Abstract: A device is provided for attachment to utility poles, trees, and the like, which positions one or more light reflective panels within channels in a bifurcated, double halo shaped housing. The housing swings open into two sections for changing the panels. The housing is mounted on the pole by first attaching two X-braces to the pole and then fastening the housing to the braces with screws. The housing is constructed of resilient materials, such as rubber, which provide energy absorption in the event a car impacts the device and pole. Panels can contain general messages, traffic warnings and any number of signals or designs. Locking plates are provided for locking the device about the pole are provided. When properly positioned on a pole the panel or panels circumvent all or part of the pole and are highly visible when the headlights of oncoming vehicles strike the panels.

Abstract: This invention provides security measures for electronically operated munitions and firearms such as the pistol (10). The electronic controls (18) may be armed or disarmed electronically and provided with encoding means which arms the electronic controls to enable firing of the secured weapon upon the monitoring authorised code. This code may be electronically personalised to the individual. The code may be provided by a swipe card or the like carried by the authorised personnel. Alternatively the code may be biometric data which retains a lifelong distinctive identity of the authorised personnel.

Abstract: A handgun assembly is provided. The frame of the handgun includes a forwardly extending portion that terminates at the forward end of the muzzle or slide of the handgun. The forwardly extending portion of the frame has a dust cover that supports the entire length of the slide, and provides for the assembly of the standard handgun components therein. The frame provides additional weight forwardly displaced from the hand of the shooter, providing better feel and balance to the handgun and reducing muzzle flip.

Abstract: A tool for opening the split of a round type split shot fishing weight in order to remove or insert an embedded fishing line. Typically, a split shot weight having a split is positioned in a groove with the split up and parallel to a pair of sharpened edges. Opening arms are then pinched by hand towards an attached bottom support. This drives the sharpened edges into opposing sides of the split. This position is generally held while a user bends the bottom of the support inward. In turn, this bending force pulls the sharpened edges outward and away from each other. Because the sharpened edges engage opposite sides of the split, the split shot weight is opened and a fishing line may be removed or inserted.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant growth units, and more particularly pertains to an apparatus for plant cultivation which conserves horizontal space and utilizes vertical space, while providing for the growth of plants which are cultivated in an indoor environment. The plant growth unit comprises a nutrient supply module and one or more columns radially disposed about a central vertical longitudinal axis thereby defining an internal space between the one or more columns designed to accommodate a light source. Each column is in fluid communication with the nutrient supply module for circulation of a liquid nutrient flow. The one or more columns support a plurality of growth sites, which are radially disposed about the longitudinal axis and generally face the internal space. Each growth site is positioned to contact the liquid nutrient flow.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a window portion of a slide door includes a window regulator mechanism having a lift arm whose opposite end portions are connected to a pane and a driving mechanism respectively for moving the pane in the upward and downward directions when the driving mechanism rotates the lift lever in opposite directions. An opening condition detection mechanism has a movable member associated with the lift arm so as to be movable together with the lift lever and a detection member linked to the movable member for indicating whether or not the window portion is closed by the pane.

Abstract: A door hinge system and door assembly allow a door in a wood veneer dryer to be pulled directly away from its associated door frame before being allowed to swing open in the normal fashion, thus reducing wear on the seal between the door and the door frame. The door assembly allows the tightness of the door to be easily adjusted without the need for shims, and allows the tightness to be adjusted even when the dryer is in operation.

