Abstract: A method of making a reinforced structure of the type including a body of solidified matrix material, for example a cement based material, and reinforcing elements embedded therein, said method comprising shaping and solidifying matrix material so as to form a plurality of matrix body members (10) which when arranged adjacent to each other form a matrix body with a plurality of elongated cavities (11/12) therein, at least one of the matrix body members having matrix reinforcement components incorporated therein, at least one of the elongated cavities being formed on an interface between matrix body members when arranged adjacent to each other and/or at least two of the elongated cavities being formed transversely to each other and each intersects an interface between matrix body members arranged adjacent to each other, arranging the matrix body members adjacent to each other with reinforcing elements (13, 14, 15) within the said cavities, and interconnecting the matrix body members and the reinforcing element

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for assembling longitudinal edges of panels, laths or wainscots (1) consisting of a male portion (2), for equipping the longitudinal edge of said panels, laths or wainscots (1) and of a female portion (3) with matching shape for equipping the other longitudinal edge of the panels, laths or wainscots (1). The male portion (2) is in the form of a longitudinal tongue inclined upwards, the female portion (3) having matching cross-section and inclination. The device is equipped with vertical load transfer elements in service position. The invention is more particularly useful in the building sector, in particular for flooring, wall facing or ceiling finish, with panels, laths or wainscots made of different materials, such as wood, skin materials and synthetic materials.

Abstract: A truss joint reinforcement plate (10) for reinforcing a pitch break in a truss, so as to substantially limit flexion of the truss at the point of the pitch break. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) is defined by a substantially planar member (15) having a first end (20) and a second end (25) adapted so as to allow the first and second ends (20, 25) to be bent across a first fold region (30) such that the first and second ends (20, 25) are disposed at a selectable angle to one another allowing the truss joint reinforcement plate (10) to be adapted to a wide range of pitch angles. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) also includes a first and second panel members (35, 40) each having an inboard end (36, 41) and a distal end (38, 43). The first and second panel members (35, 40) are bendable at a second fold region (45) disposed at the junction of the inboard ends (36, 41) and the planar member (15).

Abstract: A beam for a grid in a ceiling that has drywall affixed to the grid by self-tapping screws.

Abstract: A picture target amount-of-code calculating unit calculates a target amount of codes for each picture type that corresponds to an encoding rate that has been determined by an audio/video encoding rate determining unit. An amount-of-code controlling unit controls the quantizing scale of a quantizing unit so as to make the target amount of codes for each picture type match with a total amount of codes of a unit as a whole. A unit address calculating unit calculates the addresses used when a search is made, as navigation data, on the basis of the target amount of codes for each picture type and the encoding rate. A unifying unit makes a construction of the unit while, on the other hand, a navigation data producing unit depicts navigation data at a foremost position of the unit.

Abstract: In a device for screwing a screw cap onto a container with a magnetic coupling arranged between a spindle which can be driven and the closing head, in the circumferential area of permanent magnets connected to the closing head, an inductive detector for determining the state of motion is provided. As a result, the simplest means are provided to allow the monitoring of the number of revolutions of the closing head, and defects, such as incorrect container clamping, incorrect closing cone and incorrect threadings, can be reliably detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.

Abstract: A package for the product where the package includes a sizing cavity where an article, upon which the product is to be applied, is to be insertable within a sizing cavity to determine that the particular product in that package is to be the correct size for that particular article. A method of packaging a product which comprises forming a housing within which the product is located and forming at least one sizing cavity within the housing of a specific size and shape which is to connect with a canister upon which the product is to be located. A method of merchandising a product comprising the steps of placing the product in a housing and forming in the housing at least one sizing cavity of a specific size and shape, attempting to place a canister separate from the housing within the sizing cavity, and if it fits there within, the product will be the correct size of product to be used with the canister.

