Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: Provided is a seal structure for sealing an air gap between a framing member and a wallboard. The seal structure is formed from a curable, flowable material. The seal structure has a body having first and second opposing surfaces and a plurality of flexible seal members integral with and extending generally transversely with respect to a second surface of the body. The seal members are disposed in spaced relation to define a double seal between the framing member and the wallboard when the wallboard engages distal ends of the seal members. Also provided is a preformed seal structure. The invention further provides a method of sealing air gaps in an attic using an elastomeric paint to fill gaps of ⅛ inch.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprising a machine stand and an insulator housing sealingly connected to the machine stand. The connection to the machine stand is made via retainers, disposed on the machine housing, with a profile frame of the insulator housing resting on the retainers. Between the insulator housing and the machine stand, a gap is formed, in which a sealing element is disposed. The packaging machine according to the invention makes standardized machine stands possible, as well as a structure that is simpler from the production standpoint, because less stringent tolerances are required.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tip cap having a maximum diameter over a syringe subassembly having a syringe body with an end carrying a needle has a holder holding the subassembly with the needle substantially on an axis and a tubular guide having a feed passage generally centered on the axis adjacent the holder, of an inside diameter greater than the maximum tip-cap diameter, and open toward the holder. A stop can move between a blocking position between the guide and the holder and an unblocking position offset therefrom. The tip cap is fed through the passage to a position arrested on the stop in the blocking position thereof. A nozzle opening into the passage injects pressurized gas into the passage and thereby spins the tip cap in the passage about the axis. The stop can then be moved from the blocking into the unblocking position for displacing the spinning tip cap from the guide onto the syringe subassembly in the holder. The nozzle opens tangentially into the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers includes a film web that includes two juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge, an open longitudinal edge, and a series of transverse seals having a first end located at the closed longitudinal edge and a second end terminating a predetermined distance from the open longitudinal edge such that each of the juxtaposed film plies have a section extending beyond the second end of the transverse seals, thereby forming a skirt that extends between adjacent containers at the open longitudinal edge. Such skirt facilitates inflation of each container.

Abstract: A bag supplying device including a conveying arm that has a fixed clamping element and a movable clamping element, a reciprocating-rotating assembly that causes the conveying arm to make a back-and-forth rotational movement between a downwardly-facing clamping position and a substantially horizontal intermediate position, a slide frame on which the rotational shaft is rotatably supported, a reciprocating movement assembly that reciprocates the slide frame horizontally so that the conveying arm advances toward and retracts from a transfer position (where bags are transferred) to a gripper, and an opening-and-closing assembly that opens and closes the movable clamping element. With the bag mouth of an empty bag clamped by the clamping element, the conveying arm rotates upward and then advances to the transfer position, then the movable clamping element opens so as to transfer the empty bag, which is in a vertical attitude, to the gripper.

Abstract: An adjustable force wrapping material brake mechanism and dispenser assembly for an agricultural baler. The assembly includes a wrapping material dispenser roll mount rotatably supporting a wrapping material dispenser roll. A brake-biasing arm is provided having a first end fixedly connected to a first end of a rotatable shaft. A tension arm is connected to the second end of the shaft, and bears a counter roller disposed to roll on a surface of the material dispenser roll. A pivotable monolithic brake lever arm is provided with a brake pad. A single tension spring connects the brake biasing arm and the brake lever arm to bias the brake pad to contact the brake drum with a biasing force, and thereby braking the dispenser roll. As wrapping material is dispensed, the tension arm and brake biasing arm rotate to reduce the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A riding stirrup (10) includes a hanger rod (11) for connecting the stirrup to a saddle, and a stirrup loop (12) connected to the hanger rod. The stirrup loop (12) defines a stirrup opening (14) through which a rider may extend their foot when the rider is sitting in the saddle. The stirrup loop (12) also includes an elongated base support tread (17) positioned generally at the bottom of the loop. The base support tread (17) extends at a slant with respect to a stirrup centerline (CL) which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hanger rod (11), through a midpoint of the rod, and through the base support tread. This slant places the distance between an outer tread section (21) and the hanger rod (11) greater than the distance between an inner tread section (20) and the hanger rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment. cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Abstract: A harvesting reel is rotatably mounted on left and right saddles. The saddles are slidably positioned on fore/aft extending arms. A fore/aft position sensor is located between one of the fore/aft extending arms and the respective saddle. The fore/aft extending arm is provided with a slot that extends along the arm at an angle thereto. A sensing finger engages the slot and is coupled to a potentiometer by a sensing arm. As the fore/aft position of the reel changes, the relative position of the sensing finger changes creating a changing electrical output from the potentiometer. The resulting potentiometer voltage represents a fore/aft position signal that is directed to a controller.

