Abstract: The split column reassembly system invention allows a split column, capitol or base to return to its intended position during its installation around a load bearing structural device. It is done through forming the pieces of the seams in order that they fit back together accurately after separation and during installation.

Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

Abstract: A piling for use in building construction having an upper and a lower piling connected at a hinge. The hinge has a first and a second axis. The hinged connection allows an entire wall to be framed at ground level leaving one end of each upper piling connected to the lower piling, by a first pin on the first axis, and the upper end of each upper piling tilted onto the ground. A variety of framing pieces are used to connect the upper pilings together to frame a wall. Once framing of a wall is complete, the wall is hoisted into an upright position, about the first pins, bringing the entire hinge together. A second pin is inserted along the second axis in each of the hinges to secure the upper pilings in an upright position.

Abstract: A fire retardant panel door, including a panel door having at least one door panel and stiles and rails. The door panel includes an interior composite section formed by a first plurality of layers of intumescent materials and a first plurality of layers of fire resistant materials disposed between and laminated to a first pair of outer coverings to form a composite laminated door panel. Each of the stiles includes a first core formed of an incombustible material and a second plurality of layers of intumescent materials and a second outer covering to form a composite laminated stile. Each of the rails includes a second core formed of an incombustible material and a third plurality of layers of intumescent materials and a third outer covering to form a composite laminated rail.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The film may be driven and measured at a nip following the pleating. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower with blade and ground speed controls. The mower includes a motor with an output shaft and a rotatable cutting blade mounted on a blade shaft. The motor may be an internal combustion engine. A torque transmitting mechanism such as a variable diameter pulley defines a rotational speed ratio between the output shaft and the blade shaft. A transmission is coupled to the output shaft. Sensors provide an electronic control unit with the blade speed, ground speed and engine speed. The ECU may be used to maintain either a desired blade speed or a desired ground speed. To maintain a desired blade speed, the ECU monitors the blade speed and, when the blade speed diverges from the desired speed, adjusts either the rotational speed ratio of the output shaft and blade shaft or the ground speed of the mower to maintain the desired blade speed.

Abstract: A frame and bracket assembly for raising and lowering the deck of lawnmower having swivel wheels. The frame is disposed on and attached to the deck of the mower and is positioned beneath a canopy. A distal end of the frame is attached to the lawn mower body. A proximate end of the frame is supported on a bracket. A removable pin functions to support the frame on the bracket. Plural holes in the bracket allow the pin to be repositioned on the bracket thereby allowing a user to raise or lower the lawn mower deck.

Abstract: A control and method for a cotton module building program for an on-board cotton module builder of a cotton harvester, which utilizes a signal or output from a yield monitor as a factor in determining and varying cotton module building parameters, which can include auger direction and duration of operation, compactor positions and compacting strokes for best compacting a cotton module under the yield conditions. A module complete signal which can be a visual or audio signal, can be outputted when the yield monitor detects a predetermined cotton module weight, for signaling approach of a required unloading of a cotton module.

Abstract: A flexible trash guard for a sickle bar mowing apparatus that sits between the hold-down and the stud plate, thus eliminating the “hair pinning” of crop matter in the opening of the hold-down clip where the stud passes through the opening.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine comprises a harvesting assembly for detaching crop material, comprising fruit and foliage from trees, shrubs and the like standing on said field. A conveyor assembly receives the detached fruit and foliage, together with juice from said fruit, and transports the fruit either directly or indirectly to a container. An extraction fan is installed adjacent a section of said conveyor assembly for separating said foliage from said detached fruit. The conveyor assembly comprises a grate for retaining thereon solid fruit portions and for allowing passage therethrough of said juice and a conveyor for engaging and moving said detached solid fruit portions and foliage along said grate mechanism towards the extraction mechanism. The conveyor assembly further comprises a channel installed below said grate mechanism for receiving said juice.

Abstract: A large round baler includes inner and outer runs of bale-forming belts that define a space between them in which brittle crop may fall through the gaps between adjacent belts and build up between the belt runs. In order to avoid wrapping problems a crop passage is provided at opposite sides of the space through which crop may pass from the space and gravitate to a crop feeding device which picks up crop from the ground and delivers it to the bale-forming chamber delimited by the inner run of belts.

