Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic coupling (1), comprising two blade wheels—a pump wheel (2) and a turbine wheel (3)—which together form a toroidal working chamber (4); a pump wheel shell (6) which is rotationally fixed to the pump wheel (2) and which surrounds the turbine wheel (3) in an axial direction, hereby forming a first guiding channel or chamber (9) for the operating means; and a second guiding channel or chamber (12) for the operating means which opens out in the area of the inner diameter of the toroidal working chamber (6) or below the same. The first and second guiding channels or chambers (12) for the operating means may be used as a supply or discharge channel or chamber to or from the toroidal working chamber (4), respectively.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprises a housing. The housing contains a hydrostatic transmission, a differential unit driven by the hydrostatic transmission, a pair of axles mutually differentially connected through the differential unit, and a restricting mechanism for selectively restricting differential motion of the axles by manual operation. The differential unit comprises a ring gear serving as an input gear and a pair of bevel gears which can be differentially rotated by rotation of the ring gear. The restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gears with the ring gear. If a pair of differential side gears fixed on the respective axles serve as the bevel gears, the restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gear to the ring gear through a claw clutch or a friction clutch.

Abstract: A bi-directional braking assembly for a vehicle includes a hydraulic booster assembly for applying proportional fluid pressure to a brake assembly and is actuated by a forward pedal. A master cylinder actuated by a rear pedal communicates fluid to the hydraulic booster assembly through a hydraulic booster valve. The hydraulic booster valve includes a piston movable to regulate hydraulic pressure in response to actuation of first and second plungers. The second plunger is movable along an axis separate from the first plunger in response to actuation of a master cylinder by a rear pedal. The master cylinder provides pressure to the booster valve assembly that acts on an area between the first and second plunger assemblies to move the second plunger away from the first plunger to actuate and move the booster piston within the valve.

Abstract: A control system of this invention for use with a variable geometry turbocharger is designed to enable turbocharger control based solely on engine speed. The control system takes measured engine speed and sends the same to an engine control unit (ECU) having an actuator position v. engine speed map. The ECU utilizes only the measured engine speed to determine a desired actuator position from the map, and produces a control signal for effecting actuator operation. The control signal generated by the ECU can be converted to an analog signal by pulse width modulation, for example. The control signal is sent to an actuator for placing the actuator into the desired actuator position. The actuator is connected to a variable geometry member in the turbocharger so that operation and placement of the actuator into the desired actuator position thereby places the variable geometry member into a desired position to effect the desired change in turbocharger operation.

Abstract: A method and a device for exhaust gas recycling (EGR) in a combustion engine (1) having two exhaust collectors (3, 4). EGR gases from the two exhausts collectors (3,4) are combined in a mixing section (10) of the EGR channel (5) where they are accelerated, in a contraction portion, mixed and expanded. EGR gases from a first exhaust collector are led into a first and EGR gases from a second exhaust collector are led into a second portion of the contraction portion, which is arranged sideways with respect to the first portion of the contraction portion and separated therefrom up to the upstream area of the transition portion (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to configuration of at least two exhaust gas turbochargers on an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders, in particular in a motor vehicle, in which the two turbine housings are connected to the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine and are immediately adjacent to each other and one turbine is always connected to one compressor by means of a drive shaft, the drive shafts being rotatably mounted in corresponding bearing housings. In order to prepare a design which is advantageous from the viewpoint of structure and production technology, it is proposed that the turbine housings are oriented such that the drive shafts be positioned at least approximately in alignment with each other and that the bearing housings be connected to the turbine housings on both sides.

Abstract: Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (CCLC) and Super Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (Super-CCLC) systems are described for recovering power in the form of mechanical or electrical energy from the waste heat of a steam turbine system. The waste heat from the boiler and steam condenser is recovered by vaporizing propane or other light hydrocarbon fluids in multiple indirect heat exchangers; expanding the vaporized propane in multiple cascading expansion turbines to generate useful power; and condensing to a liquid using a cooling system. The liquid propane is then pressurized with pumps and returned to the indirect heat exchangers to repeat the vaporization, expansion, liquefaction and pressurization cycle in a closed, hermetic process.

