Abstract: A retractable trackless spa enclosure includes at least two sections, a first section being slightly smaller than a second section. The first section may be retracted into the second section in reverse telescoping fashion. Both sections are mounted on wheels so that the spa may be more easily moved. Both sections of the enclosure may also include a sliding door for access/egress. In addition, the front end panel of the front section is pivotally mounted on rollers that move within a track. The pivotal mounting allows the front end panel to be rotated in its frame, so that it can be moved to a position horizontal to the ground, thereby providing sufficient clearance for the enclosure to pass over the spa. When the enclosure is retracted, the front end panel can be moved to a position adjacent the end wall of the rear section, so that an open-ended alcove is formed. The frame of the structure is formed from extruded aluminum, and is therefore very lightweight.

Abstract: A portable building comprising wall panels, studs, floor panels, floor support members, roof panels, truss members may be transported in the bed of a pickup truck, erected on one building site, used for living quarters at the site, disassembled at the one building site, transported in the pickup truck to a new site and erected on the new site. Erection of the portable building is easily accomplished in less than six man-hours. The portable building will withstand a side load equivalent to an 80 mile per hour wind and a roof load of 40 pounds per square foot.

Abstract: An elongated open ended tube has a square or rectangular cross-section and light reflecting inner surfaces. The tube is formed with flat semi-rigid side walls flexibly connected at the corners for collapsing or folding the tube between a generally flat storage and shipping position and an expanded tubular position for installation. The tube extends within an attic of a building with its upper open end portion covered by a light transmitting skylight attached to the roof of the building and its lower open end portion covered by a light transmitting and diffusing panel or lens attached to a ceiling of the building.

Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).

Abstract: An area between a wall and a floor of a building can be covered by a baseboard molding unit of the present invention. The baseboard molding unit of the present invention includes a wall-mounted track section that can be fixed to a wall by fasteners and which includes a dovetail joint element and a baseboard element that has a dovetail groove defined therein that is slidably, yet securely held on the dovetail joint element. Corner pieces are used for inside and for outside corners.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a skylight well opening includes a framework having a peripheral frame sized to circumscribe the light well opening. The framework can be secured in a position relative to a ceiling surface so that the peripheral frame circumscribes the light well opening. A grillwork is adapted to mate with the framework in a closed position wherein the grillwork and framework define a panel space. A light-transmissive panel is sized to fit within the panel space between the grillwork and the framework. The grillwork is hingedly attached to the framework so that that the grillwork and framework can be moved between an open position and the closed position. The grillwork is adapted to releasably attach to the framework in the closed position.

Abstract: A plastic window assembly is adapted to be mounted in an opening defined by a structure. The plastic window assembly is oval-shaped with a decorative plastic window muntin. A plastic frame supports parallel window panes. The window muntin is disposed between the parallel window panes. Flat surfaces of the window muntin have a first edge and a second edge and include a ridge disposed along each of the edges. Marring of the window panes is prevented because the ridge provides for line contact between the window muntin and the window panes. The window muntin may also be integrally molded to a plastic pane disposed between the parallel panes of glass. The plastic pane includes a surface texture that simulates frosted glass. The plastic window assembly includes a plurality of liner panels that extend through the opening from an interior of the structure. The window assembly includes a flange having aperture throughwhich fasteners are inserted to secure the window assembly to the structure.

Abstract: A cladded door frame system includes spaced left and right frame members orthogonally joined at upper portions thereof to a header, thus defining a door opening having exterior and interior sides. Each frame member includes a side jamb and a brickmold orthogonally extending along an exteriorly disposed surface of the side jamb. First, second and third metal cladding strips frictionally engage a respective frame member. Each cladding strip includes a U-shaped inner flange that engages three surfaces of one of the jambs and a U-shaped outer flange that engages three surfaces of one of the brickmolds. The inner flange is joined to the outer flange at an orthogonal orientation. The inner flange engages most of the surface area of the respective side jamb.