Abstract: In a control system for a gas turbine engine that uses the outlet pressure of the turbine as an importation control parameter, when the high pressure sensor for detecting the outlet pressure of the turbine is found to be faulty, it is determined if an estimated value of the outlet pressure of the compressor is normal or not, and substitute the output value of the high pressure sensor with the estimated value if the estimated value is normal and with the inlet pressure of the fan or a value proportional thereto if the estimated value is not normal. Thereby, the control system is given with such a substitute value for the output of the high pressure sensor in case of a failure of the high pressure sensor that would prevent any abrupt changes in the behavior of the engine and allow the engine to be operated in a stable manner.

Abstract: Thrust reversers having latching mechanisms and methods for manufacturing such thrust reversers are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a thrust reverser having a first inner panel and a second inner panel opposite the first inner panel. The first and second inner panels have an inner surface and an upper portion. The system further includes a catch projecting inwardly from the inner surface and the upper portion of the first inner panel, and a latch projecting inwardly from the inner surface and the upper portion of the second inner panel. The latch is positioned to selectively interlock with the catch to inhibit relative movement between the first and second inner panels.

Abstract: In exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, a degree of a performance deterioration of an NOx trap catalyst is determined on the basis of a detected air-fuel ratio variation time difference, at the performance deterioration determination of the NOx trap catalyst, the degree of the performance deterioration with at least one of correcting factors of a quantity of NOx trapped by means of the NOx trap catalyst, a reducing agent supply quantity by which a reducing agent is supplied to the NOx trap catalyst, and catalyst temperature which is a temperature of the NOx trap catalyst, and at least one of the correcting factors is reflected on the determination of the degree of the performance deterioration of the NOx trap catalyst.

Abstract: The air/fuel ratio of exhaust flowing into a catalytic converter is forcibly modulated, between a lean air/fuel ratio leaner than a target average air/fuel ratio and a rich air/fuel ratio richer than the target average air/fuel ratio, with a specific period, a specific amplitude, a specific modulation ratio and a specific waveform. During the forcible modulation (S10, S12), the ratio of a time for which the output of an oxygen sensor is greater than a standard value Sb for the output set between the maximum and minimum values of the output (“rich” output time), or of a time for which it is smaller than the standard value Sb (“lean” output time), in a predetermined period of time, or a value correlating with this ratio is obtained (S14), and the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust is controlled on the basis of this ratio or the value correlating with this ratio (S16, S18).

Abstract: Uncontrolled regeneration in a Diesel particulate filter is prevented by controlling the concentration and mass flowrate of oxygen passing through the Diesel particulate filter during regeneration.

Abstract: An emissions control system utilizes otherwise wasted heat to efficiently reduce emissions in a main exhaust flow. Heat stored in exhaust from an auxiliary generator (i.e., auxiliary exhaust) may be used to convert urea to ammonia used by a Selective Catalytic Reducer (SCR) system, and/or the auxiliary exhaust may be used to heat the main exhaust flow before entry into an SCR. Additionally, a heat exchanger may be used to transfer heat from a hot clean flow out of the SCR, to the main exhaust flow entering the SCR. Previously, mobile emissions control systems have not used SCR systems to reduce NOx because of the cost and space required for heater fuel. The efficient use of otherwise wasted heat reduces fuel cost and fuel storage requirements, and thereby makes an SCR systems feasible for use in mobile emissions control systems.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaust pressure-adjusting valve that is brought into a closed position due to a biasing force of a resilient body and is opened against the biasing force of the resilient body due to the exhaust pressure in an exhaust channel, which is raised in response to the closing of a throttle valve, in which valve-opening area is increased or decreased according to the displacement of the resilient body, to thereby adjust the exhaust pressure. The exhaust pressure-adjusting valve has a unit for changing the growth rate of the valve-opening area, which gradually heightens the growth rate of the valve-opening area with respect to the displacement of the resilient body in a valve-opening direction.

Abstract: The invention is a fan revolution control method for controlling a pump-motor system, by controlling the fan revolution speed of a cooling fan adapted to be rotated by a fan motor to cool cooling target fluids. The pump-motor system drives the fan motor by a hydraulic fluid fed from a fan pump driven by an engine. The pump-motor system is controlled so the fan revolution speed starts from the minimum fan revolution speed when the engine is started up; the minimum fan revolution speed is maintained for at least several seconds; after the elapse of several seconds, the fan revolution speed is gradually increased from the minimum fan revolution speed. The fan revolution speed reaches a target fan revolution speed over a period of at least several seconds. The method prevents generation of peak pressure or pressure hunting.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device includes first and second pumps, a swing control spool, a boom first-speed control spool, a boom second-speed control spool, a swing motor, a boom cylinder, a pilot control valve, and a confluence line for merging the hydraulic flow from the boom second-speed control spool with that from the boom first-speed control spool. Provided on the confluence line is a swing priority valve having an orifice for variably reducing the hydraulic flow supplied to the boom cylinder through the confluence line. A swing priority control line is provided to interconnect a pressure receiving part of the swing priority valve and a swing control pilot pressure signal line of the pilot control valve in such a manner that an aperture area of the variable orifice of the swing priority valve is reduced in proportion to the magnitude of a swing control pilot pressure of the pilot control valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control arrangement for actuation of at least two hydraulic consumers, and a method for actuation of these consumers. The latter are supplied with pressure medium through the intermediary of a pump, wherein a respective meter-in orifice and a pressure compensator arranged downstream from the latter are provided between the consumers and the pump. In accordance with the invention, adjustment of the pump is performed in dependence on the target values to which the meter-in orifices are set.

