Abstract: A tile support structure and method for finishing the ceiling of a building. The support structure includes a plurality of adjacently spaced elongated bracket members secured to a building's overhead framing members and a plurality of adjacently spaced elongated cross members disposed transversely to and supported by the adjacently spaced bracket members thereby defining a supporting grid for supporting a plurality of tiles.

Abstract: A roofing system that includes a plurality of mounting brackets that are fixedly attached to a roof sub-surface. The roofing system further includes a plurality of panels that are configured to attach to the mounting brackets in a manner that allows the panels to slide laterally relative to the mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket is attached to two separate panels via the first panel's c-shaped first attachment portion and the second panel's c-shaped second attachment portion. An intermediate member is positioned between the first panel's first attachment portion and the second panel's second attachment portion to allow the first and second panels to slide independently adjacent the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Wall for a building, for instance, for a house or an apartment building and such like, formed by a number of building elements or blocks, which each are provided with at least one opening, passing through the element from the bottom side to the top side of the element. The building elements are stacked one on top of the other, in such a way that the openings of two elements stacked one on top of the other open into each other. Through the openings, a rod or cable is lead with at both ends a connector, by means of which the stacked building elements call be pressed together, characterized in that the rod or cable in an opening is present within a pipe part which is lead through the opening.

Abstract: A building material apparatus forms a shaped structure about and protects a support. A plurality of blocks are stackable in vertical and horizontal positions such that the blocks stack vertically adjacent for a length of the column and horizontally adjacent for a perimeter of the column. The blocks are made of a material which may be restored to an original condition after being damaged. An inner surface of each block is sized and shaped to cooperate with the column such that the inner surface substantially abuts the column. A plurality of reinforcing members supports the blocks. The reinforcing members have a length based on the vertical length formed by the blocks and are disposed in between discontinuous surfaces of horizontally adjacent blocks. An adhesive material securely joins the plurality of blocks to the reinforcing members.

Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.

Abstract: Provided is a generally triangular shaped structural member having two equally sized planar sides with a plurality of indentations and a third side of the triangular shape formed from two equally sized curved components that bend into, and join within, the interior of the triangular shape. Also provided are restraining elements to prevent the unfolding of the formed structural member and elements providing increased stiffening to the structural member. Also provided are adapters, joining clamps, and cylinder clamp assemblies for fabricating structural assemblies using the structural members and methods of using the structural members.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various means for improving the reliability and consistency of inflation of the containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

Abstract: A bloom support device for protecting a cut flower during shipping, the bloom support device having a concave body providing a substantially closed proximal end clearingly disposed about a stem of the flower and a substantially open distal end compressingly folding a bloom of the flower into a folded arrangement and retaining the folded arrangement in a secure shipping arrangement. The concave body has a stress intensification feature for tearing the bloom support device off of the bloom.

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 method and packaging apparatus for packaging products starting from a continuous packaging web which moves uninterruptedly and wherein the web is formed into a package tube and, by the application of cross seals, is divided in separate packaged products. Prior tb its folding, the film web is then stretched for obtaining, after application of the cross seals, a shrinkback effect. Due to this shrinkback effect, a tight-fitting package is obtained. The invention particularly relates to the manner in which the stretching of the film web is controlled, so that a good reproducible shrinking effect is obtained without the film web being subjected to undesired loads.

Abstract: A thermoformable, RF-sealable material for use in packaging. The material is produced from a blend including between approximately 5% and 50% by weight of PETG, and between approximately 50% and 95% by weight of PET. A small amount of color concentrate may be added to the blend. The blend may be extruded into sheets and thermoformed to produce packaging material.

Abstract: A packing apparatus which includes a feed conveyor adapted to convey articles to a pick up station and a case conveyor adapted to sequentially convey cases, having an open top and a plurality of flaps, to a feed station. Pick up and grid heads are provided and are adapted to pick up successive slugs of the articles at the pick up station and to sequentially deposit the slugs in each of the cases while they are in the release station. A removal conveyor is provided to successively receive the slug filled cases from the release station and pass them onto a case sealing apparatus which is arranged over the removal conveyor and is operative to apply an adhesive to certain of the flaps and to then move the flaps over the open top into a secured closed position.

