Abstract: Respective secondary thrusters (70, 71) are added to the primary horizontal thruster (7) and primary vertical thruster (12) of a guiding device of the known type and the guide channel (6) is provided with dimensions such that the steps of guiding and feeding the capsule (C) are performed with minor successive displacements of the said capsule (C). The primary vertical thruster (12) operates, in a position distant from the sleeve (13) of the capping machine so as to allow discarding and free removal of the defective capsules (C) which have a double lid (C2) or the capsule parts which reach this thruster. The last section (206) of the guide channel (6) inside which the secondary vertical thruster (71) operates, has a width slightly smaller than that of the upstream section (106) of the said channel so as to retain firmly the end of the defective capsule (C) having lids (C2) on opposite ends of a base (C1).

Abstract: A modular apparatus is provided for the purpose of packaging an article in a special wrap (such as a single or double twist wrap, an envelope wrap, a bunch wrap, or other special wrap). The modular apparatus has a receiving portion, arranged to receive a partially-wrapped article (such as a tube-wrapped article) into a predetermined location, from another machine, and a special-wrap assembly that forms the desired special wrap. For a double twist-wrap, the special-wrap assembly has rotatable twist grippers that grip the ends of the tube-wrapped article, and twist the ends to form a twist-wrapped article, and includes a twist-wrap drum and Geneva wheels that drive the twist grippers. The modular apparatus is used with a flow-wrap packaging line for wrapping a series of individual articles, which has a first section, in which a film is formed into a tubular wrap about the articles, and a cut-and-seal section, in which the tubular wrap is cut between each two successive articles.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package for food items, such as loaves of processed cheese, employing plastic film with serrated ends and an accessible tear strip, which together provide points of focus for easy opening of the package without unwanted tearing or undesirable contamination of the food item. A process for forming this package also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: Means to sequentially transfer packaged bodies (30) carried by a conveyor (32) onto surface plates (40) rotated at equal intervals along a circular route (41) and vacuum-package the packaged bodies (30) in a vacuum chamber formed with cover materials covering the surface plates (40), wherein the feed pitch of each surface plate (40) is input into a controller (58) with pulses from an encoder (56), and a pitch between the front end sides of packaged matter (18) inside the packaged bodies is detected by an optical sensor (59) and input to the controller (58) so as to control the speed of an adjustment conveyor (35) according to a pitch displacement of the packaged matter (18) relative to the pitch between the surface plates (40).

Abstract: A system and method for severing a portion of a wrapping film for facilitating the detachment and attachment of trailing and leading end portions of the wrapping film from and onto loads disposed at a wrapping station in conjunction with film wrapping operations being performed upon loads being wrapped at a wrapping station comprises an actuating arm movable between retracted and extended positions and upon which a fixed clamping member and a movable clamping member are mounted such that the movable clamping member can move toward and away from the fixed clamping member so as to define therewith CLOSED and OPENED positions. Upon termination of a wrapping operation, the actuating arm is moved from its retracted position to its extended position, the clamping members are moved to their CLOSED position so as to clamp a portion of the wrapping film therebetween, and a hot-wire cutter is energized so as to sever a portion of the clamped film.

Abstract: A package fabricated from a flexible sheet material capable of being sealed for closing off the interior of the package from ambient atmosphere is disclosed. The package has two or more side walls and a like number of side seams. The package has an open upper end portion terminating in a free edge. The inner surface of the side walls has a releasably securable adhesive adjacent the upper end portion in a pattern wherein the adhesive does not extend into the area of the side seams, thus increasing the structural integrity of the package.

Abstract: A heat sealing station for forming closely spaced heat seals across a tube of flexible packaging material includes a set of jaws moveable between an open position where the tube is free and a closed a position where the tube is trapped between the jaws. An electrically insulating backing is carried by a first jaw of the set. A pair of closely spaced, curved resistive heat sealing bands are vulcanized onto the backing. The heat sealing bands are energizable to form closely spaced heat seals across the tube when the first jaw is moved towards the tube to bring the backing into contact with the tube and when the heat sealing bands are energized. A backing is also provided on a second jaw of the set that corresponds in shape to the electrically insulating backing.

