Abstract: A tube-type vortex reducer for the conduction of cooling air in a compressor 1 of a gas turbine with at least one radial secondary air tube 2 arranged in a disk interspace 3, includes a deflector arranged in a discharge area of the secondary air tube for the deflection of the secondary air flow into an axial direction or away from an axial direction.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine combustor facilitates reducing costs and time required for assembly. The combustor includes a spectacle plate, a plurality of swirlers, and a plurality of deflector plates. The method includes coupling an assembly fixture to at least one swirler, coupling the assembly fixture to the spectacle plate such that the swirler is maintained in alignment with respect to the spectacle plate during assembly of the combustor, and attaching the swirler to the spectacle plate.

Abstract: A system and method for storing a product in a thermally stabilized state is disclosed. The system includes a thermally-conductive structure having at least an enclosed volume and an open section. The open section is configured to store at least one unit of the product as the product is exposed to ambient air. The system also includes a thermally-conductive fluid sealed within the enclosed volume and being in thermal contact with the enclosed volume. The system further includes at least one thermo-electric device and at least one thermally-conductive probe extending from the at least one thermo-electric device and into the fluid. The probe provides a thermally-conductive path between the fluid and the thermo-electric device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for controlling and raising the temperature of a fitting used to transfer liquefied gas to a storage vessel. A hollow metal tube containing heated inert gas contacts the fitting such that heat is transferred to the fitting. By raising the temperature of the fitting, problems such as leakage due to freezing the o-ring seal can be reduced. The method utilizes a vortex tube as the heat source to avoid problems with sparking when an incendiary gas such as hydrogen is being transferred to the storage vessel.

Abstract: A system for delivering water to a water dispenser or an icemaker of a refrigerator includes at least one anti-kink device employed in routing a water line. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the anti-kink device is attached to a support bracket for a valve of the water delivery system and aids in routing the water line adjacent an attachment of the water line to the valve. In addition to preventing kinking, the anti-kink device ensures proper water line/valve alignment to prevent side loading of the water line.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature includes an atomizer that forms micron-sized hydrogen-bonded refrigerant droplets within a chamber. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber to lower its interior pressure. Under these conditions, the refrigerant droplets evaporate while lowering the temperature of its immediate surrounding. In one embodiment, the atomizer includes a pump that forces a hydrogen-bonded liquid refrigerant through a nozzle.

Abstract: A method for detecting and predicting refrigerant level includes the steps of determining an estimated value for a parameter indicative of refrigerant level and comparing that estimated value to an actual value. The difference between the actual and estimated value provides a refrigerant charge indicator value. The charge indicator value is indicative of the amount of refrigerant contained within the system. A change value is combined with the charge indicator value to provide a prediction for the future value of the charge indicator value. This future value is determined based on a rate of change and charge indicator value over a selected period of time.

Abstract: A method of operating a vapor compression system, the vapor compression system defining a closed fluid circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated and having operably disposed therein, in serial order, a compressor, a high pressure heat exchanger, an expansion device and a low pressure heat exchanger. The method includes applying a variable thermal load on a first one of the heat exchangers, monitoring the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger and controlling the operation of the system to limit the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger when the thermal load exceeds a predetermined value. A heat exchange subsystem employed to limit the thermal load may include reducing the flow of a heat exchange medium over the heat exchanger or to recirculate the heat exchange medium in a manner which reduces the thermal load on the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage compartment positioned inside the cavity. The article storage compartment has a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage compartment. The article storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of article storage sub-compartments, each sub-compartment having an opening at a dispensing end thereof for passage therethrough during a dispensing operation of articles stored therein.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a main body with storing compartments, and doors to open and close openings of the respective storing compartments in a first side of the main body, has: a box accommodating part concaved from the first side of the main body; and an electric component box, which is drawn in and out of the box accommodating part, and includes electric components. With this configuration, the present invention provides the refrigerator allowing the electric component box to be easily drawn in and out and inspected.

Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.

Abstract: A modular refrigeration system includes a refrigeration device having a space configured for storage of products therein, a cooling system providing a coolant configured to cool the space, and at least one modular cooling element configured for placement at any one of a plurality of locations within the space and configured to receive the coolant so that a temperature distribution profile of the products within the space can be customized. A method of customizing a temperature distribution profile within a refrigeration device having a cooling system is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a temperature distribution profile within the refrigeration device, identifying at least one location within the refrigeration device having a temperature above a desired temperature range, providing a modular cooling element configured for installation at the location, and interconnecting the modular cooling element with the cooling system.

