Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator system with a secondary evaporator. The evaporator system includes a cooling chamber having an ice cream input and an ice cream output. A valve can be placed at the ice cream input to achieve dry freeze operation. The valve can prevent the cooling chamber from being completely filled.

Abstract: A condensing assembly for urging condensation of a vapour into a liquid has a vertically stacked modular array of horizontal condensation units exposed to a heat transfer medium. Each condensation unit has a cooling chamber, a plurality of hollow legs and necks accessing the cooling chamber to define a fluid passageway. An open or enclosed space between vertically opposed condensation units is created by coupling the necks and legs of opposed condensation units. Introduced vapour travels along the fluid passageways and through the cooling chambers for condensation into liquid, which then travels along the fluid passageways to a storage tank. A cooling loop in each cooling chamber increases condensation. Vapour funnels in the condensation units along the fluid passageway reduce vapour to liquid contact therealong. An inlet header provides additional cooling to the vapour prior to entering the condensation units.

Abstract: A partition member partitions off a cooling stage of a refrigerator from a refrigerant container, containing a refrigerant gas condensed by the cooling stage, of a cooling system, and a low melting point metal held in the partition member brings the cooling stage into thermally contact with the refrigerant container. This makes it possible to exchange only the broken refrigerator without stopping the operation of the cooling system.

Abstract: In a disclosed modular freeze branding method, refrigerant is caused to flow through a first thermally conductive conduit having exposed, coplanar segments that are arranged in the shape of a set of characters. Then the exposed portions are applied to brand a specimen of livestock, after which the flow of refrigerant is stopped. The above acts are then repeated one or more times with different sets of thermally conductive conduit. The conduit of the different sets have exposed segments that form different sets of characters. An operator can employ the method to efficiently apply individual, multiple-digit freeze brands to each of a number of specimens of livestock. Variations and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.

Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water separator for air-conditioning systems, preferably for aircraft air-conditioning systems, comprising a swirl generator, a housing surrounding it, a separation chamber arranged around the housing for the collection of the water separated at the inner wall of the housing, which opens in a separation sump, and at least one opening provided toward the separation chamber in the housing. In accordance with the invention, the separation chamber is made in multistage form, with the first stage of the separation chamber serving the accumulation of the water drops, the second stage of the separation chamber serving the deposition of the accumulated water drops and the third stage of the separation chamber serving the extraction of the air mass flow.

Abstract: An improved cold climate air-source heat pump comprising at least a primary compressor, a booster compressor, a first heat exchanger associated with an indoor environment and a second heat exchanger associated with an outdoor environment and with one heat exchanger acting as an evaporator and the other heat exchanger acting as a condenser, an expansion device, flow conduit means for circulating a refrigerant fluid in a closed loop, a first sensor means for sensing the temperature of the internal ambient air, a second sensor means for sensing the temperature of the external ambient air, a third sensor means for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant fluid flowing between the booster compressor and the primary compressor, a fourth sensor means for sensing the operative state of the primary compressor, a primary compressor operation control means responsive to inputs from the first sensor means, and a booster compressor operation control means responsive to inputs from the second, third, and fourth sensor me

Abstract: HVAC systems are employed to control the indoor environmental characteristics of a building structure to make it comfortable for its inhabitants. An HVAC system includes one single integrated central control to regulate an indoor temperature level, an indoor relative humidity level and an indoor fresh air level of a building structure during both a heating season and a cooling season. Further, the single integrated central control is operable to selectively activate/deactivate an indoor blower to control a sensible ratio within a building structure. In addition, a protection feature for avoiding condensation on the interior surfaces of the building structure is included as an user selectable option.

Abstract: A mobile refrigeration system that includes an engine that is operable at a first speed greater than zero and a second speed greater than zero. A compressor is operable in response to the engine at a first speed and a second speed. The system also includes an evaporator, a first temperature sensor positioned to measure a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor positioned to measure a second temperature. A controller is operable to transition the engine between the first speed and the second speed in response to the first temperature exceeding a first predetermined value and the second temperature falling below a second predetermined value.

Abstract: A refrigerator contains a battery pack for providing a DC current to drive a refrigeration system and alternatively is connectable to an AC power source for driving the refrigeration system from the AC power source. The DC battery pack is utilized during peak loads on the AC source of power, and the AC source of power is utilized during reduced loads on the AC power source. The electrical circuitry and components of the AC and DC power circuits are contained within a mechanical compartment located within the refrigerator.