Abstract: Harvesting machine for picking up and chopping corn, wilted grass, green feed and similar harvested material including a feeding device, a chopping device arranged after the feeding device and a conditioning device for conditioning the harvested material arranged after the chopping device. The conditioning device optionally engages a conveying duct. Mounting and dismantling of the conditioning device is simplified because it is connected on one side to a duct pivotable about an essentially horizontal swiveling axis and on the other side rigidly but detachably to a rigid duct. Preferably, the swiveling axis is situated below the pivotable duct such that the swiveling motion of the pivotable duct is directed downward against the traveling direction of the harvesting machine to thereby enable removal of the conditioning device.

Abstract: A self-cleaning attachment for a rotary mower has a carrier member (26) supporting a flexible, linear element (25) radially spaced from the rotational axis of the blade at a level above the blade so the element rotates near the underside of the mower housing defining a narrow upper chamber where air pulses are concentrated to maintain the underside of the housing relatively clean of build-up. The carrier may have a plurality of elements in equally spaced relationship, the structure of which is such that the outer tips are supported above the blade when idle, and the inertial mass is low compared to the rotating mass of the blade such that there is relatively little rotational effect as the elements become worn. The attachment is retro-fittable to existing mowers without causing appreciable power loss or degrading the blade stopping capability below ANSI standards for residential lawn mowers.

Abstract: A device for digging and harvesting seed pods from plant roots, in particular, a device for digging and harvesting peanuts, where after the peanut plants are removed from the ground, the peanuts are removed from the peanut plant root system. The device comprises a harvesting head which includes three essential components for performing the requisite function, namely a shaft, a pair of circular hubs and at least one set of tines. A self-cleaning member is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural rake basket flotation system 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: Apparatus and method for crushing plant residue remaining in a farm field following the crop harvest comprising a main frame moveable in a forward path, a yieldable residue knock-down drape suspended on the frame for knocking the plant residue to the ground and breaking the upstanding plant residue apart from its underground roots as the frame forwardly moves, and a transversely disposed residue crushing roller mounted on the frame rearwardly of the knock-down drape for crushing spaced-apart portions of the knock-down residue into a plurality of smaller crop residue segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrapped cord comprising a bundle of inorganic filaments, to a method of making said wrapped cord, to a method of treating said wrapped cord with an adhesive treatment composition, to the treated wrapped cord obtainable by said method as well as to a reinforced rubber article comprising said treated cord, such as automotive tires.

Abstract: The link plates, bushes or rollers of a transmission chain are treated so as to produce a surface layer of iron bisulphide. The surface improves the resistance of the chain to wear and also accelerates the running-in process.

Abstract: In a chain belt (1) for a continuously variable cone-pulley transmission of a vehicle, lengthwise links (3a, 3b, 3c) are connected by transverse coupling members (2a, 2b) passing through openings (4) in the links. Retainer elements (7) at the ends of the coupling members serve to secure the links against falling off the coupling members or becoming misaligned. The retainer elements are attached to at least selected individual coupling members by resistance welding.

Abstract: A plant (1) includes, an air distillation apparatus (4) having at least one outlet (25) for a nitrogen-rich fluid and an outlet (32) for a product to be delivered in the liquid state and a gas turbine unit (3) having a combustion chamber (17) and an electricity-generating turbine (18), the intake of which is connected to an outlet of the combustion chamber. An expander (13) for expanding a nitrogen-rich fluid in order to generate refrigerating power allowing the liquid product to be delivered, the air distillation apparatus being connected in parallel to the expander (13) and to the intake of an electricity-delivering turbine in order to feed them with at least one nitrogen-rich fluid. Control elements (41,42) are provided for controlling the flow rates of the nitrogen-rich fluid streams sent to the expander (13) and to the electricity-generating turbine (18), respectively, and determination elements (40) for determining the electrical power to be generated by the electricity-generating turbine (18).

