Abstract: A cap (1) is provided for fitting to the end of a hollow post. A number of hollow posts are used in viticulture to support wires on which grape vines are trained to grow. Caps (1) are fitted to the ends of the posts to inhibit snagging of netting which is placed over the posts to attempt to protect a crop of grapes from being eaten by birds. The cap (1) has a generally domed head (3) and a stem (5). The stem (5) has at least one radially outwardly extending abutment (13, 15) which, in use, engages with an inner wall of a hollow post. The abutment (13, 15) provides an interference fit of the stem (5) in the post such that to insert the stem (5) substantially all the way into the post requires force fitting and either deformation or shearing of material from the abutment (13, 15).

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure equalizing compartment for building structures comprising: an inner member having oppositely facing inner and outer surfaces and having a top and bottom edge; spaced closure members contacting said outer surface of said inner member and extending vertically on the surface of the inner member, a horizontally disposed closure member disposed on the outer surface of the inner member, a space being defined between said spaced, closure members; a cavity forming means disposed in said space between said closure members; an outer member having oppositely facing inner and outer surfaces disposed substantially over said cavity forming means to form a pressure equalizing compartment, wherein the compartment having an air and moisture vent communicating to the outside environment. The present invention also provides exterior insulation and finish systems and building walls incorporating the pressure equalizing compartments and methods of installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the articulated imbrication of concrete slabs i(in situ) wherein joints are formed by laying i(in situ), along joint lines, a simple armored mesh device with a cut and fold pattern which has been already prepared in the workshop. Advantage is taken from the retraction phenomenon in order to achieve an alternative indentation along the joints of adjacent slabs of continuous cast concrete, susceptible of forming satisfactorily a knee—or gimbal-joint connection between the joints. The process is complemented with a concrete separator element which facilitates the formation of the crack and prevents water from reaching the platform, and which can be fixed to said device. The invention applies to concrete surface roads, highways and harbour zones of goods warehouses and enables to design and make road surfaces without bases and subbases.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for considerably shortening the construction time of a building that is applied to nuclear power plants. When constructing the building, megablocks having a height that extends to a plurality of floors are produced, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside them to form a wall member composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction. Alternatively, in addition to the wall megablocks, floor megablocks for forming the floor member of the building are used, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside or above them to form a structural member (wall member and floor member) composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction.

Abstract: Transition profile (2) for floors, preferably hard floors comprising a number of joined floor elements which together forms a floor section (1). A transition profile (2) is arranged on one end of a floor section (1) or between two floor sections (1). The transition profile (2) includes an assembly profile (3) and a covering profile (4), whereby the covering profile (4) via a base member (40) is attached to the assembly profile (3) which in its turn is mounted on a foundation (10). The base member (40) is shaped as a longitudinal profile with a, also longitudinal, pivot axle (41). Edge members (42)on the base member (40) have a mainly radial cross section. The assembly profile (3)is provided with two, upwardly directed and mainly parallel cheeks (31) which cheeks (31) are intended to clutch the base member (40) whereby the cover profile (4) can be continuously adapted to height variations in the subfloor, by allowing turning around the pivot axle (41).

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer reinforces its periphery so as to inhibit the failure of the scrim. The reinforced periphery may include a selvage tuck or a folded-edge.

Abstract: A tile support structure and method for finishing the ceiling of a building. The support structure includes a plurality of adjacently spaced elongated bracket members secured to a building's overhead framing members and a plurality of adjacently spaced elongated cross members disposed transversely to and supported by the adjacently spaced bracket members thereby defining a supporting grid for supporting a plurality of tiles.

