Abstract: A system is disclosed for a plate-shaped filter element (2) in a gas filter housing (1). The filter element (2) has filter material (3), which is folded in a zigzag shape, having filter folds closed at the front edges, and the closure (4) being made of essentially the same filter material which forms the filter folds, and having an edge area (5) projecting outward on both sides, and in which the two edge areas (5) are inserted into the housing (1) of a gas filter to form a seal in order to isolate a downstream clean chamber (6), the housing (1) having insert struts (7), on the sides assigned to the end folds of the plate-shaped filter element (2), which engage the end folds (8) and ensure a leakage air rate of 0 to 4 m3/h at a differential pressure of at least 200 Pa.

Abstract: A filter element, and filter apparatus, include a filter pack, a seal member, and a seal support frame operatively connecting the seal member to the filter pack. The seal support frame includes an annular extension, which is preferably canted at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis, for supporting the seal member. The seal support frame also preferably includes a first end thereof including the annular extension, and a second end thereof spaced from the first end thereof along the longitudinal axis, with the first and second ends of the seal support frame joined by a hub of the outer peripheral sidewall of the seal support frame to define a cavity within the seal support frame for receiving the filter pack. The first and second ends of the seal support frame, and the filter pack are preferably joined and sealed to one another by a single bead of adhesive.

Abstract: A securing and leakage prevention mechanism of filter tube includes a filter inside, an inlet and an outlet at one end, a separated tube cover on the top, and is fixed with the tube cover by a securing ring. It is characterized in: the bottom edge of tube cover has wrapped portion outward expanding and downward extending to the bottom and connected with the plate rim of tube body, which forms a safety barricade capable of preventing outward protrusion of seal ring. The exterior surface of wrapped portion and the interior surface of securing ring form a joint curve surface, thus substantial securing and fixing and leakage prevention can be achieved.

Abstract: An improved resole resin for producing filter media, e.g., paper, especially useful for automotive applications comprising a bisphenol-modified phenol-formaldehyde resin prepared using an amine catalyst.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A frame of a mower supports wheel assemblies, a propulsion unit, and a mowing deck. Each wheel assembly is associated with a corresponding wheel, a corresponding electrical steering motor, and a corresponding electrical drive motor. A controller controls a direction of orientation of the corresponding wheel via the corresponding electrical steering motor. Further, the controller controls the application of electrical energy to the corresponding drive motor consistent with maneuverable movement of the mower. The propulsion unit is capable of rotating at least one cutting blade. A mowing deck houses the at least one cutting blade. The mowing deck has indentations to provide a spatial zone for the plurality of wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A walk reel mower has a front mounted reel cutting unit and a rear handle. The operator pushes the handle towards the ground to lift the reel cutting unit off the ground prior to turning the walk reel mower around. When this occurs, the manner in which the reel cutting unit is supported in conjunction with the influence of gravity causes the reel cutting unit to pitch rearwardly relative to the frame of the walk reel mower. This change of orientation is used to close a switch which, in turn, initiates an automatic slow down of the mower to ease the task of turning the mower around. When a turn is completed and the cutting unit is dropped back down into engagement with the ground, the slow down is terminated and the ground speed resumes at whatever predetermined ground speed was previously selected by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crop blower apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for blowing crops towards the cutting knives of combine harvesters. The crop blower disclosed has a series of tangential flow blowers aligned along a continuous interconnected sectional drive shaft. The crop blower is mounted to the arms of a combine harvester using a pair of complimentary mounting arms. The sectional drive shaft design facilitates expedited repair work. The crop blower uses peripheral centrifugal blowers to maintain the volume of air flow at the ends of the apparatus to prevent blockage. The perforated metal blower design promotes high levels of air flow, and the positioning of the blowers relative to the discharge duct greatly improves the efficiency of the crop blower apparatus.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a base frame with a rear U-shaped wheel bracket, two motors mounted on a respective motor holder at the U-shaped bracket at the top, a bottom-open hollow shell fastened to the base frame and the U-shaped wheel brackets at the bottom, two cutter blades respectively fastened to the output shafts of the motors inside the bottom-open hollow shell for mowing a lawn upon operation of the motors, wheel assemblies mounted in the base frame and the rear U-shaped wheel bracket for moving, and a coupling frame for connecting the base frame to an electric scooter for enabling the lawn mower to be moved on a lawn by the electric scooter.

