Abstract: The expansion of a high pressure or intermediate pressure refrigerant in an expansion device in a transcritical vapor compression system converts the potential energy into usable kinetic energy. The kinetic energy provides work which is employed to fully or partially drive an expansion motor unit which is coupled to rotating auxiliary machinery. By providing work to the rotating auxiliary machinery, system efficiency is improved. The auxiliary rotating machinery can be an evaporator fan or a gas cooler fan to pull the refrigerant through the evaporator and gas cooler, respectively. Alternatively, the auxiliary rotating machinery can be a water pump or an oil pump.

Abstract: A method for operating a transcritical refrigeration system wherein a more optimal compressor parameter such as output pressure, pressure ratio or power consumption is determined using heat exchanger refrigerant inflow temperatures and/or outflow temperatures and also the enthalpy change across the evaporator and adjusting the compressor operation or refrigerant fluid working mass accordingly.

Abstract: Recoverable Ground Source Heat Pump system with energy storage function which uses and stores off-peak-hours electricity to maintain the ground medium temperature to ensure the efficient operation of the system during on-peak electricity hours. The release and receiving of energy is accomplished through the ground heat exchanger by flowing the fluid through different routings of the circulation loop using reversing vales. Space heating and cooling is assured while the underground medium temperature is recovered. The heat pump system of the invention has less initial investment compared to conventional ground source heat pump and ice energy storage cooling systems; requires less ground space; provide operating energy cost savings; assures performance of operation; and avoids using antifreeze solution in the ground circulation fluid that may cause environmental, safety and erosion problems.

Abstract: A blower for an air conditioner with better effect in cold-air circulation in the present invention is to provide a faceplate and at least one cold-air blower, the faceplate having at least one wind outlet and at least one wind inlet, each of the cold-air blowers having an evaporator and a fan, each of the fans having a wind-blown opening aligned with each of the wind outlets of the faceplate, whereby the evaporators of the cold-air blowers are capable of sucking in air in a short distance directly from the wind inlets of the faceplate to become cold air that will be promptly and powerfully blown out of the wind outlets of the faceplate by the fans of the cold-air blowers so as to achieve a better effect in cold-air circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel energy efficient sorption processes and systems for cooling, dehumidifying and heating using multistage liquid desiccant regenerators, or hybrid cooling systems or adsorption cooling systems involving appropriate combinations of rotating contacting devises, adsorption modules with heat transfer passages in thermal contact with the adsorption module wall and switchable heat pipes. The sorption processes of this invention help in flexible designing of compact cooling, dehumidifing, heating systems easy operability. The adsorption module of this invention leads to lower cycle times as low as 5 minutes; makes it possible to achieve high system Coefficient of Performance (COP) up to 0.9 due to reduced thermal mass; offers high specific cooling power in the range of 50 to 750 W/kg of AC; is easy to manufacture and operates at low costs.

Abstract: A level sensing device (10) for a drain pan (50) which collects fluid from a source of fluid (40) in an associated HVAC unit (39). The drain pan (50) has at least one side wall (55). The device (50) has a bracket (12) having agenerally U-shaped portion with first and second legs (16, 18). The generally U-shaped portion serves to mount the device (10) to the at least one side wall (55) of the drain pan (50). A shelf (20) extends from the second leg (16) of the bracket (12). A switch (24) is secured to the bracket (12). The switch (24) is triggered when the fluid level (65) rises above a predetermined level causing electrical power to the associated HVAC unit (39) to be shut off. An HVAC unit (39) employing this device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prolonging the life of an air conditioner unit by directing water onto the condenser coils of the air conditioner. The apparatus is mounted onto a conventional air conditioner and includes a water valve that is connected on one end to a water source and on an opposing end to a means for spraying water directly on the condenser coils of the air conditioning unit. The water valve is operated by a controller that acts as a dual sensor for sensing whether a certain ambient temperature has been reached and whether the compressor is activated. The apparatus may be purchased as a backfit or retrofit kit and easily assembled by the average homeowner without the use of special tools.

