Abstract: A method of on-board diagnostic (OBD) catalyst monitoring. Vehicle OBD exhaust systems often include a catalyst, a pre-catalyst exhaust gas oxygen sensor, and a post-catalyst exhaust gas oxygen sensor. A method is provided of monitoring the catalyst which includes the steps of measuring hydrogen or nitrogen dioxide generation by the catalyst, and correlating changes in hydrogen or nitrogen dioxide generation to changes in catalytic conversion efficiency. Because OBD legislation defines catalyst deterioration or malfunction in terms of hydrocarbon or nitrogen oxide emission levels, the method uses hydrogen or nitrogen dioxide generation as a metric for OBD monitoring of the catalyst and offers the advantage of a more direct relationship to catalyst health than conventional methods.

Abstract: A procedure for the pressure diagnosis in a reagent substance metering system, which introduces a reagent substance into an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine upstream in front of at least one exhaust treatment device as well as a device to implement the procedure is proposed. The reagent substance pressure occurring between a metering valve and a security valve disposed downstream after the metering valve is measured during different operating conditions of the metering valve and/or the security valve and is compared with at least one threshold value. An error signal is provided when the threshold is exceeded. The procedural approach according to the invention allows for a leakage diagnosis of the reagent substance metering system. Furthermore, the procedural approach according to the invention allows for a diagnosis of metering valve and/or the security valve and/or the check valve.

Abstract: In a method for regenerating a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter arranged in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, a constant value is set in a first regeneration phase for the air/fuel ratio ?M of the air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine when a predeterminable triggering threshold value for the nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas on the output side of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter is exceeded. The first regeneration phase is followed by a second regeneration phase, in which, the time rate of change d ?M/dt of the air/fuel ratio ?M is set as a function of the mass flow of the exhaust gas flowing through the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or as a function of an internal combustion engine operating variable linked with the mass flow of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A system and method for initiation and control of passive regeneration (38, 38B) of a diesel particulate filter (34), and the integration of that regeneration strategy with an active regeneration strategy (36) and a strategy (40, 40A, 40B) for inhibiting passive regeneration. Passive regeneration can be initiated by driver actuation of an instrument panel switch while the vehicle is parked with the engine idling provided that certain conditions confirming that the vehicle is parked and the engine is at proper temperature are satisfied. Control of passive regeneration includes a timing function that sets minimum and maximum times.

Abstract: An integrating PM amount ? PM as an integrating value of a PM generating amount after DPF regeneration is read (S1). The integrating PM amount and a first threshold value SL1 set in advance are compared, and the regenerating period of DPF 13 is judged (S2). Further, a differential pressure ?Pdf before and after DPF 13 detected by a differential pressure sensor 16, and a second threshold value SL2 are compared, and the regenerating period of DPF 13 is judged (S5). Regeneration processing of DPF 13 is then performed when the integrating PM amount ? PM attains the first threshold value SL1 or tore, or the differential pressure ?Pdf attains a second threshold value SL2 or more (S7).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an diesel exhaust treatment device including a main body having a central longitudinal axis that extends between first and second ends of the main body. A catalyzed substrate is positioned within an interior of the main body. A side inlet is positioned at a side of the main body for directing exhaust gas into the interior of the main body. A flow distribution element is positioned within the interior of the main body at a location between the side inlet and an upstream face of the substrate. The flow distribution element extends across a direction of exhaust flow through the main body and is mounted at a side of the main body that is opposite the side inlet.

Abstract: A device for reducing particles of an exhaust gas includes at least one carrier structure having a predefinable volume and a plurality of channels which can be traversed by a flow. The channels at least partially have measures for deflecting the exhaust gas within the channels. The at least one carrier structure at least partially has a first coating including a washcoat. A quantity of the washcoat in a range of from 10 to 60 grams is provided per liter of the volume, provided with the first coating, of the carrier structure. An exhaust gas purification system and a vehicle having the device or the system, are also provided.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an internal combustion engine configured to combust a gaseous fuel. The engine assembly may also include a fuel intake line operatively connected to the internal combustion engine. The fuel intake line may be configured to direct the gaseous fuel towards the internal combustion engine. The engine assembly may further include a refrigeration assembly operatively connected to the fuel intake line. The refrigeration assembly may be configured to cool the gaseous fuel in the fuel intake line.

Abstract: An ejector system for a vehicle includes an ejector which generates negative pressure that is greater than negative pressure provided from an intake passage of an intake system of an internal combustion engine, and supplies the generated negative pressure to a negative pressure chamber of a brake booster; a VSV that selectively renders the ejector operational or non-operational; and an ECU that controls the VSV. The ECU includes a blockage determining portion that determines whether there is a blockage in the ejector system according to a difference in the pressure in the negative pressure chamber and the pressure provided from the intake passage.

