Abstract: The present invention relates to building panels used in the construction industry, and more specifically composite building panels comprised of an insulative core, concrete, and carbon fiber which are preformed, cast and transported to a building site for modular construction.

Abstract: Construction assemblies or modules comprising headers, wall sections and beams, are formed of end-to-end arrays of plastic foam blocks and steel studs extending above and below the foam blocks, with flanges thereof extending into the blocks. Steel studs are disposed between each pair of adjacent blocks with flanges thereof extending may be utilized for strength and durable surfaces.

Abstract: A shingled roof includes a waterproof roofing membrane bonded to the roof deck adjacent an eave of the roof for preventing water damage to the roof deck and an interior of a building from wind-blown rain or water buildup on the roof. The waterproof membrane underlies at least a lowermost course of shingles adjacent the roof eave; has a first major surface bonded to the roof deck; and has a second major surface with an adhesive strip extending the length of the waterproof roofing membrane that bonds the lowermost course of shingles adjacent the roof eave to the second surface of the waterproof roofing membrane. The waterproof roofing membrane has a release strip overlaying the adhesive strip which is removed immediately prior to applying and bonding the lowermost course of shingles to the waterproof roofing membrane.

Abstract: A beam for a suspended ceiling in a clean room has soft plastic flaps on top of the flanges. The flaps form a seal when a ceiling panel is supported on the beam. The flaps, formed continuously as the beam emerges from a roll forming operation, are integral with a plastic coating on the metal beam core.

Abstract: A modular wall block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a retaining wall. The wall block has a front and rear, top and bottom, and opposing sides. At least one of the opposing sides defines a generally L-shaped vertical slot. A course connector is received in the vertical slot, and includes first and second ends joined together by a setback spacer. The first end extends in an x-direction and a y-direction, and defines a generally L-shaped structure received in the L-shaped slot and restricting forward, rearward, and outward movement of the course connector. The second end of the course connector extends outwardly in a z-direction beyond one of the top and bottom of the wall block to engage one of the number of other blocks in an upper or lower course.

Abstract: A molded concrete member has two facings, respectively active and passive, spaced from one another by a preselected distance, and between which is embedded a reinforcing cage. The cage has, on either side of a neutral axis, two layers, respectively active and passive, which are separated by a spacing. Each layer has at least one longitudinal solid bar of preselected cross-section, the spacing and the cross-section of the bars being determined in relation to loads to be applied, the two layers are respectively parallel to both facings of the molded element and are connected by transverse linking armoring.

Abstract: A stud spacer for connecting and extending between studs within a stud wall structure. The stud spacer includes an elongated member having a series of curved shaped notches formed in the member with each notch being adapted to receive a portion of a stud such that the stud spacer effectively connects to and extends between respective studs.

Abstract: The I-shaped wooden beam has two elongated chords extending in parallel relationship and blocks, struts or a web extending between the chords. Each of the chords is made of two pieces of wood having adjacent surfaces that are in contact and extend in parallel relationship with respect to the blocks, struts or web over the corresponding opposite end thereof. The two pieces of wood also have tongues and grooves positioned close to their adjacent surfaces and sized to match with opposite tongues and grooves made on the corresponding opposite end of the blocks, struts or web. These two pieces of wood are rigidly connected to each other and to blocks, struts or web so as to form an unitary structure of I-shape.

Abstract: A dome constructing method comprising the steps of assembling a triangular frame, which is the fundamental unit for a polyhedral skeleton, by using three joints and three frame members with the three joints used as the apexes and the three frame members used as the sides and with the triangular frame in contact with the ground, assembling new triangular frames around the ground-contacting triangular frame by using similar frame members and joints, thereby assembling the polyhedral skeleton of a multipyramid, such as pentagonal pyramid or hexagonal pyramid, with one joint that is positioned at one apex in the ground-contacting triangular frame being used as the apex and with the ground-contacting triangular frame used as one surface, wherein each time the polyhedral skeleton for the multipyramid is thus assembled, the same is turned to bring a new triangular frame other than the ground-contacting triangular frame into contact with the ground and then the assembling operation is repeated to assemble a polyhedra

