Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: A stairway includes a one-piece fiber reinforced plastic base having a plurality of riser surfaces and tread surfaces forming steps and a landing surface. The tread surfaces and the landing surface are configured to include an integral reinforcement surface region extending along a length of each tread surface and the landing. A preformed plastic tread member is fastened on a respective one of the tread surfaces of the base, and a preformed plastic landing member fastened on the landing surface. The base includes a front wall region, first and second side wall regions and a rear wall region integrally formed as one-piece and includes an outer filled resin layer and a plurality of fiber reinforced filled resin layers.

Abstract: A lintel support brace having a top portion, an opposing bottom portion adjustably coupled to the top portion, and a support arm coupled to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are configured to be attached to an adjoining header.

Abstract: The walls of a wooden log building are provided with vertical support columns acting upon horizontal logs within the walls. The support columns prevent the logs, or groups of logs, from moving downward due to log shrinkage. Each support column comprises a vertical stack of log supports. Each support comprises an elongated support element, such as a pipe, and a plate element removably secured to an end of the support element. The plate elements support bottom surfaces of the logs and substantially prevent such bottom surfaces from moving downward. The weight of the building is concentrated within the support columns.

Abstract: A finish trim for use in dry wall construction having an elongated core that is configured with a flange having outwardly facing surfaces to which is affixed a pre-shrunk covering strip.

Abstract: The structural framing system comprises a steel beam that supports flooring components interconnected through the addition of a solidifying material such as poured concrete. A structural framing system is created by anchoring steel beams to vertical columns, spanning floor sections between the steel beams, pouring concrete into the interior of the beams and contacting the flooring components, and then forming a rigid joint between the steel beam, floor sections and columns through the addition of a bonding layer.

Abstract: A flooring device for aligning and laying tiles. The flooring device includes a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface. The panel is flexible. The upper surface has a plurality of recesses therein bounded by ridges. A plurality of tiles each has a shape substantially identical to the recesses. Each of the tiles is positionable in one of the recesses. Each of the tiles has an upper edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral edge extending between the upper and bottom edges.

Abstract: A wall panel for a storage building is provided. The wall panel includes a first arcuate ridged region bounded by a first inner clamping surface, and a second inner clamping surface. The wall panel also includes a second arcuate ridged region bounded by a first outer clamping surface and a second outer clamping surface. The second arcuate ridged region of a first wall panel is adapted to securely overlap and snap-fit interconnect with said first arcuate ridged region of a second adjacent wall panel.

Abstract: A space frame (10) has upper chord lower grids (12, 14) of intersecting chords (16, 18). The chords (16, 18) are interconnected by bracing modules (30), the bracing modules (30) being spaced apart from one another in each grid direction. The bracing modules (30) are formed from four bracing members (32), the bracing members (32) being arranged in mutually inclined pairs, the bracing members (32) of each pair extending between upper and lower chords (16, 18) extending in the same grid direction. Each pair of bracing members (32) crosses the other pair of bracing members (32), the point of crossing (34) coinciding or being positioned between each member of the other pair of bracing members (32) and either the upper or lower chord (16, 18) associated with the other pair of bracing members (32).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for covering a roof with seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from a polymeric composition of matter comprising the steps of: applying layers of sheet material prepared from a seamable polymeric composition of matter to the roof being covered, overlapping adjacent edges of said layers, and adhering the overlapped areas to provide an acceptable seam strength; wherein the composition of matter comprises an interpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and at least two nonconjugated dienes, each having one reactive double bond.

Abstract: A device for and method of robotically crating objects, such as consumer goods, being capable of securing an upstanding enclosure to a recyclable pallet having structural uprights. The device conveys a pallet and enclosure assembly into a work station, installs a number of threaded fasteners into predetermined locations in the top and two adjacent sides of the assembly, rotates the assembly one-hundred eighty degrees, installs fasteners into the two remaining sides, rotates the assembly back to the initial position, and conveys the secured crate assembly out of the work station. The device includes the ability to detect the number of times a recyclable pallet has been used, and to adjust the exact locations of fasteners accordingly, thereby assuring that new fasteners are always installed into an unused fastener location.

Abstract: A machine for forming individual packages from a web of preopened and interconnected bags one at a time is disclosed. A web is fed along a path of travel from a supply to a load station. A pair of nip rolls are positioned along the path near the load station. A printer is positioned along the path between the supply and the nip rolls. A nip roll drive is provided for rotating the nip rolls selectively and one at a time at a printing rate for the feed of the web when the printer is operating and at a faster feed rate for positioning a bag at the load station when the printer is not operating. A supply station tensioner is provided for tensioning a web along the path such that the printer when operating prints a section of a tensioned web.