Abstract: A modular wall or fence construction system includes at least first and second I-profile blocks, each having an I-shape in planform. The I-shape defines a parallel pair of flanges across opposite ends of a web extending between the flanges. The I-profile blocks have generally planar and parallel upper and lower surfaces and a uniform vertical height. Each of the flanges of the first and second I-profile blocks have radiused rib keys formed in opposite parallel edges of the flanges. The edges are distal on the flanges relative to the web. A first pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of convex rails along the parallel edges on a first side of the web. A second pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of concave channels along the parallel edges on a second side of the web opposite the first side of the web. Each flange has oppositely disposed, on opposite edges, one convex rail and one concave channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure which is arranged at two abutting structural panels (1, 2) so that said structural panels are connected with each other, comprising two pairs of clamping plates, with one of said pairs of clamping plates being fixed to one structural panel (1), and the other pair of clamping plates being fixed to the other structural panel (2). The two pairs of clamping plates abut against each other with one of their clamping plates (3, 4), and the two abutting clamping plates (3, 4) are provided with mutually aligned, undercut longitudinal slots (5) which receive a connecting plate (6) connecting the abutting two clamping plates (3, 4) with each other, and being fixed to the two clamping plates (3, 4) by means of fasteners (7) which extend through said connecting plate (6). Thus, a mounting structure is provided whose manufacture is relatively easy and cost-efficient.

Abstract: A lattice tower consisting of first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third webs, each web having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the webs being fixedly attached to the first, second, and third poles; first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the poles, the first, second, and third pluralities of eye plates being arranged in substantially identical vertically extending patterns; fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates fixedly attached to the distal ends of the webs, the fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of eye plates being arranged in vertically extending patterns substantially identical to those of the first, second, and third eye plates; and first, second, and third pluralities of eye plate fasteners respectively interconnecting the first and fifth, the second and sixth, and the third and fourth eye plates.

Abstract: A spout sealing method and apparatus using a spout insertion and temporary-sealing apparatus, a primary sealing apparatus, a secondary sealing apparatus and a cold-sealing apparatus that are installed in a row; and transfer apparatuses being installed between these sealing apparatuses. Each apparatus has a continuously rotating rotor. A plurality of spout holding members which hold and convey spouts are disposed at equal intervals on the circumferences of the rotors, and spouts are continuously transferred between the spout holding members of adjacent rotors. In the spout insertion and temporary-sealing apparatus, bags and spouts are supplied from different sources; and the bags are fitted over the spouts held by the spout holding members, and the bags and spouts are temporarily sealed by a temporary-sealing apparatus. Then, main sealing is performed by the primary sealing apparatus and secondary sealing apparatus, and the main sealing area is cooled by the cold-sealing apparatus.

Abstract: To provide a lid feeding apparatus which permits reduction in apparatus and maintenance costs, and safe feeding of a lid onto an opening end of a vessel with high accuracy. The lid feeding apparatus includes: a transporting device 2 for intermittently transporting a vessel N with its opening end upward; a lid stocking device 4 holding layers of numbers of laminar lids; a lid feeding mechanism 6 in which one lid is sucked out of the lid stocking device 4, transferred above the opening end of the vessel transported by the transporting device, and fed onto the opening end by being released from suction. There are provided, near the lid stocking device 4, a lid guiding portion 40 for guiding the lid so as to be separated from a lid sucking mechanism to cover the opening end, and a guide portion moving mechanism 46 for moving the lid guiding portion 40 to a level of the opening end of the vessel just before releasing suction of the lid by the lid feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A gripper includes grip members which are mounted on a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft, respectively, so as to be opened and closed. An engaging pawl is formed on an upper surface of the grip member. Both shafts are elevatable in an integral manner. A receptacle member is disposed below an exit star-wheel, and is arranged to rotate integrally with the star-wheel. The gripper is located below the flange of the vessel when receiving the vessel. Accordingly, the engaging pawl cannot contact the flange. When the vessel is depressed by the capping head during a capping operation, the engaging pawl engages the vessel. When the vessel is discharged, the vessel remains suspended above the receptacle member, and the gripper then descends to place the vessel on the receptacle member and to disengage the engaging pawl of the gripper. Accordingly, there is no scarring of the vessel when the vessel is introduced into and discharged from the screw capper, and a stable conveyance of vessels is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for forming a packaging unit consisting of an endless hose, or for sealing a prefabricated packaging unit, comprising an ultrasonic welding device including an anvil and a sonotrode, which are movable towards each other, and a means for positioning the hose material to be welded between the anvil and the sonotrode. In accordance with the present invention it is suggested that the anvil comprises two anvil parts which are movable relative to one another in the direction of the sonotrode, one of said anvil parts being implemented as a sealing anvil and the other part being implemented as a separating anvil. Hence, the apparatus according to the present invention permits the production of packaging units which end directly at the weld, i.e. in the case of which no length section of the foil material projects outwardly beyond the weld.

