Abstract: A strap detector is used with an automatic strapping machine. The strap detector includes a strap detector mounting bracket mounted to the automatic strapping machine, and a pivot block attached to the mounting bracket. The pivot block has an aperture formed therein. A shaft is positioned in the pivot block aperture, and a finger is mounted to a free end of the shaft. A guide block is positioned along the shaft and spaced from the free end, and a sensor is operatively coupled to the detector mounting bracket proximal the guide block. The finger is engaged by sealed strapping material and, when the strapping material is properly sealed, movement of the strapping head away from the articles moves the guide block into a position to change a state of the sensor.

Abstract: String of packing cushions formed by two superposed layers of flexible plastic film sealed together along transversely extending lines to form a series of closed chambers, loose fill packing material in the chambers, and perforations in the film between the chambers defining tear lines by which the cushions can be separated. In certain disclosed embodiments, the string of cushions is made by positioning an elongated length of flexible plastic tubing about a chute, drawing a section of the tubing from the chute, introducing loose fill packing material through the chute into the section of the tubing which has been drawn from the chute, sealing the walls of the tubing together along a transversely extending seal line above the loose fill packing material to close the section and form a cushion, perforating the tubing along a transversely extending tear line above the cushion, and repeating the process to form successive cushions separated by tear lines.

Abstract: A method of handling an object using a robot end effector. The method includes providing a robot having an end effector supporting a pair of carriages, providing a pair of fingers for each carriage, moving the end effector over an object, grasping an object with the fingers, moving the object with the end effector to a container, and depositing the object by counter-rotating the pairs of fingers. One or both of the carriages is movable toward the other carriage to engage objects on a conveyor system with the fingers. The robot moves the end effector between the conveyor system and shipping containers for shipping the objects. Because the pairs of fingers counter-rotate, the friction forces between each finger and the tray is offset by the friction forces between the other finger in the pair and the tray. The improved handling method thereby maintains objects substantially in the desired stacking orientation within the shipping container. Preferably, an actuator is provided for each finger.

Abstract: An overfolding device for overfolding the top panels of a formed, filled and sealed gable top carton is disclosed herein. The overfolding of the top panels eliminates the convexing of the top panels due to a springback effect inherent in the packaging material of the carton, and thus provides a flat top panel for placement of a fitment thereon by a post processing fitment applicator. The overfolding device may be positioned directly subsequent to a top sealing station of a form, fill and seal packaging machine such as a TETRA REX® packaging machine. The overfolding device includes an attachment means, a movement means and a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism may include a plurality of projection members, a plurality of engagement members and a frame.

Abstract: A flexible boot (10) for use with livestock comprising a flat sole (13) made of a relatively harder material and a relatively resilient and extensible wall (11) having the shape of a truncated cone. The wall (11) includes a fastening element comprising (a) an outer fastenable surface and (b) one or more flexible non extensible straps (14,15) attached at one end to the wall (11) and having a reversible hook and eye fastener elements capable of forming a reversible attachment along their length to the wall (11) so that the boot (10) may be fitted over a hoof. In use the boot (10) forms a substantially sealed cavity (19) around the hoof and medication may be introduced into the cavity (19).

Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by an operator. The operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. Thus, the mower includes both sitting and standing modes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the foot platform is located between first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for approximate zero radius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis. The foot platform is positioned near this vertical axis so that the operator when standing may be substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower.

Abstract: A harvester at least one adapting device for receiving a front attachment, wherein a mechanically and/or hydraulically switchable reversing device is associated with at least one of the working components of the agricultural harvesting machine which are at the front in the direction of travel and the front attachment, which is received by the adapting device, can be moved by at least one displacement device into at least one non-working position which is at a distance from the working components of the agricultural harvesting machine, and which forms a gap for passage of crop between the front attachment and these working components. In this way, in the non-working position a through-gap is created between the front attachment and the working components of the harvesting machine, through which the crop stream conveyed out of the agricultural harvesting machine during the reversing process and interspersed with one or more foreign bodies can flow down in the direction of the ground.