Abstract: A device for welding or combined cutting and welding comprises a heating element, the heating rail of which is heated and cools down in each work cycle, and an opposed tool which has a rail made of elastic material.

Abstract: A machine for engaging/disengaging a cover with a microplate. The machine is manually operated by hand crank. By turning the crank in one direction, a user may engage a cover with microplate. Turning the crank in the opposite direction disengages a cover from a microplate. User safety is enhanced by the machine which isolates the user from direct contact with potentially hazardous material and sharp edged covers.

Abstract: A screw-tightening spindle comprising a drive sleeve associated with a chuck comprising a cylindrical support member fitted with moving jaws, the cylindrical support member being provided externally with at least one stud extending radially outwards, the sleeve including at least one slot having a first segment opening out in a free edge of the sleeve and a second segment having an end portion forming an angle relative to the sleeve suitable for retaining the stud in the end portion of the slot when the stud is engaged therein, the sleeve being fitted with a ring having at least one stop extending radially inwards and received in the slot, the ring being mounted on the sleeve to slide between a locking position in which the stop extends in the first segment of the slot in register with the second segment, and an unlocking position in which the stop is retracted into a third segment of the slot.

Abstract: A form and seal unit (1) for producing aseptic sealed packages from a tube (2) of packaging material filled with a pourable food product; the unit having a fixed structure (3), and two forming assemblies (5, 5′) interacting alternately and cyclically with the tube (2) of packaging material, and in turn having respective pairs of jaws (7) movable between an open position and a closed position in which the jaws grip the tube (2) of packing material between respective sealing members (13, 14), and respective forming flaps (21) having respective half-shell forming portions (22) which surround the tube (2) of packaging material to determine the shape and volume of the packages; the closing movement of the forming flaps (21) about the tube (2) of packaging material is controlled by cams (30) carried by the forming flaps (21) and interacting with rollers (64) fixed to the structure (3) of the unit (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag made of a sealable material and containing a comminuted product. The bag is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve through which a hollow probe can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members close to form an outer temporary seal above an intermediate region of the bag above the level of the surface of the charge in the bag where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag above the surface of the charge. With the probe extended through the sleeve into the bag, the bag is evacuated through the probe. After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe, a pair of sealing members close against the intermediate region of the bag in order to form a permanent seal for the bag.

Abstract: A vented closure, for preventing deformation of a container containing a gas evolving liquid, is provided. The closure includes a first closure member and a second closure member. The first closure member seals the container from the outside atmosphere and defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is placed in the gas flow passage. The second closure member is moveably fitted on the first closure member and encases the first closure member with a small clearance fit that allows gas passage. A sealing element coupled to the second closure member is aligned with the gas outlet of the first member so as to block gas flow when a predetermined load is applied to the second closure member and allow gas flow when the predetermined load is absent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bag for packaging food products whose materials can be easily recycled. A bag for packaging food products is formed of a laminated film having a structure of polyester-type sealant layer with a low melting, point/barrier layer (vapor-deposited layer of ceramic or metal)/polyester-type heat resistant layer with a high melting point. The bag is formed by heat sealing the film such that the polyester-type low melting point sealant layer forms an inner side.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product package employs a clear plastic member that includes at least one cavity within which one or more pharmaceutical products may be located. The cavity is preferably centrally located within the boundaries of the overall package in a lower portion thereof. The clear plastic member preferably includes one or more additional elongated structural protrusions that extend outward in the same direction as the cavity for housing the pharmaceutical products. These elongated structural protrusions are formed lengthwise parallel to and near the edges of the package. The pharmaceutical package of the present invention also desirably includes a central void or opening in the clear plastic material which is preferably located above the cavity for the solid pharmaceutical. The void provides location for receiving a hook or other protruding member for hanging the product package on the hook or other protruding member.

Abstract: A cutting machine including a frame which can be hitched to a tractor and carries a cutting mechanism including a large cross section rotor equipped with knives which are mounted on axes arranged in pockets provided in the rotor. Each knife is mounted on an individual axis located in a pocket so as to be situated inside the outer periphery of the rotor and wherein this rotor, on at least one side of each pocket, has a concave recess for fitting or removing the corresponding axis.