Abstract: The invention is a “column guard” for vertical structural beams or columns (100). The column guard (10) is an annulet (20) that encircles the beam and is clamped thereto by means of a threaded fastener. The preferred method of attaching the column guard (10) includes positioning the device at a height of less than 30 inches, preferably about 18 inches above the floor.

Abstract: Complementary roof tiles for a staggered roof tile layout are provided by: (i) extruding and conveying a composite ribbon; (ii) demarcating the composite ribbon into an alternating succession of a first roof tile type and a second roof tile type by engaging the composite ribbon with an upstream cutting blade and a downstream cutting blade, such that each roof tile type is demarcated at an upstream tile edge by one of the cutting blades and at a downstream tile edge by the other of the cutting blades, and such that a selected one of the roof tile types includes a pair of cut-out portions demarcated along one of the upstream and downstream tile edges on opposite ones of the ribbon side edges; (iii) separating the succession of demarcated roof tile types into distinct roof tiles; and (v) curing the distinct roof tiles to form a set of cured roof tiles.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching shaped metal clips at intervals to viscous-product-filled casing includes a support frame, a clipper assembly, a clipper assembly mounting rail, and a clipper assembly reciprocation mechanism. The clipper assembly is reciprocally mounted for reciprocal movement back and forth between a first casing entry station and a second casing exit station. A continuous tube of filled casing enters the apparatus at the first station and exits at the second station. The clipping assembly includes a filled casing support passage. Filled casing is directed through this passage as the casing extends between the first and second stations. The clipper assembly further includes first and second casing gathering plates which are projectible into the passage to gather the filled casing to form a neck section therein. The neck section is for attachment of at least one clip about the casing.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging an article having a lateral side along which a sealing line is formed by heat sealing operation is disclosed. The packaging machine includes a machine frame having transversely-extending rails on which a conveyor for carrying the article and a package film for packaging the article is movably supported whereby the conveyor and thus the article and the package film are transversely position-adjustable. A side sealing device includes a film forwarding device for synchronously moving the package film with the article in a longitudinal direction. A position-adjusting device comprises a support structure attached to the conveyor to be transversely position-adjustable. A movable chassis is movably coupled to the support structure by means of a screw rod whereby rotation of the screw rod moves the chassis with respect to the support structure in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles in card and blister packages is disclosed, the card and blister package comprising a first or blister piece of clear pre-formed plastic with a shaped cavity for receiving small articles, and a flat flange portion along its perimeter. The second piece of the package is a flat rectangular chipboard card, appreciably larger than the card and blister piece and having printing on one or both sides. The flange of the card and blister piece can be bonded to the surface of a card to form a card and blister package for the enclosed articles. Apparatus for producing a plurality of packaged articles includes a plurality of package holders mounted on the surface of a conveyor belt that is porous to UV light, the holders made of a UV light transparent material and having upper surfaces with shaped recesses for removably supporting the plastic card and blister pieces with their cavities upwardly faced and for supporting the cards in position above the card and blister pieces.

Abstract: A latitudinal seal mechanism includes seal jaws 78, fixed cams 75, cam followers 76, a pair of partial cams 88, partial cam followers 78a, rotational shafts 80, coupling members 79, and shaft support portions. The seal jaws 78 are heated, and move circularly such that the seal jaws 78 abut on and move away from tubular film. The fixed cams 75 have shapes that correspond to locuses of movement of the seal jaws 78. The cam followers 76 support the seal jaws 78, and move along the fixed cams 75. The rotational shafts 80 move the cam followers 76 relatively about rotational centers of the rotational shafts 80. The coupling members 79 couple the rotational shafts 80 and the cam followers 76. The shaft support portions rotatably support the rotational shafts 80. The partial cams 88 have a shape that corresponds to a locus of movement of the pair of seal jaws 78 when the pair of seal jaws 78 holds the tubular packaging films.

