Abstract: The invention is an ice maker fitted within the freezer compartment of a refrigerator attached to an existing water and electrical source, the ice maker controlled by a microcontroller. A metal ice tray with partially deformed cups in line on a common base are filled with water and which freezes to form ice cubes, the cups having a rod with small fingers to elevate the frozen ice from the cups. When the ice is ready for ejection, the microcontroller senses by a thermal sensor the programmed temperature causing the ejection sequence to commence, rotating the ice tray as the ice tray is heated to release the ice cubes from the tray, at which time the rods forcibly eject the ice cubes into a storage bin. An upright bail is then lowered into the ice bin to detect the level of ice, signaling the microcontroller to continue or discontinue ice production.

Abstract: In an absorption chiller system, a control input for the chiller is a heat source controlled by a capacity valve, which is in turn controlled by a PI controller. The controller is controlled by a non-linear control function. During operation, a disturbance in the system is measured. A signal error is defined as a setpoint for the leaving chilled water minus the disturbance. The non-linear control function is represented as C(s)=KP0(1+b|E|)+KI/s, where where KP0 is the gain when said signal error is zero, |E| is the absolute value of the signal error, b is an adjustable constant, and KI is an integral gain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The apparatus and method operate regardless of whether the system's blower control circuit is positively or negatively switched. The apparatus includes relays that bypass the normal operating electrical routing to the air conditioning system's blower motor to operate the blower directly. The method comprises determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If the conditions are met, the air conditioning system's blower is operated on a predetermined time schedule to circulate air in the air conditioning system to dry condensate therefrom. In this way, growth of odor-causing fungus and bacteria is inhibited.

Abstract: A must system for use in conjunction with a normally air cooled air conditioner condenser. The mist system provides cooling water to the coils and fins of the condenser to improve efficiency. Misting is normally off but comes on in response to pressure in the high pressure supply line from the condenser rising above a pre-set head pressure level.

Abstract: An air cycle cooling system for cooling a first heat load and a second heat load, the system including a compressor to pressurise air in the system, and an expansion apparatus for allowing the compressed air to expand and cool for use in cooling the first and second heat loads, and wherein at least a proportion of the air utilised for cooling the first heat load is recycled to the compressor and at least a proportion of the air utilised for cooling the second heat load is utilised as a coolant in a primary heat exchanger to cool the air from the first heat load prior to the air from the first heat load being expanded in the expansion apparatus.

Abstract: An air conditioner controller comprises a supply air duct with an air inlet, an air outlet and a blower. An evaporator is within the duct adjacent to the inlet. A subcooling heat exchanger is within the duct between the evaporator and the outlet. A liquid line feeds coolant from a condenser. The liquid line has a primary outlet coupled to the subcooling heat exchanger and a secondary outlet coupled to a first valve. A coupling line feeds coolant from the subcooling heat exchanger to an evaporator. The coupling line has a second valve adjacent to the subcooling heat exchanger and an intermediate line. A humidistat, under the control of an operator, controls the first and second valve to thereby vary the operating parameters.

Abstract: A temperature control device including a temperature sensor which senses a temperature at a specified location within the refrigeration apparatus. The temperature control device has first flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. In addition, the device has a second flow valve that is operable to selectively increase or decrease hot gas flow in response to the temperature sensed by the sensor. The temperature control device also contains a controller which controls the above mentioned valves in response to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and chilling wastewater samples and the like provides an insulated sample container vessel that has cooling coils therein for direct contact and heat transfer with a liquid in the container to rapidly cool the liquid. A refrigeration unit keeps the cooling coils cool. The liquid can be a sample which is required to be stored at 1-3 degrees Centigrade. The chiller is different from similar chillers in that the cooling coils simply are inserted in an insulated container, and can be removed therefrom when it is desired to transport the sample. The sample remains cool during transportation even without the cooling coils. The cooling coils are arranged in the ice chest such that coolant from the chiller enters through the upper coils and exits through the lower coils, causing the liquid sample in the upper part of the container to cool more than the sample in the lower part of the container.