Abstract: The device for sealing plastic bottles, especially PET bottles, after they are filled with a material under aseptic conditions, comprises a magazine for the seals, a delivery device for taking individual seals from the magazine and placing the seals on the filling opening of the bottles, which are fed to the treatment stations singly, consecutively and in a clocked sequence. The device further comprises a tool for carrying out the sealing operation. To this end, the delivery device takes sealing blanks, which are used as the seals, from the magazine and passes them on to the filling opening of the respectively prepared bottle, after which the sealing tool seals the sealing blank in the same working cycle onto the edge region surrounding the filling opening of the bottle, which remains in its position of readiness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a supply module in a mail processing machine including a conveyor for conveying the mailpieces and a moistening device ensuring wetting of a flap of an envelope after the latter has been slightly moved apart from the body of the envelope, as well as a device for creating on said flap of the envelope a second line of fold above the natural crease line of the envelope existing at the level of the join of the body of the envelope with the flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an item group in a container, includes a first conveyor carrying the items; a second conveyor; and a plurality of container carriers mounted on the second conveyor. Each container carrier has a support for holding and positioning a container such that a container bottom and a container side wall are oriented obliquely to the advancing direction of the second conveyor. A pickup device lifts an item from the first conveyor, transports it to the second conveyor and deposits it into a container positioned by a container carrier. A control device controls the motions of the pickup device to selectively deposit items in a flat-lying orientation on the container bottom or on the container side wall. After uprighting the containers subsequent to their charging with items, each item is either in a flat-lying orientation or in an edge-wise standing orientation with respect to the container bottom.

Abstract: A form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging machine is described wherein a zipper is attached to the package simultaneously with the sealing operation at the sealing and evacuation station. The attached zipper is thereafter welded in place at the zipper welding and cutting station. A zipper blank feeder and a channel-forming die with an impulse sealer are integrated into the sealing die of a packaging machine forming a combination work station. The zipper is installed at an existing work station and shares the existing lifting device. This enables the retrofitting of an FFS packaging machine to include a zipper attachment function without changing the footprint thereof. The combination work station forms a channel for the zipper blank between the thermoformed web and the lidstock. While the sealing die is providing a seal about the lid, the impulse sealer in the channel-forming die attaches the zipper to an initial attachment portion of the packaging film.

Abstract: A packaging machine using a heat-shrinkable film comprises a frame (14, 16) for peripheral sealing of a film (19) segment and a tunnel (21) disposed alongside the frame, in which means (27) for air circulation is arranged, which air is heated by electrical heating elements (28) for shrinkage of the sealed film which is introduced into the tunnel. The machine comprises means (34) for detecting a condition associable with the presence in the machine of a product wrapped in a film to be shrunk. This detecting means (34) upon detection of said condition produces a signal (33) for temporary actuation of the hot-air circulation means (27).

Abstract: A carousel bagger including a plurality of troughs each having sides fixed to a rotatable table with a pivotable bottom wall pivoted from a lower product-receiving position to a higher product-dumping position in response to actuation by a linkage running on a cam track as the table rotates. The bottom wall has two longitudinal sections with an obtuse angle therebetween which tends to cause the product to travel in a single file to thereby avoid bridging. The trough dumps product through combined chute and bag-clamping members having sides with outwardly flared upper portions which also tends to avoid bridging.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely pulverizing lawn debris has a central drive shaft driven by a gasoline or electrical power source. Lawn debris is drawn into a sucking chamber by a fan impeller blade mounted on the central drive shaft. The fan impeller blade initiates pulverization of the debris in the suction chamber. A grinding blade is mounted for rotation on the central drive shaft below the fan impeller blade. The grinding blade carries a plurality of blade elements operative to effect additional pulverization of the initially pulverized debris. A distributing plate mounted for rotation on the central shaft has a plurality of inclined apertures therein for dispensing a high velocity stream of the pulverized debris uniformly over said lawn.

