Abstract: A insect trap system for absorbing bodily fluids and preventing insects from spreading from a dead animal. The insect trap system includes a collection mat having a plurality of dividers defining a center zone and surrounding zones. An absorbent material is attached to the center zone with the surrounding zones filled with an adhesive for catching insects. The collection mat includes a folding portion for allowing folding of the collection mat into a compact storage position. A cuff having a conical shape has adhesive applied to the interior surface thereof. The cuff includes a slit for allowing positioning about the leg of an animal or a rope or other structuring supporting the animal.

Abstract: A device for locating and obtaining access to subterranean rodent burrows as an aid to the field of pest extermination. The device allows the user to probe the ground with one end of the tool in order to locate the burrow and determine depth and direction of said burrow. Once this is accomplished, the other end of the tool is used to remove soil that is obstructing access to the rodent burrow, leaving the burrow exposed and intact, allowing for the easy application of traps or rodenticides.

Abstract: An artificial surface for the growing of turf forming grasses and other plants, comprising a mixture of rubber, a polymer modified bitumen emulsion and slow release, plant nutrient containing particles, mixed in sufficient proportions and to a substantially even distribution of each of the rubber, emulsion and particles throughout the mixture so that, when laid and cured, the mixture uniformly produces a water permeable, heat conductive surface having air pockets through which a root system of the turf forming grasses and other plants can penetrate, the plant nutrient containing particles being trapped within the surface for slow release of plant nutrient to the root system.

Abstract: A plant pot system includes an inner pot and an outer coded container pot. The inner plant pot includes a lip lock ridge and belt. The outer coded container pot includes a lip lock band and groove; and has one of a range of appearances. The inner plant pot containing a plant is placed within the outer pot and locks into place by engagement of the ridge in the groove so the combined pots have the appearance of the selected outer pot.

Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant within dirt or potting soil includes a container for containing dirt or potting soil and which has sidewalls and an interior. The sidewalls defines at least one grow port which provides access to the interior of the container, and the planter further includes a plant insertion sleeve having two side sections which are hingedly connected to one another for hinged movement between opened and closed conditions so that when the sleeve is positioned in its opened condition, the root system of a plant to be transplanted is positionable within one of the side sections of the sleeve, and the side sections can be subsequently moved to a closed condition about the root system to place the plant insertion sleeve and root system in condition for insertion into a grow port of the container for continued growth of the plant within dirt or potting soil contained within the container.

Abstract: A container (1) for the cultivation of plants is described, the container (1) comprising an inner container (2) for housing a plant cultivation medium (C), an outer container (3) fixed around the inner container (2) and provided with a bottom wall (5) arranged at a predetermined distance (df) from the bottom wall (5) of the inner container (2), the outer container (3) defining with the inner container (2) an airspace (7) substantially sealed in a fluid-tight manner, wherein a storage zone (A) of an irrigation liquid (L) is defined, and an elongated element (10) for the capillary upwelling of the irrigation liquid (L) towards said cultivation medium (C). The container (1) of the invention enables to provide the plant housed in the cultivation medium (C) with the proper quantity of irrigation liquid (L) as a function of the plant needs.

Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) for a sash window (12) disposed within opposed guide rails (16) on a master frame (14) is provided. The sash window (12) comprises a top rail (18), a base (22) and two stiles (24, 26) connected together at their extremities. The tilt-latch (10) is adapted for releaseably securing the sash window (12) to the master frame (14). The tilt-latch (10) includes a housing (30) adapted to be supported by the top rail (18), the housing (30) having an outward end opening (54). The tilt-latch (10) further includes a latch bolt (32) disposed within the housing (30) and having a nose (56) adapted for engaging a respective one of the guide rails (16). The latch bolt (32) has structure wherein the latch bolt (32) is capable of being operably positioned in the housing (30) in one of a first position for a right-hand tilt-latch (10) and second position for a left-hand tilt-latch (10).