Abstract: A vehicle door module, comprising a panel fitted with various items of equipment including a window lifter of the type having two rails for guiding runners supporting the window and having cables for driving the runners, the window lifter likewise possessing a drum which is disposed in a cover and on which the cables are wound. An element for fixing the cover to the panel, and for controlling the rotation of the drum are disposed on a side of the panel opposite the side on which the rails, the cables, the cover and the drum are positioned; the cover of the of the drum is molded integrally with the panel and controlling the drum are fixed in a leaktight manner to the panel and to the cover. The integration of the cover into the supporting panel reduces the number of pieces in the module and makes it possible to obtain greater integration, while ensuring the necessary seal between the two faces of the panel at the location of the fixing elements for driving the drum in rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a gap, especially for providing a protective cover for the clearance between the door leaf and the door frame so as to avoid accidents. The novel flexible and strand-shaped gap covering profile is configured as a profiled body with a substantially tubular cross-section which comprises a front part, two lateral parts and two holding feet. The two lateral parts merge into a loop system that extends into the interior of the profiled body. The loop system in turn merges into the two holding feet at the outlet of the profiled body. The inventive loop system which has an essentially inversely symmetrical cross section in relation to the profile median that extends in the direction of the strand is configured in such a manner that the two lateral parts merge into a first loop that extends into the interior of the profiled body passing the holding foot or the holding element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing mechanism for a ship's door comprising: a number of latches arranged around said door; a substantially planar rod mechanism connected to said latches and comprising a number of guided rods; an operating member connected to said rod mechanism for operating said latches via said planar rod mechanism; wherein at least one of said rods is curved and guided between at least two rollers.

Abstract: A method of construction of a damp-proof basement includes disposing a water-permeable palette layer on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement and spaced from an outer wall of the basement, disposing a water-impermeable vent layer over the palette layer, disposing a reinforced-concrete slab on the vent layer and spaced from the outer wall, and disposing an inner wall at a periphery of the concrete slab and spaced from the outer wall. A damp-proof basement construction includes a water-permeable palette layer, disposed on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement, spaced from an outer wall of the basement. A water-impermeable vent layer is disposed over the palette layer. A reinforced-concrete slab is disposed on the vent layer, spaced from the outer wall. An inner wall is disposed at a periphery of the concrete slab, spaced from the outer wall.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a closed spacer frame, the spacer frame has one side having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide the spacer frame with a U-shaped cross-section. An inner sheet has an edge mounted in an edge receiving member mounted between the legs of the U-shaped side of the spacer frame. The remaining edges of the inner sheet are within the interior of the closed spacer frame and spaced from the spacer frame. The inner sheet is held within the spacer frame by sheet retaining members mounted to the spacer frame. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. One type of sheet retaining members has a horizontal member and a vertical member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the horizontal member spaced from the vertical member to form a groove to hold the inner sheet within the closed interior of the spacer frame.

Abstract: A fire protection sleeve (1) for a pipeline (4), which extends through an opening (2) in a wall (3), is surrounded circumferentially at least partly by intumescing material (10) contained in a fire-resistant folded fabric tube (5). The fabric tube (5) forms several circumferential, unilateral inner folds (6) and the folds (6) are sewn in each case with a yarn (8), to an opposite side of the tube, and the yarn melts or burns in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A system of modular, hollow interlocking building elements which can absorb large horizontal or vertical pressures, and thus eradicate or minimize the effects of active pressure. The elements can be connected along each face and stacked one upon the other to form a stable, continuous, multi-directional structure, requiring no cement or other stabilizing material. The system comprises a plurality of base elements, having on slits on the vertical faces, and a plurality of interlocking elements to form layers above the base, having a slit in each of two, three or four vertical faces. The elements are arranged so that the faces having no slit form the outer surface, thus forming a structure having a smooth, continuous outer surface. The elements can be filled with any required filling material. The elements may be used in construction of structures in which active pressure is a factor, such as retaining walls, bridge abutments, ramps and the like.

Abstract: A marking system incorporated into a suspended grid structure supporting a plurality of ceiling tiles. A first plurality of main runners are suspending from a ceiling by hanger wires and in parallel, spaced apart and elongated extending fashion. Each of the main runners defines, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending from the support lip. A plurality of elongated channels are formed through first and second opposite faces of the main runner web at axially spaced apart intervals and between a first end and a second end. A second plurality of cross runners extend between the main runners and each also defines in cross section a tile support lip and a web extending in substantially perpendicular fashion from a midpoint of the support lip.

Abstract: A pit form comprising two substantially parallel side members having two ends and a substituting perpendicular rear member extending between proximate the same ends of the side members in use, each of the side members and the rear member having compatible male and female engaging portions to interconnect said members to form said pit form.