Abstract: A Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (CCLC) system is described for recovering power in the form of mechanical or electrical energy from any thermal energy source whose temperature is sufficiently high to vaporize a pressurized light hydrocarbon medium such as propane or propylene. A light hydrocarbon medium is vaporized in multiple indirect heat exchangers; expanded in multiple cascading expansion turbines to generate useful power; and condensed to a liquid using a cooling system. The light hydrocarbon liquid medium is then pressurized with a pump and returned to the indirect heat exchangers to repeat the vaporization, expansion, liquefaction and pressurization cycle in a closed, hermetic process.

Abstract: This invention provides a clutch engagement detecting apparatus, which can accurately detect the state of engagement of a clutch using a helical spline engagement structure, and a single-shaft combined plant having it, and is constructed as follows: If the difference between the detected value of the rotational speed of a gas turbine and the detected value of the rotational speed of a steam turbine is not more than a detection error by the time a predetermined time elapses after load is charged into the steam turbine, it is determined that the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine combustor having a plurality of venturi mixers, each includes an air inlet connecting to an air supply path, a fuel inlet connecting to a supply source of gaseous fuel, and an air-fuel mixture generating passage connecting to the air inlet and the fuel inlet and merges with an air-fuel mixture generating section to produce the air-fuel mixture and a first nozzle opened into the combustion chamber at an end of the air-fuel mixture generating passage.

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine combustor having a plurality of venturi mixers, each includes an air inlet connecting to an air supply path, a fuel inlet connecting to a supply source of gaseous fuel, and an air-fuel mixture generating passage connecting to the air inlet and the fuel inlet and merges with an air-fuel mixture generating section to produce the air-fuel mixture and a nozzle opened into the combustion chamber at an end of the air-fuel mixture generating passage.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine pre-diffuser 40 is generally annular, including radially inner and radially outer walls 40 and 42 and a generally cylindrical midline 48 defined between the walls. The pre-diffuser 40 includes a central member 46 which forces air flowing through the pre-diffuser 40 to separate, initially to be directed away from the midline 48 before subsequently being allowed to diffuse back towards the midline 48. The majority of the diffusion takes place on the walls of the central member and is thus in an inner region of the annulus of air ejected from the pre-diffuser to pass to the combustor. Any boundary losses therefore do not significantly effect air at the extremities of this annulus, this air being destined for the annuli of the combustor and requiring relatively high energy levels.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a deflector assembly that enhances heat transfer from the combustor and minimizes low cycle fatigue stresses induced within the combustor. The deflector assembly includes a plurality of deflectors secured to a spectacle plate. Each deflector has tapered edges and includes a plurality of cylindrical projections extending outward from the deflector to facilitate heat transfer. The projections include rounded edges and are arranged in a high density pattern. The deflector is coated with a thermal barrier coating and a bondcoat to minimize exposure to hot combustion gases or flame radiation.

Abstract: According to the invention, the wall (5) is mounted movably as one so as to be able to slide longitudinally in translation, bringing the joint line (14) closer to the fuel injector (9) so as progressively to modify the geometries of the oxidant inlet (16) and of the combustion chamber (15), said geometries passing progressively from a first state (I) in which, for a Mach number lying between 1.5 and 3, said oxidant inlet (16) constricts said oxidant flow only slightly and the combustion chamber (15) is long and divergent, to a second state (III) in which, for a Mach number lying between 8 and 12, said oxidant inlet (16) strongly constricts said oxidant flow and said combustion chamber (15) is shorter and exhibits a constant cross section.

Abstract: A method for cooling inlet air to a gas turbine is provided. For example, a method is described including passing inlet air through a cooling coil that includes an opening for receiving the inlet air and that is operably connected to a gas turbine power plant. The gas turbine power plant may include at least one gas turbine, and at least one gas turbine inlet which receives the inlet air. The method may further include passing circulating water through a water chiller at a first flow rate to reduce the temperature of the circulating water, the water chiller including a conduit through which the circulating water is capable of passing and passing the circulating water having the first flow rate through the cooling coil in an amount sufficient to lower the temperature of the inlet air.