Abstract: A two piece outer belt weatherstrip provides a seal between the upper portion of a door and the lower portion a window. The weatherstrip comprises two individual components: a cover and a body. The cover is generally T-shaped and includes a curved outer surface that is visible when assembled and installed and a centrally disposed web. The body is a complex generally S-shaped member having adjacent parallel slots opening in opposite directions. One slot receives the web of the cover and the other receives a vertical flange of the vehicle door and secures the weatherstrip thereon. An S-shaped metal reinforcing member resides with the body and a pair of wiper flanges extending from one face of the body engage the window glass and seal thereagainst. These components are preferably extruded but may be molded depending, inter alia, upon the configurations of their terminal portions.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A rectangular tilt-up concrete tank includes a concrete slab with a metal plate anchored thereto, the metal plate defining at least one substantially linear concrete side wall location. A plurality of preformed concrete side panels each having metal plates attached along a bottom edge and opposing side edges are welded in a liquid-tight weld to the metal plate defining the concrete side wall location and a side metal plate of each side panel is welded to a metal side plate of an adjacent side panel in a liquid-tight weld to define a concrete side wall. Horizontal and vertical post-tensioning sleeves are provided in the side panels for receiving post-tensioning tendons.

Abstract: A connecting device for joining a wall to a building frame, or for joining walls, comprises a hook member. The frame can comprise steel beams, or also comprise a truss having an open web, and a slide rail attached to the truss' chords in a generally plumb orientation. Embodiments of the hook member substantially encircle one or more slide rails and thereby retain the rails. Other embodiments fit within a channel attached to solid steel webs, or concrete frames. The device's other end is positioned over a course of masonry units, and when embedded in mortar, the cells of the masonry units do not require grouting. Other connecting device embodiments comprise an anchor member securely joined to the member, the connecting device providing multiple points of attachment with the masonry, or multiple members joined to the anchor member. The connecting device can be used for new construction, and in renovations using currently existing steel and concrete frames.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp unit for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solid wood flooring having a first clamp, a second clamp and two spring clips. The first clamp includes a first protrusion, a T-shape protrusion disposed at the junction of two adjacent solid wood panels, and a tongue formed on the inner side of the first clamp and extended along a first clamp groove. The second clamp includes a second protrusion, a groove formed at the inner side of the second clamp and matching the tongue of the first clamp for engaging into each other, and a second clamp groove formed inside of the second clamp. The spring clips each include an opening mouth that fits tightly into the first and second grooves so that the first and second clamp are merged into one clamp unit. This allows the gap between the solid wood panels to automatically adjust and is suitable for irregular floor configurations.

Abstract: Floorboard and openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side and projecting tongue on an opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. Tongue and undercut groove are formed to be brought together and pulled apart by pivoting motion with a center close to the intersection between the surface planes and common joint plane of two adjoining floorboards. The undercut is produced by at least two disk-shaped cutting tools with rotary shafts inclined relative to each other to form first an inner part of the undercut portion of the groove and then a locking surface positioned closer to the opening of the groove. Installation method for a floor of such boards, manufacturing method for manufacturing the undercut groove and a wedge-shaped tool for laying of the floorboards is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.

Abstract: A means and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base means upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures.

Abstract: A peripherally encapsulated product, such as an oven door outer shell, is molded in accordance with this invention by placing a piece of glass between mold clamping portions of relatively movable closed bodies when the latter are in an open position. Preferably both bodies are heated and thermosetting polymeric material (SMC or BMC) is placed upon selected areas of one of the mold bodies within and about an area corresponding to an annular mold cavity and outboard of a peripheral edge of a piece of glass. The glass is clamped between mold clamping portions of the mold bodies which are then progressively closed creating compression forces which extrude the thermosetting polymeric material into the annular cavity and into complete encapsulation of the continuous peripheral edge of the piece of glass. The handle can be integrally molded during the molding process.