Abstract: Crop harvesting headers include a sickle knife having a cutter bar defining a flange projecting forwardly from the header frame structure and extending across the header frame structure with a plurality of knife guards mounted on the cutter bar at spaced positions thereon so as to project forwardly therefrom. Each knife guard has at least one guard carrier lug for attachment to the flange by a bolt passing through a hole in the lug and a corresponding hole in the flange with a head on one end of the bolt and a nut on the other end of the bolt for clamping the lug to the flange. On crop harvesting headers of this type, it is often desirable to have the ability to change the knife guard angle to suit the crop and ground condition and this is obtained by providing a first elongate bar type shim located between the lug and the flange and a second shim located on the bolt.

Abstract: A rake wheel construction for an agricultural hay rake includes a central hub and a series of rake fingers that extend outwardly from the central hub. A peripheral rim is located outwardly of the central hub, and each rake finger is engaged with the rim at a location between an inner end and an outer end defined by the rake finger. An open area is located between the central hub and the peripheral rim, and a disc member is located in the open area between the central hub and the peripheral rim. A series of bracket members are secured to the disc member, and are located inwardly of the peripheral rim, and a brace member extends between the central hub and each bracket member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing ropes, cables or the like, whereby an envelope of a flexible, web-shaped material, for example paper, is produced around at least one central core, for example a conductor, moved in the direction of its longitudinal axis, and the structure that has arisen in this way is stranded in a traditional way while being moved, for example with a SZ stranding, whereby at least one further layer of plastic material can also be applied onto the moving, stranded structure in any case, preferably by extrusion.

Abstract: A thermal power plant comprises: an air compressor which compresses a sucked air to generate a high pressure air; a gas turbine combustor adapted to supply a fuel to the high pressure air from the air compressor to generate a combustion gas; a high pressure gas turbine adapted to perform an expansion working of the combustion gas from the gas turbine combustor and generate an exhaust gas; a low pressure gas turbine and adapted to perform an expansion working of the exhaust gas from the high pressure gas turbine and generate an exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide; and a carbon dioxide absorbing and discharging equipment located on an outlet side of the low pressure gas turbine, the carbon dioxide absorbing and discharging equipment being provided with a carbon dioxide absorbing and discharging agent having a property of absorbing the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas supplied from the low pressure gas turbine and decomposing the absorbed carbonate by the exhaust gas supplied from the high pressure

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: To provide a heating device for an external combustion engine, which is capable of improving the stabilization of combustion in a controlled state with a relatively small quantity of heat and for controlling the properties of an exhaust gas. An increased long-time operation of the external combustion engine is achieved by the present invention. A heating device for an external combustion engine includes a combustion housing provided for surrounding a heating portion of an external combustion engine. An fuel-air mixer is provided at one end of the combustion housing and an exhaust pipe provided at the other end of the combustion housing. An oxidation catalyst is disposed in the combustion housing for accelerating the combustion of a fuel-air mixture of fuel and air supplied through the fuel-air mixer.

Abstract: A system for determining the effectiveness of a catalytic coating on a catalytic converter in a motor vehicle. The system provides a driver or maintenance staff status of the catalytic function provided by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter which is downstream from a heat exchanger connected to a cooling system in an engine in a motor vehicle. The catalytic converter is arranged to be heated by an air flow passing through the catalytic converter. The catalytic coating on the catalytic converter converts environmentally harmful substances in ambient air into substances which are not harmful to the environment. The motor vehicle also includes a control unit and a sensor. The sensor is connected to the control unit and is able to determine a degree of conversion of one or more environmentally harmful substances by the catalytic coating on the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method is described for preventing early degradation of an exhaust treatment device installed in a diesel powered vehicle, the treatment device having an active element located within a casing by means of a mat surrounding the active element. The method comprises temporarily operating the engine at an early stage following the installation of the exhaust treatment device in an alternative mode wherein the temperature of the exhaust treatment device is raised sufficiently to cause the mat surrounding the active element of the exhaust treatment device to pop.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling decontamination of an emission control device. Temperature of the emission control device is maintained at a desired temperature by operating some cylinders of the engine lean and others rich. These lean and rich mixtures react exothermically in the exhaust gas and in the emission control device to generate heat. Efficient contaminant removal is obtained by oscillating the mixture air-fuel ratio about stoichiometry. This oscillation is provided by adjusting the fuel provided to the rich cylinders, or by adjusting the air provided to the lean cylinders, thereby minimizing any torque disturbance corresponding to the oscillations in exhaust air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: In an exhaust emission control apparatus of an internal combustion engine with an intake air flow control valve controlling intake air flow exerting an influence upon a behavior of fuel injected from a fuel injector, and an electric valve actuator electrically operated by a storage battery serving as an electric power source to drive the intake air flow control valve, an electronic control unit is provided for controlling an opening of the intake air flow control valve. The control unit controls the opening of the intake air flow control valve to a predetermined intermediate valve opening by the valve actuator during an engine stopping period. Also, the control unit holds the intake air flow control valve at the predetermined intermediate valve opening to which the intake air flow control valve has been driven in advance during the engine stopping period, by inhibiting operation of the valve actuator during an engine-cranking operating mode at a starting period.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the flow in the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, in particular, at the outlet on the exhaust side of an exhaust turbocharger fitted downstream of an internal combustion engine, comprises a guide baffle (3, 8), which, in turn, comprises a plurality of web plates (6) extending in the direction of the flow transversely to the exhaust pipe (1).