Abstract: A bypass mechanism is provided for use in a hydrostatic transmission, to enable the user to open or close a valve between the two pressure sides of the hydraulic circuit of the transmission. An electrical mechanism is positioned to open or close the valve based on a signal which may be generated by a switch associated with the hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission for vehicle interposed in a drive-power transmission path between a driving power source and a driving axle for non-stepwisely changing the speed of the vehicle includes an HST housing; a hydraulic pump unit having a pump shaft with first and second ends extending in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle away from each other; a hydraulic motor unit having a motor shaft for outputting the drive power from the motor shaft whose speed is non-stepwisely varied in cooperation with the hydraulic pump unit; a PTO unit having a PTO shaft extending in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle, the PTO shaft being operatively connected to the pump shaft; a charge pump unit for replenishing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit hydraulically connecting the hydraulic pump unit with the hydraulic motor unit, the charge pump unit including a charge pump body, and a charge pump case connected to the HST housing through its wall closer to the driving axle for supportin

Abstract: A device uses hydraulic actuation for the closure of a vessel by a rotation-symmetric reciprocating piston mechanism of an extremely compact type, which includes a reciprocating hydraulic piston and an intensifier piston, which are in each case moved in cylinders. The hydraulic piston is driven water-hydraulically and the intensifier piston pneumatically, these two forming a direct axial functional unit via a fluid, which is located in a chamber between the lower face of the hydraulic cylinder and the upper face of the intensifier piston. The upper face of the hydraulic piston forms at least partially the plug-type closure of the vessel or is rigidly connected to a closure element of the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a diesel engine using a combined fuel and air-side controller are disclosed. An illustrative method may include the steps of providing a combined fuel and air-side controller adapted to coordinate both the fuel and air-side control of an engine, sensing one or more parameters, and outputting a fuel profile signal and one or more air-side control signals for controlling at least a part of the fuel-side and at least a part of the air-side of the engine. By centrally coordinating both the fuel and air-side control of the engine, the system can be configured to anticipate future fuel and/or air-side needs of the engine, thus improving system response, performance, and/or emissions.

Abstract: A regenerator includes a casing including a connection channel for making a high temperature part and a cooling part communicate with each other; and a thermal energy storage material inserted in the connection channel of the casing and made of an aramid fiber which stores/radiates heat of a working fluid flowing through the connection channel. A cryocooler includes the regenerator. Accordingly, regeneration performance of storing heat included in the working fluid and transmitting the stored heat to a working fluid is improved, and simultaneously a weight is decreased, thereby minimizing abrasion of components.

Abstract: A defrost system for a temperature controlled storage unit includes an enclosure providing a space for storage of products. A refrigeration system has a supply line and a return line coupled to a cooling element to circulate a refrigerant through the cooling element to provide cooling to the space. A control module initiates a plurality of defrost modes on a predetermined frequency and for a predetermined duration by reducing a flow rate of the refrigerant through the cooling element so that a superheat temperature of the refrigerant in the cooling coil is increased to a predetermined range.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a cooling fan that cooperates with an air conditioning condenser in a vehicle. The present embodiments include steps and corresponding implementations for determining a speed of the vehicle, determining a discharge pressure of the air conditioning condenser, determining an ambient temperature of air surrounding the vehicle and determining an outlet temperature of a vehicle air conditioning system. The cooling fan is operated in one or more desired fan speed modes corresponding to one or more respective discharge pressure ranges. The fan speed modes are a function of vehicle speed and one or more of ambient temperature, outlet temperature, and discharge pressure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for controlling the operation of an automotive HVAC system. The HVAC system includes at least a refrigerant compressor and a refrigerant evaporator. The method includes the steps of calculating an ambient air enthalpy value; comparing the calculated ambient air enthalpy value to at least one predetermined enthalpy value; and selectively changing the operation of the refrigerant compressor based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for determining a fan speed for a fan used to cool a payload is disclosed. The method includes, according to various embodiments, receiving a first signal indicative of a first fan speed and receiving a second signal indicative of a system temperature. The method further includes selecting a temperature setpoint based on the first fan speed and, based on a comparison of the system temperature and the selected temperature setpoint, computing a first fan speed output. A thermal management system and method for determining a speed-setpoint droop characteristic are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light device for refrigerators or freezers includes a sensor, a first manual switch, a rotatable switch, an interior loop and an alternative current power supply. The interior loop includes an interior circuit, an exterior circuit and a control loop. The alternative current power supply is connected to the rotatable switch which is electrically connected the first manual switch and the control loop via the interior circuit. The control loop is electrically connected to a magnetic device and electrically connected to the interior circuit in series. The interior circuit and the exterior circuit are electrically connected in parallel and then both are connected to an earth end of the alternative current power supply. The refrigerator is equipped with functions of automatic light controlled and anti-theft.

