Abstract: A cryogen pressure vessel assembly for a superconducting magnet comprises an inner former, an outer former, and an outer shell. The inner former has a plurality of superconducting magnet coils wound thereon, and the outer former has a plurality of bucking coils wound thereon. The inner former, the outer former, and the outer shell form a fluid boundary for a cryogen. In one aspect, a pressure face is formed on at least one of the coil formers, and a radial slot for receiving wires entering and exiting a coil is disposed in the pressure face. A plurality of wire clamps are positioned in the radial slot, with each wire clamp in the plurality of wire clamps including: a front face extending coplanar with the pressure face, a rear face opposite the front face, the rear face contacting a back surface of the radial slot, and a recess formed in the rear face, the recess forming a channel for passage of the wires.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a cooling method and a cooling apparatus in which a thermal storage and a cooling in a vehicle, in particularly in an automobile, are provided with the minimum electric power consumption and an idling of an engine necessary for the cooling during the automobile stopping time is dissolved.

Abstract: A system of increasing overall fuel efficiency of a facility including a gas expansion engine for receiving a supply of pressurized gas of a first pressure and first temperature and outputting a tail gas of a second lower temperature and lower pressure. The expansion engine having a rotatable shaft as an energy output. An electric generator and/or other rotatable machinery is coupled to the rotatable shaft of the gas expansion engine. A heat exchanger may be used to transmit coldness from the tail gas of the expansion engine to an HVAC apparatus or an ice making apparatus or other plant process cooling equipment.

Abstract: An integrated refrigeration control (IRC) module is disclosed which combines both thermal and electrical protection to the main components of a refrigerator and uses sensor inputs to control the compressor. The IRC module employs triacs (Q2, Q4, Q6, Q8, Q10) to control power to the start and run windings of the compressor motor, evaporator and compressor fans and the defrost heater. The module adaptively controls the refrigerator defrost cycle using previous defrost cycle run times to determine new cumulative compressor run times. Also disclosed is the use of preventive defrost periods performed for brief periods at intervals between portions of the cumulative compressor run time.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a plurality of appliances, wherein each appliance is connected to an electrical circuit having a first wire and a second wire. The device includes a plurality of cores, each of the plurality of cores being constructed to be able to surround one of the first wires of each circuit and having a secondary winding at which an electrical signal is generated in response to a current polarity change in the first wire. A multiplexer is connected to the secondary winding of each of the plurality of cores. A processor is connected to the multiplexer to monitor the phase relationship between an AC voltage an AC current of each appliance connected to one of the plurality of circuits and to determine information relating to the function of the appliance based on the phase relationship. The device may be located at the circuit breaker box of an establishment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioner that can reduce the occurrence of situations in which the comfort level of an occupant of a room is degraded. The air conditioner is capable of running in cooling mode and/or dehumidifying mode and is provided with an air delivery unit (12, 13), a flap (144), and a control unit (60). The air delivery unit (12, 13) delivers conditioned air into the room. The flap (144) determines the discharge direction of the air delivered from the air delivery unit. The control unit (60) executes a first control that changes the swing speed of the flap (144) in accordance with the room temperature.

Abstract: Improving and bringing about predefined climatic conditions in the interior of a vehicle more quickly, an air mass flow rate sensor is used to measure the air mass flow rate fed to the air-conditioning system, whereby the passenger compartment can be air-conditioned quickly and effectively.

Abstract: A compressor assembly including one or more compressors associated with compressor drive means. A cooling system is positioned downstream from the compressor and includes at least one air circulator, for example, a fan or a blower, and at least one heat exchanger. The air circulator is associated with a circulator variable speed drive, the speed of which can be adjusted independent of the compressor drive means. One or more sensors are associated with the circulator drive. The sensors sense desired variables and the speed of the circulator drive is adjustable in response to real-time sensed conditions.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit R includes, a compressor 25 for compressing a refrigerant to a pressure higher than the critical pressure, a gas cooler 26, a motor-operated expansion valve 27, and an evaporator 28, and uses as a refrigerant a natural system refrigerant. A receiver 43 is provided to the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit R. There is provided an adjusting valve 44 for adjusting the refrigerant amount flowing through the inside of the receiver 43. A controller 55 adjusts the opening of the adjusting valve 44 so as to bring the temperature of the receiver 43 close to a target receiver temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for controlling an operation of an outdoor unit which can efficiently control the outdoor unit by mounting sensors on the outdoor unit. The apparatus for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit includes: a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of refrigerants in an outlet of a compressor of the outdoor unit; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the refrigerants in an outlet of a condenser; and a microcomputer for comparing the pressure from the pressure sensor and the temperature from the temperature sensor with optimal pressure and temperature ranges, and controlling operation conditions of at least a blast fan and the compressor in the outdoor unit to be inversely proportional to each other according to the comparison results.