Abstract: The present invention is a coldplate hotspot spray cooling system that cools an electronic component creating a varying amount of heat across its surfaces. Liquid coolant is dispensed upon a spray pin protruding from a base wherein the liquid creates a very high heat absorbing evaporative thin film. The spray pin is located over an area of the chip that produces a large heat flux, typically referred to as a hotspot. The small size and isolation of the spray pin provides the ability to generate very large heat fluxes. Multiple spray pins are possible.

Abstract: A cold-storage appliance includes an open-topped insulating container defining an external surface; an insulating lid adapted to close the open top of the container; a cooling means adapted to cool the interior of the container; and a structure supporting the container, the lid and the cooling means; wherein the container is mounted to the structure for movement relative to the structure and the lid to open the container and afford access to its interior or to close the container. Movement of the drawer includes a major component to open or close the drawer and a minor component transverse to the major component to separate the drawer from the lid at opening.

Abstract: An expander controls the expansion and flow of refrigerant between high and low pressure within a vapor compression system. The expander drives a shaft that in turn drives a friction disk within a friction heat generator. Frictional contact between the friction disk and the plate generates heat. The friction heat generator transfers heat to the water circuit to elevate the temperature of water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of ethane and heavier components from a hydrocarbon feed gas stream. Feed gas stream is cooled and separated into a vapor stream and a condensed stream. Vapor stream is divided into a first and a second gas streams. First gas stream is expanded and sent to a fractionation tower. Second gas stream is supplied to an absorber tower. At least a part of the first liquid stream is cooled and sent to the absorber. Absorber column produces a lean vapor stream and a second condensed stream. Lean vapor stream is cooled and sent to the fractionation tower. Second condensed stream is subcooled and supplied to the fractionation tower. Temperatures and pressures of the streams and columns are maintained to recover a major portion of ethane and heavier hydrocarbon components as bottom product, and produce at the fractionation tower overhead, a residue gas stream.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing synthetic quartz glass is produced by feeding silica-forming material, hydrogen, and oxygen gases from a burner to a reaction zone, flame hydrolyzing the silica-forming material in the reaction zone to form particles of silica, depositing the silica particles on a rotatable substrate in the reaction zone to form a porous silica matrix, and heating and vitrifying the porous silica matrix in a fluorine compound gas-containing atmosphere. During formation of the porous silica matrix, the angle between the center axes of the silica matrix and the silica-forming reactant flame from the burner is adjusted to 90–120° so that the porous silica matrix has a density of 0.1–1.0 g/cm3 with a narrow distribution within 0.1 g/cm3. The resulting quartz glass has a high transmittance to light in the vacuum ultraviolet region below 200 nm.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing chalcogenide glass are provided that allow for larger quantities of glass to be produced with lower production costs and less risks of environmental hazards. The system includes a reaction container operable to hold chalcogenide glass constituents during a glass formation reaction, a stirring rod operable to mix the contents of the reaction container, a thermocouple operable to measure the temperature inside the reaction container, and a reaction chamber operable to hold the reaction container. The method includes placing chalcogenide glass constituents in a reaction container, heating the chalcogenide glass constituents above the melting point of at least one of the constituents, promoting dissolving or reaction of the other constituents, stirring the reaction melt, maintaining an overpressure of at least one atmosphere over the reaction melt, and cooling the reaction melt to below the chalcogenide glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for forming infrared glass optical components are provided. The system includes first and second mold halves having first and second respective faces. The first and second mold halves are configured to be removably coupled such that the first face and the second face form an interface that defines a lens-shaped cavity. A tapered surface of the first face cooperates with a tapered surface of the second face to enhance centering of the first face with respect to the second face.

Abstract: Silica sol techniques are described for making thick silica or silica based films useful for planar optical waveguides. The process involves coating of a colloidal silica sol onto a substrate, drying the sol, and consolidating the dried sol to form the planar waveguide. Coating is performed in a simple operation, either by dipping, or preferably by spin coating. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is coated with a wetting agent prior to spin coating. It is found that the wetting agent substantially improves the thickness uniformity of the layer. Thick waveguide layers may be produced by repeating the coating process one or more times to produce a layer with the desired thickness. Buried waveguides are produced by forming a doped core layer, patterning the doped core layer and using the coating technique of the invention to form the cladding material.

Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet lock securely grasps a metal strap ring (or D ring) of a helmet strap to prevent helmet theft. The helmet lock includes a groove suitable to accept the strap ring and a locking bolt to advance through the strap ring to secure the helmet. The lock may be an integral part of a motorcycle grip or foot peg, may bolt to a common accessory attachment interface of known motorcycle grips, or include an expanding portion which expands inside a tubular handlebar end to attach the helmet lock. The lock may further be used on any type of vehicle using handlebars for foot pegs.