Abstract: A packaging method and assembly includes a bag loading assembly operable to load single sized bags into a loading station at a plurality of distances and a cutter assembly operable to cut the single sized bag to a desired size. A bag manipulating assembly operable to open the bag to allow a package to be inserted into the bag and to seal the bag after the package has been inserted into the bag. The packaging method and assembly also preferably includes a tail remover that removes the cut tail of the bag from the packaging assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wrapping unit loads or packaged goods (2) using a section of elastic film (8) that is at least approximately hood-shaped, whereby the section of film is gathered and pulled over the unit load or packaged goods. The invention aims to provide a significantly faster packaging method of this type, which can be used in branches of industry with high production figures, e.g. white goods (dishwashers, refrigerators etc.). To achieve this, the section of film is gathered by a gathering device (3), then taken by a covering device (6) that can be displaced separately and subsequently pulled over the unit load or packaged goods, in particular being stretched beforehand. Another section of film can be gathered by the gathering device, while the previous section of film is still being pulled over the unit load or packaged goods.

Abstract: A bottle support plate for use in a rotary capping machine used to apply caps onto the upper threaded neck of one or more containers having a non-fully circular flange. The containers are moved along a generally circular path by a star wheel. The bottle support plate is connected to the star wheel and includes a pocket that at least partially supports and at least partially mates with the flange of the container to at least partially inhibit rotation of the container during the threading of a cap on the upper threaded neck of the container.

Abstract: A product packaging system for organizing and packing a number of different items into a set. The system may include a number of staging conveyors. Each of the staging conveyors may carry a stack of items from the number of different items. The system further may include a positioning conveyor positioned adjacent to the staging conveyors and a number of removal devices positioned adjacent to the positioning conveyor. The removal devices may remove one item from the stack of items on each of the staging conveyors and place the item on the positioning conveyor. The system also may include one or more rotation devices positioned about the positioning conveyor so as to rotate the one items on the positioning conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and containing a series of waste containing packs successively distributed along a length of flexible tubing is formed of a housing with a top portion displaying an opening to receive waste material therein and of a cassette containing a package of a flexible pleated tubing and so constructed as to enable the tubing to be dispensed therefrom downwardly into the opening. The apparatus includes a tubing pulling device rotatably mounted to the housing and including an attachment for securing one end of the tubing and an arrangement to receive the tubing in a wraparound manner when the pulling device is rotated and to form waste containing packs. The arrangement defines folds between successive packs to compress the tubing at the folds to seal the packs. The pulling device is removably mounted to the housing so as to enable the disposal of the waste containing packs from the pulling device.

Abstract: This machine is of the type used for the automatic packaging of liquid, granulated, ground, or powdered products in bag-shaped packages. The machine comprises bag-shaping means (1) or means for supplying ready-made bags (19) determining a virtual longitudinal axis (X-X), bag transport means (10) for packaging and bag packaging means (15), the bag transport means (10) being linked with the bag-shaping means (1) or with the supply of ready-made bags (19) by means of a transfer device (3). The bag transport means (11) are provided with a bag transport guide (11) which describes a closed path and determines a virtual longitudinal axis (Y-Y).

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine body having two side plates fixed in parallel on one side of its bottom base. The side plates are bored with a plurality of through holes preset in number at the locations where a cutting device, a clamping device and a band-pressing device are assembled. Each through hole is fitted with a padding sleeve which is wrapped inside the machine body and formed in shape together when the machine body is made integral by means of plastic injection molding, possible to be mass-produced, needless to be additionally drilled with holes for other components, lightening its whole weight and economizing producing cost.

Abstract: A device for liquid separation and filtration for drying and cleaning of compressed gases, which is intended, especially, for compressed air and breathing air, and in which the design is such that a centrifugal liquid separation means is located axially upstream of a filter means with a filter cartridge in the tank of the device. In the interior of the tank there is a centrifugal liquid separation means with an assigned separation space and a condensate liquid collection space axially underneath the filter means of the filter cartridge. The bottom of the filter cartridge can form the boundary wall of the separation space of the centrifugal liquid separation means. Between the outside wall of the filter cartridge of the filter means and the inside wall of the tank there is a narrow gap in which the compressed gas, after leaving the centrifugal liquid separation means, rises high along the filter cartridge as far as the opposite entry into the filter means.

