Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The bottom freezer refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker in an insulated module positioned outside the freezer compartment. The insulated module can be mounted to the exterior of the refrigerator cabinet. An ice cube storage bin can be provided in the insulated compartment or on the inside of the refrigerator compartment door. A passage can connect the insulated module with the ice dispenser on the refrigerator compartment door.

Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The ice maker is positioned in an insulated sub-compartment in the refrigerator compartment maintained at a temperature below 0° C. An insulated ice cube storage bin and ice dispenser are positioned on the refrigerator compartment door for dispensing ice cubes through the face of the refrigerator compartment door.

Abstract: Refrigerator Water Supply Systems. A refrigerator is provided according to the present invention. The refrigerator can include a cabinet including at least one wall and a door pivotally mounted to the at least one wall to define a refrigeration compartment. The refrigerator can also include a first water supply line extending into the cabinet and adapted to interface with a removable water supply. Further, the refrigerator can include a mount attached to the cabinet and positioned to hold the removable water supply in the refrigeration compartment for interfacing the first water supply line.

Abstract: A refrigerator/freezer with an ice maker having an ice cube tray in which are formed multiple ice cube recesses. The ice cube tray is movable between a fill position and a harvest position. The ice cube tray has a composite construction comprising a base layer and a top layer, with the base layer being made of a flexible material and the top layer being made of a low friction material. The ice cubes are harvested by deflecting or deforming the ice cube recesses to expel the ice cube therefrom when the tray is moved into the harvest position.

Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporating in its door a water dispenser within a compartment present on the outside of the door, the dispenser being connected to a water container of given capacity carried by the door and provided to enable the contained water to be carbonated via a connection to a cylinder contains the carbonating gas and is also disposed in the door.

Abstract: A method for operating a water cooler, wherein the water cooler includes a cooling system, a storage compartment assembly, a water dispenser assembly, and a climate control assembly including a thermostat and a control capillary, includes coupling the control capillary to the thermostat, and coupling the thermostat to the cooling system such that the thermostat controls the operational state of the cooling system. The method includes positioning the control capillary adjacent each of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly, determining the temperature of the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the control capillary, and cooling the storage compartment assembly and the water dispenser assembly using the cooling system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner having independent cooling and purifying paths. The air conditioner comprises a body casing formed by assembling a front panel with a rear panel, the front panel having a cooled air discharge opening and one or more suction openings to introduce indoor air into the body casing, a first fan arranged in the body casing to suction air via the suction openings, and a heat exchanger located above the first fan to perform heat exchange of the suctioned air. A cooler housing is arranged in the body casing to receive the first fan therein. Also, an air purifier is mounted in the body casing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing reflux to a refluxed heavies removal column of a LNG facility. The apparatus comprises stacked vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers and an economizer disposed between the heat exchangers. The reflux stream originates from the methane-rich refrigerant of the methane refrigeration cycle. The liquid reflux stream generated by cooling the methane-rich stream in the vertical heat exchangers via indirect heat exchange with an upstream refrigerant.

Abstract: LNG facility employing one or more vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers to cool natural gas via indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant. The vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers save plot space and can be use to reduce the size of cold boxes employed in the LNG facility. In addition, vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers can exhibit enhanced heat transfer efficiency due to improved refrigerant access to the core, improved refrigerant circulation around the core, and/or improved vapor/liquid disengagement above the core.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses providing safer and more accessible insulating cold boxes for cryogenic equipment. A cold box of the current invention includes a housing partially extending out of the cold box jacket wherein equipment that may need to be accessed can be located. The housing includes a breakaway barrier between the main cold box and the external housing to allow overpressures to be relieved into the cold box. Cold boxes may contain cryogenic columns, sections of cryogenic columns, distillation columns, mixing columns, storage vessels, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and combinations thereof. The housing may contain auxiliary elements such as rotating equipment, pumps, turboexpanders, instrument devices, valves, and piping. Placing auxiliary elements in a housing outside the main cold box allows for safer access to cryogenic equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for engaging two rings such as to prevent rotation and pivoting while being worn on a finger. The mechanism of this invention also allows the rings to be displayed on a pedestal, such as found in jewelry stores, without the rings losing alignment. The engaging mechanism is presented in the shape of a romantic symbol appropriate to the ring set and also provides a visually appealing effect when one ring is worn alone.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved round cut gemstone, comprising a girdle, a crown above the girdle, and a pavilion below the girdle. The crown is located between the girdle and a substantially flat surface defining a table, and has two steps including a first step from the girdle to a crown break and a second step from the crown break to the table. The crown includes eight first step top corner facets, eight second step top corner facets, eight star facets, and sixteen upper girdle facets. The gemstone has a pavilion having a plurality of bottom facets and a centrally located culet at the bottom of the pavilion, and includes eight pavilion or lower corner facets, sixteen outside lower girdle facets and sixteen lower inside girdle facets.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for jewelry, purses and other accessories is provided. The locking mechanism comprises first and second magnetically attracted surfaces and a collar. The second magnetically attracted surface is adapted for magnetic coupling to the first magnetically attracted surface. The collar is hingeably coupled to either the first or second magnetically attracted surfaces and is operable between an open position and a closed position. When the first and second magnetically attracted surface are magnetically coupled one to the other, and the collar is in the closed position, at least a portion of the collar surrounds a perimeter of the first and second magnetically attracted surfaces.

