Abstract: An air filter may include a synthetic foam filter region, and a natural fiber filter media region, having pileous, absorbent, wickable natural fibers. The foam filter region and the natural fiber filter region are supported between pleated influent and effluent mesh layers. Alternatively, a synthetic fiber filter media region having absorbent spunbond polyester filters may also be included. Oil may also be disposed in one of more of the filter media reqions. Fiber regions may also have layers disposed in gradient density arrangement.

Abstract: A dual pleated air filter according to the present disclosure may include two or more generally parallel, pleated filter elements layered perpendicular to the influent air stream and having the pleats of adjacent filter elements oriented orthogonally. Within each pleated filter element are an influent mesh layer and a corresponding effluent mesh layer for supporting filter media and one or more layers of filter media are located between the influent and the effluent mesh layers. The relative orientation of pleats of adjacent elements may range from parallel to perpendicular.

Abstract: An air cleaner (40) includes a housing (48) and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing (48) can be reached through an opening (70) in a side wall of the housing. A filter element (50) having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing (48) is constructed and arranged to cam the element (50) into sealing engagement with the housing (48). The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing.

Abstract: An allergen trap is provided. The allergen trap includes a woven or nonwoven substrate having at least one strata. The trap is impregnated with or otherwise treated with a tacky adhesive by which allergens may be trapped. An example of an allergen is a dust mite. The tacky adhesive, in turn, may be treated with a miticide or activated carbon.

Abstract: The invention is a device for purifying drinking water that has at least one fibrous structure. Preferably, there is an upstream and downstream fibrous structure. Each fibrous structure is a mixture of nano alumina fibers and second fibers arranged in a matrix to create asymmetric pores and to which fine, ultrafine, or nanosize particles are attached. Preferably, the device has an upstream antimicrobial for sterilization of retained microbes. The device is substantially more efficient at removing soluble contaminants such as halogens from a fluid stream than those previously available and is also able to retain turbidity, bacteria, and virus.

Abstract: A method is provided for collecting at least partially retted plants and winding them into bales. The method is characterised in that the collected and wound plants are fibrous plants with previously cut tops and bottoms. A machine to perform the method has a gatherer (3) for collecting at least partially retted plants with previously cut tops and bottoms, a crusher (4) for grinding the stems of the plants without tops and bottoms to break the wood filaments therein, a decorticator (10) for scarifying the ground stems to release the wood filaments and shives, a unit (31) for laying flat the fibres scutched in this way, and a baler (32) for winding the same into bales.

Abstract: A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging means, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving means, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. The tractor controller is operable to command the ground engaging means to automatically halt the tractor when receiving a halt signal from the baler controller. A steering controller is connected to a swath position sensor and operable to automatically steer the tractor along a swath based upon the signals of the crop swath sensor and of the bale shape sensor such that a uniform bale shape is obtained.

Abstract: Service trolley for open-end spinning machines equipped for the depositing of the final thread reserve on the exhausted bobbin comprising a thread-guide with a horizontal worm-screw, equipped with a cantilever supporting arm which allows its positioning at different levels and also its axial movement, activated in controlled clockwise/anticlockwise rotation driven by a motor, thus determining both the level and axial coordinate to which the thread is brought and wound onto the tube.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement for re-starting a previously interrupted spinning process in a spinning arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a drafting unit which can be shut down and also an airjet unit including a vacuum chamber. For the purpose of removing an initially inhomogeneous fiber stream, a staple fiber strand, delivered by the re-operating drafting unit, is temporarily suctioned as waste via a deflecting device after it has left the drafting unit. Only then, when a homogeneous fiber stream has formed, is the staple fiber strand joined with a thread which is transported through the airjet unit. The inhomogeneous fiber stream is removed with the aid of the low pressure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A power system includes a rotary compressor. The power system may also include one or more power sources drivingly connected to the rotary compressor, the one or more power sources not including a turbine. Additionally, the power system may include a turbine, the turbine being free to rotate independently of the rotary compressor. The power system may also include power-system controls operable to cause the rotary compressor to generate a gas flow by causing the one or more power sources to rotate the rotary compressor. Additionally, the power system may be operable to direct at least a portion of the gas flow generated by the rotary compressor through the turbine to rotate the turbine.