Abstract: In order to achieve the object of providing a module comprising improved mechanical characteristics as well as a wide range of application, it is proposed that the module comprise at least one layer having open porosity, comprising an outer side facing a medium flowing into the module and an inner side facing away from the inflowing medium, manufactured from a material that can be sintered, selected from a group comprising metals, metal oxides, metal compounds, and/or metal alloys.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the movement of a working unit of an agricultural working implement between a first position and a second position, with an actuator that is provided with a chamber to which a pressurized medium can be applied and that is coupled to the working unit in such a way that it brings the working unit into the second position when the medium is applied to the chamber and the working unit reaches the first position when the medium is not applied to the chamber. An accumulator control arrangement serves to connect the chamber of the actuator to the accumulator only when the working unit moves into the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting plant growth from waterways to promote fluid passage through such waterway. Water under high pressure is forced through a nozzle orifice to cut, chop and/or pulverize the aquatic plant matter. The nozzle is on a spray-head assembly of the apparatus, which is positioned above or in the waterway by the boom of a vehicle such as, for example, a crane or backhoe. As the transport machinery and apparatus are advanced in the waterway, a path is cut through aquatic plant matter by the high pressure water from the nozzle, and, as a result, the waterway may be effectively cleared. In the preferred apparatus and method, wherein the nozzle directs the water vertically into the waterway, a steel plate may be submerged beneath the level of the nozzle and above the soil surface to protect the soil from disruption and erosion.

Abstract: A portable modular implement system. The system comprises a power source which comprises a motor. The motor comprises a crank shaft with an upper end and a lower end. A casing is attached to the motor exterior to the upper end of the crankshaft. The casing further comprises a void. An implement assembly comprising an implement bracket is reversibly attached to the power source. An implement is attached to the implement bracket. The implement comprises an implement drive shaft wherein the implement drive shaft protrudes through the void and couples with the crankshaft below the casing when the implement bracket is attached to the power source.

Abstract: Multi-part improvements to brush cutting technology including a breakaway system. A single horizontal pin attaches the cutter head of a brush cutting machine to the boom and a swing tower, so that a single vertical pin can attach the tractor to the boom, the vertical pin and swing tower allowing the cutter head to have a forward and aft movement for flexibility around immovable objects. A breakaway cylinder holds the cutter head at a ninety degree angle relative to the tractor of a brush cutting machine. A control, in the form of a joystick, remotely raises and lowers the cutter head portion using a single control within the cab. A first relief valve bypasses when higher than normal hydraulic pressure is created in the breakaway cylinder and a second relief valve removes excess oil from the breakaway cylinder. A switch, in the form of a toggle switch, remotely operates the breakaway cylinder and moves the cutter head from within the cab.

Abstract: An adjustable baffle assembly that can be moveably coupled to a front flow control baffle of a lawnmower cutting deck. The adjustable baffle assembly includes a first wall that is securable to the front flow control baffle in at least a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the adjustable baffle also includes at least one flange that extends generally rearwardly from a bottom edge of the first wall into a generally triangularly shaped space defined between adjacent cutting circles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating markings on a planar textile body and a thread-like body for carrying out said method. According to the invention, a method for the creation of markings on a planar textile body, which will survive all following process steps and permits a clear marking of position on the textile surface can be achieved, whereby, during production of the planar body, a thread-like body (15) is included, which comprises a support (16) with a filament (17) wound around said support and whereby said support is divided into marked zones (18, 19, 20) and mark-free zones (21, 22, 23).

Abstract: A rotary inlet flow controller, with one or more open ducts extending therethrough, aerodynamically controls the amount and velocity of the flow of air to combustion chambers of pulse detonation engines, or other engines, without imposing large cyclic airflow transients in the diffuser of the air intake. The ducted rotary inlet flow controller supplies airflow and sealing in synchronization with the cycles of the engine: airflow and fueling supply, sealing, combustion, and re-opening for additional airflow. This controller will supply near-uniform, continuous airflow to the engine. The preferred controller has one or more propeller-like blades that are designed to cyclically and sequentially duct incoming flow to the inlet ports of the combustion chambers, while also providing the capability of sealing the ports during combustion.