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

Abstract: A decorative rope chain and a manufacturing process to produce a rope chain in which each link element used as a basic building element exhibits a unique visual property, such as surface texture, coloration, attribute, feature, characteristic, shape or other physical appearance. Such unique visual property traits for the succession of link elements results in a more attractive, fanciful, more delicate and interesting fashion item. Each of the interconnected link elements may have a first major surface exhibiting a first visual property and an opposite second major surface exhibiting a second, perceptively different, visual property. In other aspects of the invention, the major surfaces of the link elements may have differently colored or textured surface portions. In yet another aspect of the invention, each link element may have differently shaped portions. Similarly, the interior and/or exterior edges of the link element may exhibit different shapes, colors, patterns, or textures.

Abstract: A power plant includes a prime mover for burning fuel and producing work and hot exhaust gases, and heat exchanger apparatus that is responsive to the hot exhaust gases and to pre-heated steam condensate for converting the latter into high-pressure steam and for producing heat depleted exhaust gases. A combustor, preferably, a fluidized bed combustor, is responsive to burning fuel for supplying additional heat to a product of the heat exchanger apparatus, and producing combustion products. The combustion products are supplied to a superheater for producing superheated, high pressure steam from the high pressure steam supplied from the heat exchange apparatus. A high pressure steam turbine expands the superheated, high pressure steam and produces power and exhaust steam that is condensed to steam condensate in a condenser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine power generating system capable of achieving a high output power and a high power generating efficiency under conditions with a small amount of supplied water and little change in design of a gas turbine. A fine water droplet spraying apparatus (11) is disposed in a suction air chamber (22) on the upstream side of an air compressor (2), and a moisture adding apparatus (7) for adding moisture to high pressure air supplied from the compressor (2) is included. A regenerator (5) for heating the air to which moisture has been added by using gas turbine exhaust gas as a heat source is also provided. With this configuration, there can be obtained an effect of reducing power for the compressor (2) and an effect of increasing the output power due to addition of moisture to air (20) for combustion. Further, since the amount of fuel used is reduced by adopting a regenerating cycle, the power generating efficiency is improved.

Abstract: Emission abatement system. The system includes a source of emissions and a catalyst for receiving the emissions. Suitable catalysts are absorber catalysts and selective catalytic reduction catalysts. A plasma fuel converter generates a reducing gas from a fuel source and is connected to deliver the reducing gas into contact with the absorber catalyst for regenerating the catalyst. A preferred reducing gas is a hydrogen rich gas and a preferred plasma fuel converter is a plasmatron. It is also preferred that the absorber catalyst be adapted for absorbing NOx.

Abstract: An upstream-side catalyst is provided at a location in close to an exhaust manifold of an engine. An HC absorbent and a downstream-side catalyst are installed in series at the downstream side. With the upstream-side catalyst put in an inactive state, the HC absorbent absorbs HC having passing through the upstream-side catalyst. After the upstream-side catalyst has been activated, HC released from the HC absorbent is refluxed to the upstream side of the upstream-side catalyst through a reflux path to be removed by the upstream-side catalyst. At that time, the ECU executes catalyst-early-warming control right after an engine start in order to raise the temperature of the upstream-side catalyst at an early time so as to shorten the time it takes to activate the upstream-side catalyst.

Abstract: In the case that an engine is operated in a state where an in-cylinder air/fuel ratio is lean in a stratified combustion region and a fuel cut control is performed under a predetermined condition, when catalysts are in a low temperature state where a purification performance is deteriorated or when a NOx absorptive amount of the lean NOx catalyst, a control procedure for exhaust air/fuel state at a recovery timing from the fuel cut control so that a driving sensation is improved while maintaining the exhaust purification performance by the catalysts. When the fuel cut control is terminated and the engine shifts into the stratified combustion region, if a catalyst temperature is at or below a set temperature or a NOx absorptive amount is at or above a set amount, the in-cylinder air/fuel ratio of the engine is correctively enriched and the exhaust air/fuel state is enriched.

Abstract: A full fluid-linked steering system includes a fluid pump (11), a fluid controller (19), a steering actuator (17), an electro-hydraulic compensation valve (21), and a vehicle microprocessor (23). Downstream of the fluid pump (11) is a load sensing priority flow control valve (15) having both a controlled flow outlet port (CF) and an excess flow outlet port (EF). The excess flow outlet port (EF) communicates with an inlet port (35) of the fluid controller (19), while the controlled flow outlet port (CF) communicates with a fluid inlet (63) of the compensation valve (21). As a result, when the steering actuator (17) is at the end of its travel, pressure will be communicated only through the compensation valve (21), and the operator will be unable to turn the steering wheel further in the same direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a control system 20 of a hydraulic construction machine for enhancing a responsibility and stability of a work implement movement. The control system 20 comprises a variable displacement type hydraulic pump 2, a hydraulic actuator 7 driven by hydraulic fluid delivered from the pump 2, a flow control valve 5 for controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator 7 in response to a travel amount of an operating lever 8, the variable bleed valve 14 disposed in the bleed-off hydraulic circuit 13 through which exhausts the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator 7 and a controller 15 for controlling the flow rate through the variable bleed valve 14.