Abstract: An operational structure of an impeller assembly for an air cooler is provided. The operational structure of an impeller assembly for an air cooler includes: a casing having a water collector provided on the bottom thereof; a moisture absorption pad provided in the casing, for absorbing water; an air blowing fan which is disposed in front of the moisture absorption pad and rotates; a water spreader provided in the upper portion of the casing, spraying water to the moisture absorption pad; a connection tube connecting the water spreader and the water collector with each other; and an impeller assembly supplying water contained in the water collector to the water spreader through the connection tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine room back cover integrated with a condenser for a refrigerator, which is capable of protecting a machine room in which a compressor as one of elements constituting a refrigeration cycle is provided and serving as a heat emission plate by which coolant heat emitted from a condenser is dissipated outside the refrigerator by contacting with air introduced from the external of the machine room.

Abstract: To prevent foreign particles from entering the inlet of a solenoid valve during assembly in a coolant circuit, a particle filter is connected upstream of the inlet.

Abstract: A purge system operable to remove lubricant from a liquid refrigerant material removed from an evaporator of a mechanical refrigeration system. The contaminated liquid refrigerant is delivered to the purge system by gravity and the separated lubricant is returned to the compressor sump by force from a pressurized fluid. Refrigerant vapor is separated from the contaminated liquid refrigerant by heating and returned to the evaporator of the mechanical refrigeration system.

Abstract: Vapor compression heat exchange systems are disclosed that are designed to allow for optimal mass flow of refrigerant there through. The systems of the present invention do not employ conventional refrigerant metering devices, such as capillary tubs and expansion valves, which restrict mass flow, but rather incorporate an openly fixed orifice in-line with the conduits connecting the condenser to the evaporator, thereby maintaining the preferential differential between the high pressure condenser side and low pressure evaporator side of the system during operation. Provision of the fixed orifice allows for optimal refrigerant mass flow as measured by cooler compressor temperatures, cooler compressor discharge temperatures, increased heat of rejection, increased heat of absorption, and improved heating and cooling efficiency. The present invention may employ any conventional refrigerant, including the newer HFC refrigerants, such as R-410A.

Abstract: An integrated, self-contained microrefrigeration apparatus, in a dimension small enough to fit inside small appliances, such as electronic cases and portable equipment is described. The microrefrigerator employs a working fluid that circulates between evaporator, compressor, condenser and turbine-expander components in a closed loop. Two configurations are claimed: one with the compressor and turbine operating on independent shafts, and the other with the turbine and compressor both operating on the motor shaft.

Abstract: A process for recovery of liquefied petroleum gas from a raw natural gas feed stream.

Abstract: A method of producing high-purity helium, which contains the step of: producing high-purity helium of 99.99 mol % or higher, by a process in which crude helium having a helium concentration of 40 to 90 mol % is, at least, permeated through a separation membrane module composed of a plurality of glass hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: An article of jewelry, namely a cuff-style molded bracelet of transparent plastic material, comprised of two parts—a band body and a removable transparent lens whereby one could display and change photographs, pictures, i-Zone™ mini photos, or other decorative items. This invention constitutes an easily customized, attractive piece of jewelry for displaying your favorite picture on the wrist. ™ “i-Zone” and the other names of products of Polaroid Corporation, are trademarks of Polaroid Corporation.

Abstract: A ring is provided having a crown, a shank defined by a pair of sidewalls, and a base extending between the shank sidewalls. The shank is oriented obliquely to the crown at an angle between 15° and 30° and when worn, the base is at an angle relative to the longitudinal finger axis and lies alongside the proximal digital palmer crease. The crown and the shank may form a circular opening framed by a square outer perimeter such that the junction of the base and shank sidewalls are of an increased thickness. The shank sidewalls may include a flared portion interconnecting them to the crown having a front edge and a back edge that diverge along a curved line. The base may include a substantially flat front surface, a bottom surface and a convex surface extending therebetween.

Abstract: Decorative stone made of glass with a facetted front and a mirrored rear converging from the periphery of the stone to a point provided with an adhesive (10), wherein the angle between opposite surfaces of the rear of the stone (1) is more than 150°.

