Abstract: A broad class of dynamic hybrid phase change materials (PCMs) is coupled to residential heat pumps to significantly increase heating and cooling efficiency, reduce primary energy consumption, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: A monolithic air conditioner includes: a cabinet; an indoor heat exchanger mounted on a front-inner portion of the cabinet; an outdoor heat exchanger mounted on a rear-inner portion of the cabinet; a fan assembly disposed inside the cabinet to introduce indoor air and outdoor air; a base disposed at a lower portion of the cabinet; and a safety cover mounted on an outdoor air intake formed at a rear portion of the cabinet.

Abstract: In a monolithic air conditioner, a front panel is mounted on a front of a cabinet and includes an indoor air intake, an indoor air outlet, and a discharge guide backwardly extended from the indoor air outlet. An indoor heat exchanger is mounted on a back of the front panel. An air guide on which the indoor heat exchanger is mounted includes an orifice in a center to pass sucked indoor air therethrough. A scroll is mounted on a back of the air guide to guide the sucked indoor air. An indoor fan is mounted between the scroll and the air guide to suck the indoor air. A shroud is mounted on a back of the scroll to guide sucked outdoor air and it defines an orifice in a center to discharge the sucked outdoor air. An outdoor fan is mounted on a back of the shroud to suck the outdoor air, a fan motor is mounted on the scroll to drive the indoor and outdoor fans, and an outdoor heat exchanger is mounted on a back of the outdoor fan to exchange heat with the sucked outdoor air.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling lamps which are provided in a dispenser and a backlight of a manipulation button array. According to the present invention, at least one lamp is provided in the dispenser and an illumination sensor for sensing the surrounding brightness of a refrigerator or a sensor for detecting a user approaching the refrigerator is also provided. There is also provided a memory unit for previously storing a reference luminous intensity, the value of which is capable of being changed by the user. There is also provided a lamp driving unit for selectively controlling the brightness of the lamp by controlling the output signal thereof according to a driving control signal of a control unit. According to the present invention, the user can easily take ice or water from the dispenser because the lamp is turned on.

Abstract: A refrigerator in which evaporators for refrigerating a plurality of compartments are integrally formed and pipes are easily connected with the evaporator. The refrigerator includes a main body including a first compartment disposed at an upper side thereof and a second compartment disposed at a lower side thereof and separated from the first compartment, and an evaporator in which a first refrigerating part installed in the first compartment is integrally connected with a second refrigerating part installed in the second compartment by a connection pipe. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of the evaporator are disposed to one of the first refrigerating part and the second refrigerating part, and the connection pipe extends from the lower side of the second refrigerating part and is connected with the upper side of the first refrigerating part.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit repair kit includes a capacitor selected based on a size or rating of a compressor, a compressor contactor selected based on a size or rating of the compressor, a filter dryer, and a fan capacitor.

Abstract: A heat pump is operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode and includes two identical heat exchangers. The heat exchangers alternate between operating as a condenser and an evaporator as the heat pump switches between the heating mode and the cooling mode. The heat exchangers include a fluid passageway for directing a refrigerant therethrough and a bypass bisecting the fluid passageway into a first portion and a second portion. A valve interconnects the first portion and the second portion of the fluid passageway and the bypass for directing the refrigerant through the first portion of the fluid passageway and into the bypass to prevent refrigerant flow through the second portion of the fluid passageway when the heat exchanger is operable as the evaporator.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the operation of first and second temperature modification sources for heating or cooling a building structure is provided. The system switches between the first and second temperature modification sources based on conditions other than just outside temperature.

Abstract: A thermopanel is provided for use in a container for the storage or transport of goods, the thermopanel includes an insulated outer perimeter that provides greater insulation than a center area within the insulated outer perimeter; and an insulated insert that is removably placeable in the center area; wherein when the insulated insert is in place in the center area, the thermopanel provides greater insulation than when the insulated insert is not in place in the center area.

