Abstract: A disc cutterbar with at least one cutterhead having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: The invention is a self propelled, steerable, vertically adjustable, hydraulicly driven, ganged mowing machine for cutting or trimming nursery products, such as shrubs, bushes, tall plants, and the like. The machine generally includes a horizontal platform where the platform supports a staggered array of mower decks and the machine's power and control devices. Each mower deck is driven by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to a mower blade for cutting or trimming the nursery products. The machine includes right and left vertically stationary frames in which the platform is slidably connected to each frame and is adjustable vertically with respect to the ground, via a hydraulic cylinder interconnecting the platform and each frame. Each vertical frame includes an independently controllable hydraulically driven traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for propelling the machine. The mowing machines power and control devices generally include a prime mover.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar with at least one cutterhead having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: A modular unit for mounting on at least two different designs of self-propelled grass treatment machine, each machine having a main frame provided with a number of mounting locations for mounting respective modular units and in which the mounting locations of one machine are different in type or design from the mounting locations on the other machine, and in which the modular unit is operative to carry out a required grass treatment action when mounted in position.

Abstract: A Wheeled vegetation trimmer with an adjustable height cutting element includes an adjuster member having a locking plate for positioning the adjuster assembly along a length of the shaft by selectively engaging the locking plate with a desired slot on a spindle and a partial ball-shaped and freely spinning ground contacting member.

Abstract: Jacking apparatus for use with ground maintenance vehicles and methods of using such apparatus are provided. In general, the jacking apparatus includes a jacking member which may pivotally couple to the frame of the vehicle. The jacking member is preferably positionable in a stored position, a jacking position, or a jacked position wherein the stored and jacking positions correspond to the vehicle being in an operating configuration while the jacked position corresponds to the vehicle being in an elevated, maintenance configuration. During operation, the driving power of the vehicle may be used to propel the vehicle up and onto the jacking member, thereby elevating a first portion of the vehicle relative to a second portion. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a latching device to permit latching of the jacking member in both the stored position and the jacked position.

Abstract: A reel mower includes a bearing system having a spring that biases a plurality of ball bearings toward a cone. The cone is fixedly mounted on the reel shaft. The cone can be conically constructed, and used in combination with a washer that is fixedly attached to the reel shaft.

Abstract: A tine element which is installed on a rake wheel of an agricultural implement which displaces harvested products such as hay and cut grass, the tine element comprising a first and second tine with the outboard end of each tine being disposed so that it points normal to the direction of travel of the tine element around the axis of the rake wheel. Each of the tines has on its inboard end a coiled part and such coiled parts are joined by a common central part. In operation, one of the tines is disposed above the other tine with the lower tine being longer than the upper tine. The coiled parts comprise coil torsion springs and each part has different elasticity characteristics so that the resilient deflection of the lower tine is greater than the relative deflection of the upper tine and the flexibility of the each tine is optimized to obtain better adaptation to the ground and to provide a longer life span for the tine element.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system is described that employs tension springs to support a portion of the weight of the rake basket, toward the lateral ends thereof, thus allowing for a more sensitive and complete response to encounters with obstacles and irregularities in the ground level.

Abstract: A high-speed binder application device for wrapping binder material about a bundle of buffer tubes that contain optical fibers includes a pair of opposite facing binder heads mounted on a pair of hollow shafts, each shaft being driven in rotation by a concentric drive. Each binder head includes a light-weight synthetic guide drum that dispenses binder material from a reel and onto the bundle of buffer tubes as it is advanced through the hollow shafts. The lightweight and high strength of the synthetic guide drums allows the drums to be rotated at speeds in excess of 4000 RPM. Each drive is concentrically mounted on its respective shaft which reduces or eliminates the shaft bending loads associated with prior belt-driven binder devices, and thus reduces vibrations at higher rotational speeds.