Abstract: A gas turbine and air turbine installation includes a gas turbine to which, downstream of its exhaust gas end, the primary side of a heat exchanger for heating air is connected. In this arrangement, the heat exchanger includes an air turbine connected downstream of its secondary side. By this, a gas turbine and air turbine combined process can be realized which, compared with a pure gas turbine process, is associated with an increase in efficiency and power. The installation concept can be employed particularly advantageously in areas short of water where a conventional gas/steam installation or a steam power installation can hardly be realized because of the requirement for water. Further, a method of operating a power station installation involves waste heat in the exhaust gas of a gas turbine being used to do work to drive an air turbine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of operating a combustion plant comprising at least a first gas turbine (26), a second turbine (34, 50) and a membrane reactor device (16) which comprises a membrane filter device (18) for separating oxygen from a gas mixture and a combustion space (19). A gas mixture containing oxygen is supplied to the membrane reactor device (16). At least some oxygen is separated from the gas mixture with the help of the membrane filter device (18). The separated oxygen is used at the combustion in the combustion space (19). The oxygen-depleted gas that is obtained after the separation of oxygen and which has not gone through a combustion process is used to run the first gas turbine (26). Combustion gases run the second turbine (34, 50). The invention also concerns a combustion plant for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a method of operating a gas turbine and steam turbine installation with a gas turbine which can be operated with both gas and oil, a partial flow of heated feed water is injected into the cold condensate when a change is made from gas operation to oil operation. For this purpose, the installation comprises a mixing device, in which at least one spray head connected to a hot-water main, is arranged for the supply of the partial flow.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas-turbine engine having a combustor which generates a combustion such that resulting combustion gas rotates a turbine that is connected to the compressor and a load such as a generator to drive the compressor and the generator. In the system, the oxygen concentration of the resulting combustion gas is detected and the adiabatic flame temperature is calculated based on at least the detected oxygen concentration such that the combustion mode is switched between the premix combustion and the diffusive combustion by calculated temperature. With this, the system, when operated using a gas fuel whose composition is not constant can control the fuel supply through a multiple venturi mixer, while avoiding flame-out and operate stably in response to load demand and achieving excellent emission performance.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gas turbine engine to provide protection against damaging pressure transients in the combustion process and to ensure compliance with emission requirements. Pressure fluctuations are monitored in a plurality of frequency ranges, and unacceptable pressure transients in different frequency ranges trigger different corrective actions. Unacceptable pressure transients in low and intermediate frequency ranges trigger a change in the pilot fuel fraction of a dual-mode combustor, while unacceptable pressure transients in a high frequency range trigger immediate power reduction in the engine. A control system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of timers for defining consecutive time periods for alternate monitoring of pressure transients and not monitoring pressure transients. Corrective action is taken only if unacceptable pressure transients are detected in each of the monitored time periods.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system provides for closed loop mass flow control of fuel between a metering valve and a pump, such as a variable delivery pump. Changes in pressure across the metering valve are monitored and pump operation is altered in response thereto. A thermal controller monitors fuel temperature and recirculates a portion of the fuel flow through a heat exchanger. The fuel delivery system can be provided as original equipment or as a retrofit.

Abstract: In a gas-turbine engine control system, a temperature of the air supplied to mixers and a pressure of the fuel supplied to the mixers are detected and based on the detected fuel pressure, a flow rate of the fuel supplied to the mixers is determined based on at least the detected pressure of the fuel. Then, an adiabatic flame temperature in a combustion chamber is determined based on at least the determined flow rate of the fuel and it is determined whether a selected one of combustion modes including premixed combustion and diffusive combustion is to be switched to other based on the determined adiabatic flame temperature and the detected air temperature and the selected combustion mode is controlled to switch to the other in response to a result of determination. With this, it becomes possible to achieve switchover to the stabler combustion mode and realize better low emission performance by utilizing the premixed combustion range.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor has a combustion chamber into which fuel and air are supplied, wherein the fuel and the air are supplied into said combustion chamber as a plurality of coaxial jets.

Abstract: The purpose is to improve the mixture ratio of a pre-mixer by a simple arrangement to form a more uniform premixed gases so as to materialize low NOx combustion. Two fuel nozzles disposed circumferentially of a pre-mixer are combined with a single air intake window to make a set, which set is used to produce swirls in a pair, thereby expediting mixing. Further, the inlet window is shaped such that its circumferential width is changed axially of the combustor, thereby changing the strength and size of the swirls to achieve the greatest effect. By reducing both the pre-mixer inlet windows and the partition walls in number, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and by strengthening and optimizing the swirls, a combustor with superior low NOx performance can be provided, while it is possible to reduce the length of the pre-mixer necessary to obtain the same mixture ratio, leading to a cost reduction.

