Abstract: The present invention relates to portable powered devices or tools for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, in which the power source may be carried on the back of the individual user, power is transferred via a flexible drive shaft, and the powered devices or tools may be quickly connected to or disconnected from the power source via a quick-connect power take-off and power take-on to allow the user to quickly, safely and ergonomically accomplish a variety of tasks, each requiring a different device or tool. Among residential, commercial, or industrial applications, the invention relates to power sources which are light-weight internal combustion engines or AC or DC powered electric motors and to portable powered tools for landscaping, maintenance and repair; such as, without limitation, string-trimmers, edge-trimmers, hedge cutters, brush saws, blowers, drills, buffers, grinders, sanders, drainer cleaners, or sump pumps.

Abstract: A plasma thruster having a magnetic circuit of a downstream bottom plate from which arms protrude. At least one of the arms includes a permanent magnet. The mass, overall dimensions, electricity consumption, and cost of the thruster are thereby reduced.

Abstract: A structural turbine exhaust case of a gas turbine engine, comprises inner and outer case portions; a bearing housing connected to the inner case portion for supporting a main spool of the gas turbine engine; and a plurality of airfoils extending between the inner and outer case portions, airfoils structurally connecting the inner case portion to the outer case portion.

Abstract: A cowl for a turbomachine nozzle, the cowl having a plurality of repeated patterns disposed circumferentially at a trailing edge, each pattern being asymmetrical about a midplane of the pattern containing a longitudinal axis of the cowl, and each pattern having a first portion inclined radially towards the inside of the cowl and a second portion inclined radially towards the outside of the cowl.

Abstract: An exhaust purification catalyst (11) for purifying NOx under a lean air-fuel ratio is arranged in exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. As a catalyst carrier (50) of this exhaust purification catalyst (11), alumina, which has base points on the carrier surface, is used. The surface of the alumina is made to carry platinum (51) dispersed on it without forming a layer of a NOx absorbent able to absorb NOx. The air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst (11) is temporarily switched from lean to rich before the entire surface of the platinum (51) suffers from oxygen poisoning.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal-combustion engine (1) which has at least one cylinder (10,20,30,40,50,60) with a combustion chamber (17,27,37,47,57,67) assigned to it, in the cylinder (10,20,30,40,50,60), a piston (11,21,31,41,51,61) carries out an oscillating movement between a lower dead center and an upper dead center. In the combustion chamber (17,27,37,47,57,67) a fuel-air mixture is ignited. Exhaust gas forming during the combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber (17,27,37,47,57,67) is fed to an exhaust pipe (5), and the exhaust gas is purified in an exhaust treatment device (6) arranged in the exhaust pipe (5). For the regeneration of the exhaust treatment device (6), the temperature in the exhaust pipe (5) is increased in that an outlet valve (16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66) opening up the combustion chamber (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67) in the direction of the exhaust pipe (5) is opened in the range of the upper compression dead center of the piston (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61).