Abstract: A high security lock and key system with an increased number of code combinations is disclosed. The system is of the kind where the blade of the key has a wave-like guiding surface (104) at the side of the key blade which, upon insertion into an associated lock having a rotatable key plug, engages with one or more side locking tumblers (206) in the lock cooperating with a side locking mechanism for locking the key plug against rotation. In order to provide an even higher number of possible code combinations, while preserving the overall dimensions of the locks and the keys of the system, the present invention provides for an extra code level (121) located at a longitudinally extending shelf surface, viz. at the upper boundary of the side material region where the wave-like guiding surface is cut at the side of the key blade. The invention also relates to a key (100) and a key blade as such, and to a lock (200) as such, for use in such a system.

Abstract: The shot peening method and apparatus (FIG. 13) of the present invention utilizes control of the shot peening coverage to provide higher surface compression and comparable depth of compression to conventional 100% coverage peening but with reduced cold working providing improved thermal stability and reduction in shot peening time and cost. A preferred embodiment of this invention employs x-ray diffraction (FIG. 13) residual stress and percent cold work determinated by line broadening to establish the optimal degree of coverage for a given material and shot peening intensity.

Abstract: A punch assembly used with a hydroforming die includes a punch cylinder for mounting to the hydroforming die and having a movable rod. The punch assembly also includes a punch for piercing an opening in a tubular member disposed in the hydroforming die. The punch assembly further includes a quick change assembly interconnecting the rod of the punch cylinder and the punch for allowing the punch to be removably attached to the punch cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for hot gas blow-forming including opposed heated and insulated tool containers, each including a tool heater plate that is adapted for attachment to a platen of a press with one or more load bearing spacers interposed between the tool heater plate and the platen. Each tool container also includes an insulation enclosure having a base portion that is interposed between the tool heater plate and the platen and further having perimeter wall portion that surrounds the tool heater plate. A perimeter seal is preferably attached to at least one of the heated and insulated tool containers and is adapted for sealing engagement with the other of the heated and insulated tool containers.

Abstract: A pre-beading apparatus for fashioning a cylindrical includes a housing have a work surface and an aperture formed in the work surface, where the aperture is capable of accommodating the cylindrical workpiece. A rotatable head assembly is concentrically aligned with the aperture, and includes a bead wheel and a cut wheel disposed on opposing distal ends of the rotatable head assembly. A gripper assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a securing means that extends into the cylindrical workpiece and permits selective movement of the cylindrical workpiece in an axial direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a bolt capable of mass-producing a multiple screw bolt such as a so-called double screw bolt at a low unit price, and a thread rolling die for use therein. The apparatus for manufacturing a bolt comprises a pair of thread rolling dies (1) which are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined interval, and a bolt supporting unit (2) which supports a cylindrical bolt material (3) in a predetermined position. The thread rolling dies (1) are provided with a transfer pattern (4) having a coarse thread portion (5) which is part of a coarse thread formed by developing a coarse screw, and projections (6) which are part of a fine thread (6a) formed by developing a fine screw as shown by an imaginary line (6a), the fine thread (6a) being formed cyclically on a root portion (5a) of the coarse thread according to a phase shift between the fine thread and the coarse thread.

Abstract: The bending device with a cutting mechanism has a bending die corresponding to a desired bending shape, a bending arm that rotates on the bending die, and a clamping die on the bending arm that moves toward a longitudinal workpiece. Corresponding to rotation of the bending arm, the clamping die is rotated around the bending die in order to bend the workpiece. A cutter is provided on the bending arm. The cutter is in a pointed shape having the center of a leading end protruding, and moves toward a workpiece. The clamping die has a groove wherein the cutter can be slid therein. The cutter moves linearly toward a workpiece and cuts the workpiece.

Abstract: A section straightening machine is operated by a method which involves passing the structural sections through the array of straightening tools. Section straightening forces are applied to adjustable shafts carrying the tools and adjusters at the service sides of the shaft applying forces acting counter to the section straightening forces.

