Abstract: A bearing arrangement for an articulatable support includes bearing assemblies. In one embodiment, the assemblies have a ball and aperture having sliding contact at discrete areas during relative rotation. In another embodiment, the sliding contact may be formed at a ball and a plastics (e.g. P.T.F.E. support). Resilient displacement of the bearing contact along a rotational axis is provided by planar spring supports and a rigid support is provided by supports.

Abstract: A probe for a coordinate measuring machine has a stationary first part and a second part which can move relative to said first part. The second part can be a feeler pin or a feeler pin extension of the probe. A damping member for damping vibrations of the moveable second part has a magnet arrangement for producing a magnetic field, and has a conductor element. The magnet arrangement is designed such that there is a change in direction of the magnetic field along a path of movement of the conductor element.

Abstract: A system to replace or augment the common manual cone-gage method with a method that is highly automated on a CNC machine. Two cone-gage fixtures are employed, getting clamped into the gear and pinion workholding fixtures, respectively. But instead of mechanical contact, dial indicators, or other methods, a precision electronic touch probe is employed that, together with the CNC motion-controlled machine axes, can be used to measure and position gage fixture surfaces.

Abstract: A carpenter square and tape measure combination assembly includes a tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing having a lower wall, an upper wall and a perimeter wall. A square assembly includes a top wall and a bottom wall attached together in a spaced configuration with respect to each other. A panel is positioned between the top and bottom walls. A rod extends through the panel and into the top and bottom walls so that the panel may be pivoted with respect to the top and bottom walls. The panel is positionable in a stored position extending from the rod to the side wall or in an extended position extending outwardly from between the top and bottom walls. A pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on the square assembly. The adhesive secures the square assembly to the lower wall of the housing.

Abstract: A shower head processes a wafer with a plate having a plurality of nozzles positioned thereon, each of the nozzles assigned to one of a plurality of processing zones for the wafer; and a manifold assembly coupled to each of the nozzles to control one or more of the nozzles as a group in each processing zone.

Abstract: An article drying support apparatus includes a perimeter wall defining a housing and enclosing an interior space. The perimeter wall includes a backside having an elongated slit therein defining an opening extending into the interior space. The perimeter wall comprises an air permeable material. A coupler is attached to the perimeter wall and is configured to attach the perimeter wall to an inside surface of a dryer door. A wet item may be positioned within the interior space and held against the dryer door when a clothes dryer is being operated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying machine or a drying machine with washing function. The drying machine or the drying machine with washing function comprises a heater for heating air introduced into an inlet channel of a drum, an outlet channel for allowing air in the drum to be discharged out of the drying machine or the drying machine with washing function therethrough, and a circulating channel connected between the outlet channel of the drum and the heater. When the exhaust resistance of air at the outlet channel is large, some of air, passing through the outlet channel, is guided to the heater through the circulating channel. Consequently, the drying machine or the drying machine with washing function according to the present invention has an effect in that air flow rate sufficient to dry the laundry is obtained and time necessary to dry the laundry is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel cushion structure for a sneaker capable of adjusting the characteristic of the sneaker flexibly. The main body of the heel cushion structure is provided with plural separable elastic elements, so that the wearer is able to selectively screw different functional separable elastic elements according to personal needs. Thus, the wearer can selectively use the elastic elements according to personal needs. The cushion effect of the heel cushion structure of the sneaker can be adjusted by changing the separable elastic elements. Thereby, the present invention is truly a heel cushion structure that can flexibly adjust the characteristics of the sneaker.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf alignment system that generates a visible, audible and/or tactile response indicating when a golfer is properly aligned with respect to an intended target line or to a golf ball. One embodiment includes a first shoe having at least one transmitter disposed on an instep portion thereof. A second shoe has at least one receiver disposed on an instep portion thereof. The receiver is activated by a signal from the transmitter when the first shoe is in a predetermined position relative to the second shoe. Activation of the receiver causes actuation of an indicator, such as a light emitting device which projects a visible reference line on the ground. The present invention is also directed to a method of aligning a golf ball.

Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a working implement such as hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: An identification card holder, on the front side of which a replaceable identification card can be placed. A spring-loaded yo-yo is fastened and positioned on the reverse side of the holder, such that the yo-yo remains partially or completely invisible as the card, along with its holder, is viewed from the front side. As the yo-yo is integrated with the holder, the result will be a small-sized, readily portable, and easy-to-handle assembly, which can be distanced from a bearer to the proximity of a code reader for an electric lock without releasing the suspension.