Abstract: A drive system for the auger of a crop-harvesting header that includes a slip clutch to slow or stop auger rotation upon encountering a slug or foreign object of sufficient size, and pawls on the drive sprocket that engage a ratchet wheel on the auger drive shaft when the drive is reversed to provide positive power to the auger in reverse to eject the obstruction.

Abstract: Multiple belt mule drive apparatus and systems for use with ground maintenance vehicles are provided. The apparatus may include two endless belts each engageable with a drive sheave of a prime mover and a driven sheave of a cutting deck. Each drive belt may further contact a guide pulley and an idler pulley on a tension side and a slack side of the belt, respectively. In one embodiment, the drive sheave has an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the guide pulley and the idler pulley associated with the first endless belt are, when the vehicle is in an operating configuration, located on a first side of a vertical plane passing through the drive sheave axis, while the guide pulley and idler pulley associated with the second endless belt are located on a second side.

Abstract: A grass and leaf collection sled for riding lawn mowers. The sled vastly increases the total volume of grass, leaves, and other lawn residue that can be picked up and transported to a disposal site. The sled is easily assembled, simple to load and unload, and is easily stored after use. The sled enables collection of a large volume of lawn refuse without relying upon additional mechanical devices to complicate the operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A height adjustment apparatus having a frame bracket attached to the frame with no relative movement therebetween, and a threaded rod threaded through the frame bracket. A nut is rigidly attached to a top end of the threaded rod. A swivel head is rotationally attached to the lower end of the rod, with the swivel head being attached to a ground contacting support. The apparatus further includes a socket configured to slidably receive the nut and the frame bracket. A spring is provided for slidably biasing the socket into a non-rotational aspect relative to the frame bracket.

Abstract: A large rectangular baler includes pick-up and packer rotors, a pivotable stuffer, a plunger head, a knotter shaft and a needle yoke, and tension panels that are all driven hydraulically and independently controlled through electrically controlled valves that actuate the various hydraulic power devices used to power the various functions. An electronic control unit is coupled to each of the control valves and receives feedback signals from the controlled functions which are compared with values representing desired function results so as to further control the valves to attain the desired results. In addition to the feedback signals from the powered functions, signals from a bale length sensor and a ground speed sensor are also coupled to the electronic control unit for use in controlling the powered functions.

Abstract: Module builder including holding chamber, wheeled frame towable behind a harvester; compaction chamber, compaction devices, forming chamber, door assembly. The compaction chamber having compaction surface oriented between and substantially perpendicular to compaction chamber sidewalls. Compaction surface is nominally vertical and translatable through the compaction chamber at vertical and near-vertical. The compaction chamber is situated to receive material from the holding chamber. Compaction devices are coupled to the compaction surface, and operative to translate it in a substantially horizontal direction through the compaction chamber at vertical and near vertical. The forming chamber is aligned with the compaction chamber trailing edge. The forming chamber door assembly includes a substantially vertical door frame at least spanning the forming chamber trailing edge, and is movable toward and away from the forming chamber along the wheeled frame.

