Abstract: A wind energy tower erection device is disclosed together with the method of assembling the same and the method of utilizing the device to erect a wind energy tower. The tower erection device successively places tower sections one upon the other until the tower is erected.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a roof anchor (10) on a roof support structure (30) having an underside surface (32), the roof fully or partially covered with roof covering material (39), the roof anchor (10) including an attachment means (12) and a shaft (14), the method including the steps of: a) making a first hole (50) in the covering material (39) and the roof support structure (30), which first hole (50) is capable of receiving the shaft (14); b) forming an aperture (38) in the covering material (39) adjacent the first hole (50) and the roof support structure (30); c) inserting an anchor block (20), having a second hole (22) capable of fixedly engaging the shaft (14), through the aperture (38) and locating the anchor block (20) at the underside surface (32) such that the first and second holes (50, 22) are in registry; and d) inserting the shaft (14) through both the first and second holes (50, 22) whereby to fixedly engage the roof anchor (10) to the anchor block (20), such that the roof anchor (10)

Abstract: A fenestration sealed frame insulating glazing panel has an integral planar frame formed by four rigid plastic profiles interconnected end-to-end to define corners, the profiles having a low heat conductivity. Two glazing sheets are arranged in a spaced parallel relationship attached on opposite sides of the frame in a rigid manner by thermosetting adhesive to form an integral structure having an insulating cavity enclosed by the frame. The front face of each frame profile facing towards the cavity is covered by a low permeability sealant. The sealed frame glazing panel can include a third glazing sheet positioned in parallel between the first two glazing sheets and likewise interconnected at its perimeter to the frame to divide the insulating cavity into two parallel coextensive sub-cavities. The profiles of the frame can be made from structural plastic foam material, glass fiber, oriented thermoplastic, or various other materials of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A zipper applicator operatively attachable to and usable with a horizontal form, fill, seal and separate packaging machine of the type used to make reclosable containers from a folded web of flexible material such as, for example, plastic film. The applicator is vertically adjustable with respect to the horizontal movement of web and zipper through the machine and includes a zipper eyelet for guiding the zipper into the applicator, a web guide that engages the fold of the web material, and an applicator guide for positioning the zipper with respect to the folded web so that the zipper can be attached thereto by the application of heat and pressure from a sealer mounted on the packaging machine. The vertical adjustability permits the applicator to be used for making bags of different sizes depending upon the width of the web material being run.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing and filling multiple-cavity bags made from a sheet of plastic material, includes a forming column for forming a multiple-cavity bag, with the column being divided into three zones, a first zone forming a single tubular sleeve by a longitudinal seal of sheet edges thereof, a second zone for forming a bottom and cavities of the bag, and a third zone for filling and closing the bag and moving the closed bag away from the column, and a film feed mechanism for feeding plastic film to the forming column.

Abstract: A packer for packing cartons into boxes having at least one carton transfer location where cartons accumulate for transfer, a box packing location adjacent the transfer location, clamps for gripping the cartons in a group at the transfer location, the clamps being movable for moving the gripped group of cartons from the transfer location to the packing location, and, being releasable for depositing the group of cartons in the box at the packing location. Also disclosed is a carton gripper for gripping groups of cartons, moving the cartons and for packing the groups into boxes and having, a gripper body, slide rods supported on the gripper body, pairs of clamp bars slideable along the slide rods, and, the gripper being movable moving the pairs of clamp bars towards one another into a gripping position and away from one another into a releasing position. Alos disclosed is a method of gripping a group of cartons and transferring them from a conveyor into a box.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.

Abstract: Device and method for the alignment of stacked products to be wrapped such as newspapers, magazines and books, with or without inserts, of any thickness or size. Sheet placers feed products into the device via a conveyor system equipped with pushers, set at predetermined positions. The products are aligned by engaging elements that rotate through a slot inside of which the conveyor pushers also slide. The engaging elements decrease in speed as they intercept the products, and align the products with the conveyor pushers as they are transported along the conveyor to a packaging area.

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 bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a comfort management system for equine and, in particular, to a multi-purpose, multi-functional hoof-ware device, boot or shoe and multiple, interchangeable inserts for all equine hooves that uses, attaches, wraps, and fits the hoof while the equine is stalled, walking, trotting, loping for the purposes of protection, healing, alignment, cushioning and/or any other medicinal purposes for any given period of time fitting all sizes of equine hooves in multiple hoof environments, such as, diagnostics, normal use, during and after performance, corrective, medicinal purposes, emergencies situations, for preventative purposes, and rehabilitation of the hoof.