Abstract: A cogeneration system including a generator, a drive source operating to drive the generator, and thus, to cause the generator to generate electricity, a heat pump type air conditioner including a compressor, a 4-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger, a heater to heat air, which has passed around the indoor heat exchanger after completing heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger, and a waste heat recoverer to recover waste heat of the drive source during a heating operation of the heat pump type air conditioner, and to supply the recovered waste heat to the heater. The waste heat of the drive source can be re-used to heat air passing through the indoor heat exchanger, so that the heating performance of the heat pump type air conditioner is enhanced.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the refrigerant pressure in an automobile air conditioning system and, if needed, charging the system with additional refrigerant, is provided. An actuator is coupled to a pressurized container that selectively opens the container valve. A hose is provided, the first end of which is connected to the actuator, and the second end is coupleable to a service port of an automobile air conditioner. A T-connector with a check valve is disposed in the hose, and a pressure gauge is connected to the T-connector. When the second end of the hose is coupled to a service port and the actuator is not activated, the pressure gauge measures a pressure of the air conditioner. When the second end is coupled to a service port and the actuator is activated, refrigerant is released from the pressurized container and into the air conditioner.

Abstract: A refrigerant heat pump system is operable in both heating and cooling modes. A reheat circuit is integrated into the system schematic to provide improved control over temperature and humidity and to cover a wide spectrum of sensible and latent capacity demands. In the heating mode, the reheat coil is utilized to act as a portion of the enlarged indoor heat exchanger (a condenser in this case), in order to enhance system efficiency without the capacity loss. In some cases, where the designer can choose between the efficiency and capacity augmentation, selective operation of the reheat coil may offer an additional step of capacity modulation, in the heating mode. System reliability is improved through a reduction of start/stop cycles. Although various reheat coil arrangements in relation to the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers are offered and reheat concepts are considered, the benefits of the invention are independent from and transparent to such system design features.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger, a scroll compressor in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers, and a flash tank in fluid communication with each of the first and second heat exchangers and the scroll compressor. The flash tank includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and receives liquid refrigerant from the first and second heat exchangers. The flash tank also includes a first outlet fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers that delivers sub-cooled-liquid refrigerant to the second heat exchanger and a second outlet fluidly coupled to the scroll compressor that delivers vaporized refrigerant to the scroll compressor in a heating mode.

Abstract: A machine for the processing of foods while refrigerating the same at least at times, in particular an ice cream machine, comprising a container (11) to receive the starting substances and a refrigerating device, including a refrigerating circuit (21) with a compressor (23) and an evaporator (19), in particular in the form of a refrigerating coil wound around the container 11, coming into thermal contact with the foods at least indirectly, wherein to reduce the energy requirement and to improve the quality of the processed foods at least one second refrigerating circuit (22) with an evaporator (20) coming into thermal contact with the foods present in the container is provided and optionally both or all refrigerating circuits can be used or only one or fewer than all refrigerating circuits can be used.

Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof. The evaporator can be integrated with a beverage dispenser and an ice dispenser.