Abstract: A MULTIFUNCTION COOLER is disclosed that permits a single portable cooler to simultaneously operate as a conventional portable refrigeration device, a personal air conditioner, and a portable air inflation device. The disclosed cooler incorporates an air injection port that permits warm air external to the cooler to be forced through ice or other coolant material inside the cooler. The air injection is facilitated by an electric air blower or other fan apparatus which vents air from within the coldest portions of the interior of the cooler confines to an exhaust port which may be used as a source of air conditioning or alternatively as an air inflation device.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a branch line with one end thereof communicating with a supplying line, and the other end communicating with a recovery line, wherein a part of the refrigerant supplied to the supplying line by a pump, flows as a branch; a heater installed in the middle of the branch line, for heating the refrigerant up to temperature higher than that for freezing moisture dissolving in the refrigerant; and a moisture adsorption filter installed in the middle of the branch line, through which the refrigerant heated by the heater passes, for adsorbing moisture mixed in the refrigerant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coolant condensing device, in particular for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of flow elements which are essentially parallel with respect to each other, two distribution devices and/or collectors which are fluidly connected to the corresponding terminal parts of the flow elements, at least one dividing device which separates the distribution devices and/or collectors into at least one first and one second essentially gas and liquid-tight areas, at least one collector which is essentially parallel with respect to at least one of the distribution devices and/or collectors, said collector being provided with at least two fluidic connections to different areas of the distribution devices and/or collectors, and at least one filtering device and/or drying device. Said invention is characterised in that the coolant flow direction in at least one fluidic connection is at least essentially parallel with respect to the coolant flow direction inside the collector.

Abstract: In a process for supplying a pressurized gas, a pressurized gas at a high production pressure is produced as an end product by separating a gaseous mixture in a separator apparatus (3, 5), a liquid to be pressurized is stored in a store (9), storing liquid is tapped, and it is pressurized with a pump (11) and at least part of the pressurized liquid is sprayed in a sprayer (27) to produce the pressurized backup gas (29) having substantially the same pressure or a pressure higher than the pressurized gas to be produced, liquid is circulated in a substantially vertical duct (13), optionally within the cold box (33) of the separator apparatus, and at least part of the duct length is at a level above the sprayer and before and/or after starting up the pump (11), liquid is sent from the duct to the sprayer where the liquid is sprayed to provide pressurized backup gas having substantially the same purity or a purity higher than the pressurized gas to be produced (31).

Abstract: The process is used for the recovery of krypton and/or xenon by low-temperature separation of air. Compressed and purified feed air (1, 1A, 1B, 29) is introduced into a rectification system for nitrogen-oxygen separation, which has a high-pressure column (2) and a low-pressure column (3). An oxygen-rich liquid (42) is removed at a first point from the low-pressure column (3). At least a first portion (43) of the oxygen-rich liquid (42) is re-introduced in the low-pressure column at a second point, whereby a mass exchange section (44) is arranged between the first and second points on the low-pressure column. An additional liquid (35) is drawn off from a third point of the low-pressure column (3), which is arranged at the level of the second point or below it, said liquid introduced into the evaporation chamber of a first condenser-evaporator (4) and partially evaporated there.

Abstract: Earring enhancements attach to an earring such as a hoop earring and allow a decorative element to dangle at or near the center of a hoop. Enhancements may be interchangeable and may attach to a variety of earring styles.

Abstract: A jewelry article is assembled with prefabricated precision components suitable for mass production. The components include bounding elements, fasteners, and spacers. The bounding elements include fastener apertures and channels for receiving portions of adornments. The fasteners secure the adornments in the channels between the bounding elements. From the available selection of bounding elements, fasteners, spaces, and other configuration options, an enormous variety of custom jewelry may be assembled. Accordingly, the consumer may obtain a unique piece of jewelry without the cost, expense, and time normally associated with custom jewelry creation.

Abstract: Decoration stones are disclosed, which are capable of simply and easily obtaining a desired design effect in such a manner that a certain design is implemented based on a preliminary attachment process when expressing a certain design at a decoration object and a secondary heating and attachment work which is performed so as to stably attach decoration stones. The decoration stone comprises a stone body; a deposition layer which is formed at a back surface of the stone body; a solid adhesive which is formed at a surface of the deposition layer; an adhesion attaching layer which is formed at the solid adhesive for a repeated attachment; and a peeling paper which is easily detached by the adhesion attaching layer.

Abstract: A bracelet or necklace link and method for facilitating the assembling of tennis bracelets (gold links set with diamonds), other bracelets and necklaces. A wire or rail or cable is used to assemble the links to form a bracelet or necklace. In this manner, the links do not need to be connected one by one, and soldered one by one, but rather they are threaded together on a wire that runs through openings in the links. The soldering is performed only at the beginning and end of the assembling of the bracelet or necklace, at the first and last links, with no need to solder each and every link at the joint.

