwardly facing step.

Abstract: A heat-regenerating type cryogenic cooling apparatus 101 includes a cryogenic temperature generating part 10 having a heat regenerator 11; and a pressure generating device 30 connected to the part 10, generating pressure vibration of a working gas therein, and having a compressor 31 with a discharging port 31a and a sucking port 31b, a high-pressure line 32 whose one end is in fluid communication with the discharging port 31a of the compressor 31, a low-pressure line 33 whose one end is in fluid communication with the sucking port 31b of the compressor 31, a high-pressure open/close valve 34 connected to the other end of the line 32, a low-pressure open/close valve 35 connected to the other end of the line 33, a high-pressure side line 36 connecting the valve 34 and the 10, a low-pressure side line 37 connecting the valve 35 and the part 10, and a high-pressure side buffer tank 38 as a high-pressure source connected to the midportion of the line 32.

Abstract: There is disclosed a Stirling cycle refrigerator in which oil rising is prevented, and an adverse influence onto oil sealing bellows by a pressure rise accompanying the temperature rise of the crank chamber is prevented. The oil sealing bellows are disposed between a space in a housing and compression and expansion cylinders, and a buffer tank provided with the pressure adjusting bellows is disposed between a space on the back surface side of the compression and expansion pistons and the space in the housing, so that the pressure rise in the housing and the pressure fluctuation of the space are absorbed.

Abstract: A reservoir of the device supports, in its upper portion, a profiled flange forming a handling apparatus for the device and a trough to collect and discharge, via an opening, the water of condensation forming on a vaporization coil. The coil has turns of changing diameters, supported by support combs on the trough and enclosed in a cover provided with peripheral and upper air openings. The cover includes an element for securing a receptacle that directly coacts, by gravity, condensates.

Abstract: A flushing apparatus for drinking vessels and/or for vessels suitable for the storage of liquid, in particular for glasses, is described, and provides a space to receive at least one drinking vessel and/or at least one vessel suitable for the storage of liquid and includes a duct system, with which a cryotechnical medium can be supplied directly into the space for receiving drinking vessels. It is thus possible for the first time to cool drinking vessels down to a desired temperature, substantially independently of the predetermined drinking vessel temperature, in a very short time, and thus to insure the cooling, remaining uniform for a long period, of a drink which is subsequently poured in.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of products in a rotating drum employs nozzles to deliver a heat transfer fluid in a more efficient manner. The heat transfer fluid nozzles which are positioned around the interior of the rotating drum deliver the heat transfer fluid to the product in the drum when the nozzles are positioned under the product and prevent delivery of the heat transfer fluid when the nozzles are not under the product. This improves the efficiency of the heat transfer system substantially over known systems in which the heat transfer fluid is delivered continuously and a large portion of the heat transfer fluid is exhausted from the rotating drum before contacting the product. The heat transfer system also provides a self cleaning system for the nozzles which deliver the heat transfer fluid to the drum.

Abstract: A flow director system for transporting ice to a desired locale includes a conduit system and a gas flow gate assembly coupled with the conduit system for directing ice to the desired locale along a desired path defined by the conduit system. The gas flow gate assembly includes a plurality of flow gates disposed along the conduit system and a flow gate controller linked with the plurality of flow gates, whereby the flow gate controller opens and closes the flow gates to route ice flow along the conduit system. In addition, the flow director system preferably includes an ice maker for delivering ice into an ice container. The ice container, in turn, includes a plurality of interface apertures for channeling ice from the ice maker to the conduit system. Moreover, in operation, a gas flow is established through the ice container between the interface apertures to prevent ice blockage about the ice container.

Abstract: A piping cleaning system switches over a four-way switching valve 43 of a heat pump circuit 200 so that two transfer heat exchangers 25, 26 are operated alternately as a cooling device and a heating device, by which a cleaning refrigerant in a cleaning circuit 2 is circulated through a gas line 3 and a liquid line 5. During this cleaning operation with the cleaning refrigerant circulated, when the cleaning refrigerant runs short in amount, a solenoid valve SV3 is opened so that cleaning refrigerant of the refrigerant cylinder 71 is resupplied through a refrigerant resupply line 72 to either one of the transfer heat exchangers 25 or 26 that is cooling. On the other hand, when the cleaning refrigerant is excessive, a solenoid valve SV4 is opened so that the cleaning refrigerant is returned to the refrigerant cylinder 71 through a refrigerant bleed line 73. Thus, the amount of cleaning refrigerant can be maintained at an appropriate level.