Abstract: A gas turbine exhaust passage is realized which may suppress the radiation of strong ultra low frequency noise to the outside without amplifying the turbulence of an high speed exhaust gas flow rate or a pressure pulsation generated in a gas turbine. At least a portion of a wall of a gas turbine exhaust passage (3, 5) is formed of an acoustically transmissive material (36, 56) for allowing a low frequency noise of several tens of Hz or less to pass therethrough sufficiently. Also, the acoustically transmissive material is made of one or more of a porous material, a porous heat insulating material, a mesh having a large flow resistance, cloth or film material. Further, the acoustically transmissive material is supported by a porous plate or a frame. In a case where an acoustically transmissive material is used only for an exhaust chimney (5), the exhaust chimney (5) is supported by a rack (11). Further, a soundproof panel (12) may be attached to the rack (11).

Abstract: A spacecraft component (20) includes a plurality of parts, e.g., a first part (22) and a second part (23) connected to one another, at least the first part (22) being mounted for movement with respect to another of the parts, e.g., the second part (23). At least one microthruster (27) is provided on the first part for actuation thereof and includes a chamber (2, 14), a fluid provided in the chamber and a diaphragm (3, 13) covering an opening in the chamber (2, 14).

Abstract: An engine control system for managing lean NOx trap decontamination uses associated fuel economy impacts to determine when decontamination is enabled. In particular, a maximum achievable benefit provided by lean operation with a decontaminated NOx trap, a present fuel economy benefit being provided by lean operation, and a fuel economy penalty for performing decontamination are used. When a resulting benefit is greater than a penalty, decontamination is enabled.

Abstract: To monitor an exhaust-gas catalytic converter when the internal combustion engine is at its operating temperature, an NOx sensor is used to determine the NOx concentration downstream of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter which is to be diagnosed. During the diagnosis time, the oxygen loading of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter is increased, and the conversion ability of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter is worked out from the NOx concentration which is measured during a plurality of lambda controller oscillations.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes a three-way catalyst and a NOx device located downstream of the three-way catalyst. The device is preconditioned for emissions reduction at engine operating conditions about stoichiometry by substantially filling the device with oxygen and NOx; and purging stored oxygen and stored NOx from only an upstream portion of the device, whereupon the upstream portion of the device operates to store oxygen and NOx during subsequent lean transients while the downstream portion of the device operates to reduce excess HC and CO during subsequent rich transients.

Abstract: An upstream catalyst and a downstream catalyst are disposed in series in an exhaust pipe, and first through third sensors for detecting the air-fuel ratio or an adsorption amount of hazardous components on the rich/lean side of exhaust gases are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the upstream catalyst and the downstream side of the downstream catalyst, respectively. An ECU for controlling an engine controls the air-fuel ratio so that when the adsorption amount of the hazardous components on the rich side of the downstream catalyst is large, that of the hazardous components on the lean side of the upstream catalyst is large. Similarly, the ECU controls the air-fuel ratio so that when the adsorption amount of the hazardous components on the lean side of the downstream catalyst is large, that of the hazardous components on the rich side of the upstream catalyst is large.

Abstract: A metering system in a combustion unit having an exhaust-gas chamber and a reducing agent reservoir includes an electrically controllable valve for introducing the reducing agent into the exhaust-gas chamber without using compressed air. The valve has an outlet opening that opens directly into the exhaust-gas chamber. The outlet opening is fluidically connected to the reservoir through the valve. The metering system can be produced with only little technical outlay. The metering system includes a recirculating circuit, and the valve has a holding chamber for the reducing agent. The holding chamber is disposed downstream of the outlet opening in a reducing agent flow direction, and is fluidically connected into the recirculating circuit. The metering system includes a coolant circuit for cooling the valve.