Abstract: A mower tractor (1) comprises: a mid-mount mower (5) under a middle bottom portion thereof between front wheels (2;2) and rear wheels (3;3); a body frame (8); a transmission casing (24) having an input shaft (58) disposed laterally eccentrically in the body frame (8); an engine (23) having an output shaft (55); a propeller shaft (14) and universal joints (27) interposed between the output shaft (55) of the engine (23) and the input shaft (58) of the transmission casing (24); and a device (60) for restricting height of the mower (5) disposed between the propeller shaft and the body frame.

Abstract: A forage harvester is provided with a crop processor roll assembly that comprises a shaft and a removable crop processor roll having a fluted surface for cracking maize kernels. The roll has end plates, to which the shaft is connected by sleeves. The interior of the sleeve is joined to the shaft by two interference or press fits, and to the roll by a third press fit.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a first gathering element adapted to be driven by a first drive mechanism so as to gather crop and feed the crop in a direction substantially opposite to a direction of motion of the harvesting machine. A second gathering element is adapted to receive the crop from the first gathering element and is further adapted to be driven so as to transfer the crop in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of motion. Intake elements are adapted to receive the crop from the second gathering element. The second gathering element and intake elements are adapted to be driven at related rates. The first gathering element is driveable at a rate independent from a driven rate of the second gathering element and the intake elements.

Abstract: A suspension system for the rear axle of a self-propelled agricultural windrower. The axle is split into two components, each having an air spring to absorb shocks. The two air springs are interconnected by a tube to equalize the internal pressure. A pair of pins can be inserted through the respective axle components and a structural member of the tractor to fix the components relative to the unit structure, thereby incapacitating the suspension and permitting effective steering of the tractor in the absence of a header.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hand operated gardening and landscaping tools for use in cultivating soil and/or removing inferior or unwanted plants from a selected area. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination scuffle and rake assembly. The combination tool allows an operator to cut unwanted weeds below the ground surface and thereafter groom the weeded area without having to use separate tools to complete the task.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant having a compressor (1), one or more combustion chambers (2), a high-pressure gas turbine (3) and a power turbine (24) includes a device whereby water or water vapor is injected into the flow of the combustion air compressed by the compressor (1). The injection nozzles (22) are arranged in a bend (20) of an external connection housing (18), which consists of a radial housing part (19) connected to the outlet of the compressor (1) and of an axial housing part (21) connected to the intake of the combustion chamber (2).

Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine that includes rotatably coupling a first low-pressure turbine rotor to a high-pressure turbine, rotatably coupling a second low pressure turbine rotor to the first low-pressure turbine rotor, and rotatably coupling the second low-pressure turbine rotor to a turbine rear-frame such that a weight of the high-pressure turbine is transmitted to the turbine rear-frame.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a first fan assembly configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, rotatably coupling a second fan assembly to the first fan assembly, wherein the second fan assembly is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction, and coupling a lubrication system to the gas turbine engine such that a lubrication fluid is channeled through at least a portion of the second fan assembly.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine that includes providing a first fan assembly configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, rotatably coupling a second fan assembly to the first fan assembly, wherein the second fan assembly is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction, coupling a first shaft to the first fan assembly and to a first turbine rotor that is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, coupling a second shaft coupled to the second fan assembly and to a second turbine rotor that is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction, and coupling a lubrication system to the gas turbine engine such that a lubrication fluid is channeled through the first shaft to lubricate at least one of the first and second fan assemblies.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a first fan assembly including a plurality of rotor blades that are configured to rotate in a first rotational direction at a first rotational speed, rotatably coupling a second fan assembly axially aft of the first fan assembly, wherein the second fan assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades that are configured to rotate in a second rotational direction, and coupling a gearbox to the second fan assembly that is configured to rotate the second fan assembly at a second rotational speed that is different than the first rotational speed.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle assembly provides fluidic thrust vectoring of the primary stream to enhance aircraft maneuverability. The exhaust nozzle assembly includes a cooling air passage that supplies cooling air to a plurality of cooling holes that generate an insulating layer of air. A vector slot injects cooling airflow into the exhaust passage normal to the primary stream. A cover plate partially blocks the vector slot to direct cooling airflow into the exhaust passage that in turn directs portions of the primary stream.

