Abstract: A pneumatic inflation device disposed within the sole of a shoe and comprising a pump which is entirely within the sole, a pump actuator which is entirely within the sole when not in use, and an inflatable bladder which is entirely within the sole and is operatively connected to the pump. Such a device can include a mechanism to lock the pump actuator within the sole such that the mechanism's cap is flush with the outer wall of the sole and finger-operable to allow the shoe-wearer to easily operate the inflation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe offering an easily adjustable support for the wearer's ankle, a means for the wearer to quickly put on and remove the shoe, protection to the wearer's toes and forefoot from impacts to the upper surface of the shoe, and a unique and attractive appearance. The shoe may be constructed from four basic components: a resilient sole, an ankle surrounding section, an instep enclosing section, and a toe section. The ankle surrounding section begins at the after end of the sole portion and extends forward to a point between the forward end and the after end defining an opening through which a wearer's foot is passed. The toe section extends from the forward end of the sole portion backward and runs from the inner edge to the outer edge of the sole portion. The wearer's toes are inserted into the cavity defined by the toe section. The instep enclosing section extends from the toe section to the ankle surrounding section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole for an article of footwear and the method of manufacture. The sole includes a mesh layer at least partially embedded in a sole layer. The method for manufacturing the sole includes the steps of providing a mold, inserting a mesh into the mold, and forming a sole layer in the mold, the sole layer having a mesh layer at least partially embedded in the sole layer. The invention also relates to an article of footwear that includes this sole, and the method of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A snow groomer includes a movable platform, a prime mover mounted to the platform and a grooming drum rotatably driven by the prime mover for rotation in a direction opposite the traveling direction of the snow groomer. The grooming drum includes axially spaced apart and radially protruding ribs that extend circumferentially around the drum. The ribs include circumferentially spaced apart apertures and the apertures of each rib are aligned with the apertures of the other ribs. Elongated cutting teeth extend through the apertures of the ribs and have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the apertures such that the cutting teeth are free to vibrate within the apertures as the drum rotates, thereby enhancing the pulverization of chunks of snow and ice.

Abstract: My invention is a transparent plastic holding devise for all types and sizes of flat thin objects. This new Universal Holder enables people to secure objects in an orderly manor into clip ring style binders for visual presentations. It's main purpose is to allow people to save and view their valued greeting cards in the same manor photos are viewed in photo albums.

Abstract: A suspension device for a sheet-shaped information medium (4), such as a poster or the like, for attachment to a wall or another surface, comprising an upper and a lower bar (1,2) to which the information medium can be fastened, whereby the upper bar (1) is connected to a cord system having pulleys (5, 7, 13, 16, 17, 18) for raising and lowering relatively to wall elements (8, 9, 10, 11, 15) attached to the wall or the like, said cord system comprising a single cord (6) which is fastened to an upper wall element (8) attached to the wall and which runs below two pulleys (5, 18) journalled in the upper bar (1) in the vicinity of the ends thereof and runs above a third pulley (7) journalled in an upper wall element (9) attached to the wall, and depends from this third pulley (7) in order to be manipulated for raising and lowering.

Abstract: The breech plug with primer pocket of the present invention converts a black powder propellant muzzle-loading gun to a smokeless powder propellant muzzle-loading gun by providing a close fitting primer pocket wall, a flush fitting extractor that also supports the primer's sides, and a primer pocket seat that is cut at an angle of 25 degrees from the perpendicular of the primer pocket wall to conform to the front face of the primer, such that when the primer is seated against the primer pocket seat, a gas seal is formed. A gas seal is also formed at the primer's side walls.

Abstract: A method for capturing mice with a baited cage incorporating a trigger mechanism whereby the mice are confined in the cage, characterized in that the trigger mechanism is kept inoperative for some time so as to allow a mouse to go on eating the bait, which is supplemented if it is short, eventually the mouse coming to feel as if the cage is its own home and forgets that it is a trap. The happy mouse allures its relatives and friends to the baited cages. It is at this stage when the trigger mechanism is set off to confine them in the cages.

Abstract: A spark ignition motor fuel composition consisting essentially of: a hydrocarbon component containing one or more hydrocarbons selected from five to eight carbon atoms straight-chained or branched alkanes, wherein the hydrocarbon component has a minimum anti-knock index of 65 as measured by ASTM D-2699 and D-2700 and a maximum dry vapor pressure equivalent (DVPE) of 15 psi (one atmosphere (atm.)) as measured by ASTM D-5191; a fuel grade alcohol; and a co-solvent for the hydrocarbon component and the fuel grade alcohol; wherein the hydrocarbon component, the fuel grade alcohol and the co-solvent are present in amounts selected to provide a motor fuel with a minimum anti-knock index of 87 as measured by ASTM D-2699 and D-2700, and a maximum DVPE of 15 psi (1 atm.) as measured by ASTM D-5191, and wherein the fuel composition is essentially free of olefins, aromatics, and sulfur.