Abstract: A first NOx-trapping catalyzer unit is disposed on an upstream part of an exhaust passage. A second NOx-trapping catalyzer unit is disposed on a downstream part of the exhaust passage. A structure is provided that causes the first NOx-trapping catalyzer unit to be exposed to a relatively high temperature environment and causes the second NOx-trapping catalyzer unit to be exposed to a relatively low temperature environment. Each of the first and second NOx-trapping catalyzer units traps NOx when the exhaust gas applied thereto shows a leaner air/fuel ratio and releases and reduces NOx when the exhaust gas applied thereto shows a stoichiometric or richer air/fuel ratio. The first NOx-trapping catalyzer unit shows the basicity that is higher than that of the second NOx-trapping catalyzer unit or the first NOx-trapping catalyzer shows the reducing ability that is lower than that of the second NOx-trapping catalyzer unit.

Abstract: A hydrostatic steering system of the type including a fluid controller (21) for controlling the flow of fluid from a source (11) to a steering actuator (19) in response to movement of a steering wheel (W). The controller (21) is of the type having a fluid meter (65) including a moveable star member (95), the movement of which corresponds to the flow of fluid to the actuator (19). The controller includes a sensor assembly (125) which senses the movement of the star member (95) and generates an electrical signal (127) representative of the fluid flow through the fluid meter (65).

Abstract: In a motor vehicle provided with an internal combustion engines and at least one auxiliary hydraulic mechanism, a system is provided that integrates pressurizing hydraulic fluid for the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism using of heat energy from the engine exhaust gases, and using the inertial energy from the voluntary slowing of the speed of the engine, as well as assisting in the starting system of the engine. The system includes a gas turbine (1), hydraulic pump (2), hydraulic accumulator (3), microcomputer (10), a hydraulic machined(11), a mechanical transmission (12), a tank (13) and piping, sensors and valves. A hydraulic transmission is positioned between the gas turbine (1) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), and a reverse hydraulic transmission is positioned between the shaft of the engine (15) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), so that the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism (14) can be fed with hydraulic liquid under pressure from the hydraulic accumulator (3).

Abstract: A hydraulic drive unit is disclosed which can prevent the occurrence of cavitation at the time of turning OFF of a hydraulic motor without greatly modifying the circuit configuration and the entire system and which, as a result, can improve the deceleration feeling of the hydraulic motor and prevent the occurrence of a low noise.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle assembly is drivingly connected to a power source and the power source is activated through an electric starter circuit. The hydrostatic transaxle includes an axial type hydrostatic transmission module having a pump which includes a plurality of axially arranged cylinders each including a piston therein. A tiltable swash plate includes a lateral surface rotatable within the hydrostatic transmission casing. The swash plate is in engagement with the plurality of pistons wherein tilting of the swash plate effectuates fluid displacement of the pump. A neutral switch is fixed relative to the transmission casing and includes a registering portion engaged with the swash plate to detect a neutral position and correspondingly allow starting of an electric starter through the starter circuit. A neutral adjustment assembly includes a control rod rotatably supported by the casing and a two piece shift lever is attached thereto.

Abstract: A system for estimating turbocharger rotational speed includes a first pressure sensor producing a first pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air supplied by a turbocharger compressor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, a second pressure sensor producing a second pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air entering the turbocharger compressor, a temperature sensor producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature entering the compressor, a speed sensor producing a speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the engine, and a control computer estimating the turbocharger rotational speed as a function of the first pressure signal, the second pressure signal, the temperature signal and the speed signal.