Abstract: A braking system (S) for braking a rotor (5, 9, 106) relative to a stator (1C, 1′C), said system comprising two series of brake disks (102, 104) secured respectively to the stator and to the rotor and disposed in a disk enclosure (100). The system further comprises a brake piston device (108, 114, 116) urged continuously in the braking direction by resilient return means (118). The piston device is urged in the brake release direction by feeding a brake release chamber (120) with fluid, and it is urged in the braking direction by feeding a braking chamber (124) with fluid. The braking system includes a cooling device for cooling the brake disks (102, 104) by means of fluid flow, which device is provided with a cooling duct (140) branching from the brake release duct (122) which feeds the brake release chamber (120) and communicating with the disk enclosure (100). It is provided with means (148) for limiting the quantity of cooling fluid tapped by the cooling duct (140) from the brake release duct (122).

Abstract: A drive device comprising a closed hydraulic circuit which has a hydraulic drive adapted to be actuated by hydraulic medium and has a hydraulic pump responsible for the supply and removal of the hydraulic medium to and from the hydraulic drive. For the operation of the hydraulic pump an electric motor is provided. The activation of the hydraulic drive is controlled by the operational state of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator comprises supplying maximum control voltage to an SMA actuator where an object having a position to be controlled by the SMA actuator were to move toward a target position upon supply of non-zero control voltage, and the instantaneous actual position of the object is at a distance above a predetermined threshold from the target position. A variably controlled voltage is supplied to the SMA actuator between the maximum voltage and about zero voltage where the object to be controlled were to move toward the target position upon supply of the variably controlled voltage, and the instantaneous actual position of the object is at a distance below the predetermined threshold from the target position.

Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. A gas passage interconnects the first and second cylinders. The gas passage includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger with a variable turbine geometry can be adjusted in the fired engine operation by an automatic turbine controller to a definable desired supercharging pressure in the intake port. In the braking operation, the turbocharger can be adjusted by an engine braking system with an automatic braking controller as a function of operating parameters of the internal-combustion engine into a ram position which increases the pressure in the exhaust gas system. A change-over element is provided for the change-over between the engine braking system and the automatic turbine controller. To make the exhaust gas turbocharger variable, the automatic turbine controller and the engine braking system each have a modular design and a separate construction. A manual braking signal to the engine braking system, can be generated in a manually adjustable brake operating device. A change-over element is provided for changing over between the automatic braking controller and the brake operating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine diagnostic system for detecting malfunctions in an engine system having a variable geometry turbine exhaust system. The engine diagnosis system includes an electronic control module adapted to periodically initiate a preprogrammed variable geometry turbine diagnostic routine.

Abstract: A turbocharger assembly has a housing (1) in which is formed a turbine volute inlet duct (4) having a butterfly valve (8) disposed therein and a bypass duct (6) which contains a swing valve (15), the valves being operable to control the flow of exhaust gas through each duct. A link member (30) is mounted for rotation about the pivot axis (21) of the swing valve (15) and has an opening in which an actuating pin (20) engages with a tolerance fit so as to non-rotatably connect the swing valve (15) to the link plate (30). The link plate also has an elongated channel (34) along which an actuating pin (13) of the butterfly valve travels upon rotation of the link plate (30) about the pivot axis (21). The elongated channel has a first portion (34a) which extends along an arc centred on the axis of rotation (21) and a second portion (34b) which extends along an arc whose centre is offset from said axis (21).

