Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and a flow path diverting an excess portion of the compressed air produced by the compressor around the turbine. The flow path conducts the excess portion into a turbine exhaust gas flow producing a cooled exhaust gas. A method of operating the gas turbine includes opening an inlet guide vane of the compressor to allow the compressor to produce an increased volume of compressed air. The increased volume exceeds a volume of compressed air needed to support combustion. An excess portion of the compressed air is directed into the exhaust gas to produce a cooled exhaust. In a combined cycle power plant, the cooled exhaust from the gas turbine may be used to warm a steam turbine portion to a desired temperature while allowing operation of the gas turbine at a power level that produces exhaust gas at a temperature higher than the desired temperature.

Abstract: A process for increasing the specific output of a combined cycle power plant and providing flexibility in the power plant rating, both without a commensurate increase in the plant heat rate, is disclosed. The present invention demonstrates that the process of upgrading thermal efficiencies of combined cycles can often be accomplished through the strategic use of additional fuel and/or heat input. In particular, gas turbines that exhaust into HRSGs, can be supplementally fired to obtain much higher steam turbine outputs and greater overall plant ratings, but without a penalty on efficiency. This method by and large defines a high efficiency combined cycle power plant that is predominantly a Rankine (bottoming) cycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a load driven by a topping cycle engine, powered by a topping cycle fluid which exhausts into a heat recovery device.

Abstract: A catalytic gas turbine includes a compressor, a catalytic combustor, a turbine, and a flow path conducting a bypass portion of the compressed air around the combustor and turbine. A method of operating the catalytic gas turbine to activate a catalyst in the catalytic combustor includes opening an inlet guide vane upstream of the compressor to a position to produce an increased volume of compressed air. The increased volume exceeds a volume of compressed air needed to support combustion. A bypass portion of the compressed air is extracted and directed around the combustor and turbine. The method may also include extracting a recirculation portion of the compressed air and directing the recirculation portion into the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: In order to avoid the “buckling” of multi-shell turbomachine casings during a cooling phase following the shutdown, it is proposed to provide means in order to suitably discharge warm medium which collects at a point of the casing cavity situated at the highest geodetic level. In an embodiment, it is proposed to allow the corresponding lines to open out in the stack of a power plant; the stack draft effect assists the flow even further. Regulating members are advantageously provided in the lines in order to shut off these lines during operation of the turbomachine on the one hand and in order not to arrange the flow through the casing cavities too intensively on the other hand.

Abstract: An attachment device for coupling one or more restrained members to a frame. In at least one embodiment, the attachment device may be configured to attach one or more turbine combustor liners to a carrier. The attachment device may include a body rotatable about an axis of rotation and including one or more arms for grasping an edge of at least one restrained member. A fastener may be coupled to the body for coupling the body to a frame. The attachment device may also include a retainer for preventing the fastener, which may be a threaded bolt, from becoming disengaged from the attachment device and traveling downstream in a turbine. An alignment device may be included for facilitating rotation of the body of the attachment device and engagement the arms with edges of retrained members. The alignment device may include an alignment indicator indicating a position of the arms.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component has an annular flange arm, a backing plate mounted to the flange arm and a bypass circuit formed between the flange arm and the backing plate. The bypass circuit includes one or more channels formed in one of the flange arm or the backing plate. When more than one channels are used, at least one connecting slot is provided between the channels. At least one inlet passage extends through the flange arm in fluid communication with the forward-most channel, and at least one outlet slot is formed between the flange arm and the backing plate in fluid communication with the aft-most channel.

Abstract: A water treatment and storage vessel has a reservoir for untreated water and filter means in fluid communication with the reservoir. A main vessel portion is provided for receiving and storing treated water which comprises a Peltier-effect device for removing heat from treated water therein, thereby cooling the water.

Abstract: An economizer circuit assembly for a cryogenic liquid vessel assembly is disclosed. The cryogenic liquid vessel assembly includes a first, outer shell and a second, inner shell defining a storage space. The storage space has a liquid space and a vapor space. The cryogenic vessel also has a delivery line extending from outside the first, outer vessel shell into the liquid space. The economizer circuit assembly includes a vent line and an integration device. The vent line extends from outside the first, outer shell into the cryogenic vessel. The vent line has a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed in the vapor space. The vent line and the delivery line are coupled, and in fluid communication at, the integration device.