Abstract: A 90° swivel connector capable of rotating 360° has threads on one end that screw into a threaded hole in a boss on a compressor portion of a turbocharger and has barbs on the other end of the swivel connector for receiving and retaining a hose. The 360° rotation enables alignment of the swivel connector with the hose to prevent kinking of the hose when the relative angular position of the connector and hose is varied to facilitate diverse engine usage.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbocharger and a compound power turbine connected to the crankshaft of the engine and an exhaust gas recirculation system extending between the engine exhaust duct upstream of the exhaust gas turbine and the intake duct downstream of the compressor of the exhaust gas turbocharger, the exhaust gas turbine and the compound power turbine have a size relationship determined by the power absorption capability &phgr; of each turbine such that: φ = m . ⁢ T p wherein: {dot over (m)} is the exhaust gas mass flow rate through the turbine, T is the exhaust gas temperature at the turbine inlet, and p is the exhaust gas pressure at the turbine outlet and the maximal compound power turbine absorption capability exceeds the maximal absorption capability of the exhaust gas turbine.

Abstract: As geothermal steam containing contaminants such as boron, arsenic, and mercury is passed through a turbine-condenser system, the contaminants preferentially collect in the initial condensate produced from the steam. Collecting this initially-produced condensate and segregating it from the remainder of the steam being condensed ensures that condensate produced from the remainder of the steam is contaminants-lean, preferably containing the contaminants in concentrations allowing for discharge of the contaminants-lean condensate to the environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing power and desalinated water from geothermal fluid according to the present invention comprises: a geothermal power plant that produces power from geothermal fluid supplied thereto; means for supplying sea water to the condenser of said geothermal power plant that produces heated sea water; and a desalination plant to which the heated sea water is supplied and which produces drinking water. Preferably, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an organic Rankine cycle geothermal power plant that produces power. Alternatively, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an organic combined cycle Rankine cycle geothermal power plant that produces power. In a further alternative, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises a closed cycle steam geothermal power plant that produces power. In a still further alternative, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an ammonia cycle geothermal power plant that produces power.

Abstract: An oxygen selective ion transport membrane is integrated with a boiler furnace to generate steam and, optionally, high purity oxygen and nitrogen. The heat required to drive the system is obtained by the combustion of an oxygen transported through the oxygen selective ion transport membrane with a high BTU fuel such as methane or natural gas. NOx compound formation is minimized either by utilizing a combustion products diluted air/fuel mixture for combustion in the boiler furnace or by limiting combustion to a mixture of oxygen and a fuel.

Abstract: A closed loop Rankine bottoming cycle including a heat exchanger coupled to an exhaust port of a first turbogenerator for heating a pressurized refrigerant into a gaseous phase, and a second turbogenerator (e.g., a turbo expander) coupled to the heat exchanger for expanding the gaseous phase so as to create power. Also included is a cooling mechanism coupled to an exhaust of the second turbogenerator for cooling the gaseous phase exhausted by the second turbogenerator into a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for pressurizing the liquid phase into the pressurized refrigerant heated by the heat exchanger. A computer program product and method for operating and synchronizing the generator included in the closed loop, so as to optimize the overall system efficiency is also included.