Abstract: A high-speed binder application device for wrapping binder material about a bundle of buffer tubes that encase a plurality of optical fibers includes a pair of opposite facing binder heads mounted on a pair of hollow shafts, each shaft being driven in rotation by a concentric drive motor mounted about the shaft. Each binder head includes a light-weight synthetic guide drum that dispenses binder material off a reel and onto the bundle of buffer tubes as it is advanced through the hollow shafts. The concentric mounting of the drive motors on the shafts eliminates shaft bending loads from drive belt tension and reduces vibrations at higher rotational speeds relative to belt-driven systems. The light weight and high strength of the synthetic guide drums allows the drums to be rotated at speeds in excess of 4000 RPM.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for improving reverse oscillating lay (ROL) consistency during an optical cable manufacturing process. A torque capstan receives an optical fiber cable from an ROL machine that places reverse-oscillating lay on the core of an optical cable, but also generates some undesirable fluctuating back-tension in a direction opposite a direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during manufacturing of the optical cable. The optical cable comprises a plurality of subunit cables. A drive system coupled to the torque capstan is controlled by a control system in such a way that the torque capstan applies a certain amount of force to the optical cable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the optical cable is being pulled during manufacturing.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more jet engine thrust reversers includes a motor, a speed sensor, and a controller circuit. The motor is coupled to one or more jet engine moveable thrust reverser components for moving the one or more moveable thrust reverser components to at least a deployed position. The speed sensor is operable to sense the a rotational speed of the motor. The controller circuit has an output coupled to the motor for selectively energizing and deenergizing the motor in response to the speed sensor sensing that the rotational speed of the motor is, respectively, at or above a first predetermined rotational speed and at or below a second predetermined rotational speed. The system controls the deployment operation of the jet engine thrust reversers such that unwanted mechanical and electrical loads are avoided.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more jet engine thrust reversers includes a motor, a position sensing device, and a controller circuit. The motor is coupled to one or more jet engine thrust reverser moveable components for moving the one or more thrust reverser moveable components to at least a stowed position. The position sensing device is operable to sense at least when the one or more thrust reverser moveable components attain a predetermined position relative to the stowed position. The controller circuit has an output coupled to the motor so the motor rotates at a variable speed in response to a position sensing device that senses when the predetermined position is attained. The system controls the stowage operation of the jet engine thrust reversers such that structural damage is avoided, and/or a limit cycle condition is prevented, and/or engagement of stow locks is assured.

Abstract: In a jet engine having a fan (9) of conventional type, a second combustion chamber (5) is provided downstream of the turbine (4), and a second turbine (6) acts downstream of this second combustion chamber (5). The hot gases (16) partly expanded in the first turbine (4) are brought up to temperature again in the second combustion chamber (5), whereby, at a low absolute hot-gas temperature, more output is then available in the engine. A bypass flow nozzle (10) is coaxially arranged with a compressor unit (1, 2) such that the compressed intake air mass flow (12) is divided up into an inner flow entering the compressor unit (1, 2) and a bypass flow expanding in the bypass flow nozzle (10), wherein the ratio of bypass and inner flow is high in order to achieve a substantial contribution to the total thrust of the engine by the bypass flow.

Abstract: An engine exhaust emission control arrangement has a catalytic converter including a three-way catalyst. A first oxygen sensor detects an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas upstream of the catalyst and a second oxygen sensor detects an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas downstream of the catalyst. A microprocessor calculates a specific period oxygen storage amount of a catalyst while the upstream oxygen concentration is higher than the stoichiometric concentration and the downstream oxygen concentration is in a predetermined concentration range which has a value approximately equal to the stoichiometric oxygen concentration. The microprocessor also calculates a specific period oxygen release amount of a catalyst while the upstream oxygen concentration is lower than the stoichiometric concentration and the downstream oxygen concentration produces an indication of a predetermined concentration range.

Abstract: A controller (6) computes the oxygen storage amount of the catalyst (3) separately as a high-speed component and a low speed component in accordance with actual characteristic. A target air-fuel ratio of an engine (1) is computed so that the oxygen storage amount is a predetermined target amount, and air-fuel ratio control of the engine (1) is performed. The oxygen storage amount is computed using an storage/release rate set according to the exhaust air-fuel ratio and catalyst temperature, etc. In this way, the oxygen storage amount of the catalyst can be precisely computed regardless of the variation in the storage/release rate which accompanies a catalyst temperature variation, and the real oxygen storage amount can therefore be controlled with a higher level of precision.