Abstract: A culture tray for the rooting of young plants in parallel rows including an open-top housing having a base wall and a peripherally extending edge. The housing-base wall defines a plurality of transversely extending channels which accommodate a multiplicity of generally cup-shaped pots having bottom walls with a drainage hole. The tray-base wall is arranged at a lower position in relation to the surrounding edge and the transversely directed channels are provided in the tray base wall at a certain distance apart.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for fractionating alternative solid fuels, specially whole tires, into volatiles and coal, to be used as alternative fuels, and metal, the apparatus comprising: a feeding zone wherein the solid fuels are feed to the apparatus, a gasifying zone into which the solid fuels are processed, obtaining a gaseous fraction, coal and metal; cooled grills controlling the bed permeability and permanence time of the solid fuels at the gasifying zone; and a discharging zone into which the resultant coal and metal are discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a revolving door provided with driven door panels (1, 2) which art movably positioned around a central rotating element (3), in which each door panel (1, 2) has an individual drive. The driving speed for each door panel (1, 2) is chosen on the basis of the position taken by said door panel (1, 2) in its path of rotation. Each pair of door panels (1, 2) is provided with a drive.

Abstract: The invention provides a door weather strip structure comprised of a first weather strip and a second weather strip, and fitted into a door sash, wherein a seal block kept in elastic contact with a retainer of the door sash is provided in the vicinity of a connection between a molded part which is a portion of the second weather strip, corresponding to the roof of an automobile, and an extruded part on the side of a pillar, positioned on a side opposite from an extruded part on the side of a center pillar, thereby preventing water as intruded from the molded part from flowing down through the gap passage formed among the first weather strip, the second weather strip, and the door sash to make ingress into the interior of the automobile through the lower part of the front pillar.

Abstract: A method for preparing a slurry for a chemical mechanical polishing process for a semiconductor device includes putting an organic matter in a solvent, preparing a solution by adding a dispersant to the solvent having the organic matter, hydrolyzing the solution, stirring the solution, and heating the solution. A slurry embodying the present invention has relatively small hydrate particles having a hardness lower than oxide particles, and the particles will remain dispersed in a solution for a longer period of time than background art slurries.

Abstract: This invention is a modular anti-seismic protection device to be used in buildings and similar constructions. It discloses a modular base, which is to be laid on the ground below a building's foundation plate, to dampen, dissipate, and cancel out seismic waves.

Abstract: A boxable corner bead for finishing drywall corners that is made from two flanges with a protruding nose section. This bead can be made in regular, bullnose, or flex trim type arrangements. Once the bead is attached to a drywall corner, it can be mudded on both sides of the corner without waiting for the mud on the first side to dry. This is because of the shape of the nose which allows a mud dispensing box to apply mud on one side without getting mud on the nose. The box can then be immediately moved to the other side, where that side can be mudded. The nose itself is prepared to directly receive paint or texture, and hence does not need any mud. The flex-trim version has a raised trapezoidal section with a V-groove cut in the back. The bead hinges around the V-groove to match any corner angle. Both sides can be mudded as with the fixed bead. The beads can be used with both interior and exterior corners.

Abstract: An improved corner pad for sealing the bottom corner of a closed door has a sloped upper surface that forms a reservoir between the closed door and the jamb. Rainwater that is blown up the weather strip by wind is collected in the reservoir until the wind subsides, whereupon the water simply drains out. As a result, leakage into a dwelling at the bottom corner of the entryway is managed and contained.

Abstract: Fastening device for fastening roof components to a connecting area of two adjacent roof sections of an aluminum roof, and fastening device comprises a mounting part for mounting the roof components and two clamps lying opposite one another, connected to the mounting part, and able to be moved from a first position in which fastening device can be placed on connecting area into a second position in which clamps, in the position in which fastening device is placed on connecting area, receiving connecting area between them, are pressed on the latter and/or engage in a part of connecting area so that fastening device is fastened on connecting area, and at least one of clamps on their side facing mounting part has at least two sections of which outer section facing away from other clamp, in the first position of clamps, is tightly in contact at least partially with mounting part, in contrast to which the at least second section, in the first position of clamps, at least partially does not lie in contact with moun

Abstract: A zone based roofing system for roofing a building, the roof of the building identified by demand zones of the roof, the type of seaming process used for each demand zone varied to connect the standing seams of the panels to meet the minimum requirements of the demand zones. The panels are secured to the roof support structure and adjacently disposed panels are interlocked such as by seaming according to demand zone requirements to achieve demand quality for each zone and thereby minimizing the cost of the roof.