Abstract: Indoor unit of air conditioner of the present invention includes air discharge units at left, right, and bottom of an outer case of the indoor unit oriented to blow air in forward outer sides, to prevent air blow to a suction side, thereby making air circulation smooth and fast air conditioning, and preventing infiltration of foreign matter in ordinary times to keep a tidy outer appearance because air suction, and the discharge units are only opened during operation of the air conditioner.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner including a front frame formed at a front side of the indoor unit, forming an appearance of the indoor unit, and having a side discharge hole formed at least one side thereof. Also included is a rear cover formed at a rear side of the indoor unit and forming a rear appearance of the indoor unit, a heat exchanger received in an inner space formed by the front frame and the rear cover, for performing heat exchange, a blower fan for forcibly blowing air; an air guide for guiding airflow inside the indoor unit, a discharge hole door formed at an adjacent position for selectively opening/closing the side discharge hole, and a transfer part connected with the discharge hole door and reciprocating using a driving force of a motor.

Abstract: In accordance with one preferred embodiment, a desiccant cartridge (30) for insertion into an integrated condenser/receiver (10) comprises a rigid stand-off member (72) and a porous desiccant bag (34). The preferred rigid stand-off member comprises spaced inner and outer pad portions and an elongated stand-off portion terminating in the inner pad portion. The inner pad may include a tab portion. The porous desiccant bag is positioned between the inner and outer pad portions and affixed to one or both of the inner and outer pad portions. A rigid cap with a plurality of holes may be provided to which a second end of the porous desiccant bag may be attached. The porous desiccant bag includes first and second flat end seals, one of which is secured to attachment tab portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for refrigerant circuits that is arranged between the compressor and the evaporator thereof including a housing with a through channel. Within the through channel is a microchannel part having a filtering portion and a decompression portion wherein filtering and decompression of the passing refrigerant can be performed generally at the same time.

Abstract: A desiccant package for insertion into an integrated condenser dryer chamber of an air conditioning unit. The desiccant package includes an internal cage component which is enclosed inside a porous desiccant-containing bag. The internal cage component comprises an enlarged diameter base unit and sealing section to seal and support the desiccant package inside the dryer chamber. The desiccant package can be inserted into the condenser dryer at initial assembly of the air conditioning unit or as a replacement item when the original desiccant is fully saturated.

Abstract: Turbulators are disclosed for use in a high-stage generator for an exhaust-fired absorption chiller/heater. The turbulators are designed to minimize pressure drop across the turbulator, and thus minimize the efficiency loss to the exhaust source. One turbulator design has a number of flanges extending at a non-normal angle to a central web. Further, some of the flanges have cutout portions. The overall turbulator design is intended to minimize wake downstream of the turbulator blades, which could otherwise cause undesirable pressure drop. A second turbulator design incorporates flanges that extend at a normal angle relative to the central web, but wherein the flanges have a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape. Again, the goal of the turbulator designs here is to minimize wake, and potential pressure drop.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle is provided, including top and bottom headers and a core extending therebetween. The top header includes a distributor plate extending along the longitudinal axis thereof to separate the top header into first and second chambers. The distributor plate includes at least one opening to permit effective distribution of the liquid between the respective chambers. One type of effective distribution causes the liquid to be generally equally distributed among each of the plurality of flow tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing dry ice is provided. The apparatus generally includes an expandable shell assembly, an expansion control assembly for controlling expansion of the expandable shell assembly, and a delivery system for delivering liquid carbon dioxide from a supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the dry ice chamber. The expandable shell assembly is made of multiple separable shell portions and an inner surface of at least one of the shell portions forms a wall of the dry ice chamber. The expandable shell assembly is structured to automatically relieve pressure within the dry ice chamber when the dry ice chamber has been sufficiently filled with a mass of dry ice.

Abstract: An earring support device constructed of a single length of flexible metal wire or plastic line bent back upon itself at both ends and clasped or otherwise fasted so as to form a large loop at one end and one or more smaller loops at the other end.

Abstract: Disclosed are high temperature free-flow mold for the production of near net-shape silica articles and method for the production of near net-shape silica articles. The mold is preferably made of graphite, preferably coated with SiC on the surfaces of the mold cavity. The mold and the process use no or less refractory elastic materials than that disclosed in the prior art, and does not alter or contaminate the glass composition. The mold the process are particularly suitable for the production of high purity silica articles for use in VUV and EUV lithographic devices.

Abstract: Washing machine including a washing tub having an inner tub rotatably mounted for holding and washing laundry, and an outer tub having the inner tub mounted therein, a driving device for rotating the inner tub, a body having a base plate, one pair of side panels at opposite side edges of the base plate, a rear panel at rear edges of the base plate and the side panels, and a top panel on top of the side panels and rear panel, and the washing tub and the driving device held therein, and a front panel rotatably engaged with, supported on, and detachably mounted on, a front part of the body, thereby permitting easy and fast assembly/disassembly of the cabinet.