Abstract: A jewel bearing a gemstone, the jewel comprising a body and a holder on which the gemstone is fixed, the holder being shaped such that the gemstone is uncovered at least within a virtual infinite cylinder, drawn on an axis of symmetry of the gemstone, characterised in that the holder is attached to the body in a fixed position, the body being shaped such that it is completely located outside the virtual infinite cylinder.

Abstract: A combination of a precious stone and a jewelry setting having a plurality of heart-shaped supporting members each having a first end having a double lobe shape and a second end having a generally pointed shape and a maximum width intermediate the first and second ends. The supporting members are connected to one another in series at a position proximate the maximum width to form an endless support structure. The precious stone is mounted within the support structure.

Abstract: A method for forming EUV Lithography straie-free glass structures is disclosed which includes forming a mixture of silica soot. The homogenized mixture is extruded into a flat planar pre-form, and the extruded pre-form is then consolidated by, heating into a substantially full density, substantially striae-free lithography glass substrate structure.

Abstract: A burner (16, 116, 216) of a nozzle-mixing type receives a carbonaceous fuel, for example, an acetylene-based fuel, from a fuel line (20) and an oxidant, such as relatively pure oxygen, from an oxidant line (18), the oxidant being supplied to the burner at a rate insufficient to result in complete combustion of the fuel, to thereby produced a sooty flame that is useful in applying lubricating soot particles to a molten glass contacting surface of a glass manufacturing machine. The burner, which is intermittently operated by a solenoid valve (38) in the oxidant line and by a solenoid valve (40) in the fuel line, has a fuel inlet passage (60) that extends along a longitudinal central axis of a tip element (56) of the burner, and an annular inlet passage (64) that surrounds the fuel inlet passage.

Abstract: Vertically aligned first (30) and second (32) combined blowhead and takeout mechanisms are provided to sequentially blow glass parisons (P) into containers (C) in a mold set (22) and to transfer blown containers to a deadplate (40) of a glass containing forming machine (20). Each of the combined mechanisms is pivotally suspended about an axis A from a carrier arm (36) that is pivotally attached to an end of an oscillating arm (38), an opposed end of which is pivoted about an axis (B). The axis (B) of each combined blowhead and takeout mechanism is periodically raised and lowered to permit the other combined blowhead and takeout mechanism to oscillate therebeneath, to thereby permit overlapping cycles between the blowhead and takeout mechanisms. Each blowhead and takeout mechanism is provided with a chuck or tong assembly (54) to engage or release each container by its finish (F).

Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system falls below approximately 8.0, thereby substantially reducing the corrosion rate of the components of the equipment associated with acidic polyacrylic acid binder and washwater solution. A closed-loop hoodwall washwater recovery system may also be introduced in addition to the neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of polyacrylic acid binder with a minimal amount of base solution, thereby minimizing degradation of insulation properties of polyacylic acid bound glass fiber products.

Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system falls below about 8.5, thereby substantially reducing the corrosion rate of the components of the equipment associated with acidic polyacrylic acid binder, maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder and washwater solution. A closed-loop hoodwall washwater recovery system may also be introduced in addition to the neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of polyacrylic acid binder and maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder with a minimal amount of base solution, thereby minimizing degradation of insulation properties of polyacylic acid bound glass fiber products.

Abstract: A method of producing a doped optical fiber preform from a silica-based preform is disclosed which includes, in a first gas exposure step, exposing the silica soot portion to a first gaseous environment containing a chlorine-containing compound for a time and at one or more temperatures below the consolidation temperature of the silica soot portion, in a second gas exposure step, exposing the silica soot portion to a second gaseous environment containing a second gaseous compound for a time and at one or more temperatures below the consolidation temperature of the silica soot portion, and in a third gas exposure step, exposing the silica soot portion to a third gaseous environment containing a chlorine-containing compound for a time and at one or more temperatures below the consolidation temperature of the silica soot portion and higher than at least one of the temperatures in the first gas exposure step.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a base material of optical fibres having a desired ratio of core to clad, including forming a porous base material upon depositing glass particles, producing a core member upon dehydrating and vitrifying the porous base material, adding a clad member onto the core member, is characterized in that the method includes, a step of dehydrating the porous base material in an atmosphere of gas including helium and chlorine within an electric furnace; a step of vitrifying the porous base material in an atmosphere of inert gas including helium; and a step of providing a purging step of heating the porous base material in an atmosphere of inert gas mainly including helium between the dehydrating step and the vitrifying step.

