Abstract: A closed channel structural member, such as a side rail or a cross member, for use in a vehicle body and frame assembly, includes an internal reinforcing structure to increase the strength and rigidity thereof. Portions of the side rail are removed so as to provide an opening. This can be accomplished by forming two flanges that can be bent inwardly within the side rail to form the opening. A combined internal reinforcing member and mounting bracket is assembled to the side rail by moving it laterally such that a pair of side walls and an upper wall are inserted through the opening formed through the side rail until tabs provided on the side walls and the upper wall of the reinforcement member and mounting bracket abut the outer surface of the side rail. Then, portions of the reinforcing member and bracket are secured to the side rail by welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating rigid section bars able to be articulated manually, comprising a first phase wherein, on a band of suitable material, a succession of areas of weakening transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of said band is obtained by shearing, said areas including polygonal slots whose axis of symmetry is transverse with respect to said longitudinal axis, alternatively upset with respect thereto, and further including lighteners obtained on transverse straight lines passing through vertices, chamfered with relatively wide fillets, of said polygonal slots; and a second phase wherein said band is formed according to an open profile terminating, at its ends, with free edges. The invention further relates to the section bars obtained thereby.

Abstract: A tool and a method for cutting and installing roofing shingles. The tool includes a base with a work surface and a cutter for cutting shingles placed on the work surface. The work surface include at least one limiting pedestals which includes an edge at a distance from the work surface, so that several shingles stacked over one another and placed over the work surface and slid against the edge of the limiting pedestal to expose different proportions of the shingles to the cutter to produce shingle sections of different sizes. The different sized shingle sections are then used to start the rows of shingles placed on the roof to be covered with shingles.

Abstract: Two glass panes are separated by a so-called core spacer made of either EPDM rubber or another solid rubber material with a centrally positioned fiberglass cord extending longitudinally therethrough for imparting strength to the core spacer. The EPDM rubber formulation is chemically compatible with hot melt butyl which is used as an adhesive between the solid rubber and the glass panes. The fiberglass cord is nonstretchable so that the core spacer does not deform or break apart when the core spacer is either initially manufactured or later placed between the two glass panes.

Abstract: There is provided a defective capsule removing mechanism characterized in that a defective capsule discharging window 131 is provided for a capsule pocket 11 and the capsule pocket 11 is subject to suction through the discharging window 131 so that a cap or a body of a coupling defective capsule is drawn into the defective capsule discharging window in a rolling manner from one end side directed forwardly and then discharged to the outside of the capsule pocket, and there is also provided another defective capsule removing mechanism characterized in that one end side of a capsule pocket 21 is formed as a cap holding portion 211a having a width smaller than a diameter of the capsule cap and a scraper is inserted in a scraper insertion groove extending transversely to the capsule pocket 21 such that the cap portion of a reverse defective capsule is fitted into the cap holding portion 211a and is not discharged from the capsule pocket at a predetermined location but is further transported, whereafter it is scrap

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a group of stacked, edge-wise standing flat items into a container includes a support for engaging opposite ends of the group; an arrangement for adjusting the support to the group length; a first holding unit; a second holding unit; and a drive for moving the first and second holding units in a first path along which one of the first and second holding units holds and lowers the group and for moving the first and second holding units in a second path along which one of the first and second holding units releases the group for allowing the group to fall and the other of the first and second holding units guides and pushes the group at an upper portion thereof downwardly into the container. The second path adjoins the first path and is situated thereunder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a single use syringe. A tube, open at both ends, is provided. A plurality of needles fixed to a tether in spaced-apart relation are also provided, each needle having a proximal and a distal end. The tether and plurality of fixed needles are then deployed by introducing a first end of the tether into a first end of the tube and translating the first end of the tether to the second end of the tube thereby deploying the needles in spaced-apart relation along the length of the tube. A predetermined fluid volume is introduced into the tube and the tube is sealed at spaced-apart intervals to create a web comprising individual single use syringes, each single use syringe comprising a single needle and a fluid volume.