Abstract: An axial flow positive displacement compressor has an inlet axially spaced apart and upstream from an outlet. Inner and outer bodies have offset inner and outer axes extend from the inlet to the outlet through first and second sections of a compressor assembly in serial downstream flow relationship. At least one of the bodies is rotatable about its axis. The inner and outer bodies have intermeshed inner and outer helical blades wound about the inner and outer axes respectively. The inner and outer helical blades extend radially outwardly and inwardly respectively. The helical blades have first and second twist slopes in the first and second sections respectively. The first twist slopes are less than the second twist slopes. An engine including the compressor has in downstream serial flow relationship from the compressor a combustor and a high pressure turbine drivingly connected to the compressor by a high pressure shaft.

Abstract: A method of directing flow of exhaust gas includes directing a first portion of the flow through a first flow path and directing a second portion of the flow through a second flow path. A temperature of at least a portion of the flow in the first flow path is increased, and the flow in the first flow path is sent through a filter. The first and second portions of the flow downstream of the filter to are combined form a combined flow. The combined flow is maintained within a predetermined range of temperatures, and the combined flow is directed to a catalyst.

Abstract: An SCR muffler retains the heat of a reducing agent, etc., supplying nozzle and an exhaust pipe, thereby preventing the reduction of the efficiency of an SCR catalyst purging nitrogen oxide (NOx) even at low temperatures and improving the durability of the reducing agent, etc., supplying nozzle. The SCRmuffler comprises an SCRcatalyst 1 for selectively reducing and purging nitrogen oxide (NOx) contained in exhaust gas; an exhaust pipe 2 that allows the exhaust gas to flow into the SCR catalyst; and a reducing agent, etc., supplying nozzle 3 that supplies a reducing agent or a reducing agent precursor to the exhaust gas. The reducing agent, etc., supplying nozzle 3 or the exhaust pipe 2 is of a heat-retaining double pipe structure.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine may include selectively operating the engine in a first mode of operation, wherein fuel may be injected into compressed fluid to create a substantially heterogeneous mixture of fuel and compressed fluid, and fuel may be ignited by the heat of the compressed fluid. The method may also include selectively operating the engine in a second mode of operation, wherein fuel is injected into gas to create a substantially homogeneous mixture of gas and fuel, the substantially homogeneous mixture is compressed, and fuel is ignited by the heat of the compressed gas. The method may further include determining whether to operate the engine in the first or second mode according to engine conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an NOx adsorber aftertreatment system for internal combustion engines which utilizes a parallel arrangement of an adsorber catalyst and a bypass. The exhaust flow from the engine is routed through the adsorber during lean operation. At a predetermined regeneration time (for example, when the adsorber catalyst is 20% full), the exhaust gas flow is reduced through the parallel leg that contains the adsorber catalyst to be regenerated (e.g., 20% through the catalyst leg, 80% of the flow to the bypass leg). A quantity of hydrocarbon is injected into the reduced-flow catalyst leg in order to make the mixture rich. Since the flow has been reduced in this leg, only a small fraction of the amount of hydrocarbon that would have been required to make the mixture rich during full flow is required. This will result in a substantial reduction in the fuel penalty incurred for regeneration of the adsorber catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to control a reducing agent generation system of an internal combustion engine, in which the reagent substance is generated in the form of pulses by the reducing agent generation system and is delivered to an exhaust gas duct of the internal combustion engine in front of a SCR-catalytic converter for the selective reduction of the nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, with a catalytic converter model, in which the reagent substance fill level of the SCR-catalytic converter is modeled and with a closed-loop feedback control system, in which the modeled reagent substance fill level is compared with a storage set point.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment installment and associated exhaust gas aftertreatment method utilizes a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter and an SCR catalytic converter. A particulate filter is provided upstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or between the latter and the SCR catalytic converter or downstream of the SCR catalytic converter. The time of regeneration operating phases of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter can be determined as a function of the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gas downstream of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or of the SCR catalytic converter and/or as a function of the ammonia loading of the latter. Moreover, a desired ammonia generation quantity can be determined for a respective regeneration operating phase. The installation and method are adopted for use for motor vehicle internal combustion engines and other engines which are operated predominantly in lean-burn mode.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy recovery device for a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic energy recovery device has a first impeller configured to receive a flow of pressurized liquid, and a second impeller configured to pressurize a flow of liquid. The hydraulic energy recovery device also has a common shaft connecting the first and second impellers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control and adjustment system for a lifting mechanism (100) of a loading blade (6) in a mobile machine tool. Said lifting mechanism is made up of at least one first and second blade cylinder (1, 2), at least one first and second lifting cylinder (61, 62) and one first and second hydropump (15, 75) which can be adjusted with regard to the pump volume. The adjusting pistons (3, 5) which can be displaced in the first and second blade cylinders (1, 2), respectively, separate both blade cylinders (1, 2) into two adjusting pressure chambers (7 and 8, 9 and 10). The adjusting pistons (63, 65) which can be displaced in the two lifting cylinders (61, 62) respectively separate the two lifting cylinders (61, 62) into the two adjusting pressure chambers (67 and 68, 69 and 70) in an analogous manner.