Abstract: The bagging machine has a rotary table with openings to receive a series of bags. Each bag is staked onto four pins two of which are stationary and two of which are laterally movable. After filling, the bag is heat sealed using a pair of heat seal bars and then severed by a fly knife above the heat seal. The bag is then removed manually or automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a banderole around one or a plurality of products creating an electrostatic attraction between the band material being supplied and the conveyor unit. The conveyor unit is connected to earth potential, and electrodes are positioned in the vicinity of the trajectory to be followed by the band material.

Abstract: A gardening vehicle, more particularly a lawn-mower, comprising two sections and a composite duct across them: a first section, which comprises a front axle, a driver's scat and a couplings for a tool; and a second section, which comprises an engine with a corresponding transmission, a rear axle and a dump box; the first and the second section, together with the duct elements, being mutually articulated about a common vertical axis so as to perform a steering action.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar with at least one cutterhead having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of the shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution. The brake includes upper and lower locking blocks having generally mating teeth. Upon failure of the shear device, the teeth of the upper and lower locking blocks engage, thereby stopping the rotation of the mounting hub.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic or autonomous mower includes an internal combustion engine directly driving mowing structure such as a single blade or reel, or multiple blades or reels. Drive wheels are driven by one or more electric motors powered from a source including batteries and an engine-driven alternator. A controller connected between the wheel motors and the source and to a navigation system controls the wheel drive and steers the mower over a selected path. The mowing structure may be driven from the engine through a direct clutched or unclutched connection to the engine drive shaft, a belt drive, a hydraulic drive, or another similar direct drive arrangement which eliminates the limitations of an electric blade or reel drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows a conventional trimmer of the type with flying cutting string or any other type blade to maintain a controllable height above the cutting plane and to swivel 360 degrees. The apparatus includes a set of wheels that also acts as a fulcrum point forming a lever with the heavier head of the trimmer closer to the wheels and the handle acting as a long lever arm. The apparatus allows the operator to trim around curbs and edges without making contact. This conserves string and is safer. The apparatus converts and standard trimmer into a mini-lawnmower allowing less stain on the operator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag suspension system for a vehicle. The airbag suspension system includes a vehicle frame having an axle to which is affixed a longitudinal beam carrying at least one wheel. The airbag assembly of the suspension system includes an upper plate extending from the vehicle frame and a lower plate affixed to the longitudinal beam. Disposed between the upper and lower plates is an airbag. The lower plate carries a pair of vertical blocks having vertical slots, a pair of cams being carried by the upper plate and riding in the vertical slots. The airbag suspension system may be used with a vehicle such as an articulated combine, that rides on a pair of wheeled tires or on a pair of endless tracks.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a joint which includes an upper frame member carried by the forward unit and having a recess on its lower side and a lower frame member carried by the forward unit, having a recess on its upper side, and being spaced-apart vertically below the upper frame member so that the recesses are in vertical registration. The joint further includes a shaft carried by the rearward unit and a bearing retainer assembly carried by the end of the shaft and disposed between the recesses. The bearing assembly includes an annulus surmounting a hub connected to the shaft. Thrust bearings between the annulus and hub permit the hub to co-rotate with the shaft with respect to the annulus, while nibs carried by the annulus are associated with tapered roller bearings so that the outer annulus co-twists with the shaft respect to the forward unit.

Abstract: A forage harvester having a crop processor unit, a cutter unit operable to comminute crop material and a processor unit movably disposed between first and second positions. In the first position, the processing unit receives comminuted crop material from the cutter unit. In the second position, comminuted crop material from the cutter unit bypasses the crop processor unit. A blower unit is disposed to move with the crop processor between the first and second positions, the blower unit receiving the processed crop material directly form the crop processor unit when in the first position and directly from the cutter unit when in the second position, in both cases accelerating the processed crop material towards a handling apparatus.

