Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transforming energy into exergy by supplying heat to a vaporous working substance subjected to an expansion and compression cycle and by obtaining the exergy in the expansion stage of the cycle. The cycle is performed in a single phase area of the vaporous working substance and working substance in liquid state is supplied to the cycle during the compression stage.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a support member having a fuel discharge nozzle proximal an end thereof, a first tubular heat shield disposed about a length of the support member to form a thermal insulating space therebetween, and a second tubular heat shield disposed about the first heat shield to form an annular air flow passage between the first heat shield and the second heat shield. The second heat shield has one or more upstream inlet openings for entry of pressurized air for flow through the air flow passage to a downstream discharge opening disposed about the fuel discharge nozzle to permit fuel to be discharged therefrom to a combustor of the gas turbine engine while pressurized air is discharged from the discharge opening. The Mach number of the air flowing through the air flow passage is controlled by the spacing between the first and second heat shields to improve cooling of the heat shields, fuel atomization and combustor fuel/air mixing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a gas turbine engine combustor that includes a domeplate and at least one fuel injector extending through an opening in the domeplate. The method includes fabricating a heatshield that includes a threaded collar extending upstream from the heatshield, positioning the heatshield on a downstream side of the domeplate such that the threaded collar is received within the domeplate opening, and coupling a retainer to the collar on an upstream side of the domeplate such that the domeplate is securely coupled between the heat shield and the retainer.

Abstract: A combustor assembly is provided. The combustor assembly includes a combustion chamber and at least one transition portion extending downstream from the combustion chamber to facilitate channeling combustion gases from the combustor assembly. The assembly also includes at least one air control system coupled to the at least one transition portion. The air control system including at least one biasing mechanism coupled to a controller to facilitate reducing emissions from the combustor assembly operation.

Abstract: An engine unit, particularly for urban transport, comprising an engine (3) supplied with a compressed gas and having a expansion chamber (9), a liquid gas tank (28) in communication with the engine (3), and means (M, M?) for gasifying the liquid gas, which are interposed between the liquid gas tank (28) and the engine (3) for obtaining compressed gas. The gasifying means (M) comprise a gasification chamber (22) in communication with the liquid gas tank (28) and a liquid fuel tank (39) which is connected to the gasification chamber (22). The gasification chamber (22) is in fluid communication with both the liquid fuel tank (39) for the combustion of the liquid fuel with the oxygen of the liquid gas (22), and the expansion chamber (9) so that the compressed liquid gas and gaseous products of combustion process are used to do useful work.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling sump pressurization in a gas turbine bearing sump by controllably restricting or actively venting air flow from said sump cavity to maintain a continuous air flow from said sump cavity through a sump vent in all operating conditions.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) compartment air inlet system seals, via one or more inlet doors driven by a single actuator, an APU compartment, and isolates the APU inlet and cooling system inlets from each other. The system includes either one or two inlet doors, depending on the number of ram air inlets formed in the APU compartment. In either instance, however, a single actuator is used to move the inlet door(s) between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A device for providing cooling to a body is disclosed. The device operates in response to a measured change in temperature of the body's skin surface over a predetermined period of time or manually in response to a perceived or anticipated change in body temperature by the user. The device includes a controller, a temperature sensor, a power source, a thermoelectric cooler, and a heat absorbing reservoir containing a phase change material. The thermoelectric cooler has a heat absorbing surface engageable with the body to be cooled and a heat rejecting surface engaged with the heat absorbing reservoir. The controller is operatively connected to the temperature sensor, the power source, and the thermoelectric cooler and activates the cooler when the temperature sensor provides signals indicative of a predetermined rate of temperature change or in manual mode by user. A method of treating hot flashes with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioned seat device has a support member, an air blower, a skin configured to form a seating surface, an air layer member, and an air-impermeable sheet member. The support member is provided with a duct for air. The air blower takes in air from the outside and passes the air through the duct. The skin passes air sent from the air blower. The air layer member, provided between the support member and skin, temporarily stores air supplied from the duct to form an air layer. The sheet member covering the air layer member is provided with an air flow-out opening configured to induce air to flow out from the air layer.

Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly, a door assembly, a cooling assembly, a customer enticement device, and a power unit. The product container assembly defines an interior region for containing products. The cooling assembly is connected to the product container assembly and includes a powered cooling device to cool the interior region. The enticement device is adapted to encourage customer interest in the merchandising unit and includes a powered component. The power unit includes a power supply electrically connectable to an external power source, with each of the powered cooling device and the power component of the enticement device being electrically coupled to the power supply. With this configuration, the common power supply serves to power both the cooling assembly as well as the customer enticement device. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly includes a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: In a thermoacoustic apparatus including a loop tube, a standing wave and a traveling wave are generated rapidly and, thereby, heat exchange is performed rapidly and efficiently. The thermoacoustic apparatus includes a first stack 3a sandwiched between a first high-temperature-side heat exchanger 4 and a first low-temperature-side heat exchanger 5 and a second stack 3b sandwiched between a second high-temperature-side heat exchanger 6 and a second low-temperature-side heat exchanger 7 in the inside of a loop tube 2. An acoustic wave is generated through self excitation by heating the first high-temperature-side heat exchanger 4, and the second low-temperature-side heat exchanger 7 is cooled by a standing wave and a traveling wave. The loop tube is configured to include a plurality of linear tube portions 2a along the vertical direction and connection tube portions 2b shorter than the linear tube portions 2a, and the first stack 3a is disposed in the longest linear tube portion 2a.

Abstract: A cryogenic propellant storage tank system and method are disclosed that thermally couple LO2 and LCH4 tanks together by using either a single tank compartmentalized by a common tank wall or two separate tanks that are coupled together with one or more thermal couplers having high thermal conductivity. Cryogenic cooling equipment may be located only in the LO2 tank while the LCH4 is cooled by the LO2 tank interface. Embodiments of the invention may employ both LO2 and LCH4 liquid acquisition devices (LADs) for low-gravity use. In further embodiments, only the LO2 LADs may be integrated with thermal cooling equipment.

Abstract: A direct current voltage to heat the sensor wire for powering and extracting a signal voltage from a thermocouple-type vacuum sensor. The direct current used produces a DC offset in the sensor output where the heating current flow is stopped for a short interval and the unbiased sensor voltage is then sampled and stored.

Abstract: Wick-Containing apparatus capable of separating fluids and methods of separating fluids using wicks are disclosed.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system includes an active venting system for regulating an amount of non-condensable gas within the cooling system. Various venting structures may be used to remove gases from the cooling system, some of which are designed to remove the non-condensable gases and avoid removing the vapor-phase coolant. A control system activates the venting system to achieve a desired pressure, which may be based on measured process conditions within the cooling system. A venting and refilling system may serve multiple cooling systems in a parallel arrangement. A return path of the cooling system can be tested for coolant leaks by increasing the pressure in the return path and placing a coolant detector near the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a running time of an absorption refrigerating system of an absorption refrigerator, which absorption refrigerator comprises two differently tempered refrigerator compartments. The method comprises the steps of: monitoring the temperature in a first compartment; activating the refrigerating system when the temperature sensed in the first compartment exceeds a predetermined value; de-activating the refrigerating system when a cut-out temperature is reached; monitoring the time period during which the absorption refrigerating system is turned off; and supplying heat to the first refrigerator compartment, when the time period exceeds a predetermined time period. The invention also relates to a microcontroller, computer program product and to an absorption refrigerator comprising means for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: An air conditioner has a heat exchanger, an absorbing agent, and a controller. The absorbing agent performs an absorbing operation for absorbing moisture in passing air flowing through the heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator and a regenerating operation for desorbing moisture from passing air heated by the heat exchanger functioning as a condenser. The controller performs control such that the absorbing operation and the regenerating operation are switched at a predetermined switching time interval. The controller also performs control of a capacity of a compressor and control for changing the predetermined switching time interval such that a predetermined load out of a total heat load, which is the sum of the latent heat load and the sensible heat load, is preferentially processed.