Abstract: The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism is for a bag-manufacturing and packaging machine that makes bags by sealing a tubular packaging material longitudinally and transversely while also filling the bags with items to be packaged. The transverse sealing mechanism functions to thermally seal the packaging material in a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the packaging material is conveyed. The transverse sealing mechanism is equipped with a plurality of sealing jaws and an adjusting part. The plurality of sealing jaws rotate about a rotational axis and execute thermal sealing by making contact with the tubular packaging material. The adjusting part adjusts a relative distance between the sealing jaws. The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism readily accommodates different bag sizes.

Abstract: A method of forming groups of cigarettes on a packing machine, whereby a conveyor feeds a succession of pockets in steps past a number of group-forming stations, where the pockets receive respective groups of cigarettes fed axially to the relative pockets by means of independent pushers, which are operated in a normal cyclic operating sequence to move selectively through respective group-forming stations; and whereby the formation of a gap along the conveyor, caused by non-supply of a faulty group to a relative pocket, is prevented by replacing the normal cyclic operating sequence with a different cyclic sequence capable of ensuring all the pockets are filled as of the fully operative group-forming stations only.

Abstract: The present device is utilized by equestrian riders to maintain their horse's forehead vertical with the ground. It is made of plastic and readily attaches to the bridle on top of the horse's head, between the ears. A colored indicator is visible to the rider through an opening in the device and lets the rider know if the animal's head is vertical with the ground or if the nose is back or away from the animal's body. This device will aid the rider and horse to learn how to position and maintain the animals forehead vertical with the ground.

Abstract: A brush cutter blade for shredding of grasses, weeds, vines and brush and also for saw cutting of saplings and tree branches, comprising a circular saw blade member with auxiliary cutting elements projecting from the underside of the blade. Several preferred embodiments include semielliptic and rectangular structures and serrated and non-serrated cutting edges for the auxiliary cutting elements. All embodiments share outwardly sloped, substantially flat structures, circularly and symmetrically disposed, with centrally inclined base lines. This combination of structural features is enacted upon by centrifugal forces during rotation, to create an effective self-cleaning mechanism, whereby cutting debris is urged upward, outward and away from the auxiliary cutting elements.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a cutter housing made of a synthetic resin. The cutter housing has side guard parts provided on left and right peripheries of a scroll part. Each side guard part has a hollow reinforcing part. The hollow reinforcing part is made up of a side wall of the scroll part, an approximately horizontal guard wall formed on the side wall, and a connecting rib connecting together the guard wall and the side wall. The reinforcing part makes the cutter housing resistant to impacts from the sides and to bending with respect to its length direction.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system of a vehicular internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of exhaust gas catalytic converters having different working temperature ranges. Depending on the temperature of the exhaust gas the latter is directed to the one or those converters into whose working temperature range the exhaust gas temperature falls.

Abstract: A filter system includes a plurality of filter sections, each of the plurality of filter sections receiving a portion of flow. Each filter section includes a first filter, a second filter, an absorbing material disposed between the first and second filter, and at least one dispersion mechanism disposed between the first and second filter. The at least one dispersion mechanism assists in providing a fluid to the filter system.

