Abstract: The present invention is a two part horse cover comprising a saddle pad and detachable quarter sheet providing protection of the large muscles of the horses hind quarters while riding in cold or foul weather, and straps for holding the quarter sheet to the saddle pad in a rolled up position and a tail strap for keeping the quarter sheet in place.

Abstract: An improved animal hoof boot assembly that consists of a fabric boot and a critically dimensioned elliptical shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having a triangular raised frog support at the rear of a hoof stop at the front. The invention is also a method of transporting animals by fitting them with a boot assembly as described above.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine wherein the apparatuses and methods include a handle and a control device and can utilize first and second linking members. The control device is pivotably coupled to the handle, and includes a slidable control portion that is linearly translatable relative to the handle. The first linking member includes a first proximal section that is coupled to the control device, and a first distal section that is engagable with the machine. The first linking member is actuatable in response to pivoting of the control device. The second linking member includes a second proximal section coupled to the control device and a first distal section engagable with a transmission. The second linking member is actuatable in response to sliding of the slidable control portion. The control device can be pivoted between an ON state and an OFF state to implement operator presence control.

Abstract: A combined yarn is provided containing a metallic strand and a non-metallic strand, wherein the metallic and non-metallic strands are combined by air interlacing the filaments or fibers of the non-metallic strand at intermittent points along their length, so that the metallic strand is encased in the non-metallic strand at least at some of the intermittent points; a composite yarn incorporating the combined yarn as at least one component, and articles and/or garments made from the combined yarn or composite yarn, and methods for the production of the combined and composite yarns.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a compressor assembly, a heater assembly, an expander assembly, a cooler assembly, and auxiliary systems. The preferred embodiment of this invention uses fossil fuel as the main source of energy, and water substance for the working liquid. The compressor assembly takes in the working fluid Heating chambers in the heater assembly that is sandwiched between the compressor assembly and the expander assembly heats up the working fluid. The expander assembly generates the rotational force. In the preferred embodiment, the working fluid taken into the compressor assembly is generally water vapor. Alternative embodiments include an engine that uses sunlight as the energy source, and an engine with a pump assembly that takes in water instead of water vapor.

Abstract: A divergent flap assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a hotsheet, a backbone structure for supporting the hotsheet, and a plow portion secured to the backbone structure to bridge a gap between the hotsheet and an external flap. The plow portion is fabricated from CMC material and has external geometry to complement and substantially continue geometry of the external flap to minimize plane detection. The plow portion is attached to the backbone structure such that when the backbone structure thermally expands, the plow portion is shifted to minimize an offset between a trailing edge of the hotsheet and the plow portion. The plow portion is fastened to the backbone structure by a plurality of fasteners, which are arranged to minimize thermal stresses.

Abstract: An ECU controls an opening degree of an EGR gas switch valve based on a temperature of intake air and a load state of an engine in such a manner that a temperature of exhaust gas becomes a suitable temperature, which is suitable for regeneration of a particulate filter arranged in an exhaust gas passage. In this way, cooled EGR gas, which passes a main passage, and hot EGR gas, which passes a bypass passage, are appropriately mixed. In a case, where reliability of an EGR valve cannot be maintained, EGR cut is performed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which power is generated by burning a mixture of fuel supplied from a port injector and/or an in-cylinder injector and air in a combustion chamber, includes a valve drive mechanism which can change a valve opening characteristic of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; a turbocharger which supercharges air taken into the combustion chamber; a turbo motor which changes supercharging pressure generated by the turbocharger; a catalyst device including a catalyst which purifies exhaust gas discharged from the combustion chamber; and an ECU which controls the turbo motor such that pressure of the air taken into the combustion chamber becomes larger than back pressure until it is determined that the catalyst has been activated, and which sets a valve overlap period during which both of the intake valve and the exhaust valve are opened.

Abstract: A reductant dosing control system, for use in a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system of a motor vehicle includes an input receiving a NOx feedback signal from an NOx sensor provided to the SCR system. A base dosing module calculates a required quantity of reductant to inject in front of a SCR catalyst of the SCR system based on the NOx feedback signal. The SCR catalyst has ammonia storage properties. An output signals a reductant metering mechanism to periodically or continuously inject excess reductant based on the required quantity of reductant.