Abstract: A simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: A horizontal form, fill and seal machine has a hollow forming box into which a continuous film is longitudinally fed from a packaging film supply. The forming box has a top, sides and open inlet and outlet ends. A pair of guide bars extend from the outlet end of the forming box adjacent the forming box sides and extending away from the inlet end. The forming box transforms the flat packaging film into a film envelope that extends about the guide bars and has a product-receiving surface that rests on a conveyor between the guide bars. Sealing bars are provided to join the longitudinal edges of the packaging film together and to form seals across the envelope at package length intervals after each deposit of product onto the product-receiving surface. A zipper attaching mechanism applies zipper to the film upstream of the forming box.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming soft capsules and provides novel processing flexibility. The apparatus comprises a three-way valve injector wedge. This injector wedge allows for set-up of the encapsulation machine with a placebo fill and quick change over to active fill. This conserves use of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can be attached in depending relation to the chute of a bagging machine in order to supply material to form several bags. The cartridge employs a hollow mandrel on which a tube of plastic film is mounted in a collapsed state. The tube is capable of being pulled off the mandrel in an automatic manner. The cartridge also includes a spreader bar at the lower end of the mandrel to brake the movement of the tube off the mandrel when in use.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an implement such as a snow thrower, the control apparatus comprising a handle having at least two substantially upright portions and a cross portion extending between the upright portions. A first bail is pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a first axis. A second bail is also pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a second axis that is not co-linear with the first axis. The first and second bails are both separately movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Both the first and second bails are independently operable from one another, and move in the same direction with respect to the handle when moving from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. The first bail may control a first mechanism, and the second bail may control a second mechanism.

Abstract: The attachment comprises a resilient member in communication between the wheel of the attachment and the weed trimmer shaft, which reduces vibration experienced by the weed trimmer operator. The resilient member further allows the operator to tap the trimmer head against the ground to release additional trimming line in a normal fashion as if the wheeled attachment were not in use.

Abstract: A self-propelled chopper cane harvester is equipped with a front frame section including opposite sides which are each mounted for pivoting about a respective upright pivot axis. Respectively mounted to the opposite sides of the front frame section are front wheels and row dividers. A steering cylinder is mounted for pivoting the frames to opposite sides of a straight ahead position to thereby effect steering of the front wheels. A topper mechanism is mounted so as to pivot or turn in response to the steering of the harvester.

Abstract: A single-unit shaker-type tree harvesting machine designed to travel down one side of a row of trees in order to harvest the entire crop from each tree. A wheel-based chassis supports a laterally disposed shaker and an angled catch frame together and conveyors for removing harvested crops. The chassis also supports an adjustable overhead structure and swingable carriage that extends down around the opposite side of each tree. An adjustable catch frame at the bottom of the carriage extends below the tree branches on the opposite side, and meets the chassis-mounted catch frame forming a complete crop catching frame in the shape of a wide modified V. Shaking the tree dislodges the crops which fall into the frame and are conveyed away from the harvester.

Abstract: The apparatus is a fluffing roll for installation on a crop harvesting machine to disperse the crop before it hits the ground thereby facilitating drying. The fluffing roll is a cylinder with auger flights on one half of the cylindrical surface that direct the cut crop in one direction, and auger flights on the other half of the cylindrical surface that direct cut crop in the direction opposite from the direction of the first half.