Abstract: A method of engine compression release braking with avoidance of turbine overspeed is disclosed. Initially, an electronic control module determines whether a turbine overspeed condition is present. If an overspeed condition is present, then the blow down timing of an engine compression release braking event is advanced. The present invention is particularly applicable to preventing turbine overspeed for vehicles operating at higher altitudes while compression braking.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle for dispensing an atomized fluid spray into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine. The nozzle includes a body assembly with an inner fuel passage and an annular outer atomizing air passage. The inner fuel passage extends axially along a longitudinal axis to a first terminal end defining a first discharge orifice of the nozzle. The outer air passage extends coaxially with the inner fuel passage along the longitudinal axis to a second terminal end disposed concentrically with the first terminal end and defining a second discharge orifice oriented such that the discharge therefrom impinges on the fuel discharge from the first discharge orifice. An array of turning vanes is disposed within the outer air passage in a circular locus about the longitudinal axis. Each of the vanes is configured generally in the shape of an airfoil and has a pressure side and an opposing suction side.

Abstract: A microturbine power system and of a method of operating same comprising automatically detecting fouling of a recuperator and then cleaning the recuperator.

Abstract: In a method for operating a gas turbo group, partial streams of compressed air are cooled in cooling air coolers and are used as cooling air for thermally highly stressed components of the gas turbo group. The cooling air coolers are constructed as steam generators. Steam generated in the cooling air coolers is fed in part to the gas turbo group and is expanded there while providing usable power, while another part of the steam is fed into the cooling system, where the steam displaces air, which air then becomes available again to the gas turbine process. In this way, the steam generated with the help of heat removed from the cooling air is re-used.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a system having a gas fuel supply and a combustor includes a fuel actuator, a controller; and a premixer. The controller generates a command signal indicative of actuation sought from the fuel actuator. The actuator receives gas fuel from the liquid fuel supply and provides liquid fuel at a modulated rate of flow in response to the command signal. The premixer receives the fuel from the actuator, mixes the fuel with air, and provides the mixture to the combustor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric cooler, and more particularly, to a thermoelectric cooler, in which a thermoelectric module is applied to a blow system of a fan blade set and a motor, for converting a current blow system into a blow system having a cooling function with a low noise. To do this, the present invention provides a thermoelectric cooler including a thermoelectric module having thermoelectric elements each for absorbing or dissipating a heat at a junction of two different metal depending on a direction of a current flowing through the junction, a fan blade set for blowing air cooled at a heat absorption side of the thermoelectric module to a desired place, and a motor for giving a rotating force to the fan blade set.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a ridethrough reserve for a pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) (12) includes a pressurized tank (42) containing a fluid used to provide fluid pressure and auxiliary power to a PTR (12) during an electrical power supply failure. A pressure regulation valve (pressure valve) (44) releases the fluid from the pressurized tank (42) into the PTR (12). A power regulation valve (power valve) releases from the pressurized tank (12) a driving gas volume for driving a pneumatic motor (46). The pneumatic motor (46) in turn drives a rotary valve (22) of the PTR (12). A release valve (50) releases fluid from the PTR (12) so as to lower the fluid pressure to a predetermined pressure range and enable fluid oscillation in the PTR (12).

