Abstract: A thermal bend actuator (6) is provided with a group of upper arms (23, 25, 26) and a group of lower arms (27, 28) which are non planar, so increasing the stiffness of the arms.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator (6) is provided with a group of upper elongate actuator arms (23, 25, 26) and a group of lower elongate actuator arms (27, 28) which are non planar, so increasing the stiffness of the arms. The arms (23, 25, 26,27,28) may be spaced transversely of each other and do not overly each other in plan view, so enabling all arms to be formed by depositing a single layer of arm forming material.

Abstract: Aircraft that use a shape memory alloy to extend or retract landing gear are provided. The present invention includes aircraft that contain a first retractable landing gear and a first shape memory alloy. The first retractable landing gear in the aircraft may be moveable from a first position to a second position while the first shape memory alloy may be changeable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first shape memory alloy being in physical communication with the first retractable landing gear. Aircraft in accord with the present invention may also include a lock positioned to secure the first retractable landing gear in a retracted position and/or a second retractable landing gear coupled to the aircraft. This second retractable landing gear may also be moveable from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool has a motor, a valve, a hydraulic intensifier and a supply connector. The hydraulic intensifier is arranged between the valve and the motor. The valve and the motor are arranged behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the tool. The hydraulic intensifier has at least one intensifier piston having a movement direction that is positioned at a first angle greater than 0° relative to the longitudinal direction of the tool.

Abstract: A wastegate valve for a turbocharger that is separate from the turbocharger has an actuator mounted to a valve housing. The valve housing has a passage therethrough and a swing valve that opens and closes the passage. The swing valve has a pivot point that lies outside the path of the exhaust gases. The passage has a recess therein that receives a portion of the swing valve in its open position to improve the flow of exhaust gases through the passage. In an internal combustion engine system, the wastegate valve forms part of a bypass conduit that redirects a portion of the exhaust gases from an engine away from and past the turbocharger.

Abstract: An engine control device for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation operation includes a variable-capacity turbo supercharger, an EGR valve, a supercharging pressure controller, an EGR controller, and an EGR correction amount calculator. The variable-capacity turbo supercharger varies a flow through an exhaust turbine to change a supercharging pressure. The EGR valve adjusts an exhaust reflow amount of gas flowing from an exhaust passage to an air intake passage. The supercharging pressure controller drives the supercharger to control the supercharging pressure. The EGR controller drives the EGR valve to control the exhaust gas recirculation operation. The EGR correction amount calculator calculates an EGR correction amount according to a change in the exhaust gas recirculation operation. The EGR controller performs a feedback control operation on the EGR valve in accordance with a deviation between an EGR control amount corrected by the EGR correction amount and a target EGR control amount.

Abstract: This invention, a waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000), extracts heat from the environment, and concentrates this heat to produce a cfc super-ambient temperature heat source (1330) having a thermal potential sufficient to supply a useable heat flow to an incorporated heat engine (e.g., Rankine cycle, Stirling cycle, Seebeck cycle, etc.) flow circuit (1400). Further, waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000) produces an sfc sub-ambient temperature heat sink (1250), thus increasing the applied thermal potential, thereby permitting the thermal efficiency of ihefc pressure expansion device (1460) to be increased as well. Lastly, waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000) captures for reuse, much of the waste heat that its own operation liberates, thus lowering its net energy utilization per unit of mechanical power produced.

Abstract: There is described a method for operation of a traditional engine or turbine, where instead of a combustion reactor there are utilized cyclic thermochemical processes that drive the engine or turbine without the formation of waste gases that are harmful to the environment.

Abstract: A turbine engine combustor member, for example a deflector including an inner surface at a combustor interior and an outer surface away from such interior includes a body of a high temperature alloy having properties combining resistance to hot corrosion and oxidation to avoid coating the outer surface. In one embodiment, the inner surface includes an environmental resistant coating comprising a ceramic-base thermal barrier coating. In some forms such coating includes an inner coating including Al under the ceramic-base coating. In another embodiment, the member includes air cooling passages and is substantially uncoated. Provision of such a member enables complete combustor assembly including a plurality of members and then coating all inner surfaces concurrently rather than individually before assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rocket engine nozzle comprising a system for controlling jet separation of the flow in the nozzle, wherein said control system exhibits a plurality of separation triggering elements (5, 10) arranged in such a way as to generate, from mutually spaced initiation points (9), distinct zones (6) of jet separation, so as to form a three-dimensional separation of the flow. The flow control system can exhibit at least two triggering elements (5, 10).

