Abstract: An improved cryogenic compressor with piston position sensing is disclosed. Precision optical encoders using incremental or absolute encoding are incorporated into a compressor to allow for accurate position sensing of moving elements within the compressor. Appropriate electronic circuitry is used to interpret the position data to allow the user modify the frequency and stroke of the piston within the compressor. The invention may be used in systems with multiple compressor pistons or for position data for balance weights or displacers in a cryogenic refrigeration system.

Abstract: A marine air conditioning system for installation on a boat has a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor is directly driven by an engine used for propelling the boat. The condenser is installed inline in a cooling-water intake tube, through which a pump draws water from outside of the hull for cooling the engine. Water from the intake tube is drawn through a portion of the condenser in thermal communication with the refrigerant for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the water. The water then continues into and through the engine and is exhausted through a discharge tube. The refrigerant then passes through an orifice or an expansion valve, and then into the evaporator. Air is passed through the evaporator for cooling the air, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor for recirculation in the system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an on-vehicle air-conditioner, resolving problems of the prior art, and allowing to perform cooling, heating, dehumidification or others efficiently even for vehicles of low waste heat, such as hybrid cars taking electricity and gasoline as energy source, idle stop coping cars or battery cars taking only electricity as energy source, or other vehicles, by cooling by loading a refrigeration circuit, using for example CO2 refrigerant, and provided with an electrically driven two-stage compression system compressor, and at the same time, installing a refrigerant heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant, compressed in the first stage in a way to exchange heat with the car interior air, and using conveniently also for heating together with the heat of the cooling water for cooling the engine.

Abstract: In a method of making available temperature controlled air for a first region and a second region in a vehicle, a cold air flow and a hot air flow are generated. At least one first cold air part flow and one first hot air part flow respectively are formed from the cold air flow and from the hot air flow and the first cold air part flow and the first hot air part flow are mixed to form a first temperature controlled part flow for the first region. Furthermore at least one second cold air part flow and one second hot air part flow respectively are formed from the cold air flow and the hot air flow and the second cold air part flow and the second hot air part flow are transported separately by means of an auxiliary blower and are mixed downstream of the auxiliary blower to form a second temperature controlled part flow for the second region.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of a fluid between a plurality of ports including at least one high pressure port and one low pressure port, includes: a base mounting the plurality of ports; and a valve member rotatable to a selected operational position with respect to the base. The control face of the valve member is formed with a low pressure cavity in the central region, and with an annular high pressure cavity in the outer region completely circumscribing the low pressure cavity. Such an arrangement produces a balanced valve construction which permits the valve member to be selectively rotated to the selected operational position, or to any intermediate position, while substantially isolating the high pressure from the low pressure in all its positions.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a refrigerator, is provided with a door handle with colored caps for covering the door handle fasteners. The caps are exchangeable with other caps having different colors, as chosen by the consumer. The refrigerator also includes storage buckets, shelves and drawers with colored trim pieces which are exchangeable with different colored trim pieces, as well as a water dispenser having a colored actuation button and a colored sump tray, both of which can be exchanged with different colored buttons and trays.

Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling first and second heat-generating members, the first heat-generating member is cooled by a refrigerator, and cold produced by the refrigerator is stored in a cold storage unit, so that both the first and second heat-generating members can be continuously cooled by only using a single adsorption unit. Therefore, production cost of the cooling system can be reduced. Further, because the second heat-generating member is cooled through the cold storage unit, a temperature change in the adsorption unit immediately after a switching between an adsorbing mode and a desorbing mode can be absorbed in the cold storage unit. Accordingly, the heat-generating members can be stably cooled while the component number of the cooling system can be decreased.

Abstract: In a receiver-drier including a cylindrical body and a lower cap sealing a lower end portion of the body, the body includes a filter support portion sectioning the body into upper and lower portions and having at least one inwardly protruding portion supporting an upper end portion of the filter accommodated in the lower portion of the body, at least one refrigerant inlet formed in the upper portion of the body, a coupling portion formed by inwardly pressing the body between the filter support portion and the lower end portion of the body so that an inner surface of the pressed body is coupled to the lower cap, and at least one refrigerant outlet disposed between the filter support portion and the coupling portion.