Abstract: In order to avoid distortions or wall thickness variations in a glass wall, especially of a hollow glass body, formed by hot shaping, the hot shaping is performed by a vacuum forming or vacuum-deep drawing process. A hollow glass body and a measuring body sleeve for a neutrino detector made by this method are also described. The measuring body sleeve does not have distortions or wall thickness variations that can interfere with measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for suppressing the formation of gaseous inclusions in glass sheets and the resulting glass sheets are described herein. The system includes a melting, fining, delivery, mixing or forming vessel that has a refractory metal component (e.g., platinum component) which has an inner wall that contacts molten glass and an outer wall coated with an oxygen ion transportable material (e.g., zirconia) which is coated with a conductive electrode. The system also includes a DC power source that supplies DC power across the oxygen ion transportable material which causes oxygen ions to migrate from the refractory metal component to the conductive electrode and enables one to control the partial pressure of oxygen around an exterior of the vessel which helps one to effectively prevent hydrogen permeation from the molten glass in order to suppress the formation of undesirable gaseous inclusions and surface blisters within the glass sheet.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass particle deposited body in which a taper portion formed at an end portion of the glass particle deposited body is reduced without increasing the number of burners.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for elongating an optical fibre preform includes heating the preform so as to soften one region thereof; elongating the preform by submitting the preform to a traction; determining, during the step of elongating, the preform diameter in at least one measuring point along the preform; and controlling the step of elongating on the basis of the determined diameter. During the step of elongating, at least a geometrical parameter of the preform is measured, and the position of said diameter measuring point is controlled according to the measured geometrical parameter. Measuring at least a geometrical parameter of the preform may be accomplished by determining the profile of at least a portion of the softened region, e.g., an image of the neck region profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a photonic crystal fiber preform having a plurality of holes that extend in a lengthwise direction of the photonic crystal fiber perform is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving a raw material for the photonic crystal fiber perform, a first support section arranged at an upper part of the housing; a second support section arranged at a lower part of the housing, and a plurality of pins supported by the first and second support sections. At least a portion of each pin is positioned in the housing. The apparatus also includes a vacuum pump for vacuumizing the interior of the housing; a first pipe connected to the lower part of the housing to introduce the raw material into the housing; and a first valve installed on the first pipe to open and close the first pipe.

Abstract: The hand stitching tool can be used to create knit- and crochet-like stitches for making entire garments as well as for seaming together the pieces of a garment, surface embellishing, stitching on beads, creating unique knit-like and crochet-like edgings, stitching fabric or leather, applying fringe, stitching needlepoint canvas, jewelry making, and many other applications. The stitching tool can be used to create basic knit-like and crochet-like stitches by using it in the way shown in the drawings. A variety of other stitch patterns can be created by manipulating the stitch tool. The user creates the stitches one stitch at a time by inserting the needle into the stitch while the other hand holds the newly formed stitch. The yarn carriers carry the yarn making it easier to control than with traditional knitting needles or crochet hooks, and two strands of yarn can be used simultaneously.

Abstract: A drum washing machine having a foldable door includes a cabinet having an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet, the foldable door provided at the front wall of the cabinet to open or close the opening, and which is separated into frames that fold when the foldable door is opened, and an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the foldable door and the cabinet to guide the foldable door when the foldable door is being opened or closed.

Abstract: A drum washing machine includes a cabinet including an opening at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or taken out of the cabinet, a door at the front wall of the cabinet to open or close the opening of the cabinet, and a door opening/closing mechanism connected between the cabinet and the door to move the door above the cabinet when opening the door such that a front surface of the door is upwardly directed when the door is open, and to move the door toward the front wall of the cabinet when closing the door. The door is usable as a laundry holder when the door is open.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine having a vertically openable door includes a cabinet having an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or removed from the opening, a door provided at the front wall of the cabinet to open or close the opening, and a link opening/closing mechanism having links connected between the cabinet and the door to allow the door to be opened when the door is moved downwardly, and to be closed when the door is moved upwardly, such that an outer surface of the door faces upwardly when the door is opened. The door can be utilized as a laundry holder when the door is open, and even when the drum type washing machine is located in a narrow space, the door can be easily opened or closed while allowing the laundry to be conveniently put into or taken out of the washing machine.