Abstract: An injection head for a liquid-propelled rocket engine has a plurality of first and second injection bores for injecting jets of first and second propellant constituents, respectively, into the combustion chamber of a rocket engine, with mutual mixing of propellant constituents. The first injection bores are provided for injecting jets of the first propellant constituent with a high impulse, and the second injection bores are provided for injecting propellant jets of the second propellant constituent with a low impulse. In addition, the first and second injection bores are mutually arranged such that an admixing of the second propellant constituent to the first propellant constituent takes place under an ejector effect of the propellant jets of the first propellant constituent leaving the first injection bores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the lean operation of an internal combustion engine, especially an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, provided with a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst. As claimed in the invention, in a first process step, to establish the instant of switching from the storage phase to the discharge phase, a switching operating point is determined at least from the integral value of the nitrogen oxide mass flow upstream and/or downstream of the storage catalyst.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus is used for a secondary air supply system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an air pump for supplying secondary air into an upstream of a catalyst in an exhaust gas passage of the internal combustion engine. A secondary air detecting means detects secondary air information. An abnormality diagnosis means performs an abnormality diagnosis of the secondary air supply system in accordance with the secondary air information detected using the secondary air detecting means. A temperature information determining means performs at least one of detection and estimation of air pump temperature information. A condition setting means performs at least one of setting and compensating a condition for evaluating normality and abnormality of the secondary air supply system in accordance with the air pump temperature information.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can detect degradation of a three-way catalyst with high accuracy without causing deterioration in an exhaust. A pair of first and second air fuel ratio detectors are disposed in an exhaust system at locations upstream and downstream of the three-way catalyst for detecting a first and a second air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas. A target oxygen change amount calculator calculates a target oxygen change amount of the three-way catalyst, and an oxygen change amount calculator calculates an oxygen change amount of the three-way catalyst from an amount of exhaust gas passing through the three-way catalyst and the first air fuel ratio. An air fuel ratio operator inversely controls the air fuel ratio to a rich side and a lean side with a prescribed air fuel ratio width each time the oxygen change amount reaches a target oxygen change amount.

Abstract: An emission reduction apparatus includes first and second exhaust paths carrying respective first and second Nox traps. One trap has a smaller capacity than the other and is operative while the larger trap regenerates, allowing symmetric operation.

Abstract: This system for evaluating the soot load of a particle filter integrated in a diesel engine exhaust system of a motor vehicle comprises: storage means for storing a pre-established map of unit soot emission rates for each speed/load operating point of the engine; acquisition means for acquiring the current operating point of the engine in order to determine the corresponding unit soot emission rate; and accumulator means for accumulating the unit emission rates while the engine is in operation in order to determine the soot load of the particle filter.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a source, a plurality of fluid actuators, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an input indicative of which of the plurality of fluid actuators are a first and a second type of fluid actuator, to receive an input indicative of a desired flow rate for the plurality of fluid actuators, and to determine a current flow rate of the source. The controller is further configured to demand the desired flow rate for the first type of fluid actuator and to demand a scaled down desired flow rate for the second type of fluid actuator when a total desired flow rate exceeds the current flow rate of the source, and to demand a scaled down desired flow rate for all of the plurality of fluid actuators when the desired flow rate for the first type of fluid actuator exceeds the current flow rate of the source.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid actuator with a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the first chamber and a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the second chamber. The hydraulic system further has a proportional pressure compensating valve configured to control a pressure of a fluid directed between the source and the first and second valves.

Abstract: First and second displacement variable regenerating hydraulic motors are provided in third and fourth flow rate control lines which function as discharge flow paths for oil discharged, respectively, from first and second oil supply and discharge ports of a hydraulic motor, where controlling the displacement of the regenerating hydraulic motors allows the flow rate of discharge oil as well as the pressure of the third and fourth flow rate control lines to be controlled. First and second generators which generate electric power due to the rotation of the first and second regenerating hydraulic motors are further provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve regeneration efficiency when regenerating the energy of discharge fluid from a fluid pressure actuator as electrical energy. In a flow rate control line 15, which finctions as a discharge flow path for oil discharged from a head side oil chamber 1c of a hydraulic cylinder 1, is provided a displacement variable regenerating hydraulic motor 20, where controlling the displacement of the regenerating hydraulic motor 20 allows the flow rate of discharge oil from the hydraulic cylinder head side oil chamber 1c to be controlled. A generator 21, which generates electric power due to the rotation of the regenerating hydraulic motor 20, is further provided.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for capturing wave energy in a body of water such as the sea. The apparatus (10) rests on the seabed and comprises a body structure (11) having a portion such as a flexible diaphragm (19) adapted to deflect in response to wave action. Pumps (51), each defining a pumping chamber (55), are adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to deflection of the portion of the body structure. Each pumping chamber (55) has an inlet (61) communicating with the seawater and an outlet (62), whereby seawater is drawn into the pumping chamber upon volume expansion thereof from the pumping chamber and is discharged through the outlet upon volume reduction thereof through the outlet. The diaphragm (19) typically comprises a substantially rigid portion (21) and a flexible portion (23), with the pumps (51) operably connected to the rigid portion. There may be a plurality of said rigid portions (21) adapted for articulation one with respect to another to define an articulated structure.