Abstract: A release system, particularly for releasing hydraulic actuators for automatic openings having an articulated arm for swing-door gates, provided in a hydraulic circuit having a hydraulic pump (3), operated by a reversible motor, two cylinder-piston elements (6, 7), alternatively receiving hydraulic liquid (L) from the hydraulic pump (3) through two tubes (4, 5), a valve (9, 10) being provided along the tubes (4, 5), between each cylinder-piston element (6, 7) and the hydraulic pump (3), preventing the return of the hydraulic liquid toward the hydraulic pump (3), the return being permitted only by an inverse rotation of the pump (3) operation motor, the system being characterized in that a normally closed manual opening-closing elements (11) being provided along the tubes (6, 7), connected in parallel with respect to the pump (3).

Abstract: It is an object to provide a fluid machine, which is simple in structure and in which lubricating oil containing smaller amount of the working fluid is supplied to sliding portions of an expansion device. The fluid machine has the expansion device for generating a driving force by expansion of the working fluid, which contains the lubricating oil and is heated to a gas phase condition. The fluid machine further has an electric power generating device driven by the driving force of the expansion device and generating electric power. An oil pooling portion is formed in a fluid passage, through which the working fluid discharged from the expansion device flows, such that the lubricating oil contained in the working fluid is brought into contact with at least one of sliding portions of the expansion device and the electric power generating device. And a heating unit is provided to heat the working fluid in the oil pooling portion.

Abstract: A controller (44) for a SMA actuator (2) includes an electgric power source (46) for applying an electric current through an SMA element (8), a sensor (48) to detect change in an electric resistance of the element (8); and a regulator (50) for controlling the magnitude of the applied electric current. The regulator (50) applies a first current above a safe limit current for the element (8) until a selected change in the electric resistance is detected and applies a second current less than the first current after the change is detected.

Abstract: A turbocharger for a power system is disclosed. The turbocharger has a turbine wheel and a housing configured to at least partially enclose the turbine wheel. The housing has a first turbine volute configured to fluidly communicate exhaust gases with the turbine wheel, a second turbine volute configured to fluidly communicate exhaust gases with the turbine wheel, a wall member axially separating the first and second turbine volutes. The housing also has a first plurality of annularly disposed vane members associated with at least one of the first and second turbine volutes.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (100) includes a first exhaust manifold (120), and a second exhaust manifold (118) fluidly connected to the first exhaust manifold (120) through an exhaust valve (122). An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler (124) constantly fluidly connects the second exhaust manifold (118) with an intake manifold (112). A turbocharger (102) has a turbine (126) in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold (120), and a compressor (132) in fluid communication with a supercharger (140). A charge air cooler (150) fluidly connects the supercharger (140) with the intake manifold (112).