Abstract: In a device and in a process for bending a tube 72, the tube 72 is guided through a bending tool 71, which rotates around a section guide housing 81, 82 and also around a cam unit formed by two tubes 83, 84. Rollers 86 serve as pressing elements, and a mandrel 73 serves as an abutment; as the tube 72 is pushed through the section guide housing 81, 82 between the rollers 86 and the mandrel 73, it is squeezed to different degrees in different areas of its wall cross section, so that, as a result of the stretching and squeezing of the tube 72, a bend is produced. The size of the bending radius of the tube 72 to be bent is determined by the eccentricity adjusted via the cam unit and/or by the axial feed of the rollers 86 toward the section guide housing 81, 82. By means of the bending tool 71 according to the invention, it is possible to produce different bending radii in one and the same bending device in a tube 72 to be bent by changing the feed, that is, the distance between the rollers 86 and the mandrel 73.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooling and/or lubricating rollers, in particular the working rollers (2, 3) on a rolling stand and a rolled strip (1), rolled between the above rollers and transported onwards, using water in the form of spray jets (4, 5) as cooling medium and oil, oil/water mix, oil/water mix, oil/air/water mix or grease mixtures as lubricant. In order to improve the lubricating and cooling effects, a combined application of super-cooling the strip and roller surfaces and roller lubrication on the input side of the stand is disclosed, in which both media, water and lubricant, are separately fed to the rollers (2, 3) and the rolled strip and applied to the roller surface at different application points. Separate reservoirs for water and lubricant and separate lines to the spraying bar (11) for water and the spraying bar (12) for the lubricant are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a torsion bar includes a first shaping step of reducing a diameter of a round bar steel material according to cold drawing work so as to have a hardness including an inside through a surface layer of 320 or more to 450 or less by Vickers hardness (HV), and a second shaping step of cutting a midway area of the steel material in the longitudinal direction so as to obtain a spring portion.

Abstract: A straightening apparatus for large diameter thick wall pipe has an expander head at one end of a beam inserted into the pipe and having a radially displaceable saddle positionable at any selected location along the beam. The saddle may be shifted along the beam by a linear actuator and the saddle applies a radial force to the inner wall of the pipe in a bending operation.

Abstract: An asymmetrical tool is provided to form an asymmetric orifice for an orifice disc. The asymmetric orifice is initially formed with a wall portion extending generally perpendicular to first and second generally parallel surfaces of the orifice disc. The wall of the orifice is deformed by the tool into an inlet portion contiguous to the first surface and a transition portion spaced from the first surface. The transition portion of the wall extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second generally planar surfaces. The inlet portion of the wall extends at a first oblique angle with respect to the first surface, and the first oblique angle varying with respect to the longitudinal axis. A method of forming the orifice with the tool is described.

Abstract: A hot forming tool is heated with multiple electrical resistance cartridge heaters. The heaters are located in the body of the tool so as to maintain the entire forming surface within a predetermined temperature range. Numerical thermal and optimization analyses direct the placement of the heaters so that when each heating element is simultaneously powered on for an identical fraction of the time, an acceptable temperature distribution will be produced within the tool at the tool operating temperature.

Abstract: A transfer press provided with a transfer device, having transfer units provided with cross members (37) for which the length is shorter than the width of a tool. The transfer units (29 to 32) are arranged completely between the processing stations or stages, are mounted on the crown or head piece, and are not provided with elements extending beside the tools or between supports of adjacent processing or press stations. Thus, the full width spanned by the press supports can be used for the tools. In addition, tools can be used which are provided with guides, effective between the upper tool and the lower tool, particularly in the side region. The work pieces are handled solely by means of the openings, freed by the tools and pointing counter to the transporting device, wherein no element of the transfer device extends past the side limits of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending press comprising a bottom panel, a moving top panel, N bending-tool clamps, each clamp being mounted to pivot about a common axis, and means for causing the clamps to pivot. The means for causing the clamps to pivot comprise: a plurality of actuators each suitable for taking up two states; a plurality of transmission means for transmitting the state of each actuator assembly to a plurality of adjacent clamps, in such a manner each clamp is associated with a single actuator; and means for separately controlling the state of each actuator between a first state which brings the clamps associated with the actuator into a position for clamping the bending tool, and a second state which brings the clamps associated with the actuator into a position for removing said bending tools.

Abstract: To calibrate a tool evaluator having a first sensor, where this first sensor is operable to sense a force and transmit a first signal associated with the sensed force, a second sensor is disposed within the tool evaluator. This second sensor is operable to sense the force and transmit a second signal associated with the sensed force. In addition, the tool evaluator is controlled to apply the force to the second sensor and a calibration factor is determined in response to the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A micro-gyroscope (10) having closed loop output operation by a control voltage (Vty), that is demodulated by a drive axis (x-axis) signal Vthx of the sense electrodes (S1, S2), providing Coriolis torque rebalance to prevent displacement of the micro-gyroscope (10) on the output axis (y-axis) Vthy˜0. Closed loop drive axis torque, Vtx maintains a constant drive axis amplitude signal, Vthx. The present invention provides independent alignment and tuning of the micro-gyroscope by using separate electrodes and electrostatic bias voltages to adjust alignment and tuning. A quadrature amplitude signal, or cross-axis transfer function peak amplitude is used to detect misalignment that is corrected to zero by an electrostatic bias voltage adjustment. The cross-axis transfer function is either Vthy/Vty or Vtnx/Vtx.