Abstract: A filter differential pressure, which is the difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of a DPM filter (11), is determined, and switching is performed in accordance with the regeneration condition of the DPM filter (11) between a first trapped DPM amount calculation process for estimating the trapped DPM amount after complete regeneration, in which all of the DPM trapped in the DPM filter (11) is burned, and a second trapped DPM amount calculation process for estimating the trapped DPM amount when a part of the DPM trapped in the DPM filter (11) has been burned away. The trapped DPM amount in the DPM filter (11) is estimated on the basis of the filter differential pressure using one of the first and second trapped DPM amount calculation processes.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates a pressure loss in an exhaust passage downstream of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) fluctuating in accordance with an operating state of an engine based on the operating state as a pressure loss in the exhaust passage constituting a part of a difference between an atmospheric pressure and an absolute pressure of exhaust gas flowing through the DPF. The ECU converts a mass flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through the DPF into a volumetric flow rate based on the obtained absolute pressure. Thus, the volumetric flow rate can be calculated correctly regardless of fluctuation in the operating state, and a deposition state of exhaust particulate matters can be calculated highly accurately. Thus, regeneration of the DPF can be performed at appropriate timing.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a multi-cylinder engine can include a plurality of exhaust pipes with first upstream ends connected to exhaust openings of a multi-cylinder engine, and a collecting pipe connected to the second downstream ends of the exhaust pipes for collecting exhaust introduced from the exhaust pipes and directing it to a silencer. The collecting pipe has a front-end portion communicated to exhaust passages of the exhaust pipes, a middle portion for collecting the exhaust introduced from the front-end portion, and a rear-end portion for further collecting the exhaust introduced from the middle portion. The middle portion is provided with exhaust control means for controlling the area of the exhaust passages in accordance with engine speed.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold is provided with deflector members positioned between downstream gas inlets and a main gas passage. The deflector members redirect the flow of exhaust gas from the inlets into the general direction of the gas flowing in the main passage as the exhaust gas enters the main passage.

Abstract: A plant that includes free-floating wave energy aggregates units for converting wave energy to another energy form. A plurality of smaller single units of wave energy aggregates is placed in a flexible grid construction. The plurality of smaller single units is connected to the grid construction in a manner so that it is fixed in a horizontal direction but flexible and capable of independent movement in a vertical direction. Advantageously, the plurality of smaller single units of the aggregate unit is placed in two staggered parallel rows arranged to take up a minimum amount of space without the plurality of smaller single units hitting each other.

Abstract: A multi-stage telescoping transmission jack with a high flow, lower pressure air-over-oil pump.

Abstract: Multiple hydraulic machines are located in a common housing. The swashplates are located in longitudinal bores and the barrels in transverse bores. Valve housings are located on either side to accommodate control valves and circuitry. The barrels are mechanically coupled by a gear train for conjoint rotation.

Abstract: A flywheel housing 13 is partitioned by a partition wall 14 disposed at an intermediate position in the lengthwise direction thereof to form a pair of housing portions in which a flywheel 13 is accommodated in one housing portion 13X, and an HST unit that receives power from the flywheel is installed in the other housing portion 13Y, the HST unit 5 comprising an oil hydraulic motor 9, an oil hydraulic pump 10, an oil hydraulic circuit block 17 containing an oil hydraulic circuit therein and supporting one end of an oil hydraulic motor shaft and one end of an oil hydraulic pump shaft, and a cover housing 18 secured to the oil hydraulic circuit block to cover the oil hydraulic motor and the oil hydraulic pump and support the other end of the oil hydraulic motor shaft and the other end of the oil hydraulic pump shaft; the oil hydraulic circuit block 17 being secured to the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A heat engine has a region within which a working fluid travels and an hydraulic fluid provided in a reservoir and the output from the heat engine drives the movement of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An improved, free-piston, Stirling machine having at least three pistons series connected in an alpha Stirling configuration. Each cylinder is stepped so that it has a relatively larger diameter interior wall and a coaxial, relatively smaller diameter interior wall. Each piston is also stepped so that it has a first component piston having an end face facing in one axial direction and matingly reciprocatable in the smaller diameter cylinder wall and a second component piston having an end face facing in the same axial direction and matingly reciprocatable in the larger diameter, cylinder wall. One of the piston end faces bounds the compression space and the other end face bounds the expansion space. Preferably, each stepped piston has peripheral, cylinder walls that are axially adjacent and joined at a shoulder forming the end face of the larger diameter component piston.