Abstract: A NOx trap is associated with oxidation catalyst-forming means integrated in a common medium, and is located in an exhaust line of a motor vehicle diesel engine. The engine can be controlled at least with a rich mixture control strategy and with lean mixture control strategies of level 1 and level 2. The system acquires the temperatures upstream and downstream from the trap, and on detecting a request to purge sulfate, it compares the temperatures with first and second curves for controlling operation of the engine with a rich mixture if the temperatures lie between said curve, and otherwise with a lean mixture. The system also compares the temperatures with third and fourth curves for controlling operation of the engine to apply the level 2 strategy if the temperatures lie between said curves, or otherwise to apply the level 1 strategy.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates an exhaust treatment system having an SCR reactor following a NOx adsorber. Syn gas is used to regenerate the NOx adsorber. Another aspect relates to an LNT/SCR provided with an ammonia source separate from the LNT. A further aspect relates to a system comprising first and second LNTs and one or more SCRs downstream of the LNTs. A still further aspect relates to a device comprising first and second NOx adsorbers contained in a single housing. Another aspect relates to coating a surface of a moving part in an exhaust system with an oxidation catalyst to mitigate fouling. Additional aspects of the invention relate to strategies for controlling one or more of the time to initiate a regeneration cycle, the time to terminate a regeneration cycle, and the reductant injection rate during regeneration of LNT/SCR exhaust treatment systems.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas treatment system and a utility vehicle having an exhaust gas treatment system, the exhaust gas treatment system includes a particle reduction unit, a reducing agent tank and a nitrogen oxide reduction unit of a modular design, wherein the reducing agent tank is arranged between the particle reduction unit and the nitrogen oxide reduction unit and extends around a connecting line extending between the particle reduction unit and the nitrogen oxide reduction unit, and in a utility vehicle, the associated exhaust gas treatment system is arranged within a predefined cuboid envelope volume on a support structure which is attached to a frame member of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising two or more branches, at least one of which contains a NOx adsorber-catalyst. The branches unite downstream into a trailing conduit that contains an ammonia-SCR catalyst. Ammonia generated by the NOx adsorber-catalyst during regeneration is stored for later use by the SCR catalyst. One advantage of this configuration is a continuous or near continuous presence of oxygen within the trailing exhaust conduit. The continuous presence of improves the efficiency of the SCR catalyst. Another concept is to configure a multi-branch exhaust aftertreatment system without valves, dampers, or other electronically controlled devices adapted to selectively alter the distribution of the exhaust between the branches. The absence of such devices generally results in a comparatively balanced division of exhaust between the branches. One benefit of this configuration is improved reliability as compared to systems that use valves.

Abstract: A catalyst-installed muffler includes an expansion chamber (25), and a gas-permeable exhaust gas-purifying catalyst (30), wherein exhaust gas blown out of the exhaust port (10) of an internal combustion engine is introduced into the expansion chamber (25) through the catalyst (30). The catalyst (30) may be cylindrical in configuration. An outer circumferential cross-sectional configuration of the catalyst (30) is made identical with an inner circumferential cross-sectional configuration of the outer end portion (10a) of the exhaust port (10), so that one end portion (exhaust gas introducing side 30a) of the catalyst (30) is enabled to fit in an outer end portion (10a) of the exhaust port (10). According to this muffler, it is made possible to utilize the purifying capacity of the catalyst to a maximum extent.

Abstract: A device for depolluting a heat engine exhaust gases includes an outer casing (23) delimiting an exhaust gas circulating passageway and a particle filter (20) mounted in the passageway. The casing (23) includes a transverse break (34) along its entire periphery, the break (34) dividing the casing (23) into first and second successive segments (38, 40). The first and second successive segments (38, 40) include two mutually engaged ends. One outer end of the first segment (38) overlaps one inner end of the second section (40) along part of the length of the flow passageway. The outer end of the first segment (38) includes along its periphery at least one weakened region (50) for varying the cross-section of the outer end of the first segment (38). The device is applicable to motor vehicles.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe for an internal combustion engine includes a metal tube enclosing a passage through which an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine passes, and a ceramic film covering the metal tube from the outside. The ceramic film contains no more than about 0.5 atomic % of a metallic element which is dominantly present in a surface of the metal tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic stabilizing device for vehicles having an actuator which can be acted on in opposite directions comprises a switching device, which is formed by a directional control valve, and, in series with the switching device, a switching apparatus, which is formed by two separate directional control valves which are connected in parallel and correspondingly have a blocking position and different pass-through positions.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variable geometry turbine of a turbocharger to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas delivered to an after-treatment system. In one form the method includes reducing a fluid flow area to the turbine below a normal size and bypassing a portion of the exhaust gas around a plurality of guide vanes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus useful for disposing of the high volumes of produced water associated with coal bed methane natural gas wells. The method taught is to create steam from the produced water and vent the steam into the atmosphere. The apparatus taught utilizes the available natural gas sources as heat energy sources to produce heat for enhancing water evaporation rates and may incorporate a pre-heater system and/or a mineral separation system.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell-gas turbine system and method efficiently generates power using a combination of separate power generating components. The system includes a turbine system having an air compressor and a turbine, and a fuel cell. By-product waste heat from the fuel cell is used within the fuel cell to heat the cathode air.