Abstract: A round baler having a frame assembly, comprising: (a) a first frame assembly; (b) a pickup assembly comprising a pickup and a auger assembly integrally mounted on the first frame assembly to form a pickup module; (c) a second frame assembly connected to the first frame assembly; and (d) a conveyor module selected from the group consisting of a stuffer module and a rotor module, wherein each conveyor module comprises a conveyor mounted on the second frame assembly. The modular structure of the frame assembly facilitates manufacture of several diverse types of product balers while minimizing the complexity of the assembly line process.

Abstract: A mechanism for cutting a reserve of thread of spindles of continuous spinning machines has a cutting blade, an element which is draggable and which is adjustable without contacting an area of a spindle where there exists a thread of a reserve to be cut and removed, and a device for regulating an adjustment of the element.

Abstract: The new invention proposes that filament yarns, in particular partially stretched yarns known as POY yarns, be subjected to stretch texturing via an air treatment nozzle. The air treatment nozzles are designed in miniaturized form, have a continuous yarn duct in which there open a plurality of transverse bores for the supply of high pressure air in the range over 14 bar, preferably within specific working windows between 20 and 50 bar. With the new invention, it was possible for the first time to process POY yarn via simultaneous stretch texturing using an air twister. The invention allows an individual thread as well as a parallel bundle of threads to be treated and permits for the first time the construction of a false twist stretch texturing bundle device with simultaneous air treatment of 500 to 1000 and more threads.

Abstract: An improved turbine engine topology, wherein the improvement comprises a repositioning, with respect to a conventional intercooled regenerative turbine engine topology, of exhaust gas output from a low pressure turbine stage to a regenerator, to an exhaust gas output from a high pressure turbine stage to the regenerator. The engine topology may additionally employ, as an intermediate stage between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine, a feedback control system, whereby the exhaust gas output from the high pressure turbine stage to the regenerator flows through the feedback control. The engine topology may advantageously also employ an additional cooler and an additional exhaust gas output in the feedback control, whereby exhaust gas flows from the feedback control through the additional cooler to a high pressure compressor stage, or the exhaust gas can flow from the feedback control through a bottoming cycle to the high pressure compressor stage.

Abstract: An automobile engine's catalytic converter is heated by inducing a change in the engine's fuel injection delivery that varies from normal operating conditions. Heating the engine's catalytic converter by changing the engine's fuel injection delivery is useful in enabling the catalytic converter to achieve efficient operating temperature quicker and enables efficient and accurate diagnosis of catalyst degradation. Diagnosis of degraded catalyst performance is accomplished by measurements of the catalyst's temperature characteristics following alternating of the fuel delivery to different cylinders from lean and rich fuel conditions that differ from the mass ratio of air to fuel being at chemical stoichiometric conditions. Measurements of the catalyst's temperature characteristics with defined modifications of an engine's operating conditions allows determining the catalytic converter's gas conversion effectiveness.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in particular for a motor vehicle is described, which is provided with a storage catalytic converter, which is filled with and emptied of nitrogen oxides. Using the control unit, a plurality of aging conditions of the storage catalytic converter can be determined. Using the control unit, a reversible aging curve and a non-reversible aging curve can be determined from the aging conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for the after-treatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes a first catalyst disposed downstream of the engine, through which the exhaust gases flow and which is effective to catalyze a shift reaction between carbon monoxide and water, or which is exhaust gas. The system also includes an oxygen source disposed between the first catalyst and a hydrocarbon trap, and downstream from all of those a three-way catalyst to catalytically oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to reduce noxious emissions.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for a vehicle engine constructed of two stamped halves joined together along a longitudinal weld seam to form a compactly configured manifold. The assembled manifold includes exhaust tubes in communication with the combustion chambers of the engine and a collector chamber for directing exhaust from the tubes to the exhaust system. The individual exhaust tubes are configured for a compact installation and the collection chamber facilitates efficient flow of exhaust through the manifold.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated drive system for mini-loaders and like machines is disclosed. The system incorporates hydraulically operated wheels or sprocket/track arrangements as well as auxiliary functional mechanisms. Tandem hydraulic pumps are used, each one thereof being connected to a multiple spool series valve, providing two separated hydraulic circuits, each of which has a separate relief valve. Each multiple spool series valve controls a wheel motor and a loader/lift or like function. Each multiple spool series valve includes a single-acting spool connected to a common spool valve to provide auxiliary power control.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission may be placed in a free-wheeling state by rotating a bypass actuator that lifts the motor from a motor running surface whereby hydraulic fluid flows into a transmission cavity. A bypass arm connected to the bypass actuator and to a bypass rod may be used to engage and disengage the bypass actuator via operation of the rod. Further, a bypass latch may be used to lock the bypass arm in an engaged position whereby the bypass actuator is engaged and the transmission is disengaged. The bypass latch arm is preferably linked to the brake pedal whereby actuation of the brake pedal disengages the bypass actuator through operation of the latching arm. The system may be designed to provide dynamic braking through transmission resistivity prior to application of a brake force to the axles or wheels by unlatching the bypass arm prior to actuating the brake arm.

