Abstract: A fishing lure is formed of three principal parts, including a bullet-shaped nose section having a reduced diameter part toward the rear including an axial bore, a rear or plug section having a reduced diameter forward section which is a press fit into the axial bore, and a centrally positioned spinner consisting of an annular member surrounding said reduced diameter part and having highly reflective fins secured to its exterior surface. Grooves formed in the ends of the spinner serve as bearing races and bearings are located in the grooves to aid in causing the spinner to rotate freely when the lure is pulled through the water causing the fins to spin and flash in the light. The plug section has a collar of approximately the same diameter as the exterior surface of the spinner and a slightly reduced diameter toward the rear to accommodate a plastic streamer. The collar prevents direct impingement of the water against the forward edge of the streamer.

Abstract: A process is provided for fastening a stop arrangement to a line with an associated swivel and snell on the line. The stop arrangement is initially in a closed annular shape and is secured to the line by deformation of the stop arrangement via at least one annular portion of the stop arrangement at the same time, one or more support portions are provided for the mounting of a clip directly to the stop arrangement (17″). A connecting arrangement between line and snell comprises the aforementioned stop arrangement and the aforementioned clip.

Abstract: A rodent trap particularly adapted for rats has a plastic base to which a plastic upper jaw is pivotably mounted by a steel pin. A spring is engaged between the base and the upper jaw and urges the jaw to close upon the base. A trigger is pivotably mounted by the pin to ears which project upwardly from the base. A catch mechanism operates to restrain the upper jaw in a set position until the trigger is actuated. A plastic bait container has radially protruding flanges which permit it to be extended through a hole in the base beneath the trigger and secured to the base such that the bait within the container is accessible through another hole in the trigger. In one embodiment, the bait container is generally cylindrical and is twisted into place. The bait container is readily removed for replenishment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating the mosquito bait as well as simulating the human body's surface temperature and emanated odor. A well-controlled heating assembly can be used to generate a suitable thermal gradient for incubating both microorganisms and evaporating the bait. A bait-releasing unit is used to enhance the release of the mosquito bait. The bait comprises at least the bacterial decomposition and the yeast fermentation solution. The bait is not poisonous to human beings and produces mosquito attractants from natural products of fermentation or decomposition. The apparatus according to this invention comprises at least an upper compartment for trapping mosquitoes and a bottom compartment including the bait and the heating assembly. This invention can also combine with electrocution grids or insecticide webs to destroy attracted mosquitoes.

Abstract: An automated system for providing a continuous yield of fresh agricultural produce. The system includes a housing including at least one zone for plant growth and at least one zone for holding automated robotic equipment. Robotic equipment includes a robotic device including at least one robotic arm for seeding seeds being stored in a seed reservoir in the seeding locations, for planting seedlings in the planting locations and for harvesting mature plants from the planting locations. Further disclosed are devices and methods for increasing efficiency of plant transfer and minimizing root damage during transfer. Further disclosed are devices and methods for increasing efficiency of plant growing, by providing oxygen dissolved in irrigation water to the plant roots.

Abstract: A replaceable seal for water-tight and fire-resistant sliding doors, in particular for use on board ships and rigs, is roughly trapezoidal in shape having two opposite short sides, a long side therebetween, and a side of intermediate length opposite the long side. The intermediate length side of the seal is intended to lie against one of the arms of a Y-shaped support; one of the short sides of the seal is intended to lie against the upright of the Y-shaped support; the long side of the seat is intended to lie against a fastening device, preferably of a washer held with a bolt and nut; and the second short side forms the sealing surface of the seal for sealing against a door frame.

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame comprising a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick.

Abstract: A method and lightweight apparatus (100) that provide linear actuation effected by the controlled inflation of a deployable tube (120) permits the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) to be guided out in a linear motion by a yoke (140) that constrains the inflated portion of the tube (120) immediately behind it A means for imparting resistance to deployment facilitates a smooth actuation by controlling both the rate and the directionality of deployment, and by maintaining a uniform internal pressure in the tube being deployed. A frame assembly (180) at the deploying end (125) of the tube (120) can be configured to interface with a variety of components to be linearly deployed.