Abstract: A fuel and gas mixer for a gas turbine combustor includes a body member. The body member has a truncated conical annulus, with its smaller end which communicates with a smaller end of a downstream truncated conical chamber. Gaseous fuel is injected into the annulus through hollow spokes arranged radially in the annulus and mixes with air flow introduced from air upstream passages. The velocity of the primary mixture of the fuel and air in the annulus increases when the flow is directed towards the downstream chamber because the truncated conical shape of the annulus reduces the cross-section of the flow passageway downstream-wise. With increased velocity, the primary mixture is diffused when entering the truncated conical chamber and is further mixed with air introduced from downstream air passages.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant for limiting a sudden increase of load of the gas turbine, i.e., of the amount of fuel, and suppressing a stress of the turbine, or for maintaining a suitable fuel-air ratio is disclosed. The plant includes a controller comprising a section for calculating a governor signal for controlling the degree of opening of the fuel valve, based on a revolution speed of the gas turbine; and a section for calculating a load-limiting signal for following the governor signal, wherein when the governor signal decreases, the load-limiting signal is larger than it by a predetermined value, while when the governor signal increases, the increase rate of the load-limiting signal has a predetermined upper limit. The controller also comprises a limiting section, into which both signals are input, for limiting the upper value of the governor signal by using the load-limiting signal as an upper limit.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power includes a gas turbine unit having a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, a combustion chamber to which the compressed air is supplied, a source of relatively high grade fuel for burning in the combustion chamber and producing combustion gases, and a gas turbine connected to generator and to the compressor for expanding the combustion gases and producing exhaust gases. The apparatus further includes a combustor that burns relatively low grade fuel, and produces combustion products, and an indirect contact heat exchanger responsive to the combustion products for heating the compressed air before the latter is applied to the combustion chamber, and for producing cooled combustion products. In addition, an energy converter is provided having an organic working fluid responsive to the exhaust gases for converting heat in the exhaust gases to electricity.

Abstract: An airblast fuel injector assembly for use in conjunction with a gas turbine is disclosed which includes an elongated tubular body having first and second concentric tubes separated from one another by a helical spacer wire so as to define a fuel passage therebetween. The injector assembly is situated such that fuel flow exiting the fuel passage is intersected by an air flow at a predetermined angle of incidence so as to atomize the fuel flow.

Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system and method of making such a thermoelectric system are disclosed. Significant thermal isolation between thermoelectric elements in at least one direction across a thermoelectric system provides increased efficiency over conventional thermoelectric arrays. Significant thermal isolation is also provided for at least one heat exchanger coupled to the thermoelectric elements. In one embodiment, the properties, such as resistance or current flow, of the thermoelectric elements may also be varied in at least one direction across a thermoelectric array. In addition, the mechanical configuration of the thermoelectric elements may be varied, in one embodiment, according to dynamic adjustment criteria.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for a Dewar vessel combines an insulative vapor plug and a vapor barrier. The plug is sized so as to define an open space between it and the neck portion of the Dewar vessel to allow venting of vaporous cryogen from the inner vessel of the Dewar vessel through a Dewar opening. The vapor barrier provides an interference between the plug and the neck portion that disrupts venting of vaporous cryogen but does not form an airtight seal that would block venting and cause unacceptable build-up of pressure within the inner vessel. Multiple vapor barriers, especially four or more, provide multiple interferences that create multiple chambers between the plug and the neck portion. Each interference disrupts migration of vaporous cryogen as an incremental increase (e.g., 2 psig or less) in vapor pressure of each chamber causes the chamber to breach and then another incremental increase in vapor pressure of the liquid cryogen in the vaporous state is required to breach each successive chamber.

Abstract: An angled germicidal lamp is used to illuminate a coil and drain pan for optimum energy utilization. In one embodiment, a variable angled mount is used for positioning a germicidal lamp at a desired angle at the time of installation. In a second embodiment, a fixed angled mount is used for installation where the desired angle of mounting is known prior to installation. The angled germicidal lamp may be used with any coil installation, including flat, tilted and A-coils. For A-coil installations, a preformed delta plate is provided to ease installation.

Abstract: There is provided a hybrid heat pump system. The system includes (i) a membrane permeator having a permselective membrane capable of selectively removing vapor from a vapor-containing gas to yield a dry gas, (ii) a heat pump having (a) an internal side for exchanging thermal energy with a process fluid, (b) an external side for exchanging thermal energy with an external environment, and (c) a thermodynamic mechanism for pumping thermal energy between the internal side and the external side in either direction, (iii) means for conveying the vapor-containing gas into the membrane permeator, and (iv) means for routing the dry gas to either of the internal side or the external side.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vertically extending airflow distribution assembly for reducing vertical temperature gradients therein, and laterally extending air passages are in flow communication with the air distribution assembly for reducing horizontal temperature gradients therein. A single fan simultaneously directs freezer compartment air into the air distribution assembly, the laterally extending passages and into a storage drawer for temperature regulation therein. A damper is located in flow communication with a light assembly and is selectively positionable to cool the refrigeration compartment through the air distribution assembly and the laterally extending passages, as well as to remove heat from the light assembly that may damage a refrigeration compartment liner.