Abstract: A labeled key tag, key tag system and method for using the system is provided. The key tag system may be used to identify the keys that may be attached thereto. The system provides a key tag having a labeling system for downloading, printing and affixing a label to a key tag. The system allows the key tag to identifying keys on a key ring with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kitchen appliance that includes a food mixer and a recipe card holding device. The recipe card holding device includes a first end that is attached to the food mixer and a second end that holds a recipe card.

Abstract: A frame assembly for pictures or other objects to be displayed includes a frame having front and rear panels defining a space therebetween for receiving objects to be displayed. A support mechanism optionally provided for supporting the frame in a substantially upright position enabling pictures to be viewed through a transparent area or window formed in one or both of the front and rear panels. The front panel includes retaining members formed along edges thereof, including at least two opposed edges, and each retaining member includes an extension portion extending rearward relative to a planar portion of the front panel and an inwardly projecting ridge formed on an inward surface of the extension portion. The rear panel is designed to fit snugly between the ridges and a rear surface of the front panel. The support mechanism may be a base separable from the frame or formed integral with the rear panel.

Abstract: A revolving lock rod storage holder is disclosed including a revolving lock having a first spring cavity and a first spring anchor member, a revolving lock body operatively engaged to the revolving lock, the revolving lock body having a second spring cavity and a second spring anchor member, and a spring operatively engaged to the first spring anchor member and the second spring anchor member, at least a portion of the spring positioned in the first spring cavity and the second spring cavity.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly and the method of making a unique fill composition that causes attractant scent compounds to be dispensed from the fishing lure assembly. The fishing lure assembly has a body that can retain a volume of fill composition. The fill composition contains an ion exchange material and attractant scent compounds that are ionically bonded together. When the fishing lure is submersed in water, the fill composition is exposed to a controlled flow of water. In an ion exchange reaction, ions contained within the water bond to the ion exchange material and thus free the previously bonded attractant scent compounds. The freed attractant scent compounds flow out of the lure assembly with the passing water.

Abstract: A greenhouse has an exterior curtain wall structure formed by spaced tubular posts carrying external transparent panels and bottom non-transparent wall panels below a sill with the panels spanning the posts. A plurality of elongate benches is located within the interior at spaced positions along one side wall with the width of the benches being equal to the post spacing to form an expandable construction. Each bench has associated with it a respective air handling system for conditioning including a duct which is located partly under the respective bench and a fan in a fan housing at the side wall. From the fan a vertical duct section extends to a flexible tube extending over the bench. Air dehumidification, fogging, heating and cooling are provided in the duct under the bench. An alley is arranged along the opposite wall containing electrical controls mounted in cabinets forming panels for mounting in the span between posts.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end seal to a manufactured seed is provided. The method includes providing a manufactured seed having an open end and inflating a sealing material to form an enclosure having an interior surface. The method also includes placing the enclosure into contact with the open end of the manufactured seed and attaching the enclosure to the manufactured seed to seal the open end of the manufactured seed.

Abstract: A sliding door includes a frame comprising an elongated header member having a topwall, a backwall, an intermediate wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall and intermediate wall are engageable with sliding door panel support rollers and the bottom wall and intermediate wall are interconnected by a separate support member to distribute door panel loads between such walls. A movable cover is attached to the header member by a hinge part including spaced apart flanges and projections co-operable with projections on the header member to support the cover in open and closed positions. The door operator is supported in the header member by a single angle-shaped frame member supporting a power supply, a controller and a door operator motor. An adjustable torsion bar assembly supports the door panel against sagging.

Abstract: The present invention includes a window jamb assembly mountable in a jamb of a double hung window for cooperative engagement with upper and lower sash assemblies. The window jamb assembly includes a jambliner that has inner and outer sash hardware accepting recesses and first and second weather-strip retaining recesses disposed between the sash hardware accepting recesses. First and second weather-strips are retained by the first and second weather-strip retaining recesses and cover strips are disposed in a remainder of the weather-strip recess that is not retaining a weather-strip. The cover strips have a facade portion that provides a visually pleasing finish.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A removable window insulator preferably includes at least one pane, at least four frame members, at least four compressible seals and at least four draw members. At least one frame member is mitered on each one thereof. An edge seal strip is attached to an outer edge of each frame member. A single compressible seal is inserted between ends of two adjacent frame members. A single draw member is used to draw the adjacent frame members together. At least one cross member may be secured in an inner perimeter of the removable window insulator. Second and third embodiments of the removable window insulator are used to seal a double window. A fourth embodiment of the removable window insulator is used to seal a window with a partially curved perimeter.

Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: A wall covering for a pair of wall surfaces that form a corner. The wall covering includes (1) plurality of wall panels each having a plurality of horizontal tiers of simulated building elements and (2) a plurality of corner moldings each having a single tier of building elements. The corner moldings each have mounting flanges and an interlock and alignment pin that facilitate adjustable positioning of the corner molding with a selected tier of building elements of an adjacent wall panel. The corner molding mounting flanges and building elements further define relatively deep wall panel receiving pockets for positively retaining the side of an adjacent wall panel and forming a water barrier.

Abstract: A device for making a connection between concrete slabs, the device having two modules derived from sheets, each module having a number of flat elements which form projections, each module further having elements in the form of a right angle, having a flat part integral with projection, and a raised part, and longitudinal members between the raised parts, and wherein the modules are assembled in such a way that the raised parts and longitudinal members of the two modules are facing each other along the two sides of a center plane, and that the projections extend on both sides of the center plane, so as to form meshing projections which pass from one side of the joint to the other.

Abstract: A door assembly having a structural inner frame that is secured between an interior sheath and an exterior sheath. The inner frame provides rigidity and strength to the door assembly and will not warp or otherwise lose its dimensional integrity regardless of the environment or usage. Both the interior and exterior sheaths add strength and durability once attached to and combined with the inner frame. The internal frame is formed from metal, wood, plastic, composite panels, polystyrene panels or other structural materials. In the preferred embodiment, the inner frame by itself is not structural, it relies on the interior sheath and exterior sheath for its combined strength. The components of the internal frame are secured together by fastening onto the interior sheath and exterior sheath. This allows the components, while structurally supporting one another, to utilize the interior and exterior sheaths to fasten the components to one another.

Abstract: A protective covering (10) for protecting surrounding items, i.e., walls, floors, and furniture, during construction, moving, or other activities. Covering (10) includes a protective backing layer (12) having a front side (14), a back side (16), opposing top and bottom edges (17) and (18), respectively, opposing left and right side edges (19) and (20), respectively, and a plurality of protective strips (22) each having a first end (24) and a second end (26). Strips (22) are securely affixed to and covering a substantial portion of front side (14). Layer (12) may include a first adhesive portion (28) along left side (19) that includes an adhesive for connecting multiple coverings (10) to one another. Back side (16) of layer (12) may also include a second adhesive portion (31), which is similar to first adhesive portion (28), for removably adhering covering (10) to underlying surfaces.

Abstract: A suspended table assembly includes a first support and a second support that are vertically spaced from each other. A plurality of legs is provided. Each of the legs has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of first brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends. The first brackets are attached to the first support. A plurality of second brackets is also provided. Each of the second brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the second ends and each of the second brackets is attached to the second support.

Abstract: An improved structural truss (3) and method of making same having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein the apices (6) form an inverted U-shape at a cross-section at the center of the strut (1). The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10).

Abstract: A strutless building module comprising a polygon having a plurality of inclined faces that converge at the module center, said module center having a center connector, said module further having sides that angle downwardly from their respective module faces and including a plurality of insertion holes passing entirely through the side, wherein adjoining modules may be connected by placing modules side-to-side and passing bolts through aligned insertion holes. The modules have an elevated center formed at the convergence of the inclined module faces.

Abstract: A fiber architecture in the form of an elongate beam having a hollow polygonal cross section with a plurality of substantially flat exterior sides and a corner between each pair of adjacent exterior sides. The cross section is substantially thicker adjacent each corner. The fiber architecture includes a first fabric layer extending around the beam, a layer of circumferential longitudinal rovings extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the first fabric layer, corner longitudinal rovings coterminous and integral with the outside of the circumferential rovings adjacent each corner, and a second fabric layer extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the corner rovings and adjacent the outside of the circumferential rovings not covered by corner rovings. The fabric architecture may be impregnated with resin to form a composite pole that may be used as a utility pole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seasoning processing system capable of uniform seasoning and, moreover, having superior cleanability. A seasoning processing system (2) according to the present invention comprises a seasoning dispersion apparatus (20) and a vertical pillow-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (30). The seasoning dispersion apparatus (20) disperses powdered seasoning to be adhered to supplied intermediate articles (X . . . X) from an end part (22b), which is a dispersing mouth, of a second conduit (22). The vertical pillow-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (30) introduces and packages inside a bag shaped packaging material (Fc) seasoned articles (X2. . . X2) to which the powdered seasoning has been adhered. Furthermore, the end part (22b), which is the dispersing mouth,of the second conduit (22) is provided and arranged so that it is positioned inside the bag shaped packaging material (Fc).