Abstract: The present additional control strategy has been developed to allow the gas turbine to operate at lower load or at other conditions where the total fuel required by the gas turbine is not optimum for full combustion of the fuel. The present invention manages air that bypasses the catalytic combustor and air that bleeds off of the compressor discharge. The bypass system changes the fuel air ratio of the catalytic combustor without affecting the overall gas turbine power output. The bleed system also changes the fuel air ratio of the catalytic combustor but at the cost of reducing the overall gas turbine efficiency. The key advantage of a catalytic combustor with a bypass and bleed system and the inventive control strategy is that it can maintain the catalyst at optimum low emissions operating conditions over a wider load range than a catalytic combustor without such a system.

Abstract: An integrated gasification power generating system (100) includes an oxygen separator (1) for providing an oxygen rich gas stream (2) from an oxygen containing gaseous mixture such as air (13). The oxygen separator (1) provides an oxygen stream (2) preferably including at least 99% oxygen. The system includes a gasifier (25) for generating a synthesis gas and a combustor (21) for combusting a mixture including the oxygen rich gas stream (20), a steam flow (23) and the synthesis gas (22) or a product derived therefrom, to produce thermal energy.

Abstract: An offset annular combustion chamber for an airplane engine gas turbine, the chamber comprising a pilot head having a plurality of nozzle systems distributed on a pilot head chamber end wall interconnecting an inner longitudinally-extending side wall of the chamber to a pilot head outer longitudinally-extending side wall, and a take-off head that is radially and axially offset from the pilot head and comprising a plurality of nozzle systems distributed on a take-off head chamber end wall interconnecting the pilot head outer longitudinally-extending side wall and a take-off head outer longitudinally-extending side wall, the pilot head having at least N substantially identical nozzle systems with overall permeability PA adapted to lighting and to speeds close to idling, and the take-off head having at least 2N substantially identical nozzle systems of overall permeability PB, where PB is greater than or equal to PA, the permeability PA lying in the range 10% to 40% of the total air flow rate penetrating into th

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion-chamber arrangement for gas turbines, having an annular combustion chamber connected to at least one burner and leading into a turbine space, an annular-combustion-chamber wall which defines the annular combustion chamber being of double-shell construction, and an inner shell of the annular-combustion-chamber wall being composed of lining elements releasably arranged on an outer shell of the annular-combustion-chamber wall, and a gap space through which a cooling medium can flow being formed between the inner shell and the outer shell of the annular-combustion-chamber wall.

Abstract: A pulse tube cryocooler where conditions under which a difference in refrigeration output due to an installation posture can be reduced as compared with conventional pulse tube cryocoolers and where the refrigeration efficiency of the cryocooler is improved, and the refrigeration output can be raised. The pulse tube cryocooler may have a regenerator coupled to a compressor through a heat radiation part and an internal regenerating agent, with the compressor repeatedly feeding and suctioning a working gas, a pulse tube coupled to the regenerator through a cooling part, and a buffer tank coupled to the pulse tube through a heat radiation part and an inertance tube. A ratio of a space volume of the pulse tube to a space volume of the regenerator may be between 0.75 to 1.5. When a diameter of a circle having an area equal to an inner cross section of the regenerator is made an inner diameter, a value obtained by dividing a length of the regenerator by a square of the inner diameter may be between 0.11 to 0.26.

Abstract: In order to avoid evaporation of the propellant gas during the pressure-free filling of an aerosol formulation provided with a readily volatile propellant gas, the product to be filled is cooled prior to being fed into a metering means. In this context, fluoro-chlorinated hydrocarbons such as, for instance, R11 have been used up until now as the coolant, but their use is no longer permitted in Germany and in other nations.

Abstract: A multi-type refrigerator is capable of achieving a high coefficient of performance (COP) while using R32 as refrigerant and that takes account of energy saving and global warming. Refrigerating cycles are executed by circulation of R32 as refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit including one outdoor unit having a compressor, a condenser, and expansion means and a plurality of indoor units having evaporators. A filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 120 to 300 g/kW (refrigerating capacity). The filling quantity of R32 for the refrigerant circuit is set in a range from 84 to 300 g/L (internal volume of the condenser).