Abstract: A method and a device for use in the air conditioning of an interior of a motor vehicle equipped with an air conditioning system. In particular, the condensation water, produced when operating the air conditioning system while driving, is collected when the vehicle is standing still, and the intake air supplied to the interior or the outgoing air removed from the interior is humidified with the collected water so that the vehicle is cooled by evaporative cooling when it is standing still. While driving, the outside air intake may be pre-cooled by the cooled outgoing air by using a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A humid gas stream is dehumidified by bringing that stream into contact with the front surface of a hydrophilic capillary condenser layer that captures the water and moves it adjacent the rear surface of the capillary layer. An osmotic layer, such as a semi-permeable membrane, is disposed on the rear surface of the condenser layer, and an osmotic fluid having a low concentration of water therein, is disposed adjacent the osmotic layer. An osmotic driving force, resulting from the water concentration gradient across the osmotic layer, transports the condensed water from the condensing layer through the thickness of the osmotic layer and into an osmotic fluid. The osmotic layer also inhibits the osmotic fluid from flowing into the condenser layer.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a compressor for increasing a temperature and a pressure of a refrigerant vapor, a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, an expansion device for decreasing the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant liquid, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to the expansion device for evaporating the refrigerant liquid by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant liquid and a second fluid. The refrigeration system also comprises a heat exchanger having a first flow path fluidly coupled to the compressor and the evaporator and a second flow path fluidly coupled to the condenser and the expansion valve. The heat exchanger is adapted to superheat the refrigerant vapor in the first flow path and subcool the refrigerant liquid in the second flow path by transferring thermal energy between the refrigerant in the first and second flow paths.

Abstract: A thermosiphon is provided of low cost and simple construction and having a condenser which can reliably discharge a condensed working fluid from an outlet pipe even if the apparatus is somewhat inclined. A thermosiphon 1 comprises a condenser 2 connected to a cold part B of a refrigeration apparatus A, and a capillary 3a and a large diameter pipe 3b connected to the condenser 2 and which can pass a working fluid thereinside. The condenser 2 comprises; an attachment part 4 attached to the cold part B for conducting cold from the cold part B, and a condensing part 5 provided at an end of the attachment part 4 for condensing the working fluid. The condensing part 5 has a cavity portion 6 thereinside, and an inside bottom part 6a of the cavity portion 6 is formed descending towards an outlet hole 12 communicating with the capillary 3a for the working fluid.

Abstract: When a flooded compressor in a refrigeration unit begins to run, refrigerant that has been absorbed into the oil is suddenly released, causing the crankcase to be filled with a sudsy mixture of refrigerant and oil. This mixture is then drawn into the suction manifold, cylinders, and compressor heads, in addition to being pumped out into the refrigeration system. When a flooded compressor startup condition in a mobile refrigeration unit is sensed, the compressor is shut down for a specified period of time to allow the oil in the system and on the compressor heads to drain back into the compressor oil sump before running the compressor again. The flooded compressor condition is determined by checking whether a suction superheat, a discharge superheat, and a suction pressure are all within specified operating parameters for a specified period of time after the compressor is started.

Abstract: A refrigeration system generally including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. A refrigerant expansion tank is connected to the suction side of the compressor to vary the charge of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Preferably, the expansion tank adds additional refrigerant to the system only after it has reached, is near, or at least is approaching, its operating point. The additional refrigerant is removed from the refrigerant fluid path and contained within the expansion tank when the refrigeration system is turned off.