Abstract: A drum washing machine includes a cabinet with an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or taken out of the cabinet, a door to open or close the opening of the cabinet, an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the cabinet and the door to guide the door downwardly when opening the door such that a front surface of the door is directed upwardly when the door is fully opened, and to guide the door upwardly when closing the door, and an automatic opening/closing mechanism to automatically move the door vertically, and thus, to automatically open/close the door.

Abstract: A drum washing machine has a cabinet including an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or taken out of the cabinet, a door to open or close the opening of the cabinet, and an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the cabinet and the door to guide the door downwardly when opening the door such that a front surface of the door is upwardly directed, and to guide the door upwardly moved when closing the door such that the door is vertically openable and closable. The door of the drum washing machine can be easily opened even where the washing machine is installed in a limited space. The door can also be used as a laundry holder in an opened state.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing a fluid from a reservoir and dispensing the withdrawn fluid. The device generally includes a body portion having an interior cavity for retaining the withdrawn fluid in the interior cavity; an inlet associated with the body for receiving the fluid into the interior cavity; and an outlet associated with the body for dispensing the fluid from the elongate body. The device also includes a piston slidably engaged within the interior cavity that actuates receiving the fluid from the reservoir and dispensing the fluid from the device preferably through interaction of a means, e.g., a spring, adapted for biasing the piston toward a first end of the body and at least one unidirectional valve associated with the piston.

Abstract: A gap cover device for covering a gap between clothes washer and dryer appliances having generally parallel juxtaposed sidewalls defining a gap between the appliances. The gap cover device includes a flexible elongated member having a generally T-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining a gap spanning portion of sufficient transverse width to span the gap between the appliances, and an insert arm portion disposed generally normal to an underside of the gap spanning portion and adapted to be inserted into the gap. The insert arm portion has outwardly facing side surfaces at least one of which has a magnetic strip carried thereon operative to releasably secure the gap cover device to a selected one of the appliances to prevent objects from falling into the gap.

Abstract: A gap cover device for covering a gap between clothes washer and dryer appliances having generally parallel juxtaposed sidewalls defining a gap between the appliances. The gap cover device includes a flexible elongated member having a generally T-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining a gap spanning portion of sufficient transverse width to span the gap between the appliances, and an insert arm portion disposed generally normal to an underside of the gap spanning portion and adapted to be inserted into the gap. The insert arm portion has outwardly facing side surfaces at least one of which has a magnetic strip carried thereon operative to releasably secure the gap cover device to a selected one of the appliances to prevent objects from falling into the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing at least one item, comprising a frame having a dome shape when viewed from its end, and a generally triangular or concave shape when viewed from its side; and a flow through mesh on the frame which allows washing fluid (generally water) to freely flow to and from the item being washed; the apparatus having an opening through which the at least one item to be washed can be placed into and removed from the apparatus. The frame may have an endless pocket; and a stiffener disposed within the pocket, the stiffener having a length exceeding that of the endless pocket, so that blunted ends of the stiffener overlap each other within the pocket. Pockets with strips make the side panels strong and resilient, protecting the items to be washed.

Abstract: A bracket, a system and a method secure a device to a fixture. The bracket has a first mount, a second mount and/or a first shaft for receiving and/or for securing the device to the bracket. A second shaft is attachable to the first mount and/or the second mount via an opening in the first mount and/or the second mount. A first end of a cable is connectable and/or is attachable to the second arm of the bracket. A second end of the cable is attached to, is connected to and/or is secured to the fixture. The device and/or the bracket is attached to, is connected to and/or is secured to the fixture via the cable. The first arm and/or the second arm has a length which corresponds to a length of the device. The bracket attaches to devices having different lengths. The first mount and/or the second mount has apertures for receiving the first arm which corresponds to a thickness of the device. The bracket attaches to devices having different thicknesses.