Abstract: An individual cogeneration plant includes a collector for collecting solar energy and transmitting heat generated from the solar energy, and a boiler in communication with the collector for generating steam from water using the heat transmitted from the collector. A generator communicates with the boiler for generating electricity from the steam generated by the boiler, and unused electricity generated by the system can be stored as hydrogen gas for future use, or transferred to an external main power grid. A control unit can be programmed to make determinations regarding an optimum setting for operation based on current conditions. Multiple cogeneration plants can be interconnected with each other and the main power grid. The individual cogeneration plants can provide power to each other and the main power grid based on current user demands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using a multi-component working fluid mixture that contains ammonia and water. The working fluid is operated in a thermodynamic cycle that includes liquid compression (30), vaporization (33), expansion through a turbine (34) and condensing (36). The multi-component fluid varies in temperature during phase change allowing for the use of counter-flow heat exchangers for the heater (33), cooler (36), recuperator and pre-heater (32). Significant recuperation is possible due to the temperature change during phase change. A pre-heater (32) can be applied to ensure only single-phase vapour exists within the heater. The invention can be used in conjunction with a biomass combustor or with waste flue gas from an existing industrial process.

Abstract: A deaerating and degassing system for a power plant condenser, comprising a condensate collector and optionally an air cooler, whereby the deaerating and degassing system includes a suction aggregate and a suction line for a steam-inert gas mixture and the suction line connects the condenser or, in case an air cooler is present, the air cooler of the condenser, to the suction aggregate. In the suction line, there is a direct-contact condensation device, for example, a packing column or a tray contact apparatus, through which the steam-inert gas mixture can flow in direct contact in a countercurrent to the chilled condensate from the condensate collector.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a power sub-system configured to receive a heat source stream, and one or more heat exchangers configured to transfer heat from the heat source stream to a working stream. The working stream is ultimately heated to a point where it can be passed through one or more turbines, to generate power, while the heat source stream is cooled to a low temperature tail. A distillation condensation sub-system cools the spent stream to generate an intermediate stream and a working stream. The working stream can be variably heated by the intermediate stream so that it is at a sufficient temperature to make efficient use of the low temperature tail. The working stream is then heated by the low temperature tail, and subsequently passed on for use in the power sub-system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip has been provided. The integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip of the present invention comprises a miniature electric power generation system fabricated using silicon microfabrication technology and lithographic patterning. The present invention converts heat to electricity by implementing a thermodynamic power cycle on a chip. The steam turbine power plant on-a-chip generally comprises a turbine, a pump, an electric generator, an evaporator, and a condenser. The turbine is formed by a rotatable, disk-shaped rotor having a plurality of rotor blades disposed thereon and a plurality of stator blades. The plurality of stator blades are interdigitated with the plurality of rotor blades to form the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A process for recovering waste heat which comprises: (a) passing a liquid phase working fluid through a heat exchanger in communication with a process which produces the waste heat; (b) removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger; (c) passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander, wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy; and (d) passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser, wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed to the liquid phase working fluid. The preferred working fluid is an organic Rankine cycle system working fluid comprising compounds having the following general structure: where x, y, z, and m are each selected from the group consisting of: fluorine, hydrogen, Rf, and R, wherein R and Rf are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated.

Abstract: An end cover for a gas turbine combustor that eliminates the use of braze joints within the plate portion of the end cover is disclosed. The end cover comprises a plate and a plurality of fluid inlets with the fluid inlets directing fluids to first and second manifolds machined into the end cover. The fluids within the end cover are kept separate proximate each of the plurality of first openings by a wall that is integrally formed from a portion of the end cover plate.

Abstract: A liner (18) installed in a transition region (16) between a combustion section (12) of a gas turbine engine (10) and an air discharge section (14) of the turbine. The liner has an air inlet (26) for admitting air into the liner, and an air outlet (28) by which air is discharged from the liner. Flow of air through the liner acts to cool air flowing through the transition region of the turbine between the combustion and air discharge sections thereof, so to lower the temperature from between 2800-3000° F. to around 1400-1550° F. The liner has at least one channel (C1, C2) formed in it for flow of air through the liner. The height of this channel uniformly decreases along the length of the channel from the liner's air inlet to its air outlet. This liner construction reduces the thermal strain occurring at the aft end of the liner, prolonging the useful life of the liner, while reducing the amount of air needed to flow through the liner to affect a desired level of cooling in the transition region.