Abstract: An ejector includes a nozzle having therein a throat portion, and a needle valve that extends at least from the throat portion to the outlet of the nozzle. The needle valve is displaced in an axial direction of the nozzle to adjust an opening degree of the throat portion and an opening degree of an outlet of the nozzle. Therefore, even when a flow amount of refrigerant flowing into the nozzle is changed, it can prevent a vertical shock wave from being generated by suitably adjusting both the opening degrees of the throat portion and the opening degree of the outlet of the nozzle. Accordingly, nozzle efficiency can be improved regardless of a change of the flow amount of the refrigerant.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle with an ejector including a nozzle for decompressing refrigerant, a variable throttle is disposed upstream from the nozzle of the ejector to decompress and expand high-pressure refrigerant flowing from a radiator. For example, the variable throttle decompresses and expands the high-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state at an upstream position from the nozzle of the ejector. The variable throttle controls a throttle opening degree so that a refrigerant super-heating degree at a refrigerant outlet side of an evaporator or at a refrigerant suction side of a compressor becomes in a predetermined range. Accordingly, the ejector cycle has an improved nozzle efficiency and an improved ejector efficiency in a wide load variation range of the ejector cycle.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an expansion valve that suppresses noise generated when an air conditioner is started, and achieves saving of driving force. The stroke of a valve element is set such that refrigerant flows at a flow rate 1.0 to 1.4 times the flow rate corresponding to the set tonnage. This limits the valve lift of the valve in the fully open state during start-up such that it provides a flow rate of refrigerant only 1.0 to 1.4 times the flow rate corresponding to the set tonnage. This prevents an unnecessary and excessive amount of refrigerant from flowing, whereby it is possible to reduce flow noise of refrigerant during start-up. Further, since the excessive amount of flow of refrigerant is reduced, it is possible to achieve saving of driving force.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for low-temperature fractionation of air in a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation (5, 6) introduces into first feed air stream (4) into a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation. An oxygen-rich fraction (22) from the distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation is pressurized (23) in liquid form and is added (25) to a mixing column (26). A heat transfer medium stream is introduced into the lower region of the mixing column (26) and is brought into countercurrent contact with the oxygen-rich fraction (22, 25). Gaseous top product (260) from the upper region of the mixing column (26) is introduced into an additional column (27). A liquid (38, 39, 40, 41) from the lower or middle region of the mixing column is introduced into the distillation column system.

Abstract: A necklace with detachable necklace strands comprises a necklace clasp having two complementary clasp parts for fastening the necklace around the neck of a wearer, two connecting clasps coupled to respective ones of the clasp parts, and two or more necklace strands detachably attached at opposite ends thereof to respective ones of the connecting clasps. Each of the necklace strands may consist of two or more individual strands. In an alternative arrangement, one or more necklace strands may be premanently attached to the necklace clasp, and other necklace strands detachably attached to the necklace clasp. The necklace strands are interchangeable with one another thereby giving the wearer freedom of choice in creating different necklace designs having different ornamental appearances.

Abstract: A necklace that does not fully encircle the neck of the user but, instead, has its two free ends with an affixing device at each free end to attach to the straps of the wearers garment or undergarment, such as a bra. In the preferred embodiment, the straps have a plurality of affixing devices vertically spaced along the strap so as to enable the user to position the necklace at differing heights on the wearer to suit the particular neckline of the attire worn by the user. In addition, the affixation and removal of the necklace takes place at the front of the wearer and thus is more convenient and easier to carry out than the use of a clasp that is intended to be manipulated behind the neck of the wearer.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass sheet includes obtaining a preform generated from a glass composition and conveying the preform through a channel having a temperature that decreases along a length of the channel to form a glass sheet having a predetermined width and thickness.

Abstract: There are the steps of conveying a glass plate by a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers; and moving a roller in contact with the glass plate in conveyance to position the glass plate so as to conform a posture of the glass plate to a reference posture.

Abstract: A roller for use in plate glass manufacturing apparatus for making softened glass flow down like a belt from a melting furnace and hardening the softened glass meanwhile so as to work the softened glass into plate glass. The roller pinches the belt-like softened glass flowing down and moves the belt-like softened glass downward forcibly, or pinches the plate glass of the hardened belt-like softened glass and guides the plate glass downward. The roller includes a shaft longer than the full width of the belt-like softened glass or the plate glass, and pinching portions made of a heat-resistant material and provided to project over a predetermined width in positions of the shaft facing opposite end portions of the belt-like softened glass or the plate glass.

Abstract: A tempered glass sheet having in its front view a peripheral region including the peripheries, and a central region (9) occupying inside the peripheral region, wherein the average surface compressive stress in the central region (9) is larger than the average surface compressive stress in the peripheral region, is presented, whereby a tempered glass sheet having a thickness thinner than conventional ones can be provided.