Abstract: In a valve arrangement for closing off a working line in a refrigeration system, the working line includes a high and a low-pressure section. An expansion valve is coupled to the working line and has a working pressure chamber forming part of the valve. A control line system that includes a control device is coupled to the expansion valve and defines a connection that is in full communication with the high and low pressure sections of the working line. A closure element forming part of the control device is positioned in the connection line and arranged in the pressure equalizing configuration that couples the working pressure chamber of the expansion valve to the low-pressure section of the working line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same. The refrigerator includes a plurality of storage compartments. A plurality of evaporators are each positioned in each of the storage compartments, respectively. A compressor supplies refrigerant to the evaporators through a branched refrigerant conduit. A plurality of opening/closing valves are each positioned on a refrigerant conduit upstream of each of the evaporators for selectively controlling supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. Reference compartment defining means defines as a reference storage compartment one of the storage compartments that has a relatively great load. Control means controls starting of the compressor depending on a change of a temperature of the reference storage compartment.

Abstract: A direct cooling type refrigerator includes: a main body with a certain space for keeping food items; a freezing chamber formed at an upper portion of the main body and keeping frozen food items; a refrigerating chamber sectioned by a barrier with the freezing chamber, formed at a lower portion of the main body and keeping refrigerated food items; a freezing chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the freezing chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the freezing chamber; and a refrigerating chamber evaporator buried in a side wall of the refrigerating chamber and directly heat-exchanged with air inside the refrigerating chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for depolluting combustion gases set along the exhaust line of the gases. The device has a gas cooling chamber (9, 10) lowering the gas temperature to near 0 degrees Celsius. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the energy of the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine is used for providing the cold required for the depollution process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a condenser of a cooling system of an aircraft to permit overboard evacuation of residual heat created by the cooling system of the aircraft. The present invention provides an enclosure mounted to the aircraft wherein the enclosure provides an air inlet and an air outlet. The condenser of the cooling system is mounted within the enclosure in communication with the air inlet and air outlet of the enclosures. At least one powered impeller is mounted within the enclosure for directing air through the air inlet, across the condenser, and out the air outlet of the enclosure.

Abstract: In an air conditioner (10) including an indoor-side chamber (21) containing an indoor heat exchanger (11) and an indoor fan (12), and an outdoor-side chamber (22) containing outdoor heat exchanger (13) and an outdoor fan (14), the indoor-side chamber (21) and the outdoor-side chamber (22) being partitioned by a partition plate (20), the partition plate (2) has a top panel (42) having a ventilation opening portion and a ventilation shutter (49) for opening/closing said ventilation opening portion (48) to freely adjust the opening degree of said ventilation opening portion (48). An indoor fan casing (34) having a heater lower-portion mounting portion (64) located above a drain pan (33) is provided between the indoor fan (12) and the partition plate (20), and an electrical heater (55) is disposed on the heater lower-portion mounting portion (64) so that the electric heater (55) is located above the drain pan (33) through the lower-portion mounting portion (64).

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and methods for improving the thermal efficiency of an existing refrigeration system having a heat exchanger comprising: an enclosure having side walls for enclosing at least a portion of the heat exchanger and being removably attached to the existing refrigeration system; a venting system for flowing cooling air within proximity with the heat exchanger and releasing the cooling air to an outside environment in order to increase a release of heat from the heat exchanger, wherein the enclosure is operable for reducing heating of an inside environment by the existing refrigeration system, or by functionally channelling the heat so it increases heat when desirable while minimizing the impact to refrigeration.

Abstract: A refrigerator is divided into a storage compartment and an air duct in a thermal insulating housing. The cold air for use of the thermal exchange with a cooler in the duct circulates in the storage compartment by a fan. The refrigerator has an ultraviolet ray irradiating device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet ray irradiating device is installed at the inflow side of cooler, but separated from the cooler, so that the ultraviolet rays irradiate the duct by the ultraviolet ray irradiating device. Therefore, various germs such as bacteria or molds in the refrigerator can be prevented from growth, and the refrigerator can be deodorized.

Abstract: The entire discharge flow in a high side, vertical, hermetic rotary compressor is directed into the oil sump which generates foam for sound attenuation and heats the oil to reduce its viscosity and to drive off refrigerant dissolved in the oil.