Abstract: An electric generation station employs a solar array to heat a thermal transfer fluid that is supplied to a heat exchanger to produce steam. The heated steam drives a steam engine that operates either an electric generator to produce electricity or a pump assembly. The pump assembly can pump water to an elevated location for use during peak times by flowing water downwardly past an electric generator. The electric generators can be pelton turbines. One or more thermal fluid storage facilities can be used to store heated fluid, and heat may also be stored in a heat retaining material. Additional optional features and combinations of optional assemblies are disclosed. A method of generating electricity with these systems is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle has a cylindrical nozzle body having a cavity where fuel passes through. A plurality of hollow spokes, each having an aerofoil cross section, are provided around the nozzle body. Each hollow spoke has four fuel injection holes in total on both side surfaces, i.e., two fuel injection holes on each side surface, to inject the fuel, with a distance from the surface of the nozzle body. The inside of each hollow spoke is hollow. The hollow spoke injects the fuel sent to the hollow nozzle body, from the fuel injection holes through the inside of the hollow spoke.

Abstract: A system and a method of its use for the accelerated cooldown of at least one unit by injecting liquid carbon dioxide via a sparger into a pipeline connected to the unit via an access valve upstream of the unit being cooled. By providing an evenly distributed flow into the system gas prior to entry into the unit, the system and its method of use efficiently and uniformly cooldown the unit. In a preferred embodiment, multiple spargers using this technique can cooldown multiple units in series.

Abstract: The invention is a method for operating a cryogenic tunnel through which products to be chilled or deep-frozen pass. This tunnel is equipped with means for injecting a cryogenic fluid and means for extracting the cold gases in the tunnel. The method includes obtaining an entry or an exit gas temperature from a gas temperature probe outside the tunnel in proximity to the tunnel entrance or exit. The method also includes obtaining an ambient temperature from an ambient temperature probe located outside the tunnel. The method also includes determining a first delta which is the difference between the ambient temperature and the gas temperature. And the method includes controlling the extraction rate of the extraction means by feedback as a function of the the temperature difference between the first delta and a set point, in order to restore the value of the first delta to the setpoint value if necessary.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed to supply a room with oxygen as well as control temperature and humidity of the air. The present invention includes an outdoor module 10, an indoor module 20, a refrigerant tube 30, and an oxygen generating module. The oxygen generating module includes an oxygen generator 100 installed at the outdoor module 10 so as to generate oxygen by in-taking outdoor air, an oxygen exhauster 200 installed in the indoor module 20 so as to exhaust the oxygen, and an oxygen transport tube 300 transporting the oxygen generated from the oxygen generator 100 to the oxygen exhauster 200.

Abstract: A heat exchanger liquid refrigerant defrost system disclosed herein specifically designed to defrost the coil subsystems used on an outdoor heat exchanger used on a building heat pump unit or combination heat pump/air condition unit. The outdoor heat exchanger contains at least two coil subsystems each including having a first secondary bypass check valve, a secondary liquid line, a bypass solenoid, a suction solenoid, and a metering device. During use, the flow of warm liquid refrigerant through the coil subsystems is selectively controlled to defrost the coil subsystem one chamber at a time. The other coil subsystems continue to exchange heat and warm the building. When all of the coils systems are sequentially defrosted, all of the coil subsystems may operate in a heating mode or begin the defrost cycle again. Two important benefits of the system over a conventional heat exchanger are the amount of energy required to defrost the coil subsystem is reduced and a supplemental heat source is not needed.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerant in an air conditioner, in which a supercooling degree and/or a superheating degree can be secured by controlling a difference in refrigerant temperatures of a pipe connecting one or more indoor units to one or more outdoor units, and a flow of a specific refrigerant. The system includes: one or more indoor units; one or more outdoor units; a high-pressure pipe and a low-pressure pipe for connecting the indoor units and the outdoor units; and a refrigerant temperature control unit coupled to the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe, for performing a heat exchange with respect to flowing refrigerants by coupling an inner pipe to an outer pipe, the inner pipe passing through the another pipe.