Abstract: An air-spinning arrangement has an opening device having a feed device and an opening roller for opening a sliver into individual fibers. A perforated removal roller receives the opened fibers from the opening roller in the circumferential direction. A conveyor belt conveys the fibers from the removal roller to a nip with a following air-spin nozzle for forming a yarn. The conveyor belt is arranged axially-parallel with the removal roller. A sufficiently close spacing of the conveyor belt from the removal roller is selected such that the fibers conveyed to the removal roller can be picked up by mechanical contact, and the conveyor belt is driven such that it deflects the fibers by approximately 90° and conveys them to the combing location. The air-spinning arrangement allows the formation of a fiber structure that is well suited to the air-spinning process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing jewelry and a chain article formed therefrom that results in a product substantially lighter than its solid counterpart. A length of wire mesh or woven wire type of “fabric” having a hollow seamed wire with a non-precious core of a width and length corresponding generally to the proportions of the jewelry chain to be created is provided. The non-precious core is then removed by one of many methods. Then, a series of hollow link sections are received on the length of wire mesh such that the interior surfaces of the links surround the mesh. The links are arranged in an end-to-end abutting relationship upon the mesh until the length of chain desired is reached. Alternatively, a spiral resembling a spring may be used.

Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables or the like has numerous chain links (2), connected to one another in articulated fashion. Each chain link has opposing straps (3) with inside and outside lateral surfaces as well as narrow surfaces perpendicular to the lateral surfaces and essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain. At least some of the chain links have at least one cross-member (4a, 4b) connecting the opposing straps. The articulated joint includes joint elements (8) which extend between adjacent straps. The joint elements are elastically deformable in the bending direction of the chain links (1), and extend at least partially, preferably entirely, between the inside and outside lateral surfaces of the straps (3). The joint elements (8) can be located in laterally open recesses in the straps. In this manner, the energy guiding chain can travel to form a lower strand (7), a deflection zone (6) and an upper strand (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel control system for use in conjunction with a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An hydraulic valve arrangement including a fluid pressure actuable valve which is actuable between a first position in which fluid flow through the fluid pressure actuable valve is prevented and a second position in which fluid flow through the fluid pressure actuable valve is permitted at a first rate. The hydraulic valve arrangement also includes a second valve which is actuable between an open state, in which fuel flows through the second valve at a second rate, and a closed state in which there is no flow through the second valve.

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: An internal combustion engine, especially for a motor vehicle, is described, which is provided with a catalytic converter which can be charged with hydrocarbons. The converting capability of the catalytic converter can be determined by a control apparatus. The converting capability of the catalytic converter is determined by the control apparatus by means of a combination of a passive and an active diagnostic method (27, 31).

Abstract: Exhaust flow from an internal combustion engine is divided in a predetermined ratio between two adsorber catalysts arranged in parallel during lean operation. A regeneration cycle time is predetermined and regeneration is accomplished by injecting hydrocarbons into a catalyst leg having a reduced exhaust flow. Upon regeneration of the catalyst, the exhaust gas flow distribution is reversed and the opposite catalyst is regenerated while the regenerated catalyst bears the brunt of the exhaust flow. The exhaust flow then reverts to a normal (e.g. 50—50) flow distribution until another regeneration cycle is warranted. A catalytic soot filter placed upstream of each adsorber is also regenerated by hydrocarbon injection. The addition of the catalytic soot filter provides more time and surface area for the hydrocarbon to react with the oxygen. Some of the diesel fuel is reformulated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide for superior regeneration.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for vehicle is disclosed. First and fourth runners among a plurality of runners connected to cylinders of an engine are respectively connected to sides of a gas confluence part. Second and third runners disposed between the first and fourth runners are joined together integrally before being connected to the gas confluence part.

Abstract: A diverter (60) is provided, which is of low cost and which is effective in more evenly distributing exhaust gasses passing from a small diameter upstream exhaust gas pipe section (42) into a much larger diameter catalytic converter assembly (20). The diverter includes a diverter element (70) and mounting brackets (72). The diverter element has a central hole (82) and has conical walls with an included angle of at least 70°, the conical walls having a plurality of holes (90). The large conical angle (G) of the diverter effectively directs exhaust gases to the periphery of the large diameter catalytic converter but blocks a radially intermediate portion of the catalyst, while the holes in the conical diverter walls allow sufficient exhaust gases to reach the radially intermediate portion of the catalyst.