Abstract: Jacking apparatus for use with ground maintenance vehicles and methods of using such apparatus. In general, the jacking apparatus includes a jacking member which may pivotally couple to the frame of the vehicle. The jacking member is preferably positionable in a stored position, a jacking position, or a jacked position wherein the stored and jacking positions correspond to the vehicle being in an operating configuration while the jacked position corresponds to the vehicle being in an elevated, maintenance configuration. During operation, the driving power of the vehicle may be used to propel the vehicle up and onto the jacking member, thereby elevating a first portion of the vehicle relative to a second portion. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a latching device to permit latching of the jacking member in both the stored position and the jacked position.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable is attached through suitable structure to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A duct support and transition structure for the air system of a cotton harvester includes a plurality of upright telescoping duct sections connected to a vertically adjustable support tube extending transversely between the sections providing lateral support for the ducts. Hydraulically operated slide structure connected to the support tube moves the sections vertically between operating and transport positions and eliminates duct binding problems. A telescoping harvester basket supports forwardly extending hood structure. The hood structure opens downwardly towards the upper ducts and includes grates for exhausting air and debris. The ends of the ducts open upwardly rather than rearwardly into the hood structure. The basket can move to and from the dump position without interference from the ducts, and the hood structure reduces cotton loss without need for side shields.

Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-like crop includes a plurality of intake and mowing arrangements mounted in side-by-side relationship to each other and operative to deliver the mowed crop to a transverse crop conveying channel located behind the intake and mowing arrangements. The width of the channel available for carrying harvested crop is constructed so as to be variable in accordance with the amount of crop being conveyed at any location along the channel so that a positive conveyance of the crop always takes place without plugging.

Abstract: A yarn is provided which includes a core and a wrapping yarn wound about the core. The core may include glass, metal and carbonaceous fibers which may be roughened and/or stretch-broken. The yarn may exhibit enhanced performance properties, such as strength, cut resistance and heat resistance. A method of making the yarn includes combining a glass filament and metal filament in a core wrapped by a sheath.

Abstract: A method of processing textile material is disclosed in which the material (13) is passed along a predetermined path through a liquid jet device (50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 130) applying a force to the material (13) transversely to the axis of the material (13). High pressure water is used to form one or more belts (11, 12) for applying twist to a yarn (13), sliver or roving (273), or as a jet to intermingle one or more yarns (13). The water may serve to cool the yarn (13) after beating in a false twist process.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rocket motor nozzle that replaces the fixed-wall throat with a “wall” created by injecting gas radially into the nozzle. By injecting gas into the flow of combustion products that are going through the nozzle, this will deflect the combustion product flow, restricting and accelerating such flow, just as a fixed-wall does in a standard nozzle. However, by using the “gas-wall” described herein, no erosion will result at the restriction area.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for determining a pollutant concentration of an exhaust gas at a first position of an exhaust-gas system of an internal combustion engine. A sensor for determining the pollutant concentration is placed at a second position, downstream of the first position, in the exhaust-gas system. The sensor records a measured value, which is then transmitted to a time function element taking into account the time delay between recording a measured value at the first and second positions and transmitting the measured value, temporally correlated with other undelayed measured values, to a diagnosis unit. Sensitive gas sensors can thus be placed at cooler positions of the exhaust-gas system that are less exposed to vibration and can nevertheless determine the pollutant concentration at another position.

