Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including a longitudinally-extending side panel and at least one web member connected to the side panel. The web member extends from adjacent the external side of the side panel through and out of the interior surface of the side panel. The side panel is coupled to fluid concrete and cured to be used as a tilt-up wall, floor, or roof panel. Alternatively, the concrete can be bonded to opposed side panels. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. &Ovalhollow; 1.72(b).

Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including a side panel, a spaced-apart sheet such as plywood, and concrete disposed therebetween. The concrete is poured into a cavity formed between the side panel and the sheet and allowed to substantially cure, after which time the sheet can remain as part of the structure or be removed and used again in forming another concrete structure. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A construction beam defining a pair of lateral surfaces and a pair of abutment surfaces. The beam defines a set of alternating grooves and intermediate segments extending between the grooves. When the abutment surfaces are abuttingly positioned against other surfaces, the grooves being filled with air provide vibration dampening and thus reduced noise transmission. The air-filled grooves also provide thermal insulation. The configuration of the grooves allows trough flow of air reducing the risks of trapping moisture that could lead to rotting. The intermediate segments are optionally made of resilient material.

Abstract: A wall component, in particular a palisade, has visible or wall surfaces disposed on opposing sides, and intermediate end faces, wherein a projecting head is formed on one of the end faces and a receptacle is formed on the other end face. The head and the receptacle engage with a receptacle and a head of a neighboring wall component when forming a wall. The wall component is characterized in that a depression is formed on a first visible or wall surface which extends through the entire length of the wall component. The peripheral surface of the head extends into the depression and the opposing second visible or wall surface is substantially flat and maps smoothly into the peripheral surface of the head.

Abstract: Composite framing members for use in building construction include reinforced concrete columns and beams surrounded by a pair of steel shells. A layer of protective material is applied to the interior surface of at least one shell prior to assembly of the shell to provide the final integrated framing member with superior insulating or fire resistance and survivability characteristics. Additionally, the steel shells impart greater structural strength and integrity than the reinforced concrete columns and beams could alone. Furthermore, the concrete cores, aided by the protective coating, function as a heat sink, absorbing heat and allowing the entire framing member a longer structural life that it would have if the steel or concrete were used alone.

Abstract: In construction, there currently exist few basic structural members, and few developments of metal load-bearing structures having structural connections with no welding or drilling. The present invention is a new innovative approach to the making of metal structural supports that is more economical, is more time efficient, and provides more strength and rigidity. The recommended design can be used in areas where strong rigid structural members are needed and comes in a variety of sizes, strengths, and weights. It is most suitable for construction purposes but has application in many manufacturing areas where weight, strength, and ease of assembly are desired.

Abstract: A construction method in which wall panel (2) receives studs (12) in apertures (8) or grooves (10). The studs (12) may be inserted through the wall panel after the wall panel is positioned. The studs (12) engage a bottom plate (20) in a snap fit.

Abstract: A post frame building that utilizes columns composed of and upper and lower section that is laminated from standard dimensional lumber. The lower section of the columns, made from treated lumber are set into the ground and cut to level. The upper sections, of non-treated lumber is joined to the lower section by means of a staggered slip joint. The upper end of the upper column section forms a sleeve into which a deep heel truss is set. Pre-fabricated girt panels are applied to the columns prior to truss mounting. Prefabricated applied between the trusses form a complete structure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and apparatus for automatically sorting and sequencing a random assemblage of products associated with a particular order for same. In one embodiment, the invention sequences the random products to match a predetermined label application sequence.

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a discontinuously supplied stream of products, comprising a packaging apparatus provided with folding means for folding the longitudinal edges of the continuous packaging web around the products in longitudinal direction to form a tubular packaging sleeve, connecting means and separating means for breaking the tubular packaging sleeve between the products in a transverse direction for forming separated packaged products, wherein the assembly comprises a conveyor chain which is provided with grippers for clamping therein the products to be conveyed, the assembly further comprising an intermediate conveyor built up from a number of mutually aligning conveying sections drivable independently of each other and with variable speed, the intermediate conveyor being provided with a control adapted to drive the various conveying sections of the intermediate conveyor such that the mutual distances between discontinuously supplied products are reduced to a standard distance.