Abstract: A regenerator-based engine or refrigerator has a regenerator with two ends at two different temperatures, through which a gas oscillates at a first oscillating volumetric flow rate in the direction between the two ends and in which the pressure of the gas oscillates, and first and second heat exchangers, each of which is at one of the two different temperatures. A dead-end side branch into which the gas oscillates has compliance and is connected adjacent to one of the ends of the regenerator to form a second oscillating gas flow rate additive with the first oscillating volumetric flow rate, the compliance having a volume effective to provide a selected total oscillating gas volumetric flow rate through the first heat exchanger. This configuration enables the first heat exchanger to be configured and located to better enhance the performance of the heat exchanger rather than being confined to the location and configuration of the regenerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hydrate slurry, which involves the preparation of an aqueous solution of a guest compound for forming a clathrate hydrate, cooling the aqueous solution, and contacting the aqueous solution with nuclear particles. A thermal storage method, a thermal storage apparatus, and a thermal storage medium using an aqueous solution of a clathrate hydrate, in a concentration which provides a congruent melting point or lower. A refrigerating apparatus and an air conditioner using the thermal storage apparatus and the thermal storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing the carbonation efficiency of an ice-chilled beverage dispenser. The system includes a beverage dispenser having an ice bin, a pre-chill coil proximate a portion of a store of ice in the ice bin; and an under-counter assembly having a carbonator in fluid flow communication with the pre-chill coil, and a pump for pumping water through said system. Water flows through the pre-chill coil prior to flowing through the carbonator. The present invention provides various methods of converting existing ice-chilled beverage dispensers including installing a pre-chill coil proximate to a store of ice in the ice bin so that water flows through the pre-chill coil before it flows through the carbonator. Another method includes diverting the flow of water from a water chill coil to the carbonator, instead of a plain water valve to which fluid originally flowed from the water chill coil.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: A refrigerator crisper drawer based on an increased nitrogen concentration. This nitrogen concentration necessarily depletes the oxygen thus reducing the opportunities for food to oxidize or “brown.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental method and means to allow pain-free injections in mucosa by the application of a topical anesthetic followed by an injection limited to penetrate the mucosa only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic. The method is accomplished by applying a topical anesthetic to the desired mucosal area, and following the topical application with an injection, which penetrates the tissues only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic. Various devices of fixed length are described which limit the penetration of the injection such as a drastically truncated syringe needle, a sheath fitted to and covering the needle, a needle shield, and a speculum.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condenser, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. These operating parameters are provided to a computer, which stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The computer compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system and possible service procedures. If the computer does not recognize the monitored cooling system identifier, a connection is made to a master computer in order look up the predefined operating parameters in a master data base.

Abstract: An HVAC evaporator core temperature probe apparatus and assembly method in which the temperature probe has a seal member mounted intermediate opposed ends. First and second apertures are formed in the HVAC housing, one adjacent the mounted position of the probe sensing end and the other end spaced from the access aperture and receiving the seal member to dispose the electrical connector on the other end of the probe conductor exteriorly of the housing. The temperature probe is inserted in the evaporator prior to mounting the evaporator core in the HVAC housing. The seal member is snap mounted in the first aperture in the housing to dispose the electrical connector exteriorly of the housing. After separation of the probe sensing end from the evaporator core and separation of the seal member from the first aperture, an existing temperature probe is removable through the second aperture in the housing.

Abstract: A temperature control system having an increased heating performance. The system includes a compressor adapted to compress a fluid, a heat exchanger coupled to the compressor such that compressed fluid moves from the compressor to the heat exchanger, and a pressure regulating valve positioned between the compressor and the heat exchanger such that compressed fluid from the compressor moves through the valve before reaching the heat exchanger. The pressure-regulating valve is designed to stay in a closed position until the pressure of the fluid from the compressor reaches a desired value. By virtue of this design, the pressure of the fluid in increased, thus resulting in an increased in the temperature of the fluid. Upon reaching the desired pressure, the valve opens to allow the highly-pressurized fluid to flow to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Prevention of the incapability of operation due to crystallization in the absorption solution. When the temperature difference (&Dgr;T) between the temperature of the concentrated absorption solution Tr detected by the temperature sensor (22) and the temperature of crystallization Tc for the concentrated absorption solution at a specified concentration detected by the concentration sensor (21) comes within a prescribed figure, the opening of the heat control valve (20) is decreased by a specified figure, 20% for example. When the concentration of the concentrated absorption solution, which is measured by the concentration sensor (21), exceeds a prescribed figure, 65% for example, the heat supplied to the high temperature regenerator (1) is reduced by decreasing the opening of the heat control valve (20) regardless of the above temperature difference (&Dgr;T).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling evaporator and condenser fans in a refrigeration system. The apparatus is a refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit defined by a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The apparatus includes an evaporator fan and a condenser fan. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the fans. The controller includes a variable frequency drive unit. For the method of the invention, the speed of the fans is controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A standard refrigeration pressure regulating valve limits the minimum temperature produced by a refrigeration process, which uses a refrigerant mixture including at least two components whose normal boiling points differ by at least 50C. Limiting the lowest temperature prevents freezout of the individual refrigerant.