Abstract: A thermally controlled storage space system (10), such as for the dashboard (40) of a vehicle (12). The system (10) has a housing (22), which is configured to couple a portion of the vehicles air control system (48), such as a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. A heat exchanger (26) is coupled to the housing (22) and to a thermoelectric device (28). A temperature sensor (62) generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature within the housing (22). A controller (18), which is coupled to the thermoelectric device (28), adjusts the temperature within the housing (22) in response to the temperature signal.

Abstract: A hot and cold vending machine. The vending machine may include a product compartment, a refrigeration system, and a ventilation system in communication with the refrigeration system and the product compartment. The ventilation system may include a valve positioned in communication with the product compartment. A heater may be positioned about the product compartment. The valve and the heater may be selectively activated such that product compartment may be hot or cold.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for identifying irrational results from an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor in a vehicle are described. The vehicle suitably includes a processor in communication with the ECT sensor and an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The method includes the steps of receiving an ECT reading from the ECT sensor and a IAT reading at the processor, evaluating a temperature difference between the ECT reading and the IAT reading to determine if irrationality is present, and providing a fault indication in response to the evaluating step. The evaluating step includes monitoring the IAT reading during operation of the vehicle to identify the presence of an engine block heater if the temperature difference exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A kimchi refrigerator having sensing devices to sense whether doors of the kimchi refrigerator are opened. The kimchi refrigerator includes a main body forming an external appearance, and including storage chambers opened at one surface for storing food; doors to open and close the opened surfaces of the storage chambers; and sensing devices to sense whether the doors are opened. Since the sensing devices detect whether the doors are opened and the opening time of the doors, and lamps to illuminate the inner portions of the storage chambers and alarm devices to inform a user of the opening of the doors for a designated time or more are turned on and off based on the results detected by the sensing devices, the kimchi refrigerator compensates for the leaked cold air due to the opening of the doors.

Abstract: A control device for a fan motor (7) which cools a condenser (6) of a vehicle air conditioner includes a temperature sensor (12) which detects a temperature of an air that has passed through an evaporator (10) of the vehicle air conditioner; and a controller (2). The controller (2) functioning to calculate a reference value (Ds) of an airflow generated by a rotation of the fan motor (7); calculate a correction value (DUP, DUPT) of the airflow on the basis of the detected air temperature (Tair); set a target airflow (TDR) on the basis of the reference value (Ds) and correction value (DUP, DUPT) of the airflow; and control the rotation of the fan motor to effect the target airflow (TDR).

Abstract: A microprocessor temperature control system including a microprocessor with on-chip fan control logic, a fan, and temperature sense logic. The fan control logic receives temperature information and provides a fan control signal to cool the microprocessor. The fan is externally mounted to the microprocessor and has a control input that receives the fan control signal. The temperature sense logic provides the temperature information associated with the microprocessor. The fan control logic may be configured to turn the fan on and off or to control rotational speed of the fan. The temperature sense logic may include at least one temperature sensitive device placed on the die of the microprocessor. In addition or in the alternative, the temperature sense logic is external to the microprocessor for providing the temperature information via an external interface.

Abstract: The inventive method consists in: selecting a pre-determined curve (C?OPT), which can be represented in the form of a first parameter (NU) that is representative of the speed of rotation of a compressor, according to a second parameter (X) that is representative of the mass flow of said compressor; regulating the speed of rotation of the downstream compressor according to the relative values of the instantaneous suction pressure of the upstream compressor and of a variable set pressure; and regulating the variable set pressure according to the instantaneous value (NU4(inst)), for the downstream compressor, of the parameter that is representative of the speed of rotation and the theoretical value (NU4(th)) of said first parameter, which is located on the pre-determined curve (COPT), which corresponds to the instantaneous value (X4(inst)) of the second parameter representative of the mass flow.