Abstract: Differential pressures across flow control valves 6a, 6b and 6c are controlled by pressure compensating valves 7a, 7b and 7c to be held at the same value, i.e., a differential pressure &Dgr;PLS, and the differential pressure &Dgr;PLS is maintained at a target differential pressure &Dgr;PLSref by a pump displacement control unit 5. For changing the target differential pressure depending on change in revolution speed of an engine 1, a flow detecting valve 31 is disposed in a delivery line 30a, 30b of a fixed displacement hydraulic pump 30, and a differential pressure &Dgr;Pp across a variable throttle portion 31a of the flow detecting valve 31 is introduced to a setting controller 32. A selector valve 50 operable to shift between a fully closed position and a throttle position is disposed in parallel to the flow detecting valve 31 and is shifted by a control lever 51.

Abstract: A master cylinder including a cylinder body having a cylindrical bore and an opening in the circumferential wall for a relief port communicating with the interior of hydraulic reservoir. A piston is slidably inserted into the cylindrical bore to form a hydraulic pressure generating chamber in the cylindrical bore. A cup seal is provided with an inner circumferential lip portion contacting with the piston, an outer circumferential lip portion slidably contacting with the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical bore, and a base portion connecting the lip portions, which are so arranged as to face to the hydraulic pressure generating chamber. The cup seal cuts the communication between the hydraulic pressure generating chamber and the hydraulic reservoir through the relief port when the top end of the outer circumferential lip portion passes by the relief port.

Abstract: In a device for switching an exhaust gas turbocharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger having such a device, the device is used for exhaust gas turbochargers having a variable turbine geometry as well as for other turbochargers (e.g., waste-gate turbochargers) having an electronically regulated final controlling element. The exhaust gas turbocharger is switched by a switching signal P from a regulated operation A with a boost pressure regulator to an unregulated operation B with a boost pressure control, wherein a delay device is provided for generating the switching signal P with a time delay.

Abstract: An inlet air compressor for an internal combustion engine is provided which has one inlet and a plurality of outlets. Within the compressor are disposed a plurality of diffusers coupled to the plurality of outlets. The flow is divided among the plurality of outlets so that at conditions of low overall flow rate through the engine, which would, in a compressor according to the prior art, ordinarily surge, allow the flow to be substantially discontinued through one or more diffusers and continue at through the remaining diffusers. In this way, the diffusers with flow operate within an acceptable operating range and avoid a surging condition. The present invention is directed to engines having a wide range of flow rates. A couple of examples are gasoline engines and variable displacement engines.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine wherein intake ambient air is boosted to a higher pressure by passage through at least one compressor and then introduced into the internal combustion engine. Fuel is also introduced into the internal combustion engine for providing combustion in admixture with the air charge at a combustion temperature approximating a target value. Various engine operating parameters, inclusive of torque demand, e.g., accelerator pedal depression, are sensed and the boosted pressure is changed in a manner proportional to a change in the sensed torque demand so as to maintain the combustion temperature at approximately the target value, i.e., below 2100° K.