Abstract: Hand control levers with ergonomic grip members. Such hand control levers are used on vehicles, preferably lever-operated mowing machines. The hand control levers can reduce anatomical stress, fatigue or discomfort experienced by users of such vehicles.

Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower is provided with a deck lifting system. The operator can lift the cutter deck (and optionally the engine deck as well) by pulling upward/backward on a deck-lifting lever. Moreover, a latch system is provided for permitting the deck to be lowered and/or adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting the seed of native plant species with a cam mechanism that increases the zone of controlled brushing from a point of contact between the rotating brushes and combs to a four-inch span over which the rotating combs remain perpendicular to the surface of the brush while following an arc path nearly concentric to that of the brush shaft. The comb assembly consists of a belt stretched around a plurality of wheels and evenly spaced combs attached to the belt by a plurality of bars. The comb assembly pivots so that the distance between the rotating combs and rotating brushes can be adjusted to achieve maximum yield for a particular species. A method for harvesting native seeds using the harvester with the cam mechanism and adjustable comb assembly.

Abstract: A process for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns containing an elastomer or with a high torque comprises at least the following phases: introduction into a splicing chamber (11, 110) of a splicer (10, 100) of threads (12, 15) to be joined to each other; withholding by friction of the thread-ends (12, 15) by means of friction elements or devices (27, 20, 21) close to or inside the splicing chamber (11, 110); cutting of the thread-ends (12, 15); opening of the thread-ends (12, 15) cut by means of preparation units (22, 23); pulling of the cut and opened thread-ends (12, 15) in the direction of the junction chamber (11, 110); expulsion of the threads and contemporaneous entry of one or more jets of compressed air into the chamber (11, 110) to effect the splicing of the thread-ends (12, 15) and releasing of the spliced thread with the return of all the units of the splicing device (10, 100) to their initial position. The invention also relates to a device for the embodiment of said process.

Abstract: Elevator rope arrangement in which the elevator car and counterweight, travelling along guide rails in an elevator shaft, are supported by suspension ropes, which are attached to the top part of the elevator car and passed via at least one diverting pulley to the counterweight. Separate hoisting ropes are attached to the lower part of the elevator car and passed to lower part of the counterweight via at least one diverting pulley. The hoisting rope is a substantially thin rope made of synthetic fiber and having a sheath made of plastic material.

Abstract: The invention provides an entangled continuous filament yarn comprising at least two bicomponent filaments each comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate), wherein the entangled yarn has a node frequency of about 40 to 50 nodes/m, a Crimp Potential of at least about 40%, substantially no twist, and a standard deviation of intervals between nodes of no more than about 1.1 cm. The invention further provides a process for making such an entangled yarn.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant includes a combustion section, a turbine section, an exhaust section, a temperature detecting unit, and a monitoring unit. The combustion section combusts fuel using air to generate combustion gas. The turbine section is driven with the combustion gas from the combustion section. The exhaust section is connected to the turbine section to exhaust the combustion gas from the turbine section. The temperature detecting unit is provided in the exhaust section to measure a temperature of the combustion gas. The monitoring unit generates a warning signal based on a tolerable level and data corresponding to a temporal change of the temperature measured by the temperature detecting unit to indicate an extraordinary state of the gas turbine plant.