Abstract: A concrete form panel hanger for hanging objects from concrete form panels generally includes a body portion which is secured to the object. An end of the body portion is secured removably to a concrete form panel. Preferably, a wall spaced away from and extending generally parallel to the body portion extends from the end of the body portion. A rib of the form panel is inserted between the wall and the body portion to secure the hanger to the form panel.

Abstract: The modular molding system of the present invention comprises a plurality of modular molding sections for covering the joint formed between a vertical wall and a ceiling to create a crown molding. The sections, preferably formed of a thin plastic vacuum-molded material, include an angled faced portion and a horizontal alignment portion interconnected with the angled face portion. The molding sections include a first straight end and a second angled end. The angled ends are used for forming coped corner moldings, the angled end of one section contacting the face of another section at a right angle. A desired length of linear molding is formed by overlapping the straight end of a first section over the angled end of a second section. This process can be repeated to form a molding of desired length. The molding sections are flexible to abut to an uneven surface of a vertical wall. The horizontal alignment portion carries an adhesive which allows the molding to be adhered to a ceiling.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing (folding) cartons or for closing the same by applying adhesive strips (13) to folding flaps (11) during an upward movement of the cartons (10) by a closing conveyor (21), the closed cartons (10) being transferred in the region of an upper transfer station (33) to a removal conveyor (22) and defective cartons (43), previously detected by monitoring, being able to be conveyed past the removal conveyor (22) into the region of a transfer station for such defective cartons (43).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.

Abstract: A method for automatically making bags equipped with matching closure profiles comprising the steps of: unwinding a supply of at least a film for forming the bag walls; unwinding a supply of closure assembly comprising a W-shaped support sheet, constituting an inner U-shaped tear band provided on its inner surface opposite respectively the matching closure profiles, and the external lateral webs extending beyond the closure profiles and the U-shaped inner band, the closure assembly being further pre-equipped with a series of sliders actuating the closure profiles distributed over the length of the unwinding closure assembly; and fixing the resulting closure assembly via the external lateral webs on the film forming the bag walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for continuously wrapping products, according to which, during the continuous feed of the products and respective intermediate wrappers which have four flaps to be folded, projecting in such a way that they are offset from the lower surface of the product, along a path with an instantaneous tangent extending in a first direction which may vary from point to point on the path, two opposite flaps make contact with respective first and second folding tools, located on opposite sides of an intermediate folding portion of the path.

Abstract: A closure device for a plastic container includes a liner and a plastic closure. The liner is sealed to the neck of the bottle at the end face of the neck and along a portion of the outer surface of the neck. The plastic closure engages the liner to retain the liner against the neck during sealing and to seal the area between the liner and the closure top from liquids present during cooling of the container. The closure includes a top wall, an annular closure skirt depending from the top wall, an annular outer flexible seal depending from the top wall, and at least one annular pressure ring. The outer flexible seal retains an outer edge of the liner against the outer surface of the container neck and prevents ingress of liquids. The annular pressure ring engages the liner to retain the liner against the end face of the neck during sealing.

Abstract: A round baler has strategically located deflecting surfaces in the intake region of the machine to direct incoming crop materials away from sidewalls of the baler. In a preferred embodiment, the materials are directed away from clearance gaps between the outer edges of forming belts and the sidewalls of the baler. Each deflecting surface may be part of a deflector in the nature of a hollow wedge with an upright, angled-in deflecting surface, an upright rear wall, and a horizontal, triangular top wall. A fastening bolt may attach the deflector to the sidewall.