Abstract: A device for saving power consumption of heating and air conditioning system is provided. The energy saving device is adapted to automatically stop an air conditioner when outdoor temperature is lower than a set temperature or automatically stop a heater when outdoor temperature is higher than a set temperature. The energy saving device is provided with an outdoor temperature sensor and converter for measuring an outdoor temperature and converting the measured temperature into a first voltage value, a conversion circuit for converting a set temperature of stopping the air conditioner/heater into a second voltage value, a control circuit for controlling the air conditioner/heater, and a comparison circuit for comparing the first voltage value with the second voltage value and transmitting the result to the control circuit.

Abstract: A cell body receiving fuel supply to generate power, an inverter receiving output power of the cell body to convert it into ac power, and a vapor-compression refrigerating machine receiving the ac power output from the inverter as operating power and using a motor as its driving source are provided. An intermediate part of a connection line connecting the aforementioned inverter and vapor-compression refrigerating machine is connected to a refrigeration air-conditioning power board to make effective use of a fuel cell and to prevent the footprint and construction costs from increasing.

Abstract: An object is to improve performance and efficiency of an air conditioning device constituted of a waste heat utilization circuit in which waste heat of a heat source is utilized in heating a room to be conditioned in a heat exchanger for heating; a refrigerant circuit in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant and which has a supercritical pressure on a high pressure side; and a cascade heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between a fluid flowing from the heat source to the heat exchanger for heating in the waste heat utilization circuit and the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant discharged from a compressor is passed through the cascade heat exchanger, the refrigerant discharged from the cascade heat exchanger is divided by a flow divider, one divided refrigerant is passed from an auxiliary pressure reduction unit to an internal heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the refrigerant discharged from the cascade heat exchanger and then sucked into

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant, the compressor being adapted to be driven by a power source installed in the vehicle, a condenser for receiving compressed refrigerant from the compressor, an expansion device for expanding refrigerant from the condenser, and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from the expansion device and exchanging heat between the refrigerant and a liquid. The liquid may comprise a coolant, and a pump may be provided for pumping the coolant through the heat exchanger to a point of use such as a cooling garment to cool personnel on board the vehicle. Alternatively, the liquid may be a drinkable liquid which is pumped through the heat exchanger to a suitable dispensing system to provide an on-board supply of cool drinking liquid.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a gas cooler cooling the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the gas cooler; and a plurality of evaporators vaporizing the refrigerant flowing from the expansion valve. The evaporators are connected in series, and. operate independently of each other with air being caused to flow by the action of blowers.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser for maintaining food product at a desired temperature. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case having a product display area adapted to support and display the food product to be visible from the front of the case and a refrigeration system operable to supply refrigerated air to the product display area and adapted to maintain the food product at the desired temperature. The case further includes at least one graphic display panel coupled to the case and a controller in electrical communication with the graphic display panel. The controller delivers a signal to the graphic display panel which displays video advertising based on the signal received from the controller.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: A food cooler provides storage of its door along the side of the cooler over a condensation tray thereby reducing the risk of condensation accumulating on the floor at the front of the cooler when the door is open for a prolonged period of time in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: A pre-cooling system for use with a condenser of an air conditioning system is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-cooling system comprises a housing that is coupleable to a top of a condenser of an air conditioner wherein the condenser has a substantially-vertical exhaust. The pre-cooling system further comprises a valve mounted in the housing that is coupleable to a water source and wherein the valve is capable of operating independent of electrical power. The pre-cooling system further comprises a vane that is coupled to the valve and positionable in the substantially-vertical exhaust, wherein the vane has an aerodynamically-shaped cross section useable to operate the valve. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing the pre-cooling system.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive material is transported in an insulated container. The temperature sensitive material is enclosed in an insulated container comprising a double wall container. The container has a front wall a rear wall, two side walls, and a bottom wall, and insulation material in each of the regions between the double walls of said front wall, said rear wall, said two side walls, and the bottom wall. A double wall container cover has insulation material in the cover's double walls. A releasable hinge is provided and the container cover is releasably secured to the double wall container. A temperature sensing system is provided for monitoring the temperature within the container. The monitored temperature is stored in a temperature history database.