Abstract: A flooring system is disclosed which utilizes prefabricated floor panels installed in side by side relationship. The floor panels support a series of upstanding pedestals. The pedestals are positioned such that they provide a geometric pedestal array. The pedestals support panels which collectively define fluid conduit, power cable and communications chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop the pedestals. A heat pump is connected to supply, return and condensate conduits installed in the conduit chase to supply cooling water from a cooling tower. Metal and plastic embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: A removable window safety barrier includes two vertical frame members, two horizontal frame members, and additional horizontal and vertical members attached to the horizontal and vertical frame members. The barrier includes at each end of the vertical frame members flanges having holes of suitable size and shape to engage and be supported by pins affixed to the sides of a window with two such pins pointing upwardly from the bottom of the window, and two such pins facing downwardly from the top of the window.

Abstract: A hole patching device including mechanism for covering an opening on an interior surface of a wall, the covering mechanism being formed of a generally rigid material and being at least two inches in diameter; mechanism for guiding the covering mechanism through the opening, which may include a slit cut from a center of the covering mechanism to an outer edge of the covering mechanism; mechanism for securing the covering mechanism to the interior surface of the wall to define a pocket; an insert for filling the pocket; and a hardenable material spread over the insert and pocket smoothable with the wall and a method of use.

Abstract: A block for use in interlocking with other similar blocks in constructing a building has a block body having a top surface and a bottom surface with an outer block wall defining one side surface of the block body. A head portion extends from the outer block wall toward an opposed side surface. A connecting portion on respective sides of the head arranged to receive at least one correspondingly shaped connection portion of at least one second block in interlocking relationship therewith. Two abutment portions are arranged each at a respective end of the outer block wall and each defining a respective abutment shoulder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a middle armor block for a coastal structure and a method of placement of its block with a hydraulic stability of a slope surface and an economical construction cost. The middle armor block of the half-loc comprises a body forming an octagon column with a rectangle side and a perforated hole at the center, a leg integrally formed and attached to alternatively each side of the body and a protruding foot at a lower portion of the leg and each corner of the leg and the foot is chamfered. For a placement type of the blocks, the middle armor block of the half-loc are tilted with a certain angle and each side portion of the leg of the block is contacted to the other side portion of the leg of neighbor block all around directions in series.

Abstract: A building construction system including a pair of rigid vertical frame members secured to an underlying support surface, a connection trough defined between the vertical frame members, a horizontal suspension member also extending between the vertical frame members and suspended at generally a top portion thereof, and a plurality of corrugated material panels. The corrugated material panels are suspended from the horizontal suspension member, so as to hang between the vertical frame members and into the connection trough. Furthermore, the corrugated material panels include a plurality of apertures defined therein. A quantity of concrete is also included and is applied on the corrugated material panels, the apertures defined in the corrugated material panels facilitating adherence of the concrete to the corrugated material panels until hardening.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting a corner protector on a corner of a package comprises a gripping and positioning device (1) for gripping the corner protector and placing it onto the corner of the package, and a corner protector magazine (2). A storage space (3) in the magazine stores corner protectors arranged as a file. Conveying means (7-10) move the file in the storage space toward the delivery end. A gate (11) has been arranged to be moved between a closed position (II) and an open position (I). An arresting device (13) is provided with a separating tab (14) which moves between an arresting position (A) and a releasing position (B). In the arresting position (A), the separating tab is between the foremost corner protector (41) in the file and the second corner protector (42) next in the file so as to arrest the file of corner protectors while the gate (11) is in the open position (II).

Abstract: A drum of a medicine sharing and packing device, wherein a drum has a plurality of tablet cassettes 2a arranged and passages 2b formed to guide tablets down, comprises a barrel-shaped drum body 2c formed in two circular arc shapes facing each other and auxiliary drums 2e mounted inside of the drum body 2c so as for opening portions 2d of the drum body 2c to be closed. The drum body 2c has the opening portions 2d on both sides facing each other and a plurality of tablet cassettes 2a arranged detachably on the outer circumferential surface. The two circular arc-shaped auxiliary drums have a plurality of tablet cassettes 2a arranged detachably on their inner surfaces and mounted inside of the drum body 2c so as for the centers of their outer surfaces to come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A self-adjusting capping chuck assembly for use in association with a filler and/or capper device comprising: an outer cam having an aperture defined by an inner peripheral geometry; and a cap engaging jaw displaced within the aperture of the outer cam. The cap engaging jaw includes at least two displaceable jaw components, and a member for biasing the displaceable jaw components into a cap engaging configuration.