Abstract: A spring unit comprises a continuous coil spring (5) contained within a sleeve (26) of strong, yet flexible, material. The unit is produced by providing a folding attachment device (2) having oppositely inclined spaced walls (13, 14) which converge from a feed end (3) to an outlet end (4), and simultaneously drawing the flexible material and the coil spring through the folding attachment device from the feed end to the outlet end with the spaced walls acting to fold the material over the coil spring and to apply a substantially uniform compressive force to the coil spring. As the material and the spring are drawn through the outlet end (4), overlapping edges of the flexible material are joined together to complete the spring unit.

Abstract: A method of encapsulation is characterized by supplying to an encapsulation unit (22) two films (14, 16) of like material capable of deforming elastically at least when partially solvated, and applying solvent to at least one of the films prior to encapsulation to cause partial solvation of the material surface, such that the partially solvated surface can adhere to and seal with the film material. In the encapsulation unit, the substance to be encapsulated e.g. a cosmetic oil or vitamin preparation is supplied between the films, the films are formed, typically by a molding process, into suitably shaped capsule portions which can adhere to each other as a result of the adhesive action of the partially solvated surface(s), and which seal together encapsulating the supplied substance, forming a capsule. The invention enables encapsulation using materials other than gelatin, such as polyvinyl alcohol. Also disclosed is encapsulation apparatus and the resulting capsules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing filled gelatin capsules created from strips (4) of gelatin ribbon. The strips are led to an encapsulation station (6) where they are enclosed around the fill that is delivered thereto. Means are provided for controlling the lateral alignment of the strip in its path to the encapsulation station (6) preferably, such means comprises a pivotal guide bar assembly (52).

Abstract: A touch roller 20 (a driven roller) is mounted on the free end 22a of a support arm 22 that can rotate. A changeover mechanism 26 rotates the support arm 22, thus changing the inclination of the support arm 22. The touch roller 20 is thereby moved between two positions. In the first position, the touch roller 20 is pressed onto a forward driving roller 12. In the second position, the touch roller 20 is pressed onto a reverse driving roller 14. The rollers 12 and 14 are spaced apart from each other. The touch roller 20 may be moved to the third position, where it remains spaced from both the forward driving roller 12 and the reverse driving roller 14. In the second position, the touch roller 20 can be pushed onto the reverse driving roller with a small force or a large force. When the touch roller 20 is pushed onto the reverse driving roller 14 with the small force, the reverse driving roller 14 pulls back a band 15.

Abstract: An air cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from an air stream. A housing encloses a fan for drawing debris-laden air into a forward portion of the housing and rotating the air so as to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris-laden air, with the heavier particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern. The thus rotating air passes through an annulus to a rear portion of the housing in which the air flow is caused to back up. As a consequence, some solid debris in the forward housing portion moves into a forward isolation region from which that debris is ejected through a forward exit orifice. Other solid debris in the rear housing portion enters a rear isolation region from which it is ejected through a rear exit orifice. The thus-cleaned air passes through an exit gap to an air outlet from which it exits the air cleaner for use.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner includes a selectively removable dirt cup, and an airstream flows rotationally through the dirt cup between an interior wall of the dirt cup and a filter assembly selectively mounted in the dirt cup so that entrained contaminants are separated from the airstream flowing through the dirt cup and collected by the dirt cup. The filter lies substantially parallel to the support surface on which the vacuum cleaner is supported. A cover member is connected to the main housing, and the cover member is selectively movable to and held in an operative position in covering relation with an open first end of a dirt cup. The main housing defines a base conformed to self-support the main housing on a support surface with the dirt cup arranged with its open first end at a higher elevation than its closed second end. The removable dirt cup includes a handle adapted for being held by a user, and the dirt cup defines or includes a spout to facilitate emptying dirt therefrom.