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine for performing a vacuum sealing operation on product packages, comprises a vertical stack of vacuum chambers 4 which each manage to receive at least one unsealed product package 2 and are operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation on the least one product package 2. A conveyor arrangement 8, 9 is operable to load and unload a selected vacuum chamber 4 with the at least one product package, and the machine is arranged to operate the respective vacuum chambers 4 to perform the vacuum sealing operation while the conveyor arrangement is operated to load and unload another vacuum chamber 4. The conveyor arrangement loads and unloads the vacuum chambers in sequence, and the vacuum chambers are synchronously operated to perform the vacuum sealing operation to allow the conveyor arrangement to operate continuously.

Abstract: A filling device for making a mattress includes a main frame, a feed vessel, a feeding platen, a capping structure, and a power mechanism. The feed vessel includes an open top and a bottom having supplying openings. The feeding platen includes filling containers. Each of the filling containers has an inlet and a gas-supplying unit. The capping structure includes caps. The power mechanism includes a power source and at least one actuating element driven by the power source to actuate the feeding platen to move between a first position in which the inlets of the filling containers are aligned respectively with the supplying openings of the feed vessel, and a second position in which the inlets of the filling container are closed respectively by the caps of the capping structure.

Abstract: An encapsulating machine includes a pair of offset die rolls with one die roll mounted on slides urged by an adjustable fulcrum spring toward the other die roll. An offset drive coupling between the axle of the die roll and the associated drive shaft allows independent movement of the die axle to compensate for die wear. A split gear between die roll shafts accommodates for backlash and gear wear. Precise pulley-driven timing belts and phase adjusters extend between the die roll drive and a tablet feed roll to synchronize the clocked introduction of tablets onto film of one of the die rolls for encapsulation at the co-acting nip between the die rolls. The die cavities for tablets include a step-cut to improve the sealing of films around the tablets and a circumferential rub rail on opposite edges of each die prevents excessive wear of the die cavity lands.

Abstract: A membrane releasing-tightness adjusting device for a membrane strapping dispenser is installed at one side of a basic body of a membrane strapping dispenser and provided with a threaded rod having a support shaft and a tightening member pivotally assembled thereon and having a rubber ring fitted on the support shaft. When compressed by both the support shaft and the tightening member, the rubber ring with great elasticity will be deformed outward to fix the membrane reel of the membrane strapping dispenser in position, able to control membrane releasing tightness and enhance effect in membrane strapping work.

Abstract: An equestrian tattletale rider hand-training device including a left wrist strap releaseably connected to a right wrist strap, and the wrist straps releaseably connected to the saddle.

Abstract: An operator presence control assembly for a walk-behind greens mower includes a handle supported on a frame of the walk-behind greens mower, a ribbon switch on the outer perimeter of the handle, and a circuit including the ribbon switch. The circuit is completed by applying a threshold pressure to the ribbon switch, and a device selectively energizeable via the circuit in accordance with the threshold pressure applied to the ribbon switch. As the user of the greens mower grips the handle, the ribbon switch completes a circuit to energize a switch to engage an electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: An automatic end of row detection and compacting sequence for a cotton harvesting machine which is initiated responsive to the machine ceasing harvesting at the end of a crop row, as represented by a condition such as raising a picker drum of the machine from a harvesting position to a non-harvesting position. Steps of the sequence can include ceasing operation of augers of compactor apparatus located in the cotton receiver are turned off, and moving the compactor apparatus downwardly within a cotton receiver of the machine and against cotton accumulated in the lower region of the receiver, one or more times, for further and better compacting the cotton. Then, when the machine is aligned with a new swath or row and a condition such as the picker unit being lowered to the harvesting position, normal operation of the compactor apparatus can be resumed.

Abstract: A steel cord adapted for the reinforcement of elastomers includes: a core steel filament with a diameter dc and coated with a polymer, six intermediate steel filaments with a diameter di smaller than or equal to dc, the intermediate steel filaments being twisted around the core steel filament, ten to eleven outer steel filaments with a diameter do, smaller than or equal to di wherein these outer steel filaments are twisted around the intermediate steel filaments, and the outer steel filaments are preformed in order to allow rubber penetration inside the cord. The core steel filament, the intermediate steel filaments, and the outer steel filaments all have a tensile strength of at least 2600 MPa. The cord has an outer diameter D according to the following formula: D?dc+2×di+2×do+0.1 mm, wherein all diameters are expressed in millimeters (mm).