Abstract: A bleed air power assist system is coupled to a gas turbine engine that includes a high pressure turbine, a low pressure turbine, and an electrical generator driven by the high pressure turbine. The bleed air power assist system selectively bleeds air discharged from the high pressure turbine and supplies it to an air turbine that is also coupled to the generator. Thus, the system selectively reduces the power extracted from the high pressure turbine. This, coupled with the bleed air that is diverted from the low pressure turbine, allows the low pressure spool to run at lower speeds when high engine thrust is not needed or desired, but when the generator is still needed to supply high electrical loads.

Abstract: In a method for operating a gas turbine centre in the vicinity of the group nominal full-load conditions, the cooling of the working fluid before and/or during the compression is set in such a way that the respectively attainable full-load power is above the current power. Rapid power demands can therefore be rapidly satisfied by an increase in the turbine inlet temperature or by opening an adjustable inlet guide vane row, whereas the control of the cooling effect, which has a tendency to be more sluggish, is employed to adjust the full-load operating point.

Abstract: In a method for preventing the deposition of impurities in steam systems, in which steam of a given steam quality flowing in them is subject to temperature and/or pressure changes, a simple prevention of deposits is achieved in that an appropriate structural configuration and design of the steam systems prevents the steam solubility of the impurities present in specific concentrations in the steam from being exceeded as a result of changes in the temperature and/or pressure conditions.

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: The gas turbine comprises an annular combustion chamber having inner and outer walls made of ceramic matrix composite material, and a high pressure turbine nozzle secured to a downstream end of the combustion chamber and comprising a plurality of stationary airfoils extending between the inner and outer walls of an annular flow path through the nozzle for the gas stream coming from the combustion chamber. The turbine nozzle is made of ceramic matrix composite material and it is connected to the downstream end of the combustion chamber by brazing.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an interstage seal assembly positioned in a plenum between the compressor section and turbine section. The seal assembly includes an annular seal member positioned in the plenum adjacent to the compressor section for restraining a fluid flow between the compressor section and the turbine section, and an annular heat shield member positioned in the plenum adjacent to the turbine section for limiting heat transfer from the turbine section to the compressor section. The annular heat shield member includes a plurality of slots formed on a surface of the heat shield member in a radial direction of the annular heat shield member.

Abstract: A cryogenic dewar features an inner tank surrounded by an outer shell with the space there between vacuum-insulated. A pressure vessel containing a cryogenic liquid refrigerant, such as liquid nitrogen, is positioned at least partially within the interior of the dewar to cool it. The pressure vessel is pressurized so that the temperature of the cryogenic liquid may be controlled. A refrigeration device and temperature or pressure sensor communicate with the cryogenic liquid in the pressure vessel. When the sensor detects that the cryogenic liquid has warmed above a predetermined level, the refrigeration device is automatically activated to cool the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A storage and delivery device for a cryogenic liquid that includes a vessel assembly and a delivery line assembly. The vessel assembly has a liquid space and a vapor space. The delivery line assembly has a liquid line, a vapor line, and a delivery line. The liquid line is in fluid communication with the liquid space. The vapor line is in fluid communication with the vapor space. The liquid line has a flow control device located thereon and structured to control the flow of fluid through the liquid line. The liquid line flow control device is structured to close the liquid line when the vessel assembly is at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for cooling extruded and molded materials. The present invention is especially useful to thoroughly cool an extrudate by directing a cooling fluid toward a surface of the extrudate (e.g., an interior surface that defines a hollow portion of an extrudate). Hollows may be created in order to reduce material, weight, and/or processing time. A cooling fluid is diverted toward the surface of the extrudate so as to cool the material and assist in solidification. A baffle may serve to divert the cooling fluid in the desired direction. In another example, the extrudate may be partially or totally immersed in a liquid cryogenic fluid. Increases in production line throughput may result by rapidly cooling the molded material. In addition, the more efficient cooling may be achieved with a lesser amount of the cooling fluid, and the velocity and temperature of the cooling fluid may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for cooling extruded and molded materials. The present invention is especially useful to thoroughly cool an extrudate by directing a cooling fluid toward a surface of the extrudate (e.g., an interior surface that defines a hollow portion of an extrudate). Hollows may be created in order to reduce material, weight, and/or processing time. A cooling fluid is diverted toward the surface of the extrudate so as to cool the material and assist in solidification. A baffle may serve to divert the cooling fluid in the desired direction. In another example, the extrudate may be partially or totally immersed in a liquid cryogenic fluid. Increases in production line throughput may result by rapidly cooling the molded material. In addition, the more efficient cooling may be achieved with a lesser amount of the cooling fluid, and the velocity and temperature of the cooling fluid may be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigeration unit (10). The unit includes a refrigeration zone (20) for receiving an item or items to be refrigerated, and dispensing means (24) oriented relative to the refrigeration zone so as to enable dispensing of a working fluid into the refrigeration zone. The unit further includes catchment means which are arranged relative to the refrigeration zone so as to collect the working fluid after it has been dispensed into the refrigeration zone. The unit includes also cooling means (38) for cooling the working fluid in use. The invention extends to a method of refrigerating an item.