Abstract: A tag placement apparatus useful for placing a tag or label into communication with a container. The tag placement apparatus includes at least one tagging head having a linear slot in which a cam portion of a tag placement arm assembly reciprocally travels in response to a cylinder stroke to which it is attached. The tagging apparatus further includes an encoder for translating the roller rotation of a conveyor assembly into belt position and travel which in turn regulates the speed in which the reciprocal movement of the tag placement arm operates during use.

Abstract: A treeless and gulletless saddle comprises a layered arrangement of flexible leather and foam, without including a rigid saddletree or frame. In particular, the inventive saddle comprises two lower body half sections sewn together to define a saddle body. An underside of said saddle body is in form fitting continuous contact with the back of the horse across the full surface area of a central contact region. The saddle further comprises additional layers of soft leather and foam shaped to define an upwardly extending pommel, an upwardly extending cantle, and a lowered seat area positioned therebetween. The arched and contoured shape of the saddle, therefore, is defined by soft foam and leather and not by a rigid steel or wooden internal frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a saddle seat. This seat is adaptable to most “western” styled saddle tree and saddle jockey constructions. It is comprised of a base section that is flexible for absorbing some of the concussion related to the normal movement from a horse while being ridden. It is constructed of a single piece of flexible material of medium rigidity that attaches to the front and rear of the saddle tree, being positioned to result in it's elevation above the top surface of the saddle tree bars. It also includes a sculptured pad assembly comprising a seat padding being 2 pieces of firm padding material attaching to a saddle jockey construction to provide cushion for the riders hip bone and some elevation for clearance and relief of the riders groin, pelvic and genitalia area. Covering the sculptured and contoured seat padding is a layer of top padding and a seat cover, both being attached to a saddle jockey construction.

Abstract: A twin-lever drive wheel steering mower for a sitting operator with each lever independently controlling a brake and the speed of each drive wheel through a separate hydraulic pump and motor transmission. A brake positioned on each drive wheel; a pair of pivotally mounted steering levers, each controlling one of said pumps mounted on the mower for longitudinal movement, each steering lever is connected independently to the swash plate of its controlled pump providing variable speeds forward, reverse, and a neutral zero flow position; linkage members connecting the steering levers for each wheel to said brake on each wheel; a pair of T-shaped slots having a lateral leg in a cover plate surrounding each of the steering levers allowing the levers to move laterally outward in the lateral leg to engage the brakes only in the neutral position.

Abstract: A lawnmower has a mower deck and an engine supported on the mower deck. A dome shaped cover is pivotally connected on the mower deck and can be moved between a position over and enclosing the engine and a second position exposing the engine. A cutting blade is located below the mower deck and is connected to and driven by the engine. The dome shaped cover is provided with vents and defines a space between its lower edge and the mower deck so that air can enter the cover through the vents and the defined space. A fan is connected to and driven by said engine for producing, in cooperation with said vents and the defined space, air flow into and through the dome shaped cover and over the engine. The fan is constructed and arranged so that it discharges the air flow it is providing into the grass cutting discharge stream of the mower.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower includes a frame and a mower housing mounted underbelly relative to the frame by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly allows the mower housing to be disconnected from the frame and swung near the front of the housing from a mowing configuration to an access configuration as a front end of the mower is raised. The frame includes a yoke that receives a nose of the housing, as the front of the mower is raised.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable suitably is attached to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A method for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns containing an elastomer comprises, in sequence, at least the following phases: introduction in a splicing chamber (11), belonging to a splicing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), of the ends of the threads (12, 15) to be spliced together; a first input of one or more jets of compressed air into the splicing chamber (11) to perform a first interlacing of the threads (12, 15); cutting of the ends of the threads (12, 15), with scissors (18, 19), after the first input of air; a second input of one or more jets of compressed air into the splicing chamber (11) to complete the splicing of the cut ends of the threads (12, 15) and release of the spliced thread with the return of all the parts of the splicing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) to their original position.