Abstract: A machine for working sheets of fragile material has a base; a supporting surface for supporting the work sheets; and a machining head powered to move over the supporting surface and perform machining operations on the sheets; the supporting surface having a partition wall movable between a partitioning position extending above the supporting surface and defining, on the supporting surface, two completely separate work stations, and a rest position in which the wall is located clear of the supporting surface.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a glass sheet bending apparatus has a guide shaft bent to have a predetermined curvature and a plurality of ring rollers fitted rotatably to the guide shaft whereby a glass sheet is bent while the glass sheet is transferred into a predetermined direction by the rotation of the ring rollers, wherein the guide shaft is formed by overlapping a plurality of strip members bendable to have predetermined curvatures and the ring rollers are rotatably fitted to the guide shaft by means of bearings.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous preform comprising measuring the surface temperature distribution at the end of the core soot preform, and (1) maintaining the surface temperature Tc at the center point on the end of the core soot preform in the range of 500 to 1000° C., and preferably in the range of 600 to 950° C.; and maintaining the difference Tm−Tc between the maximum surface temperature Tm at the end of the core soot preform and the surface temperature Tc at the center point on the end of the core soot preform in the range of 5 to 45° C.; and/or (2) maintaining the ratio R of the area in which the surface temperature at the end of the core soot preform is higher than the surface temperature Tc at the center point on the end of the core soot preform in the range of 5 to 30%.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a glass preform through a heating process of heating a glass particles deposit including a clad partially while moving it successively in a longitudinal direction to form the glass particles deposit, and vitrifying the glass particles deposit to form the glass preform, wherein a chlorine based gas is preferably included at least in the atmosphere of a furnace tube 2 to vitrify the glass preform 9 in the process of heating the glass particles deposit while moving at least the glass particles deposit upward or downward, using a lift 7 for traversing the glass particles deposit (glass preform 9) upward or downward throughout the process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for varying the length of stitches on circular hosiery and knitting machines, which includes means for rigidly anchoring the cylinder to the cylinder support, vertical guide means of the sinker bed with respect to the cylinder, and means for changing the height of the sinker bed to several positions between the two lowered and raised limit positions, in order to vary the level of the stitch formation plane defined by the sinkers in relation to the needles on the cylinder that remain in a fixed position. The invention involves also a circular knitting machine incorporating such a device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for acoustically insulating a washing machine and, specifically, a laundry tub. An acoustical blanket of thermoplastic material extends around and insulates the laundry tub. A wall of the tub has at least one protuberance for mating with a hole of the acoustical blanket. The acoustical blanket may be crimped over a top of the wall. Protuberances include knobs and elongate members. The thermoplastic material is selected from a group consisting of a polyester, polyethylene, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, rayon, nylon, acrylic, hemp, kenaf, cotton and combinations thereof. A facing layer(s) may additionally be provided on the acoustical blanket. The facing layer being selected from a group consisting of polyester, rayon, metallic foil and combinations thereof. The blanket may also mate directly with a cylinder around the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine has a laundry drum and a tub and defines an outflow orifice at a lowest point and a second orifice at a point higher. An outflow line fluidically connects to the outflow orifice. A liquid line fluidically connects the outflow line to the second orifice. A turbidity sensor is disposed at the liquid line and responds to a turbidity of liquid flowing therethrough. A pressure controller includes a pressure line connection at the outflow line, a pressure sensor connected to the pressure line connection, a pressure of liquid in the outflow line dependent on a level of liquid in the tub being transmitted from the outflow line to the pressure sensor through the pressure line connection, and the pressure sensor responding to the liquid pressure and controlling a liquid filling level in the tub dependent upon the liquid pressure. In the configuration, the outflow hose has both a connection for a turbidity sensor and a connection for a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A lock includes a locking element (4) and a control element (35) rotated to-and-fro by a drive (34) to shift the locking element (4) to-and-fro by means of a drive element (10) between a locked and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A double lock T-handle is disclosed having a tray which includes an inwardly dished handle receiving area, a second recessed handle receiving region, and a recessed padlock receiving depression. The tray further includes a lock cylinder casing having a locking cylinder and a shaft cylinder casing having a shaft. The lock cylinder functions as a first lock and a padlock functions as a second lock for the double lock T-handle. The T-handle includes a locking shoulder and a fracturable throat section which deters forced breakage of the T-handle and undesirable opening of a locked door.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tube made of a non-ferrous material, particularly a tube made of mainly copper, in which method, in the first working step the tube billet (1) is worked so that mainly owing to the deformation resistance, the temperature of the tube billet under operation rises up to the recrystallization range, at least on the spot that is being worked. Essentially immediately after the first working step (F1), the tube billet is subjected to at least a second working step (F2), and the tube billet (1) is maintained, at least during the first and second working step in non-oxidizing conditions. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coldforming machine in which the rolling racks are preferably arranged in vertical direction and are adjustable via a feed means during the rolling operation in radial direction with respect to the workpiece to be formed.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for coiling and uncoiling a metal strip in which the angular position of a coiler is measured and an actuator is provided for a moveable roll, the moveable roll position being varied as a function of the coiler. The present invention aims to avoid tension variations in the metal which cause width and thickness variations in rolling operations for instance.