Abstract: An interchangeable jewelry insert having an extension formed of elastic material that can frictionally engage a surface of a receptacle for receiving the insert. The interchangeable jewelry insert may be detachably attached to any item that can be configured to have a receptacle for receiving the insert. The extension of the interchangeable jewelry insert is sized for convenience of handling and storage. The use of an elastically deformable extension extending, at two or more points having sufficient angular separation, from the periphery of the body of an insert allows for a secure fit within the receptacle, while maintaining a convenient connection system that can be manipulated by manual forces of a jewelry wearer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing metastable nanostructured materials employing a ceramic shroud surrounding a plasma flame having a steady state reaction zone into which an aerosol or liquid jet of solution precursor or powder material is fed, causing the material to be pyrolyzed, melted, or vaporized, followed by quenching to form a metastable nanosized powder that has an amorphous (short-range ordered), or metastable microsized powder that has a crystalline (long-range ordered) structure, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is envisioned to provide a high-strength glass which is applicable to the objective of size and weight reduction. A layer containing a rare earth element in a high concentration is formed at a glass portion close to a surface (superficial portion) which is shallow in depth from an outermost surface of the glass which contains a rare earth element.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a gob as a primary product for pressing a pressed glass product for optical applications comprises filling a glass melt from a feeder into a casting mold having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the mold is made of an oxidation resistant material being substantially resistant against the glass melt and substantially free of sticking, wherein the glass melt is cut off by means of glass scissors for portioning a gob, the gob is cooled thereafter and removed from the mold so as to yield a gob having a fire-polished front face and a peripheral surface formed by a contact with the mold and being suitable for finish-pressing a pressed glass product for optical applications.

Abstract: Provided are a method of treating the inner surface of a silica tube, an optical fiber preform manufacturing method, and an optical fiber manufacturing method, in which the amount of discharge of a global warming gas is less than that in the case of a conventional method. The method of treating the inner surface of a silica tube comprises a step of heating the silica tube so as to have a temperature of 1800° C. or more while supplying a gas containing chlorine into the inside of the silica tube, thereby treating the inner surface of the silica tube with chlorine. The optical fiber preform manufacturing method further comprises a step of processing the silica tube into a rod. The optical fiber manufacturing method comprises a step of drawing an optical fiber preform prepared by the optical fiber preform manufacturing method.

Abstract: A detergent supplying apparatus in which bleach or rinse is not supplied by mistake is disclosed. In order to directly discharge water remaining in a siphon cap after siphonage, concave steps are formed in the lower side of a siphon cap to form a passage between the siphon cap and the bottom of liquid detergent storing chamber. The detergent supplying apparatus includes a siphon cover having a plurality of siphon caps and a rib extended from the siphon caps by a predetermined length so that incorrect-coupling of the siphon caps is prevented.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine capable of preventing/reducing damage to a damper fixing unit provided on a bottom plate for securing a damper at a fixed position by a reinforced rigidity of the damper fixing unit. The drum type washing machine includes a water tub installed in a body, at least one damper to support the water tub, and a damper fixing unit provided on the bottom plate of the body to secure the damper at a fixed position. The damper fixing unit is formed via cutting of the bottom plate and has a reinforced rigidity by a reinforcing portion formed around each cut portion of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A washing machine having a damper-supporter, comprises: an outer case having a receiving space therein; a tub installed in the outer case; a damper having one end connected to the tub so as to perform a relative motion; and a damper-supporter spaced from the outer case so as to be vibration-isolated therefrom, for supporting another end of the damper. Accordingly, vibration and noise can be reduced by preventing vibration of the tub from being transmitted to the outer case through the damper.

Abstract: An automatic washer for washing garments comprises a wash basket with an open top defining a wash chamber, and a clothes mover mounted in the washer for reciprocal movement about an axis of rotation within the wash chamber. The clothes mover comprises an apron, and at least one vane extending from the apron and defining a working surface having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge and the lower edge extending from an outer end to an inner end. At least one line lying along the working surface and extending between the outer end and the inner end defines a constant angle of attack relative to the direction of movement of the clothes mover. The working surface is configured to move the garments along the working surface at a substantially instantaneously uniform speed. The configurations of the upper surface and the working surface are optimized to move the garments between the perimeter and the axis of rotation while minimizing force acting on the working surface.