Abstract: A dust filter for a ducted air delivery system comprising,

Abstract: A blade for a rotary cutting machine includes at least one polygonal shaped opening longitudinally spaced from a central portion of the blade. The polygonal shaped opening is adapted to receive a drive head of a conventional socket wrench, a standard Allen wrench, a Torx head type wrench or other similar tool. The polygonal shaped opening enables a user to generate sufficient torque to prevent the blade from being undesirably rotated while the blade is drivingly connected or disconnected from a driveshaft of the rotary cutting machine. In this fashion, the blade may be changed efficiently and effectively using standard tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mowing machine comprising a cutter bar (8), a crushing device (3) including a rotor (4) provided with crushing elements (5), and adjusting means by means of which the distance between the crushing elements (5) and the cutter bar (8) can be adjusted. The mowing machine (1) further comprises measuring means with the aid of which it is possible to determine the number of revolutions and/or the force by which the crushing device (3) is driven. The mowing machine (1) further comprises a control mechanism by means of which the adjusting means are activated on the basis of the signals supplied by the measuring means.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A vibratory shaker for mounting on a crop harvester framework for removing crops from vines, bushes, and trees has a crop foliage engaging brush that is driven directly about a brush rotation axis by a brush driving motor. The crop foliage engaging brush and the brush driving motor are supported for rotation on the crop harvester framework. The power for driving the brush driving motor is controlled to provide oscillatory motion subject to operator controlled frequency, amplitude and oscillatory wave shape.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a core yarn manufacturing machine and a core yarn manufacturing method capable of carrying out automatic yarn pick-up of the core yarn like a true twist.

Abstract: A rolled product for a chain and a method for producing the rolled product are disclosed. Plural dimples are formed zigzag in at least one of inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rolled product, the dimples being formed for absorbing a plastic deformation of a rolled workpiece when forced through a circular orifice of a die, and plural recessed portions are defined by the dimples on any imaginary straight line in the axial direction of the rolled product. A waving phenomenon does not occur at end faces of the rolled product. When the rolled product is used as a chain component such as bushing or roller, it is possible to prevent leakage of a lubricant in the axial direction of the rolled product and hence possible to improve the lubricant retaining performance in a rotating and sliding portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas turbine, a combined plant and a compressor by which both of augmentation of the power output and augmentation of the thermal efficiency can be realized by injecting liquid droplets into inlet air introduced into an entrance of a compressor with a simple equipment which is suitable for practical use. The gas turbine includes a compressor for taking in and compressing gas, a combustor in which fuel is combusted with the gas discharged from the compressor, and a turbine driven by the combusted gas of the combustor. The gas turbine further includes a liquid droplet injection device provided on the upstream side of the compressor for injecting liquid droplets into inlet air to be supplied into the entrance of the compressor to lower the temperature of the inlet air to be introduced into the compressor so that the injected liquid droplets may be evaporated while flowing down in the compressor.

Abstract: A plurality of fuel nozzles X1, and X2 in combustor X are supplied with fuel gas from a fuel gas system and fuel oil from a fuel oil system, respectively. Gas turbine operation is performed with fuel being changed over to either gas or oil. Fuel oil distribution control system A controls oil flowing into a plurality of fuel pipings. When oil is changed over to gas, fuel oil purge system B is supplied with air of an appropriate temperature and pressure from purging air supply system C. This air flows into fuel oil pipings and nozzles X2 for purging residual oil therein. Fuel nozzle wash system D is supplied with water by-passing from a wash water tank for compressor washing. This water flows through nozzles X2 for washing thereof.

Abstract: A plurality of fuel nozzles X1 and X2 in combustor X are supplied with fuel gas from a fuel gas system and fuel oil from a fuel oil system, respectively. Gas turbine operation is performed with fuel being changed over to either gas or oil. Fuel oil distribution control system A controls oil flowing into a plurality of fuel pipings. When oil is changed over to gas, fuel oil purge system B is supplied with air of an appropriate temperature and pressure from purging air supply system C. This air flows into fuel oil pipings and nozzles X2 for purging residual oil therein. Fuel nozzle wash system D is supplied with water by-passing from a wash water tank for compressor washing. This water flows through nozzles X2 for washing thereof.