Abstract: A refrigerated appliance that dispenses items for use with a power source and includes a cooling system. Power control circuitry is electrically coupled between the power source and components (for example, a compressor and one or more circulating fans of the cooling system) of the appliance. A controller, which is operably coupled to the power control circuitry, is adapted to manage the supply of electrical power to such components by intelligently transitioning between a normal-operation mode and at least one power-conserving mode. To achieve efficient power conservation, an audio signal detector is provided that generates at least one dispensing event signal that represents the occurrence of one or more sound-based dispensing events. The controller automatically transitions between the power-conserving mode(s) and the normal-operation mode based upon at least one dispensing event data signal supplied to the controller by the audio signal detector, and possibly other data signals supplied to the controller.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cabin, a driver's seat provided in the cabin, a step disposed downwardly of the cabin for providing access for a driver to the driver's seat and an air conditioner for conditioning air inside the cabin, the air conditioner having an air conditioner body, an air inlet/outlet box, and a blower pipe for sending conditioned air from the air conditioner body to the air inlet/outlet box. The cabin includes an entrance door mounted to one lateral side thereof and includes the air inlet/outlet box mounted to the other lateral side thereof. The air conditioner body is disposed downwardly of the driver's seat and the blower pipe is disposed downwardly of the step.

Abstract: A cooling system cools the air for a cab of a vehicle. The system includes a compressor and/or an evaporator, a condenser, an air guidance system and connecting lines. The condenser can be connected with the compressor or the evaporator by means of the connecting lines. Air for the cooling of the condenser can be conducted to the condenser by means of the air guidance system. The condenser installed in a limited or reduced construction volume and is located close to the cab without increasing the dimensions of the engine hood.

Abstract: A vest including inflatable tubes or chambers which receive cool air from a blower box. The vest includes an outer surface and inner surface, the two surfaces joined to define a multiplicity of tubes. The tubes carry jets which may vent cool air, received from a remote cool air blower box. The jets will ventilate the skin of the wearer both where it is exposed and where the skin is covered by the garment itself.

Abstract: A refrigerator including: a cabinet defining storage compartments therein, the storage compartments being divided by an intermediate partition; a plurality of doors which close the storage compartments; a machine compartment having part of a refrigerating device for cooling the storage compartments mounted therein; a cover disposed at a front part of the intermediate partition; and an air guide which guides air from the machine compartment along the front of the cover so as to prevent a formation of condensation on the cover.

Abstract: An absorption pipe structure of a compressor, capable of reducing vibration of the absorption pipe and making the machinery room small-sized, by making short the length of the absorption pipe connected with the compressor and forming the curved part formed in a proper diameter, is provided.

Abstract: An object is to provide a heating/cooling system capable of achieving reduction of power consumption, and enhancement of performance in a heating/cooling system usable in such a manner as to be switched to be hot/cold. The heating/cooling system having a storage chamber usable in such a manner as to be switched to be hot/cold, comprises: a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a gas cooler, a pressure reducing device, an evaporator and the like, containing carbon dioxide sealed as a refrigerant therein, and having a supercritical pressure on a high-pressure side; a radiator through which the refrigerant flowing out of the gas cooler flows before entering the pressure reducing device; and an air blower which sends air through the gas cooler, the inside of the storage chamber is heated by the radiator, the inside of the storage chamber is cooled by the evaporator, and the air blower is stopped in a case where the inside of the storage chamber is heated by the radiator.

Abstract: An insulated cryo-pack is provided for sustaining and protecting a material, having an inner container, a plurality of dry ice pellets and an outer container. The material is disposed and sealed within the inner container. The dry ice pellets are disposed in the outer container with a thickness of at least 2 inches thick on all sides of the inner container. Preferably, the dry ice pellets is filled in a barrier bag disposed in the outer container. The barrier bag assumes the interior contour of the outer container. The barrier bag includes an open top extending over the height of the outer container. When the inner container is disposed in the outer container, the open top of the barrier bag is folded over the inner container and secured by a tape with a width of about 2 inches.