Abstract: A switching device for an integrated product, such as a display, installed on a front surface of a door of a refrigerator is provided. The switching device includes a hinge assembly which rotatably couples the door to the refrigerator. The hinge assembly includes a power switch that applies power to the display, and a connector that connects the display to an external signaling/communication source. The switch may be provided on a lateral surface of a hinge plate portion of the assembly, and the connector may be provided on a rear surface of the hinge plate. The power switch and the connector may be connected to the display by lead wires.

Abstract: A method and system of deflecting air circulated in a data center room are disclosed. A method for controlling air circulation within a room having an aisle between racks with computer systems mounted thereon comprises supplying cooling air to computer systems in the racks via holes in a floor of the room and using a deflector to reduce flow of cooling air along the aisle toward an air intake of a cooling unit without passing the computer systems.

Abstract: A vest including inflatable tubes or chambers which receive cool air from a blower box. The vest includes an outer surface and inner surface, the two surfaces joined to define a multiplicity of tubes. The tubes carry jets which may vent cool air, received from a remote cool air blower box. The jets will ventilate the skin of the wearer both where it is exposed and where the skin is covered by the garment itself.

Abstract: A vest including inflatable tubes or chambers which receive cool air from a blower box. The vest includes an outer surface and inner surface, the two surfaces joined to define a multiplicity of tubes. The tubes carry jets which may vent cool air, received from a remote cool air blower box. The jets will ventilate the skin of the wearer both where it is exposed and where the skin is covered by the garment itself.

Abstract: An air conditioner for an automotive vehicle having a water-cooling type internal combustion engine includes: a first refrigerator; and an adsorption type refrigerator having adsorbent. The first refrigerator controls temperature of air to be blown into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The adsorbent generates adsorption heat when the adsorbent adsorbs the medium, and desorbs the adsorbed medium when the adsorbent is heated by coolant water in the internal combustion engine. The air to be blown into the passenger compartment is heated by the adsorption heat of the adsorbent, and is cooled by evaporation latent heat of the medium.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an indoor device having a water draining hose for receiving water generated in the indoor device, an outdoor device having a fan device spindle, and a water draining device coupled to the spindle of the fan device, and coupled to the hose of the indoor device, to draw the water out of the indoor device, and to prevent the water from dropping from the indoor device. The water draining device includes a housing having a cap which includes an inlet coupled to the hose of the indoor device, and an outlet for discharging the water. The housing includes two check valves to control the water to flow from the hose of the indoor device into the cap, and then to flow out through the outlet of the cap.

Abstract: The invention is a direct contact refrigerant cooling system using a refrigerant floating loop having a refrigerant and refrigeration devices. The cooling system has at least one hermetic container disposed in the refrigerant floating loop. The hermetic container has at least one electronic component selected from the group consisting of capacitors, power electronic switches and gating signal module. The refrigerant is in direct contact with the electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water cooling system with full heat recovery comprising a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor and an expansion valve; the evaporator connects with a cooling water recycling circuit; one side of the condenser is disposed in a position corresponding to a cooling air opening; the cooling air opening connects with an air pipe; the air pipe connects with an indoor air outlet and an outdoor air inlet through subsidiary pipes; the other side of the condenser is provided with an exhaust vent; and a cooling fan is disposed between the exhaust vent and the cooling air opening. The present invention utilizes low temperature, low humidity indoor exhaust air as cooling air for the evaporative condenser. It makes use of the sensible heat (temperature difference) of indoor exhaust air as well as the latent heat (humidity difference) of indoor exhaust air, thereby attaining better condensation effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner having an excellent air cleaning function, the air conditioner including a cabinet having a first air inlet and discharging conditioned air; and a filter unit provided at the cabinet and cleaning air drawn therein, and selectively performing an interlocking operation for supplying purified air to the cabinet or an independent operation for discharging the purified air directly to the outside thereof.

Abstract: An ice making and dispensing system suitable for making and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom freezer refrigerator. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can be positioned in an insulated module in the refrigerator compartment opposite an ice dispenser positioned on the refrigerator compartment door. The insulated module is maintained at temperatures below 0° C. for forming and storing ice cubes. Air ducts from the evaporator compartment or an auxiliary ice maker evaporator can be provided to maintain below 0° C. temperatures in the insulated module.

Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided. A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

Abstract: A process of liquefying a gaseous, methane-rich feed to a liquefied product is provided that includes adjusting the composition and the amount of refrigerant and controlling the liquefaction process using an advanced process controller based on model predictive control to determine simultaneous control actions for a set of manipulated variables.

Abstract: LNG facility employing one or more vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers to cool natural gas via indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant. The vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers save plot space and can be use to reduce the size of cold boxes employed in the LNG facility. In addition, vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers can exhibit enhanced heat transfer efficiency due to improved refrigerant access to the core, improved refrigerant circulation around the core, and/or improved vapor/liquid disengagement above the core.

Abstract: The ring has at least two mutually rotatable parts, with a detent mechanism for respectively one of two mutually rotatable parts, and securing means. For improving the detent mechanism and the substantially play-free retention the detent mechanism is respectively provided in the intersecting plane (S) of two mutually rotatable parts and the mutually rotatable parts are secured by at least one springable element. Furthermore, if marks are provided on the surfaces of the ring, the most varied appearances can be altered and obtained by rotating one of the parts. This applies particularly if the surfaces of the parts are not even but wave-shaped.

Abstract: A knitting tool which is suitable for embodying both large and small loops has two needles (6, 7), disposed coaxially to one another, whose hooks are oriented identically. The hook of the larger needle (6) is split in two in the middle and comprises hook halves. The finer needle (7) can be driven between the two hook halves upon spreading of the two hook halves apart from one another. For selectively closing the hooks, a slide is provided, which can be brought into engagement both with the tip of the fine needle and with the tip of the coarser needle. To raise and lower the slide to the various positions of the hook tips relative to the needle back, a sliding control block may be provided. The sliding control block may be embodied on the coarse needle and the fine needle (7).

Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes first and second jaws pivotally connected to one another and pivotally movable between open and closed positions. The jaws form in the closed position an interior chamber and a through passage for receiving therethrough a portion of an article of merchandise. A lock slide is slidable within the interior chamber between locked and unlocked positions and lockable by a lock in the locked position to secure the first and second jaws together in the closed position. The lock slide includes lock hooks which lockably engage lock hooks of the second jaw. The lock slide includes locking and unlocking ledges which a resilient, magnetically attractable lock finger of the lock respectively engages in the locked and unlocked positions. An externally accessible thumb grip operatively engages the lock slide to move it between the locked and unlocked positions. An EAS tag is disposed within the device.

Abstract: A complex suitcase lock includes a combination lock and a pin tumbler lock installed in a suitcase to work with two retaining units and two linking units so that the user can selectively use the combination lock or the pin tumbler lock to open the suitcase. When the pin tumbler lock is unlocked, a moveable plate is moved to a first position and disengaged from the linking units for allowing the user to push the retaining units and to further open the suitcase. When the pin tumbler lock is locked, the moveable plate is moved to a second position to hold the retaining units in engagement with hooks of the suitcase, keeping the suitcase locked.

Abstract: A locker lock that provides for increased security and ease of use. The locker lock can be a vertical built-in lock or a horizontal built-in lock. In each case the lock is symmetrical such that it can be used in either right-handed or left-handed lockers. The locker lock provides for increased security by increasing the distance the lock bolt must travel. The locker lock also provides for an easy combination changing mechanism, such that the combination can be changed without opening the lock and the locker lock can accommodate a large number of lock combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 110) and method to form a workpiece (32, 132) into a useful product (28, 128) using a pressurized fluid (14), also termed as “hydroforming”. The workpiece may be a tube or may be one or a plurality of sheets of a material. The apparatus has a chamber (12) adapted to contain a quantity of a fluid, a hydroforming means positioned within the chamber, and means for substantially immersing the workpiece in the fluid before, during and after the hydroforming operation. Dies (16, 18) enclose the workpiece and provide a cavity of desired shape against which the workpiece is expanded by the pressurized fluid. The chamber may be open or closed to the atmosphere during operation and the fluid temperature and/or level may be controlled.

