Abstract: A gas-air premixing burner for gas turbines includes an air swirler and an annular burner tube surrounding a bluff centerbody. The bluff body serves to stabilize the flame by defining a recirculating vortex. Cooling air is directed to impinge against the bluff face of the centerbody and the spent impingement cooling air flows in a reverse direction towards the air swirler within the centerbody and is discharged through holes at the outer diameter of the centerbody, where it mixes with the fuel/air mixture prior to reaching the flame zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a combustor liner and transitions piece of a gas turbine include a combustor liner with a plurality of turbulators arranged in an array axially along a length defining a length of the combustor liner and located on an outer surface thereof; a first flow sleeve surrounding the combustor liner with a first flow annulus therebetween, the first flow sleeve having a plurality of rows of cooling holes formed about a circumference of the first flow sleeve for directing cooling air from the compressor discharge into the first flow annulus; a transition piece connected to the combustor liner and adapted to carry hot combustion gases to a stage of the turbine; a second flow sleeve surrounding the transition piece a second plurality of rows of cooling apertures for directing cooling air into a second flow annulus between the second flow sleeve and the transition piece; wherein the first plurality of cooling holes and second plurality of cooling apertures are each configured with an eff

Abstract: A combustor includes a center nozzle surrounded by a plurality of outer nozzles, the center nozzle and each of the outer nozzles having a fuel passage and an air passage, with a swirler surrounding the fuel passage and having a plurality of vanes projecting radially within the air passage, each vane having a trailing edge arranged at a swirl angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle, wherein the swirl angle for the swirler in the center nozzle is different than the swirl angle for the swirlers in the plurality of outer nozzles.

Abstract: A low-emission method for producing power using a gas turbine includes premixing a plurality of fuel and air mixtures, injecting the fuel and air mixtures into a combustion chamber using a plurality of fuel nozzles, and adjusting a ratio of fuel and air injected by at least one of the nozzles to control a fuel/air concentration distribution within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A hybrid structure that combines characteristics of the DACRS and Swozzle burners to provide the high mixing ability of an axial flowing counter rotating vane swirler with good dynamic flame stability characteristics of a bluff center body.

Abstract: A system located with the housing of a gas turbine engine for increasing the pressure of working fluid from the compressor that will be utilized to cool a component. In one form the system includes a pump rotatable with a turbine component to increase the pressure of the working fluid.

Abstract: A vapor compression apparatus and a method for operating a vapor compression system are provided. A working fluid is conveyed through a vapor compression system having a fluid line. A charging element is connected to the fluid line to direct an electric charge into working fluid. The electric charge is operable to disrupt intermolecular forces and weaken intermolecular attraction to enhance expansion of the working fluid to the vapor phase, increasing the capacity, performance and efficiency of the system components, and reducing system cycling mechanical wear and energy consumption.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly.

Abstract: An expandable cooler is provided. The cooler includes an insulating portion defining a storage cavity and an expandable portion defining a second storage cavity. The expandable portion is adapted to move between an open and a closed position. The expandable portion may be fixedly attached to the insulated portion. In a further embodiment, a telescoping handle is attached to the cooler. A hook is provided on the telescoping handle and is adapted to be received in a corresponding slot in the expandable portion. The expandable portion may be moved between the open and closed position via the handle.

Abstract: A casing unit (8) with built-in ionizer (7) and blower (21) is integrated with a control panel (6) so as to emit plus ions and minus ions into an outside-refrigerator living space around the front side of the refrigerator, and an ionized air discharge port (11) is disposed in the front side thereof, whereby suspended bacteria in the outside-refrigerator living space are sterilized to provide a hygienic living space. Concurrently, suspended bacteria intruding into the inside of the refrigerator from the outside when the door is opened can be excluded to realize a hygienic inside-refrigerator environment.

Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.