Abstract: A feed device for supplying solid urea granules into an ammonia generator arranged within or outside of an exhaust line for production of ammonia makes possible NOx reduction with the catalytic purification of exhaust of an internal combustion engine, gas turbine, or a burner, whereby the solid urea granules are stored in a holding tank. No compressed air support for transporting and metering the urea granules is required and transporting and metering of the urea granules adapted to the ammonia specifications is possible. The feed device has a housing with an inlet for supplying the urea granules and internally, a motor-driven, rotating disk with at least one spiral-shaped acceleration channel, as well as an outlet leading outward, to which a tube leading to the ammonia generator is connected.

Abstract: A secondary air pressure detecting apparatus includes a solenoid valve and a pressure sensor. The solenoid valve defines a secondary air passage that introduces secondary air from the air pump into the exhaust system of an engine. The solenoid valve opens and closes the secondary air passage. The pressure sensor is integrally mounted to the solenoid valve to detect pressure of secondary air in the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve includes a coil assembly and magnetic members. The coil assembly includes a solenoid coil that generates magnetic force when the solenoid coil is energized. The magnetic members construct a magnetic circuit with the solenoid coil. The magnetic circuit is arranged outside of the secondary air passage. The pressure sensor is arranged on an opposite side of the secondary air passage with respect to the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: An exhaust system (10) for a lean-burn internal combustion engine comprises a nitrogen oxide (NOx) absorbent (28), a catalyst (30) for catalyzing the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of a NOx with a NOx specific reactant, first means (18, 22) for introducing a NOx specific reactant or a precursor thereof into an exhaust gas upstream of the SCR catalyst (30) and means (24) for controlling the introduction of the NOx-specific reactant or precursor thereof into the exhaust gas via the first introducing means (18, 22), wherein the SCR catalyst (30) is disposed upstream of the NOx absorbent (28) and optionally with the NOx absorbent, wherein the control means (24) is arranged to introduce the NOx-specific reactant or the precursor thereof to exhaust gas via the first introducing means (18, 22) only when the SCR catalyst (30) is active, whereby exhaustion of NOx-specific reactant to atmosphere is substantially prevented.

Abstract: In an exhaust heat recovery system, electric power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric conversion element can be improved, and warming-up of a catalyst can be completed early, without using a complicated device. The exhaust heat recovery system according to the invention includes an exhaust pipe in which exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine flows; a catalyst which purifies the exhaust gas; a heat recovery portion which is fitted to the exhaust pipe, and which recovers heat contained in the exhaust gas; a thermoelectric conversion element which generates electric power using thermoelectric conversion; and a heat pipe which connects the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element, and which transfers the heat recovered in the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element. An operation starting temperature of the heat pipe is set so as to be higher than an activation temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a hydraulic excavator of the present invention comprises a boom control valve in a first oil path for providing pressure oil from a first hydraulic pump with a boom cylinder according to operation of a boom operating means, an arm control valve in a second oil path for providing pressure oil from a second hydraulic pump with an arm cylinder according to operation of an arm operating means, a confluence switching valve having a confluence position for joining the paths and a confluence stop position for stopping the confluence, a flow control valve for returning pressure oil in the first oil path to a tank, and a control means for controlling the valves, so as to switch the confluence switching valve to the confluence position and close the flow control valve when the arm operating means is operated independently and so as to switch the confluence switching valve to the confluence stop position and open the flow control valve when both of the operating means are operated simultan

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic vehicle drive system (1) comprising a first and a second hydraulic pump (2, 3), and a first and a second hydraulic motor (7, 12). Said hydraulic pumps (2, 3) and said hydraulic motors (7, 12) are coupled in such a way in a differential lock operation that a first connection (14) of the first hydraulic pump (2) is connected to a first connection (8) of the first hydraulic motor (7); a second connection (6) of the first hydraulic motor (7) is connected to a first connection (10) of the (10) of the second hydraulic pump (3); a second connection (9) of the second hydraulic pump (3) is connected to a first connection (13) of the second hydraulic motor (12); and a second connection (11) of the second hydraulic motor (12) is connected to a second connection (5) of the first hydraulic pump (2). The absorption volume of the first hydraulic motor (7) and the second hydraulic motor (12) can be respectively adjusted by means of an adjusting device (20, 21).