Abstract: A torque converter for a vehicle having a substantially reduced axial length relative to a conventional circular-shaped torus cross section. The torque converter includes a turbine and an impeller, with a stator mounted generally therebetween. The stator is one piece and formed with axial pull shaped blades that have a reactor blade base axial length that extends for the majority of the radial length, a reactor shroud axial length that is less than the reactor blade base axial length, and a taper in the blade between the two axial lengths.

Abstract: A seat valve body mounted in a hydraulic line between a pump line and feeder lines to control hydraulic fluid supplied to variable throttles and to auxiliarily control hydraulic fluid flowing in a load line comprises a first seat valve having a variable control throttle displaced by a difference between a load pressure of the load line and a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump and varying an opening area from the pump line to the feeder lines based on a displacement amount thereof, a second seat valve having a pilot variable control throttle displacing with respect to the first seat valve, determining a displacement amount of the first seat valve, and varying an opening area based on a displacement amount thereof; and a pilot spool having a pilot variable throttle determining a displacement amount of the pilot variable control throttle of the second seat valve upon switching.

Abstract: A vent apparatus for a hydrostatic device such as a hydrostatic transmission, including a vent tube in communication with a reservoir and a vent cap secured to the tube in a manner to permit the cap to pivot or swivel with respect to the vent tube, in order to prevent water from entering the reservoir through the vent tube.

Abstract: The rack is connected to a frame which is secured to the bottom of an ocean or lake with high waves which move up and down with high frequency. Pawls enable the up and down motion of the buoyant rack to turn the driving shaft of a pump. This invention combines the rack and pinion concept with the pawl and ratchet concept, thereby converting the up-and-down motion of the reciprocating rack into the rotation of the shaft which drives the pump. Water is pumped up, by the pumps, to generate hydroelectric power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which provide controlled positioning of a microcomponent in a plurality of directions for which control is provided independently. Preferably such controlled translation is provided by a MEMS micro-translation system having a relatively large range of motion, such as bi-directionally along an X axis, which is adapted for production using monolithic manufacturing processes without requiring post-process manufacturing steps. Preferred embodiments provide independent microcomponent translation along multiple axes, e.g., provide translation along an X axis, a Y axis, and/or a rotational axis.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for a combustion engine and method of installing a turbocharger system includes a turbocharger having an oil inlet configured for being coupled to a pressure side of an oiling system and an oil outlet. An oil pump is connected to the oil outlet of the turbocharger and is further connected to the oiling system. The turbocharger system also includes mounting hardware for mounting the turbocharger to an exhaust pipe away from the engine at or below the oil level of the oiling system. In one embodiment, the method of installing the turbocharger system includes removing an existing muffler from the vehicle and mounting the turbocharger in the location of the existing muffler.

Abstract: A power generation plant with a compressed air energy storage system comprises a means to reduce the pressure of air extracted from a compressed air storage cavern for the use in a combustion turbine. The means to reduce the air pressure comprises at least one expansion turbine and means to control the size of pressure reduction. Furthermore, the expansion turbine is arranged on a rotor shaft that drives a generator. The means for pressure redact, according to the invention, avoid power losses and provide an increased overall efficiency of the power generation plant.

Abstract: A method for assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including a plurality of backbone assemblies facilitates extending a useful life of the exhaust nozzle. The method includes providing a flap basesheet having a width defined between a pair of side edges that are coupled together by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and including at least one stiffener that extends between the basesheet side edges and includes an intermediate portion that has a width that is smaller than that of the basesheet and is at least one of bonded to and formed integrally with the basesheet, and coupling the basesheet to the gas turbine engine with a backbone assembly.

Abstract: A method of combustor cycle air flow adjustment for a gas turbine engine according to the present invention solves the problem of a higher flame temperature in the combustor, thereby affecting the emission levels when a heat-recuperated air flow cycle is used to increase the compressed air temperature. In low emission combustors this impact is severe because emission levels are significantly dependent on the primary combustion zone flame temperature. The method of the present invention includes a step of changing a geometry of an air flow passage and thereby changing distribution of a total air mass flow between an air mass flow for combustion and an air mass flow for cooling in order to ensure that flame temperature in a primary combustion zone of a combustor are maintained substantially the same whether the gas turbine engine is manufactured to operate as a simple air flow cycle engine or as a heat-recuperated air flow cycle engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a turbo-machine in case of failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator. The apparatus receives at least information from various sensors as well as from the main burn fuel flow calculator. The method and apparatus, herein disclosed, provides a smooth and secure transition between the last burn fuel flow value before the failure of the main burn fuel flow calculator and the future burn fuel flow values.