Abstract: A flush mounted latch for a sliding panel or pocket door includes a snap-in, installation, from the edge of the panel or door. A slide handle operates a pair juxtaposed, pivoting, keeper-engaging, hooks to open them. The handle carries a lock rod which is engaged by a privacy knob operated from the inside of the latch or a lock cylinder/lock plug operated from the outside of the latch. A case/housing encloses the latch mechanism with two walls. Each case wall has side top-edge flanges that seat on respective face of the door. A plurality of screws and threaded studs are utilized to adjust the distance between the two opposing flanged housing walls to accommodate variances in door thickness. A first gasket seals the case/housing adjacent its outside wall. A second gasket seals the case housing and slide handle adjacent the inside wall. Cover plates are included on both sides of the latch.

Abstract: An adapter structure for a removable lock core assembly includes a lock core assembly, an adapter member, a door lever and a tubular lock mechanism. The lock core assembly includes a distal end formed with a pair of connecting apertures. The adapter member includes a pair of connecting rods and an operational hole at its opposite ends. The door lever provides with an 8-shaped hole and a circular opening. The tubular lock mechanism has an actuating member for rotational movement. In assembling operation, the connecting rods of the adapter member are correspondingly inserted into the connecting apertures of the lock core assembly, and the combination of the lock core assembly with the adapter member is commonly received in the door lever through the 8-shaped hole. The actuating member of the tubular lock mechanism extends through the circular opening and thus connects with the operational hole of the adapter member.

Abstract: An enclosure 15 to hold a modified key 14 or set of keys that allows any unused keys to be conveniently stored inside the enclosure while the desired key Is maneuvered for use when required by the user requiring the enclosure itself to replace the function of a standard key head.

Abstract: The safety key has a shank which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end. At a front end, the rotor of the associated locking cylinder has at least one further control surface, which interacts with a further control surface arranged at the rear end of the shank. The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for electromagnetic forming of a workpiece with enhancements that increase the durability and overall efficiency of the solenoid coil. The apparatus includes reinforcement members dispersed through the solenoid coil and a cooling system. The apparatus also includes a a shaper that varies in girth effectively acting as a force concentrator. The electromagnetic forming device is also capable of incrementally heat treating the workpiece and reducing residual stresses in the workpiece. The invention further discloses a more efficient way of manufacturing the solenoid coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming tool for forming sheet blanks in a diaphragm press of the kind comprising an openable, closed pressure chamber, which is divided in a gas and liquid tight manner by means of a flexible diaphragm. The forming tool is arranged on one side of the diaphragm and a sheet blank to be formed is arranged between the forming tool and the diaphragm. The opposite side of the diaphragm is pressurized by a fluid being supplied at high pressure to cause the flexible diaphragm to deform and, thus, the sheet blank to be pressed against the forming tool. The forming tool comprises an elongate cutting and flanging tool along at least part of its periphery and/or around an intended opening in the sheet blank.

Abstract: A coiler drum of a reversing rolling mill includes a work portion that engages a strip of metal being processed in the reversing rolling mill. The work portion includes an inner base surface and engaging strips that extend radially outward from the base surface. When the metal strip is engaged by the work portion, the metal strip does not contact the inner base surface, which has a surface area greater than 35 percent of the work surface. The engaging strips can be formed on the coiler drum by using weld overlays, inserts into slots, or by casting the engaging strips onto the coiler drum at the time the coiler drum is cast. The engaging strips may be laterally offset from one another and have a length less than 50 percent of the axial length of the work portion. The engaging strips may also be formed from a different material than the material of the work surface of the coiler drum.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning sheet metal on a sheet metal brake includes a coarse adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism for respectively setting approximate and accurate positions of the sheet metal. Preferably, a mounting structure is removably mountable on front and rear beams of the brake via a pair of respective clamping mechanisms connected to respective mounting legs extending from a hollow tube. One mounting leg is movably connected to the tube for adjusting spacing between the mounting legs to facilitate mounting on the beams. A support arm is slidably received by the hollow tube to provide coarse adjustment. The support arm includes an upwardly extending portion on which is disposed a shelf for supporting an edge of the sheet metal. A threaded member threadably engages the upper portion of the support arm to finely adjust the position of the shelf and piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a process for the heating of a forging machine tool, including an insert holder and an insert with one free face bearing a forging impression, in preparation for a forging operation in the said forging machine. The process is characterised by the fact that the insert holder includes a furnace element that has at least one burner and one flue for removal of the gases, forming, with the said face of the insert, a closed heating chamber, the said chamber being heated until the insert reaches a given temperature, when the furnace element is removed. The invention also covers the forging tool, including an insert with an impression, mounted in an insert holder, for implementation of the process, and a removable furnace element.

Abstract: A tool pack assembly for use in the manufacture of two piece metal can bodies. The tool pack assembly of the present invention is constructed and arranged for use in a body maker assembly to form parts of metal cans. The tool pack assembly of the invention includes an improved die module structure. The improved die module includes compressible dampening structures to thereby float a die element to center and align the metal body with the die element.