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing, a metering spool, a first pressure chamber at a reference pressure to which one end of the metering spool is exposed, a spring within the first pressure chamber acting against the one end of the metering spool, a second pressure chamber containing hydraulic fluid at the regulated pressure acting against the opposite end of the metering spool, wherein the position of the metering spool relative to the housing is a position of equilibrium that changes to maintain a predetermined pressure difference between the reference pressure and the regulated pressure. An abutment against which the opposite end of the spring reacts is provided and a third pressure chamber at a control pressure acts on the abutment, such that the control pressure can be changed to adjust the position of the abutment to change the pre-load of the spring to adjust the value the predetermined pressure difference.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump apparatus having an internal sump formed by a housing having an internal portion and an end cap secured to the housing. A rotatable cylinder block is located in the sump and driven by an input shaft extending into the housing. The pump apparatus also has a system of hydraulic porting in fluid communication with the cylinder block. The porting includes a pair of system ports located on a first side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, a fluid inlet on a second side of the hydraulic pump apparatus, opposite the first side, and a bypass valve positioned on the second side adjacent to the fluid inlet. A case drain may also be formed on a third side of the pump apparatus.

Abstract: A geothermal power plant system for producing electricity and process heat at least one compressed gas storage device and at least one gas compression device connected to the at least one compressed gas storage device. At least one gas utilization device is connected to the at least one compressed gas storage device. At least one device for utilizing renewable energy such as of solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, ocean thermal energy, ocean waves, ocean current and tidal current, ambient heat or cold is provided.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine, the assembly comprises a main axis, an inner nozzle, an outer nozzle, a translatable centre-body and an actuator for translating the centre-body between a forward position and a rearward position. The centre-body is disposed radially inwardly of the inner nozzle thereby partly defining an inner duct for a core engine gas flow, an outer duct for a bypass gas flow is defined by the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle. The outer nozzle extends downstream of the inner nozzle and with the centre-body defines a final mixing duct having a final exhaust exit area. When the centre-body is in the forward position the final exhaust exit area is at a maximum area, and when the centre-body is in a rearward position the final exhaust exit area is at a minimum area.

Abstract: A closed-loop cooling system is provided for a hydrogen/oxygen based combustor. A combustion reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the combustor produces steam. The steam is used to generate work from a turbine shaft, which is used to drive a propulsion system for the underwater vessel. After the steam passes through the turbine, the steam is cooled back to liquid water by a condenser that uses a seawater cooling loop to cool the steam into cold water. The cold water is then injected into the combustor, and pumped into passages along the walls of the combustor, thus absorbing the heat. The cold water absorbs this heat until it becomes hot water or steam, which is then injected into the combustor with the hydrogen and oxygen to act as a diluent, thus reducing the reaction temperature of the hydrogen/oxygen combustion reaction. The reaction produces more steam, and the cycle repeats.

Abstract: A sealing device for use between a gas turbine combustor transition duct aft frame and a turbine inlet having improved durability, reduced wear on the mating turbine vane, and reduced manufacturing costs, is disclosed. The sealing device has a circumferential length, an axial width, and a radial height and contains a plurality of channels extending axially along the seal inner surface for passing a controlled amount of cooling air to a turbine inlet. The sealing device is formed of abradable honeycomb having a plurality of honeycomb cells with the honeycomb cells oriented to ensure maximum control against cooling air leakage while also providing maximum flexibility during assembly. The sealing device is captured between the transition duct aft frame, bulkhead, and turbine vane platform, thereby allowing easy replacement of the seal without requiring major disassembly of the transition duct aft frame section.

Abstract: A replaceable section (25) of force-cooling tubing assembly (21, 22) for attachment to a transition piece (5) of a gas turbine is comprised of two ends (54, 70) fashioned for attachment by removable unions (52) to adjoining parts of a force-cooling tubing assembly. When assembled thereto to complete the assembly, the replaceable section 25 provides for fluid communication between a manifold (3) and the transition piece (5) for either the supply or return of cooling fluid. A transition piece (5) in combination with two such assemblies, one a supply assembly (21), the other a return assembly (22), comprises a field-installable transition piece assembly (10) that provides for rapid and easy installation.

Abstract: An artificial snowman system for to allow a user to enjoy a snowman in climates that may not support snow. The artificial snowman system includes a form assembly being for resting on a support surface. A conduit is coupled to the form assembly whereby the conduit is coiled around an exterior of the form assembly. A refrigeration assembly is coupled to the conduit whereby the refrigeration assembly is in fluid communication with the conduit. The refrigeration assembly is for pumping refrigerant through the conduit whereby the conduit is cooled by the refrigerant to cool air around the conduit and freeze the moisture in the air to the conduit to provide the form assembly with the appearance of being made of snow.