Abstract: A method of detecting and diagnosing operating conditions for a heat pump water heating system includes the steps of monitoring system operating conditions and comparing actual operating conditions to predicted operating conditions. The predicted operating conditions are based on expected pressures and temperatures given current system inputs. A difference between the actual and expected values for refrigerant pressures and temperature outside a desired range provides indication of a fault in the system. The system controller initiates a prompt to alert of the need for maintenance and direct to potential causes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling freezing in a liquid system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger having a initial zone characterized by a surface area to volume ratio. The apparatus also includes means for initiating freezing of a fluid from the initial zone to facilitate volume expansion during freezing in the direction of a final zone characterized by a final zone surface area to volume ratio. The apparatus can further include a plurality of zones located between the initial zone and the final zone, wherein a zone surface area to volume ratio is calculated for each zone. Preferably, the zone surface area to volume ratio of each zone progressively decreases from the initial zone in the direction of the final zone. Preferably, the final freezing zone has the lowest surface area to volume ratio and has sufficient elasticity to accommodate the volume expansion of all the fluid that has frozen from the initial zone.

Abstract: An anti-condensation control apparatus for a refrigeration device generally includes a sensor module and a control module. The control module receives an input from the sensor module and compares the input to a set point. The control module generates an output indicative of a difference between the input and the set point and updates the output based on the input from the sensor module. A heater modulator controls a heater based on the output from the control module to maintain a temperature of the outer surface of a refrigerated device such that relative humidity adjacent the sensor module is substantially between 90-95 percent relative humidity, or slightly above dew point.

Abstract: The system and method for increasing efficiency of heat pumps employs temperature sensors to measure the indoor refrigerant coil (indoor heat exchanger) and supply duct air temperature in a heat pump system to vary the indoor air flow rate based on the amount of heat being supplied by the heat pump. By monitoring the indoor refrigerant coil temperature, and the supply duct air temperature near the unit, the airflow can be adjusted to match the BTU (heat) output of the heat pump system. Less air flow over a cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature allows increased, more efficient, heat transfer, allowing the cooler indoor refrigerant coil temperature to more effectively warm the air. Additionally, with airflow reduced when the indoor refrigerant coil is operating at lower than optimal temperatures or during a defrost cycle, the reduced airflow into living spaces presents a less drafty and more comfortable condition.

Abstract: A building component system includes a building component that is controllable between a first state and a second state in response to a sensed condition. The system may include a sensor on a first side of the building component and a sensor on the second side of the building component. The building component may be a window that is controllable between an opaque state and a clear state by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that senses the conditions on both sides of the window.

Abstract: A refrigeration device has a body having an interior, a first cooling device adapted to cool the interior of the body, a second cooling device adapted to cool the interior of the body using a cooling source, and a temperature controller adapted to participate in activating the first cooling device on the basis of availability of the cooling source and adapted to participate in activating the second cooling device on the basis of the availability of the cooling source. The second the cooling source may be exterior air from outdoors. In some embodiments, the second cooling device is used in lieu of the first cooling device when the exterior air is cold enough to cool the interior of the refrigeration device. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device has only one cooling device adapted to cool the interior using exterior air.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a compressor comprises a compressor having a compression mechanism part for sucking a fluid to compress the same, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism part, and an inverter device for driving the electric motor at variable speeds. The electric motor comprises a self-starting type electric motor having a rotor, which comprises a cage conductor and a polarized permanent magnet, and the inverter device comprises a plurality of semiconductor switches for controlling drive frequencies of the electric motor.

Abstract: An air conditioning device for a vehicle having a regenerative section improves efficiency of regeneration. The air conditioning device comprises a compressor (6) connected to an output shaft (1a) of an engine (1) via an electromagnetic clutch (5), a motor-generator (2) for electrically recovering kinetic energy of the vehicle (100) during deceleration, a battery (9) for storing energy regenerated by the motor-generator (2), and a motor-driven compressor (13). When the vehicle (100) is in a deceleration state, the compressor (6) is disconnected from the engine (1) by disengaging the electromagnetic clutch (5), and air conditioning is performed by the motor-driven compressor (13).

Abstract: A sorption cooling system for providing cooled air to the cabin of a vehicle. The sorption cooling system includes an evaporator, a condenser adapted to fluidly communication with the evaporator, and a plurality of adsorbent beds adapted for fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator. Each adsorbent bed includes a fluid impermeable casing, desiccant sheets having apertures therethrough, a refrigerant flow path for flowing a refrigerant proximal to a first side of the desiccant sheets, and a coolant flow path for flowing a coolant fluid proximal to a second side of the desiccant sheets. The apertures are a portion of one of the refrigerant and coolant flow paths.