Abstract: A film feeding device for a single layer color film packaging machine includes a primary frame on which is installed a sealing cutter, an arm extending from the primary frame for mounting a roll of film which has an end extending through between two first rollers, one of the rollers being driven by an electric motor, a secondary frame mounted on one side of the primary frame, a micro-switch installed on the secondary frame, a movable rod movably mounted on the secondary frame so that when a packaging film is pulled upwardly by articles, the movable rod will be moved upwardly to leave the micro-switch thereby turning on a first electric motor to drive the first rollers to feed a predetermined length of the packaging film for packaging the articles, another end of the packaging film under the primary frame being moved by second rollers driven by a second electric motor, the articles being fed by a conveyor belt onto a platform and then wrapped by the packaging film.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machine comprising a pair of sealing jaws (12; 100; 200,202; 302,304) mounted directly or indirectly on parallel shafts (10; 102; 206,208; 300) for rotation in opposite directions on opposite sides of the path of the packaging material (36; 118; 204; 308) so that the jaws engage the packaging material simultaneously on opposite sides to form successive horizontal seals, and stripping means comprising, in association with the sealing jaw on each side of the path of the packaging material, a pair of stripper carriers (22; 54; 66; 116; 222,224,226,228; 314) mounted for rotation around the corresponding shaft at or near the respective ends thereof, or about an axis parallel to the shaft, a horizontal stripper bar (18B; 40A; 50A; 62; 110; 234; 310) mounted at its respective ends on the two stripper carriers and arranged to be movable with respect to the stripper carriers so that the stripper bar can engage the packaging film along a predetermined vertical stripping p

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a device for a vacuum cleaner including a cyclone separator having a cyclone comprising a first end wall; a second end wall opposite to the first end wall; an intermediate part between the first end wall and the second end wall, being shaped as either a cylinder or a partially truncated cone. The cyclone separator further includes an air suction inlet close to the first end wall and substantially tangential to the inner surface of the intermediate part, and a vacuum suction opening far away from the first end wall connected to a vacuum source route.

Abstract: A centrifugal air-oil separator for separating liquid particles from gases containing the liquid particles includes a substantially cylindrical air-oil separation chamber and a substantially conical liquid discharge chamber which are integrated with each other and are horizontally disposed, and an air-oil separation plate disposed between a gas supply port communicating with the air-oil separation chamber and a gas discharge port communicating with the liquid discharge chamber. A liquid discharge port is provided at a lowest portion between a largest-diameter portion of the liquid discharge chamber and the air-oil separation plate, and the liquid discharge port is covered thereabove with a reverse flow prevention wall. A strong swirl flow is generated in the air-oil separation chamber by the action of the air-oil separation plate to thereby enhance the liquid separation effect, and the reverse flow of liquid from the liquid discharge port to the liquid discharge chamber can be prevented.

Abstract: A filter element is made of a first filtering member, and a second filtering member that is arranged on a downstream side of the first filtering member and is impregnated with an oil. The first filtering member consists of a downstream wet layer that is impregnated with the oil, which is transferred by contact to the second filtering member, and an upstream dry layer that is not impregnated with the oil. A density of the first filtering member may be set smaller than that of the second filtering member.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A multilayer composite filter medium for serial filtration with an onflow side and an outflow side with respect to a medium to be filtered, the filter medium comprising at least two filter layers of the same or different filter media and the filter layers being welded to one another at defined points and/or areas over the complete surface, and at least one filter medium being arranged on the onflow side and at least one filter medium being arranged on the outflow side. Further subject-matters of the invention are a method of producing the composite filter medium, use of the composite filter medium and a filter containing the composite filter medium according to the invention.

Abstract: A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes dirigible front drive wheels, a pair of right and left rear drive wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit vertically movably supported by the body frame forwardly of the rear drive wheels, a change speed device for changing a speed of drive from the engine, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, a left rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a right axle of the left rear wheel, a right rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a left axle of the left rear wheel, and rear wheel clutches associated with the left rear wheel driving device and the right rear wheel driving device, respectively, for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive.

Abstract: The mower front independent suspension assembly in some embodiments of the present invention includes a first suspension arm connected to the front of the lawn mower frame and a second suspension arm connected to the side of the lawn mower frame. In some embodiments, the first suspension arm is connected to the front of the frame at or near the longitudinal center of the frame, while the second suspension arm is connected to the side of the frame a distance from the front of the frame. Also, in some embodiments the cutter deck of the lawn mower is connected to the front independent suspension assemblies for movement therewith.