Abstract: A diesel engine emission control system uses an upstream oxidation catalyst and a downstream SCR catalyst to reduce NOx in a lean exhaust gas environment. The engine and upstream oxidation catalyst are configured to provide approximately a 1:1 ratio of NO to NO2 entering the downstream catalyst. In this way, the downstream catalyst is insensitive to sulfur contamination, and also has improved overall catalyst NOx conversion efficiency. Degradation of the system is determined when the ratio provided is no longer near the desired 1:1 ratio. This condition is detected using measurements of engine operating conditions such as from a NOx sensor located downstream of the catalysts. Finally, control action to adjust an injected amount of reductant in the exhaust gas based on the actual NO to NO2 ratio upstream of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A Stirling cycle engine comprises a substantially sealed engine block that defines a working fluid space, a hot path and a cold path. A heat source and a heat sink are configured to keep the hot path and the cold path at different temperatures. The engine includes a valve chamber that is communication with the working fluid space, the hot path and the cold path. A valve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber between at least a first position and a second position. The valve defines a passage that, in the first position, places the working fluid space in communication with the hot path and, in the second position, places the working fluid space in communication with the cold path. A regenerator positioned within the passage.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a grooved cam drive mechanism with followers having a pair of longitudinally displaced bearings. One roller bearing is adapted to ride along an upper surface of the cam groove, while the other roller bearing is adapted to ride along a lower surface of the cam groove. Each follower includes an outer shaft on which a first bearing is mounted, and an inner shaft extending through the outer shaft on which a second bearing is mounted. A preferably annular space is provided between the inner and outer shafts when the follower is in an unloaded state. Then, when the follower is engaged within the grooved cam, the inner shaft is cantilevered relative to outer shaft within the annular space and results in pre-loading the first bearing against one inner surface of the groove cam and the second bearing against an opposite inner surface of the grooved cam.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold supplying charge air to the cylinders. An exhaust manifold conducts exhaust gas away from the cylinders. A turbocharger including a turbine has an exhaust gas inlet connected with the exhaust manifold and also includes a compressor having an air inlet and outlet. The compressor air outlet is connected to the intake manifold to pressurize charge air during high power levels of engine operation. An EGR bypass connected between the turbine exhaust gas inlet and the intake manifold recirculates a portion of the exhaust gases to the cylinders. An intake air bypass adapted to recirculate a portion of compressor outlet air back to the compressor air inlet to reduce compressor outlet pressure and aid EGR flow through the EGR bypass to the cylinders during high power operation of the engine is connected between the compressor air outlet and the compressor air inlet.

Abstract: A flow of molten salt is provided through a solar-thermal heat exchange receiver. The receiver converts solar energy, reflected from heliostats, to thermal energy that is stored in molten salt. A vessel holds a store of molten salt for cooling the receiver upon a loss of flow. At the outlet of the receiver, an air separator removes air entrained in the flow of molten salt. From the air separator, the flow of molten salt proceeds through a downcomer having flow obstacles to a hot storage tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing power comprising a grate cooler for cooling clinker supplied from cement production apparatus, an electrostatic precipitator that extracts particulate matter from hot air supplied from said grate cooler, the grate cooler and electrostatic precipitator working in combination with an air-heat transfer heat-exchanger, a pre-heater, a vaporizer, a turbine, and a working fluid condenser, to produce power.

Abstract: A pilot nozzle diffusion-injects a fuel. A pilot swirler swirls a pilot air around the pilot nozzle. An air guide is arranged between the outer surface of the pilot nozzle and the pilot swirler. The air guide extends from the pilot swirler to a tip of the pilot nozzle. The air guide has a tip that protrudes beyond the tip of the pilot nozzle and this the tip of the air guide is bent away from a center of the pilot nozzle.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided which includes a plurality of liner segments and a support shell. The support shell includes an interior and an exterior surface, a plurality of mounting holes, and a plurality of impingement coolant holes extending through the support shell. Each liner segment includes a panel and a plurality of mounting studs. The panel includes a face surface and a back surface, and a plurality of normal or inclined coolant holes extending therethrough. The back surface of the panel has a surface profile for improving the heat transfer properties of a liner segment without substantial increase in pressure drop across the combustor.

Abstract: A system and method of using a variable geometry ejector for a bleed air system using integral bleed pressure feedback which utilizes a minimal amount of high-pressure air, thus improving the overall engine cycle performance and is easily adaptable to a multitude of different engine types. This is accomplished through the use of a variable ejector using downstream pressure feedback to control the flow and pressure.