Abstract: A film of thermoformable plastic material is heated and positioned on the upper part of a group of cans, the film is made to adhere to the surface of said upper part of the group of cans by a thrust action, acting on the top of the film, exerted by a deformable elastic pad in the regions surrounded by the can clinching rim, to urge the film downwards, that film portion adhering to the upper part of the group of cans is separated from the rest of the film, the film is previously heated to an appropriate temperature such that, following cooling, it retains its shape and remains adhering to the surface of said upper part.

Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.

Abstract: A mass flow sensor apparatus (30) for a billet harvester(10) for sugar cane of the type having an elevator (20) with a plurality of flights (24) that transfer batches of billets (5) through an elevator housing and having a floor section (23) proximate an upper end (22) of the elevator housing, the mass flow sensor apparatus including: a weigh pad (31) for receiving batches of billets (5); a first transducer means (34) operatively associated with the weigh pad for producing mass signals (39) indicative of a mass received by the weigh pad and error correction mechanism (37, 38) for correction of measurement errors in the mass signals; whereby, in use, the weigh pad (31) is substantially co-planar with the floor section (23) in the elevator housing such that batches of billets (5) traverse the weigh pad and the error correction mechanism (37) is operatively associated with the crop harvester (10). A yield mapping system employing DGPS positioning techniques with the mass flow rate sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device (1) for mowing agricultural, stalk-like material and forming a windrow from the mown stalk-like material, which is to be deposited next to the device, the device having a mowing unit (10), a preparer (11) and a transverse conveyor (12), the transverse conveyor (12) comprising a spiral conveyor (13) and a casing (23) surrounding the spiral conveyor (12) at least regionally and the end region of the transverse conveyor (12), lying in the conveying direction of the spiral conveyor, forming a free ejection end (37), is constructed so that the spiral conveyor (13) is undergrasped in a lower region (32) at a little distance, trough-like, by the casing (23) and expanded in hood-shaped fashion in an upper region (33) of the casing (23) opposite the radial extent of the spiral conveyor (13).

Abstract: A synthetic fiber rope to be driven by a rope sheave is constructed as a twin rope consisting of two ropes with opposite directions of twist which extend parallel to and a fixed distance from each other. The ropes are surrounded by a rope sheath so as not to rotate when the twin rope runs over a rope sheave. The sheave acts as a torque neutralizer which, when the twin rope is loaded longitudinally, mutually offsets the oppositely oriented torques of the ropes which arise due to the structure of the rope, thereby causing over the entire cross-section of the twin rope equalization of the torques from the sum of all the parts having right-hand twist strands and all the parts having left-hand twist strands.

Abstract: An attachment for the air intake of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of particle separators. The particle separators cooperate to define an attachment axis and are spaced circumferentially about the attachment axis. Each particle separator includes a housing defining a separator axis, a first flow passage having at least a portion that is annular, an annular opening, and an annular second flow passage. The first and second flow passages are configured so that inertia of particles entrained in a stream of air flowing through the annular portion of the first flow passage tends to cause the particles to flow from the annular portion through the opening into the second flow passage to allow the stream of air to enter the engine flow passage free of the particles removed therefrom. The separator axes are parallel to and spaced apart from the attachment axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air separation plant integrated with another process. Work is recovered from a nitrogen enriched stream produced by an air separation process either by expanding the nitrogen enriched stream directly or by combustion of the nitrogen enriched stream with a fuel stream and expanding gas produced by the combustion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control system and a control method for servo valve which can stably continue to control a servo valve when a break occurs in servo coils of a servo valve having a plurality of servo coils. In the present invention, voltages of a plurality of servo coils 3A, 3B, 3C are detected by wire break detecting means individually provided to servo amplifiers 2A, 2B, 2C. The servo amplifiers 2A, 2B, 2C performs wire break detection and wire break compensation.