Abstract: A humidity control apparatus includes two adsorbing elements (81, 82), and performs a batch-type operation. The humidity control apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit (100). A second air for regenerating the adsorbing element (81, 82) is heated through a regenerative heat exchanger (102) of the refrigerant circuit (100). The refrigerant circuit (100) includes a first heat exchanger (103) and a second heat exchanger (104). In a dehumidification mode, the first heat exchanger (103) serves as an evaporator, and the first air to be supplied exchanges heat with the refrigerant. At this point, the second heat exchanger (104) is inactive. In a dehumidification mode, the second heat exchanger (104) serves as an evaporator, and the first air to be discharged exchanges heat with the refrigerant. At this point, the first heat exchanger (103) is inactive.

Abstract: An air conditioning system may comprise an air handler, heat pump or fossil fuel furnace and may include a variable speed blower for conducting air through the system and operably connected to a controller which is also connected to a thermostat and/or humidity sensor. A discharge air temperature sensor may be disposed downstream of or embedded in a heat exchanger of the air conditioning system and connected to the controller for controlling the blower speed and airflow through the system. The amount of heating or cooling effect produced by the heat exchanger or blower speed may be adjusted to provide a constant discharge temperature or lower the humidity of air returning to a controlled space.

Abstract: A real temperature output air conditioner which lowers the ambient temperature of an interior space to a desired temperature and, once that has been achieved, delivers a constant flow of air at that specific temperature thereto. The present invention further includes a reservoir within the evaporator unit in which the evaporator coils and heater element are immersed. The evaporator coils and heat element act upon the fluid wherein thermal transfer to the ambient air is enhanced and dissipated to the interior space by the evaporator fan.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve a heat exchanging capability in an evaporator in a refrigerant cycle system in which a high pressure side is operated at a supercritical pressure. The refrigerant cycle system is a refrigerant cycle system in which a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion valve and an evaporator are sequentially connected in a cyclic form and a high pressure side is operated at a supercritical pressure, wherein the degree of opening of the expansion valve is adjusted based on the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant at an outlet of the evaporator so as to control the degree of superheat at the outlet of the evaporator. An abstract of the present invention is to make large the degree of superheat at the outlet of the evaporator by means of the expansion valve.

Abstract: A refrigerated cold beverage merchandiser (10) includes an enclosure defining an insulated, refrigerated display cabinet (25) and a compartment (30) heat insulated therefrom wherein a compressor (40) a condenser (50) and a condenser fan (60) are disposed. The condenser (50) is formed by a plurality of in-line tube banks (52). Each tube bank (52) is a serpentine tube formed a plurality of unfinned, straight tube segments (54) extending in parallel rows (55) between a pair of spaced, opposed end plates (58) and elbow turns (56) connecting neighboring straight tube segments (56) in a conventional manner. Each successive tube bank (52) is arranged with the other tube banks so that respective parallel tube rows (55) are disposed in-line from the front to the rear of the condenser (50) or with each successive tube bank being offset in a slightly staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A refrigeration plant includes at least two cold heads thermally coupled to parts of a particularly superconducting installation. The parts are to be chilled via a conduit system in which a cooling agent circulates according to a thermosyphon effect. The cold heads are connected in parallel by a forking of the conduit system. Sections of the conduit system, which are positioned between the forking and the cold heads, are configured at least in part so as to be low heat conductive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat source unit capable of being used in either an air conditioner for switchable cooling and heating operation or an air conditioner for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. An air conditioner principally includes one heat source unit, a plurality of utilization units, and a connecting unit provided for each utilization unit. The heat source unit uses water as the heat source, and principally includes a compressing means, a main heat exchanger, a first switching means, a main refrigerant switching means, an auxiliary heat exchanger connected in parallel with the main heat exchanger, a second switching means, an auxiliary refrigerant switching means, and a liquid receiver. The auxiliary heat exchanger is capable of switching between functioning as an evaporator and a condenser, by the second switching means.