Abstract: The system for augmented electric power generation with distilled water output employs a combined cycle gas turbine power generation system for electrical power generation. A multistage evaporator uses steam drawn from the steam turbine as a heating medium to power the multistage evaporator for the production of distilled water. Residual steam output from the multistage evaporator is used as an energy source for an absorption refrigeration unit. The absorption refrigeration unit simultaneously preheats wastewater supplied to the multistage evaporator and provides chilled water to cool intake air for the combined cycle gas turbine power generation system. Thus, the system's efficiency is increased because the preheating of the wastewater supply to the multistage evaporator improves efficiency of the distillation process, while cooling of the gas turbine intake air increases power generated by the gas turbine, increasing both power and steam output from the combined cycle gas turbine power generation system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating thrust from a gas turbine engine using a pulse detonation system is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a fan assembly, and a bypass duct channeling air to a core engine and the pulse detonation system. The method includes injecting a charge of fuel into a pulse detonation tube that is coupled radially outward from the core engine, and controlling a supply of air from the fan into the pulse detonation tube through an opening in the inlet end of the pulse detonation tube using a rotary valve that is positioned radially outward from the core engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders (1 through 12) and at least one turbocharger (2) and at least one exhaust manifold (13) which passes exhaust gases from two or more cylinders (5, 6) to the turbocharger (20), wherein the exhaust manifold (13) has a region (15) cooled with a cooling device and a substantially uncooled region (14).

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprises: a common housing; a pair of coaxial axles disposed in the housing; a common input shaft for receiving power from a prime mover, the common input shaft being extended perpendicular to the axles in the housing and passed through a gap between the axles; and a pair of stepless transmissions sharing power from the common input shaft, and transmitting power to the respective axles. The pair of stepless transmissions are arranged in the housing symmetrically centered on an axis of the common input shaft. The axle driving apparatus further comprises: a PTO shaft disposed coaxially to the common input shaft; a clutch disposed in the housing and interposed between the common input shaft and the PTO shaft; and a brake which is applied simultaneously to disengagement of said clutch so as to prevent inertial rotation of said PTO shaft.

Abstract: A system for cooling one or more discrete superconducting devices wherein a primary refrigerator subcools cryogenic liquid for desubcooling in the devices and subsequently resubcools this liquid in a recirculation loop, and additional cryogenic liquid is maintained in a subcooled condition within a reserve storage container by diversion of some of the refrigeration generated by the primary refrigerator into the reserve storage container.

Abstract: A valve device, according to the invention, for connecting to a cryopump, wherein the valve device comprises a body with a through-channel and a connection flange at one end of the through-channel for connecting to a backing pump connection flange of the cryopump; a pressure relief valve which opens when an overpressure in the through-channel exceeds a limiting valve and which lets this overpressure out of the through-channel; a purge gas line in which a purge gas valve is arranged and which serves to supply a purge gas to a supply line of the cryopump during a regeneration process of the cryopump; wherein an end portion of the purge gas line by which the purge gas line can be connected to the supply line of the cryopump runs within the through-channel to the area of the end of the through-channel situated in the connection flange. A pump arrangement according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A freezing and thawing unit for small amounts of biopharmaceuticals and biologics. The freezing and thawing unit is reduced in scale, as compared to a corresponding commercial or large-scale process. The freezing and thawing unit can be used for testing, preservation and/or processing of small quantities of biopharmaceuticals and biologics.

Abstract: A heating and cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) module housing wherein the defrost outlet and the vent outlet and the seat outlet are disposed next adjacent to one another and a first plate overlies the defrost outlet and the seat outlet and a second plate overlies the seat outlet and the vent outlet for opening and closing various combinations of the outlets. Accordingly, the defrost valve and the vent valve are used to also control air flow through the seat outlet of a HVAC module to a thermo-electric device to heat and cool the seat assembly in a vehicle.

Abstract: The thermal storage apparatus contains a heat transfer fluid (102) and a thermal storage medium (101), being immiscible and of differing densities. The thermal storage apparatus comprises a vessel (100) for containing a layer of heat transfer fluid (102) in contact with a layer of thermal storage medium (101), and a charging loop (120) including an inlet nozzle (200) having a mouth The charging loop (120) is arranged to supply cool heat transfer fluid (102) into the vessel (100) directed at least partially into the layer of thermal storage medium (101) and the inlet nozzle (200) is shaped such that heat transfer fluid (102) flowing therethrough operatively draws thermal storage medium (101) into the mouth thereof. The thermal storage apparatus described provides good mixing of cooled heat transfer fluid (102) with thermal storage medium (101), minimal blockages in the charging loop (120) and allows good separation of the heat transfer fluid (102) and thermal storage medium (101).