Abstract: This jet engine comprises a complete low bypass turbofan unit 1 including secondary fan unit 2 and engine core, ahead of which sits a larger diameter main fan unit 3 driven from the front of the secondary fan via a long drive shaft 4. A center portion of the main fan feeds the secondary fan via long central duct 5. The outer portion of the main fan is ducted into a split exhaust plenum chamber 6. This chamber has thrust vectoring exhaust mechanisms 7 immediately attached to each side, and then each side then feeds a thrust splitter 10, and then feeds to variable area outer ducting 8, using double-hinged inner and outer doors 9. Both outer ducts rejoin the central duct downstream in a second plenum chamber 11 just ahead of the secondary fan. Between this chamber and secondary fan is an intercooler 12.

Abstract: A recuperated microturbine system including a low temperature duct burner in the exhaust gas which accommodates significant variations in the exhaust gas flow from the recuperator, which burns the added hydrocarbon fuel, for example natural gas, reasonably efficiently, without generating a significant amount of additional NOx. A wire mesh burner is used to burn the added fuel in part of the exhaust gas from the recuperator. The duct burner is operated either in a more or less radiant combustion mode, or in a blue flame mode. The remainder of the recuperator exhaust gas, which bypasses the afterburner, is heated mainly by radiant heat transfer from the wire mesh burner. The use of the wire mesh burner minimises additional NOx formation. In the duct burner the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas is used to overcome the inherent static pressure loss of the wire mesh burner.

Abstract: A device for eliminating nitrogen oxides in an exhaust line of a lean-burn internal-combustion engine (1) a NOx trap (3) for trapping the nitrogen oxides, a system for regenerating the nitrogen oxides when the NOx trap is saturated, a hydrocarbon treating catalyst (2) placed upstream from the NOx trap (3), a hydrocarbon injector (4) placed upstream from hydrocarbon treating catalyst (2), a probe (7) for measuring the gas mixture strength. The hydrocarbon treating catalyst (2) is a partial (or controlled) hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst that cooperates with the NOx trap (3) for trapping the nitrogen oxides and that allows to obtain, at the outlet thereof, gases with a low oxygen (O2) concentration and with high carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) concentrations. A control unit is furthermore provided for recording and processing data coming from various detectors and/or stored in order to carry out effective regeneration of the NOx trap (3) without disrupting the smooth running of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for translating the movements of a portion of an operators anatomy residing in communication with an input fitment into hydraulic signals thereby directing the motion of a machine member moved by a hydraulic driver with natural motion of the operator. The subject apparatus also transfers the motion of the machine member under control to a proportional motion of the control fitment, giving the operator a tactile sense of the direction and magnitude of the motion being executed by the machine member under the control of the apparatus. Additionally, the subject apparatus conveys a force proportional to that experienced as a resistance to movement by a machine member under the control of the apparatus to the operator through the control fitment, giving the operator a tactile sense of the resistance opposing the machine operation being directed by the operator.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission comprises a housing whose interior space serves as a fluid sump, a pair of first and second fluid passages disposed in the housing, the pair of first and second fluid passages interposed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor so as to constitute a closed fluid circuit of an HST. A charge fluid passage is disposed in the housing so as to be connected with each of the first and second fluid passages for supplying fluid from the fluid sump into the closed fluid circuit. A drain fluid passage including an orifice is disposed in the housing so as to be connected with at least one of the first and second fluid passages so that, when hydraulic pressure in the at least one of the first and second fluid passages is increased beyond its neutral level, excessive fluid in the at least one of the first and second fluid passages is drained through the drain fluid passage to the fluid sump, thereby expanding the neutral zone of the HST.

Abstract: In a steam motor with a piston engine, the piston engine is included in a closed steam circuit. This steam circuit includes a steam generator, a steam injector for injecting steam into the piston engine, a condenser for condensing the steam emerging from the piston engine to condensed water, and a water feeding pump for feeding the condensed water to the steam generator. The steam generator is heated by hot combustion gas from a combustion unit. The combustion unit burns fuel. The fuel is mixed with fresh air supplied by an air feeding device through a fresh air passage. The fresh air passage usually contains a first heat exchanger for pre-heating the fresh air by heat from the expanded steam emerging from the piston engine, and a second heat exchanger for pre-heating the fresh air by heat from hot waste gas emerging from the steam generator. In order to provide a particularly compact steam motor without adversely affecting the efficiency, a rotary piston engine is used as piston engine.