Abstract: A bleed valve 60 for regulating a fluid flow through a bleed hole 88 defined by a casing 49 of a gas turbine engine 10 compressor 22, the bleed valve 60 comprises a central axis 92, a piston 62 and a static structure 70, the static structure 70 generally surrounds the piston 62, and is arranged to define in axial sequence from the bleed hole 88 first, second and third chambers 82, 84, 86 respectively, the piston 62 comprises a spindle 66, a first end plate 90 slidably sealed against the static structure 70 and a valve face end plate 64 from which walls 68 axially extend, the walls 68 being slidably sealed to the static structure 70, the static structure 70 comprises a radially inwardly extending flange 74, the flange 74 defining an aperture 76 through which the spindle 66 axially extends and is slidably sealed against, the first chamber 82 is in fluid communication with the compressor 22 via pressure balancing apertures 108 defined in the valve face end plate 64, the third chamber 86 is also in fluid communic

Abstract: A variable cycle gas turbine engine (10) includes first and second compressors (18,16), combustion apparatus (20) and first and second turbines (22,24) operable to drive the first and second compressors (18,16) respectively via interconnecting shafts. The capacity of one of the turbines (24) may be varied, for example by means of guide vanes (32) which can be adjusted to reduce or increase a throat area (40) through which air leaves the guide vanes to impact the turbine. The capacity of the turbine may be increased at low engine speeds, to reduce the pressure ratio across the turbine and across the compressor (16) which it drives, thereby improving the surge margin of the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device having high efficiency includes a circulation heat exchanger, a water tank connected to the circulation heat exchanger and containing a fluid, a water pump mounted on the water tank for driving the fluid in the water tank into the circulation heat exchanger, a soft cushion connected to the circulation heat exchanger and the water tank, and a plurality of bypass pipes connected between the circulation heat exchanger, the water tank and the soft cushion, thereby forming a complete circulation circuit.

Abstract: A sleeve or a wrapper is used to keep liquid contained in a container, such as a glass or bottle or can, cool. The sleeve contains materials that generate light when activated and chemicals that absorb heat when combined. The light is generated in an upper portion of the sleeve while heat is absorbed in a lower portion of the sleeve. The sleeve can be re-used by storing the sleeve in a refrigerator or freezer after the initial use which does not require such pre-cooling.

Abstract: A heat pumping machine, such as used for home heating and cooling, has a free piston Stirling engine driving a vapor compression heat pump. The engine is mechanically linked to the compressor inside a common hermetically sealed enclosure. A fluid conducting passage connects the refrigerant flow path in communication with a working gas space in the Stirling engine. Although carbon dioxide may be used in both as the refrigerant and the engine working gas, preferably both helium and carbon dioxide are used and separated by a phase separator so that helium rich gas is directed into the Stirling engine and carbon dioxide rich fluid is directed through the heat pump.

Abstract: An air conditioner and method of detecting a refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner in which the entire refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner is sectioned based on expansion valves into a plurality of sections, the sections are checked one by one to quickly detect a refrigerant leakage from the sections and an exact position of a broken or loosened area of the refrigerant pipe causing such a refrigerant leakage is found. In the method of detecting a refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner, comprising a compressor, an expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger connected to one another by a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant pipe is sectioned into a high pressure section extending from the outlet port of the compressor to the inlet port of the expansion valve, and a low pressure section extending from the outlet port of the expansion valve to the inlet port of the compressor. A pressure sensor is provided on the refrigerant pipe within the low pressure section.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a vapor compression circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator communicated along refrigerant conveying lines; an evaporator air reheat circuit communicated with the vapor compression circuit for reheating air from the evaporator; and a refrigerant subcooling circuit communicated with the vapor compression circuit for subcooling refrigerant from the condenser, whereby humidity in the air from the evaporator can be controlled while system efficiency is maintained by the refrigerant subcooling circuit. The system further enhances system unloading capability, and part-load operation and reliability are also enhanced.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A process for estimating the capacity and the coefficient of performance by taking common measurements and using compressor manufacturer's performance data is presented. A process for determining a capacity index and an efficiency index for a vapor compression cycle relative to desired operating conditions.