Abstract: In respect of a method for manufacturing a preform of an optical fiber, the method comprises the steps of forming a porous glass preform by accumulating glass particles, preparing a container made of a quartz glass, which is formed by heating the quartz glass with an electric furnace, providing a dehydration gas and an inert gas to the container, heating the container to which dehydration gas and inert gas is provided and dehydrating and sintering the porous glass preform by inserting the porous glass preform into the container, which is heated.

Abstract: A fiber forming bushing assembly comprises a bushing and a support. The bushing includes a bushing body and a flange. The bushing body is defined at least in part by a throat and a side wall beneath the throat. The side wall has an upper portion. The flange extends from the throat. The support is positioned between the flange and an upper portion of the side wall. The support is formed of a ceramic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural improvement of portable clothes washer, comprising a container that is installed on a drive device to contain clothes, and a control device installed on the drive device to control the clothes washer. The container has a filter device. Between the filter device and the container is installed a slide mechanism. The control device activates the drive device, which in turn drives the filter device to rotate on the slide mechanism, thereby separating water from the clothes and achieving its dehydrating purpose. In the drive device is optionally installed an ozone generator to provide the ozone to the container for sterilization.

Abstract: A merchandise item protection apparatus has a housing, with an alarm transducer received in the housing. A device for securing the housing to a merchandise item or merchandise to be protected is provided because the housing has a passthrough opening in order to hang a protected merchandise item or merchandise package on a merchandise presenter. The housing is constituted by two housing elements that are detachably joined to one another by the attachment device. A gap is formed between the housing elements, and in which a merchandise package can be clamped in place between the housing elements.

Abstract: A rotating modular arm with two arm segments is used in a cabinet locking system. The two arm segments are urged apart by a spring. Each arm segment is connected to a lock bar. When the modular arm is rotated, the arm segments displace the lock bars to lock or unlock the drawers of the cabinet. One of the arm segments defines an elongated asymmetrical slot with two slot portions. The first slot portion is elongated and has a width that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. A keyed lock housing includes a rotating lock core attached to a Z-shaped crank. A retainer is securely attached to the crank. The retainer has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion, but the retainer diameter is greater than the width of the first slot portion. During installation, the retainer is engaged with the modular arm by first inserting the crank through the second slot portion.

Abstract: A cam assembly may be constructed with cylinder plug perforated by a centrally positioned keyway, and having an exposed circumferential surface surrounding the keyway rotatably fitted within a centrally positioned keyhole of a housing, and rotated within the centrally positioned keyhole in response to rotational force applied by a key conformingly corresponding to the cylinder plug through an arc. A cam mounted either coaxially with the cylinder plug, or radially offset from the cylinder plug, is positioned within the housing to rotate with the cylinder plug as the key conformingly corresponding to the lock manually applies a rotational force to the cylinder plug rotates through the arc, while a member attached to the cam and eccentrically positioned relative to the keyway, drives the bolt between extended and retracted positions as the cylinder plug rotates through the arc.

Abstract: A method of operating a bending press, in particular an edging press, and a bending press for carrying out this method. For each drive of a drive arrangement, the actual pressing force is detected for the displaceable press beam during a bending process for the workpiece and a relative position of the pressing tool or tools by reference to the longitudinal extension of the press beams is determined on the basis of a force ratio. Different displacement paths of the drives and the displaceable press beam at the respective force-application point of the drive are then determined in an evaluation and/or computer unit, which is provided with a data memory for production and machine data, and corresponding control signals for the drive system are generated in the control unit and actuator elements of the drives are displaced by the displacement paths determined for each drive.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural member includes hydroforming the blank to form a hydroformed member and finishing the hydroformed member by positioning the wall of the hydroformed member between a die surface and an electromagnetic discharging element having a non-circular cross-section, and actuating the electromagnetic discharging element so that the metallic wall of the hydroformed member presses against the die surface.