Abstract: Shipping containers, and more particularly insulated shipping containers, for holding temperature sensitive products and coolant in a predetermined relationship to maintain a refrigerated or frozen condition for an extended period of time. Containers of this type can be molded from rigid polyurethane foam or other materials for shipping or transporting products such as biological and similar products which need to be maintained at 2° to 8° Centigrade or frozen. Specific constructions are shown and described.

Abstract: An ice crusher is attached to an ice dispenser or to a combined ice and beverage dispenser. The ice crusher occupies minimal space in order to fit the dispenser into an existing space on a serving counter or in a beverage dispensing area. The ice crusher may also elevate the ice. In embodiments using this technique, the outlet of the ice from the ice crusher is higher than the ice inlet. As the ice flows from a source of ice, such as an ice bin, the ice is elevated while it is being crushed. The ice then flows from the outlet of the ice crusher down an ice chute or other outlet of the ice crusher, into a cup or container as desired. Other embodiments convey the ice without lifting it, and still other embodiments dispense either crushed or cubed ice, as the consumer may select. In one embodiment the selected crushed ice or cubed ice are both dispensed though the same ice dispensing chute.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system includes an active venting system for regulating an amount of non-condensable gas within the cooling system. Various venting structures may be used to remove gases from the cooling system, some of which are designed to remove the non-condensable gases and avoid removing the vapor-phase coolant. A control system activates the venting system to achieve a desired pressure, which may be based on measured process conditions within the cooling system.

Abstract: A cooling system with a compression cooling cycle for a working fluid that passes an expendable fluid through a warm side heat exchanger for the cooling system to cause the expendable fluid to vaporise and thus absorb heat from the working fluid by way of latent heat or enthalpy of vaporisation and then running the vaporised expendable through a turbine that drives a compressor for the cooling system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for chilling warm material that has a body with at least a partially hollow interior, a mouth situated on the body providing access to the hollow interior of the body. In one form, the mouth is located below the top of said body such that when the hollow interior of said body is filled with liquid, at least a portion of the hollow interior remains unfilled with the liquid to provide a space for expansion of the liquid. In another form, the cover for the mouth includes an extension extending above the mouth to provide a space for expansion of the liquid.

Abstract: The current invention is related to hydrocarbon fluid processing plants, methods of designing hydrocarbon fluid processing plants, methods of operating hydrocarbon fluid processing plants, and methods of producing hydrocarbon fluids using hydrocarbon fluid processing plants. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention are related to natural gas liquefaction plants, methods of designing natural gas liquefaction plants, methods of operating natural gas liquefaction plants and methods of producing LNG using natural gas liquefaction plants.

Abstract: To provide a glass molding die which is more excellent in durability than the conventional ones. A glass molding die 10 includes a base body 12, an Au layer 14 which is laminated on a surface of the base body 12, and an Rh layer 16 which is laminated on a surface of the Au layer 14. On a surface of the Rh layer 16, an Ir-containing layer may be further laminated. The Au layer 14 functions as a bonding layer, the Rh layer 16 functions as an anti diffusion layer, and the Ir-containing layer functions as a mold releasing layer. The Au layer 14, the Rh layer 16, and the Ir-containing layer are preferably formed by plating.