Abstract: A frame structure and process for its manufacture wherein supporting cross sections (1a) with at least one angle joint (11-19) and with reinforcing elements (4a, 5a) arranged at a right angle to the angle joint. The reinforcing elements are structural plates or corrugated sheets in which the structures or corrugations run in the longitudinal direction of the angle joint and wherein the corrugated sheets have a lattice work like or lamellar like cross sectional form in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A device and method for mounting structures to masonry. The device has a cover plate with a plurality of extendable and retractable straps and is used to cover a hole in a masonry wall, while providing temporary support to various structural items to be attached to the masonry wall. Each strap also engages the inner surface of the masonry wall. The straps preferably have a series of ridges that engage the cover plate such that sufficient resistance is provided to temporarily affix various objects to be embedded in the masonry wall. The straps position the plate on the front surface of the masonry wall such that it is generally concentric with the masonry hole. Grout is then poured into the hollow cavity behind the masonry wall, thus securing the embedded material permanently. The cover plate is preferably transparent to allow the user to determine that the wall and hole are property grouted.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method for making a protective sleeve comprising a combination of a mouth and a sleeve, the combination comprising a sleeve having a first and second flaps extending beyond the sleeve, each flap having a proximate side and a distal side, with the sleeve having an opening between the flaps and having a protective mouth. The mouth includes a lip formed by folding the first clap along a line and away from the opening until the first flap is adjacent to the sleeve; a second lip formed by folding the second flap over the opening until the second flap is adjacent to the first lip; and including joints adjacent to the proximate and distal sides of the second flap, the joints being located to urge the flaps in an orientation planar with the sleeve. The protective sleeve can be incorporated in rain apparel, in thematically-shaped packaging, which in turn can be in thematically-configured packaging, with the packaging having multipurpose functionality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a container package for an entire computer system. The entire computer system includes at least a computer monitor, a computer case, and a computer printer. The computer case includes a processor and the computer case can be either a horizontal or a tower type case. Advantageously, the present invention provides a container package in which the computer case, monitor and computer printer can all be placed into a single box for shipment and display purposes. The present invention provides a low cost solution for both shipping and for point of display purchase. This environmentally friendly solution reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of after the computer system is unpacked. Further, the present invention makes it more likely that a potential customer will purchase a computer monitor, computer case and computer printer from the same manufacturer.

Abstract: A belt device for forming a packaging arrangement including at least one stack of goods has a sling that includes a central suspension loop. The belt is formed as a closed loop and has a width substantially equal to the transverse width of the stack.

Abstract: An ampule having flexible walls with a zone which is programmed to promulgate collapse. The ampule includes an opening that is adapted to dock with a fluid receiving device such as a syringe in air tight sealing engagement. The collapse of the ampule is engineered to occur before breaking the seal that exists between the opening of the ampule and the docking syringe luer tip to ensure sterile transfer of fluid without contamination, especially from ambient air.

Abstract: A method of inserting a barrier pack, with a perimeter flange, into a container to be pressurized. The container to be pressurized includes a base, a side wall, and a dome having a perimeter bead, with the perimeter bead of the dome defining an opening having transverse cross-sectional area which is less than a transverse cross-sectional area defined by the side wall of the container to be pressurized. The method comprising the steps of forming the barrier pack with a transverse dimension which is less than a transverse dimension of the opening of the dome. Inserting the barrier pack, with the transverse dimension less than the transverse dimension of the opening of the dome, through the opening of the dome, without application of force, so that the barrier pack is accommodated within an internal compartment of the container to be pressurized with a flange of the barrier pack supported by an annular bead of the dome.

Abstract: A vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine with transverse sealers incorporates a timing controller for adjusting the timing for clamping a tubularly formed film with the sealers such that articles being dropping in to be packaged will not be caught in between. A display device displays a time axis or parallel axes along which markers indicate the times of arrival of the falling articles to be packaged and the sealers at the clamping position for the sealers. As the user moves the marker for indicating the arrival time of the sealers, the timing controller adjusts the operating mode of the sealers such that the sealers will clamp the film at the time specified by the user according to the displayed time of arrival of the articles.

Abstract: A fruit injector for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a front wheel suspension system as well as a rear wheel suspension system. A load compensation adjuster is employed as part of the rear wheel suspension system that compensates for riders having significantly differing weights, as well as for weight changes occurring during the mowing operation, such as from grass clippings accumulating in a grass catcher bag.