Abstract: A chiller for reducing the temperature of previously eviscerated whole birds and the like, includes a tank having a bird outlet end, a bird inlet end, an inlet end plate, an outlet end plate, and a water reservoir between the ends. The poultry chiller also includes water circulation means for introducing water into the reservoir at the bird outlet end of the tank, draining water at the bird inlet end of the tank, and forming a movement of water generally from the bird outlet end toward the bird inlet end of the tank. The chiller further includes a motive device for urging the birds from the bird inlet end to the bird outlet end of the tank, the motive device being in driven relationship with a power means. A transverse wall having a lower portion, a central portion, and a top edge, is disposed at the bird inlet end of the tank substantially parallel to the inlet end plate such that a sump is formed between the lower portion of the transverse wall and the inlet end plate.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing water or ice cubes, and refrigerator fitted with the same, the dispenser including a dispenser casing having a cup receiving space recessed from an outside surface of one side of a refrigerator, and view securing means provided in an upper front part for identifying a water level of a cup when a user looks down the cup receiving space from an upper front side, at least one lever fitted to the cup receiving space, and a dispensing device built-in the refrigerator for cold, or frozen storage of water supplied from outside of the refrigerator, and supplying the water or ice cubes to the cup when the cup presses the lever. The dispenser is fitted to an outside of the refrigerator, particularly, to an outside of the door.

Abstract: Efficiency of a transcritical vapor compression system is increased by compressor cooling. In one embodiment, a stream of cooling fluid accepts compressor motor heat. The heated cooling fluid merges with the fluid medium which accepts heat from the refrigerant in the gas cooler and exits the system, usefully transferring the heat out of the system. Additionally, as the refrigerant in the compressor is cooled, the density and the mass flow rate of the suction gas in the compressor is increased, increasing efficiency. Alternatively, an intercooler positioned between stages of a multi-stage compressor exchanges heat with the same fluid medium which accepts heat from the refrigerant in the gas cooler. After accepting heat from the refrigerant in the intercooler, the heated fluid medium exits the system, usefully transferring heat from the system.

Abstract: A water de-salination and ice slush producing system separates potable water and brine from sea water in a reverse osmosis apparatus. A chiller tube produces ice slush from the sea water mixed with waste brine. The chiller tube has an outer housing and a first cylindrical wall, defining a first cooling space together with the outer housing. A first cooling conduit is inside the first cooling space, for circulating a coolant to cool down the first cylindrical wall. A second cylindrical wall defines an ice generating space together with the first cylindrical wall.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an open methane cycle wherein the liquefied natural gas is flashed immediately upstream of the liquefied natural gas storage tank and boil off vapors from the tank are returned to the open methane cycle.

Abstract: Plant for liquefying natural gas comprising a main heat exchanger in which the natural gas is liquefied by means of indirect heat exchange with evaporating refrigerant, and a refrigerant circuit in which evaporated refrigerant is compressed and liquefied to produce liquid refrigerant that is used in the main heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor train consisting of at least one compressor driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction systems are provided wherein dependent trains including only cryogenic heat exchanger systems are serviced by common components in the system such that individual components need not be included in each dependent train for servicing that function. Further, the common components are positioned near the LNG storage tanks which, in turn, are typically located a substantial distance from the trains. This significantly reduces capital costs and allows boil-off gas from LNG storage tanks to be used for cooling in addition to being used as a fuel gas.

Abstract: An improved process for recovery of liquefied petroleum gas from a raw natural gas feed stream, capable of achieving ultra high propane recovery yields, thereby separating substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbon components from a predominantly methane and ethane feed gas stream. The process includes steps to liquefy all of the propane and heavier components and part of the methane and ethane components by cooling, condensing, and absorption. The residual feed gas containing the methane and ethane components, being the final gaseous product stream. The liquefied portion of the feed is separated and then fractionated in a distilling unit to produce a propane and heavier product stream. The distilling unit overhead vapors are cooled and condensed in two steps to provide reflux for the top of the deethanizer and for the feed gas absorption.