Abstract: A liquid cryogen dispensing system employing a splash-reducing nozzle for substantially reliable and uniform dispensing of liquid cryogen into a container for a beverage, food product, or other product, such as a still (non-carbonated) hot-filled container. The dispensing system has a nozzle which includes an orifice plate having an array of apertures to dispense a dose of liquid cryogen into an underlying container as a generally ring-shaped “shower” of discrete liquid cryogen streams, which can be gently impacted upon the surface of the contents of the container to minimize splashing, and help ensure satisfactory pressurization or inerting of the container.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger with a condensed fluid separating function, which includes a reheater having plural laminated wrinkled plates and introduction and discharge holes connected to different compressed air channels therein; a chiller having plural laminated wrinkled plates, working fluid inlet and outlet holes connected to a working fluid channel therein, and compressed air channels formed therein; and a wall-shaped pipe configured for partitioning the reheater and the chiller with providing a flow line to communicate a compressed air with he reheater and the chiller. An adiabatic expansion chamber is formed in a lower portion of the chiller on a flow line for the compressed air cooled in the chiller to move toward the reheater. A condensation chamber is formed in a lower portion of the reheater connected to the adiabatic expansion chamber. A condensation mesh sieve and a drainage hole are formed in the condensation hole.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system and method for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, one or more cartridges, an input line, a scale, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The input line connects the refrigerant source to the cartridge. A valve is disposed between the refrigerant source and cartridge. The scale measures the weight of the cartridge. The pressure and temperature sensors adjust the remaining refrigerant that ensures full charge on the refrigeration system. A heater can be connected to the refrigerant source to raise the temperature of the refrigerant within the refrigerant source, and a controller can be attached to the components of the refrigeration charging system. The system and method are used to charge the refrigeration system of, e.g., an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for discharging refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, from an air conditioning system. The discharge rate of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system is controlled by a discharge rate controller, even as refrigerant pressure at the system input varies. By maintaining discharge rate at a controlled value, the discharge time of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system is reduced.

Abstract: A refrigerating device including a hollow-walled housing surrounding a first and a second storage compartment. A vacuum pump is controlably connected via a suction line to the hollow chamber of the housing and to one of the storage compartments. The pump is controlled to maintain a desired pressure range in both the housing and the storage compartment.

Abstract: A controller controls operation of a HVAC&R device to reduce an interior humidity level for a structure to provide comfort for occupants of the structure. The controller includes a first sensor for sensing a temperature inside a structure and a second sensor for sensing a humidity level inside the structure. A controller is responsive to the first and second sensors for the HVAC&R device operating in a cooling mode to reduce the humidity level inside the structure. The controller calculates a temperature correction to a predetermined temperature setting for the HVAC&R device, the temperature correction calculation being obtained by subtracting the sensed humidity level from a predetermined humidity level and dividing the result by a predetermined factor. The controller initiates operation of the HVAC&R device when the sum of the sensed temperature and the temperature correction is greater than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In a transport refrigeration system which is susceptible to having its drive motors connected to a power source in reverse phase relationship to thereby operate the drive motors in reverse, provision is made to measure the current flow to the motors during operation in each direction and for comparing those current flows to determine which is greater and therefore representative of operation in the proper direction. A backup method is also provided for sensing the ambient temperature of the air downstream of the condenser coil, both before and during motor operation to determine whether the temperature during motor operation is greater than that prior to operation to thereby indicate a proper connection.