Abstract: An improved power system that recovers heat energy from the exhaust of internal combustion utilizing an internal combustion engine in combination with a Brayton bottoming system. Heat from a thermal battery drives the bottoming system to create electrical power that supplements the engine power. Sources of heat for the thermal battery include hot engine exhaust gasses, electrically generated heat, and residual heat from motor/generators.

Abstract: A liquid is evaporated by the sun, raised as vapor, condensed and stored in tanks. These tanks are connected to a turbine. Turbine is feed by the condensed liquid, and then the liquid is evaporated again. The system is closed and the liquid has an intermediate boiling point between ambient temperature in sun areas (South) and ambient temperature in shade areas (North).

Abstract: A water evaporation apparatus is provided which uses the heat from the sun to evaporate water from a water collection means. The water collection means has a water container member partially submerged in a water reservoir. The water container member has a water transport member connected to it, through which water from the water reservoir may move into the water container member. The water from the reservoir will move into the water container member as the sun evaporates water from the water container member since the water levels will naturally try and reach equilibrium. An electricity generation means may be operatively connected to the water collection means in such a manner that the movement of the water through said water transport member may be used to generate electricity.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention determines whether a brake switch flag F_BKSW is “1” or not (step S101), and in the case where the brake is on (“yes”), obtains a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN by table retrieval from a #REGENBR table. In the case where the brake is off (“no”), it is determined whether a fuel supply cut delay time regeneration flag F_RGNFCD is “1” or not (step S104). In the case where regeneration is not performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“no”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #REGEN table (step S105). On the other hand, in the case where regeneration is performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“yes”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #RGNNFCD table (step S106).

Abstract: A combustor liner is provided having first and second annular bands which define an overlapping circumferential joint area, wherein a weld is disposed in the joint area encompassing substantially all of the axial length of the joint area. A method for producing such a combustor liner is also provided.

Abstract: A rocket nozzle assembly is provided for operatively coupling to a rocket motor. The assembly includes a nozzle insert structure having a converging-diverging passageway with a throat region. First and second thrust control cylinders are parallel to each other and rotatable about respective axes transverse to the passageway central axis. The first and second thrust control cylinders intersect the throat region and include respective grooves. A thrust control cylinder-rotating subassembly is operatively associated with the first and second thrust control cylinders to rotate the cylinders about their respective axes and move the grooves relative to the throat region. Movement of the grooves changes the effective cross-sectional throat area of the converging/diverging passageway at the throat region for controlling the thrust when the rocket nozzle assembly is operatively engaged with an operating rocket motor.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine that facilitates reducing combustor chamber dump pressure losses to improve combustor and engine performance is described. The combustor includes a diffuser that diffuses airflow directed into the combustor. The diffuser includes an outer wall, an inner wall, and a plurality of splitter vanes between the outer wall and the inner wall. The splitter vanes are spaced radially apart, and each is spaced radially from a respective diffuser wall such that an outer passage, an inner passage, and a central passage are defined by the splitter vanes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for steam cooling a gas turbine. An intermediate-pressure drum 106 of a recovery boiler supplies outlet steam, as a cooling steam, to a combustor 117 through a steam channel 116. The flow rate of steam guided into the combustor 117 is adjusted through opening or closing of a first flow control valve 120 by a controller 125 such that the pressure of the intermediate-pressure drum 106 becomes a set value set according to a load status of a gas turbine 101. A required amount of steam according to the load status of the gas turbine 101 is fed to the combustor 117. Thus, the flow rate of steam guided into the combustor 117 is controlled by adjustment of the existing first flow control valve 120 for maintaining the pressure of the intermediate-pressure drum 106 in a predetermined state, without the need to provide an expensive valve device in the steam channel 116.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for a gas turbine engine provides combustion fuel to a main pump and an actuator pump significantly reducing heat generation at low flow demand, while regulating actuator flow temperature at high flow demand. Fuel flow from the actuator pump in excess of the actuators needs is directed through an actuator minimum pressure valve and into a thermal bypass valve (TBV.) Depending upon the temperature of the fuel, the TBV determines the path of the excess actuator pump fluid flow. The TBV divides the fuel flow between being recirculated to the actuator pump inlet and the main pump output flow path to the engine fuel input conduit. The engine actuators are thereby assured of receiving flow which preclude freezing of water entrained in the fuel. When there is minimal concern with the possibility of freezing water entrained in the fuel, the TBV passes a greater percentage of fuel through to join together in the engine fuel input conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the statues of a shut-off valve arrangement forming part of a fuelling system of an engine comprises a metering valve arrangement comprising a metering valve member for regulating fuel flow from a pump to the engine and a position sensor for monitoring the position of the metering valve member. The shut-off valve arrangement is operable between open and closed positions and the metering valve arrangement is operable between a maximum flow position, in which the flow of fuel through the metering valve arrangement to the shut-off valve arrangement is a maximum, and a minimum flow position in which the flow of fuel through the metering valve arrangement to the shut-off valve arrangement is a minimum. The position of the metering valve member is controlled by controlling fuel pressure acting on the metering valve member.