Abstract: With a time control means for a wetting treatment of a fixed abrasive platen provided, the fixed abrasive platen is set in a good wet state in advance prior to the start of polishing. The time control means may be incorporated in the body of a flattening/machining apparatus, or alternatively a wetting retaining mean may newly be separately provided instead. While the fixed abrasive platen is rapidly transformed through expansion due to wetting, the wetting treatment is desirably performed till a transformation ratio thereof is stabilized at 0.0005% or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a cotton/rayon blended yam. The apparatus includes a supply of cotton fibers and a supply of rayon fibers. A blending operation line blends the cotton fibers and the rayon fibers. The fibers are then spun in an open end spinning turbine having a twist multiple of less than about 3.7 at a rotor speed of less than about 112,000 RPM. A roughing navel downstream from the open and spinning turbine distressing the surface of the cotton/rayon blended yarn to further improve the hand of yarn. The yarn is then knitted or woven into fabric and finished. The resulting fabric, and apparel made therefrom, has the advantage of having a particularly soft and luxurious hand, particularly compared to fabric knit from 100% cotton yarn.

Abstract: In order to transport a fiber strand to be pneumatically condensed over a suction slit of a condensing zone of a spinning machine, a transport belt is provided which comprises, at least in the effective area of the suction slit, a porous area. The porous area can, for example, be created by dissolving granulate components from a fine-grained granulate blend.

Abstract: A method of false twist texturing a synthetic yarn as well the thus-produced crimped yarn. In the method, the yarn is irregularly drawn in a draw zone on a draw pin and subsequently textured in a false twist zone. As a result of the irregular drawing, an open and a closed combination of filaments is alternately produced in the crimped yarn, thus creating a crimped yarn, which exhibits a thin-thick effect.

Abstract: A combined cycle pulse combustion/gas turbine engine has a gas turbine engine used in conjunction with a plurality of pulse combustion engines. In one embodiment, the gas turbine engine includes a housing, a bypass fan, a central engine core, and a diffuser section. The diffuser section is used to route bypass air from the bypass fan around the central engine core and out of the housing. The pulse engines are mounted in the diffuser section and receive bypass air from the bypass fan. In a first alternate embodiment, bypass air is routed from the diffuser section through a duct to the pulse engine. A valve is disposed between the bypass fan and the pulse engines for selectively allowing bypass air from the bypass fan to enter the duct. In a second alternate embodiment, a fan mounts to each inlet port. The gas turbine engine has a drive shaft that drives the fan. A clutch selectively disengages the fans.

Abstract: A fault determining apparatus for an exhaust passage switching valve which is capable of directly, rapidly and properly determining a fault in an exhaust passage switching valve, under conditions such as immediately after the start of an internal combustion engine, in which the switching valve should be essentially operated, without the need for setting a special fault determining mode. The fault determining apparatus determines a fault in the exhaust passage switching valve for switching an exhaust passage of exhaust gases discharged from an internal combustion engine between a main exhaust passage having a three-way catalyst and a bypass exhaust passage having filled in an intermediate portion thereof an adsorbent capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture in the exhaust gases in accordance with an activated state of the three-way catalyst.

Abstract: Engine exhaust gas emissions are cleaned up using apparatus comprising an electrical heater, a first catalyst for oxidizing CO and H2, and a hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst (which may be the same as the first catalyst). Engine management initiates electrical heating upon start-up of the engine, and ensures that there is sufficient CO and H2 and sufficient additional air supplied to the exhaust system, to provide chemical energy in the form of exotherm, whereby the hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst is speeded in reaching light-off temperature.

Abstract: An engine control system for managing lean operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap uses an indication of vehicle activity. A target amount of tailpipe emission per distance is adjusted based on the vehicle activity indication. Then, engine air-fuel ratio is controlled based on the adjusted target amount of tailpipe emission per distance. Also, the indication of vehicle activity is used to enable decontamination cycles of the lean NOx trap.

Abstract: An upstream catalyst (12) which stores oxygen in exhaust gas and releases the stored oxygen for oxidizing a reducing agent component contained in the exhaust gas, and a downstream catalyst (13) which stores nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas and releases the stored nitrogen oxides by reducing the stored nitrogen oxides by the reducing agent component contained in the exhaust gas, are provided in an exhaust passage (11) of an engine (2). When the storage amount of nitrogen oxides of the downstream catalyst (13) reaches a predetermined value, additional fuel is injected from a fuel injector (7) after combustion, and stored oxygen in the upstream catalyst (12) is released by the reducing agent components in the additional fuel. After release of oxygen, the supply of the additional fuel is stopped and the supply of the main fuel is increased.