Abstract: A powered lift assembly and a method of providing a powered lift. The assembly includes a housing including a gas positioned within a chamber. A first piston is slidably positioned within the housing. A second piston includes a shaft. The second piston is slidably positioned within the housing. A motor is operably attached to the first piston. The motor is positioned substantially within the housing. The motor biases the first piston thereby displacing the gas. The displaced gas biases the second piston and shaft. The method includes providing a housing. A first piston force is generated substantially within the housing. A gas pressure is modulated as a result of the first piston force. A second piston force is generated as a result of the modulated gas pressure.

Abstract: A casing 1 has a circular cylindrical internal surface 3 delimiting an operating chamber. An orbiting piston 4 in the operating chamber is mounted so as to orbit about a chamber axis which is the axis of the internal surface 3. The orbiting piston 4 has a circular cylindrical external surface 11, a generatrix of the external surface being adjacent to the said internal surface, and a diametrically opposite generatrix being spaced from the said internal surface. A vane member 17 mounted on the casing 1 has a tip face which faces the external surface of the orbiting piston and which has a length substantially equal to that of the orbiting piston 4. A linkage 71 connects the vane membe 17r to the orbiting piston 4 so as to keep the tip face of the vane member adjacent the external surface 11 of the orbiting piston.

Abstract: A hybrid car capable of stably ensuring the bad road running property, obtaining large acceleration in a satisfactory road surface state, and simultaneously when no large acceleration is required, running with fuel consumption kept unchanged is provided. The hybrid car is composed of an engine 1 for driving either of front wheels 2 and rear wheels 8, a generator 10 driven by the engine, a wheel driving motor 14 for driving engine non-driven wheels by power of the generator, a supercharger driving motor 1b for driving a supercharger 1a by the generator, a power distributor 12 adjusting power quantity for distributing the power from the generator to the supercharger motor and wheel driving motor, and a controller 7 for inputting information of wheel speed sensors 3a and 3b and controlling power distribution of the distributor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy which can use a wide range of fuels and perform with a high efficiency. Operating on a little utilized thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction. The external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from the external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Pistons and cylinders are activated by appropriate means to adiabatically compress the working fluid, for example ambient air, to transfer the entire mass of the air through the heat exchanger to accomplish isothermal expansion followed by adiabatic expansion and, finally, exhaust the air to ambient to allow for constant pressure cooling and contraction. Valve pistons in conjunction with the cylinders form valves that allow for the exchange of working fluid with ambient.

Abstract: A steam generator system comprising a coal-fired steam generator in fluid communication with a regenerative air preheater. The steam generator being adapted to receive a flow of heated combustion air exiting from the regenerative air preheater and to discharge a flow of hot flue gas to the regenerative air preheater. The regenerative air preheater adapted to receive a flow of cool air in counter flow to the flow of hot flue gas and to provide a heat exchange between the cool air and the hot flue gas to convert the cool air into the heated combustion air exiting to the steam generator. The steam generator system further comprising a first flow of heated air, diverted from the flow of heated combustion air, and routed through a source of pulverized coal to form a mixture comprising heated air and pulverized coal. The mixture being directed, by means of a fan positioned downstream of the source of pulverized coal, to the steam generator for combustion therein.

Abstract: A regenerative air preheater leakage recovery system comprising a coal-fired steam generator in fluid communication with a regenerative air preheater. The regenerative air preheater adapted to provide a heat exchange between a flow of cool air and of hot flue gas to convert the cool air into the heated combustion air exiting to the steam generator. A combination of seals for effecting at least one plenum that is in fluid communication with the heated combustion air flow and the flow of hot flue gas relative to the regenerative air preheater. A captured flow of leakage, diverted from the flow of heated combustion air and directed by means of a fan to re-enter the regenerative air preheater at a location substantially separate from where the flow of cool air is received in the regenerative air preheater to be further heated therein and exit as the flow of heated combustion air.

Abstract: A variable-section turbomachine nozzle comprises a plurality of moving flaps, and a moving flap control system comprising control levers each associated with a respective moving flap, the control levers comprising both controlled levers that are actuated directly by actuators, and follower levers that are actuated by the controlled levers via transmission links. When the nozzle is at rest, the flaps associated with the follower levers present a radial offset relative to the flaps associated with the controlled levers.