Abstract: A controller (6) computes an oxygen storage amount of a catalyst (3) separately as a high speed component/amount and a low speed component/amount according to predetermined release/adsorption characteristics. A target air-fuel ratio of an engine is computed and the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled so that the high speed component is maintained constant. The target air-fuel ratio of the engine (1) is limited by an upper limiter and lower limiter so that the high speed component converges to the target value, an excessively large variation of the air-fuel ratio is prevented, and impairment of drivability and fuel cost-performance is also prevented. Further, after lean running due to fuel cut, etc., the lower limiter is lowered to the rich side, and the oxygen storage amount is rapidly induced to converge on the target value.

Abstract: An oxygen storage amount of a catalyst is estimated by a controller in accordance with a sensed air-fuel ratio of an inflowing exhaust gas mixture flowing into the catalyst, and a sensed intake air amount of the engine, to control the air-fuel ratio of the engine. The estimated oxygen storage amount is corrected to reduce an error in computing the estimated oxygen storage amount when a downstream exhaust condition sensed by an exhaust sensor disposed on the downstream of the catalyst becomes equal to a predetermined threshold, which is modified in accordance with the intake air amount for better emission control performance.

Abstract: Process and device for controlling the regeneration of an element filtering oxidable particles carried along by a gaseous stream, by periodic combustion of these particles, such as, for example, the carbon-containing particles carried along in the exhaust gas of a thermal engine (3), retained in an exhaust silencer (1).

Abstract: A particulate filter (22) is arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine, while an exhaust throttle valve (45) is arranged in the exhaust passage downstream of the particulate filter (22). The exhaust throttle valve (45) is fully closed once, then fully opened cyclically. At that time, the flow velocity of the exhaust gas is increased for just an instant in a pulse-like manner, whereby masses of particulate are separated from the particulate filter 22 and discharged.

Abstract: A particulate filter (22) for removing particulates included in an exhaust gas discharged from a combustion chamber (5) is arranged in an engine exhaust passage. The particulate filter has wall partitions (54) which the exhaust gas can pass through. The particulates included in the exhaust gas are removed by oxidation in the interior of the partitions. The particulates are fluidized in the interior of the partitions.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system of an internal combustion engine is provided which controls the oxygen concentration of exhaust passing through the exhaust emission control device according to the flow rate of exhaust flowing through an exhaust passage when the exhaust emission control device is regenerated, so that the regeneration is completed within a short period of time while the filter is prevented from being damaged by melting during the regeneration. This improves the exhaust emission control performance and reliability of the filter.

Abstract: The present device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine comprises a particulate filter 70 arranged in the exhaust system and reversing means 71 for reversing the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter. The trapped particulates are oxidized on the particulate filter, and the particulate filter has a trapping wall for trapping the particulates. The trapping wall has a first trapping surface and a second trapping surface. The reversing means reverses the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter so that the first trapping surface and the second trapping surface are used alternately to trap the particulates.

Abstract: A pair of flexible actuators (4) according to the present invention is supported by a fixture (2) made of a hard rubber at base ends of the flexible actuators (4). Each flexible actuator (4) includes a movable unit (6) capable of bending, a pump unit (8) integrally connected to the movable unit (6) at an end thereof, for controlling transfer of work fluid sealed in the movable unit, and a pump driver (10) for controlling driving of the pump unit (8). The movable unit (6) includes two long and narrow tubes (12) and (14) each having an accordion wall, a core (16) maintaining the tubes in parallel to each other, and a thin-film-bag-like cover (18) covering the tubes (12) and (14). The tube (12), which comes into contact with a subject (B), is made of a soft material. The movable unit (6) provided with the tube (12) softly comes into contact with the subject at a plurality of plane-contact portions of action of the movable unit (6), thereby holding the subject without scratching the same.