Abstract: A drum washing machine in which laundry-separated substances, introduced into a gap of a packing member sealing an inlet of the washing machine during a washing process, are easily eliminated. The drum washing machine includes a main body having an entrance hole for placing laundry therein and a door opening and closing the entrance hole, a tub installed in the main body and having an opening corresponding to the entrance hole, a packing member to seal a space between the opening of the tub and the entrance hole. The packing member including a bending portion in which laundry-separate substances accumulate, and a recess adjacent to the bending portion, wherein the recess is formed in a user contactable position on the packing member for assisting in easy elimination of the laundry-separated substances accumulated in the bending portion.

Abstract: A washing machine is described. The washing machine described comprises; a tub, a drum placed the tub therein, a permanent magnet placed on the drum and a stator interacting with the permanent magnet to generate a rotary power to the drum.

Abstract: A lock with a core rotatable in an intermediate shell that is rotatable in an outer shell of the lock's body resists attack by the application of excessive torque to the keyway or drilling into the core.

Abstract: An internal locking system is disclosed, which utilizes electro-mechanical locking devices to lock and unlock lockable openings.

Abstract: A portable device includes a main body, which has a mechanical key retainer, and a mechanical key, which is removably retained in the mechanical key retainer. An engagement projection extends from the mechanical key in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical key is inserted into the mechanical key retainer. The engagement projection is formed from a resilient material. The mechanical key retainer includes an engagement recess for engaging the engagement projection when the mechanical key is retained in the mechanical key retainer. This structure reduces the size of the portable device and improves portability of the portable device.

Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.

Abstract: A method of producing a beneficial source separated organics waste mixture which method includes mixing source separated organics waste cake and an effective amount of alkaline dust to form a composite mixture having a pH of at least 12 for at least 72 hours at a temperature selected from 52-62° C. for at least 12 hours; and collecting the beneficial source separated organics waste mixture. The product can be directly applied to agricultural lands to provide macronutrients and as a soil conditioner. Preferably, the source separated organics is kitchen waste.

Abstract: The invention is a pumpable, liquid soil amendment derived from “pre-hydrating” large-grained hydrogels with liquid fertilizer. The use of large-grained hydrogels makes mixing and measuring in the field manageable. The resulting pumpable liquid allows for application by conventional liquid fertilizer applicators that are commonly used for banding or side-dressing fertilizer.

Abstract: Method of preforming and forming a sheet metal article from a preheated blank of sheet metal uses opposing dies including a punch having a punch surface defining a final configuration for the article and a cavity die having a cavity surface defining a preform configuration. The blank is placed between the dies and has a first side surface facing the cavity die and a second side surface facing the punch. A vacuum is applied to the first side of the blank to draw and shape the blank into the cavity die to a preform configuration conforming to the cavity surface. The punch and the cavity die are then closed toward one another and gas pressure is then applied to the first side surface of the blank to press the second side surface against the punch surface to the finish configuration.

Abstract: A flanging apparatus is provided that includes a flanging tool that provides a force to an open end of a container to create an outwardly extending flange or other geometry on the open end of the container. The outwardly extending flange is adapted to receive a container end closure after the container is filled with a liquid or foodstuff. In addition, alternative embodiments of the present invention also include an air conduit for introducing pressurized air into the container to increase rigidity during the flanging operation and substantially prevent buckling of the container.

Abstract: A metal processing apparatus, comprising a pay-off reel for supporting and uncoiling a coil of metal, a roller-leveler apparatus adapted to receive a strip of sheet metal from the pay-off reel for conditioning the strip of steel, a recoiler for re-coiling the coil of metal, and whereby the apparatus generates enough tension on the strip of metal to improve flatness and remove coil breaks from the strip of metal as it advances through the roller-leveler.

Abstract: An eccentric drive rotary stamping apparatus for forming moving sheet metal and having a die assembly (12) (14) (16) (18) moveable forward and backward along a linear path, with upper and lower dies (12) (16) on respective sides of the sheet metal (M), the dies being closeable on the sheet metal for forming, and, an eccentric rotary drive crank system (22, 24) coupled to the die assembly, and operable to move the die assembly forward and backward along the linear path, and being further operable to close the dies the sheet metal. Also disclosed is a method of forming moving sheet metal by such apparatus.