Abstract: A turbocharger with a variable nozzle has a turbine impeller, a compressor impeller, a shaft coupling the turbine impeller and the compressor impeller, a bearing housing rotatably supporting the shaft, and a turbine housing accommodating the turbine impeller. The turbocharger further includes a variable nozzle mechanism, provided in a compressor impeller side in a radial-direction outer side of the turbine impeller, for adjusting a flow rate of an exhaust gas directed to the turbine impeller. The bearing housing has a radially expanded portion that extends to a radial-direction outer side to be coupled to the turbine housing at a radial-direction outer side portion thereof such that the variable nozzle mechanism is accommodated between the turbine housing and the radially expanded portion. Between the variable nozzle mechanism and the radially expanded portion, a heat shield plate is provided for preventing a heat transmission between them.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermoacoustic thermomagnetic generator 100. The generator includes a stator 5 that supports and channels magnetic fields. It further includes a magnetic field generator 2 that magnetically couples to the stator. In addition, the generator includes a magnetic circuit opening and closing member 1 that changes magnetic states in response to changes in temperature where the member couples to the stator to complete a magnetic circuit. Further, the generator includes a thermal insulator 4 that couples to the stator and the magnetic circuit opening and closing member. And, the generator includes a plurality of induction windings 3 that conduct electric current where the induction windings couple to the stator. The periodic opening and closing of the magnetic circuit creates a magnetic field in the stator that induces an alternating electric current in the induction windings which allows the generator to produce electric power.

Abstract: A steam engine includes at least one piston and cylinder assembly. A fluid injector injects a liquid into the cylinder and onto a heated surface area of a heating element. The heating element may be a plate, coil or other such surface that is heated to a temperature exceeding a flash point of the liquid. As the liquid comes into contact with the heating element it flashes to a vapor causing the internal pressure of the cylinder increase. This increase in internal pressure forces the piston towards an open side or bottom of the cylinder. The piston is coupled to a driven crank shaft via a crank rod. At least one exhaust port is provided for evacuating or draining the fluid from the cylinder.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to burners for gas turbine engines that use a pilot flame to assist in sustaining and stabilizing the combustion process. An embodiment of the disclosed burners includes, inter alia, a burner housing, a pilot combustor and a quencher. The burner housing has axially opposed upstream and downstream end portions. Additionally, the housing has at least one main fuel inlet passage and at least one main air inlet passage which are adapted to supply fuel and air respectively to an internal chamber defined in the housing. The pilot combustor is disposed along the axis of the burner housing and has an inlet for receiving a rich fuel and air mixture, a combustion chamber within which the rich fuel and air mixture is combusted into combustion products, and an outlet for exhausting the combustion products from the combustion chamber. The quencher is disposed within the internal chamber of the burner housing along the central axis and positioned at the outlet of the pilot combustor.

Abstract: A curved diffuser (210) in a gas turbine engine (201) directs a primary portion of air flow from a compressor (202) through a curved discharge opening (213) into a plenum (220). The curved diffuser (210) also comprises ports (217) through which a secondary portion of air passes into confined space (225) that is defined in part by a pressure boundary element that may be comprised of at least one plate (222) or at least one conduit (306). The at least one plate (222) and the at least one conduit (306) respectively comprise apertures (246, 312) through which pass the secondary portion of air to provide impingement-type cooling to transitions (230, 320). In various embodiments the velocity of the air between adjacent transitions (230, 320) may flow at relatively uniform velocity along the longitudinal distance of the respective transitions (230, 320).

Abstract: A turbomachine (2) has a combustion chamber (1), in particular a gas turbine, with a casing (8) which has a closable maintenance opening at least in the region of the combustion chamber (1), which maintenance opening, in the open state, provides access to an outer carrier (3), an inner segment carrier (5), and a front plate (4), which together define the combustion chamber (1). In order to simplify the maintenance of the turbomachine (2) and thereby reduce any downtimes and maintenance costs, the outer carrier (3), the inner segment carrier (5) and the front plate (4) are designed as annular shell elements (13) having a respective bottom half shell (14) and a respective top half shell (15) which can be connected thereto. In the assembled state, the outer carrier (3), the inner segment carrier (5), and the front plate (4) are connected to one another and/or to the casing (8) via connecting contours (7) which are axially releasable from one another.