Abstract: Xenon and/or krypton are recovered from oxygen containing gas, typically derived from liquid oxygen bottoms in a cryogenic air separation plant, by selective adsorption on a Li and Ag exchange zeolite containing 5 to 40% Ag exchange capacity on an equivalents basis, with periodic thermal regeneration of the adsorbent.

Abstract: The disclosure is for a film coating which yields increased life for optical media molds and the method and apparatus for making such a film. The film is a carbon nitride layer of 0.5 to 5.0 microns thickness with 2% to 45% nitrogen coated on an underlayer. One method of making the carbon nitride film is by the use of a pulsed carbon arc to generate a carbon plasma while injecting nitrogen into the vacuum chamber in which the arc is created. Another method is to generate a radio frequency plasma in a vacuum chamber into which acetylene and nitrogen gas are injected. The carbon nitride is formed by the combination of nitrogen with the carbon from the acetylene.

Abstract: A method of making a fiberoptic dental light probe having a bent distal end with a tapered tip. The method includes the step of heating just the mid-section of a vertically-disposed, solid, cylindrical fused fiberoptic rod and permitting the midsection to stretch and thin under its own weight by the force of gravity. Local heating of the mid-section is accomplished with a high-temperature small flame, such as the flame emitted by a gas-fired blow torch. The heat is removed when the rod stretches to a predetermined length, and then after the mid-section cools, the mid-section is cut to produce a pair of identical tapered tip probes. Thereafter, the distal ends of the probes can be bent to a desired angle and the ends of the probes can be cut to size, ground, and polished. A unique probe configuration is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a fiber (11), particularly an optical glass fiber, from a heated preform (9), has a tubular heating element (1), which encloses preform (9) at least partly in its longitudinal direction, and an induction coil (4) surrounding tubular heating element (1) at a radial distance. Along an inside surface (19) of the tubular heating element (1) a protective tube (20) is provided, which surrounds fiber (11) and preform (9) at a radial distance. Protective tube (20) reliably prevents burning off of the heating element and thus a deterioration of the properties of the fiber (11).

Abstract: At least three bind-off courses are formed starting at not less than three loops, i.e., loops of the first and second knitted fabrics at side ends thereof on the side on which the knitting of a tubular fabric is finished in the region of the binding-off process, and a loop adjoining to the loop of at least either of the first and second knitted fabrics at the side end. The loop of the bind-off course formed is laid over the loop of the last course of the opposite knitted fabric in such a manner that while being formed, the respective bind-off courses can be allowed to extend in zigzag from the first knitted fabric to the second knitted fabric and vice versa, ranging over the region of the binding-off process, to be crossed with each other. As a result of this knitting, no undesirable gap is produced between the joined knitted fabrics and also an undesirable stretch of the fabric at the joints is suppressed.

Abstract: Portions of front sleeves 4a, 14a extending from underarms to tops of sleeve caps are joined to first portions of the front body 2a extending partway of their lengths extending from the underarms to the shoulders along armholes 22; wherein tops of the sleeve caps of the front sleeves 4a, 14a and a part of tops of the sleeve caps of the back sleeves 4b, 14b on the side continuous to the tops of the sleeve caps of the front sleeves 4a, 14a are joined to part of the front body extending from the first portions to the shoulders, and widening stitches are formed around the neckline 10a at the part of the front body extending therefrom to the shoulders; portions of the back sleeves 4b, 14b extending from the underarms to the tops of the sleeve caps are joined to portions of the back body extending from the underarms to the shoulders along armholes 22; and wherein extended portions 9b, 19b are formed in the remaining portions of the tops of the sleeve caps of the back sleeves 4b, 14b and are knitted to be continuous

Abstract: A method for knitting and joining together at least two tubular fabrics by using a flat knitting machine. The method includes a step of laying loops of a final course in a joining region of a first tubular fabric, which comprise a number of wale and are located at a side end portion thereof, and loops of a final course in a joining region of a second tubular fabric are laid over each other such that the loops located at a near side from a boundary between a front knitted fabric part and a back knitted fabric part are combined with each other and the loops located at a far side are combined with each other, thereby a machi is formed at a joining point of the tubular fabrics. The method also includes a step of knitting an integrated tubular fabric continuously from the joined tubular fabric.