Abstract: A foot pedal lift system is provided for the mower deck of a lawn or garden tractor. The foot pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame of the tractor and is linked to the linkage arms which suspend the mower deck from the frame. The pedal is movable between a depressed forward position to raise the mower deck to a transport position and a retracted rearward position to move the mower deck to a lower removal position. The pedal can be locked in the depressed or retracted positions by a latch pivotally mounted on the exterior of the tractor console. Engagement and disengagement of the latch with the foot pedal is controlled by a handle mounted on the console connected to the latch by an elongated connecting rod. Pulling upwardly on the handle locks the latch into engagement with the foot pedal in both the depressed and retracted positions. Pushing downwardly on the handle disengages the latch from the foot pedal so that the mower deck is free to move upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for pivoting the dividers of an agricultural machine for the harvesting of row crops. A multiple-part attachment having feeder housings to receive the row crops is attached to the front of the agricultural machine. The multiple-part attachment has side frames that are pivotable from a working position to a non-working position. Outer row crop dividers are arranged on the side frames in such a way that when the side frames are pivoted, the outer row crop dividers move relative to the adjacent inner row crop dividers. The relative movement of the outer row crop dividers prevents them from colliding with each other when the side frames are in a non-working position and allows for maximum feeder housing width when the side frames are in a working position.

Abstract: Sickle cutting systems of the type used in mowers, other harvesting machines and the like are disclosed. A sickle is shown consisting of 1½ inches blade spacing with serrated or smooth knife sections, a knifeback bar and a knife head, a plurality of knife or sickle guards with alternate long and short prongs or fingers spaced at two inches of any number that are mounted to the support bar of a mower, harvesting machine, or the like and provide a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface, and a driving mechanism with a three-inch stroke such as a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. In a second embodiment, a staggered sickle cutting system is provided that demonstrates the benefits of the sickle cutting system with even greater efficiency and reduces sickle stress and vibration.

Abstract: Rope chain constructed of an assembly of link elements and a manufacturing process to make such link elements, each link element exhibiting a unique visual property, such as coloration, surface texture, reflectivity, design feature or characteristic, shape, or other visually attractive appearance. Methods of construction include surface pretexturing, stamping, simultaneous surface texturing and stamping, and strip bending. Such unique visual property traits for the succession of link elements results in a more attractive, fanciful, more delicate and interesting fashion item. Each of the interconnected link elements along the rope chain may have the same or different visual properties, and may have multiple portions of varying color, texture, shape, or other visual properties. In another aspect of the invention, each link element may have exterior edges, or edge portions, exhibiting a flat, smooth, highly light reflective surface.

Abstract: The chain for utility and ornamental applications is provided with an elastic element (1) capable of extending in the direction of the longitudinal development of the chain, in case there is an attempt of snatching exerted on the chain itself.

Abstract: A recuperator movable between a first position and a second position in or relative to a power generating system. When the recuperator is in the first position, a gas side inlet of the recuperator is coupled to a turbine exhaust outlet of the turbomachine. When the recuperator is in the second position, a gas side outlet of the recuperator is coupled to the turbine exhaust outlet, whereby the direction of gas flow inside the recuperator is reversed. Reversing the gas flow direction extends the life of the recuperator by reducing the total amount of time that the gas inlet face is exposed to high temperatures. Reversing the gas flow direction also allows for the removal of condensation of exhaust gas byproducts on cooler passage surfaces of the recuperator gas side. It is emphasized 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.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for reducing warm-up emissions in the exhaust system of a direct-injection internal-combustion engine. The method includes the steps of adjusting a lean air/fuel mixture for the engine-related combustion; implementing a late injection into the exhaust gas during the exhaust cycle of the internal-combustion engine, so that the exhaust gas contains an essentially stoichiometric air/fuel mixture; and igniting the stoichiometric air/fuel mixture contained in the exhaust gas in the proximity of a catalyst device for heating up the catalyst device.

Abstract: A diagnosing apparatus for diagnosing an accumulator operable to store under pressure a pressurized fluid delivered from a high-pressure source and to supply the pressurized fluid to a fluid-operated actuator for operating the fluid-operated actuator, the apparatus including a pressure detecting device for detecting a pressure of the pressurized fluid in the accumulator while the accumulator is placed in a fluid-tightly sealed state in which the accumulator is isolated from both the high-pressure source and the fluid-operated actuator, and a diagnosing device operable to diagnose the accumulator on the basis of the pressure of the pressurized fluid detected by the pressure detecting device in the fluid-tightly sealed state of the accumulator.