Abstract: A wine cooler is provided which may also function as a humidor. The wine cooler is embodied in a cabinet preferably made from wood. The cabinet includes a base and a lid. The wine cooler further includes a bottle tray positioned within an upper area of the base. The bottle tray includes a plurality of semicircular recesses formed in the tray, each of which are adapted to receive a wine bottle. A plurality of circulation slots are disposed through the bottle tray for assisting with air circulation within the wine cooler. The wine cooler further includes a thermoelectric cooling system comprising at least one thermoelectric couple, each thermoelectric couple having a cold and hot junction, wherein the cold junction is attached to the lower surface of the bottle tray and a first heat sink is attached to the hot junction, and wherein the at least one thermoelectric couple is adapted to be powered by a 12VDC source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.

Abstract: A gas-expansion cooler assembly has an expansion structure with an expansion orifice and an expansion reservoir in fluid-flow communication with an expansion-orifice outlet. A heat exchanger has a heat-exchanger inlet, and a heat-exchanger outlet in fluid-flow communication with the expansion-orifice inlet. The heat exchanger includes at least two heat-exchanger plates stacked in a facing relationship along an assembly axis. Each heat-exchanger plate includes an in-plane channel lying substantially in a plane perpendicular to the assembly axis. The in-plane channels of the adjacent heat-exchanger plates are in fluid-flow communication with each other and with the expansion-orifice inlet to form a continuous high-pressure fluid-flow path from the heat-exchanger inlet to the expansion-orifice inlet. The heat exchanger further includes an axial channel extending parallel to the assembly axis.

Abstract: A constant temperature refrigeration system for extensive temperature range application comprising a refrigerator, a low-temperature heat exchanger, a medium-temperature heat exchanger, a high-temperature heat exchanger, a pump, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a temperature sensor, a power regulator, a controller and a plurality of heaters, the temperature sensor is utilized for determining the working fluid temperature and compare the actual input temperature, the actual output temperature and the predetermined temperature, and the controller is utilized for switching the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve and the third solenoid valve for conveying the fluid to flow through various heat exchangers so that the working fluid is heated or cooled, with the result being that the working fluid temperature outputted is to reach the predetermined temperature, so as to acquire the working fluid having the exactly and precisely predetermined low temperature (?40° C

Abstract: A method for refrigerant and oil collecting operation capable of assuring the cleanliness of the inside of an existing communication pipe at a low cost and installing, at a low cost, a new air conditioner, comprising a compressor (1), a heat source side heat exchanger (3), a decompressing mechanism (4), and a user side heat exchanger (5), comprising the steps of performing a pipe heating operation in a heating operation mode and performing a refrigerant and oil collecting operation to collect refrigerant to a heat source side heat exchanger (3), namely, with the refrigerant heated to a temperature higher than that where contaminants such as refrigerator oil inside a refrigerant circuit is dissolved into the refrigerant, performing the refrigerant and oil collecting operation so as to assure the cleanliness of the inside of the existing communication pipes (7, 8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a power station comprising at least one steam turbine and/or gas turbine which is connected to at least one absorption type refrigeration machine in order to produce refrigeration, whereby the absorption type refrigeration machine is operated by means of steam which is taken from the steam turbine, or by means of waste heat produced by the gas turbine.

Abstract: A system and method for switching a communication mode of a detachable pad refrigerator, wherein the attachment/detachment of a client pad to/from the refrigerator is sensed and the communication mode of the refrigerator with the client pad is switched to a wired/wireless communication mode according to the sensed result so that signals can be transmitted and received in the switched communication mode. The client pad is detachably attached to the outer surface of the refrigerator. A communication module is installed in the refrigerator to transmit and receive signals to/from the client pad by wire or wirelessly. A refrigerator control unit is adapted to control the communication module to automatically switch the communication mode of the refrigerator with the client pad to the wired/wireless communication mode according to the attachment/detachment of the client pad.

Abstract: Known psychometric characteristics of air are employed to achieve accurate indoor relative humidity control to prevent condensation inside a building envelope without complex mathematical computational requirements. An HVAC system control includes a simple control algorithm employed to calculate an effective delta (?T) based upon a single adjustment factor (A*) and environmental inputs. The effective delta (?T) is then used to determine a maximum allowable indoor relative humidity. The system control is then operable to selectively activate/deactivate a device to adjust an actual indoor relative humidity to a value less than the maximum allowable indoor relative humidity to prevent condensation inside the building envelope.