Abstract: A method and a device for facilitating the sliding, along a track, of an element having a predominant axial dimension subjected to an intense force pressing it against the track, particularly for facilitating the sliding of a wire subjected to stranding in stranding machines. The method consists in interposing between the element and the track a pressurized fluid which contrasts the force that presses the element against the track. In this way, the sliding friction of the element on the track is reduced and it is possible to reduce the force to be applied to the element in order to achieve its advancement along the track.

Abstract: A top roller unit is arranged on a top weighting arm for a drafting apparatus of a spinning machine, which top roller unit has a holding device and two double top rollers and is arranged at two adjacent spinning stations. A first top roller of a spinning station borders a drafting zone which serves to draft a fiber strand, and a second top roller of a spinning station borders a condensing zone which serves to condense the fiber strand and which is arranged downstream of the drafting zone. The second top roller of each spinning station is driven via a drive by the first top roller, which drive takes the form of an intermediate gear which is common to all the top rollers of the top roller unit. The top roller unit is supported by a housing which encapsulates the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A method of generating power. Ramjet structural components to provide inlet compression, a combustion chamber, and an outlet nozzle are provided at one or more circumferentially spaced locations along the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. Ramjet compression occurs by impingment of an inlet air stream between a rotating inlet structure and an adjacent stationary wall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a nozzle formed between a rotating outlet structure and a stationary wall. The ramjet operates at supersonic velocities, and preferably in excess of Mach 2.0, to produce shaft energy. The rotor rotates about an axis defined by an output shaft.

Abstract: A gas and steam turbine plant includes a waste-heat steam generator which is located downstream of a gas turbine on the flue-gas side and which has heating surfaces that are connected into a water/steam circuit of a steam turbine. A gasification device is located upstream of a combustion chamber of the gas turbine through a fuel line, for the integrated gasification of a fossil fuel. The gas and steam turbine plant is to be operated with particularly high plant efficiency even when oil is used as the fossil fuel. Thus, a heat exchanger is connected on the primary side into the fuel line upstream of a mixing apparatus for admixing nitrogen to the gasified fuel, as seen in the direction of flow of the gasified fuel. The heat exchanger is constructed on the secondary side as an evaporator for a flow medium.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for gas turbines comprises an inner liner (12) and an outer liner (11), wherein the inner liner (12) is substantially concentric relative to the outer liner (11), such as to define an annular inner space (30), and wherein a shield (13) is provided at the output of each of the burners. The specific feature of the invention consists in the fact that each of the shields (13) comprises a single metal plate part, and that the liners (11, 12) have a plurality of holes (20, 21), in sections adjacent to the longitudinal development of the shield (13), such as to define gaps (60, 61) for the circulation of air.

Abstract: A thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine (10) comprises cascade structures (20,22) mounted in an engine cowl (12). The cascades (20,22) comprise a plurality of air deflecting vanes (24) arranged in fixed space relationship. At least one of the cascades (22) translates between a first inoperative position where the cascade (22) is stowed radially inward of the cowl (12) and a second operative position where the cascade (22) is clear of the cowl (12) to expose the air deflecting vanes (24). When the trust reverser is operative blocker doors (26) pivot across an annular duct (13) defined between the core engine (11) and the cowl (12) to deflect the airflow passing therethrough to the exposed cascades (20,22) to produce a braking force.

Abstract: Exhaust gas purification method and system of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine comprises a generator driven by said internal combustion engine, a battery charged with an electricity generation output from the generator, and a NOx adsorption catalyst placed in an exhaust gas passage. The catalyst chemisorbs NOx in a state where the amount of an oxidizer is larger than that of a reducer in the stoichiometry relation of oxidoreduction between components contained in exhaust gas exhausted from said internal combustion engine and catalytically reduces the adsorbed or absorbed NOx in a state where the amount of the reducer is at least equivalent to that of the oxidizer.