Abstract: An elevated drawbar for a grain cart that can be attached to the rear end of an agricultural combine above the crop residue discharge opening. The elevated position of the grain cart drawbar allows the crop residue to be discharged under the drawbar. The crop residue can therefore travel unobstructed from the combine's discharge opening to the ground.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant generally comprises a gas turbine power facility, a heat recovery steam generator, a steam turbine power facility, and an existing boiler. The power generation plant further comprises a system for introducing steam, which is generated in the heat recovery steam generator and the existing boiler, to the steam turbine of the steam turbine power facility through steam lines, which extend from the existing boiler and heat recovery steam generator and are then joined together, and a system for causing a line, which is arranged on a downstream side of a condenser provided in the steam turbine power facility, to branch off into feedwater lines, and supplying condensed water condensed by the condenser into the heat recovery steam generator and the existing boiler.

Abstract: A hook latch antideployment system for a thrust reverser having at least one thrust reverser sleeve that translates between a deployed and stowed positions and a thrust reverser actuation system that translates the thrust reverser sleeve. The thrust reverser has a stationary element that remains stationary with respect to the thrust reverser sleeve when the thrust reverser sleeve translates. The hook latch anti-deployment system has a hook latch a hook member and a latch member. One of the hook and latch members is coupled to the thrust reverser sleeve for translation therewith and the other of the hook and latch members is affixed to the stationary element of the thrust reverser. The hook member engages the latch member when the thrust reverser sleeve is in its stowed position to prevent deployment of the thrust reverser sleeve.

Abstract: A system for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engine emissions, particularly marine electric generator engines, includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening for receiving gaseous emissions from the engine, and an exhaust opening for exiting emissions. A perforated metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and an electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage at a predetermined frequency to the electrode, an arc is generated across the space between the electrode and the metal tube to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of pollutants. The treatment chamber is contained within a manifold, and cooled by a flow of water. A supplemental air source is connected to the treatment chamber, and a chemical substrate is disposed within the treatment chamber for promoting the chemical reaction.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an adaptive bias sub-system (100) that generates bias values for controlling the air-fuel ratio. The sub-system (100) includes an integral controller (118) that reads an error signal from a post-catalyst switching EGO sensor (112). A plurality of noise isolation integrators (122) filter any noise resulting from a particular engine operating condition (e.g. acceleration, deceleration, idling) from the integrated error signal and stores the signal in a corresponding keep-alive memory (124) as a bias value for that engine operating condition. In a preferred embodiment, the post-catalyst feedback loop includes a gated proportional controller 116 that turns on for a limited period of time after the post-catalyst switching EGO sensor (112) switches states.

Abstract: In an exhaust manifold to be mounted on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine which cylinder head includes a plurality of exhaust passages, the exhaust manifold includes a gas collector housing with a mounting flange, a gas conducting duct arranged in spaced relationship within the gas collector housing and having a mounting collar, and a hold-down element mounted together with the flange onto the cylinder head and including a recess receiving the collar of the gas conducting duct for retaining the gas conducting duct in engagement with the cylinder head but permitting relative movement thereto.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus consisting of a housing for compactly housing inner portions of axles, a hydrostatic transmission, and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting power to the axles from an output shaft of the hydrostatic transmission. The housing is partitioned by an internal wall into a chamber containing the hydrostatic transmission and a chamber containing the other transmitting mechanisms. The housing is filled with oil in common with both chambers. A trunnion for changing the output rotation of the hydrostatic transmission is disposed in parallel to the axles. A shock absorber is provided to prevent abrupt speed change. A differential locking device is attached to the differential gear to thereby improve the straightforward running capacity of the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger unit having a turbocharger turbine receiving exhaust from the engine and a second turbine driven by the exhaust gasses. The second turbine drives an electrical generator. The generator supplies electrical power to an electrical control unit, which supplies power to an electric fan motor which drives an engine cooling fan driven by. The control unit also supplies electrical power to an electric coolant pump motor which drives an engine coolant pump. The second turbine is preferably a variable geometry turbine whose geometry is controlled so that its power absorption matches the electrical load of the generator.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine having a turbocharger with at least two discrete positions and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The method includes producing a control signal to the turbocharger. The signal has two discrete levels. One of such levels is selected to provide a proper flow of air through the turbocharger to an intake of the engine and such selected level is modulated between such two levels over time to provide, over time, a proper pressure at an input of the EGR to enable a proper flow of exhaust gases from the exhaust of the engine through the EGR back to the intake of the engine. With such method, while there is relatively instantaneous control of the exhaust pressure at the input of the EGR, and hence proper instantaneous control of EGR flow through the EGR.