Abstract: A system controls the air-fuel ratio in an exhaust gas supplied from an internal combustion engine to a catalytic converter in order to keep an output voltage Vout of an O2 sensor disposed downstream of the catalytic converter at a predetermined target value Vop. In the system, the temperature of an active element of the O2 sensor is controlled at a predetermined temperature such that the output voltage of the O2 sensor at an inflection point of output characteristics thereof is substantially the same as the target value Vop.

Abstract: At a time point at which an ignition switch is made OFF and an engine is stopped, an output of a downstream gas sensor is read, thereafter, at a time point at which a predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine, the output of the downstream gas sensor changed by flowing the atmosphere back into an exhaust pipe is read. Thereafter, a change in the output of the downstream gas sensor until the predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine is calculated, the change in the output is compared with an abnormality determinant and when the change in the output is smaller than the abnormality determinant, response of the downstream gas sensor is determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas aftertreatment system are described. A quantity (B) which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is determined based on at least one characteristic operating quantity of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle engine control system controls an engine that includes a plurality of cylinders and that generates exhaust gas. An air-assisted direct injection fuel system supplies an air/fuel mixture to the cylinders. A catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions from the exhaust gas after the catalytic converter reaches a light-off temperature. A controller communicates with the engine, the catalytic converter and the air-assisted direct injection fuel system. The controller optimizes cam phasing, the air/fuel mixture and spark angle for full and partial engine operating modes. The controller deactivates at least one of the cylinders of the engine before the catalytic converter achieves the light-off temperature to hasten light-off of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method and a device for dosing a liquid reducing agent for denoxing the exhaust gases of a diesel engine, wherein the reducing agent is delivered to the exhaust gas system of the diesel engine via a dosing valve. The reducing agent is cooled for the elimination of gas bubbles entrained in the reducing agent present at the input side of the dosing valve.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device which can sufficiently perform HC purification even if a lean NOx catalyst included in a metal substrate is used. The exhaust gas purifying device comprises, in an exhaust passage in an internal combustion engine along a flowing direction of the exhaust gas, a lean NOx catalyst including a catalyst layer which purifies nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas under a hyperoxia atmosphere and a metal honeycomb, the lean NOx catalyst having the catalyst layer supported within the metal honeycomb; and a reaction catalyst for subjecting to an oxidation reaction at least hydrocarbon contained in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A watercraft incorporates a multiple cylinder engine and an exhaust system that guides exhaust gases from the engine to an external location. An oxygen sensor is provided to detect a residual amount of exhaust gases. An engine body of the engine defines a plurality of inner exhaust passages that communicate with respective combustion chambers. The exhaust system incorporates an exhaust conduit such as an exhaust manifold that defines individual exhaust passages therein that communicate with the respective inner exhaust passages. The oxygen sensor is positioned either at one of the inner exhaust passages or at one of the individual exhaust passages.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle, such as a loader, has a hydrostatic drive that includes hydrostatic motors to drive ground engaging wheels under control of the operator. The rotational speed of the motors is proportional to an operator control input provided to a controller which in turn regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from a pressure source to the motors. In the form shown, the regulation of the hydraulic fluid under pressure to the motors is achieved by utilizing electrical displacement control pumps that will provide a flow of fluid to a connected motor in direct proportion to an input signal as the flow source. The motors are fixed displacement motors, and when the wheels tend to overrun as the vehicle rolls down a hill or incline, the motors will act as pumps.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and method for simple and rapid introduction of EGR gas to an internal combustion engine include a pump, tank, and valve connected to the engine. Exhaust gas is pressurized by operation of the pump under predetermined operating conditions and stored in the tank. The valve is selectively controlled to meter amounts of the EGR gas to the engine. The EGR tank can be separate or integrally formed within tubing used to direct EGR gas flow.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with an exhaust turbocharger and an exhaust-gas recirculation device comprises a turbine, assigned to the exhaust turbocharger, in the exhaust section and a compressor in the intake duct, the turbine having at least two flow passages, via which exhaust gas can be fed to the turbine rotor. For the purpose of dimensioning the two flow passages, an asymmetry factor is determined as a function of the displacement of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a process for producing energy through a thermodynamic cycle comprising transforming a first working fluid having at least two components into usable energy and a first exhaust stream; diverting at least a portion of the first exhaust stream to form a diverted first exhaust stream; transferring heat from the diverted first exhaust stream to the first working fluid, thereby partially condensing the diverted first exhaust stream to form a partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream; separating the partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream into a vapor stream and a liquid stream; and transforming the vapor stream into usable energy. The present invention also comprises a system for producing energy through novel implementation of a thermodynamic cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-temperature member for use in a gas turbine, the member being formed from a new wear-resistant alloy having good wear resistance as well as good ductility. the member was developed to prevent wear and damage that occur due to vibration while the turbine is running. The high-temperature member for use in a gas turbine is formed from a new cobalt-based wear-resistant alloy which is composed of a cobalt-chromium matrix and refractory metals, with the content of hard particles (such as carbide) reduced. The refractory metals promote work hardening, thereby improving wear resistance. The reduced content of hard particles contributes to good ductility.