Abstract: A cage in which is mounted a reducer of cold room that can be manually raised and blocked during the loading or unloading of the goods, and that automatically slopes down above the frozen foods when the door is closed for reducing the space preserving the frozen foods either by using the ice bags or dry ice during the delivery of the frozen foods.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a beverage dispenser, a display device and a plurality of beverage data files. The refrigerator dispenses beverages such as soda, juice and punch. The refrigerator receives and stores beverage data files, and the display device graphically represents data related to the different types of available beverages. Based on this information, the user can select a desirable beverage, and the refrigerator dispenses the selected beverage.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including an adiabatic space formed on an inner surface of a chilling chamber door and an ice machine disposed inside the adiabatic space, thereby enabling a more efficient usage of an inner space of the refrigerator. Also, the present invention provides a cooling air passage structure of a refrigerator for properly supplying cooling air for freezing to an inside of the refrigerator having an ice machine disposed on an inner surface of a chilling chamber door.

Abstract: A supercritical refrigeration cycle using CO2 for a refrigerant and having a pressure exceeding the critical point of the refrigerant on a high-pressure side, wherein: the supercritical refrigeration cycle allows the refrigerant and a part of a lubricating oil to circulate, and the lubricating oil used does not contain an epoxy-based oxygen scavenger or an additive which is thermally decomposed on the high-pressure side and its decomposed components make a chemical reaction to produce a compound having low solubility to the refrigerant so as to prevent a deposit from being produced at a portion where the refrigerant is decompressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coolant condenser comprising a network consisting of pipes and ribs, collecting tubes arranged on both sides of the network a parallelly arranged collector which is connected through the coolant to the collecting tube or condenser by means of overflow holes. A filter insert is located in the collector, which is connected to a closure plug, wherein said insert has a peripheral sealing arranged between the overflow holes.

Abstract: A floating loop vehicle component cooling and air-conditioning system having at least one compressor for compressing cool vapor refrigerant into hot vapor refrigerant; at least one condenser for condensing the hot vapor refrigerant into hot liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with outdoor air; at least one floating loop component cooling device for evaporating the hot liquid refrigerant into hot vapor refrigerant; at least one expansion device for expanding the hot liquid refrigerant into cool liquid refrigerant; at least one air conditioning evaporator for evaporating the cool liquid refrigerant into cool vapor refrigerant by exchanging heat with indoor air; and piping for interconnecting components of the cooling and air conditioning system.

Abstract: A fluid in the state of two phase containing gas and liquid, which flows into the separating space, is revolved along an inner wall of the separating space and a liquid flow outlet is opened toward a revolving flow of the fluid and arranged in a lower portion of the separating space. The liquid-phase fluid which is a part of the revolving flow of the fluid flows out through the liquid flow outlet.

Abstract: A first evaporator evaporates refrigerant, which is outputted from an ejector. A refrigerant outlet of the first evaporator is connected to a suction inlet of a compressor, which is connected to a radiator. A branched passage branches a flow of the refrigerant at a corresponding branching point located between the radiator and the ejector. The branched passage conducts the branched flow of the refrigerant to a suction inlet of the ejector. A flow rate control valve is arranged in the branched passage between a radiator and an ejector on a downstream side of the radiator to depressurize refrigerant outputted from the radiator. A second evaporator is arranged in the first branched passage.

Abstract: For a purpose of preventing a compressor from being damaged by liquid compression without disposing any accumulator on a low-pressure side, there is disclosed a transition critical refrigerant cycle apparatus having a supercritical pressure on a high-pressure side. The transition critical refrigerant cycle apparatus constituted by connecting a compressor, a gas cooler, a pressure reducing device, an evaporator and the like in an annular shape, using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, and capable of having the supercritical pressure on the high-pressure side comprises: an internal heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant which has flown out of the gas cooler and a refrigerant which has flown out of the evaporator.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure for assembling components in an expansion valve used in air conditioners. An expansion valve body 30 has a valve chamber 35 and a passage 32 through which refrigerant from a compressor enters. The refrigerant passing through a flow path between a valve means 32b and an orifice 32a is sent through a passage 321 toward an evaporator. The refrigerant returning from the evaporator passes through a passage 34 and flows toward the compressor. A power element 36 operates the valve means 32b in response to the thermal load of the evaporator and controls the flow rate of refrigerant. The lower end of a spring 32d disposed within the valve chamber 35 and biasing the valve means 32b toward the orifice 32a is supported by a sealing member 150 that is inserted to an opening 35a of the valve chamber and fixed to position via a crimping portion K1.