Abstract: An improved tobacco harvester which on a single pass through the field sorts tobacco leaves as the leaves are harvested based on the height at which they grow on the tobacco stalk. An adjustable guide directs leaves as they are stripped from the stalk onto upper and lower conveyor belts which transport the leaves into separate collection bins. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A large rectangular baler is provided with a crop material feeding arrangement including curved duct defining a pre-compression chamber from which a pre-compressed crop material charge is ejected, through an inlet of a baling chamber, by a stuffer arrangement. The duct includes a rear section curved about a horizontal, transverse axis and a stuffer frame, that carries a reciprocable tine arrangement, is mounted for rotation about this axis. A double acting injection cylinder reciprocates the tine arrangement between retracted and extended positions, respectively, wherein transversely spaced tines are withdrawn from, and extended into, slots provided in a top wall of the duct rear section. A double-acting hydraulic lift cylinder is provided for controlling the pivoting of the frame for effecting lifting of a pre-compressed charge of crop material and ejecting it through the baling chamber inlet.

Abstract: A steel cord (16) adapted for the reinforcement of thermoplastic elastomers comprises more than one strand (18, 20). Each strand comprises two or more steel filaments (22, 24, 26, 28). At least some of said steel filaments are provided with a zinc coating (40), characterized in that said zinc coating (40) has a thickness lower than two micrometer and that an alloy layer zinc-steel (42) is present between the zinc coating and the steel.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine comprises a compressor, and combustor, and an expander. The compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The expander receives the exhaust gases from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The compressor may be a gerotor compressor or a piston compressor having variable-dead-volume control. The expander may be a gerotor expander or a piston expander having variable-dead-volume control. In another embodiment, an engine comprises a piston compressor, a combustor, a piston expander, and a pressure tank. The piston compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The piston expander receives the exhaust gasses from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The pressure tank receives and stores the compressed air from the compressor.

Abstract: A combustion engine is provided having a rotating drive shaft and planetary gear sets that are linked to a rotating chamber, keyed to the drive shaft, to turbomachinery within the chamber. Fluid is fed to the chamber through an axial passage in the drive shaft and is compressed by a number of mechanisms, including set of pump blades, turbine and reaction blades initially driven by the drive shaft and its starter motor. Bubbles within the fluid are subjected to high pressures causing combustion to occur within the bubbles. Additional pressure created by the combustion of the bubbles drives the fluid to exert a net torque on the drive shaft through the gearing mechanism, thereby generating power.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, in particular of an internal combustion engine. A special operation is intermittently carried out. The control and/or monitoring of the special operation is carried out as a function of a first quantity (O1) which characterizes the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas upstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, and a second quantity (O2) which characterizes the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas downstream from the exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

Abstract: A humidity sensor is disposed near an HC adsorbent in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine is shut off, it is detected whether the humidity sensor has failed or not based on the value of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor when the detected value of the humidity is substantially constant, by determining the detected value of the humidity falls in a range between upper and lower limit thresholds that are set depending on the temperature near the HC adsorbent. It is stably and easily detected whether the humidity sensor disposed near the HC adsorbent in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine has failed or not.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes an internal combustion engine of a lean-burn type, an NOx catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine so as to remove nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gas emitted from the engine, and a variable valve control system capable of changing the opening and closing timing and/or a lift of the intake valve and/or the exhaust valve for each cylinder of the engine. The variable valve control system is controlled so that the exhaust gas to which the NOx catalyst is exposed is controlled so as to be suitable for removing a selected gaseous component from the NOx catalyst when the selected gaseous component should be removed . A method of purifying an exhaust gas emitted from the above engine is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device having a NOx absorbent includes a by-pass passage for by-passing the NOx absorbent, an exhaust gas flow rate control portion for regulating both a flow rate of exhaust gas flowing to the NOx absorbent and the flow rate of the exhaust gas bypassing the NOx absorbent, and a reductant addition portion for adding reductant into an exhaust passage upstream of the NOx absorbent. In this device, when it is necessary to discharge sulfur components from the NOx absorbent, a temperature rise control is executed such that a temperature of the NOx absorbent becomes higher than a predetermined temperature. Next, a rich condition control is executed such that an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing to the NOx absorbent becomes one of a substantially stoichiometric condition and a rich condition. The flow rate of the exhaust gas to the NOx absorbent during the temperature rise control is controlled so as to be higher than that during the rich condition control.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying apparatus of an internal combustion engine, the temperature of occlusion-type NOx catalyst is increased to emit SOx when the temperature of occlusion-type NOx catalyst is not less than a set temperature. This prevents the deterioration of fuel consumption and enables the regeneration of a catalyst device by a efficiently desorbing a sulfur component from the catalyst device. In this case, the temperature of the occlusion-type NOx catalyst is preferably set according to the frequency of the SOx desorption, and the temperature of the occlusion-type NOx catalyst can be increased by, for example, retarding an ignition timing.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system includes the DPF to purify particulate matters in the exhaust gas of a diesel engine, comprising a regeneration control device to judge a condition of an engine operation to be an idle operation or not at the time of starting the control operation for regenerating the diesel particulate filter and during the regeneration control operation, when the engine operation is judged to be an idle operation, an idle engine speed is controlled and raised to the predetermined engine speed.