Abstract: A plurality of fuel nozzles X1 and X2 in combustor X are supplied with fuel gas from a fuel gas system and fuel oil from a fuel oil system, respectively. Gas turbine operation is performed with fuel being changed over to either gas or oil. Fuel oil distribution control system A controls oil flowing into a plurality of fuel pipings. When oil is changed over to gas, fuel oil purge system B is supplied with air of an appropriate temperature and pressure from purging air supply system C. This air flows into fuel oil pipings and nozzles X2 for purging residual oil therein. Fuel nozzle wash system D is supplied with water by-passing from a wash water tank for compressor washing. This water flows through nozzles X2 for washing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention deals wish a turboreactor comprising at least a precombustion chamber, a combustion chamber, means for directing combustion gases from the precombustion chamber into the combustion chamber, an air compressor, and means for dividing the air flow from the Iair compressor while guiding it in the combustion chamber. The turboreactor comprises advantageously a contrarotating stator The invention relates also to a process in which the blades are heated and pushed in a thermoplastic layer of the body of the rotor and/or stator.

Abstract: An ignition system for combustion chambers of rocket engines has a first fuel tank for a first fuel constituent and a second fuel tank for a second fuel constituent, both of which are separated from the fuel tanks of the rocket engine. Feed pipes (3, 4) for the respective fuel constituent are arranged between the igniter and a fuel tank.

Abstract: An engine has an upstream-side catalyst and a downstream-side catalyst. First and second air-fuel ratio sensors are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the upstream-side catalyst, respectively. A third air-fuel ratio sensor is provided on the downstream side of the downstream-side catalyst. The deteriorating state of the upstream-side catalyst is diagnosed during a period of time in which the third sensor is outputting a voltage in a predetermined range, and the air-fuel ratio is controlled to maintain the voltage output of the third sensor in the predetermined range during the period of time to diagnose the deteriorating state of the upstream-side catalyst.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying apparatus 1 provided with a nitrogen oxides absorption-reduction catalyst 2 for executing rich spike when the integrated value NOx mass of the NOx computed from the operating state of the engine E exceeds the predetermined first reference value NOxSL, a NOx sensor 13 is provided downstream from the nitrogen oxides absorption-reduction catalyst 2 so that the predetermined first reference value NOxSL is corrected when the value RSNOx detected by the NOx sensor 13 immediately after the rich spike is executed exceeds the predetermined second reference value RSSL.

Abstract: Various embodiments of air control valves are disclosed. Each has a mechanism, controlled by a solenoid and by the difference between fluid pressure at its inlet and fluid pressure at its outlet, for allowing communication between an air pump and an exhaust gas treatment system as long as fluid pressure at the outlet does not exceed fluid pressure at the inlet by more than a predetermined difference during absence of a predetermined electric energization of the solenoid, for disallowing communication between the air pump and the gas treatment system during presence of the predetermined electric energization of the solenoid, and for disallowing communication between the air pump and the gas treatment system whenever fluid pressure at the outlet exceeds fluid pressure at the inlet by more than the predetermined difference.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder in which the cylinder head contains a motor-driven fluid pump, fluid reservoir, and a main control valve for the cylinder. The cylinder includes a transfer tube that extends through the center of the cylinder's piston and terminates within a hollow ported section of a piston rod. The cylinder head can additionally include two electrically-actuated pilot valves and two pilot-operated check valves. The pilot-operated check valves include structure that, in combination with passages in the cylinder head, cause both pilot-operated check valves to open when pressurized fluid is being directed to one of the pilot-operated check valves by the main control valve.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for vehicle interposed in a drive-power transmission path between a driving power source and a driving axle for non-stepwisely changing the speed of the vehicle includes an HST housing; a hydraulic pump unit having a pump shaft with first and second ends extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle away from each other; a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft for outputting the drive power from the motor shaft whose speed is non-stepwisely varied in cooperation with the hydraulic pump unit; a PTO unit having a PTO shaft extending in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the PTO shaft being operatively connected to the pump shaft; a charge pump unit for replenishing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump unit with the hydraulic motor unit, the charge pump unit including a charge pump body, and a charge pump case connected to the HST housing through its wall closer to the driving axle for supportin