Abstract: A system for refrigeration of products includes a case having a compartment defining a space configured to receive the products. A first heat exchanger is configured to cool a fluid communicating with the space to cool the objects. A second heat exchanger is configured to receive a heat supply from an air source to warm the fluid. At least one coolant supply line and at least one coolant discharge line are configured to direct the fluid in communication with the space.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heat dissipating structure and method for a mobile device can cool components of a mobile terminal. The heat-dissipating structure can include a case, a device mounted in the case that generates heat in connection with its operation, and a cooling unit. The cooling unit can include a housing having a refrigerant therein, a first heat exchanging part for absorbing the heat through a thermal contact with the device and a second heat exchanging part for dissipating the heat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water making device that collects the moisture contained in the atmosphere and condenses it into high purity water. In one embodiment, moist air entering the water making/water cooling system flows across an air filter, then a precooler heat exchanger (where the air stream is cooled to or close to its dew point) and then a water extraction heat exchanger, where the air stream is cooled further and water is extracted. The water that leaves water extraction heat exchanger is collected in a water collection device and passes from there through a primary water filter into a water storage tank. The air stream then passes across a reheat heat exchanger and exhausted to the outside.

Abstract: An ice bin insert (10) separates a single store of ice pieces into separate stashes, namely, into potable and non-potable portions. The insert (10) includes a divider (C, D) dimension to be received within an ice holding cavity of an ice bin (30). Support members (B, E) attached to the divider (C, D) hold the divider (C, D) at a desired position within the ice holding cavity of the ice bin (30). A plurality of perforations (12) are arranged within the divider (C, D) so as to permits ice pieces to flow from a first side thereof to a second side thereof while inhibiting retrieval of ice pieces on the second side from the first side. Preferably, the insert (10) is constructed from a unitary sheet of stainless steel which is bent to define the respective portions or sections thereof.

Abstract: A unit for cooling or heating objects on a helical belt includes between adjacent tiers of the belt a distributor having a plurality of slots through which air or other gaseous heat transfer medium can be impelled onto product passing on the belt below the slots.

Abstract: Air conditioning system including an outdoor unit, a compact indoor unit, air supply duct, air discharge duct, and preheat exchanger. An indoor heat exchanger in the indoor unit has a space therein in communication with a room, a fan in the indoor unit provided in the space draws air and discharges through the indoor heat exchanger. A ventilation guide duct in the indoor unit on an underside of the indoor heat exchanger has a partition wall for separating external air supplied from an outside of the room, and room air, for guiding the external air to the room through the fan, and the room air to the outside of the room. The air supply duct and the air discharge duct have one ends connected to the ventilation guide duct for guiding the external air to the room, and the room air to the outside of the room, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved air conditioning system which can supply fresh air prepared separately. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit installed in a ceiling, and means connected to the indoor unit for supplying fresh air stored separately to the indoor unit. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, air supply and air discharge ducts, and means connected to the air supply duct for supplying fresh air stored separately to the indoor unit. In the second embodiment, the indoor unit includes a fan, an indoor heat exchanger, and a guide duct for guiding flow passages of the external air and room air, and, if necessary, further including a preheat exchanger arranged to surround the guide duct for indirect heat exchange between the external air and the indoor air.

Abstract: A turbofan to reduce noise through a suppression of turbulent air flow at an outlet thereof and also to guide the air discharged from the outlet in a specific discharging direction, and an air conditioner equipped with the turbofan to improve an efficiency of a heat exchange. The turbofan includes a rotating plate coupled to a shaft of a drive motor, a plurality of blades radially arranged on a peripheral area of a front face of the rotating plate, a ring-shaped shroud joining to ends of the plurality of blades, and a flow guide rib extending from a peripheral edge of the rotating plate in a rearward direction to guide the air discharged from the turbofan.