Abstract: In the transverse wedge rolling machine as claimed in the invention the drive motor is a permanent magnet motor, especially a torque motor. Furthermore the rotational speed of the rollers is controlled depending on their rotary position.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for calibrating at least one sensor within a gas detector which detector has a gas inlet in fluid communication with the or each sensor, the apparatus comprising a housing that contains: a) a surface for abutting against the detector; b) a holder for holding the gas detector with respect to the housing in such a manner that a region of the detector containing the gas inlet abuts against the surface of the housing to form a sealed gas interface between the surface and the detector; c) a connector for connecting a source of pressurized calibration gas to the apparatus, d) a conduit for delivering a calibration gas from the connector to the interface between the detector and the apparatus housing, e) electrical connections within the holder for forming electrical connections between the apparatus and a detector held within the holder, and e) a flow controller within the conduit for providing calibration gas at a predetermined level to the interface, the flow controller including an elec

Abstract: The instrument panel gauge assembly includes an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly positioned adjacent thereto. A transparent chaplet is formed within the applique to allow light to pass through. The needle passes over the chaplet as the needle moves. When the needle is positioned directly in front of the chaplet, light is blocked from passing through the chaplet. A light sensing element is positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the chaplet. A light baffle guides light passing through the chaplet to the light sensing element. A controller receives a signal from the light sensing element indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the chaplet. The controller then compares the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculates a correction factor, and calibrates the gauge accordingly.

Abstract: A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path.

Abstract: A suspension testing or demonstrating apparatus includes a first section of track having a first undulation that displaces a wheel of the vehicle by a first predetermined amount when the wheel traverses at least a portion of the first undulation. A second section of track is positioned proximate to the first section of track such that the wheel traverses the second section of track after traversing the first section of track. The second section of track includes a second undulation that displaces the wheel of the vehicle by a second predetermined amount when the wheel traverses at least a portion of the second undulation.

Abstract: A gas flux chamber assembly is provided comprising a soil collar and a chamber. The chamber is moved between first and second positions, wherein the chamber is positioned on the soil collar in the first position and is positioned outside of an area above the soil collar in the second position. In operation, the chamber is first lifted off of the soil collar and is then rotated, about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the soil collar axis, outside of the area above the soil collar. These acts are reversed to move the chamber from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an environment for threat conditions potentially related to a catastrophic event is disclosed herein. The method includes determining baseline levels of one or more environmental agents in an area based upon first measurement data received from a sensor network. The method further includes establishing one or more threshold levels relative to the baseline levels. Second measurement data received from the sensor network is then processed with respect to the one or more baseline levels. The method also includes identifying at least one threat based upon the processing of the second sensor measurement data. The identified threat is then assesses and prioritized.

Abstract: A gas sensor radiation source includes a filament in which microcavities having an opening diameter of about half of the absorption spectrum wavelength of a gas whose concentration is to be measured and a depth of twice or more greater than the opening diameter and a bulb enclosing, at a reduced pressure or with a noble gas enclosed therein, a filament. Thus, radiation can be efficiently made in accordance with the absorption spectrum of the gas to be detected.

Abstract: By capillary electrophoresis, an effective mobility to play an important role for identifying an unknown sample is quickly determined highly precisely. A standard substance is added to a sample containing an unknown substance (unknown sample)(S101). This unknown sample to which the standard substance is added is introduced into a capillary, and capillary electrophoresis is executed (s103). Next, by executing this capillary electrophoresis, the various parameters of the standard substance and the unknown sample are determined (S107). Next, on the basis of the various parameters and a theoretical equation, the effective mobility of the unknown sample is calculated. On the basis of the calculated effective mobility of the unknown sample, the substance of the unknown sample is identified (S109).

Abstract: A moisture detection system includes an electrical conductor disposed on a surface of a substrate, an oscillator for outputting an oscillator signal at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency, and a resonator circuit coupled to the electrical conductor and responsive to the oscillator signal for outputting a resonator signal having an amplitude related to a resonant frequency of the electrical conductor. A filter circuit responsive to the resonator signal can output a rectified and filtered signal, and an analog-to-digital converter responsive to the rectified and filtered signal can output a digital signal related to the rectified and filtered signal. A sensor can be provided having a property that varies as a function of a temperature at or adjacent the electrical conductor. A controller can be responsive to the digital signal and the property of the sensor for causing another system to operate as a function thereof.

Abstract: A method of designing a roller bearing is disclosed upon clarifying mechanisms of damage patterns in respect of two kinds of brinelling, involved in the bearing, wherein white-banded flaking (brittle flaking) is a plastic instability phenomenon appearing under high-speed deformation accompanied by adiabatic shear deformation status with the resultant occurrence of adiabatic shear band (also called white band) inside material of the bearing. This enables all of the damage patterns to be determined upon making comparison between shear strain and shear strain rate, occurring inside the bearing, and discriminated values.