Abstract: New artificial muscles and actuators, that are operated by hydrogen gas as working fluid stored interstitially in metal hydrides as a hydrogen sponge. These artificial muscles and actuators are operated both electrically and thermally. The artificial muscles and actuators have fast response, are compact/light-weight, are noiseless, and produce high-power density. They can be used for biomedical, space, defense, micro-machines, and industrial applications.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake device for a vehicle includes a master piston, an auxiliary piston having first and second pistons, and an assisting device for assisting actuation of the master piston through the auxiliary piston. The brake pressure increase gradient in the assisting operation of the assisting device after the assisting output force of the assisting device reaches a maximum value is the same as the brake pressure increase gradient in the assisting operation of the assisting device before the assisting output force of the assisting device reaches the maximum value because the second piston of the auxiliary piston includes a large diameter portion possessing a diameter that is the same as the diameter of the master piston.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method as well as an apparatus for suppressing flow vortices within a turbo power machine with a premix burner, into which fuel and air are introduced for mixing, which then leave the burner downstream along its burner axis in the form of a fuel/air mixture through a burner outlet and flow into a combustor located downstream from the burner in the flow direction of the fuel/air mixture.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit is provided for a parked truck/boat to cool the sleeping cabin. The cabin air conditioner having a cooling unit comprising a cooling chamber with at least one insulated wall having on opposite sides there of a heat sink and a cooling block having there between thermoelectric chip(s) or a high efficient D.C. compressor or cold storage phase change material. The air conditioning unit also comprises an air intake conduit, a cool air conduit, an exhaust conduit and means of supplying power to the cooling unit. A method for cooling the. sleeping cabin through the use of the air conditioning unit disclosed in the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container, particularly a cooler bag, for the refrigerated transportation of foods, substances and/or articles, having a jacket surrounding a transportation space or area and a closable opening is provided in the jacket for accessing the transportation space. According to the invention the insulated container is characterized in that in the transportation space is received an active cooling device with a heat exchange device, that in the jacket there is at least one recess and that the recess is constructed for receiving and passing to the outside the heat exchange device.

Abstract: A cold accumulating material comprising a number of magnetic particles mainly composed of oxide, wherein an average value of equivalent circle diameters of crystal grains constituting the magnetic particles is 0.3-20 &mgr;m. It is preferable that an area ratio of the crystal grains each having an equivalent circle diameter of 50 &mgr;m or more is 10% or less with respect to whole crystal grains constituting the magnetic particle. According to the above structure, there can be provided a cold accumulating material which is free from being finely pulverized, and is excellent in thermal shock resistance and durability, and capable of exhibiting a significant refrigerating performance at low temperature range for a long period of time in a stable condition.

Abstract: A heat source unit and refrigerant used in an existing refrigeration system are replaced with new refrigerant and a new heat source unit which employs the new refrigerant and is equipped with an oil separator and extraneous-matter trapping means. An indoor unit of the existing refrigeration system may be used, in its present form, or replaced with a new indoor unit. Further, connecting pipes used for the existing refrigeration are reused. After replacement of refrigerant, the refrigeration system performs an ordinary operation after having performed a cleaning operation. The extraneous-matter trapping means is provided in a refrigerant pipe close to the heat source unit or in a bypass channel connected to the refrigerant pipe close to the heat source unit. Alternatively, only the heat source unit of the existing refrigeration system is replaced with a new one, and there is employed refrigeration oil which has no mutual solubility with respect to HFC or has very low mutual solubility.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an air conditioner used in an electric vehicle which can exert a sufficient cooling performance without enlarging the size of a motor for driving a compressor or supplying an excessive amount of driving current to the motor.

Abstract: An expansion valve 101 comprises a substantially prismatic-shaped valve body 301 made of aluminum alloy. On the valve body 301 is formed a first passage 32 through which a liquid-phase refrigerant travels towards an evaporator, and a second passage 34 through which a gas-phase refrigerant travels from the evaporator toward a compressor. On the upper portion of the valve body 301 is mounted a power element portion 36 for driving the valve mounted in the middle of a first passage 32. On the side surfaces 301a of the valve body 301 are formed protruding portions 301c, and to the protruding portions, penetrating holes 50 for inserting the bolt for mounting the expansion valve are formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a refrigeration cycle for circulating a refrigerant through a compressor 2, a heat exchanger for condensation 4, a flow rate control valve 5, and a heat exchanger for evaporation 6, connected each other, comprising: a first operation means for changing a heat exchanging capability of said heat exchanger for condensation 4, a second operation means for changing a heat exchanging capability of said heat exchanger for evaporation 6, a means for operating a running capacity for changing a running capacity of said compressor, and a control means for reducing a difference between a running condition on a high pressure side or a low pressure side of said refrigeration cycle and a target, wherein when a difference between a running condition on a high or low pressure side and its target is reduced, the control means 15 bring the running condition closer to the target, minimizes a consumption energy, and bring a temperature difference of a heat exchanging fluid between an inlet and an outl