Abstract: A method (126) and a low capacity controller (28) enable a chiller system (20) to operate below a minimum allowable capacity. The chiller system (20) includes a chiller (40) and a chiller fluid loop (30), having a supply line (36) for conveying a chiller fluid (34) from the chiller (40) and a return line (38) for returning the chiller fluid (34) to the chiller (40). A capacity demand for the chiller (40) is determined. When the capacity demand is less than a minimum allowable capacity of the chiller (40), the chiller fluid (34) is routed from the return line (38) to a heat exchanger (96) of the low capacity controller (28) where the chiller fluid (34) is warmed and returned to the return line (38). The warmed chiller fluid (34) establishes a false capacity demand, detectable at the chiller (40), that is at least the minimum allowable capacity.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser is based on a frame that defines a refrigeration chamber that houses a unit cooler, which is in communication with a cooled air plenum that, in turn, is in communication with a display chamber. The unit cooler supplies cooled air to the plenum. The cooled air that is supplied to the plenum is then provided to a shelf that is mounted in the display chamber. Additionally, the cooled air is provided to at least one drawer, which is slidably mounted in the display chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cooling and de-steaming hot calcined stucco used in the production of gypsum boards or bagged plaster. The apparatus is a fluid bed stucco cooler and comprises a cooler housing having a plenum having a stucco inlet and stucco outlet. The stucco cooler includes a rotating disk in the plenum. The rotating disk includes nozzle for spraying fluid, and is attached to a rotable shaft extending from the side of the cooler also includes a fluidization pad and agitator to help to mix the air and the stucco powder to insure fluidization, prevent channeling, and prevent the stucco powder from building up on the various components. The air also forces steam from the hot calcined stucco out through an air outlet located at the top of the stucco cooler, thereby de-steaming the stucco. The stucco flows through the plenum and passes over the cooling coils, thereby cooling the stucco as it reaches the stucco outlet.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system is disclosed, which has an improved performance. The air-conditioning system includes a cabinet sucking the indoor air from the front and discharging the conditioned air to the side, an indoor fan received in the cabinet, and at least one indoor heat exchanger provided at one side of the indoor fan in the cabinet to perform heat exchange with the air flowing inside the cabinet.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor device coupled to an indoor device via a hose, and a water draining device coupled between the outdoor device and the indoor device, to force water that may be generated in the indoor device from the indoor device to the outdoor device, and to prevent the water from dropping from the indoor device. The water draining device includes a casing having a channel to slidably receive a piston which may pump the water from the indoor device to the outdoor device. The indoor device includes a tray disposed in a container to collect water. The outdoor device includes a fan device to blow and to dry the water.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging system for charging a refrigeration system with refrigerant includes a refrigerant source, a storage vessel, input and output lines, and a device for detecting mass of refrigerant within the storage vessel. The input line fluidly connects the refrigerant source to the storage vessel, and the output line extends from the storage vessel and is adapted to connect to the refrigeration system. The system also includes an input control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigerant source, and an output control valve disposed between the storage vessel and the refrigeration system. A heater is connected to the refrigerant source for raising the temperature of refrigerant within the refrigerant source. A method of charging a refrigeration system is also disclosed. The system and method are useful to charging the refrigerant system of an automotive vehicle, among others.

Abstract: A heat pump design with an economizer flash tank provides an efficient way to operate the system in both heating and cooling modes. Various expansion device types can be employed with this design. The invention enhances system performance in both cooling and heating modes of operation, through utilization of the flash tank economizer cycle, in simplistic and cost effective manner, while sustaining expansion device and entire system functionality through an appropriate refrigerant rerouting around the compressor and the flash tank.