Abstract: A main engine mounted auxiliary power unit comprises an auxiliary power unit integrated with a primary gas turbine engine into a single power plant suited for aircraft applications. The auxiliary power unit can be mounted within an engine core compartment of the main engine or at the main engine aft center body. The integration of the auxiliary power unit provides for installation and certification cost savings to the airframer by eliminating the need for mounting an auxiliary power unit to the tail section of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method facilitates generating thrust from a gas turbine engine using a pulse detonation system. The method includes introducing fuel and air to the engine, mixing fuel and air in a pulse detonation system deflagration chamber positioned radially outward from an engine exhaust centerbody, and detonating the fuel and air mixture within the pulse detonation system to facilitate increasing the temperature and pressure within the engine and to generate engine thrust.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system includes a catalytic converter and an outlet sensor. The outlet sensor generates a sensor signal based on an oxygen level of exhaust gases exiting the catalytic converter. A controller communicates with an engine and the outlet sensor, and monitors the sensor signal during a predetermined period of engine operation. The controller commands an intrusive catalyst monitor test in a default order if the outlet sensor signal transitions through both thresholds during a predetermined period. The controller performs an intrusive outlet sensor test during cruise operation of the engine if the signal fails to transition through both thresholds during the catalyst monitor test.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal combustion engine which is to be mounted on automobiles or the like and in which an improvement has been achieved in terms of startability and combustion stability during warm-up operation. In an internal combustion engine of the type in which gas discharged from a combustion heater is introduced into an intake passage of the internal combustion engine, a fuel vaporizing glow plug is operated during the period from the starting of the internal combustion engine to the occurrence of complete explosion, whereby unburned vaporized fuel is supplied from the combustion heater to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust-emission purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes an NOx purifying catalyst disposed in an exhaust system of the engine to purify NOx in an exhaust emission of the engine, and hold a specific substance (in addition to NOx) in the exhaust emission by adsorption or absorption of the specific substance. A controller is operable to detect an NOx purifying ability of the NOx purifying catalyst which is lowered with an increase in the amount of the specific substance held by the catalyst. The controller compares the detected NOx purifying ability with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the catalyst has been poisoned with the specific substance. When the controller determines that the catalyst has been poisoned with the specific substance, the controller commands at least the engine to effect a poisoning removing treatment of the catalyst, for releasing the specific substance from the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust water trap assembly has separated and spaced exhaust tubes, and a dome cap blocking entry of water to protect an upstream catalytic converter or soot filter. A first tube extends axially upwardly into a housing, and a second tube is spaced vertically thereabove. The dome cap on the top end of the first tube blocks exhaust flow axially upwardly therepast and blocks entry of water axially downwardly therepast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic circuit for a crane wherein a switching valve is provided between a plurality of motor circuits connected in series within the same actuator group, and at the time of simultaneous operation of the motor circuits, the switching valve is switched from a first position to a second position whereby the series connection between the motor circuits is cut off, and they are driven by each of separate hydraulic sources, thereby enabling prevention of pressure interference at the time of simultaneous operation of the motor circuits within the same actuator group without increasing hydraulic sources.

Abstract: A swing speed compensation device is provided for use with a flow sharing hydraulic system. The present invention is mounted within the metering spool of a flow sharing valve and includes a poppet that is attached to a spring retainer. The spring retainer encases a compression spring which pushes against a plug and has a drain hole that, depending upon the position of the spring retainer and poppet combination, can vent excess pressure within the present invention to a hydraulic pump tank. When a flow sharing hydraulic system starts or stops, there is a rush in the fluid flow that can cause a spike in the system pressure. The present invention absorbs this pressure spike, allowing for the fluid flow to gradually increase or decrease as the system starts or stops.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating acoustic energy are presented. In some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, a thermoacoustic driver is concentrically disposed within a shell to permit radial heat transfer from the thermoacoustic driver to compressible fluid within the shell, thereby preheating the compressible fluid within the shell. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output.

Abstract: Providing a control apparatus for a variable-cylinder engine or a vehicle control apparatus, which permits a further improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. Decompression-state setting means 102 is arranged to place appropriate ones of non-operating cylinders of the variable-cylinder engine 10 in the decompression state, on the basis of regenerative braking state of vehicle detected by regenerative-braking-state detecting means 100, so that only a required minimum number of the non-operating cylinders of the variable-cylinder engine 10 is/are placed in the decompression state, depending upon the detected regenerative braking state of the vehicle, making it possible to not only improve fuel economy of the vehicle but also assure sufficient engine braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling combustor liner carbon formation is provided. The apparatus includes a dome subassembly that is removeably affixed to a modular outer panel subassembly and a modular inner panel subassembly. Each panel subassembly includes panels that are removeably affixed to one another.

Abstract: A turbine containing system is disclosed. The system includes an intake section, a compressor section downstream from the intake section, a combustor section having a primary combustion system downstream from the intake section, a secondary combustion system downstream from the primary combustion system, a turbine section, an exhaust section and a load. The secondary combustion system includes an injector for transversely injecting a secondary fuel into a stream of combustion products of the primary combustion system. The injector including a coupling, a wall defining an airfoil shape circumscribing a fuel mixture passage, and at least one exit for communication between said fuel mixture passage and said stream of primary combustion products.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided which converts chemical energy in one or more fuels into electrical and/or mechanical power. The system includes both fuel cells to directly convert electrical energy in a fuel into electrical power and at lest one combustor and expander to generate mechanical power, optionally than converted to electrical power in a generator. Fuel cell products disclosed from the fuel cell are entered into the combustor to be heated along with products of combustion created in the combustor and expanded in the expander along with the products of combustion.