Abstract: A NOx absorbent (18) is disposed in an exhaust passage (17) of an internal combustion engine (1), and a control circuit (30) is provided for controlling the amount of fuel injection into the engine (1). The control circuit 30 works to operate the engine at a rich air-fuel ratio by increasing the amount of fuel supply to the engine so that NOx absorbed by the NOx absorbent when the engine was last stopped is released in all amounts and is purified by reduction after the start of the engine until the engine is first operated at a lean air-fuel ratio. This prevents the release of unpurified NOx from the NOx absorbent (18) at the start of the engine. The operation at a lean air-fuel ratio is assumed in a state where almost no NOx has been absorbed by the NOx absorbent (18), enabling the absorbing capacity of the NOx absorbent to be utilized to the maximum degree.

Abstract: An improved device (10) for moving a load (11) rotationally and/or axially relative to a body (12) broadly comprises: a body; a motor (13) mounted on the body and having an output shaft (14) operatively arranged to move the load rotationally relative to the body; a piston (16) movably mounted on the body and defining therewith a variable volume first chamber (19), the piston being operatively arranged to move the load axially relative to the body; an accumulator (23) charged to a predetermined pressure; a fluid in the first chamber and accumulator; a pump (26) driven by the motor, the pump being operatively arranged to displace fluid from the first chamber to the accumulator; and a valve (28) operatively arranged to selectively permit pressurized fluid in the accumulator to flow into the first chamber to move the piston and load in one direction axially relative to the body.

Abstract: A pilot control system for maintaining a constant operating hydraulic fluid pressure in a hydraulic system throughout a range of hydraulic fluid flow and temperature conditions. The pilot control system has a pilot pump and a pilot relief valve in fluid communication with the pilot pump. A first pressure reducing valve is in fluid communication with the pilot pump and the pilot relief valve so as to reduce the pressure to components downstream of the pressure reducing valve.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic drive apparatus in which flows of oil discharged from a plurality of hydraulic drive sources each using a hydraulic pump are merged in order to drive an actuator. At least in a pressure control mode, one of the hydraulic drive sources (main hydraulic drive source) is operated in a regular manner, and the other hydraulic drive source (auxiliary hydraulic drive source) is operated such that at A merge point where the oil flows merge, the pressure of oil from the auxiliary hydraulic drive source becomes lower than the pressure of oil from the main hydraulic drive by a predetermined amount. Thus, an ordinary pressure control signal is applied to the main hydraulic drive to perform an ordinary pressure control.

Abstract: An improved hydrostatic transmission useful as a speed changing device having a single output shaft or a pair of outwardly extending shafts for use, for example, in small vehicles such as lawn and garden tractors. The hydrostatic transmission output may be mechanically coupled to the wheel driving axle by a gear or chain drive, or alternatively may have such means included in the same housing package containing the hydrostatic transmission. When a differential action is needed between the drive wheels of the vehicle, the differential may then also be included in the same housing package. In whichever of such configurations, the hydrostatic transmission comprises a radial piston pump fluidly coupled to a single or twin larger displacement axial piston motor of the swash-plate type by means of a fluid coupling valve supported by the housing.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides for the conversion of domestic sewage into electric power. The invention also allows for the additional creation of redundant systems through the use of solar magnification and human powered generators that would allow the introduction of clean electrical energy to be generated in combination or as independent systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the conversion of solar energy stored by photosynthesis to electrical energy, utilizing a closed cycle power plant (2) comprising providing a body of water (4) for growing macroalgae (6) therein, and providing a fluidized bed combustion chamber (8) for at least partial combustion of partially dried macroalgae having a water content of up to 60% wt/wt, the combustion being carried out in an artificial atmosphere of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A gas turbine control apparatus for a single-shaft type combined cycle power plant is provided by which gas turbine output is accurately computed during a circulating water reversing wash operation. Vacuum down amount is computed from a generator output signal (31) immediately before the mentioned reversing wash operation and is corrected by being multiplied by a valve opening correction factor computed from a condenser reversing valve opening signal (41) and a sea water temperature correction factor computed from a condenser reversing valve inlet sea water temperature signal (47). A condenser vacuum at the time of the reversing wash operation is computed by the corrected vacuum down amount being subtracted therefrom. A vacuum correction factor is computed based on the computed condenser vacuum.