Abstract: The heated exhaust gases of a fueled turbine are used to heat a high-temperature-resistant heat transfer liquid, which is used first to generate steam, and then as a heat source for an absorption chiller, and then to heat hot water, thereby maximizing heat transfer from the exhaust gases. Steam is used to drive a steam turbine, and another absorption chiller is connected selectively to use the exhaust steam from the turbine as a heat source to produce refrigeration. Chilled water from the chiller(s) can be used for space cooling in buildings, and/or to cool the fueled turbine inlet air in hot weather.

Abstract: A method of easily deforming a plate-shape vacuum insulation material and producing a smaller but highly effective insulation container, comprising steps of inserting a thermoplastic open-celled rigid foam as a core material into a packet composed of gas barrier film, evacuating and sealing the packet so as to produce a vacuum insulation material, heating and softening the vacuum insulation material so as to deform the same, and cooling the vacuum insulation material so as to cure the same, and also a freezing and refrigerating container having Peliter element.

Abstract: A food chiller includes a container into which cool air is moved over the cold sink of a Peltier effect thermoelectric device and directly into the container. Return air from the container exits the bottom of the container directly into the fan for recirculation. Elimination of a long air duct system simplifies the construction and reduces heat loss.

Abstract: An electrical equipment cabinet is provided that includes an enclosure adapted to contain electrical equipment. A battery compartment, which is located in the enclosure, is adapted to contain at least one battery electrically coupled to the electrical equipment. The battery compartment has first and second opposing side walls, a bottom surface, and a first pair of vents located in the first and second side walls through which external air flows to remove heat. In addition, a second pair of vents, which are also located in the first and second side walls, allow gas emitted by the battery to escape by diffusion. A thermal stabilizing unit is disposed in the battery compartment for regulating the temperature of the battery in contact therewith. The thermal stabilizing unit has a conduit therein for conducting the external air flow between the vents in the first pair of vents.

Abstract: An ice sculpture is formed using a temporary mold that has been formed of plastic or rubber like material. Liquid, such as water, is poured into the temporary mold and the liquid-containing temporary mold is then frozen to form the desired shape. The temporary mold is then broken away from the desired shape and is discarded. An area which accommodates an electric light can be included in the desired shape.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator system with a secondary evaporator. The evaporator system includes a cooling chamber having an ice cream input and an ice cream output. A valve can be placed at the ice cream input to achieve dry freeze operation. The valve can prevent the cooling chamber from being completely filled.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.

Abstract: If a motor breaks down, an appropriate measure is taken according to the type pf the breakdown. If the breakdown is judged to be due to abnormal energization of the motor by electrical abnormality judgment means, a drive source for a hybrid compressor is secured while preventing an engine for traveling from stopping by compressor operation continuation means. If it is judged that the driven state of the motor is abnormal, the hybrid compressor is disconnected from the engine to protect the engine from mechanical abnormality of the hybrid compressor.