Abstract: A non-intrusive refrigerant charge level indicator includes a structure for measuring at least one temperature at an outside surface of a two-phase refrigerant line section. The measured temperature can be used to determine the refrigerant charge status of an HVAC system, and can be converted to a pressure of the refrigerant in the line section and compared to a recommended pressure range to determine whether the system is under-charged, properly charged or over-charged. A non-intrusive method for assessing the refrigerant charge level in a system containing a refrigerant fluid includes the step of measuring a temperature at least one outside surface of a two-phase region of a refrigerant containing refrigerant line, wherein the temperature measured can be converted to a refrigerant pressure within the line section.

Abstract: In a hot gas heating mode of an ejector cycle system, hot gas refrigerant discharged from a compressor is introduced to an interior heat exchanger while bypassing an exterior heat exchanger. The refrigerant discharged from the interior heat exchanger can flow into an ejector from at least an inlet of a nozzle of the ejector, and flows into the gas-liquid separator, in the heating mode. Alternatively, refrigerant discharged from the compressor can be supplied to the interior heat exchanger through a clearance between an outer wall of the nozzle and an inner wall of a nozzle housing portion, while bypassing the exterior heat exchanger in the heating mode. Here, the nozzle is disposed in the nozzle housing portion, and a part of pressurizing portion is defined by the nozzle housing portion. Thus, the heating mode can be readily performed in the ejector cycle system.

Abstract: The heater has increased quick responsiveness to temperature control of air, and the air conditioner can realize highly accurate temperature control using the heater. A duct unit having heat sources comprising electric lamps in the inside thereof is attached to an air duct. Air coming into contact with glass bulbs of the electric lamps is heated by radiant heat and transferred heat generated by lighting the electric lamps, whereby the heater with increased quick responsiveness to temperature control is obtained. A first heater and a second heater are provided in the air duct, respectively, and temperature sensors for controlling these heaters are attached to the air duct and a precision environment chamber, respectively, whereby temperature control in two stages with different temperature resolutions is made possible, and an air conditioner with high accuracy excellent in controllability can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner comprising a plurality of indoor units and a common outdoor unit connected to each of the indoor units. The air conditioner further includes an additional indoor unit connected to an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit. The additional indoor unit is installed in some place other than the installation place of the indoor unit. The indoor units are selectively or simultaneously operated by means of effective distribution of coolant in the outdoor unit so that the indoor units are properly operated by means of the single outdoor unit to provide a pleasant air conditioned environment.

Abstract: Controlling the temperature in a data center includes receiving sensory data corresponding to a temperature from a subsystem in a data center, processing the sensory data by a first agent in a hierarchy of agents to determine if the subsystems in the data center is operating within a predetermined temperature range, adjusting a delivery rate for a cooling fluid using the first agent to keep the temperature range of the subsystem within the predetermined temperature range, and requesting a second agent from the hierarchy of agents to process the sensory data when the first agent cannot keep the temperature range within the predetermined temperature range unless the second agent redistributes the cooling fluid being delivered. A third agent is used to vary the amount of cooling fluid output when at least the first and second agent cannot keep the subsystem operating within the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling racks in a data center, cooling fluid is circulated in the data center by a cooling device having a fan. In addition, this system includes a plenum having a plurality of returns and an outlet. The outlet of the plenum is in fluid communication with the fan and the plurality of returns are configured for removing the cooling fluid from the data center. Furthermore, the returns and are operable to vary a characteristic of the removal of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A refrigerant assembly includes a block-type thermostatic expansion valve and one or more refrigerant tubes. The body of the block valve has a port extending inwardly from one surface, and a refrigerant tube is received in the port. The refrigerant tube includes an annular bead, which is closely received within a counterbore coaxial with the bore. The surface of the body surrounding the counterbore is then mechanically deformed, preferably by staking, around the entire circumference of the refrigerant tube such that body material is forced radially inward toward the tube. The body material at least partially encloses the refrigerant tube bead within the counterbore to secure the refrigerant tube to the valve body. A sharp edge between the counterbore and bore is forced against the junction between the bead and the refrigerant tube to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner and method of controlling the same. The air conditioner includes a compressor having a capacity variable according to a duty control signal. The duty control signal controls the compressor to undergo a loading time for maintaining a loading state in a cycle and an unloading time for maintaining an unloading state in a cycle. The air conditioner further includes a control unit for determining the loading time and the unloading time according to the variation of a total required cooling capacity to generate the duty control signal even before a corresponding cycle is over, if the total required cooling capacity has been varied in a corresponding cycle while the compressor is operated, and controlling the compressor according to the duty control signal.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus having a linear compressor is provided with a volume circulation rate instruction unit for obtaining a volume circulation rate Vco of a refrigerant in accordance with refrigerating capacity required of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, on the basis of an ambient temperature of an indoor heat exchanger (evaporator), a target temperature set on the evaporator by the user, and an ambient temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger (condenser). A volume circulation rate detector is provided for detecting a volume circulation rate Vcd of the refrigerant that actually circulates in a refrigerant circulation path of the refrigeration cycle apparatus; and an inverter is provided for generating an AC current for driving the linear compressor. The inverter is controlled so as to decrease a difference between the volume circulation rate Vco and the volume circulation rate Vcd.