Abstract: In a direct injection engine including an injector (22) for directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber (15) and a lean NOx catalyst (36), an ECU (50) changes the air-fuel ratio from that higher than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio to that substantially equal to or lower than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. When the air-fuel ratio has changed from a air-fuel ratio higher than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio to an air-fuel ratio substantially equal to or lower than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, the ECU controls to divisionally execute fuel injection from the injector (22) in at least two injections, i.e., leading injection that starts within the intake stroke period and trailing injection that starts within the compression stroke period.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the operation of “lean-burn” internal combustion engines determines a current rate of vehicle NOx emissions, and determines a threshold value for permissible vehicle NOx emissions based on at least one current value for the intake air-fuel ratio, engine speed, engine load (e.g., brake torque, manifold air pressure, or throttle position), and/or vehicle speed. A differential NOx emissions rate is calculated as the difference between the current rate and the threshold rate, and the differential rate is accumulated over time to obtain a differential measure representing the amount by which cumulative NOx emissions have fallen below permissible levels therefor. Lean engine operation is disabled when the differential NOx emissions measure exceeds a predetermined excess vehicle NOx emission value. In this manner, vehicle NOx emissions are favorably controlled even when the engine is operated “off-cycle,” i.e.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake master cylinder assembly includes a central or center port compensation valve mounted in respective brake actuator pistons and having a variable length stem which may be adjusted to predetermine the amount of valve travel between open and closed positions in response to actuation of the brake cylinder piston or pistons. The variable length stem includes a hub and a sleeve which is force fit over the hub and may be moved to set the length of the stem. The amount of gap or open position of the valve in the primary piston may be determined by installing the primary piston in the master cylinder, holding the piston in a fixed position and installing a seal retainer and washer for engaging the primary piston pin to move the pin to set the length of the valve stem.

Abstract: A controller in which an actuator has a shape memory alloy (SMA), for controlling a position of a member driven by the actuator. The controller includes the SMA, a spring coil connected to the SMA, an operation device for calculating a voltage to be supplied to the SMA on the basis of information upon a target position and an actual position of the member, a voltage supplying device for supplying the voltage to the shape memory alloy on a basis of a result of operation performed by the operation device, only when the member is moved in a direction in which the SMA returns to a predetermined length that is memorized by itself.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure brake device is provided with a vacuum boosting device performing a boosting operation and a hydraulic boosting device performing a hydraulic boosting operation. The hydraulic pressure brake device includes a valve device that prohibits the hydraulic boosting operation for the master cylinder piston by the hydraulic boosting device until the vacuum boosting device reaches its boosting limit and allows the hydraulic boosting operation for the master cylinder piston by the hydraulic boosting device when the vacuum boosting device exceeds its boosting limit. A detecting sensor detects the operational condition of the vacuum boosting device and/or the operational condition of the brake pedal. Based on the detected output by the detecting sensor, a pump device for supplying the boosting pressure by the hydraulic boosting device is controlled to be driven.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a brake fluid pressure generating apparatus which has a master cylinder with supplemental pressure room which operates the master cylinder independently of a depression of a brake pedal without structure complication. To perform this object, a master cylinder piston slides over seal cups which are arranged on a master cylinder side.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir, particularly for use in an hydraulic system. The reservoir includes a container and a cover cap, and it is intended for containing an hydraulic pressure medium. A pressure equalization component is provided within the container for compensating for pressure differences between the interior of the container and the surrounding atmosphere, and a level compensation component is provided for compensating for changes in the volume of the pressure medium. The pressure equalization component is functionally separate from the level compensation component.

Abstract: An exhaust driven turbofan to operates a generator, for generating electrical energy, which is stored in a battery until needed. An air blower is powered by energy from the battery, to generate pressurized air. The pressurized air passes into the piston chamber when the gas pedal is depressed, independent of the rotation of the crank shaft. An exhaust blower powered by the battery, sucks air from the piston chamber during the exhaust stroke, ensuring complete removal of the exhaust gasses. Valve overlap timing is no longer needed, eliminating the dwell time between intake and exhaust gasses. A non-ferrous wheel having ferrous portions is anchored in spaced relation about the outer periphery of the non-ferrous wheel, to assist the rotation of the crank shaft. At least one electromagnet is selectively energized to aid rotation of the non ferrous wheel.