Abstract: A control unit activates regeneration assist means, if a specific operating state involving incomplete combustion of particulates by NO2 continues for a predetermined period or more, as a first determination condition, and controls an exhaust gas temperature or a temperature of a catalyst to enhance the conversion efficiency of the catalyst into NO2, thereby continuously regenerating the particulates. The control unit activates forced regeneration means, if a deposited amount of particulates detected by deposited amount detecting means exceeds a predetermined value, as a second determination condition, and controls the exhaust gas temperature or a temperature of a filter to be higher than that of when the regeneration assist means is activated to forcibly regenerate the filter.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a vortex device for treating exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, which comprises a first housing having a first end surface and a second end surface; a first inlet positioned on the first end surface and connected to an exhaust tube of the internal combustion engine; a first outlet positioned on the second end surface; a first baffle board fixedly connected to the housing, having a plurality of gas holes; a first vortex mechanism connected to the first baffle board; and a catalytic filter. The invention also provides a system for treating exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The system comprises the vortex device, the first treating device, and/or the second treating device and/or a fourth treating device as the internal combustion is a diesel engine.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold is provided having substantially ceramic inner and insulation layers. The manifold preferably has a metal outer structural layer to impart strength to the manifold. The ceramic layers are made of ceramic fibers with the interstitial spaces between the fibers being filled with ceramic filler material. The preferred ceramic fibers are aluminosilicate fibers. The preferred ceramic filler material is alumina, silica, glass-ceramic or other metal oxide. A method of making an exhaust manifold having a substantially ceramic inner and insulation layer is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising:

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electro-hydraulic valve arrangement to perform a pump check function are provided. The system includes an electro-hydraulic valve arrangement disposed between a source of pressurized fluid and a hydraulic actuator. Pressure sensors are provided to sense a source pressure representative of the fluid pressure between the source of pressurized fluid and the electro-hydraulic valve arrangement and an actuator pressure representative of the fluid pressure between the electro-hydraulic valve arrangement and the actuator. A control device receives a signal to open the electro-hydraulic valve arrangement to provide a requested flow rate to the hydraulic actuator. The received signal is modified to prevent fluid flow through the electro-hydraulic valve arrangement when the source pressure is less than the actuator pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling displacement of a variable displacement pump coupled to a load. The method includes determining an electrical signal to be applied to a proportional solenoid for a desired pump displacement based on known pump characteristics. The electrical signal is provided to the proportional solenoid. The displacement of the variable displacement pump is controlled based on the electrical signal to the proportional solenoid.

Abstract: A fluid control system includes a pressure supply and a valve arrangement having an inlet and an outlet and being in fluid communication with the pressure supply. The valve arrangement includes a relief operator configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to a predetermined pressure condition at said inlet. The valve arrangement is configured to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet of the valve arrangement in response to an outlet pressure being greater than an inlet pressure.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which is configured as follows. The internal combustion engine (1) generates first and second raised temperature portions (202, 204) by operation thereof. A degree of raised temperature is higher at the first raised temperature portion (202) than at the second raised temperature portion (204). A first evaporating portion (205) of evaporating device (3) generates a first vapor with raised temperature by using the first raised temperature portion (202). A second evaporating portion (206) generates a second vapor with raised temperature by using the second raised temperature portion (204) and with a lower pressure than the first vapor. A first energy converting portion (207) of a displacement type expander (4) converts an expansion energy of the first vapor into a mechanical energy. A second energy converting portion (208) converts an expansion energy of the second vapor into a mechanical energy.

Abstract: An effusion cooled transition duct for transferring hot gases from a combustor to a turbine is disclosed. The transition duct includes a panel assembly with a generally cylindrical inlet end and a generally rectangular exit end with an increased first and second radius of curvature, a generally cylindrical inlet sleeve, and a generally rectangular end frame. Cooling of the transition duct is accomplished by a plurality of holes angled towards the end frame of the transition duct and drilled at an acute angle relative to the outer wall of the transition duct. Effusion cooling geometry, including coverage area, hole size, and surface angle will be optimized in the transition duct to tailor the temperature levels and gradients in order to minimize thermally induced stresses. The combination of the increase in radii of curvature of the panel assembly with the effusion cooling holes reduces component stresses and increases component life.