Abstract: The ejector based engine is, as an example in an ejector ramjet engine, a propulsion duct having normal augmented ramjet elements of an inlet, mixer, diffuser, combustor and exit nozzle that allow operating velocities from zero to hypersonic. At the upstream end of the mixer an injector assembly is mounted in the fluid flow path to form an ejector. The injector assembly has one or more injector rings which have alternatively offset injector exhaust nozzles or slots to direct fluid toward the engine internal wall or the engine longitudinal axis respectively to improve fluid mixing for use of a shorter mixer section. The supply of fluid to the injector exhaust nozzles may be by fuel flow pumps and other elements connected to injector chambers in the injector ring or by an injector combustor external to the mixer.

Abstract: A component cooling steam flow control scheme for a combined cycle power plant (12). Steam pressure in the steam drum (40) of a waste heat recovery steam generator (36) is controlled by selectively positioning a steam bypass valve (54). The flow of steam from the steam drum through a cooling steam flow path (46) is controlled by selectively positioning a steam admission valve (50) in the cooling steam flow path. At power levels below a predetermined crossover power level (72), the cooling steam flow is controlled independently from the steam drum pressure, thus assuring good system controllability at the lower power levels where system control is historically a concern. The steam admission valve is maintained fully open at power levels above the crossover power level, so changes in cooling steam flow at these higher power levels are accomplished by regulating steam drum pressure.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery system that uses circumferential fuel staging. The fuel delivery system includes a plurality of fuel supply rings and a backpurge sub-system. The fuel supply rings are arranged concentrically at various radial distances to supply fuel to a combustor through a plurality of combustor manifolds and pigtails. The backpurge system uses high temperature and high pressure combustor air to purge fuel from non-flowing fuel supply rings, combustor pigtails, and combustor manifolds. Additionally, the fuel delivery system includes at least two orifices to minimize pressure decays during filling stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for the real-time monitoring and control of a wafer temperature in a semiconductor process chamber, such as a plasma assisted deposition chamber or etch chamber, is provided. The apparatus is constructed by a wafer platform, a heat exchanger for flowing a heat exchanging medium into the wafer platform, an optical sensor for sensing the temperature of a wafer positioned on the wafer platform, and a controller for receiving a signal from the optical sensor, comparing to a pre-stored value and sending a signal to the heat exchanger to increase or decrease a flow of the heat exchanging medium. In another embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric cooling modules is utilized for enhancing the temperature control capability of the heat exchanger by embedding the modules in the wafer platform, such as an electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A gas-flow heat exchanger comprising a set of parallel, spaced, heat-conductive areas providing between them a stack of pockets each containing parallel baffles (24) which define a platen of passageways (26) guiding the gas-flow path through the pocket between inlet and outlet openings (22, 23). The openings being arranged in four parallel lines at the sides of the stack, two of the lines respectively containing the inlet and outlet openings (22, 23) associated with the gas flow paths of alternative pockets. The remaining two lines respectively containing the inlet and outlet openings associated with the remaining pockets. Each pocket containing a removable frame (21) formed with the openings provided at the ends of the gas flow path through it and supporting within the frame the parallel baffles (24) which divide the gas-flow path into the platen of passageways (26). All of the passageways (26) provide a substantially equal dwell time to gas passing therethrough.