Abstract: An integrated process and air separation process including the steps of: Work expanding at least one first pressurized gas 39 derived from a first process at a first site 1, using work generated by the expansion of the at least one pressurized gas to drive a first air compressor 5 at the first site and removing compressed air from the first air compressor, sending at least part of the compressed air 19 from the first air compressor to an air separation unit 21, located at a second site 2 remote by at least 1 km from the first site, separating at least part of the compressed air sent from the first site to the second site in the air separation unit and removing at least one fluid 37 enriched in a component of air from the air separation unit and sending at least part of the fluid enriched in a component of air to the first site.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for connecting one or more lengths of decorative material together so that such length or lengths may be worn as an ornament by people or animals. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, all of the lengths of decorative material are removably connected to the appliance and can be worn separately as independent ornaments. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more decorative lengths are permanently attached to the appliance as a part thereof, while one or more other removable decorative lengths are removably connected to the appliance, so that the removable decorative lengths can be worn separately as independent ornaments. In yet other preferred embodiments of the invention, the appliance is constructed of at least two parts, which are removably connected together. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the appliance has at least two parts that are removably connected to one another by magnetic force.

Abstract: The object (3) to be personalized comprises incorporated therein a magnet (5) suitable to retain at least one ferromagnetic plate (9) which can be provided with personalization elements, such as marks or the like.

Abstract: An extension for joining opposite ends of jewelry, especially necklaces. The extension including a central region joining opposed spiral regions. Each of said spiral regions being descending spirals of approximately one and one half revolutions and decreasing in radius by about one half for each one half revolution. The spiral regions are reverse mirror images. The extensions can be utilized individually or as multiples to modify the length of the jewelry.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a glass optical element by press-forming a glass material in a chamber by using a forming mold comprising upper and lower dies at least one of which is movable, where a surrounded space is formed between the glass material and at least one of the upper and the lower dies when the upper and the lower dies come into contact with the glass material, a pressure within the chamber is reduced before the glass material placed in the forming mold is heated to a press-forming temperature. After sealing the space as formed when the glass material is in contact with at least one of forming surfaces of the upper and the lower dies, a gas is introduced into the chamber. The glass material is heated in the gas and then press-formed under a pressing load.

Abstract: A glass forming assembly for forming complex shaped glass, with the glass forming assembly having a hood assembly including a hood lift superstructure movable horizontally back and forth over a cold ring and a cooling shuttle and movable vertically relative to the cold ring and the cooling shuttle, and a hood frame supported by the hood lift superstructure by a hood tilt mechanism. The hood tilt mechanism includes an air cylinder assembly actuable to tilt the hood frame relative to the hood lift superstructure, which allows for proper orientation of the glass prior to dropping it on the cooling shuttle, thus allowing for reduced glass chipping and cracking.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing thin sheet glass, comprising a forming body 12 including a main body having a cross-sectional shape converging downwardly, the main body being configured to converging streams of molten glass into a single glass ribbon at a lower converged edge portion thereof, the streams of the molten glass flowing down along both surface of the main body; and edge members, the edge members being configured to restrict a width of the molten glass, wherein the glass ribbon formed by the forming body 12 is downwardly pulled to form thin sheet glass; the apparatus further includes a non-contact support member disposed in the vicinity of the lower converged edge portion of the main body, the non-contact support member being configured to form a thin gas layer on a supporting surface thereof, wherein the glass ribbon is supported over an entire width thereof in a non-contact way by the non-contact support member in a course wherein the glass ribbon is downwardly pulled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a holey fiber preform through a sol-gel molding method. The process comprises the steps of: (a) expanding a plurality of elongated tubes, wherein the tubes can be expanded/contracted by control of pressure in the tubes, (b) positioning the expanded tubes in the mold in a predetermined arrangement; (c) introducing a sol gel into the mold; (d) separating the gel from the mold, and contracting the tubes to form elongated air holes in the gel; and (e) removing the tubes. In the process, the tubes for forming air holes can be removed with no impact on the dried gel.