Abstract: An exhaust gas alternator system for a diesel powered motor vehicle including a Stirling engine operating through a heat input of waste heat from a diesel engine exhaust to drive an electrical alternator. The cooler of the Stirling engine receives liquid engine coolant. An auxiliary diesel fuel burner may be operated to provide heat input for said Stirling engine when the diesel engine is not operated. The system may be used in an exhaust circuit having a catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method for setting a supercharged internal combustion engine having exhaust-gas recirculation in which exhaust gas is fed from an exhaust tract of the engine arranged upstream of a turbine into an intake tract of the engine arranged downstream of a compressor. The fuel quantity injected into the combustion spaces of the internal combustion engine is set in dependence on the load. To adapt the exhaust-gas recirculation to any operating point of the engine, there is a provision for recirculating exhaust gases from only some of the cylinders, which assume the function of exhaust-gas dispenser cylinders, and for setting the injection of fuel into these dispenser cylinders independently of the remaining cylinders.

Abstract: A cyclone combustor of the present invention uses a novel pre-mixture injection scheme to optimize performance. The cyclone combustor includes a cylindrical combustor can and three fuel/air premixing tubes entering the combustor can radially, with a tangential offset. The tangential offset is designed to provide an optimized circulation in the combustor can for improvement of liner life span, flame stability and engine turn-down. The ignition and pilot fuel systems are placed to take advantage of the premixing tube entry locations and the tangential direction of the mixture flow momentum in the combustor can. The special combination of the parallel axes of the combustor can and the mixing tubes provides a right angle between an outlet section and the major tube section of each premixing tube. The cyclone combustor of the present invention can meet the requirements for low NOx and CO emissions.

Abstract: A valve assembly that is useful for controlling fuel delivery utilizes turbine power available from the steady state fuel flow within the valve assembly. A turbine element, which is moved by the steady state fuel flow, provides a motive force to a valve element that controls fuel delivery through selected outlet members of the valve arrangement. A rotating cage valve member preferably is coupled with the turbine element so that the valve member rotates responsive to movement of the turbine element. A controller determines the rate of rotation of the valve member and selectively controls a braking actuator to control the movement of the turbine element and the valve member.

Abstract: A combustor liner for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a first cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof, and a second annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a second cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof. The second panel section is joined at its forward end to the aft end of the first panel section. A first row of cooling holes is located in the first cooling nugget, and a second row of cooling holes is located in the second cooling nugget. A group of dilution holes is located in the first panel section. The dilution holes are located at the aft end of the first panel section, immediately upstream of the second cooling nugget. Furthermore, each one of the dilution holes defines an aftmost edge, and all of the aftmost edges are axially aligned, even if the dilution holes have different hole diameters.

Abstract: A gas turbine system that includes a compressor, a turbine component and a load, wherein fuel and compressor discharge bleed air are supplied to a combustor and gaseous products of combustion are introduced into the turbine component and subsequently exhausted to atmosphere. A compressor discharge bleed air circuit removes bleed air from the compressor and supplies one portion of the bleed air to the combustor and another portion of the compressor discharge bleed air to an exhaust stack of the turbine component in a single cycle system, or to a heat recovery steam generator in a combined cycle system. In both systems, the bleed air diverted from the combustor may be expanded in an air expander to reduce pressure upstream of the exhaust stack or heat recovery steam generator.

Abstract: A single circuit fuel injector apparatus having a bifurcated recirculation zone is provided. The single circuit injector includes an injector tip having an aft facing tapered surface which is communicated with a plurality of fuel injector ports. A radially inward tapered conical air splitter directs sweep air over the tapered injector tip. An air blast atomizer filmer lip is disposed concentrically outward from the tapered tip. In a low power operating mode, fuel exiting the fuel injector ports is entrained within a centralized sweep air stream. In a high power operating mode, the majority of the fuel exiting the fuel injection ports has sufficient momentum to carry it across the sweep air stream so that it falls upon the main fuel filmer lip and is entrained in an outer main air stream.

Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system, refrigerant compressed in a first compressor is cooled and condensed in a radiator, and refrigerant from the radiator branches into main-flow refrigerant and supplementary-flow refrigerant. The main-flow refrigerant is decompressed in an expansion unit while expansion energy of the main-flow refrigerant is converted to mechanical energy. Thus, the enthalpy of the main-flow refrigerant is reduced along an isentropic curve. Therefore, even when the pressure within the evaporator increases, refrigerating effect is prevented from being greatly reduced in the refrigerant cycle system. Further, refrigerant flowing into the radiator is compressed using the converted mechanical energy. Thus, coefficient of performance of the refrigerant cycle system is improved.