Abstract: A multi-directional shock sensor having a central post surrounded by an omnidirectionally moveable toroidal mass. A plurality of anchor members surrounds the mass and carries one arm of a latching arm assembly. The other arm of each latching arm assembly is carried by, and radially extends from the mass to oppose a respective first arm. A shock event will cause the mass to move in a certain direction to an extent where one or more of the arm assemblies will latch. The latching may be determined by an electrical circuit connected to contact pads on the central post and on the anchor members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new concept in measuring the dissolved gas levels in supersaturated liquid streams. In particular, the new device is specifically applicable to the measurement of carbonation levels in soft drinks. The measurement is made by permitting the beverage to escape from the pressurized container to atmospheric pressure through a thin tubing. The gas escaping from the supersaturated beverage separates the liquid stream into alternating gas and liquid segments. The relative long term average length of the segments is directly related to the CO2 content of the beverage. The instrument is simple to operate, inexpensive, and needs no calibration; it is easily adaptable to presently used laboratory equipment, and is useful in production process control.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the levels of combustible gas in a gas stream. The system includes means for controlling the relative humidity of the the gas stream to maintain a humidity level in the performance range of combustible gas sensors. A number techniques are illustrated for achieving the humidity control, including, secondary phase separations, mixing the gas with dry air and adjusting of the gas stream temperature.

Abstract: A sniffing leak detector includes a handpiece, supporting a sniffing tip, the detector further including a gas sensor. To promote longer life and obtaining more accurate results, the leak detector is equipped with an acceleration sensor for recording the movements of the handpiece.

Abstract: A highly sensitive particulate matter concentration measuring apparatus for measuring a concentration of particulate matter in a sample gas collected in a collecting region formed on a collecting medium, the collecting region being formed by drawing the sample gas through a cross-sectional area of the collecting medium, the collecting medium is a filter tape that includes a porous film made of a fluorine resin and a reinforcing layer provided on the porous film, the particulate matter concentration is measured using a beta-ray absorbing method while removing the error influences of naturally occurring beta radiation, and includes an additional impact type sampler or cyclone type sampler for filtering the sample gas prior to collecting the particulate matter in the collecting region.

Abstract: A gas sensor equipped with a protective gas cover which defines therein a gas chamber to which a sensor element is exposed. The protective gas cover has gas inlet holes through which gas to be measured is admitted. The protective cover also has dimples formed adjacent the gas inlet holes, respectively, which are designed to avoid a direct hit of a flow of the gas on the sensor element and minimize the concentration of thermal stress around the gas inlet holes. In an alternative form, the gas inlet holes are formed in the dimples, respectively.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a space acted upon by high pressure. The signals detected by the pressure sensor are supplied to evaluation electronics. A sensor diaphragm is accommodated on the end of the pressure sensor pointing towards the space acted upon by high pressure. The sensor diaphragm takes the form of a steel diaphragm, to whose back side a thin, metallic layer accommodating piezoresistive measuring elements is applied. The thin, metallic layer is contacted by transmission elements and connected to the evaluation electronics.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting leakage in a heat exchanger by circulating a tracer under pressure from the first side of said heat exchanger to the second side and then from the second side to the first side subsequent to reversing the direction of the pressure. In order to prevent a false test result it has previously been necessary to make sure that all tracers, for example electrolytes, colorants, or fluorofors, were rinsed from the first side prior to circulating the tracers from the second side to the first side. This time consuming and at the same time unreliable rinsing process is avoided by the method of the present invention by adding a second tracer from the second side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fluid conduit assembly and testing the fluid conduit for leaks. Clipping devices support fasteners at a position remote from the conduit. According to the invention the fasteners can be loaded into clip nests provided by the clipping devices while leak testing of the conduit is performed. The performance of these steps simultaneously effectively eliminates the conventional requirement of pre-loading installation fasteners into the leak testing apparatus, and thus reduces the overall time required for the testing and assembly of fluid conduits by approximately one third. If the leak test is successful, all of the fasteners are then moved to the conduits and closed to integrate the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.