Abstract: This invention provides a knitted slide fastener, wherein at least a part of a base structure composing respective wales (W11 to W13) of a fastener element attaching portion (EF) of a fastener tape includes a ground chain knitting yarn composed of a single structure, and a partial needle loop of a fixing chain knitting yarn composes a double base structure while being interlaced only with the needle loop of the ground chain knitting yarn of the second wale (W12), the partial needle loop of a fixing chain knitting yarn to be formed on at least the second wale (W12) at a second row from the side nearest to a coupling head portion (EH) of the fastener element attaching portion (EF) among the three or more fixing chain knitting yarns of the fastener element attaching portion (EF), the knitted slide fastener being organized at a high speed with few kinds of stitches without an excess load on a needle, an element being solidly fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed to be used to supply the water feed of a standard washing machine with pre-warmed liquid in order to minimize the power consumption of the washing machine for the heating of the washing liquid. The desired temperature of the pre-warmed liquid is produced within the proposed apparatus by mixing liquids of different temperature at a suitable ratio. Instead of altering the design of conventional washing machines or proposing a new washing-machine this invention is about an external apparatus, which should be used with existing washing machines.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine, by which an enhanced assembly of a top plate can be provided, is disclosed. The top plate for a washing machine includes a board covering a top of the washing machine, a front frame provided to a front side edge of the board to enhance a structural strength of the board, a rear frame provided to a rear side edge of the board to enhance the structural strength of the board, at least one connecting member provided to adjoining portions of the front and rear frames to secure the adjoining portions together, and at least one fixing guide spaced apart from the at least one connecting member, the at least one fixing guide providing a slip-fit connection between the front and rear frames.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for a washing machine, where the control panel can be easily assembled to the washing machine. The control panel includes a recess provided to an outer case of the washing machine and a control panel mounted in the recess. The control panel includes a first fixing part caught on an upper part of the recess and a second fixing part sliding along a bottom surface of the recess while the first fixing part is caught on the upper part of the recess.

Abstract: A laundry appliance having a cabinet enclosing a laundry treating mechanism, the cabinet having an openable door in a vertical front face thereof, is provided with a shelf recessed in the cabinet and arranged to be extendable to a horizontal position in an embodiment a predetermined distance below the door sufficient to allow a laundry basket to be placed on the shelf when extended and to allow the door to be opened and closed with the basket on the extended shelf and in an embodiment to provide a step for a user.

Abstract: A button assembly for an electric home appliance and a control panel assembly using the same are provided. The button assembly includes a plurality of button sleeves for receiving a plurality of push buttons, respectively; and a unifying member for joining the button sleeves, the unifying member having at least one flexible portion. The unifying member has a plurality of button sleeve couplers, each button sleeve coupler ganging together a predetermined group of the plurality of button sleeves, and the at least flexible portion has at least one group joining member for flexibly joining the plurality of button sleeve couplers. The plurality of button sleeves may be made up of at least two button sleeve groups, each button sleeve group having at least one button sleeve, adjacent button sleeve groups of the at least two button sleeve groups being separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A window assembly for an electric home appliance and a control panel assembly using the same are provided. The window assembly includes a plurality of windows for covering a plurality of display elements, respectively; and a unifying member for joining the windows, the unifying member having at least one flexible portion. The unifying member has a plurality of window couplers, each window coupler ganging together a predetermined group of the plurality of windows, and the at least one flexible portion is formed by at least one group joining member for flexibly joining the plurality of window couplers. The plurality of windows is made up of at least two window groups, each window group having at least one window, adjacent window groups of the at least two window groups being separated by a predetermined distance.