Abstract: Counter-current heat flow systems are disclosed, where heat containing medium flows in adjacent conduits arranged anti-parallel to one another so that the medium flowing from a warm zone to a cool zone flows adjacent to the medium flowing from the cool to the warm zone in the opposite direction. A plurality of heat pumps are distributed along the conduits to actively pump heat between adjacent points of the conduits. Little energy is required to pump heat between the adjacent points yet a large temperature difference can be maintained between the warm and the cool zones. The heat containing medium can be a fluid or an electric current. The medium in one conduit may have a different heat capacity than the medium in the other conduit. A controller may be included to regulate the plurality of heat pumps and/or the flow of the media to maintain a desired temperature at the warm zone or the cool zone.

Abstract: A temperature controller module for electronically controlling the temperature of a device, such as a pump laser or laser diode, controls the device temperature based on low heat dissipation inductors and current sources. The temperature controller module shuts off the thermoelectric cooler when the temperature of the laser exceeds a predetermined amount. Further, the temperature controller module is integrated in a compact, self-contained modular form to allow use in space critical applications.

Abstract: A terminal structure of cryogenic equipment for leading a terminal of cryogenic equipment 100 from a very low temperature portion to a room temperature portion through a bushing, having a feature in that a connecting/heat-insulating portion 300 adiabatically connected with the aforementioned very low temperature portion 200 and the aforementioned room temperature portion 400 is provided along the outer circumference of the aforementioned bushing 30 between the aforementioned very low temperature portion 200 and the aforementioned room temperature portion 400.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thermally stabilizing an object (20) to be cooled to a temperature of the order of 6 to 25 K by circulating a fluid, characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: Viable biological material is cryogenically preserved (cryopreservation) by chemically preparing the material for freezing, immersing the material in a tank of cooling fluid, and circulating the cooling fluid past the material at a substantially constant predetermined velocity and temperature to freeze the material. A method according to the present invention freezes the biologic material quickly enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals within cell structures (vitrification). The temperature of the cooling fluid is preferably between −20° C. and −30° C., which is warm enough to minimize the formation of stress fractures in cell membranes due to thermal changes. Cells frozen using a method according to the present invention have been shown to have approximately an 80 percent survival rate, which is significantly higher than other cryopreservation methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling and heating, having a first heat exchanger (10) for outputting heat to and extracting it from a heat reservoir (12); a second heat exchanger (14) for extracting heat from and outputting it into a space (16) to be cooled or heated; a compressor (18); an expansion device (20); and means (22, 24) for switchover between a cooling mode and a heating mode; wherein the switchover means (22, 24) are integrated with a module (26). The invention also relates to a method for switching over between a cooling mode and a heating mode.

Abstract: A control device includes a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, a displacement control valve and an auxiliary valve. The displacement control valve is placed in the first passage. The auxiliary valve includes a valve chamber, a spool valve and an urging means. The spool valve is slidably accommodated in the valve chamber. The spool valve divides the valve chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, to communicate the first pressure chamber with the first passage and to communicate the second pressure chamber with the second passage. The urging means is placed in the valve chamber for urging the spool valve toward the first pressure chamber. The third passage communicates with the first pressure chamber and/or the second pressure chamber by the movement of the spool valve.

Abstract: A service device for a refrigerator having a refrigerating chamber, the device having an electric circuit portion and a mechanical portion. The electric circuit portion is connectable to the refrigerator outside the refrigerating chamber, and the mechanical portion is at least partly insertable inside the refrigerating chamber and cooperates with the electric circuit portion.