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 thermal exchanger assembly for a wafer chuck and method of use therefor is disclosed. More particularly, complimentary manifolds, each having a plurality of fins, are positioned with respect to one another to provide interleaved spaced-apart fins. At least one thermo-electric device is disposed between alternating pairs of fins. The thermo-electric device is coupled to the fins to provide a thermally conductive path from one manifold to the other through the thermo-electric device. The thermal exchanger assembly may be located in a process chamber for processing a wafer, including but not limited to a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Pressure detection means are provided to detect a gas pressure in a gas absorption and release container. A judgment portion judges the limit of gas absorption and release on the basis of comparison between the gas pressure detected by the pressure detection means and a setting pressure predetermined in a setting portion. A control portion sends out a control signal to a heat medium means, a gas supply means and a gas transportation means on the basis of the result of the judgment to thereby switch over the operation between gas absorption and gas release.

Abstract: A tabletop white smoke generator using dry ice includes a water tank that is formed by a metal into a receptacle with an open upper side, has a vacuum empty portion formed in the inside of a bottom portion and a sidewall so that hot or cold water can be filled into the receptacle; a dry ice accommodating receptacle that is formed into a receptacle with an open upper side, the receptacle being of a size that can be accommodated within the water tank, wherein dry ice can be accommodated in the receptacle; and a holding portion, which holds the dry ice accommodating receptacle above the water tank, and which with a specific operation can submerge the dry ice accommodating receptacle into the warm water that has been filled into the water tank. A tray can be arranged above the water tank, and submerging the dry ice into the warm water generates dry ice white smoke that gushes out from below the tray.

Abstract: The invention is a system and process for supplying fluid in hermetic circuits. The type of hermetic circuit is identified, and based upon this identification, vacuum and fluid supply conditions that are predetermined for the type of circuit are applied. Using the system and process, multiple types of hermetic circuits with varying operating conditions may be continually processed on a production line.

Abstract: A dual path single coil dehumidification system is provided. The system includes a housing that is mounted onto the top of a building that is to be dehumidified. The system draws in outside air which is circulated along its own dedicated path. A cooling coil is disposed in the dedicated outside air path. The outside air therefore passes over the cooling coil and is dehumidified prior to being mixed with any other air. The system also draws in return air from the interior of the building. The system is arranged so that the return air is drawn over refrigeration units that are located in the building to cool the return air. The cooled return air is then drawn into the housing where it is mixed with the outside air only after the outside air passes over the cooling coil. The mixed dehumidified outside air and the cooled return air form a supply air stream that is delivered to the interior of the building.

Abstract: A signal value is derived that is representative of the cooling power produced by an air-conditioning evaporator, the signal value being derived from at least one temperature sensor placed in thermal contact with the evaporator, or downstream from it in the cooled airflow, and the signal value is compared with a reference value corresponding to a normal refrigerant-fluid level. A signal value below the reference value indicates a low level of refrigerant-fluid.

Abstract: Provision of a chilling system accomplishing a reduction in the amount of energy expended and in energy loss. The chilling system includes a load (H); a chilling circuit (A) for chilling or cooling the load with a refrigerant; a heat-dissipating mechanism (5) for dissipating heat of the refrigerant in the chilling circuit (A) to the outside; a refrigerant tank (8) connected to the chilling circuit (A) via a confluent valve (13); a chiller for maintaining the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant tank (8) at a predetermined temperature; a controller (12) for controlling the degree of valve opening of the confluent valve (13); and a temperature sensor (14) for detecting a temperature of the refrigerant in the chilling circuit (A).

Abstract: A temperature controlled gravity feed fountain solution supply apparatus for a printing unit of a printing press. The invention helps to maintain a consistent, cool temperature within the fountain solution pan of a gravity feed fluid supply apparatus. The apparatus includes an insulated, airtight fountain solution supply tank connected to a lower fountain solution pan by a vertical insulated supply tube. The tank has cooling coils arranged in M-shaped layers, each of the layers being supported by a perforated, heat-conducting cooling plate. The pan has a supply pool that communicates with an elongated dispersement tube having openings which serve to circulate fountain solution about three cooling fins connected to, and extending the length of the dispersement tube. Alternatively, the solution pan has a separate cooling coil and cooling control.