Abstract: A ventilation scheme for a rotary machine supported on pedestals within an enclosure having a roof, end walls and side walls with the machine arranged parallel to the side walls, includes ventilation air inlets located in a first end wall of the enclosure; a barrier wall located within the enclosure, proximate the first end wall to thereby create a plenum chamber. The barrier wall is constructed to provide a substantially annular gap between the barrier wall and a casing of the turbine to thereby direct ventilation air axially along the turbine; one or more ventilation air outlets located proximate a second, opposite end wall on the roof of the enclosure. In addition, one or more fans are provided for pulling ventilating air into said plenum chamber via the ventilation air inlets.

Abstract: A sealing structure of the thermoelectric conversion device, which has high sealing capability and is easy to manufacture, is provided. A thermoelectric conversion circuit utilizing Peltier effect is interposed between two metal heat exchanger plates. The O-ring interposed between the outer edge portions of the heat exchanger plates seals the gap formed between the outer edge portions of the heat exchanger plates along the whole periphery. The connector for connecting the thermoelectric conversion circuit to the external power supply is inserted into the through hole formed on the heat exchanger plate. The O-ring fitted on the connector seals the gap between the connector and the through hole spontaneously, when the connector is inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous treatment and transportation of a material (7), consisting of piece goods or granules of solid material, in an at least partly fluidized bed, which apparatus comprises a perforated trough bottom (5) for the material and means (3) for creating an upwardly directed air or gas flow through said trough bottom (5) and said material (7). The trough bottom (5) is disposed to move, from a starting position, in the conveying direction of the material (7) and opposite to the conveying direction of the material, the trough bottom in motion opposite to the conveying direction being disposed, relative to the material (7), to exhibit greater acceleration (a2) than a maximum acceleration (a1) relative to the surroundings in motion in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube in a heat exchanger for an ice making machine includes a bimetallic heat exchanger tube to improve capacity and wear characteristics of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tube has an outer portion with a first material composition and an inner portion with a second material composition where the first material composition is different from the second material composition. The first material composition is compatible with the refrigerants used in the heat exchanger unit of the ice making machine. The second material composition is compatible with the feed solution being chilled in the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: A method wherein refrigeration is generated, preferably using a pulse tube cryocooler or refrigerator, to produce cold working gas which is used to liquefy coupling fluid circulating between a coupling fluid liquid reservoir and a refrigeration load, such as superconductivity equipment, using thermo-siphon effects.

Abstract: A compressor (11), a four-way switching valve (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an expansion valve (14) and an indoor heat exchanger (15) are sequentially connected together through gas piping (31) and liquid piping (32), thereby forming a refrigerant circuit (10). The refrigerant circuit (10) is filled with an R32 single refrigerant or an R32/R125 mixed refrigerant containing at least 75% by weight of R32. Synthetic oil is used as refrigerating machine oil. When the rated cooling capacity is 5 kW or less, the liquid piping (32) is formed from piping having an inner diameter of less than 4.75 mm.

Abstract: Plural testing stations are provided for simultaneously testing plural refrigeration systems and include resistive heaters for applying heat to selected portions of the refrigeration systems and include monitoring and control devices and a data acquisition and control system which are connected to a programmable monitoring and controlling computer system. The monitoring and control devices include temperature sensors attached to portions of refrigeration systems and include control devices for controlling the resistive heaters and the refrigeration systems. As a result, simultaneous testing of a plurality of testing stations is automated. The programmable monitoring and controlling computer system collects measurement data and compares the measurement data to reference data to determine if the refrigeration systems pass or fail the tests.