Abstract: A system for starting a ramjet/scramjet engine includes a gas generator for lighting a combustor of a ramjet/scramjet engine, for generating electrical power for vehicle subsystems, for pumping fuel, and for preheating the fuel. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for cold starting a ramjet/scramjet engine. The method comprises the steps of using a gas generator to light the combustor, to generate a gas product, using the gas product to generate electrical power for vehicle subsystems and to pump fuel, and using the gas product to preheat liquid fuel.

Abstract: A non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine installable in an aircraft having a cabin adapted to be pressurized. The auxiliary gas turbine engine includes an auxiliary-gas-turbine-engine compressor having an inlet, wherein the inlet is adapted to receive pressurized air from the cabin. A method for operating a non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes providing pressurized air from the cabin of the aircraft to an inlet of a compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. The method includes providing compressed air from the compressor to a combustor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine and includes providing combustion gases from the combustor to a turbine of the auxiliary gas turbine engine, wherein the turbine is mechanically coupled to the compressor.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for providing chilling in a localized area comprises a chiller compartment and an independent cooling source thermally coupled to the chiller compartment by a thermally conductive interface. The cooling source provides a separate controllable temperature to the chiller compartment, which is adapted to be removably positioned in a selected temperature controlled environment. In another aspect a refrigerator comprises a freezer unit, a fresh food unit and a chiller compartment adapted to be removably positioned in either the freezer unit or the fresh food unit as a secondary chilling compartment. In another aspect a method of chilling comprises cooling a modular chiller compartment using an independent cooling source, chiller compartment being removably positioned within a temperature controlled environment and the cooling source and the chiller compartment being thermally coupled.

Abstract: A test control circuitry conducts an electrical current through a thermo electric cooler for the purpose of testing the operability of a thermal control unit. At temperatures higher than a temperature threshold, this electrical current is directed such that the thermo electric cooler cools a temperature sensitive switch. The direction of the electrical current is inverted at temperatures lower than such temperature, causing heat to flow to the temperature sensitive switch. These specified temperatures of the test control circuitry are programmable either manually or automatically from a remote computer linked to the control circuitry. Optionally, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermistor and their associated electrical circuitry is used as temperature sensitive switch. In such cases its temperature threshold is programmable.

Abstract: A gas supply arrangement of a marine vessel being adapted to carry liquefied gas in its cargo tank having an ullage space section and a liquid phase section, which arrangement utilises the gas as fuel to provide power for the vessel, the arrangement comprising a first gas supply line provided for processing the natural boil-off gas formed in the cargo tank, a second gas supply line which connects the cargo tank and the gas main supply line and which is provided with at least a pump for raising the pressure of the liquid gas and for pumping it forward.

Abstract: A system and humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits that balances humidity control and cooling demand. Each refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a vessel and an evaporator. A hot gas reheat circuit having a heat exchange coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air when humidity control is requested. The hot gas reheat circuit bypasses the vessel of the refrigerant circuit during humidity control. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas reheat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for the integrated cooling of a vehicle and the personal climate systems worn by its occupants allows the components of the vehicle's refrigeration system to provide simultaneous cooling for both the vehicle and the occupants. A portion of the refrigerant circulated through the refrigeration system is redirected to a heat exchanger that chills the fluid circulated through the personal climate systems.

Abstract: A method of controlling the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated expansion valve in order to achieve low and stable evaporator superheat is disclosed. Duty cycle is incremented/decremented if superheat is above/below a dead band, and, in a preferred embodiment, incremented/decremented if the time derivative of superheat is above/below a preset value.

Abstract: A vehicle interior cooling system (200) for a vehicle having a cabin (208) and an engine (207) for providing propulsion power generally includes a first cabin cooling system (202) driven by the engine of the vehicle having a first condenser (214). The vehicle interior cooling system also generally includes a second cabin cooling system (203) driven by electrical power having a cold storage device (210) and a second condenser (232), with the first condenser and the second condenser being in an airflow line (260). The second cabin cooling system selectively thermally charges the cold storage device when the engine is in an on position. The second cabin cooling system is also selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in an off position and selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in the on position.