Abstract: A portable food container which includes a cooling device capable of keeping the food cool and fresh for several hours. apparatus consist of three parts: a flat plastic cover removable from the main compartment; a main compartment consisting of a plastic container designed to place food inside it; and a cooling device consisting of a small plastic container completely sealed and filled with freezable gel that remains cold for several hours. The apparatus is designated to be placed on the bottom of a fridge until the freezable gel contained in the sealed cooling device is frozen. Afterwards, the user can place food inside the main compartment, close it with the cover and carry the apparatus with him/her for later consumption of fresh food. The apparatus can be carried inside a purse, briefcase, backpack, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active micro cooler comprising: an evaporator which, directly attached to a heat source, vaporizes refrigerant; a compressor which inhales and compresses vaporized refrigerant gas; a condenser which condenses compressed refrigerant gas for condensed refrigerant to release heat; a conduit which directs condensed refrigerant to the evaporator; and a expansion valve which, mounted on the conduit, expands condensed refrigerant. The evaporator and the condenser each comprises a heat transfer enhancement device which is mounted on a plate element having walls on the circumference of the element and several channel connectors for transmitting refrigerant.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodynamic energy converters for use in electrical, chemical and gas industry, in cryogenic and refrigerating engineering for cooling a working medium and for moving dielectric liquids and gases. The electrodynamic converter comprises a corona discharge working chamber part for making corona discharge therein, for converting an electric energy into a fluid energy of a working medium, wherein the corona discharge working chamber part includes a plurality of corona discharge working chambers disposed parallel with a flow direction of the working medium, and the plurality of corona discharge working chambers are isolated from one another.

Abstract: An object is to improve cooling efficiency while preventing an abnormal increase in pressure of a high side in a cooling apparatus which uses so-called carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. The cooling apparatus comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a gas cooler, pressure reducing means, an evaporator and the like are connected in an annular shape, and carbon dioxide is sealed as a refrigerant. In a stable running state in which a temperature of a space to be cooled by the evaporator is cool, time after a start of the compressor until a difference between outlet and inlet temperatures of the evaporator becomes within 1 degree is 5 minutes or more to less than 20 minutes.

Abstract: In an ejector cycle with an ejector including a nozzle for decompressing refrigerant, an insulation member is provided on an outer surface of the ejector to suppress a heat exchange with an external side. When a suction portion of the ejector is insulated by the insulation member, pressure loss in the suction portion can be reduced, a gas refrigerant ratio at an inlet port of the mixing portion can be reduced, and a liquid refrigerant amount to be supplied to the evaporator can be increased. In addition, when a mixing portion and a diffuser portion of the ejector are insulated, it can prevent liquid refrigerant from being excessively evaporated. As a result, it can effectively restrict heat loss due to a heat exchange in the ejector with the external side.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a front suction/discharge type outdoor unit for an air conditioner including: an outdoor unit casing being formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, having its one surface externally opened and its other surfaces closed, and being divided into a suction unit and a discharge unit; a compressor installed in the outdoor unit casing, for compressing a refrigerant gas supplied from an indoor unit through pipe lines; an air-cooled condenser positioned in the outdoor unit casing, for condensing the refrigerant gas from the compressor; and a sirocco cooling fan installed in the outdoor unit casing, for forming a diffuser opposite side part of a curvature unit of a housing as a plane unit, forming the fan housing to separate a diffuser opposite side member from a diffuser side member, supplying external air to the air-cooled condenser, and discharging heat exchanged air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condenser (1) comprising an integrated collector (5) which is arranged parallel to one of the collector tubes (2) and is connected to said connector tube via two overflow openings (8 and 9). Said collector (5) is used to receive a drying/filtering unit (11). The condenser (1), consisting of tubes (3), ribs (4) and collector tubes (2), is produced by welding. According to the invention, the drying/filtering unit (11) is introduced into the collector (5) before the welding process and is positioned therein or connected thereto in a fixed manner. The collector (5) is then closed and the entire condenser (1) is welded. The connection between the drying/filtering unit (11) and the collector (5) is thus carried out before or during the welding process by means of welding. The invention is preferably used for air conditioning systems in motor vehicles.

Abstract: The air-conditioner includes a compressor configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant. The air-conditioner includes a condenser configured to cool the refrigerant with air outside of a vehicle compartment. The air-conditioner includes a throttle configured to expand the refrigerant. The air-conditioner includes an evaporator configured to cool air inside of the vehicle compartment to eliminate moisture from the air by the expanded refrigerant. The air-conditioner includes a first refrigerant passage having the condensed refrigerant between the condenser and the throttle. The air-conditioner includes a second refrigerant passage having the evaporated refrigerant between the evaporator and the compressor. The air-conditioner includes a refrigerant pipe located between the first and second passages and configured to exchange heat between the condensed and evaporated refrigerants.