Abstract: An effusion cooled transition duct for transferring hot gases from a combustor to a turbine is disclosed. The transition duct includes a panel assembly with a generally cylindrical inlet end and a generally rectangular exit end with an increased first and second radius of curvature, a generally cylindrical inlet flange, and a generally rectangular end frame. Cooling of the transition duct is accomplished by a plurality of holes angled towards the end frame of the transition duct and drilled at an acute angle relative to the outer wall of the transition duct. The combination of the increase in radii of curvature of the panel assembly with the effusion cooling holes reduces component stresses and increases component life. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown which discloses shaped angled holes for improving the film cooling effectiveness of effusion holes on a transition duct while reducing film blow off.

Abstract: A gas-turbine supercharging system with improved control. A gas-turbine supercharger that preferably comprises a variable-pitch axial flow fan and a logger supplies, cooled, pressurized air to a gas-turbine power plant. The gas-power plant is preferably a part of combined-cycle power plant that comprises a steam cycle and a duct burner. A controller modulates the output of the fogger and the supercharging fan to maximize the total plant output and provide optimum efficiency without exceeding plant operating limits. The fogger and fan are preferably selected to maximize the allowable output from gas turbine at summer peaking conditions. For the case of a combined-cycle power plant, the preferred mode of operation is to reduce fog output while maintaining a maximum fan pressure as ambient temperature drops below the maximum design value.

Abstract: A dual circuit pilot burner fuel delivery arrangement (60) for a gas turbine engine combustor (18). A first fuel delivery circuit (64) delivers a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply (62) to a first diffusion outlet orifice (74). A second fuel delivery circuit (78) connects a second diffusion outlet orifice (82) to the first fuel delivery circuit through a pressure-regulated valve (86). Fuel is delivered to the second diffusion outlet orifice only when the fuel pressure in the first fuel delivery circuit is above a predetermined fuel pressure. At low fuel flow rates, the valve to the second fuel delivery circuit is closed, thereby generating a relatively high nozzle pressure drop across the first diffusion outlet orifice. This relatively high pressure drop makes the system less susceptible to acoustic instabilities that may otherwise result from feedback between the combustion dynamics and the fuel system.

Abstract: A lean premix burner for a gas turbine having at least one fuel supply ring 4 fitted with primary fuel nozzles 8 and additional secondary fuel nozzles 9, and a method of operation for this lean premix burner.

Abstract: A gas turbo set (1, 2, 3) is equipped with at least a cooling air system (20,21). Manifolds (22,23) are arranged as throttling points in the cooling air flowpath, for the purpose of defining the cooling air mass flow. Said manifolds are bypassed by bypass lines (24). Means (25) are arranged in said bypass lines for adjusting the bypass mass flow. Thus, the cooling air mass flow can be varied without acting on the main cooling air flow as such.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration apparatus has an annular container including a plurality of magnetic regenerator compartments containing magnetocaloric material, and a magnet mounted for rotation around the annular container, whereby the motion of the magnet produces a variation of magnetic field strength in the magnetic regenerator compartments, which in term leads to a variation in temperature of the magnetocaloric material in the magnetic regenerator compartments. Heat transfer fluid is propelled by a pump, and directed to and from the regenerator compartments and hot and cold heat exchangers by valves. Each valve includes an axial port and a plurality of radial ports.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe may be calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vessel for transporting the gas to the storage system. Since the pipe provides a bulkhead around the gas, the gas storage system may be used in a single hull vessel. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved tube for the effective transfer of cryogenic fluids and the like. The transfer tube (22) comprises at least two tubes, an inner tube (30) coaxially housed within an outer tube (44) with a defined gap therebetween. The inner tube is sufficiently permeable to gaseous cryogenic fluid that it allows release of limited amounts of gaseous fluid into the defined gap. The outer tube is essentially impermeable so as to contain the gaseous fluid within the gap. Preferably both tubes are constructed from flexible and cold temperature resistant polymer materials, such as fluoropolymer materials and especially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). The transfer tube of the present invention is highly effective at cryogenic fluid transfer while being lighter, more flexible, and more efficient than currently available transfer tubes.