Abstract: An electrical preheater for a turbine inlet of a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine. An electric motor/generator is drivingly coupled to the turbocharger, and electrically connected to a storage device. The electrical preheater is powered by the storage device to heat a stream of exhaust gases entering the turbocharger turbine from the engine exhaust manifold. The preheater provides an additional control of the turbocharger performance.

Abstract: A method for matching an acoustic load and an acoustic driver in a resonant acoustic system, and the acoustic system so formed. The load and driver may be independently designed. The invention provides, inter alia, a matching volume positioned between the acoustic driver and load that is substantially greater than a stroke volume of the driver. The matching volume is sized such that, in combination with the moving mass, the characteristic stiffness of the acoustic driver and the characteristic load impedance, a resulting pressure wave produces an operating resonant frequency substantially equal to the preferred operating frequency of the load. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a stroke volume of the acoustic driver can be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for operating a thermoacoustic engine which produces acoustic energy which may be used to generate refrigeration wherein energy delivery fluid from a hot energy source, which provides heat to the thermoacoustic engine, is used to provide heat to a first heat sink such as a Kalina cycle and then at a lower temperature to a second heat sink.

Abstract: A thermal link assembly provides thermal connection between a first thermally conductive part to which it is secured, and a second thermally conductive part which is generally disk-shaped and has a peripheral cylindrical surface. The thermal link assembly includes an annular ring made of thermally conductive material, generally in a shape of a revolution with respect to an axis, including an annular base portion to be secured to the first part and a series of contact tongues arranged along the base portion. Each contact tongue has a stem and a head. The stem has i) a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the axis of the annular ring, ii) a first longitudinal end connected to the base portion, and iii) a second longitudinal end connected to the head. The head has a contact surface to be in contact with the peripheral cylindrical surface of the second part.

Abstract: A cryogenic cooling system (12) for cooling electromagnetic energy detectors (50). The cooling system (12) includes a first mechanism (18) that accommodates cryogen fluid in one or more spaces (58, 60). A second mechanism (16, 42) freezes the cryogen fluid in the one or more spaces (58, 60) adjacent to the electromagnetic energy detectors (50). In a specific embodiment, the electromagnetic energy detectors (50) comprise an infrared focal plane array (50). The second mechanism (16, 42) includes a heat exchanger (16) that is mounted separately from the first mechanism (18). The one or more spaces (58, 60) are fitted with three-dimensional cooling interface surfaces (62, 64). The three-dimensional cooling surfaces (62, 64) are implemented via a thermally conductive matrix (62, 64). The thermally conductive matrix (62, 64) is a copper metal matrix or carbon/graphite matrix, and the solid cryogen reservoir (18) is a beryllium reservoir (18).

Abstract: A system for providing refrigeration to a chemical processing operation wherein a refrigerant fluid is compressed and cooled, and a portion turboexpanded prior to being passed to a chemical processing operation for direct contact or indirect heat exchange.

Abstract: A refrigerant composition comprising 1,1,1,2-tetafluoroethane (R134a) butane and pentane wherein the weights of butane, pentane and R134a are in the range: Pentane and butane  1-5% R134a 99-95%

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling operation of a kimchi storage device. A compressor operates immediately if the condition to operate the compressor is met, and a heater operates after a predetermined time delay if the condition to operate the heater has been met, whereby the variation in the temperature of a storage chamber caused by the immediate sensing of low temperature and the operation of the heater thereby can be reduced, so the flavor and freshness of the kimchi can be enhanced.