Abstract: While a workpiece is heated and pressed by one of a pair of high-pressure vessels, a workpiece being pressed by the other high-pressure vessel is placed in a heated state. In the reducing process after termination of heating and pressing treatment of the workpiece by one high-pressure vessel, both the high-pressure vessels are placed in communication, and the pressure medium gas released from one high-pressure vessel is poured into the other high-pressure vessel. After pressures of both the high-pressure vessels have assumed a nearly balanced state, the pressure medium gas is sucked out of one high-pressure vessel by a compressor and pressed, and is poured into the other high-pressure vessel, and the workpiece is heated and pressed by the other high-pressure vessel. By the method as described, considerable shortening of cycle time of HIP treatment is achieved, and the HIP treatment can be carried out with high efficiency.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machine having a driven rotary chuck writes symbols on the hard surface of a workpiece using an impact device to displace material at workpiece sites corresponding to spots in a virtual pattern and series of virtual patterns of symbols. The machine mounts a workpiece in a position to be impacted by the device, and equipment for moving the workpiece so that it may be impacted at different sites corresponding to virtual pattern spots defined by programming in the machine's computer. The impact device comprises a rotatable driven element which is mounted in the machine rotary chuck, a housing journaling the driven element and held against rotation, an impact element in the housing having a home position from which it is movable, and a mechanism in the housing for converting the rotary motion of the driven element into longitudinal movement of the impact element to displace material at a workpiece site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and process for roll forming a fillet at the juncture of the shank and head of a pin type fastener. The process and apparatus can be preset to perform the fillet rolling at selected parameters and to monitor the parameters for providing parts with uniformly rolled fillets.

Abstract: A swaging machine has a head with an axis of rotation and a plurality of holes spaced in a circular array concentric and parallel with the axis of rotation. Shafts extend from each of the holes, each shaft having a supporting portion located on the forward side of the head. Rollers are rotatably mounted to the supporting portions of the shaft, each roller having a conical exterior. A chucking member on the rearward side of the head is engaged by a rotary member to rotate the head. The rollers of the rotating head are brought into engagement with a cylindrical pipe, causing a tapered swaged section to be formed on the end of the pipe. The pipe is then threaded. The pipe is preferably of small wall thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a system for carrying out at least one operation on at least one wire (1) in a wire forming manufacturing machine, said operation involving deformation of at least a part of the wire, said machine comprising at least two counter-rotating synchronised blocks (2,4), said blocks each comprising at least one operation means (6,7) for performing said operation.

Abstract: A cold forging process and apparatus for reinforcing an end of a rectangular tube, including a close fitting, rectangular upper mandrel that inserts into the tubing. The upper mandrel has flared corners at the end attached to the upper die. As the upper die is moved under pressure towards the lower die, the flared corners of the mandrel makes contact with the inner surface of the tube. This ensures that the tube begins to deform outward before the rest of the upper die contacts it. As the upper die is pressed towards contact with the lower die, the end of the tube is cold formed into a collar. The dies are then moved apart and the cold-formed tube removed. A lower mandrel positions and retains the tube during forming. After forming the lower mandrel is used to eject the formed part, which may for instance be a trailer hitch housing.

Abstract: A pneumatic metal-work tool comprises a punch assembly mounted on the front end of a hydraulic push-rod assembly; the hydraulic push-rod assembly has a hydraulic chamber mounted with a piston rod; one end of the piston rod is mounted in a center hole of a piston; when the control valve of the metal-work tool has a high pressure air entered the casing to drive the piston to move, the pressure air will be converted into a hydraulic force via the hydraulic chamber so as to have the hydraulic push rod had a punch force, and to have a metal sheet in the opening of the punch assembly punched a hole.