Abstract: An indication device for a laundry washing machine, which has a treatment chamber (12) for laundry that can be pressurized in order to treat the laundry with a cleaning agent. The treatment chamber is provided with an opening (13), which in the treatment position is covered by a door (16) fixed to a surrounding housing (11) and is sealed from the housing by means of a sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement comprises at least two gaskets (19, 20) surrounding the opening and forming an intermediate space (23) that via a channel (24) is arranged to communicate with atmosphere.

Abstract: A dynamic balancer for an automatic washer includes an annular hollow first chamber. A first fluid is held within the first chamber and only partly fills the first chamber. An annular hollow second chamber is disposed adjacent to the first chamber and includes a plurality of objects disposed therein which are movable along the chamber. A second fluid is also held in the second chamber and, in combination with the solid bodies, only partly fills the second chamber. The first fluid in the first chamber produces a first balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer. The movable objects within the second chamber produce a second balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer. The second fluid held in the second chamber also produces a third balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer.

Abstract: A pickup drop off lock box for medical samples is equipped with a failsafe lock which will not permit the key to be removed without the lid properly positioned to permit latching. Adequate thermal insulation is provided to allow samples to be stored at temperatures of 5° F. for 16 hours. In addition, an inner liner of styrene insulation is removable/replaceable in the event it becomes worn, soiled or damaged. The failsafe lock has potential applicability in other environments.

Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) includes a frame structure and panels that are assembled to provide ducting for handling air. Each panel is rectangular with two sides and four edges. Each edge is integrally formed with the panel by extruding a perimeter of the panel. The extrusion has one flat edge that serves as a receiver for a cammed leg of a latch that is mounted in the same frame structure that retains the panel. While the latches are unengaged, the panel is inserted into the rectangular opening in the structure. The latches are then individually rotated 90 degrees such that the cammed leg pushes the panel further into the pocket, thus compressing a perimeter seal and eliminating air leakage.

Abstract: A remote-controlled door lock in the present invention has a case body provided with a battery base, a circuit board and a bolt-locking device therein. A bolt rod of the bolt-locking device can be actuated by the battery base and the circuit board under the control of a remote controller to extend out of a through hole of the case body to be inserted into and engaged with an engagement hole of a strike base installed in a door frame, thereby locking a door plate in a limited position. When the door plate is locked with the bolt rod still engaged with the engagement hole of the strike base, the door plate is unable to be completely unlocked only by a key without using the remote controller to actuate the bolt rod to be disengaged from the engagement hole of the strike base, thereby achieving a best effect of anti-theft.

Abstract: A device for temporarily disabling a doorknob attached to a hinged door. The device covers the doorknob with a rigid enclosure, preventing rotation of the doorknob to move the associated locking bolt. A retaining unit is mated with an extension from the rigid enclosure in a male-female relationship, simultaneously with fitting the retaining unit over the outer edge of the hinged door while ajar. Closure of the door into the associated doorjamb, with the enclosure over the doorknob, prevents parting movement between the enclosure and the retaining unit, providing a self-locking feature.

Abstract: A method for shot peening wherein peening shot having a Vickers hardness (Hv) in the range of 900-1100 and a Young's modulus of 200,000 MPa or less, is used, and wherein a treated article is obtained by such a method that has a maximum residual compressive stress of 1600 MPa or more and a surface roughness of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: A punch for piercing and sealing hydroforming parts has a roll forming surface that produces an internal rolled edge portion in a formed part immediately following the punch piercing the part wherein the rolled edge portion acts to effect a tight high pressure seal between the part and the punch as the punch continues to form a required hole in the part. The roll-forming surface extends either partially or completely about the punch in determining the extent of the rolled edge portion in the part that it produces and is located between an end portion that effects the piercing operation and a larger finishing portion that completes the formation of the required hole.

Abstract: A system and method for hydroforming hose fittings for use with hose assemblies.