Abstract: A method for blending deuterium-containing gas mixtures used for optical fiber manufacturing and finishing and recovering, purifying and recirculating these mixtures. A process is disclosed for producing optical fiber wherein the optical fiber is treated by soaking the optical fiber with a deuterium-containing gas mixture. The spent or unused deuterium-containing gas is recovered from the chamber containing the optical fiber that has been soaked and purified. This purified deuterium-containing gas is then mixed with fresh deuterium gas and analyzed for purity. If the purity is of sufficient quality, the blend of deuterium gases is directed to a storage tank and onwards to the process chamber containing the optical fiber which will be soaked. Additionally, the purified blend of deuterium-containing gas and fresh deuterium gas can be added directly to the process chamber.

Abstract: There are provided a sintering method and a sintering apparatus of a porous glass base material for sintering a porous glass base material to be dehydrated and vitrified into a transparent glass without causing core displacement and cross-sectional shape deformation. In detail, an aspect of the present invention is a sintering method of a porous glass base material for sintering a rod-like porous glass base material by hanging and moving the rod-like porous glass base material though a heating furnace. Here, the porous glass base material is lowered into a heating furnace heated to a sintering temperature, and after every part of the porous glass base material is moved through a preheated region extending from an upper edge of an insulating member to an upper edge of a heater in a heating furnace body in 4.5 hours or longer, the porous glass base material is sintered by the heater to be vitrified into a transparent glass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a knitted net, and more specifically to an expandable knitted net. In one form, the net comprises a plurality of fill yarns with an elastomeric performance, which allows the net to expand in the cross-direction. In another form, the present invention is directed to a netting, and more specifically to a knitted netting comprising a plurality of chain yarns with dissimilar elongation performance oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of fill yarns oriented in a second direction, wherein the yarns oriented in the second direction secure the yarns oriented in the first direction in position within the netting.

Abstract: A plurality of control magnetic poles 33n-34n are provided in each selection unit of a selection actuator, and the upstream control magnetic poles 33n, s and downstream control magnetic poles 34n, s are controlled independently based on the relative positions thereof to selectors. The selectors can be selected with a pitch approximately half the pitch at which selection is possible with the conventional selection actuator and the time used for selecting each selector can be extended. Therefore, a knitting member can be reliably selected even in a fine-gauge knitting machine.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a panel frame, a control panel, and a deco. The control panel is disposed on a front surface of the panel frame, and the deco is attached to a circumference of the control panel.

Abstract: A system and a process for detecting a load of clothes in an automatic laundry machine, comprising a voltage sensor, a rotation sensor, and a control unit associated with a timer, with the voltage sensor, and with the rotation sensor and which is supplied with data representative of the medium torque Mmot of the electric motor in different voltage ranges and with data representative of the acceleration and deceleration reference times (Ta1 and Td1) of the electric motor with the basket in the unloaded condition and containing a load of clothes, between two distinct and predetermined rotation values of the electric motor, so as to calculate the moments of inertia (Jv, Jc) of the basket in the unloaded and in the loaded conditions, said control unit calculating the difference between said moments of inertia (Jc e Jv) of the basket and producing a signal representative of the mass of the load of clothes.

Abstract: A control panel of a drum type washing machine is disclosed. The present invention includes a cabinet, a control panel assembled to the cabinet, a plurality of operational buttons provided to the control panel, a deco panel assembled to the control panel, and a display unit provided to the deco panel. Accordingly, the present invention facilitates the deco panel to be assembled to the control panel despite a flesh formed on a rim of the deco panel and sustains the assembled state.