Abstract: An electronic HEMD determines the optimum balance between gas cooling and heat exchanger pressure loss, for any given operating condition, and adjusts the gas flow rate through the exchanger accordingly, to yield the maximum net power savings (and thereby energy savings) afforded by the exchanger. Maintaining the optimum balance between cooling and exchanger pressure loss reduces the amount of energy required to transport a given volume of gas through a pipeline and thereby increases the transmission efficiency of the gas pipeline system. A method of operating a heat exchanger on a natural gas transmission pipeline using a control algorithm that in turn controls the position of a heat exchanger bypass valve.

Abstract: A compressor has at least three-rotors. A first compression path between first inlet and outlet ports is associated with interaction of the first and second rotors. A second compression path between second inlet and outlet ports is associated with interaction of the first and third rotors. At least partial independence of the ports permits the first and second inlet ports to be at a different pressure or the first and second outlet ports to be at a different pressure. Fully or partially separate circuits in a refrigeration or air conditioning system may be associated with the first and second compression paths.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of a process tool uses the vaporizable characteristic of a refrigerant that is provided in direct heat exchange relation with the process tool. Pressurized refrigerant is provided as both condensed liquid and in gaseous state. The condensed liquid is expanded to a vaporous mix, and the gaseous refrigerant is added to reach a target temperature determined by its pressure. Temperature corrections can thus be made very rapidly by gas pressure adjustments. The process tool and the operating parameters will usually require that the returning refrigerant be conditioned and processed for compatibility with the compressor and other units, so that cycling can be continuous regardless of thermal demands and changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing arrangement for an enclosure or equipment cabinet and to an attachable air conditioning device. In order to ensure a watertight, linear sealing of the air distribution spaces with the necessary protection level, sealing frames and seals cooperating therewith and appropriately an additional cover are provided between the air conditioning device and the covering part.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air.

Abstract: A freezer arrangement includes a room having a storage area and a blast cell, with the volume of the storage area being greater than the volume of the blast cell. Frozen food product is positioned in the storage area. A refrigeration unit draws air from the storage area and through the blast cell to rapidly freeze the unfrozen food product. Air from the blast cell is chilled and blown back into the storage area. A method for rapidly freezing unfrozen food product includes providing a room with a large storage area and a smaller blast cell. Unfrozen food product is loaded into the blast cell and a refrigeration unit is operated to draw air from the large storage area, through the blast cell, chill the air, and exhaust the chilled air into the storage area, until the food product in the blast cell is cooled to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A portable cooling or heating system suitable for use on a vehicle such as a car, plane or boat, that does not have its own air conditioning system. The system is intended to be combined with a portable cooler chest and includes an electric fan unit that can be powered from the power supply on a vehicle. The cooling is provided by ice and the like. The system can also be used to heat a confined space by placing a hot material in the chest.

Abstract: A vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system with a refrigeration cycle and a Rankine cycle includes a compressor, a radiator, a gas-liquid separator, a decompression device and an evaporator. In the vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system, a liquid pump is disposed for supplying the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator to a heater for heating the refrigerant, a cooling means is provided for cooling the liquid refrigerant to be sucked into the liquid pump, and an energy recovery unit for expanding the refrigerant flowing out of the heater is disposed to recover thermal energy in the refrigerant from the heater. When the Rankine cycle is set so that the energy recovery unit recovers the thermal energy, the cooling means cools the liquid refrigerant to be sucked into the liquid pump. Therefore, pumping efficiency of the liquid pump can be effectively improved.