Abstract: Stamped and deburred clutch discs (20a, 20b) are provided by progressive stamping apparatus (46) whose method of use performs a two step stamping of the clutch disc blank and a third deburring stamping step that removes burrs on opposite axial faces by contact in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method of compensating sensor data used in an interlock system comprises setting a predetermined drift upper limit and a predetermined drift lower limit, creating a reference pattern information about a reference model, creating a sensor pattern information about the sensor data, determining whether the sensor pattern information satisfies the drift upper limit and the drift lower limit, calculating a drift offset according to the reference pattern information and the sensor pattern information when the sensor pattern information satisfies the drift upper limit and the drift lower limit, and compensating the sensor data according to the calculated drift offset.

Abstract: A method for characterizing contaminants within sediment comprising positioning a sampler in a continuous manner within the sediment, exposing the sampler to the sediment for a dwell time, retrieving the sampler, and analyzing the sampler. The sampler is exposed to the sediment for a sufficient period of time to allow at least one analyte of interest to permeate the sampler. The sampler may be analyzed using fluorescence and/or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine contamination versus sampler length. The contamination versus sampler length may be converted to contamination versus depth or contamination versus horizontal position.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter is directed to a continuous passive temperature, ressure, modulus of elasticity, and force compensated oscillating inertial microbalance and method of using the same. Temperature and/or pressure and/or modulus of elasticity compensation and/or force compensation is achieved by providing two substantially similar oscillating elements wherein only one oscillating element is subjected to the mass collection means. The other oscillating element is subjected to all other factors but does not include a particulate collection means. By taking the difference between the two similar oscillating elements one can substantially remove the undesirable side effects having to do with changing temperature and/or pressure and/or modulus of elasticity. The ratio of the major axis to the minor axis is described as being important to eliminate and or minimize precession of the oscillating elements.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor comprises a tubular casing; an oxygen detecting element installed in a leading end of the tubular casing; lead wires each extending from the oxygen detecting element to the outside of the tubular casing through an open base end of the tubular casing, each lead wire including a core wire of metal; a rubber bush plugged in the open base end of the tubular casing, the rubber bush having the lead wires passed therethrough; and a heat resisting structure for protecting the rubber bush from a high temperature. The heat resisting structure is constructed to satisfy the following inequality: 10%?Al/Ar?50% wherein: Al: The sectional area in total of the lead wires. Ar: The sectional area of the rubber bush.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an engine control unit (4) conducts an analysis as to whether the signal values from the cylinder pressure sensors (3) are faulty based on at least one characteristic value which is derived from an evaluation of signal values from the cylinder pressure sensors (3) of the cylinders (2) in a combustion engine (5). In addition to this is described the engine control unit (4) designed to execute the method. Also hereby disclosed is a method which, based on symmetrical aspects, determines a crankshaft angle (phipCylMaxTDC) for a cylinder pressure maximum during push mode operation of the combustion engine (5).

Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to an internal cylinder pressure of an engine is provided. A first signal and a second signal are extracted from the output signal of the in-cylinder pressure sensor. The first signal has a frequency band corresponding to knocking of the engine. The second signal has a frequency band used for detecting a peak of the internal cylinder pressure. A knocking detection period is set based on the second signal. The first signal in the knocking detection period is examined to determine whether or not knocking has occurred.

Abstract: A system that facilitates in situ determination of lubricity in a fluid comprises a multi-element sensor positioned within a machine, wherein the multi-element sensor obtains data regarding a plurality of parameters of a fluid. A component calculates lubricity of the fluid based at least in part upon the measured parameters.

Abstract: A probe for measuring the temperature and moisture of a gas has an aspirated flow passage with a configuration that causes the gas to have turbulent flow and, therefore, to mix. A dry bulb thermometer and a wet bulb thermometer positioned in the flow passage downstream of the configuration that causes mixing measures the temperature and moisture of the gas. A wick and a water reservoir for keeping the wet bulb thermometer wet are cleaned and refilled by a flow of water through the gas passage. The gas passage is heated to prevent condensation of any moisture in the gas.

Abstract: A method and a device for analyzing a sensor element are described, which allow a temperature dependence of the sensor element to be considered without an additional temperature sensor in particular. The sensor element outputs a signal as a function of a measured variable. The signal of the sensor element is analyzed in a first analysis operating mode to detect the measured variable. The signal of the sensor element is analyzed in a second analysis operating mode to detect a characteristic variable of the sensor element which is different from the measured variable.