Abstract: Ice bag covers, articles and methods useful in the creation of a non-constrictive ice bag device that is compact and can be attached to a garment, said ice bag device comprising (a) an outer cover with extended peripheries to attach said outer cover to the inside or the outside of a garment using a plurality of safety pins; (b) a cooling medium, optionally in a liquid impermeable inner container that can fit inside the outer cover, said inner cooling container preferably being a plastic zipper bag which is sealed on three sides and having the fourth side open, the fourth side preferably having a rib and groove sealing closure; and (c) a plurality of safety pins for use to attach the ice bag device to a garment and to close the open side(s) of the outer cover; and wherein the ice bag device is optionally packaged in association with a set of instructions for use to direct the consumer how to use the product properly, to ensure that the consumer knows what benefits can be achieved, and how best to obtain these

Abstract: Ice bag covers, methods, and articles of manufacture useful in the creation of a adhesive, non-constrictive ice bag device that is compact and can be attached to a garment, said ice bag device preferably comprising (a) a flexible outer cover for one or more cooling packs, having one face partially or entirely covered with mounting adhesive for temporarily attaching said cover, when it is filled with at least one cooling pack, to the inside or the outside of a garment, such that said cooling pack is in close contact with an injured body part of the user, without the need for a strapping and/or wrapping means, and (b) optionally, but preferably, one or more liquid impermeable inner containers that are filled with a cooling medium to form said cooling packs and can fit inside said outer cover, each said inner container being preferably a plastic zipper bag which is sealed on three sides and which has the fourth side open having a rib and groove sealing closure, and wherein said article comprising said outer cove

Abstract: Covers, articles of manufacture, and methods useful in the creation of an ice bag device that is compact, not bulky, preferably washable, optionally disposable, and which can be attached to a body part, said ice bag device comprising (a) a flexible cover open on at least one side, wherein the two edges of at least one open side and the side opposite said open side each has a row of small apertures; (b) optionally, a reclosable inner plastic container to contain cooling media such as ice, that can fit inside the outer cover, said inner container is preferably sealed on three sides and has the fourth side which is open and has a rib and groove sealing closure; (c) optionally, string like members (preferably a pair of shoelaces which are readily available in most situations) for use to attach the ice bag device to a body part and to close the open side(s) of the outer cover; and (d) optionally, a sealed plastic wrapper to keep the outer cover, the optional inner container and the optional shoelaces in a hygienic

Abstract: This process includes the following steps:

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating air by cryogenic distillation using an apparatus comprising a medium pressure column (9) and a low pressure column (11) thermally communicating, which consists in cooling an amount of compressed and purified air V in an exchange line (10) to a cryogenic temperature and conveying at least part of it to the medium pressure column, conveying oxygen- and nitrogen-enriched flows (LR, LP) from the medium pressure column to the low pressure column and drawing nitrogen- and oxygen-enriched flows (35, 23) from the low pressure column. The invention is characterized in that the medium pressure column operates between 6 and 9 bar abs and the ratio between the total amount of air V entering the exchange line and the total volume of the exchange line ranges between 3000 and 6000 Nm3/h/m3.

Abstract: Air is separated in a single fractionation column (116) to produce a top nitrogen gaseous fraction (142) and a bottom liquid fraction (120) containing less than (80) mole percent of oxygen. A liquid nitrogen product (136) is also produced. The necessary refrigeration is created by expansion with the performance of external work of firstly a stream of compressed air in an expansion turbine (114) and of secondly a stream of vaporised bottom fraction in an expansion turbine (128). At least part of the feed to the column (116) comes from the turbine (114). The outlet pressure of the turbine (114) is essentially the gaseous nitrogen product pressure. A double fractionation column may be used instead of the single fractionation column (116).

Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution and display of jewelry includes a plurality of precious or semi-precious gems coupled together in a “T” shape with at least one horizontalbar and one downbar, the horizontalbar having clasps at both ends and the downbar having a clasp at one end. The apparatus further includes a clothing article requiring at least one strap for support with a semi-permanently attached loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The apparatus further includes a flexible strand or chain having attached loops at both ends, each of the loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The jewelry article is designed in order to be distributed and displayed as an integral structural member of the clothing and jewelry combination or the flexible strand or chain and jewelry combination.

Abstract: A connector for accessories, etc. is provided, easy and sure connection of which is made possible even without conventionally conducting, behind a neck, operations of moving a small projection with nails, or engaging a projection of a stopper with a groove. A connector for accessories, etc, which is mounted on both ends of a long linear member such as chain-shaped, braid-shaped, or other members, or the like to be applied with a view to making the linear member annular, the connector comprising a male part and a female part, which can fit into and separate from each other, and wherein when the male part is inserted into the female part from a fitting opening, magnetic attraction causes a change in the positional relationship between the male part and the female part with the result that the male part cannot pass through the fitting opening of the female part.