Abstract: In a hydraulic drive system in which a target compensated differential pressure for each of pressure compensating valves 21a, 21b is set in accordance with a differential pressure between a pump delivery pressure and a maximum load pressure, and a target LS differential pressure is set as a variable value depending on a revolution speed of an engine 1, a fixed throttle 32 and a signal pressure variable relief valve 33 are disposed in a maximum load pressure line 35. A relief setting pressure PLMAX′ of the signal pressure variable relief valve 33 is set so as to satisfy PLMAX′=PR−PGR+&agr; (where &agr; is a value smaller than PGR) with respect to a target LS differential pressure PGR and a setting pressure PR of the main relief valve 30.

Abstract: When the load acting on a fluid motor (25) increases, a changeover valve (61) starts to be changed over toward a low-speed position L, but at this time an additional pilot fluid whose pressure is determined by the amount of fluid flowing into or out of a second passage (68) through first and second notches functions as a pressure regulator for a spool (65), and lowers the pressure within the second passage (68) without lowering the pressure within a high pressure-side main circuit (28), thereby tilting a swash plate (26) from a position of high-speed rotation to a position of low-speed rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump unit that includes at least one hydraulic pump with inlet and outlet ports formed therein, a pump case for accommodating the at least one hydraulic pump, the pump case having an opening through which the at least one hydraulic pump is insertable into the pump case, and a center section connected to the pump case in such a manner as to close the opening of the pump case. The center section forms a pair of inlet/outlet passages having first ends respectively communicating with the inlet and outlet ports of the at least one hydraulic pump and second ends opening to the outside of the center section through a pump case abutting surface of the center section, and a first charging passage having a first end through which working hydraulic fluid is fed into the center section and a second end opening to the outside of the center section through the pump case abutting surface of the center section.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a fluid motor and a variable displacement fluid pump in fluid communication with the fluid motor and having a first and a second, much greater, fluid displacement rate. The pump is mounted on a block having a cylindrical surface, a passage through which fluid flows from the pump to the motor, and a fluid bleed hole extending from the passage to the cylindrical surface. The passage and a sump external to the pump are in fluid communication through the bleed hole and the void of an annular element disposed about and in sliding contact with the cylindrical surface when the pump is operating at its first rate and the annular element is in a first position. The bleed hole and the sump are substantially out of fluid communication when the pump is operating at its second rate and the annular element is in a second position.

Abstract: An actuating device (1) for the rotation of a stand (4) of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or scooter, between a standing position and a rest position, and allowing also the reverse maneuver in order to rotate the stand from the position of vehicle on the stand up to that in which the vehicle lowers spontaneously. At least one hydraulic actuator (1) is provided that operates, between a first and a second position, an actuating member (7) or piston rod that engages with the stand (4) up to bringing it respectively from the rest position to the standing position. A flow control hydraulic circuit delivers pressurized liquid to the actuator (1) for moving the actuating member (7) from the first to the second position, and allows the back stroke of the actuating member (7) to the first position when the flow of the liquid ceases, whereby the stand (4) can be brought back to said rest position independently from the actuating member (7).

Abstract: A brake master cylinder-sensor system and method are provided. The system includes a master cylinder, a piston slidably positioned in the master cylinder, a magnet positioned on the piston, and a sensor disposed on the master cylinder. A change of piston linear position causes a linear change in a magnetic field position sensed by the sensor, and a brake control signal proportional to the change of piston linear position is generated. A method of operating a brake master cylinder-sensor system includes applying a brake pedal force, changing a piston linear position within a master cylinder, determining a change in a linear magnetic field position proportional to the change of the piston linear position, and generating a brake control signal based on the change in the linear magnetic field position.