Abstract: A thermal expansion valve 100 comprises a square column shaped valve body 110, and the valve body 110 contains a first passage 120 with a bottom to which the refrigerant is introduced, a valve chamber 122 formed near the bottom of the passage, a second refrigerant passage 126 traveling toward the evaporator, and a third refrigerant passage 128 returning from the evaporator. A valve means 130 equipped within the valve chamber is fixed to the working rod 132 and operated by a power element 160. The working rod 132 comprises a small-diameter portion 135, and the valve means 130 is fixed by a welding process W1 thereto with a valve seat 200 equipped in advance. The valve seat member 200 is press fit using the working rod 132 to a hole 116 formed to the valve body.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a beverage container against an automobile air conditioner/heater grill includes a housing having a base for holding a beverage container bottom, and open top surrounding the beverage container sides, an open back and upstanding sidewalls inner connecting the base and the open top. Sidewalls include an open front for enabling passage of air therethrough and circulation of air around the container sides. A pair of spaced apart ribs extending vertically between the base and the top across the open back and a slidable element disposed between the ribs enable vertical positioning of the housing in front of the grill. Arms, separate from the housing, are provided for engaging the grill and including an interconnecting portion for removably engaging a slidable/deflecting element.

Abstract: A compressor for a system for air-conditioning the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises a casing enclosing a system for compressing a refrigerant fluid, an electric motor for driving the compression system and electronic means for control of the electric motor. A low-pressure intake chamber (24) for the refrigerant fluid is integrated into the casing (6) and is separated from the high-pressure chamber by a separating partition (26). The electronic means for control of the electric motor (12), which are placed in the intake chamber (24), are cooled by the refrigerant fluid. A separate chamber (34) for connection of the motor (12), defined in the casing (6), communicates with the high-pressure chamber (15) via a passage (36). The chambers (24) and (34) are closed off by a cover plate (20) equipped with all the connecting terminals of the compressor.

Abstract: A universal accumulator device for an auto air conditioning system includes a housing having an inlet opening, one or more outlet openings, one or more inlet fittings selectively engaged with the inlet opening of the housing, and one or more outlet fittings selectively engaged with the outlet opening of the housing. The inlet and outlet fittings may include a metric or a British thread for coupling to the metric or British pipings or lock nuts. A tubing may be selectively secured to the fittings with one or more sealing rings and with an additional barrel.

Abstract: A vertically oriented refrigerant valve in a refrigeration cycle for substantially reducing vapor bubbles mass in a liquid refrigerant flow and providing a flow modulating and shutoff function. The valve includes an outer shell having a horizontal fluid inlet perpendicular to a vertical axis passing through an inner tubular member positioned inside the outer shell and having a vertical fluid outlet at a distal end, and a condensation chamber formed between the inside surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the inner tubular member for collecting and condensing rising vapor bubbles from the inlet refrigerant. While the vapor bubbles portion of the refrigerant is collected in the chamber, the liquid passes through a plurality of passageways through the lower portion of the inner tubular member. A slide tube selectively closes and opens one or more of the passageways to control refrigerant flow through the passageways to precisely match the instantaneous needs of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for pressurized fluids in an air cooling/heating apparatus that includes at least one condenser and at least one fluid evaporator communicating with each other by a pipe. The valve includes two ducts each containing a restrictor coaxially formed with a capillary designed to cause rapid expansion of the fluid when it emerges from the capillary, thus allowing expansion of the fluid in either the heating or cooling mode. The valve further includes a duct for sampling the pressurized fluid before expansion during operation in either the heating or cooling mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering pressurized liquefied natural gas to an import terminal equipped with containers and vaporization facilities suitable for conventional LNG.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of hydrogen and one or more hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms from a feed gas containing hydrogen and the one or more hydrocarbons, which process comprises cooling and partially condensing the feed gas to provide a partially condensed feed; separating the partially condensed feed to provide a first liquid stream enriched in the one or more hydrocarbons and a first vapor stream enriched in hydrogen; further cooling and partially condensing the first vapor stream to provide an intermediate two-phase stream; and separating the intermediate two-phase stream to yield a further-enriched hydrogen stream and a hydrogen-depleted residual hydrocarbon stream. Some or all of the cooling is provided by indirect heat exchange with cold gas refrigerant generated in a closed-loop gas expander refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: In an vapor-liquid contactor 4a for flowing down a liquid along the surface of a packing and contacting said liquid with the vapor while ascending the vapor, the improvement being characterized in that said packing is a non-promoting-fluid-dispersion type structured packing A1, A2 in which various types of thin sheets or tubes for determining the flow direction of the above liquid or vapor is laminated and arranged in the perpendicular direction, and said contactor includes at least one fluid distribution unit E1, E2 formed of a rough distribution part C1, C2 to distribute the liquid roughly and a minute distribution part B1, B2 to distribute the liquid minutely and equally.