Abstract: Data points are determined for an absorption chiller system which relate a position of the capacity valve to the heat input into the system. A continuous curve is determined which estimates the relationship between the position of the capacity valve and the heat input for all of the data points and all the points in between. The slope of this curve is the valve gain. The error for the system is defined as the difference between the setpoint and the leaving chilled water temperature. The leaving chilled water temperature of the system is measured to determine the actual error for the system, after which a linearizing gain derived as a function of the inverse of the valve gain is used in the system control algorithm to linearize the overall valve gain, thereby eliminating capacity valve hunting and producing an improved transient response.

Abstract: A management apparatus and a management method which can forecast inspection time before the lowering of performance or the occurrence of abnormality in a heat source unit for an air conditioner are provided. The operating condition of the air conditioner heat source unit is monitored by a central monitoring unit of the management apparatus connected to the heat source unit through an information communication network. Operating data of the heat source unit is analyzed so that the lowering of the performance and the advance of the degree of abnormality in the heat source unit are diagnosed. Thus, the loss of a user caused by the failure stop or the performance lowering of the heat source unit is reduced. Further, the load on the heat source unit is grasped by the central monitoring unit so that remote central control is carried out to make the operating cost minimal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a coolant gas from a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a coolant gas recovery section, and analysis section, and a coolant gas blending section. The coolant gas recovery section recovers a coolant gas containing contaminants from the heat exchanger. The analysis section monitors a condition of an analysis portion of the recovered coolant gas. The coolant gas blending section operates to produce, based on the condition of the recovered coolant gas monitored by the analysis section, a blend coolant gas comprising a virgin coolant gas and a reclaimed coolant gas that comprises at least a portion of the recovered coolant gas. The blend coolant gas has a predetermined contaminant concentration and is recycled into the heat exchanger. Thus, the coolant gas is recovered from, and recycled to, the heat exchanger at the predetermined contaminant concentration without using a purification device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for operating a refrigeration cycle without icing of the evaporative surface of the device.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus using an HFC group refrigerant, the performance is improved by increasing the refrigerating capacity and a stable operation is made possible. In order to achieve this, a cycle system in a refrigerator is structured so as to connect a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver and a supercooler in this order. In an air-cooled separation type refrigerator, the liquid receiver is disposed within an air-cooled type condenser unit. Further, in the case where a flush gas is liable to be generated in a liquid pipe, a vapor-liquid separator is disposed within the compressor unit integral with an accumulator and separated therefrom by a partition plate.

Abstract: An air conditioner for an economically running vehicle includes a compressor driven by a vehicle engine, an evaporator, and a cold-storage heat exchanger having a cold storage material. The evaporator and the cold-storage heat exchanger are disposed in series in a refrigerant flow. When the compressor is operated, the cold storage material is cooled by low-pressure refrigerant in a cold storage mode. When the operation of the compressor is stopped, refrigerant circulates between the evaporator and the cold-storage heat exchanger, so that refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator is cooled and liquefied by the cold storage material in a cold release mode. Further, a flow direction of refrigerant flowing through the evaporator in the cold storage mode is the same as that in the cold release mode.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit (15) is disposed which is formed by connection of an outdoor unit (11) and two indoor units (12, 13). And, the air conditioning capacity of the outdoor unit (11) is controlled such that the temperature of refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit (15) becomes a target value and the target value is altered correspondingly to the state of an operation. In other words, the control characteristics of the target value are determined correspondingly to the air conditioning load characteristics of a building, and the target value is altered according to the control characteristics and based on the inside/outside temperature difference between an indoor set temperature and an outside air temperature.