Abstract: A control system for a variable-geometry turbocharger connected to an internal combustion engine, whereby the geometry of the turbocharger is controlled alternatively according to a first operating mode, a second operating mode or a third operating mode; the system providing for switching from one operating mode to another fully automatically.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine provided with a decompression-type braking system and with a turbocharger having a variable geometry turbine, in which the effective flow section of the gases entering the turbine under the maximum braking power condition is maintained at least equal to a safety limit value calculated on the basis of geometrical characteristics and of limit values of operating parameters of the engine and of the turbocharger for the purpose of achieving the maximum braking power compatible with the safety of the engine and of the turbocharger.

Abstract: An exhaust power recovery system for internal combustion engines. The engine exhaust gases drive a gas turbine that in turn drives a hydraulic turbine pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid which then in turn is the driving source for a hydraulic motor which transmits power to the engine shaft. In a preferred embodiment the engine exhaust gases drive a gas turbine with pivotable stator vanes that in turn drives a hydraulic pump pressurizing hydraulic fluid which than in turn is the driving source for a hydraulic motor which transmits power to the engine shaft. The pivotable stator vanes function as an efficient variable nozzle providing precise gas turbine control and improved exhaust energy utilization over a wide range of engine operating conditions. Various embodiments of the present invention make it applicable to a wide range of engines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound device (a “modular power-producing network”, or “power net”) for the purpose of transducing the energy in ocean waves into electrical energy. The invention first pressurizes ocean water (or a suitable alternative hydraulic fluid) into at least one storage chamber with a compressible air pocket, employing at least one float (responding to oscillatory wave motion) linked to at least one hydraulic ram (or alternative pressurizing device), the system being designed so that a multiplicity of these inventions may function concurrently in proximity to each other. The fluid in the chamber, when brought to a minimum threshold pressure by the float/ram mechanism, is released in a pressure-regulated stream that engages a hydraulically-operated turbine, which, because of the regulation, may directly produce properly governed alternating current suitable for release on standard power grids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rocket engine nozzle comprising a system for controlling jet separation of the flow in the nozzle, wherein said control system exhibits a plurality of separation triggering elements (5, 10) arranged in such a way as to generate, from mutually spaced initiation points (9), distinct zones (6) of jet separation, so as to form a three-dimensional separation of the flow.

Abstract: A gas turbine is provided which has a combustor comprising a plurality of can-type combustor elements and an annular element. Isolated combustion takes place in the can-type combustor thereby generating individual component hot gas streams. The component hot gas streams are merged in the annular part. Combustion oscillations are substantially avoided by decoupling combustion flames. Accordingly, temperature and pressure homogenization as well as combustion stabilization by cross-ignition is effected.

Abstract: A combustion system for a power generating gas turbine engine which includes at least a combustion chamber with a annular fuel manifold at one end of the combustion chamber and a passageway having a narrow throat downstream of the fuel manifold whereby air passes around the fuel manifold and mixes with fuel and is diffused through the passageway into the burn zone defined in the combustion chamber in an ultimate location.