Abstract: A multi-energy system 9 including a gas heat pump type air conditioner 10 in which a compressor 16 equipped in an outdoor unit 11 is driven by a gas engine 25, and a power generating apparatus 30 having a power generator 31 which is driven by the gas engine 25 to output AC power, characterized in that the power generating apparatus 30 further includes an AC/DC converter 32 converter for converting AC power output from the power generator 31 to DC power, and a DC/AC converter 33 for converting the DC power thus obtained in the AC/DC converter 32 to AC power having a specified frequency and then outputting the AC power thus obtained to electric equipment.

Abstract: A turbocharger (32) creates intake manifold boost for a diesel engine (10). At times, exhaust valve opening is increasingly retarded in relation to the engine operating cycle to cause the turbocharger to increase boost, engine fueling is also increased in relation to the increased boost, and in response to any incipient surging of the compressor resulting from such increasingly retarded exhaust valve opening and such increased engine fueling, compressed charge air is bled from the intake manifold to counter the incipient surging and thereby avoid any significant turbocharger surge.

Abstract: A rotary piston unit is fluid and mechanically connected to an internal combustion engine. The compressor of the rotary piston unit provides the initial compression of the air. An intercooler cools the partially compressed air prior to its introduction into the internal combustion engine. A shaft connection between the rotary piston unit and the internal combustion engine is used for power transmission and synchronization. In some configurations, the phase relationship of the shafts (pistons) is important to obtain maximum efficiency of the overall expansion process. The phase relationship of the shafts is relatively unimportant for the overall compression process because the volume of the intercooler effectively decouples the compression process of the rotary piston unit from the compression process in the internal combustion engine. Fuel is injected into the internal combustion engine and ignited in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An air compressor for charging an internal combustion engine includes a compressor for blowing compressed air into the intake manifold of the engine and a fuel powered turbine for driving the compressor. According to a first embodiment, the exhaust from a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the driving turbine of a standard turbocharger. According to a second embodiment, the drive shaft of a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the drive shaft of a standard supercharger. According to a third embodiment, a compressor turbine having an air intake, a compressed air outlet and a bleed air outlet is coupled to a small gas powered turbine such that the bleed air outlet supplies the combustor intake of the gas turbine. The gas powered turbine drives the compressor and receives compressed air from the compressor via the bleed outlet.

Abstract: A room temperature heat engine, wherein only one pipe structure for connecting a high pressure part to a low pressure part, which is a fatal structural defect of the room temperature heat engine for decorative toys (water drinking bird, peace bird) which merely produces a weak and small mechanical energy, is improved so as to produce much powerful mechanical energy for practical use of the engine, no energy source being required because the energy used for power generation is a beat obtained from the atmospheric temperature, the high and low temperature parts are connected to each other through at least two pipes, the high temperature and low temperature parts are formed in a stationary large-sized structure, two pipes are used exclusively for a gas-only pipe and a liquid-only pipe, and a turbine wheel is installed in the fluid-only pipe so as to turn the waterwheel under a fluid flow from the low temperature part for power generation.

Abstract: A building, or other self-supporting structure, incorporating a multi-stage system for energy generation, is disclosed. The system comprises several elements connected together to form a loop within the self-supporting structure. A moving fluid circulates within the loop. Part of the loop is comprised of a series of connected solar building blocks incorporated into the walls of the structure. The building blocks concentrate and collect solar radiation, to directly produce electricity by means of embedded photovoltaic cells, and to heat a moving fluid which carries thermal energy away from the solar cells and vertically up to a gas turbine connected to an electrical generator. The returning fluid, is condensed to a liquid and directed downwardly to a liquid turbine connected to an electrical generator. A return pipe closes the loop by returning the fluid to the bottom of the series of building blocks.