Abstract: A modular semiconductor chip cooling system having a readily openable enclosure defining a chamber configured to hold a printed circuit board carrying components to be cooled. The enclosure can include a reservoir, a condenser and a pump. Sprayers within the chamber are set in an array to spray a target area, and a controller controls which sprayers are activated based on information delineating the locations of the components to be cooled. The enclosure can be readily removed from a computer system through a quick release connection. The computer system can include a condenser and pump to operate all its modular cooling systems, removing the condensing function from the individual modules.

Abstract: An oil holding tank (40) is communicated to the case (10c) of the compressor (10). Part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (10) is introduced into the oil holding tank (40) so that the lubrication oil (L) is allowed to flow out from the oil holding tank (40) and the lubrication oil (L) which flows out is allowed to return to the case (10c). The presence of the lubrication oil (L) is detected from a comparison between the temperature (TK1) of the refrigerant introduced from the compressor (10) to the oil holding tank (40) and the temperature (TK2) of the lubrication oil (4) flowing out from the oil holding tank (40). On the basis of the result of the detection, it is judged whether or not the amount of the lubrication oil (L) in the case (10c) is appropriate.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system with an air-conditioning compressor, an electric motor and a refrigerant circuit, in particular for motor vehicles, the electric motor being controllable by an electronic control device and an expansion member arranged in the refrigerant circuit, a further expansion member is arranged between the high-pressure side of the expansion member and the suction side of the air-conditioning compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and the electronic control device is connected thermally conductively to the low-pressure side of the further expansion member. The further expansion member is controllable as a function of the temperature of the electronic control device.

Abstract: A natural and environmentally friendly cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system comprises an insulating enclosure, a block of ice within the insulating enclosure, a primary coil of tubing contacting the block of ice and beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, a return coil of tubing beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, and a grid positioned between the primary coil and the return coil.

Abstract: In a cooling apparatus, air within a room is first introduced into a radiator-type adsorber (1), where moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by A-type silica gel. The resulting low-humidity air is subsequently introduced into a desorption cooler (5), where moisture is desorbed from B-type silica gel, thereby humidifying and cooling the air. The resulting low-temperature air is then used for cooling. When a cooling capacity of the cooling apparatus is lowered, air from a heat source is introduced into the radiator-type adsorber (1), where the moisture is desorbed from the A-type silica gel, thereby recovering the adsorbability thereof. The high-humidity air resulting from the desorption of the moisture is subsequently introduced into the desorption cooler (5), where the moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by the B-type silica gel, thereby recovering the desorption cooling capacity thereof.

Abstract: A one-unit type air conditioner is provided. The one-unit type air conditioner includes a cabinet defining the appearance of the air conditioner, a partition wall dividing the interior of the cabinet into indoor and outdoor sections, and a fan casing and an evaporator support frame installed in the cabinet in the indoor section of the partition wall. The partition wall includes a plate part transversely arranged in the interior of the cabinet to partition the interior into the indoor and outdoor sections, and a frame support part formed by cutting a part of the plate part to form a piece having a predetermined size and bending the piece toward the indoor section. The frame support part is spaced at a base thereof apart from the edge of the plate part by a predetermined distance and includes a margin disposed between the base of the frame support part and the edge of the plate part. The margin is bent toward the outdoor section to form a reinforcing flange for increasing the strength of the frame support part.

Abstract: A heat pump system (10) includes a fluid refrigerant compressor (12) and heat exchanger units (14, 16). Heat transfer tubings (36, 50, 58, 60, 66, 82) interconnect the fluid refrigerant compressor (12) and the heat exchanger units (14, 16) in a series relationship for carrying refrigerant fluid. Flow control valves (22, 24) are provided and are interconnected between a treated waste effluent source (20) such as a municipal or private treated waste effluent supply or reservoir and the heat exchanger unit (16) for controlling the amount of water flowing from the treated waste effluent source (20) to the heat exchanger unit (16). The flow control valves (22, 24) are responsive to the pressure at the outlet (12b) of the fluid refrigerant compressor (12) sensed at port (26) in the heat transfer tubing (58) to automatically optimize the operating condition of the heat pump system (10).