Abstract: Hyperbaric Hypoxic Fire Escape and Suppression System is provided for multilevel buildings, transportation tunnels and other human-occupied environments. The system produces and maintains a hypoxic hyperbaric environment in a separate part of a building (staircase shaft) or a tunnel (service tunnel) in order to provide an entirely secure escape area in case of a fire emergency and instantly extinguish an ongoing fire in a building or a tunnel by releasing a breathable hyperbaric hypoxic fire-extinguishing composition into location affected by fire. Additionally, the system provides continuing adequate protection against biological and chemical warfare and contaminants by filtering ambient air before processing it by the system and by establishing breathable fire-suppressive atmosphere at a positive atmospheric pressure inside a building or tunnel.

Abstract: For adjusting the capacity of a low-temperature rectification unit having a high pressure column and a low pressure column in which a fluid is introduced into the high pressure column (1) and in which liquid from the bottom of the high pressure column is directed into the low pressure column (2), the amount of liquid that is removed from the bottom of high pressure and fed to the low pressure column (2) is controlled via flow adjustment (4), wherein a nominal value for flow adjustment (4) is set to a desired amount of flow, and the liquid level of the liquid at the bottom of column (1) that operates at higher pressure is fixed without a set nominal value corresponding to the amount of liquid that is removed.

Abstract: Decorative object, particularly jewelry such as a ring, comprises an annular body (11) on which is slidably mounted a movable member (12) having the shape of a sleeve (20). Slideways (19) are provided in a hollow annular space (18) of the annular body (11) and coact with shoes (24) secured to the sleeve (20). Thus, this latter does not touch the visible external surface (14) of the annular body (11). The invention thus permits keeping the annular body free from scratches, obtaining a regular and facilitated sliding movement, and hiding the guiding and sliding elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold including upper and lower molds for obtaining glass optical elements by press molding a glass molding material softened by heat, in which either one of the upper and lower molds is made of a ceramic matrix and the matrix has no surface hole having a diameter of 300 microns or more on the molding surface, and a method for manufacturing glass optical elements using the mold. For example, on the upper mold 21 and the lower mold 22, formed is a &bgr; type silicon carbide having a thickness that a molding surface can be reproduced by grinding and a density of 3.20 g/cm3 or more so as to include at least the molding surface facing a surface of the glass molding material G. The mold according to the invention can be reused even where pullouts occur from repetitive use.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass tube used for a fluorescent lamp having an arc tube constructed by joining a plurality of glass tubes is provided. According to this method, a straight glass tube held at both ends is rotated, and a predetermined cutting portion of the glass tube is softened by heating, and then the glass tube is moved in the heated state in the direction toward the predetermined cutting portion to form a glass accumulated portion at the area of the predetermined cutting portion. Next, the glass tube is drawn away in the direction receding from the predetermined cutting portion, and the predetermined cutting portion of the glass tube is cut into two glass tubes having self-closing end walls. In this way, the end walls of the self-closed glass tubes can be formed thicker and more uniform compared to those obtained by the conventional techniques, and the mechanical strength of the end walls also can be improved.

Abstract: Molten glass has a liquid level located at a higher level than lower ends of an uprising pipe and a downfalling. In addition, a contacting portion of the uprising pipe or the downfalling pipe and a brick receiver on an upstream or downstream pit for supporting the uprising or downfalling pipe, or a joint in the brick receiver is filled with sealing material.