Abstract: A novel pressure-exchange compressor-expander is disclosed whereby a high energy primary fluid compresses a lower energy secondary fluid through direct fluid-fluid momentum exchange. The pressure-exchange compressor-expander utilizes non-steady flow principles and supersonic flow principles to obtain an ejector-compressor which can attain high adiabatic efficiencies while having a simplicity of construction, small size and weight, and the low manufacturing cost. This disclosure includes a fuel-cell pressurization system and humidity control system utilizing the pressure-exchange compressor-expander. The disclosure includes a novel turbo-charger for internal combustion engines incorporating exhaust gas recirculation capabilities. Further, an air-cycle heat pump suitable for aircraft applications is disclosed utilizing the pressure-exchange compressor-expander.

Abstract: A turbine system has a turbine that uses an aeromatic hydrocarbon as a working fluid. The turbine discharges the fluid in vapor form against a boundary layer on the inside of a rotor where it condenses as it loses its energy. The outside of the rotor is formed to define chambers which are divided into suction and discharge or pressure cavities by stationary and rotating seals. Apertures connect the boundary layer to the pump chambers and apertures are positioned as discharge ports so that as the rotor rotates, it also pumps the working fluid into a closed loop system in which it is reheated and reintroduced into the turbine through a nozzle. The fluid is heated by a fluid heater that may be positioned in the interior of the rotor.

Abstract: A dual fuel nozzle is provided with two different size injection holes. The first injection holes have larger diameters and are used only for injecting gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber. On the other hand, the second injection nozzles have smaller diameters and are used for injecting either gaseous fuel or liquid fuel as required. When gaseous fuel is used, if the fuel injection amount is large or medium, both of the first and the second injection holes or first injection holes only are used for injecting gaseous fuel depending upon the required fuel injection amount. When the fuel injection amount is low, only the second injection hole is used for injecting gaseous fuel. Therefore, the pressure drop across the fuel nozzle can be kept at sufficiently high level even when the fuel injection amount is low, and thereby combustion vibration is suppressed. Further, when liquid fuel is used, a premixed fuel and steam mixture is injected from the second injection holes.

Abstract: An article assembly comprising a plurality of members includes a multi-layered brazed joint provided in the assembly between a first member that can be affected adversely by thermal exposure at a limiting and a second member requiring exposure, such as for brazing, at least at the limiting temperature. The assembly is provided with a multi-layered brazed joint directly or indirectly between such members by brazing to the second member a second brazing alloy that can be brazed at a temperature required to braze the second member, providing a preform. The assembly is brazed to include the first member by brazing members of the assembly together with a first brazing alloy, brazing at a temperature less than the limiting temperature, brazed at the second brazing alloy.

Abstract: In a pulse tube refrigerator the refrigeration efficiency has been improved by reducing the on-off valve loss. A second space 47 in a cylinder member 41 is connected with a second high pressure on-off valve 23 and a second low pressure on-off valve 24. A buffer side on-off valve 25 is provided between the buffer space (a buffer tank 50) and the second space 47. By opening the buffer side on-off valve 25 before the second high pressure on-off valve 23 or the second low pressure on-off valve 24 is open, the pressure in the second space 47 can be the intermediate pressure. Since the pressure difference when the valves are open is decreased, the on-off valve loss can be decreased.

Abstract: This invention concerns a unitary system for export of liquid natural gas (LNG) from a floating production vessel (FPSO vessel) (1), with the new and inventive consists of the combination of the following points: an LNG buffer tank in the FPSO vessel, with buffer storage capacity for temporary storage of the continuous produced LNG during an LNG tank vessel's absence, a mooring device arranged for short separation moorage between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, a cryogenic transfer device arranged between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, comprising a flexible LNG pipe and arranged for consecutive transfer of produced LNG; at least one or several LNG storage tanks in an LNG tank vessel, arranged for continuous filling via the cryogenic transfer device until the desired degree of filling of the LNG tank vessel is achieved.