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a refrigerator comprising a main body formed with a storage compartment accommodating therein food, a door opening and closing the storage compartment, a temperature sensor provided within the main body, detecting a temperature thereof, and a cooling means provided in the main body, cooling the storage compartment, comprising the steps of establishing a control temperature of the temperature sensor to correspond to the temperature of the storage compartment; and continuously operating the cooling means until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature at an initial operation state. With this configuration, because the compressor is continuously operated until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the control temperature, the rate of cooling the stored food is enhanced and at the same time a desired storage temperature is achieved.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerated transport vehicle which comprises a small and light weight cooling system easily fitted to the vehicle; in order to accomplish the above object, the refrigerated transport vehicle comprising a vehicle body; an adiabatic freezing chamber which is provided on the vehicle body and comprises an opening; an adiabatic evaporator chamber fixed to an outer surface of the freezing chamber so as to cover the opening and to communicate inner spaces of the freezing chamber and the evaporator chamber; an evaporator unit provided in the inner space of the evaporator chamber for evaporating a coolant liquid and cooling the inner spaces of the freezing chamber and the evaporator chamber; a condenser unit provided on the outer surface of the evaporator chamber for condensing a coolant vapor and discharging heat of condensation of the coolant vapor; and a circulation system for circulating the coolant between the evaporator unit and the condenser unit.

Abstract: An air-conditioner, an outdoor unit and an refrigeration device each using a refrigeration cycle which can reduce power consumption so as to be highly efficient, which can be operated by a commercially available power source, and which is highly reliable. An air-conditioner comprises a motor and a refrigeration cycle including a compressor driven by the motor, an outdoor heat-exchanger and an indoor heat-exchanger, the motor being located in a motor chamber within a closed container, and refrigerant gas in the refrigeration cycle flows through the motor chamber, wherein the motor has a core of a rotor in which a cage type conductor and permanent magnets magnetized in bipolar state are embedded, and said motor is driven by a commercially available electric power source.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which comprises a compressor, an evaporator to which liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor is supplied through a flow restrictor, and return means which direct refrigerant expanded in the evaporator back to the compressor. The return means include an accumulator in which liquid refrigerant leaving said evaporator may collect, and heating means either integral with or attached to the accumulator. The heating means are adapted to supply heat energy to the liquid refrigerant collected by said accumulator in order to promote its evaporation, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system. The heating. means may be controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A decorative jewelry module comprises a base member with a hollow interior, a decorative insert, and a fastener arrangement. The hollow base member has a top with an opening therein, a bottom, and an interior. The decorative insert is sized in relation to the interior of the base member so as to be placed within the hollow base member and viewed through the top opening. The fastener arrangement fixes the decorative insert within the hollow base member below the base member top. The decorative jewelry article may be manufactured as a multi-part base and decorative insert combination, or as a monolithic jewel article having a base portion and a decorative element portion. The jewelry article may be designed to have the appearance of a single decorative unit, or to have the appearance of a double (or greater) decorative unit. Such units have application in many jewelry items. A number of such units may be connected in series to form a tennis bracelet.

Abstract: A fabrication method of graded index silica glass is disclosed. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of dispersing to form sol by mixing a starting material with a dispersion medium; molding the sol into a moisturized gel with a predetermined shape using a molding frame and separating the moisturized gel from the molding frame; drying the moisturized gel under a predetermined temperature and humidity level to remove the dispersion medium and to form a first dry gel having a predetermined moisture content distribution, hydrolyzing the moisture remained in the first dry gel and an additive solution by putting the first dry gel into the additive solution; re-drying the first dry gel, which underwent said hydrolysis, to form a second dry gel; and, thermal processing the second dry gel by supplying reaction gas thereto, removing impurities therefrom and annealing for isolation.