Abstract: A humidity adjusting apparatus includes a fan for forcedly generating airflow, a heater for heating introduced air to a predetermined temperature, a driving unit for generating driving force; and a desiccant unit having a rotational shaft driven by the driving unit and a plurality of desiccant plates supported on the rotational shaft in a radial direction. An orientation of each desiccant plate and airflow direction are periodically varied.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplementing the air quality in a dwelling with an evaporative cooling system configured to couple to an existing central air conditioning system in the dwelling. The evaporative cooling system includes an evaporative cooling unit supported at ground level adjacent to the dwelling with a portion of the evaporative cooler extending through an exterior wall of the dwelling; between the studs of the exterior wall.

Abstract: A cooling or heating device in an absorption heat pump of GAX type, including a generator, a GAX heat exchanger, an absorber, a condenser, an evaporator, a pump connected to the absorber and generator, and a first circuit for refrigerant solution circulating through the device and connecting together at least the generator, GAX heat exchanger, absorber, condenser, evaporator, and pump. A valve device modifies the first circuit to vary the manner in which the absorber, condenser, and evaporator are connected together. At least first and second heat exchanger units enable at least one phase of the circulating solution to be changed and to enable thermal energy to be exchanged against an external fluid, the first and second heat exchanger units each including at least two mutually separate sub-heat exchangers configured to function either as an evaporator or as an absorber and condenser, depending on an operating mode of the device.

Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a system directly related to air blowing fans, but JR Ice Cool Fan is designed to create water vapor in the blowout air. The complete assembly includes a rear small funnel (Zone 1), center connecting tube (Zone 2), where the water release port is situated, float assembly, large front funnel (Zone 3) and two fans. The rear fan will draw the air from the rear and force it towards Zone 2 at the same time the air will get contracted once the air passes the water release port, it will get mixed with water. Again the blowout fan in the front (Zone 3) creates a suction at Zone 2 that again creates a high velocity in Zone 2 which will draw out the water efficiently at the water release port. Once the water mixed air get into the Zone 3, it will experience expansion that will again allow the water to better mix with the air homogeneously before it is blown out. Water to air mix is adjustable; when water release screw is screwed out, the water to air will be less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing contaminants from a GM type cryogenic refrigerator that incorporates an oil lubricated compressor where such contaminants are introduced during servicing the refrigerator where at least some of the oil is replaced with clean oil.

Abstract: The use of sealants based on organosilanes for refrigeration and air conditioning systems is made possible by control of the rate of introduction and viscosity of the sealant mixture within certain ranges. An appropriate choice of organosilane sealant is made to allow effective sealing of small pinhole size leaks in the air conditioning or refrigeration system. The organosilane is then combined with a miscible lubricant at particular ratios to provide the proper mixture viscosity for injection into the refrigerant system to prevent bearing seizure. Specific orifice sizes are selected for an apparatus to ensure that the composition is injected at the flow rates required to prevent liquid slugging and subsequent compressor shutdown or failure. In addition, effective introduction of the mixture requires certain procedures be performed. Injection procedures are also described that prevent temporary or catastrophic equipment shutdown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manifold for a cooling agent of an air conditioning plant which comprises a separation form-closed element fixed inside a manifold housing, a heat exchanger provided with said manifold, the closed cooling agent circuit of the air conditioning plant with the manifold and a method for producing said manifold.

Abstract: A first evaporator is arranged on a downstream side of an ejector, and a second evaporator is connected to a refrigerant suction inlet of the ejector. A refrigerant evaporation temperature of the second evaporator is lower than that of the first evaporator. The first and second evaporators are used to cool a common subject cooling space and are arranged one after the other in a flow direction of air to be cooled.

Abstract: A condenser for an air conditioning system includes a core assembly having a header tank and a receiver/dehydrator member operably connected to the core assembly for condensing a refrigerant flowing internally. The receiver/dehydrator or receiver member includes two openings to receive male couplers extending from a tubular member connected to the core assembly. The condenser includes a coupler that extends into the receiver/dehydrator member between each opening and the male couplers to form a seal therebetween. The coupler and the male coupler are connected one with the other by brazing. In an alternative embodiment, the male coupler includes a snap-in element to engage the male coupler with the coupler.