Abstract: A method for cooling metal components highly heated in a chamber includes effecting a uniform cooling of an entire metal component. The metal component has regions each with a given mass, some of the regions having a larger mass than others of the regions. Housings are provided around regions with the relatively larger masses. The regions are subjected to the inert cooling gas in a controlled manner to a differing extent based upon the mass size. The housings are individually subjected separately with the inert cooling gas. A treatment device for cooling metal components includes a reservoir for holding inert cooling gas and a chamber for receiving a metal component to be cooled. The chamber is connected to the reservoir and has a housing for each of the regions with the larger mass. Each of the housing has an inlet orifice separately connected to the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for the chilling or freezing of items, particularly food items includes an entrance module, an exit module and may include one or more intermediate modules. Each module includes a portion of a belt for conveying items and a motor driven impeller for circulating a stream of cryogenic gas around the items. The velocity of the stream of cryogenic gas is increased through the use of one or more impingers creating impingement jets above and below the belt. The impinger may be a plate having a series of holes or it may be a series of channels. The impinger effects the rate of heat transfer from the cryogen to the items. A sprayer for spraying liquid cryogen into the impingement jets provides an immediate freezing of the surface of an item. A pneumatically actuated ball valve is used to vibrate the impingers to remove snow and ice on the impingers.

Abstract: The treatment of produce, especially processed produce, such as lettuce, broccoli and potatoes, wherein the produce is heat-shocked with water having an elevated temperature relative to the produce, to minimize discoloration of the produce from the processing, followed by low pressure or vacuum cooling and drying of the produce to remove heat-shock water adsorbed and absorbed by the produce.

Abstract: A freezer head for pipe freezing devices has a casing having a first exterior side with one or more first exterior depressions for receiving a pipe section to be frozen. The casing has a second exterior side with one or more second exterior depressions. The casing has a hollow interior. The casing has at least one connector configured to supply a cooling medium into the hollow interior. The first depression has a bottom having at least a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, wherein each one of the first and second bottom portions has a different radius of curvature. The second depression has a bottom having at least a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, wherein each one of the first and second bottom portions has a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems which can be operated with harmless and natural refrigerants, in particular CO2. The filling device is to have a high safety standard, while at the same time being simple to operate and having a cost-effective makeup. For this purpose, the filling device comprises a connection (12) for connecting the device (10) to the air-conditioning system, a drainage line (18), containing a drainage valve (24), for draining off the refrigerant of the air-conditioning system in a defined manner, a pumping-off line (20) which has a pump (36) and is connected to the connection (12), for completely pumping off refrigerant residues and any other impurities, and a refrigerant feed line (22), connected to the connection (12), for filling the air-conditioning system with refrigerant from a refrigerant reservoir (44).

Abstract: An air circulation system mounted within a chamber is provided. The chamber receives a product to be tested or processed. The air circulation system comprises an enclosure defined within the chamber with at least one inlet formed in the enclosure for receiving air from the chamber. A pair of counter rotating fans are mounted within the enclosure adjacent the inlet for circulating the air. Additionally, at least one air diverter plate is mounted within the enclosure adjacent the fans for diverting the circulating air substantially across the width of the enclosure. Furthermore, at least one air outlet is formed in the enclosure for introducing circulating air into the chamber about the product being tested or processed.

Abstract: A novel modular and miniature chiller is proposed that symbiotically combines absorption and thermoelectric cooling devices. The seemingly low efficiency of each cycle individually is overcome by an amalgamation with the other. This electro-adsorption chiller incorporates solely existing technologies. It can attain large cooling densities at high efficiency, yet is free of moving parts and comprises harmless materials. The governing physical processes are primarily surface rather than bulk effects, or involve electron rather than fluid flow. This insensitivity to scale creates promising applications in areas ranging from cooling personal computers and other micro-electronic appliances, to automotive and room air-conditioning.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system has a refrigerant circuit. The circuit includes a condenser, a expansion valve, an evaporator and a variable displacement compressor. The system has a pressure difference detector. The pressure difference detector detects the pressure difference between two pressure monitoring points located on the refrigerant circuit. A control valve and a controller control the displacement of the compressor in accordance with the pressure difference detected by the pressure difference detector. This permits the displacement of the compressor to be quickly changed.