Abstract: An integrated air separation and power generation process produces an O2-enriched gas stream and an N2-enriched gas stream in an air separation unit. The O2-enriched gas stream is introduced with fuel and steam to a combustor, producing flue gas. At least a portion of the flue gas and steam stream exiting the combustor is used to generate power. The N2-enriched gas stream is heated and power is generated from the heated N2-enriched gas stream.

Abstract: A direct fired absorption chiller is combined with a microturbine engine that operates to power another medium includes a by-pass valve interconnecting the discharge end of the recuperator and the discharge end of the turbine so as to maintain a constant heat delivered to the chiller. A temperature monitoring sensor actuates the by-pass valve to assure that the proper heat is maintained in the chiller. In the preferred embodiment the microturbine powers an electrical generating system.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck and method for supporting a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are described. The workpiece chuck includes an upper surface for supporting the wafer and a temperature control assembly in thermal communication with the upper surface to control temperature in the wafer. The temperature control assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules between an upper and lower layers. One or more spacers between the upper and lower layers provide a space between the upper and lower layers such that the one or more thermoelectric modules vertically float in the space. That is, the upper and lower layers of the temperature control modules do not mechanically constrain the thermoelectric modules in the vertical direction. As a result, mechanical stresses on the thermoelectric modules due to temperature effects are substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in much higher reliability of the chuck and the thermoelectric modules over temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for re-liquefying boil-off gas produced by liquid natural gas is described. The apparatus is made up of a collector, wherein the collector contains liquid natural gas, at least one first pump, wherein the first pump is in or adjacent to the liquid natural gas collector, a compressor, wherein the compressor communicates with the liquid natural gas (LNG) collector by a first conduit, at least one mixing device, wherein the mixing device communicates with the compressor by a second conduit, and wherein the mixing device communicates with the first pump by a third conduit, at least one separating device, wherein the separating device communicates with the mixing device by a fourth conduit, and wherein the separating device also communicates with the liquid natural gas (LNG) collector by a fifth conduit.

Abstract: A chilling apparatus (1) for chilling drinking vessels (44) comprising a liquid gas reservoir (3) in fluid communication with a chilling nozzle (4) under the control of a valve (41) controlled by a control unit (6), so that the drinking vessel may be chilled by a metered quantity of liquid gas vapourising from the chilling nozzle. The reservoir is provided with a vent (36) to prevent a buildup of vapourised liquid gas in the pipework and/or reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shifting a bail arm of an automatic ice maker upon repositioning an ice storage bin carried by a slidable freezer drawer or basket includes a wedge member arranged just above a rear wall of the bin, preferably between the bin and a rear wall of the basket. The wedge member defines a frontal wedge portion that generally tapers laterally and rearwardly from a wide section to a narrow section. As the bin is shifted out of the freezer compartment, the bail arm initially engages the wide section of the frontal wedge portion, then rides up the frontal wedge portion, and subsequently rides along an opposing, rear wedge portion of the wedge member. This action is reversed upon sliding the bin back into place beneath the ice maker to gently repositioned the bale arm over the ice bin.

Abstract: A computer room reduced air flow method and apparatus is provided which utilizes an increased delta T to reduce the required air quantity required from an air conditioning system, thus resulting in a reduced air flow capability. Specifically, the present invention utilizes an approximately 40° delta T to reduce the CFM requirements by substantially 50% so as to correspondingly reduce the required power for the fan by approximately 50% so as to result in substantial energy savings. The present invention serves to communicate cooling air from a cooling apparatus into an air passageway, guiding the cooling air within the air passageway into the equipment assembly and introducing the air released from the equipment into either a plenum for communicating such released air to the cooling apparatus or introducing the air released from the equipment into the room in which the equipment and/or cooling apparatus are located.