Abstract: A method of determining a formation pressure during drawdown of a formation comprises sampling fluid from a formation using a downhole tool. A fluid sample pressure is determined at two different times during the drawdown. The fluid sample pressures are analyzed using a higher-order pressure derivative with respect to time technique to determine the formation pressure during the drawdown. Another method of determining a formation pressure during drawdown of a formation comprises sampling fluid from a formation using a downhole tool. A fluid sample pressure is determined at two different times during the drawdown. The fluid sample pressures are analyzed using at least two analysis techniques to each determine an estimate of the formation pressure during the drawdown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lubricating rolls, in particular for lubricating a rolling nip in rolling stands for rolled strips. According to the invention, said lubrication takes place using an oil-in-water dispersion whilst maintaining both a predetermined blend characteristic and a volumetric flow of the dispersion. The dispersion is prepared in the form of a homogeneous blend in a mixer (1) using adjustable quantities of water and oil. The dispersion is supplied to various spray zones (Zi) for a distribution (Bi) that is variable in width. Said method for roll lubrication can be improved by the allocation of at least one row of nozzles (Di) to each spray zone (Zi), which has a corresponding spray range width (Bi), each nozzle being controlled by at least one relay valve (Si).

Abstract: A method of processing metal parts and the like by blanking includes the steps of performing a first blanking step on a semi-finished product in order to produce a blanked semi-finished product, and performing a subsequent processing of the blanked semi-finished product to produce a finished product. The first blanking step is performed leaving an allowance on the blanked semi-finished product, and wherein the subsequent processing includes at least one second blanking step by which the allowance is removed from the blanked semifinished product.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure testing or calibration system packaged as a portable unit for characterizing pressure sensors, such as transducers. Embodiments are packaged for carry on the body, are battery-operated, compatible with existing transducer mounts, and quickly learned and easily used by a single operator. The system supplies a pre-specified impulse (pressure pulse) of fluid, preferably a benign gas, such as air, or an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen. In select embodiments, the gas pulse has a fast rise time and its amplitude may be varied over a pre-specified dynamic range. For example, the rise time may emulate that of an impulse created during an explosion by a resultant pressure wave, i.e., less than 100 microseconds. Embodiments also incorporate a data acquisition capability that accurately captures and records both the supplied impulse and the response of the sensor under test.

Abstract: The clipping diodes used to limit voltage during medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging operation are used during calibration operation for measuring amplitude and phase differences. The amplitude and phase measurements using clipping diodes as the calibration node may operate at any frequency, including frequencies less than 20 megahertz as well as frequencies above 20 megahertz. By using the diodes already present, a smaller or more compact calibration system may be provided. More simplistic integration may also result.

Abstract: The Resettable Latching MEMS Shock Sensor provides the capability of recording external shock extremes without consuming electrical power. The device incorporates a shock sensitive suspended proof mass, spring-loaded contacts, latches, and actuators for device reset. The device can be designed, hardwired, or programmed to trigger at various shock levels. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the device consumes no quiescent power. The device can be configured to close a circuit, switch an interrupt signal, or switch some other electrical trigger signal between devices at the time of a shock extreme being reached, or it can be configured to latch and be polled at some time after the shock limit has occurred.

Abstract: A sensor system immersible in an ambient-fluid for sensing at least two conditions of the ambient fluid, includes a sealed chamber filled with a reference fluid of a known composition and/or pressure, and two acoustic transmission channels, one including the reference fluid, and the other including the ambient fluid. Measuring circuitry measures (a) the transit time of an energy wave through one transmission channel to determine the temperature of the fluid within the sealed chamber and thereby the temperature of the ambient fluid; and (b) the transit time of an energy wave through the other transmission channel to determine the composition and/or the pressure of the ambient fluid.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexural plate wave sensor includes the steps of depositing an etch-stop layer over a substrate, depositing a membrane layer over the etch stop layer, depositing a piezoelectric layer over the membrane layer, forming a transducer on the piezoelectric layer, etching a cavity through the substrate, the cavity having substantially parallel interior walls, and removing the portion of the etch stop layer between the cavity and the membrane layer to expose a portion of the membrane layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (1) for helium or hydrogen with a vacuum-tight housing (2), wherein a gas consuming cold cathode array (3, 4) is arranged, in addition to a selectively active passage (9) for the gas to be detected. According to the invention, in order to improve the properties of said sensor, the housing (2) is made of glass, components of the gas passage (9) include a membrane (18) made of a silicon material having the desired selective qualities, in addition to a silicon plate (19) which supports the membrane (18) and is provided with a plurality of openings (21) and a heating element (24). The housing (2) and the selectively active gas passage (9) are joined together without polymer and elastomer.