Abstract: Thermal management systems and methods for manufacturing and using same are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the thermal management systems comprise configurations of corrugated, porous, or fibrous panels containing phase change materials within the interior of the panels. Liquid barrier layers are applied to the panels to at least keep the phase change materials from leaking out of the panels. The thermal management systems are passive systems which are able to maintain the temperature of pharmaceutical products placed within the systems within a predetermined temperature range over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a main body having a storage compartment to store a container; a lift provided on a lower part of the storage compartment; a rotator of a pipe shape and having a pair of threaded parts with opposite threads facing to each other along a longitudinal direction; a driver to rotate the rotator; and a pair of rotation links that has a first end formed with a female screw engaged with each of the threaded parts, approaches to or separates from each other according to a rotation of the rotator, and comprises hinge connectors hingedly connected to the lifting part to be separately rotated. Thus, the present invention provides the refrigerator in which the container may be lifted as the necessary of the user with ease.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus in which gas refrigerant is injected into suction pipes (10a, 10b) of compressors (2A, 2B) from an oil return passageway (21) and from a gas injection passageway, a liquid injection passageway (15) through which liquid refrigerant is injected into the suction side of compressors (2A, 2B) is provided and, in addition, the oil return passageway (21) and the gas injection passageway are connected to the liquid injection passageway (15), thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal noise due to the intermixing of gas refrigerants in the suction pipes (10a, 10b).

Abstract: An outdoor air conditioner unit is connected to indoor units by a gaseous refrigerant communication pipe and a liquid refrigerant communication pipe. The outdoor air conditioner unit is provided with a gas-side shut-off valve and a liquid-side shut-off valve. The gas-side shut-off valve has a pipe connecting port to which the gaseous refrigerant communication pipe is connected. The liquid-side shut-off valve has a pipe connecting port to which the liquid refrigerant communication pipe is connected. In a plan view, the pipe connecting ports are offset from each other in both the depthwise direction and the widthwise direction. Thus, the outdoor air conditioner unit is configured to reduce interference between the refrigerant pipes connected to the gas-side and liquid-side shut-off valves of the outdoor unit.

Abstract: A transcritical vapor compression system that includes a fluid circuit circulating a refrigerant in a closed loop. The fluid circuit has operably disposed therein, in serial order, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first capillary tube and a second heat exchanger. The compressor compresses the refrigerant from a low pressure to a supercritical pressure. The first heat exchanger is positioned in a high pressure side of the fluid circuit and the second heat exchanger is positioned in a low pressure side of the fluid circuit. The first capillary tube reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from a supercritical pressure to a relatively lower pressure. The refrigerant flows through the first capillary tube at its critical velocity and means for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant in the first capillary tube are provided.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a refrigerator is disclosed, which has a simple structure, an improved heat exchanging efficiency, and an operating reliability. In the heat exchanger including a refrigerant tube (10) having a plurality of straight parts (11) and a plurality of curved parts (12) which connect the straight parts; and a plurality of fins (20) coupled to the straight parts (11) respectively through a plurality of inner through holes (21), the refrigrant tube (10) has a joining portion of the curved parts (12) and the straight parts (11) coated with a metal layer (110).

Abstract: An evaporator device and method of making the device. The evaporator device comprises a one-piece metallic body, which is preferably aluminum or an alloy thereof, with a refrigerant tube embedded therein. The metallic body further includes horizontal fins and vertical partitions protruding from at least one surface that define an array of ice forming cells. The one-piece metallic body is formed by a die casting process that eliminates the conventional assembly steps of separate evaporator pans, refrigerant tube pieces, vertical partitions horizontal fins and other parts.

Abstract: A personal air conditioning system that may be used, for example, to cool a tent. The personal air conditioning system includes a cooling lid that fits over a typical insulated cooler. The cooling lid includes a heat transfer tower that is configured to transfer heat from a cold medium, such as ice, that is located within the cooler to an area within the cooling lid. A heat sink is provided at the top of the heat transfer tower and at least partially within the cooling lid. A fan is configured to draw air into the cooling lid, across the heat sink, and out of the cooling lid. The cooled air may then be used for cooling of a tent or other compartment, for example, or may be directed to blow on an individual.