Abstract: A glass member configured for installation on a display case that includes a front portion and an upper case frame. The glass member includes a glass pane having a curved lower portion configured to couple to the front portion and a curved upper portion configured for pivotal attachment to the upper case frame. The glass pane defines a curved profile in a horizontal cross-section and a straight profile in a vertical cross-section.

Abstract: A system for preventing the formation of ice about a port to a contained cooling area. The system includes a support tube that is adapted to pass through the port in a wall that forms part of the cooling area. The support tube is further adapted to provide a passage into the cooling area for a conduit. The support tube is still further adapted to contain dry nitrogen to prevent the formation of ice around the port.

Abstract: An iceless method of providing a chilled beverage to a customer by supplying a container that not only contains the beverage but also contains a compartment filled with a compressed gas for selectively cooling the liquid in the container before consuming it. The apparatus is characterized by the fact that the end of the gas compartment adjacent the mouth of the beverage compartment occupies less than the entire mouth of the beverage compartment so that when the closure member is removed, a liquid contained in the beverage compartment may be conveniently poured out, whether or not the frangible cover of the gas compartment has first been punctured for releasing the gas.

Abstract: A system and method are shown which utilize a hybrid mechanical and evaporative air conditioning system to produce potable drinking while cooling an enclosure. The system operates on direct current, making it suitable for use in areas effected by natural disaster, power outage, or simply rural locations without access to electricity. The conditioning system includes both evaporative air conditioning and mechanical air conditioning functioning components to produce a water discharge. The system is operated to cool an enclosure. A portion of the water discharge is then drawn off and purified for use as drinking water.

Abstract: An ice-bagging apparatus that provides an establishment with the ability to automatically and expeditiously produce, bag and store bags of ice, thus maintaining a desired supply of bagged ice and eliminating conventional methods of manual ice-bagging and reducing the likelihood of unwanted bridging of the ice.

Abstract: Pallet version of the portable refrigeration container including a palletised thermally insulated base (20) including seal mechanism, forklift fork receiving cavities (21) allowing ready transportability. A dismantlable wail assembly (35) comprising hinged vacuum insulated panels (35) are able to be mounted on the palletised thermally insulated base (20) and engaging with the perimeter channel (23) forming the base sealing mechanism. The thermally insulated hinge type collapsible concertina configuration of side panels (35) have latch mechanism for holding panels in rectangular configuration defining a container volume therein. A thermally insulated lid (40) covers the top of the container volume and includes a seal mechanism for engaging with the wall assembly. The portable refrigeration container includes an integral cooling system, for cooling the container volume, incorporated in one or more of the base, sides or lid.

Abstract: A system for use with a consumable beverage.

Abstract: A container system with rigid and flexible components has a rigid container including a lower insulated storage portion and an upper storage portion configured to close and insulate the lower portion. The upper storage portion has a removable lid for quick access. The upper storage portion is removably attached to the lower portion to allow access when needed. The flexible component is configured to be combined with the rigid container by placing the rigid container in an upper pouch in the flexible component. The flexible component is further configured to contain ice and to selectively remove any melted ice via an inner lining to allow a user access to drinkable water when needed.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor forms a refrigerant circulation circuit with an external refrigerant circuit, and includes an oil separation structure. The oil separation structure includes a plurality of separation chambers for centrifugally separating oil from refrigerant gas, an oil storage chamber for storing the oil separated in the plurality of separation chambers, a connection passage and an oil passage. The plurality of separation chambers and the oil storage chamber are recessed within thickness of a circumferential wall of a housing component so as to be juxtaposed in a transverse direction passing across the housing component. The connection passage connects the plurality of separation chambers, and extends in the transverse direction along the refrigerant gas flow in a discharge path. The oil passage connects the oil storage chamber and the separation chambers, and extends in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cooling a stream, wherein the stream is cooled in a heat exchanger against a refrigerant fluid being cycled in a refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: Feed materials are melted in a first vessel to form a glass melt at a first temperature T1, the glass melt containing at least one fining agent. The molten glass is next cooled to a second temperature T2 less than T1 in a second vessel wherein an oxygen-comprising gas is not actively added (e.g. bubbled) into the melt during the duration of the time the melt is at T2. The molten glass is thereafter heated to a third temperature T3 greater than T1 and subsequently formed into a glass article.