Abstract: An integrated power and cooling machine having an indirect regenerative air cooling feature may be useful for providing power and environmental control to both ground vehicles, such as tanks, and aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes. The integrated power and cooling machine may prevent contamination of the conditioned supply air by isolating the conditioned supply air from the machine lubricating and heat transport fluid (e.g., operating fluid) that may leak into the conditioned supply air. Furthermore, the integrated power and cooling machine may utilize a lower energy source from the engine, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving system efficiency. In addition, a flow mixing device may enhance airflow to improve cooling performance.

Abstract: A PID control for a vapor compression system utilized to heat water identifies a particular range of error signals and derivative of the error signals that could be indicative of the cycle moving in an inefficient direction. If this determination is made, then a substitute for the error signal is utilized. In particular, the determination is made if both the error and the derivative of the error are negative. The substitute multiplies the error with its derivative to result in a positive product. This ensures the system will not move in the inefficient direction.

Abstract: Some constructions of the present invention provide a vent arrangement for a transport temperature control unit including a refrigeration circuit and being mountable on a transport container having a load space. The vent arrangement can include a duct communicating between the load space and atmosphere and extending across at least a portion of the refrigeration circuit, a shutter located along the duct and movable with respect to the duct between a closed position, in which the shutter prevents air flow through the duct, and a plurality of opened positions, and a sensor positioned adjacent to the shutter and operable to record shutter position data.

Abstract: Vehicles are provided with a first air conditioning system adapted to condition at least air in the driver compartment and a second air conditioning system distinct from the first air conditioning system and adapted to operate independently of the first air conditioning system. The second air conditioning system is adapted to condition at least air in the sleeper compartment and includes an exterior assembly mounted to a location outside the interior area and an interior assembly operably connected with the exterior assembly and mounted within the interior area. The exterior assembly includes an auxiliary condenser coil and an auxiliary condenser fan and the interior assembly includes an auxiliary evaporator coil, an auxiliary evaporator fan and an auxiliary compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which at least one air inlet is formed at part of or entire bottom surface the indoor unit and an evaporator is installed between the air inlets and a blowing fan so that indoor air sucked in through air inlets passes through the evaporator and is discharged from an outlet vent formed at the front surface of the indoor unit by the operation of a blowing fan. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes air inlets, an evaporator, a blowing fan, and an outlet vent, wherein the air inlets are formed in an opposite direction of the outlet vent for discharging cooled air; the air inlets are formed on the bottom surface of the indoor unit; indoor air flown into the indoor unit passes through the evaporator and the blowing fan and is discharge from the outlet vent; and air path from the air inlets en route to the outlet vent via the evaporator and the blowing fan is not overlapped.

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

Abstract: A refrigeration equipment includes a vapor compression type of refrigerant circuit that prevents a decline in refrigeration ability in user side heat exchangers when the refrigerant condensed by a heat source side heat exchanger is reduced in pressure and sent to the user side heat exchangers. An air conditioner includes a refrigerant liquid junction line and a refrigeration gas junction line, a heat source side expansion valve, a cooler, and a first pressure detection mechanism. The heat source side expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The cooler cools the refrigerant that is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger and sent to the user side heat exchangers. The first pressure detection mechanism detects the pressure of the refrigerant after the pressure thereof has been reduced by the heat source side expansion valve.

Abstract: An earring post covering for preventing allergic reaction to earring posts includes an elongated member that has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The elongated member has an aperture extending into the first end such that a tube is defined. The second end is closed and has a rounded outer surface. A plurality of teeth is attached to an interior surface of the peripheral wall. Each of the teeth comprises a resiliently compressible material. An earring post may be removably extended through the elongated member such that the teeth grip the post.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for the automated casting of infrared glass optical components is provided. The system includes a mold for casting infrared glass into lenses, a mold chamber operable to heat the mold to a temperature above the melting temperature of the infrared glass, and a casting chamber operable to fill the mold with molten infrared glass. The method includes heating a mold in a mold chamber to a temperature above the melting temperature of infrared glass, casting molten infrared glass into the mold in a casting chamber; and cooling the mold to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the infrared glass.