Abstract: A gemstone arrangement is described including a primary gem and at least one complementary gem. The primary gem includes a crown and a pavilion. The pavilion has an external wall defining an outer surface. The complementary gem has a crown defining a table. The table is in juxtaposition to and aligned with the pavilion wall for the maximum passage of ambient light from the complementary gem into the primary gem to enhance its visual appearance. In addition, the complementary gem can be positioned and aligned to receive light losses from the primary gem and return those light losses through the crown of the complementary gem to the primary gem.

Abstract: A method for making a lens molding replica die for molding a lens made of glass or a synthetic resin comprises the steps of: (1) making a master die having a reference surface; (2) forming a separating film on the master die; (3) forming an SiC film on the reference surface; (4) machining a surface of the die base member into a prescribed shape and machining the SiC film into a shape in conformity of the surface of the die base member; (5) bonding a die base member onto the SiC film; and (6) separating the SiC film bonded onto the die base member from the master die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a molded article in the form of an optical element such as a glass lens by heat-softening a glass material such as optical glass and press molding it with high precision in a pressing mold as well as an objective lens for optical picking up. The method of manufacturing comprises press-molding a molding material to make a molded article, measuring an optical property of the molded article, correcting pressing rate of at least one of the pressing molds based on the optical property thus measured, and further press-molding to make a molded article with the corrected pressing rate. A pressing device comprising a pair of pressing molds having molding surfaces processed to prescribed shape, and a means of driving one of the pair of pressing molds at a prescribed rate to press mold a molding material supplied between the pressing molds is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element by press molding in a pressing mold a heat-softened molding material such as a glass material to form a glass element, and then forming an optically functional film such as an antireflective film thereon. The method of manufacturing an optical element comprises: press molding a heat-softened molding material in a pressing mold to form an optical element of desired shape, and forming an antireflective film on the surface of the optical element obtained, wherein the antireflective film is formed on the optical element having a surface free energy of greater than or equal to 60 mJ/m2.

Abstract: A glass sheet G, which has been heated to the bending temperature by a heating furnace 12, is preliminary bent in the course of being conveyed to a bending position by a roller conveyer for preliminary bending 20. When the glass sheet thus preliminary bent is put on a press ring at the bending position, the glass sheet is pressed against the bending surface 26 of a mold 24 by upward movement of the press ring 22 to be bent so as to have a desired radius of curvature. After that, the press ring 22 is moved toward an air-cooling/tempering apparatus 16. When the press ring 22 is introduced into a certain tempering position S, cooling air is ejected from an upper blowing head 30 and a lower blowing head 32 toward the glass sheet G to air cool and temper the glass sheet G.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods in accordance with the invention impart high strength index of refraction patterns to photosensitive optical devices, such as Bragg gratings written in optical fibers. A length of small diameter fiber retaining photosensitivity is fabricated by flame elongation of an optical fiber precursor having dopant containing cladding, using a diffuse, low velocity inverted flame that does not introduce water, OH or H2 into the fiber. By varying the flame velocity during each scan the fiber is diminished to a small, uniform diameter, waist region. Photosensitivity is preserved and enhanced by exposure of the prepared waist region to scanning actinic illumination within an in-diffusing environment of pressurizing hydrogen or deuterium, and controlling the exposure to optimize the photo-induced index change.

Abstract: An Outside Vapor Deposition (OVD) apparatus for making an optical fiber perform with uniform deposition of silica particles through uniform heating to the overall length of the preform includes a mandrel having a predetermined length and driven to rotate and a burner for emitting a combustion gas toward the mandrel and burning the combustion gas to make silica particles to that the silica particles are deposited on a surface of the mandrel, wherein the burner has a length corresponding to the length of the mandrel and provides uniform temperature throughout the overall length of the mandrel at the same time.