Abstract: A system for transferring and conditioning a cryogenic liquid includes a replenishing tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid, a bulk tank and a pump positioned there between. The pump causes a stream of the cryogenic liquid to flow from the replenishing tank to the bulk storage tank. A heat exchanger and parallel by-pass line are positioned between the pump and bulk storage tank. A flow control valve diverts a portion of the stream to the heat exchanger so that it is warmed and rejoined with the remaining cryogenic liquid flowing through the flow control valve. The warmed stream then flows to the bulk storage tank. The flow control valve is adjusted based upon pressures within the bulk storage tank via a pressure line in communication with the head space of the bulk storage tank and a pneumatic controller or a pressure sensor in the bulk tank head space and a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Methods of cooling an object are presented, the methods comprising contacting a heat transfer fluid with a liquid cryogen to form a precooled, substantially pure heat transfer fluid, and contacting the object with the precooled substantially pure heat transfer fluid to form a cooled object and a recycle flow of the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid consists essentially of a compound selected from the group consisting of substantially pure hydrogen, substantially pure helium, substantially pure argon, substantially pure nitrogen, and substantially pure carbon dioxide. Each of the contacting steps may be either direct contact, indirect contact, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a fan in a compressor unit which comprises at least one compressor element (1), a motor (2), and a cooler (14,17) which comprises at least one radiator (13,16) and a fan (18) cooperating therewith, driven by an electric motor (19), whereby the motor (2) of the compressor element (1) is driven at a speed varying in function of its load and also the number of revolutions of the motor (19) of the fan (18) is regulated in function of the required cooling, however, such that condensation of moisture by exaggerated cooling is avoided. The unit comprises means (21) for regulating the speed of the motor (1) in the aforementioned manner.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the design of a chiller involves placing more emphasis on the chiller's performance at part load than at full load and rating the chiller accordingly. In some embodiments, compressor speed and impeller diameter are chosen to optimize the chiller's performance at part load. With the chosen impeller diameter, operation at full load is then achieved by increasing compressor speed, opening inlet guide vanes, and perhaps sacrificing some efficiency. If necessary, an inverter over speeds the compressor by driving it at a speed beyond that which the compressor would normally run if it were driven at the nominal line frequency of the electrical power feeding the inverter.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: A temperature control device including a temperature sensor which senses a temperature at a specified location within the refrigeration apparatus. The temperature control device has first flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. In addition, the device has a second flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease hot gas flow in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. The temperature control device also contains a controller which controls the above mentioned valves in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Air conditioning systems (1) may include an air conditioning circuit (2) and an electrically driven compressor (C). The compressor may have a motor (M) that includes a rotor (12) and a stator (14). The rotor may be rotated by a magnetic force generated when current is supplied to the stator. A temperature sensor (22) may detect the temperature of the rotor or the ambient temperature when the rotor is started to be rotated. A current calculator (26) may calculate a demagnetization limit current of the rotor at the detected temperature. The calculated demagnetization limit current may be used for determining a current that will be supplied to the stator for a predetermined period. In the alternative, the supplied current may increase as the rotor temperature increases during the initial operation. Preferably, the current may be less than the demagnetization limit current and may be greater than a minimum current that is required to rotate the rotor.

Abstract: A cooling system controller controls the capacity of a variable capacity compressor based upon the temperature of a housing being cooled, the suction pressure of the compressor or both of these criteria. The cooling system controller is capable of controlling either single-evaporator or multiple-evaporator refrigeration systems. The multiple-evaporator systems can have evaporators of similar temperatures or of mixed temperatures. The controller also allows the use of one or more condenser fans that are operated in a lead/lag fashion to control the cooling capability of the system.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit that incorporates a variable displacement compressor driven by an engine of the vehicle. The air conditioner includes a control valve for varying the displacement of the compressor and an ECU for controlling the control valve. The control valve has a bellows, a valve body, and a coil. The ECU varies the displacement of the compressor by energizing the coil to apply a force, which counters the movement of the bellows, to the valve body to move the valve body. This alters the moved amount of the bellows. The air conditioner control unit gradually changes the force applied to the valve body by the coil to adjust the pressure difference and vary the displacement of the compressor when the engine is running at an idle speed.

Abstract: An automatic cold-storage system includes a food package (22) provided with a noncontact IC tag (11), and a refrigerator (31) for storing the food package (22). Information is read from the noncontact IC tag (11) by a noncontact IC tag reader (12) and is compiled to a database (31c). A managing means (31b) controls the refrigerator (31) on the basis of information contained in the database (31c). The managing means (31b) makes a display device (14) display a warning on the basis of information read by the noncontact IC tag reader (12).

Abstract: An air-conditioner for use in an automotive vehicle, an engine of which is stopped every time the vehicle stops at an intersection, includes a usual refrigeration cycle having a main compressor driven by the engine and a sub-circuit having a sub-compressor driven by an electric motor. The sub-compressor is connected in parallel to the main compressor, and both compressors are alternately driven. Refrigerant mixed with lubricant circulating in the main refrigeration cycle is prevented from entering into the sub-circuit while the sub-compressor is not in operation by means of a piping structure of the sub-circuit. When the refrigerant enters into the sub-circuit, it is efficiently returned to the main refrigeration cycle by intermittently operating the sub-compressor while the main compressor is operating.