Abstract: The present specification discloses a compressor characterized in that a nonpolar solvent is used as a working fluid and an insulation part of a rotating section is formed from a low dielectric constant plastic film having a specific dielectric constant of 1.2 to 3.0. This compressor has been reduced in leakage current and improved in safety and reliability, and therefore can realize energy savings for devices such as a refrigerant system device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat pump air conditioning system comprising an additional heater and a method for operating the same, in which the additional heater is driven during a full activation standby time taken to simultaneously operate all of a plurality of compressors so as to rapidly satisfy an increased heating load. When the increased heating load exceeding a total capacity of some compressors selected from the plural compressors is sensed, since the additional heater is driven during the full activation standby time so as to rapidly satisfy the increased heating load, the air conditioning system improves heating effectiveness and uniformly maintains room temperature, thereby improving users' comfort.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle with an ejector, there is provided with a bypass passage through which a part of high-pressure refrigerant from a radiator flows into a low-pressure refrigerant passage between an evaporator and a suction port of the ejector while bypassing a nozzle of the ejector. Further, a control valve is disposed to open the bypass passage so that refrigerant flows through the bypass passage when the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant becomes in a predetermined condition. Accordingly, it can prevent the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant from being excessively increased due to increase of a refrigerant flow amount. Therefore, the refrigerant cycle operates stably.

Abstract: Provided are an air conditioning plant control method by which an air conditioning plant can be operated in a most desirable state, and an air conditioning plant so controlled. An air conditioning plant is controlled, which has at least one air conditioner, a refrigerating machine supplying cold water to the air conditioner and a cooling tower supplying cooling water to the refrigerating machine. Within an extent satisfying set conditions of air conditioning, setpoints of the draft temperature of the at least one air conditioner, the cold water temperature of the refrigerating machine and the temperature of cooling water from the cooling tower are altered and optimized so as to minimize energy consumption, operating cost or carbon dioxide emission of the air conditioning plant.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a refrigerator having two evaporators is disclosed, in which food can be effectively stored with a frozen state or a refrigerated state. To this end, the method for controlling operation of a refrigerator having two evaporators includes the steps of (a) starting a compressor in which a drive of the compressor starts; (b) continuous operation in which the RF cycle or the F cycle is operated according to a temperature of the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber after the compressor is operated; and (c) stopping a operation of the compressor if a temperature of the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber corresponds to each preset temperature range, thereby making a cycle and repeatedly processing.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning apparatus includes a heater core 21 radiating heat of engine coolant to an air stream to be blown off to a vehicle compartment, a sub condenser 4 operative to radiate heat of compressed refrigerant to the air stream to be blown off to the vehicle compartment for condensing refrigerant, an evaporator 7 operative to allow expanded refrigerant by an expansion valve 6 to absorb heat of the air stream in the vehicle compartment to be evaporated, a variable displacement compressor 2 operative to compress evaporated refrigerant to be discharged to the condenser 4, a sensor 9 that detects a discharge refrigerant pressure of the compressor 2, and a compressor control means 100 operative to control a discharge refrigerant volume of the compressor 2 so as to compel a blow-off temperature to lie at a given temperature in response to a detected result of the sensor 9.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning device (12) with a compressor device (14, 40) for compressing a working medium of the air-conditioning device (12). The compressor device (14, 40) can be driven by a first drive unit (18), preferably the driving motor (18) of a vehicle, and/or a second drive unit (42), whereby the second drive unit (42) comprises a Stirling motor (42).

Abstract: The invention is based on a climate control system for a vehicle that is driven by an internal combustion engine (10), having a heating heat exchanger (24) which is connected to a coolant loop (12) of the engine (10) and is preceded upstream of a blower (48) by an evaporator (44), and a compressor (50) in a refrigerant loop (40), during a cooling mode, pumps a refrigerant via a gas cooler (42) and via an expansion valve (54) to the evaporator (44) and during a heating mode pumps it to the evaporator bypassing the gas cooler (42), and between the coolant loop (12) and the refrigerant loop (40) a coupling heat exchanger (38) is provided.