Abstract: A method for producing zero-twist glass yarn employing a special sizing agent for sizing procedure during spinning process that enables a loss on ignition of the special sizing agent which makes up 0.8˜1.6 Wt % of the glass yarn and a moisture content less than 0.2% of the glass yarn after drying the forming package formed through spinning, sizing and winding procedure with which the zero-twist glass yarn is obtained without need of twist fixing process; moreover, the zero-twist glass yarn produced therefrom possesses the tensile strength better than that of the conventional twisted glass yarn, and, when used as weft yarn, may substantially increase the tensile strength of the glass fabric.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a preform of glass material for optical fibres. A chemical deposition chamber, at least one burner mobile along a direction Z and adapted to deposit a chemical substance on at least an elongated element positioned along an axis Z-Z, at least one suction element mobile along the direction Z for collecting exhaust chemical substances, a collector tube associated with the at least one suction element and adapted to discharge the exhaust chemical substances outside the chemical deposition chamber through an exhaust opening formed on a wall of the chamber, and a coupling device between the collector tube and the wall at the exhaust opening, allowing sliding of the collector along the direction Z and along a direction X towards/away from the axis z-z.

Abstract: A plurality of machine elements, such as needles (2), are combined into a shipping unit (1) by material connections, such as an adhesive bond, and this shipping unit can be easily transported and stored. The machine elements can easily be separated by hand or with simple tools and inserted individually, for instance into the needle tracks of a knitting machine.

Abstract: An improved system and associated method is disclosed for positive feeding of multiple strands of yarn from spools using a single motor drive within a hose reinforcement knitting machine of the type having a central knitter head with reciprocating needles that stitch a reinforcement web pattern around flexible hose moving through the central axis of the machine. The positive yarn feeding system comprises a feeder head assembly attached to rotating framework of the knitting machine coaxially with the knitter head. The feeder head assembly includes a circular support plate having an axial opening therethrough and a plurality of positive feeder units, one for each of the yarn strands intended for knitting. The feeder units are arranged in a radial pattern about the periphery of the support plate and interconnected for concurrent rotation by a coupling belt extended about upper wheels on the units.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tubular member (5A; 5B) in which the articles are inserted; a plurality of mobile gripping members (49) mobile between a first closed position and a second open position, arranged on one outlet end of said tubular member; and guiding and orienting means (71, 73) associated to said outlet end of said tubular member, for guiding and orienting the tubular article inserted in said tubular member towards said gripping members.

Abstract: A steam supplying apparatus in a washing machine which is capable of supplying steam into a wash tub at the top of the wash tub, along with wash water supplied into the wash tub. The steam supplying apparatus includes a tank connected to a water supply unit adapted to supply wash water, the tank being connected with a wash tub via a steam supply line, and provided with a heater, an air chamber defined in the tank above a predetermined water level limit of the tank, the air chamber being reduced in volume in accordance with an increase in the water level of the tank, thereby causing air existing in the air chamber to be compressed, and an extension passage extending between the predetermined water level limit of the tank and the steam supply line. When water is excessively supplied into the tank over the predetermined water level limit, the excessive amount of water is drained through the extension passage and steam supply line in accordance with air pressure in the air chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a wash water-circulating apparatus for washing machines and a method of controlling the same. The wash water-circulating apparatus comprises a circulation channel connected between one side of a tub and the other side of the tub for allowing wash water to circulate therethrough, a pump assembly disposed on the circulation channel for forcibly circulating the wash water, and a water level sensor disposed at the pump assembly or on the circulation channel downstream of the pump assembly for measuring the water pressure of the wash water discharged from the pump assembly. According to the present invention, the minimum amount of the wash water necessary for the pump operation is used when the washing and rinsing processes are carried out, whereby the consumed amount of the wash water is decreased, and the operational reliability of the pump is improved.

Abstract: A household appliance, such as a dishwasher, a washing machine, or similar apparatus, is proposed with an addition unit (9) to add cleansing agent to a cleaning liquid, which ensures reliable rinsing out of the cleansing agent chamber(s). This is accomplished according to the invention by the fact that the addition unit (9) is connected with a pressure line (7) of a rinsing pump (2) to deliver wash liquid to the addition unit (9) in order to rinse out cleansing agent located in it.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a door locking unit which has a simple construction and is smoothly and reliably operated. The door-locking unit includes a handle which is supported by a first hinge unit, a latch which is supported by a second hinge unit, and an elastic unit which provides an elastic force to the latch. By a rotation of the handle and the elastic force of the elastic unit, the latch is rotated. The handle includes first and second lever parts which are integrated with each other to be rotated around the first hinge unit. The latch includes third and fourth lever parts which are integrated with each other. The third lever part is rotated around the second hinge unit, and is in contact with the second lever part. The fourth lever part is placed toward an interior of the cabinet. Thus, when the first lever part of the handle is pulled, the second lever part pushes the third lever part, compressing the elastic unit.