Abstract: Methods for treating, and/or cooling of a target item to reduce or eliminate biological microorganisms in or on a target item. The treating agent of the invention is particularly useful for treating food products, food storage, and food transportation devices as well as treating water, or other target objects. A treating agent containing a sanitizing agent entrapped by or absorbed in or on a cooling agent is used when processing, transporting, displaying, or storing of target items. The treating agent can be used to chill and preserve target items while providing the added benefit of sanitizing the target item. The novel processes of the current invention provide for using a treating agent to process, store, or package target items using a treating agent containing a cooling agent, such as solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”), and a sanitizing agent, such as ozone.

Abstract: A container for storing hydrogen comprises an outer shell having an inlet for inputting hydrogen gas and an outlet for outputting hydrogen gas. A thermally conductive liner lines an interior of the outer shell. An inner hydride core is in communication with the inlet and the outlet for storing the hydrogen gas. Coolant lines are in thermal communication with the storage container. A thermal management controller determines whether the container is in a dispensing mode or a refueling mode. If the container is in the dispensing mode, the coolant lines may be routed to a first heat exchanger that is in thermal communication with a propulsion unit of a vehicle. However, if the container is in the refueling mode, the coolant lines may be routed to a second heat exchanger associated with a temperature that is less than or equal to the ambient temperature outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: Improved methodology for starting up a LNG facility employing a refluxed heavies removal column. The improved methodology involves varying the temperature of the feed to the heavies removal column between start-up and normal operation. This allows a larger amount of the stream produced from the top of the heavies removal column during start-up to be used to more rapidly start up the LNG facility.

Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Abstract: The jewellery structure with high flexibility of use comprises a member slidably associated with two cords having, at one end, stop elements for the member and, at the opposite end, connection elements for the removable joining together of the cords to form a closed ring the size of which can be changed through the translation of the member along the cords.

Abstract: Hands-free jewelry is provided. To adorn the jewelry pressure is applied to the center of the opened jewelry, causing the jewelry to close around a wrist or finger. The clasp comprises a tab and slot arrangement such that when the tab is inserted into the slot, it locks into place, securely holding the jewelry in a closed configuration. To open the jewelry, a button is provided that, when pushed against a surface, disengages the clasp and opens the jewelry for removal.

Abstract: A piercing device for use with a jewelry bar is provided. The piercing device is removably connectable to the jewelry bar so that the jewelry bar is immediately inserted into the pierced hole created by the piercing device.

Abstract: A novel structure for increased comfort and utility of jewelry items, particularly rings, is described and claimed herein. The structure, comprising a plurality of elevated surfaces within the interior of the jewelry item, allows increased blood circulation, increased air flow, and ease of cleansing, as well as increased comfort. A variety of embodiments are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process or respectively a device for the production of various masses of glass gobs during the manufacture of glass objects, using a glass forming machine (55), where molten liquid glass is flowing out of at least one gob outlet (5?) of a feeder head (3?) of a feeder (4?), and a cyclically operated pair of shears (46) separates the gobs (57). The mass of successive gobs (57) is modified by varying the time interval from shear cut to shear cut. In order to produce a product range of a number of glass objects of different weights, a predetermined time section of the feeder head operation, within which the relevant number of gobs (57) are to be produced, is divided into various time intervals from shear cut to shear cut, depending on the ratio of the desired gob masses. In accordance with the invention, a production of the product range can be achieved in a relatively simple way.

Abstract: A pull roll assembly is described herein that is used to draw a glass sheet. The pull roll assembly includes a first roll assembly, a second roll assembly and a device (e.g., differential drive, sensor(s)). The device enables one to control the first and/or second roll assemblies based in part on pulling forces (e.g., glass contact normal force and/or required sheet pulling force) associated with a glass sheet while the glass sheet is being drawn between the first and second roll assemblies. A glass manufacturing system and method for using the pull roll assembly are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the preparation of poly-crystaline materials such as glass-ceramics.