Abstract: A method for identifying combustion characteristics of a plurality combustion chambers in a gas turbine, the method including: supplying fuel to the combustion chambers at a predetermined fuel rate; sensing combustion dynamic pressure in said plurality of combustion chambers and generating dynamic pressure signals representative of the dynamic pressure in each of said combustion chambers, wherein the dynamic pressure signals provide information regarding the dynamic pressure at a plurality of frequencies; segmenting the signals into a plurality of predefined frequency bands; determining a characteristic value for each of the segmented signals, and identifying an order of combustion chambers based on the characteristic value.

Abstract: A heating system for a turbine engine air intake region for preventing the formation of ice on the air intake region, which may be formed from the bell-mouth, one or more vanes, such as inlet guide vanes, a turbine blade assembly formed from one or more blades, such as the first row of rotating blades, and related components. A heat source may be attached to the inlet manifold and positioned to emit thermal radiation toward the air intake region to prevent the formation of ice thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for producing ice containing ozone by injecting ozonated water in which ozone is dissolved or suspended into a cylindrical-shaped container 14 provided with an airtight lid 12 at one side of the container 14, and by cooling down the ozonated water injected into the cylindrical-shaped container 14 in a pressurized state to generate finer bubbles containing the ozone by freezing the ozonated water. The method and apparatus make it possible to produce ice containing ozone in which the ozone is sealed in a higher percentage and the ozone bubbles are uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: A device includes a liquid metal and a ferrofluid contained in a closed tube. Many electrode groups are connected to the closed tube. A feedback device is connected to the electrode groups. The feedback device switches power to each electrode group in series to circulate the liquid metal and move the ferrofluid in the closed tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a castable, aerogel-based, ultra-low thermal conductivity opacified insulation to suppress sublimation. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerogel opacified with various opacifying or reflecting constituents to suppress sublimation and provide thermal insulation in thermoelectric modules. The opacifying constituent can be graded within the aerogel for increased sublimation suppression, and the density of the aerogel can similarly be graded to achieve optimal thermal insulation and sublimation suppression.

Abstract: The method is implemented in an installation comprising an endothermic component (EC) and an exothermic component consisting of the reactors (1) and (2). The reactors (1) and (2) are in thermal contact, each of them constituting an active thermal mass for the other, and they are provided with heating means (6) and heat extraction means (5). (1), (2) and (EC) are provided with means for bringing them into selective communication, and reversible phenomena involving a gas G take place therein, the equilibrium curve for the phenomenon in (1) lying within a higher temperature range than that of the equilibrium curve for the phenomenon in (2), which is itself higher than that of the curve for the phenomenon in (EC) in the Clausius-Clapeyron plot.

Abstract: A piston compressor comprises a piston (12) which oscillates in a cylinder (14). A compressed-gas supply arrangement is provided which comprises a compressed-gas accumulator (34), a compressed-gas supply line (18) between a compressed-gas source (20) and the compressed-gas accumulator (34). Further, the compressed-gas supply line (18) comprises an inlet valve (42) which is open when the piston (12) is in a filling position. The inlet valve (42) is defined by a cylinder wall opening (22) and a piston wall opening (38) which are located opposite each other when the piston (12) is in the filling position, thus defining an open valve, and which are closed by the piston wall (40) and the cylinder wall (24), respectively, when the piston (12) is in the non-filling position, thus defining a closed valve. Thereby, a valve is provided which does not comprise any moving parts and is thus easy to manufacture, is highly reliable and has a long service life.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryocooler wherein some cryocooler working gas is diverted from the pressure wave pathway before passing to the cold portion of the cryocooler, passed to a getter for adsorptive cleaning of contaminants, and returned to the pressure wave pathway at a warm portion of the pressure wave pathway.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage system for cryogenic storage using liquid refrigerant is provided. The cryogenic storage system includes first and second vacuum vessels, a vacuum source, a quantity of a liquid refrigerant, and at least one temperature control assembly. An insulating wall may be provided on an interior surface of one of the vessels. A common vacuum condition is provided in voids that are present in the wall of the first and second vessels as well as in the insulating wall. The at least one temperature control assembly includes a power supply, a temperature sensor, a heater, and a conductive element. The at least one conductive element provides a link or thermal coupling between a space defined in the first vessel and the liquid refrigerant stored in the second vessel.

Abstract: A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.

Abstract: An automatic loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).

Abstract: A freezer for the storage of blood plasma and other blood products includes a user interface device which permits a user to adjust operating parameters of the freezer. The user interface device is operable to display the current status of the freezer. A defrost icon is displayed when the freezer is in defrost mode. The user interface device a graphical representation of the temperature within the freezer over the previous twenty-four hours. The controller of the freezer stores temperature related events which can be displayed on the user interface device or downloaded to a remote computer.