Abstract: A jewelry design for adorning an ear which includes a conically-shaped stud mounting extending conically outward from a conical point to form a conical basket for securing a stone therein, a post with a near end attached to the conical point and a far end, and a nut engagable with the far end of the post for securing the stud mounting to the ear; a dangling element; and an intermediary connecting member which removably engages an exterior surface of the conical basket, and which includes a jump ring extending outward therefrom for flexibly supporting the dangling element so that it is removably suspendable below the stud mounting.

Abstract: A method for making high precision hard film coating on a mold core comprises the following steps of: (a) providing a mold jig (200, 300) and a mold core (208, 308); (b) defining a through hole (206, 364) of a first inner diameter in the mold jig; (c) forming a rim (254, 354) of a second inner diameter on the inner side of the through hole, the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter; (d) configuring the mold core into a mold core including a body (212, 312) of a first external diameter and a top portion (250, 350) of a second external diameter, the second external diameter being smaller than the first external diameter to define a shoulder (252, 352) between the body and the top portion, the first external diameter being substantially equal to the first inner diameter and larger than the second inner diameter, the second external diameter being substantially equal to or smaller than the second inner diameter; and (e) coreing the mold core into the through hole of the mold jig from t

Abstract: Setting in advance an absorptance of a light L (for example laser light) of a brittle material W to be processed, an absorptance of a plate-shaped sample S of the same material as the brittle material W to be processed is calculated using that set value of absorptance, a thickness of the tabular sample S when that sample S is irradiated by the light L having a same wavelength as that irradiated onto the brittle material, and based on this calculated value of absorptance, and the actual absorptance data obtained by the actual irradiation of the light L on the sample S, a light wavelength that is selected appropriate for the absorptance of the brittle material to be processed is selected, and processing of the brittle material W is carried out using light of the selected wavelength.

Abstract: A method provided for manufacturing a lensed tip optical fiber. The method includes providing an optically transparent cylindrical fiber; and etching a first end of the optically transparent cylindrical fiber to form a tip. The tip is heated which forms a lens surface at the heated tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabrication method of complex fiber grating structures that can be combined with prior fabrication methods including a phasemask or a two-beam interferometer. By using a rotatable half-wave plate with a polarization beam splitter in the optical path and precisely scanning the relative fiber position, we can expose true complex fiber gratings in a single scan by simultaneously rotating the angle of the half-wave plate.

Abstract: A method for making a life vest includes knitting or weaving, wherein a material including synthetic filament, synthetic monofilament and elastic yarn is combined by a double weft knitting machine to make a textile for the life vest, and dyeing and sewing. Appropriate cutting and sewing processes are employed to finish the formation of the life vest.

Abstract: A circularly knitted garment having a body portion and a shaped band. The shaped band is defined in the body portion such that a seamless interface is formed between the body portion and the shaped band. The shaped band has at least one crossover portion.

Abstract: Washing machine including one pair of side covers for covering sides of the washing machine, a back cover for covering a back side of the washing machine, a first flange portion bent either from a rear edge of the side cover or a side edge of the back cover substantially at a right angle, and at least one joint portion at overlap portions between the first flange portion and a mating side of the first flange portion, the joint portion being joined by Tox round joint, thereby permitting easy assembly of the cabinet.

Abstract: A device for the metered delivery of a liquid washing or ringing agent for a washing machine and the like. The device includes a casing which is to be secured to the machine and which is provided with a refillable reservoir for the liquid agent in which is defined a delivery receptacle capable of holding an amount of liquid agent corresponding to a plurality of metered amounts, and an electrically controlled delivery valve device associated with the receptacle and capable of permitting a flow of liquid agent from the delivery receptacle towards the washing chamber of the machine, a level-indicator device associated with the delivery receptacle and capable of signalling the instantaneous level reached by the rinsing agent in the receptacle, and a control unit connected to the indicator and arranged to control the delivery valve device in accordance with predetermined modalities as a function of the signal provided by the level-indicator device.

Abstract: A steamer for steaming and/or steam cleaning an object. The steamer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid therein, a pressurized boiler system for generating steam under pressure from a portion of the liquid in the reservoir, a thermostatic control device for controlling a flow rate of the liquid delivered from the reservoir to the pressurized boiler system, and at least one steam output discharge port having a variable aperture size in fluid communication with the output of the pressurized boiler system.

Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and garbage. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: A method of quick-plastic-forming a component from a sheet metal blank in multiple forming stages of single-action tooling along a transfer line. The blank is transferred from a prebending station to a preforming station along the transfer line, wherein the blank is preformed by a single-action forming tool into a preform blank. The preform blank is then transferred from the preforming station to a finish-forming station along the transfer line, wherein the blank is finish-formed by a single-action forming tool into the component. The component is transferred from the finish-forming station to a cooling station along the transfer line. The transfer steps are carried out by a reciprocating transfer mechanism that simultaneously transfers the blanks and component from station to station along the transfer line.

Abstract: A method for forming sheet metal articles, such as automotive body panels, having complex curvatures. Opposing, complementary, pre-form and finish-form tools are used in a single press. A sheet of hot blow-formable sheet metal alloy, heated to a forming temperature, is placed between the tools. The pre-forming tool is lowered to a first stage closed position thereby trapping edges of the sheet between binder surfaces of the tools. The sheet is first stretched against the pre-form tool using pressurized gas to form a pre-form that undergoes most of the metal stretching required for the final part shape. Then the finish-form tool is pivotably advanced into a second stage closed position. The pre-form is displaced away from the pre-form tool and hot plastically formed against the opposing finish-form tool with pressurized gas to obtain the final sheet metal part shape. The finish-form tool is then pivotably retracted so as to avoid die lock or part interference conditions.

Abstract: An axial thread-rolling head comprising a shank and a bearing unit held by said shank and having the profiled rolling dies wherein said shank has an elongate gripping portion, a first clutch portion, a supporting portion for the bearing unit, and a driver portion for a central toothed gear of said bearing unit and said bearing unit has a second clutch portion which is in engagement with said first clutch portion when said bearing unit and said shank are in a coupled position because of a spring bias, and is out of engagement when said bearing unit and said shank are axially moved apart, against said spring bias, to a separating position, which allows said bearing unit to perform a relative rotation on said shank, wherein said gripping portion and said clutch portion, on one hand, and said supporting portion and said driver portion, on the other hand, define separate components which are axially fixed and fixed for rotation via connecting portions, but are adapted to be releasably connected to each other.

Abstract: A concentric bore bend die and clamp insert assembly including a bend die and a clamp insert positioned within a recess formed in the bend die in a tube clamping area of the bend die. The clamp insert includes a curved portion matingly received within a correspondingly shaped curved bore in the recess, such that the curved portion extends between a tube groove in the insert and the curved bore. The curved portion of the clamp insert and the curved bore are radially concentric in order to evenly disperse clamping pressures exerted on the clamp insert in all radial directions across the curved portion of the clamp insert to the curved bore. The clamp insert further includes a non-circular portion that is matingly received within a correspondingly shaped non-circular region of the recess in order to resist rotational movement of the clamp insert with respect to the bend die.

Abstract: A cutting assembly (20) is removably supported on a sheet bending brake (24) for cutting a work piece (22). The cutting assembly (20) includes a cutter body (32), and a first (42) and a second cutting disk (48), each having an outer periphery defining a primary (44) and a complimentary cutting edge (50) respectively. The first (42) and second cutting disks (48) are rotatably supported by the cutter body (32) and rotate about a first axis (46) and a second axis (52) respectively. An adjustment mechanism (60) interconnects the second cutting disk (48) and the cutter body (32) for axially adjusting the complimentary cutting edge (50) with respect to the primary cutting edge (44) without having to remove the second cutting disk (48) from the cutter body (32). The cutting assembly (20) includes a locking device (82) for preventing movement of the adjustment mechanism (60) relative to the cutter body (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the deformation of workpieces, in particular for the plastic shaping of pipe ends, with a shaping unit (U) actuated by the pressure of a fluid and with a prestressing unit (V) arranged on a common longitudinal axis (X-X) and actuated by the pressure (p1) of a fluid and also with clamping elements of conical design which can be clamped by means of the prestressing unit (V), in each case at least one separate pressure space (D1, D2) being designed in the shaping unit (U) and in the prestressing unit (V), which space can be pressurized independently of the pressure space (D2, D1) of the other unit (V, U) in each case. In this connection, the shaping unit (U) and the prestressing unit (V) are designed as constructional units which are interconnected but completely closed off in relation to one another.