Abstract: A water distributing pipe for ice making devices of refrigerators which includes an ice cube tray provided such that a top portion thereof is open receiving water into the tray and opposite ends are rotatably supported to an inside of a freezer compartment and a water supply pipe supplying the water to the ice cube tray. The water distributing pipe is connected to an end of the water supply pipe distributing water to the ice cube tray. The water distributing pipe comprises a connecting part connected to the water supply pipe, a water discharging part extending from the connecting part and discharging the water to the ice cube tray, and a projecting part provided in the water discharging part distributing the supplied water.

Abstract: An apparatus achieving an efficient air-conditioning without disturbing convection in a room having a heating device inside.

Abstract: A portable air chiller for providing air conditioning in a variety of environmental circumstances. The portable air chiller includes an insulated container capable of effectively containing a endothermic substrate, an in-flow vent and out-flow vent positioned to communicate air flow from the exterior of the container to the interior of the container. A fan located in the out flow vent facilitates conditioned air movement out of the interior of the portable air chiller. The interior of the portable air chiller houses a endothermic substrate holder which practically traverses the length and width of the interior.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a thermal complementary (combination of heat supply and heat discharge) system which can complement heat without the restriction of area of a region to be supplied with heat. An endless multiplex helical loop is formed to complement the heat produced in a region such as plants and regional facilities on a reciprocal basis, and the water is not circulated forcibly but achieves heat transfer in the helical loop.

Abstract: A kid's zone compartment assembly for a refrigerator includes a compartment frame, a top tray, a cover for the top tray, a lower tray, and two tall package retainers. The top tray cover is pivotally hinged to the top tray. The cover is molded and configured in the likeness of a character, particularly an animal caricature. The various compartment components are carried by the compartment frame which, in turn, is supported by a fresh food compartment door liner of the refrigerator. The overall assembly defines a special place for the storage of food items dedicated for access by a child.

Abstract: A portable carrier for a beverage container includes a case (10) having an externally frusto-conical housing that fully encloses the beverage container, and a removable cooling core (70) that fits within the housing. A zipper (30) preferably extends along at least part of at least two sides of the case, and more preferably extends on the top and bottom of the case. A carrying strap (40) may include a pounch for storing a bottle opener.

Abstract: In a display cabinet (21) articles such as food placed on a shelf (20) can be kept cooler by having a heat pipe in the shelf with one end of the heat pipe (20a) cooled by the cabinet's cooling system (22).

Abstract: An evaporator 10 of an air conditioner comprises a refrigerant entrance port 12 and a refrigerant exit port 14. A division wall 16 of the evaporator is extended to form a housing 200. The housing 200 comprises an inlet 210 for the refrigerant traveling from a compressor, an outlet 220 communicating with the entrance port 12 of the evaporator, and a refrigerant path 230 returning from the evaporator. The cassette unit 100 comprises a pipe member 110, a flange member 120 and a lid member 130, with major components of the expansion valve such as a diaphragm and a driving member for driving a valve means assembled thereto. The cassette unit 100 is accommodated in a hole 240 with steps of the housing 200 to complete the expansion valve.

Abstract: Interchangeable Jewelry System for creating custom jewelry assemblies (20, 20′, and 20″). Custom assemblies are comprised of one or more interchangeable jewelry segments (22). Interchangeable jewelry segments can contain male (38) and/or female (44) interchangeable mechanisms and/or body connector assemblies (60, 60′, and/or 60″) for attaching to the body or to items which attach to the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for refining a glass melt according to the skull pot principle. According to the invention, the inlet and outlet are located in the upper area of the crucible and lie diametrically opposite each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for making optical fiber having reduced aging or hydrogen aging loss over the life of the fiber and optical fiber systems including such optical fibers. Improved silicon-oxygen stoichiometry during one or more preform manufacturing steps reduces the amount of Si defects generated in the optical fiber preform. Also, deuterium exposure of optical fiber drawn from the preform reduces the likelihood of having atomic defects such as Si defects in the optical fiber that, over time, attract and bond with hydrogen atoms to form molecules that contribute to increased water absorption loss. The inventive method produces optical fibers with improved transmission characteristics, e.g., optical fibers made by methods according to embodiments of the invention have transmission loss at 1385 nanometers that is less than 0.33 dB/km and the aging loss increase thereafter is less than 0.04 dB/km.