Abstract: A method (300) is described herein for producing a glass substrate (105) by melting (302) batch materials to form molten glass (126) and delivering (304) the molten glass (126) to a forming apparatus (135) that has a body (210) with an inlet (136) that receives the molten glass (126) which flows into a trough (137) formed in the body (210) and then overflows two top surfaces (212? and 212?) of the trough (137) and runs down two sides (138? and 138?) of the body (210) before fusing together where the two sides (138? and 138?) come together to form a glass sheet (216). The delivering step (304) also includes a step where the mass flow rate of molten glass (126) that flows over a predetermined length at both end sections of the trough (137) is managed to avoid temporal variations in the glass mass, distribution of the glass mass and thermal energy from the glass mass. In particular, the managing step includes ensuring that more than 17.6 lbs/hour and preferably more than 20.

Abstract: A forming apparatus (635) is described herein that is used in a glass manufacturing system (100) to form a glass sheet (605). The forming apparatus (635) includes a body (722) having an inlet (702) that receives molten glass (626) which flows into a trough (706) formed in the body (722) and then overflows two top surfaces (726a and 726b) of the trough (706) and runs down two sides (708a and 708b) of the body (722) before fusing together where the two sides (708a and 708b) come together to form a glass sheet (605). The trough (706) has a bottom surface (716) and an embedded object (718) formed thereon that are both sized to cause a desired mass distribution of the molten glass (626) to overflow the top surfaces (726a and 726b) of the trough (706) to enable the production of the glass sheet (605).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing glass sheets are provided. The apparatus includes an inlet for delivering glass to a trough formed in a refractory body. The lowest point in the trough is located on the end opposite inlet end.

Abstract: A method for molding an optical element by pressing a glass material in a mold, the method having the steps of: heating to soften the glass material outside a cavity of the mold; heating the mold; and pressing the glass material with the mold after putting the glass material into the cavity of the mold, wherein when the glass material is put into the mold a temperature of the glass material is in a range of (Tg×1.60) to (Tg×1.85)° C., and a temperature at an optical transfer surface of the mold is in a range of (Tg+50) to (Tg?70)° C., where Tg is the glass-transition temperature of the material.

Abstract: A method for manufactuing a curved glass plate includes the steps of mounting a single glass plate blank heated to a deformable temperature in a heating furnace on a lower mold configured for supporting a lower face peripheral edge of the glass plate blank outside the heating furnace, pressing a curvature forming upper mold which bulges downwardly against an upper face of the glass plate to form a curvature in the glass plate and coolign the curved glass plate as being mounted on the lower mold by natural cooling or near-natural cooling, thereby to obtain the curved glass plate as a final product. During the step of cooling the glass plate on the lower mold, the lower mold is heated whereas an inner portion of the lower face of the glass plate adjacent the portion of the glass plate placed in contact with the lower mold is forcibly cooled.

Abstract: The invention provides coatings to achieve the best accommodation of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties desired in high performance and reliable glass molding and forming tools. The substrate material can be any ordinary die or tool material such as cast iron, stainless steel, platinum, tungsten carbide and silicon. A simple coating architecture consisting of a titanium adhesion layer and a Ni—Al—N or Ti—B—C—N working layer is provided. A NiAl working layer can meet the requirements of wear resistance in which abrasive and/or erosive wear is relatively low, while a Ti—B—C—N working layer is sufficient for processes operating at relatively low temperature or in vacuum or a protective environment. The coating architectures, from the coating/substrate interface to the outer most surface of the coating include an inner adhesion layer, an outer working layer and, optionally, one or more finctionally graded material layers. The invention also provides methods of making these coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal conduit for molten glass and a vacuum degassing apparatus, which are capable of coping with extension and contraction, and vibration. By disposing at least one concave portion 20 so to have a height of 4 mm or above in a radial direction and continuously extend in a peripheral direction, it is possible to absorb thermal expansion and contraction without changing the entire length of the metal conduit 10 and to suppress from the metal conduit 10 from vibrated even when molten glass 121 is conveyed by the metal conduit. By employing the metal conduit 10 stated earlier in an upstream conveying pipe 130A, an uprising pipe 122U, a vacuum degassing vessel 120, a downfalling pipe 122L, a downstream conveying pipe 130B or the like in a vacuum degassing apparatus 30, it is possible to cope with thermal expansion and contraction, and vibration caused when conveying molten glass 121.