Abstract: A tool-clamping device for a forming tool, in particular a bending punch or bending die, on a compression beam, in particular an edging press, comprising a tool adapter attached to the compression beam and designed to releasably hold the forming tool. At least one resiliently elastic return means is provided between a receiving region of the tool adapter and a connecting region of the tool adapter or between the beam and the tool adapter to counteract a relative displacement between the tool adapter and forming tool and the compression beam in the longitudinal direction of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for packaging an analyte-containing fluid calibrant. The cartridge is formed from a container having an opening sealed by a sealing member. A septum divides the container into a calibrant compartment and an outer compartment. A probe is provided comprising an analyte-detecting portion and a connecting portion that allows for operative connection to a device for quantitating or determining the concentration of the analyte. The probe may extend sealingly through the septum such that the analyte-detecting portion is located in the calibrant compartment and the connecting portion is located in the outer compartment. The construction of the cartridge provides ease and reduces the likelihood of error in calibrating the probe. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the cartridge and a method for calibrating a device for analyte concentration determination and quantitation using the inventive cartridge.

Abstract: An electronic fuel injector tester which permits fuel injectors to be tested when a car is at idle is disclosed. The fuel injector tester is in the form of a probe and detects the impact or vibration which occurs when the pintle within a fuel injector opens by using a piezoelectric transducer provided in the pistol-type handle of the tester. A light emitting diode provided in the pistol-type handle flashes each time the pintle within the fuel injector opens and the piezoelectric transducer emits an audible sound each time the pintle within the fuel injector opens. The fuel injector tester remains in the “sleep” mode when not in use and is activated by tapping the tester on a hard surface. When testing has been completed, the fuel injector tester automatically goes back into the “sleep” mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel level sensor malfunction detecting method and system for a vehicle. In the method and system the rate of change in the opening of the throttle valve and the detection of a transmission kick-down are conditions for determining the malfunction of the fuel level sensor, thereby making it possible to detect a malfunctioning fuel level sensor more accurately.

Abstract: A method for determining the atmospheric pressure on the basis of the intake pressure measured downstream of an air filter in an intake line of an internal combustion engine, and of the air mass flow rate measured downstream of the air filter, and optionally of the intake air temperature. The calculation of the atmospheric pressure and the calculation of a degree of contamination of the air filter are separated by standardizing the measured air mass flow rates at two predefined values. Furthermore, during the calculation a characteristic curve for the degree of contamination of the air filter as a function of the determined pressure difference at the predefined air mass flow rates is used, and a characteristic diagram for the degree of contamination of the air filter as a function of the standardized air mass flow rate and of the determined pressure difference is used.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor and a method of measuring a pressure in a tire include a decision whether the tire pressure should be measured. The decision is made in dependence on a magnitude of a change in a signal which is output by a sensor which senses the pressure prevailing in the tire or the temperature prevailing in the tire. As a result it is possible to reduce the size and the weight of the components of a tire pressure monitor to be accommodated in the tire or in the rim to a minimum.

Abstract: A monitor for remote reading of liquid volumes in pressured tanks utilizes a hollow buoyant displacement probe extending downwardly from a load cell carried adjacent a top port in the tank. The load cell is suspended from a flange cover acting as a closure for the tank port so that the load cell is freely pivotable on perpendicular horizontal axes, insuring that it is always oriented horizontally. A temperature-reading string is positioned in the open hollow center of the probe and has three spaced temperature sensing units along its length. Force data from the load cell, giving the apparent weight of the probe immersed in the liquid tank contents, and temperature data, from which volumetric data may be calculated, are fed to an external battery-operated microprocessor which periodically radios its data to a central computer which may be polled by phone lines from a remote monitoring station.

Abstract: The flow of a fluid at low flow rates is measured and controlled without introducing measuring devices into the fluid flow path. As the fluid is flowing through tubing, the tubing is heated to impart heat to the fluid. Heat sensors are attached at spaced positions from each other along the tubing in the direction of fluid flow to sense temperatures. The amount of heat applied to the tubing is controlled to maintain an established temperature differential between the heat sensors. The amount of heat applied is measured to provide an accurate and proportional indication of the fluid flow rate.