Abstract: A drive for use in the manufacture of cans comprises a hydraulically powered guide pod to which a hold down assembly is attached. The guide pod slides along a guide rod which is fixed in the bodymaker. Forward and rear hydraulic chambers are defined between the pod and the guide rod by means of bushings and a seal. Passage of fluid through ports to and from the chambers causes the pod and hold down assembly to move forwards and backwards. The length of the stroke can be set by the distance between the ports. A rotary valve is used to control the timing of the drive and control flow of hydraulic fluid, which is typically obtained from the bodymaker coolant supply.

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus for performing a pipe bending method, wherein the method includes filling a workpiece with a liquid, pressurizing the liquid to a target pressure level, and bending the workpiece to create a bent pipe. Preferably, the pressure level is inversely proportional to the radius of the bend in the pipe. Furthermore, preferably the pressure is directly proportional to the bending angle of the pipe. Preferably, the pressure is maintained substantially at the target pressure during the bending process. Optionally, the pressure level can be increased during the bending process.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetically forming a metallic member includes deforming an end of a metallic member by electromagnetic forming, pressing the outer surface of the deformed end on the surface of a mold to form a flange having a predetermined shape at the end of the metallic member and, at the same time, work-harden the flange. The method is capable of forming a flange having a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of another member to be joined to the metallic member at an end of the metallic member with high dimensional accuracy and shape accuracy and secured joint strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to rolling and in particular to the process of rod coil forming, for instance, of steel and nonferrous metals, and to a set of equipment for its realization.

Abstract: A method for folding a metal strip is proposed, the method comprising the steps of providing a metal strip having a first surface and a second surface; providing the metal strip with a groove in the first surface; folding the metal strip into a corner wherein the first surface forms a concave side of the corner and the second surface forms a convex side of the corner and the groove extends along the concave side of the corner; the metal strip being folded by means of at least one set of rollers. According to an important aspect of the invention, one of the rollers comprises a bead pressing the groove into said metal strip, the bead having a substantially rounded profile. The invention further concerns a folded tube having a groove with substantially rounded profile and a forming tool having a bead with substantially rounded profile.

Abstract: A crimping press has a tool receptacle arranged at a lower end of a pressing slider provided with a force-sensing device. The forces arising during the crimping operation are transmitted from the supporting surfaces of an upper tool to several points on the force-sensing device. Provided on each side of an upper fork and held by screws are two collars to which are transmitted, the crimping forces on either side of the supporting surface. With their heads, the screws hold the collars, while with their other ends the screws are engaged with the pressing slider. The collars transmit the crimping forces to the sensor elements of the force-sensing device.

Abstract: A crimping press has a cassette that can be inserted from the rear of the press and carries a contact roll containing a supply of belted crimp contacts. A contact belt passes over a tension pulley and, twisting through 90°, is guided onto a lower tool. A paper tape reel is driven over a toothed pulley by a mating gear located in the crimping press.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary cam moving apparatus of a negative angle shaping mold which can avoid an interference of rotary cams, require no canceling process in rotary cam end portions with a high accuracy, and maintain a strength in the rotary cam end portion.

Abstract: The mould (10) includes at least one part (20), intended to be in contact with the component (12) being moulded, made from sintered vitreous silica. According to the process, said component (12) is formed by the superplastic forming in the mould (10) of a plate (18) made of a material capable of undergoing superplastic deformation, for example titanium or titanium alloy, aluminium or aluminium alloy, or any material exhibiting superplastic properties. Preferably, a barrier is formed between at least a part of the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded, for example by coating with boron nitride, at least partially, the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded, before placing the plate (18) in the mould (10), and/or by injecting an inert gas, notably helium or argon, between the contact surfaces of the mould (10) and the component (12) being moulded.