Abstract: A pipe inspection apparatus comprising an acoustic source (3) for location at a first position in a pipe or pipe network, one or more acoustic or pressure detectors (4) for location at one or more positions in the pipe or pipe network, means for recording and/or displaying a signal detected by the one or more detectors following the generation of an acoustic pulse, and means for allowing the comparison of the detected signal with a predetermined reference signal, differences between the detected and reference signals being indicative of a blockage or leakage in the pipe or pipe network (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a container as to leakage and defects. The apparatus is especially useful for testing plastic bottles because it does not contact one or more of the bottle sides during testing. A frame with the test components may be adjusted so that the apparatus will fit many different conveyor configurations and container sizes. A container is moved along by a conveyor, where it is sensed by a photo-eye to initiate testing. The test probe makes contact with the container opening, and travels with the container during testing. The test probe introduces air into the container and detects the maximum pressure and pressure decay. If the pressures are not within an acceptable range, the container is ejected from the conveyor.

Abstract: This device provides for measuring the particulate content in a fluid storage tank. A sample of fluid is taken from a fluid storage tank; and compared to a field visual reference chart. Using this chart results in identifying tanks containing a maximum or average particulate allowable.

Abstract: For measuring the surface tension between a liquid and fluid such as a gas, a capillary (3, 3?) is used in which the liquid slowly flows and at the end of which drops (11) are formed, falling off into a closed space (7) containing the fluid. Using a pressure sensor (5, 5?) the pressure is measured which can be the absolute pressure of a fluid volume enclosed in the closed space or alternatively a differential pressure measured as the pressure difference between the liquid in the capillary and fluid contained in the closed space. The pressure is measured when one or more drops are formed and full off. The obtained pressure curves are evaluated electronically (12) and provide a value of the surface tension. The measurement can be made within a fairly short time with a high operational reliability. The temperature difference between the drop and the surrounding fluid is small resulting in a little precipitation of salts dissolved in the liquid, reducing the risk that the liquid capillary with be blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which accurately quantifies the percolation rate of soils, or other materials. This invention unlike prior arts measures the time elapsed for water to drop in a percolation test hole between two fixed points. The elevation of the water is electronically detected which provides signaling to control circuitry that starts and stops an electronic timer and other peripheral circuitry to automate testing. The information gathered is typically used for the design of wastewater and storm water disposal systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a tactile interface with the relative position of the probe of a cantilever-based force measurement instrument, such as an atomic force microscope, molecular force probe or profilometer, or the force between the probe and a sample. The device can be easily incorporated into existing control electronics for such instruments or can be incorporated into a relatively small and simple hand-held device to be used with such instruments.

Abstract: Parts and structures are described for micro and nano machines and the creation of macro structures with nano and micro layers of special materials to provide improved performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a pressure sensor. A homogeneous piece of metal can be provided. A pressure port and a machined diaphragm are integrated onto the homogeneous piece of metal, wherein the machined diaphragm is connected to the pressure port. The machined diaphragm can be configured utilizing Advanced Thick Film (ATF) technology, thereby providing a high-pressure pressure sensor for use in high-pressure sensing application based on the pressure port and the machined diaphragm and related pressure sensor components thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting a consumption status of liquid contained in a liquid container, comprising steps of: preparing a detection device having a piezoelectric element and attaching the detection device on a desired position of the liquid container so that at least a part of the detection device contacting the liquid; measuring a residual vibration of the detection device; and detecting the consumption status of the liquid contained in the liquid container on the basis of a result of the measurement of the residual vibration.

Abstract: A bottle plate mates or is integrated with brackets for mounting a gas bottle atop the plate. An aft end of the bottle plate is spacedly affixed to a top of a base plate, the bottle plate being bendable about its aft end corresponding to the weight of a bottle mounted thereon. A plurality of guide pins disposed at a fore end of the bottle plate prevents lateral movement of the fore end with respect to the base plate, but allows to a limited extent displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight. Any displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight is converted to a corresponding bottle weight and a display indicates same to a user. The base plate is used to securely mount the apparatus.