Abstract: A first evaporator evaporates refrigerant, which is outputted from an ejector. A refrigerant outlet of the first evaporator is connected to a suction inlet of a compressor, which is connected to a radiator. A branched passage branches a flow of the refrigerant at a corresponding branching point located between the radiator and the ejector. The branched passage conducts the branched flow of the refrigerant to a suction inlet of the ejector. A flow rate control valve is arranged in the branched passage between a radiator and an ejector on a downstream side of the radiator to depressurize refrigerant outputted from the radiator. A second evaporator is arranged in the first branched passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable capacity type ejector capable of more precisely adjusting a flow rate of refrigerant in a range in which a displacement means can displace a needle and also capable of increasing a flow rate of refrigerant when the needle valve is fully opened. In the needle valve 24 which changes the degree of opening (throat portion area) of the nozzle 18 when the needle is displaced in the axial direction R of the throttle portion 18b, the second tapered portion 24b is formed on the throat portion 18a side of the first tapered portion 24a, and the taper angle ?2 of the second tapered portion 24b is formed larger than the taper angle ?1 of the first tapered portion 24a.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved heat transfer tube, an improved method of formation, and an improved use of such heat transfer tube. The present invention discloses a boiling tube for a refrigerant evaporator that provides at least one dual cavity nucleate boiling site. The present invention further discloses an improved refrigerant evaporator including at least one such boiling tube, and the method of making such a boiling tube.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide vapor compression system including a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device arrangement, and a second heat exchanger connected in a closed loop. The expansion device arrangement includes an inlet line disposed between the first heat exchanger and the expansion devices and an outlet line disposed between the expansion devices and the second heat exchanger. The expansion device arrangement includes at least three expansion devices with a fixed and variable expansion device being in parallel arrangement and another fixed expansion device being arranged in series with the parallel fixed and variable expansion devices. The expansion device arrangement may also include a flow path that extends from the inlet line to the outlet line and which includes only fixed expansion devices to provide a functional flow path through the expansion device arrangement if the variable expansion device fails.

Abstract: An attractive, decoratively interesting, wearable, light weight jewelry device having illumination and fragrance-emitting features. The preferred form is a brooch having one or more LEDs connected to an electric circuit fed by a micro-battery for a wide range of illumination effects, and more particularly effects where the emitted light flux is controlled and dimmed. The body of the brooch is porous to absorb fragrance essences so it emits any wearer-selected scent. The body has a cavity into which an inter-changeable, sealed light source unit is inserted with the LED projecting through the top face of the brooch. The light circuit preferably includes a chip that provides a wide range of programmed light displays, such as sequences of colors, scintillating, flashing, change in intensity (pulsing) and the like. The light display can be activated by remote control and the LED bezel may be prism shaped or have optical fibers secured thereto.

Abstract: A personal adornment such as a belt, necklace or bracelet is created from linkable, soft plastic elements each of which includes a decorative body of distinctive shape and a short strap extending integrally therefrom. Each strap has an aperture and each body has a male protrusion formed on the back side thereof. A loop of desired length is assembled from the desired number of links. A kit includes a number of links arranged in a clear plastic container.

Abstract: A jewelry assembly includes a first piece with two apertures and a first flexibility characteristic. The assembly also includes a second piece that with a second flexibility characteristic less than the first flexibility characteristic. The second piece also has two flanges. Each flange is configured to be received by a corresponding one of the apertures of the first piece in a first orientation. Each flange is also configured to be secured within the associated aperture in a second orientation. The first and second pieces, in aggregate, substantially conform to a contour of a wearer.

Abstract: A process for producing an SiO2 shaped body which is at least partially vitrified, wherein an amorphous, porous SiO2 green body is sintered or vitrified by contactless heating by means of radiation, while avoiding contamination to the SiO2 shaped body with foreign atoms, wherein the radiation used is the beam of a laser at a subatmospheric pressure below 1000 mbar.

Abstract: An apparatus for bend-shaping a glass sheet is disclosed, which comprises a heating furnace, a plurality of in-furnace beds disposed within the heating furnace, at least one out-furnace bed disposed externally of the heating furnace proximately to an outlet of the heating furnace, and an elevating mechanism disposed below that one of the in-furnace beds which is positioned proximately to the outlet and the out-furnace bed. The in- and out-furnace beds have upper surfaces curved transversely and capable of jetting air to floatingly support a glass sheet. For producing a dual curved glass sheet, the elevating mechanism is operated to elevate opposed ends of the one in-furnace bed and the out-furnace bed so that these beds jointly form a hill. For producing a single-curved glass sheet, the elevating mechanism is operated to lower the opposed ends of those beds to their original flat positions.

Abstract: The washing machine comprises a rotating drum (4) formed by two complementary portions, a first one (6) of which is connected to driving means (10, 11), while the other one (7) is rotatably free with respect to the first one (6), by which it is driven rotatably due to the effect of the movement induced by the clothes that are agitated when said first portion (6) of the drum is rotating.

Abstract: A multipurpose seal with a lock, including a mobile closure apparatus of a casing containing a lock and an attachment element designed to be locked in the casing. The lock includes a barrel configured to move in the casing between a locked position and an unlocked position. A remote-interrogatable electronic component including a data-storage is maintained in a housing, which passes through part of the casing and part of the lock barrel when the lock barrel is in the locked position. Thus, any rotation of the barrel from the locked position causes the component to break.