Abstract: The device comprises a voltage divider (Rv1, Rv2) to whose two terminals the oscillator signal with a phase position that is mutually opposed is supplied until, in the instance of a switched-on probe heating, the voltage (VRpvs) that is proportional to the probe internal resistance (Rpvs) falls below a predetermined set value (set), whereby, at this point in time, the output signal of the oscillator (SZ) is supplied to both terminals of the voltage divider (Rv1, Rv2) with the same phase position (area 1) thus effecting an amplitude change-over (amplitude amplification).

Abstract: A device for simulating slip on vehicle test benches wherein a vehicle wheel which rolls on a movable testing surface of a test device such as a test roller or flat belt and performs the object of changing the frictional force between the wheel and the testing surface without necessarily having to change the coefficient of friction, A lifting/lowering device changes the contact force FA of the wheel in a predeterminable way from the tire to an apparatus as the wheel rotates.

Abstract: A dropping test apparatus for a mobile communication terminal is provided. The test apparatus comprises: a main body; a first group of fixed members attached to a first group of inclined surfaces formed on the main body for providing one or more distinct dropping orientations for a folder type mobile communication terminal in an open position; a second group of fixed members attached to a second group of inclined surfaces formed on the main body for providing one or more distinct dropping orientations for a folder type mobile communication terminal in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for gas analysis with a sensor (5) and a measured gas pump (3). The sensor (5) can be connected in a simple manner both with the suction side (7) or the pressure side (8) of the measured gas pump (3). To accomplish the object, a plug-in adapter (6) is provided, which has a first measuring channel (14) that is in flow connection with the sensor (5), whereby the plug-in adapter (6) can be connected with the measured gas pump (3) in two positions in such a way that a connecting branch (13) of the first measuring channel (14) is connected in a first position of the plug-in adapter (6) on the pressure side (8) and in a second position on the suction side (7) of the measured gas pump (3).

Abstract: A sensor unit comprises a mounting base (1) on which an air moisture sensor (3) and an air temperature sensor (4) are disposed. The air moisture sensor (3) is disposed over a bore (5) of the mounting base and covers the bore (5) at least partially. An intensive thermal coupling between the air moisture sensor (3), air temperature sensor (4) and air mixture to be analysed is produced.

Abstract: A monitoring system for chemical shipments having an apparatus for detection of a leak from a shipment vessel having a shroud. A first chemical sensor is in communication with a chamber of the shroud for detecting the presence of a substance leaking from the vessel. A second sensor is in communication with the ambient environment surrounding the shroud. A monitoring circuit in communication with the first chemical sensor and the second chemical sensor monitors a first chemical sensor output and a second chemical sensor output and signals an information unit dependant on the increase of at least one of the first and second chemical sensors. The information unit emits a signal to an alarm or output device in response to an increase of the magnitude and/or rate of increase of at least one of the first chemical sensor output and the second chemical sensor output. A physical sensor can be in combination with the monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus useful in detecting viability of biological cells. A substrate defines a microscopic chamber. One or more microcantilevers extend from the substrate into the chamber. A detector is operatively connected to the microcantilevers for sensing a state of deformation thereof. On each microcantilevers is deposited a layer of an environmentally sensitive hydrogel polymer having a configuration changing in accordance with presence of an environmental parameter.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring moisture content level of a solid dielectric material, or paper, immersed in a dielectric fluid, or oil, both of which having respective moisture content, and known water solubility properties varying with temperature. The device includes a moisture detector and a temperature detector for measuring moisture content level and temperature level of the oil, respectively. A microprocessor, electrically connected to both the moisture and the temperature detectors, computes the moisture content level of the paper. The microprocessor has the known water solubility properties of the paper and the oil stored therein and processes the oil moisture content level and the oil temperature level so as to determine the paper moisture content level. The latter being displayed on a display connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An SPM sensor having a cantilever, a holding element at one end of the cantilever and a sensor tip at the other end of the cantilever, wherein the holding element is made from a photoresist and the cantilever and/or the tip are made from another material. The photoresist is preferably SU-8, and the other material for the cantilever and/or the tip is preferably silicon, a silicon compound, metals and mixtures thereof. The production of a frame having a plurality of the SPM sensors, wherein both the frame and the holders for the individual SPM sensors and at least the holding element consist of SU-8. The process allows for inexpensive production of the SPM sensors, the sensors being supplied to the user in a frame from which he can detach the sensors.