Abstract: A hydrostatic unit for a hydro-mechanical torque division transmission for a work vehicle having a mounting frame (10, 12) in which the shafts (18, 20) of hydrostatic devices (22, 24) are arranged parallel to one another are supported by bearing units (14, 16, 42, 48). The mounting frame (10, 12), the hydrostatic units (22, 24), the input shaft (36), the output shafts (44, 50, 56, 64) and the bearing units (14, 16, 42, 48, 54) together form a functioning hydrostatic module which can be pre-assembled. By supporting an input shaft (36) of the hydrostatic unit on the mounting frame (10, 12) by a bearing unit (38) such that it can rotate and is connected to the shaft (18) of the pump (22), a hydrostatic unit is provided that can be used in many different transmission applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting between reciprocal piston motion and rotary shaft motion. A unique H-shaped piston rod configuration and corresponding cylinder assembly for improving the efficiency of internal and external combustion engines. A Stirling engine having improved efficiency due to the use of heat exchangers that are integral with the cylinder assemblies. A Stirling engine employing a novel means for rapidly varying power output.

Abstract: A temperature controller 51 is disclosed, which comprises a temperature control element 53 disposed on the bottom of a case 52, a light-waveguide element 11 and a metal plate 55 intervening between the elements 53 and 11. The metal groove 55 has a groove, in which a temperature sensor 36 is buried together with a highly heat conductive material. The detected temperature output of the temperature sensor 36 is inputted to a temperature control circuit 58 for controlling the temperature of the temperature control element 53. The temperature sensor 36 inclusive of its lead lines are buried in the metal plate 55 such as to cover a long distance. Thus, the temperature control is less subject to the influence of the ambient temperature and can thus be made with high accuracy.

Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.

Abstract: An air conditioning/cooling system employs an elastic medium such as, for example, a rubber band, instead of the working fluid gases typically used in conventional air conditioners. The system is thus benign and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for airplanes for conditioning the moisture containing air, which is under excess pressure, for air conditioning an airplane cabin. Said air conditioning system comprises at least one compressor; a first and a second air expansion turbine; and a water separator, which is disposed between said first and second air expansion turbine. To control the degree of moisture, the invention provides that the degree of air expansion can be adjusted selectively in the first air expansion turbine.

Abstract: A compressor and oil separator assembly for compressing a fluid includes a suction end, a discharge end, and first and second rotors rotatably mounted between the suction and discharge ends. A discharge line communicates with the discharge end, and an oil separator communicates with the discharge line. An oil sump communicates with the oil separator and an oil supply line communicates between the oil sump and the rotors. A bleed line selectively communicates between the discharge line and the oil supply line for equalizing a pressure differential between the suction end and the discharge end without causing substantial backward rotation of the rotors or displacement of oil to the rotors through the oil supply line. Preferably, the assembly further includes a valve that defines a portion of the discharge line and is also coupled to the bleed line.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an air conditioning system with low compression load. This air conditioning system consists of an expansion unit for adiabatically expanding refrigerant, an indoor unit having a heat exchanger, a compressor for adiabatically compressing the refrigerant, and an outdoor unit having a heat exchanger, and circulates refrigerant through the compressor, outdoor unit, expansion unit, and indoor unit to heat or cool a target area using the phase change of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A standard refrigeration pressure regulating valve limits the minimum temperature produced by a refrigeration process, which uses a refrigerant mixture including at least two components whose normal boiling points differ by at least 50 C. Limiting the lowest temperature prevents freezout of the individual refrigerant.

Abstract: A compressor includes a discharge chamber and a retaining passage, which is located downstream of the discharge chamber. A control valve controls the displacement of the compressor in relation to the pressure difference between a first pressure monitoring point in the discharge chamber and a second pressure monitoring point in the retaining passage. A pressure introducing passage connects the retaining passage to the control valve. The pressure introducing passage has an opening to the retaining passage. An inlet member is located in the retaining passage to cover the opening. The inlet member has a pressure introducing port that functions as the second pressure monitoring point. The pressure of the refrigerant in the retaining passage is supplied from the pressure introducing port to the control valve through the pressure introducing passage. The inlet member easily alters the position of the pressure introducing port in the retaining passage.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle has a circuit (14) which is capable of being changed over from cooling to heating. The system has a heater (22), through which the air to be conditioned flows, a cooling heat exchanger (18) acting as an evaporator in the cooling mode, and an additional heat exchanger (20) capable of being selectively used for providing auxiliary heat in the heating mode. The additional heat exchanger can be advantageously utilized by operating it as an auxiliary cooling heat exchanger, acting as an evaporator, in the cooling mode.