Abstract: A handcuff assembly is provided that includes a pair of handcuffs. The handcuff assembly including a frame including a plurality of support loops, a flat connector link connecting the pair of handcuffs, the connector link extending into a notch between the plurality of support loops of the frame, a retaining pin that extends through the plurality of support loops of the frame and through an aperture in an end of the connector link to connect the connector link to the frame and an overmold that covers opposing ends of the support loops and that prevents removal of the retainer pin from the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of an anti-theft tag, and more particularly to an enhanced tag that connects to the tool to prevent theft of the tool. The invention primarily uses a spring part that is formed on one side wall of the pieced part of a tag, and the positioning part of the through slot of the tool can be locked in to the positioning end of the tag. Two locking ends are formed on both ends of the locking component, and the two locking ends can be clipped to both sides of the tag, so that the two locking ends of the locking component can be locked in the clip slot inside the locking slot. The tool and the tag of the present invention are inseparable, which achieves an anti-theft effect.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for computers and the like having a housing with side-walls. The device comprises a block-shaped casing having a front surface, a lock member selectively projectable or withdrawable from the front surface and a key-operated lockable device effective to lock the lock member in the projected position thereof. At least a first hook-shaped projection is provided at the front surface located at one side of the projectable lock member. A cable is fixable to the casing at one end, and to an immovable object at the other end thereof. The first hook-shaped projection is adapted to be inserted into a first opening formed in a side-wall of the housing and then displaced so that the locking device becomes hooked to the housing, in which position the projectable lock member is inserted into an opening formed in the side-wall to prevent the separation of the first projection from the computer housing. A pair of hook shaped projections may be employed.

Abstract: Provided is an auxiliary operation member for removing a steering wheel used for a steering wheel attachment structure including: a fixed side joint member attached to a steering shaft; an attachment side joint member that is attached to the steering wheel and is attached and detached by fitting with respect to the fixed side joint member; a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking fitting of the fixed side joint member and the attachment side joint member; and a safety button capable of protruding and retracting, for inhibiting an unexpected unlocking operation of the lock mechanism, characterized in that: the auxiliary operation member is attached to the lock mechanism; and when the lock mechanism is unlocked, the auxiliary operation member is capable of switching a pushing-in-function of pushing-in the safety button and a nonpushing-in-function of not pushing-in the safety button to each other before an operation of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key, in which dials of a suitcase lock are disposed with sleeves, and characterized in that a key tumbler is additionally fitted to the suitcase lock, and tongues located at a lower portion of a swing plate clamp connect to a slider. A groove at one end of the slider enables a push rod of the key tumbler to be clamped therein, and sloping grooves defined on another end enable the tongues of the swing plate to displace therein. In general, dials are used to control cuttings or circular arcs on the sleeves to operate the swing plate and hooking to a locked object and realize opening and closing of the lock. However, when in a locked state, without moving the dials, a key can be used to directly activate the key tumbler to push the slider, and thereby causes the swing plate to tilt in an opposite direction and the stopper at one end of swing plate can release the locked object from hooking position, thus opening the lock or suitcase.

Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, that employs a programming key and an integral change tool to effect the lock programming. The lock can be configured to permit or to prevent use of the user key to program or reconfigure the lock. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The integral change tooling simplifies the lock programming operation, and avoids the need for carrying a separate change tool.

Abstract: A consumer product dispensing system and method may include a product dispensing unit having a plurality of vending compartments. Each compartment may be adapted to contain a consumer product and may be accessible through a separate door secured with a lock. A single use access mechanism attached to each door may allow a customer to unlock the lock for a one-time access to one of the vending compartments. Once the lock is unlocked, subsequent unlocking of the lock may be prohibited until the lock is reset. The single use access mechanism may include a key capture lock system and a single use access mechanism actuating element such as a key. Such a system and method may be useful for dispensing consumer products at a location remote from the point of sale.

Abstract: A refrigerated container comprising a door composed of a first and a second door panels and a security device is disclosed. The security device includes a detection plate fixed to an inner side of the first door panel which has a free end extending towards the second door panel; a displacement sensor fixed to an inner side of the second door panel to cooperate with the free end of the detection plate; a monitoring module; and an antenna. Said displacement sensor, monitoring module and antenna are separately arranged in the door, and said monitoring module is arranged within a heat insulating layer in the first door panel or the second door panel, and said antenna is provided at an outer side of the first door panel or the second door panel.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.