Abstract: A rolling apparatus is proposed with four rolls arranged in the shape of a star whereby one drive unit each is assigned to the rolls and whereby an adjusting unit each precedes the rolls through which the rolls are arranged adjustably in a radial and an axial direction. The separate and comprehensive triggering of the individual rolls (3) always allows a symmetrical introduction of the rolling stock to and through the rolling apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming end shells for containers with a peripheral curl and an annular reinforcing rib in a single stroke cycle of a press which includes a punch core, a punch shell, and a pressure sleeve carried by an inner ram of the press. A cut edge is carried by an outer ram for forming a flat disc-shaped blank at a first level from a strip of sheet material. A die core is mounted on the base at a second level and is surrounded by concentric inner and outer die core rings. A cup-shaped blank is formed from the flat blank by movement of the punch core, pressure sleeve, and punch shell through a blank and draw die. The cup is clamped at the second level between the die core and punch core and formed into an end shell by movement of the punch core, pressure sleeve, and punch shell into clamping engagement with the die core, and inner and outer die core rings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending mandrel for a bending device and also to a bending method for pipes, more particularly pipes which have a large diameter-to-wall thickness ratio and are to be bent by a small radius, for example, of the order of magnitude of the pipe diameter. To this end use is made of a bending mandrel (5, 6) to whose rigid head (5) assembly (6) of springy sheet metal lamellae (6a, 6b) is attached to improve the bendability of the bending mandrel (5, 6) while maintaining a satisfactory supporting action, the lamellae (6a), with the exception of the outer lamellae (6b), having window-like cutaway portions (6c).

Abstract: In a multistage forming machine, an apron is screwed to a press slide. At its upper end, the apron has six elongated clamping cams, distributed over its width, while four upwardly projecting clamping lugs are fitted at is lower end. Suspended in the apron is a combined tool block with a wedge-shaped supporting plate. Four clamping lugs, distributed over the width, are formed at the upper end of the supporting plate, while four clamping cams are formed at the lower end. The clamping lugs of the combined tool block are suspended by means of the clamping cams of the apron, while the clamping cams of the combined tool block are inserted between the clamping lugs and the main part of the apron. By means of two clamping devices, a clamping force acting in the vertical direction of the combined tool block is produced, bringing about a clamping of the combine tool block and the press slide in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A system for imparting and detecting mechanical energy includes a projectile and a hollow tube allowing the projectile to move therein. A portion of the projectile is allowed to emerge from one end of the tube and thereby transfer mechanical energy to a receiving entity, e.g., a wound roll of material. An actuator drives the projectile through the tube, and a first sensor detects when the protruding portion of the projectile extends from the tube to make contact with, for example, the core of the wound roll to start a timing sequence. A second sensor detects the arrival of the mechanical energy at, for example, the roll surface so that a comparison can be made between the start and end times.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: A sensor comprising; a sensing element disposed within a housing having a lower shell portion, a middle shell portion, and an upper shell portion, wherein said sensing element extends from said lower shell portion through at least a portion of said middle shell portion; a connector plug concentrically disposed within said upper shell portion; one or more electrical wires extending from said connector plug through an opening in said upper shell portion, and said opening forming a seal in said upper portion concentrically disposed around said one or more eletrical wires.

Abstract: An air-sampling carrier for sampling air from a clean room of a semiconductor processing facility, an apparatus and a method for analyzing the air, wherein the air-sampling carrier includes a container having an inner space, a door mounted at a front wall of the container, a discharging pipe for discharging the air sample out of the container, and at least one inlet tube for introducing purge gas into the inner space of the container from outside the container. The discharging pipe and inlet tube are respectively formed on an outer surface of the container and connected to an inner space of the container. The air in the unit process tools is effectively sampled using an unmanned carrying apparatus and the pollution level of the air sample is simply and easily measured.

Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided which may be employed in an oxygen measuring device of an air-fuel ratio control system measuring an oxygen content in exhaust gasses of an internal combustion engine of automotive vehicles. The structure includes a holding mechanism disposed within an air cover installed on an end of a sensor housing to cover a base of a gas-sensing element. The holding mechanism is made of a spring member or a rigid member to retain an insulation porcelain within the air cover elastically or rigidly. The use of the holding mechanism provides for ease of installation of the insulation porcelain, results in an increase in durability of the gas sensor, and allows the overall size of the gas sensor to be decreased.