Abstract: A fuel injection system (18) is calibrated as an assembled system. The fuel injection system (18) includes a unit pump (10) a cam follower (24), a joined fuel injection line (14) and injection nozzle (16). The fuel injection system (18) is mounted to a test stand an is subsequently calibrated to a specified fuel delivery and timing. The relative positions of the unit pump (10) and fuel injection nozzle (16) are fixed during calibration. The assembled fuel injection system is packaged and delivered so that the calibrated system can be installed in the relative positions fixed during calibration.

Abstract: A portable test compartment allows for on-site pressure testing of a workpiece at the site where the workpiece is utilized, instead of having to haul the workpiece to an off-site testing location. A test vehicle carries the elongated test compartment, and travels to the on-site location to test the workpiece. The vehicle has a lift assembly that pivotally connects the vehicle and the compartment. The lift assembly moves the compartment from a storage position alongside the vehicle to an operational position alongside the ground. The compartment has an interior portion that receives the workpiece. Inside the compartment, a safety blanket is fastened to the bottom of the compartment. The safety blanket envelops the workpiece by folding several portions of the blanket around the workpiece.

Abstract: A compression cell for rock or soil core samples applies and restores lithostatic or overburden pressure to core samples extracted from wells drilled deep into the earth. A method of applying lithostatic pressure to a core sample is disclosed along with the apparatus which effects the application. The cell construction that maintains the litho static pressure and the process of utilizing the cell and sample under essentially deep earth ambient conditions are set forth.

Abstract: A leak detector comprises a high vacuum envelope connected with a vacuum pump to bring the vacuum envelope to a pressure sensibly lower than ambient pressure. At least a portion of the envelope is separated from an external environment through a quartz membrane associated with an electrical resistor, which heats the membrane to a sufficient temperature in order to make it permeable to a corresponding test gas (in particular, helium). In operation, an electronic control unit detects variations in the current absorbed by the vacuum pump and consequently signals the test gas diffusion into the chamber and hence the existence of a leak. A sampling line with a sampling pump disposed therein is connected to a probe for the intake of gas directed to expose to the membrane. The gas is discharged to the outside through a discharge line. A system for switching between the gas intake and exhaust is provided, in order to quickly eliminates any test gas trace from said detector.

Abstract: A fermention process is monitored by detecting ultrasound backscattered from the cells as a function of time. A transducer 46 is placed in a fermentor 30 and transmits ultrasound towards a reflecting surface 50. The transducer receives that portion of the ultrasound which reflects from the reflecting surface 50, as well as that portion of the ultrasound which backscatters from cells 34 between the transducer 46 and the reflecting surface 50. Signals from the transducer are conditioned and subsequently processed to provide output to a controller regarding the status of the fermentation process in real time. The backscattering measurements can be used to determine a growth phase transition, such as the transition between the logarithmic growth phase of the cells and their stationary phase.

Abstract: A method and Apparatus for measuring water of hydration in a polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) employs a source of input radiation directed at an input location on the PEM, and a detector responsively positioned at an output location relative to the input location for determining a sensible change in the input radiation indicative of a level of water hydration in the PEM. The method measures hydration of the (PEM) by forming an input location in the PEM; launching a source of radiation into the input location for reaction with the PEM material; detecting the reaction of the input radiation with the PEM material; and determining a sensible change in the input radiation as a result of the reaction indicative of a level of water hydration in the PEM.

Abstract: A novel method and means for indicating whether the source of water accumulation on a concrete floor of a basement or other subterranean room is moisture condensation, even some time after the moisture content or humidity of the atmosphere within the room has been reduced. The novel means comprises a temperature-conductive, rust-resistant metallic plate for condensing and collecting water from a humid basement atmosphere when the temperature of the plate is lower than the dewpoint of the humid atmosphere. The metallic plate has a thickness of at lest about 0.2 inch and has a flat bottom surface for temperature conductive contact with a flat concrete basement floor. The plate also has an upper surface having with a centralized recessed area for the accumulation of water condensed from the humid atmosphere in the basement when the temperature of the metallic plate, as conducted from the basement floor, is lower than the dewpoint of the humid atmosphere surrounding the metallic plate.