Abstract: A water chiller includes a cooling tank and a cooling device positioned at an upper portion of the cooling tank. The cooling device includes a cooling probe positioned within the cooling tank at an upper region thereof and being operable to cool the water at the upper region of the cooling tank. The cooled water increases in density and descends toward the bottom or lower region of the cooling tank, while warmer water positioned in the lower region rises upwards toward the cooling probe, where it is cooled by the cooling probe. The water cooler thus continually cools and mixes the water within the cooling tank to maintain the water at a cool temperature. The cool water at the lower region of the tank is discharged from the cooling tank at an outlet positioned at or near the bottom of the cooling tank.

Abstract: A control valve is located in a variable displacement compressor incorporated in a refrigerant circuit. The control valve controls the displacement of the compressor in accordance with a pressure difference between a first pressure monitoring point and a second pressure monitoring point, which are located in the refrigerant circuit, such that the pressure difference seeks a predetermined target value. An adjusting valve, which is a variable throttle valve, is located in a section of the refrigerant circuit between the first and second pressure monitoring points. The adjusting valve adjusts the restriction amount of the refrigerant in relation to the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor displacement is thus optimally controlled.

Abstract: When an outdoor machine 2 includes a signal line connector 21 for receiving ON/OFF signals for a compressor, an outdoor machine drive control unit 30 of an air conditioner includes an inverter device 32 for supplying power variable in frequency to the compressor 22, and a control device 33 for controlling the inverter device 32 to gradually increase the number of revolutions of the compressor 22 when the ON/OFF signal for the compressor received through the signal line connector 21 changes from the OFF condition to the ON condition. The air conditioner outdoor machine drive control unit 30 enables to construct an inverter-type air conditioner by using a general heat-pump-type indoor machine and merely mounting it in an outdoor machine.

Abstract: In a hot water supply system with a heat pump cycle, an oil separator for separating refrigerant and oil flowing from a compressor from each other is provided, and oil separated from refrigerant in the oil separator returns to the compressor through an oil returning passage after passing through an oil passage of a water heat exchanger. The water heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanging portion in which refrigerant from the oil separator and water from a tank are heat-exchanged, and a second heat exchanging portion in which oil from the oil separator and water from the tank are heat-exchanged. In the heat exchanger, a flow direction of water is set opposite to that of refrigerant and oil.

Abstract: Air conditioning system and method in which a refrigerant from a compressor is circulated through a cooling element within a hermetically sealed, thermally insulated cooling compartment, and cooled air from the compartment is delivered to a space to be cooled. In one disclosed embodiment, the cooling compartment is located at the center of a solid cube of insulative material and is heavily insulated from the ambient conditions outside the cube.

Abstract: An improved vertical tube ice maker has an integral common water manifold providing water for ice making to a plurality of vertical ice-making tubes. A cutter bar beneath the tubes is removable for servicing in a direction perpendicular to its axis. A water tray and ice chute beneath the tubes is an integrally molded element, serving as a base for the ice maker cabinet of structural insulated panels.

Abstract: A removable modular duct system for conducting air in a temperature-controlled cargo container. Temperature-controlled air produced and propelled by a refrigeration unit, is conducted along the modular duct system by one or more duct sections and a transition section that conducts air from the refrigeration unit to the duct sections. The air may be discharged laterally via lateral discharge openings in the duct sections. An end section may be coupled to the duct sections to discharge air at the end of the duct system.

Abstract: A collapsible cooler is configured to hold perishable foods, such as freshly killed big game on ice while in the field. The cooler is formed of an outer layer and an inner layer of waterproof nylon fabric with two intermediate layers of heat resistant insulation. In a closed configuration, the cooler is secured and drawn together via a set or mating series of hook and loop fasteners to form an aperture for exposing the neck and head portion of captured big game. In this configuration, a carcass of the captured game is kept cool and fresh from a surrounding stream of cold air. A natural drain is formed at the base of the cooler to allow for natural flow of fluid from the cooler to a surrounding area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separation of purified water and nutrients from organic waste. Separated purified water can be used as fresh water in agricultural and farm operations, and nutrients can be converted to fertilizers. Treated organic waste includes complex organic waste with settleable and nonsettleable material that has not been subjected to a conventional lagoon primary treatment. These methodology eliminates the need for land application of residual waste stream and it comprises operations such as controlled freezing and thawing, and optionally evaporation.