Abstract: An ice cream machine, at least including an assembly of an ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream display cabinet, in which the ice cream preparation unit includes an ingredient inlet, ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream outlet, and the ice cream display cabinet includes refrigeration unit and is designed for refrigerating ice cream in one or more ice cream containers. The space above the ice cream containers in the ice cream display cabinet can also be refrigerated, while the ice cream outlet of the ice cream preparation unit opens directly into the ice cream display cabinet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing low temperature refrigeration systems is provided. In one embodiment, an access tunnel is provided and a heater, an access door, a vacuum insulation panel, a thermal break, a sealing gasket that mates with a sealing surface together or in part(s) helps to prevent condensation from forming on the exterior of the freezer.

Abstract: A condensate drain pan comprises a compound-sloped floor surface having intersecting sloped faces which slope from a high point to a low point. The intersecting sloped faces form creases therebetween to facilitate condensate elimination, and the floor surface includes condensate directing embossments which further facilitate condensate elimination. The condensate drains to a drain opening at the low point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extracting freshwater from atmospheric humidity in extremely hot and humid climates and supplying freshwater to a small group of people, a building, a farm, or forestation area. The freshwater is treated to provide drinking water by disinfecting to eliminate microorganisms and filtration to remove suspended particulates from air, erosion or corrosion products, and disinfected waste. Compact units provide drinking water for individuals, passengers in cars, vans, trucks, or recreational boats, or crewmembers on a seagoing cargo ship whether from atmospheric humidity or from moisture-laden gases. Furthermore, systems are disclosed for the ample supply of freshwater with minimal treatment for small- to large-sized buildings in a manner that alleviates the heat load on buildings. Collection of freshwater from hot humid ambient air is also provided for other uses, such as irrigation and farm animal drinking.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door for a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a door for use in a refrigerator in which a direction of opening and/or closing the door can be selectively changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and air supply and air discharge duct. The outdoor unit includes a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor unit in a ceiling includes an indoor heat exchanger, a fan, guide means, and a preheat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger has a space therein in communication with a room, and the fan is in the space for drawing air and discharging through the indoor heat exchanger. The guide means is provided on an underside of the indoor heat exchanger, for guiding the external air to the room through the fan, and the room air to an outside of the room. The preheat exchanger is arranged adjacent to, and in communication with the guide means, for indirect heat exchange of the external air and room air passing therethrough.

Abstract: A drinking vessel includes an interior portion that holds pellets or chips of dry ice that cool a beverage in the glass while the beverage is being consumed. The interior portion can be a part of the glass or it can be a detached piece usable in different vessels. Either way the interior portion includes holes that allow the beverage to freely flow around the dry ice while the holes are small enough to prevent the dry ice from entering the portion of the vessel where it could be accidentally consumed.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a flow distributor for uniformly distributing a two-phase refrigerant mixture across a tube bundle. The flow distributor includes a stack of at least three perforated plates each of which are separated by nearly full-width, full-length gaps or chambers. The flow distributor may also include a suction baffle and/or a distributor baffle. The distributor baffle extends downward to provide a hairpin turn past which refrigerant travels before exiting the evaporator. This directional change helps separate liquid from a primarily gaseous refrigerant stream. The suction baffle has various size openings to ensure that the flow rate of refrigerant through the hairpin turn is generally uniform and is maintained low enough to ensure liquid disentrainment over and along the length of the tube bundle within the evaporator.