Abstract: A multistage ultra high pressure multichamber, have among which stages can be included pumps. A chamber has another chamber inside which also contain a pump or a pumping system towards the inside, where a third chamber is considered with its pumping system towards its interior successively the device is useful in making of ultra high pressure sinterized material parts, manufacture of parts made of new materials like synthetic diamond, manufacture of material for pharmaceutical products and hydrowasher using this new technique to increase its pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to a first load outlet point and to a second load outlet point, a second pump that delivers hydraulic fluid to the second load outlet point, but not to the first load outlet point, a pressure detector for detecting the load pressure at the first load outlet point and a pressure detector for detecting the load pressure at the second load outlet point. The system includes a controller for controlling the first pump on the basis of the detected load pressure at the first load outlet point and the detected load pressure at the second load outlet point, and a controller for controlling the second pump on the basis of the detected load pressure at the second load outlet point but not on the basis of the detected load pressure at the first load outlet point.

Abstract: The present invention suggested a new energy conversion device implementing regenerative gas cycle. The energy conversion device is comprised of: a work machine that is capable of receiving and transmitting variations of pressure, at least two displacer units each including a hot and cold zone and a displacer element for moving an actuating medium from the hot zone to the cold zone, at least one counterflow heat exchanger for enabling heat exchange between actuating mediums of displacer units, wherein the actuating medium of the displacers units flows through the counterflow heat exchanger from the hot zone to the cold zone and vice versa and a controlling device capable of controlling the movement of displacers elements, at least four conduits for connecting between the counterflow heat exchanger to the displacer units.

Abstract: Mechanical systems having anti-stick mediums applied thereto are provided. In one aspect, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve systems having anti-stick mediums applied thereto are also provided. The anti-stick medium can be applied to any contacting surface, such as but not limited to the valve surface and/or the valve seat surface. The anti-stick medium is intended to prevent the valve surface and the valve seat surface sticking or bonding together, especially with respect to the operation of cooled or cold side EGR systems. If any materials should stick to the anti-stick medium, a portion of the anti-stick medium will break away from the surface, allowing the surface and/or component to function normally. The anti-stick medium can include, without limitation, boron nitride coatings, boron nitride aerosols, boron nitride greases, thin dense chrome platings, perfluoroalkoxy, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold; an intake manifold; and a turbocharger including a turbine in communication with the exhaust manifold, and a compressor in communication with the intake manifold. An electrical generator is coupled with the turbine. A motor receives electrical input power from the generator and provides mechanical output power. A combustor selectively provides additional input power to the motor.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for converting thermal energy into power from three different compositional streams of a multi-component working fluid, one of the streams being a lean working fluid stream pressurized into its super-critical state before being vaporized in a heat recovery vapor generator, another stream is a rich working fluid steam and the third stream is an intermediate working fluid stream, where the system and process has increased overall efficiency.

Abstract: A device for converting gravitational force to energy. The device comprises a rotor (1). The rotor comprises a first outer chamber (4), a second outer chamber (5), and a casing (40). A piston (3) is slidably received in the casing between the first outer chamber (4) and the second outer chamber (5), above the first outer chamber. When the piston slides in the casing towards the first outer chamber, displacement fluid (7) exits the first outer chamber and enters the second outer chamber, thereby causing the second outer chamber to be heavier than the first outer chamber. A pivot (12) is provided wherein the rotor (1) can rotate such that the second outer chamber becomes lower than the first outer chamber. A shaft (14) is provided which is parallel to the pivot and capable of rotating with the rotor. A generator (15) is coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A fuel manifold of gas turbine engines comprises a tube for fluid communication with a fuel source and for connection with at least one fuel nozzle tip to thereby define a fuel conveying passage. There is a means for providing a redundant seal around the tube and covering substantially an entire length thereof to reduce a risk of fuel leakage of the fuel conveying passage.

Abstract: A rotary fuel slinger and a turbine engine including the rotary fuel source is provided. The rotary fuel slinger includes a coupler shaft coupled to a turbine shaft of the turbine engine and is configured to rotate therewith. The slinger further includes a slinger disc coupled to the coupler shaft and configured to rotate therewith. The slinger disc includes a vertical shoulder extending substantially perpendicular to the coupler shaft and a slinger disc rim extending substantially perpendicularly from the vertical shoulder. The slinger disc rim is configured to define a cup-shaped section and a counterbalance mass, wherein the cup-shaped section is counterbalanced by the counterbalance mass. The rotary fuel slinger is adapted to receive a rotational drive force and to receive a flow of fuel from a fuel source and configured, upon receipt of the rotational drive force, to centrifuge the received fuel into a combustion chamber of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A combustor wall louver for ducting a flow of compressed air through an inlet opening in the combustor wall from a source of compressed air outside the combustor where the louver is a circumferentially extending member, mounted to an interior surface of the combustor wall and covering the inlet opening with outlet openings fed by a channel in flow communication between each outlet opening and the inlet opening. Preferably, the circumferential member is made of arcuate segments of cast metal removably mounted to the interior surface of the combustor wall with threaded studs.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor liner having a plurality of holes defined therein for directing air into the combustion chamber. The plurality of holes provide a greater cooling air flow in regions intermediate each diffuser pipe than in other areas of the combustor liner.

Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed convergent flaps, divergent flaps and inter-flap seals which circumscribe an engine centerline and define the radial outer boundary of an exhaust gas path. Each divergent flap includes longitudinal sides having a set of extension which are located at different longitudinal stations such that the extensions on adjacent divergent flaps interfit when the nozzle is in a minimum dilated position yet provide support for the intermediate flap seal when the nozzle is in a maximum dilated position to thereby provide a relative increase in the nozzle area ratio range.

Abstract: A method for cooling a turbine assembly component of a gas turbine engine in a combined-cycle power generation system. The method includes channeling cooling fluid that is extracted from a source external to the gas turbine engine to the turbine assembly component, and cooling the turbine assembly component using the cooling fluid.

Abstract: The sensor arrangement, performance-monitored machine system, and method, utilize radiance of exhaust streams to indicate performance deviation, due to combustion instability or machine malfunction, in propulsion gas turbine engines, augmentors used on such engines, stationary power generating gas turbine engines, and other air-breathing combustion-based turbine machines and systems. Sensor operation is based upon high-speed measurements of radiant emission from the hot exhaust stream, taken at a minimum rate of 2000, and preferably at a rate of at least 8000, samples per second. Select infrared wavelengths of light are used to capture temporal variations in the radiance, which are Fourier analyzed to determine the magnitude and frequency of the combustion instability.

Abstract: A system for providing air to a compressor of an auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft. A system turbine has an inlet adapted to receive compressed air from the aircraft. A system compressor is mechanically coupled to the system turbine and has an inlet adapted to receive atmospheric air. The outlets of the system turbine and the system compressor are fluidly connectable to the inlet of the compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. A method includes providing compressed air from an aircraft to an inlet of a system turbine mechanically coupled to a system compressor. The method includes providing atmospheric air to an inlet of the system compressor. The method includes providing the inlet of the compressor of an auxiliary gas turbine engine with air from an outlet of the system turbine and with air from an outlet of the system compressor.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a gas turbine engine includes a metering valve for metering a flow of fuel, a throttling valve for maintaining a pressure drop across the metering valve, the throttling valve being shiftable between an open state and a shutoff state blocking an outlet of the metering valve, a primary control pressure supply for supplying a primary control pressure to the metering valve for controlling the position of the metering valve, a backup control pressure supply, a transfer valve shiftable between a first position connecting the primary control pressure to supply to the metering valve and a second position connecting the backup control pressure to the metering valve, and an electrohydraulic servovalve (EHSV) operably connected to the throttling valve and the transfer valve and controlling the state of the transfer valve and the position of the throttling valve. Also a method for controlling a transfer valve and a throttling valve.

Abstract: A small gas turbine engine for use in an UAV such as a cruise missile, the gas turbine having a combustor forming a primary burn zone and a secondary burn zone, and in which fuel is injected into both the primary and the secondary burn zones by either a rotary cup injector or a plurality of fuel injector nozzles. The secondary burn zone with separate fuel injection allows for the diameter of the engine to be reduced in size but still allow for adequate power and efficiency to be reached for powering the vehicle. Air flow from the compressor is used to cool the combustor walls before being injected into the combustor, and to pass through and cool the guide nozzles and a main bearing located near the hot section of the combustor prior to being introduced into the combustor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for startup characterization in a turbine engine that provides the ability to accurately characterize engine startup. The startup characterization system and method uses engine temperature sensor data and engine speed sensor data to accurately characterize the startup of the turbine engine by determining when several key engine startup conditions are reached. By storing and analyzing engine sensor data taken during these key conditions of engine startup, the system and method is able to accurately characterize the performance of the engine during startup. This information can be used as part of a trending system to determine when faults in the start transient regime are occurring or likely to occur. Additionally, this information can be used in real time by control systems to better control the startup and operation of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A combustor nozzle is provided. The combustor nozzle includes a first fuel system configured to introduce a hydrocarbon fuel into a combustion chamber to enable lean premixed combustion within the combustion chamber and a second fuel system configured to introduce a syngas fuel, a hydrocarbon fuel and diluents into the combustion chamber to enable diffusion combustion within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for channeling compressed air to a gas turbine engine augmentor is provided. The method includes coupling an annular slide valve to a gas turbine engine separation liner, coupling a valve seat to a gas turbine engine diffuser such that an airflow passage is defined between the annular slide valve and the valve seat, and channeling compressed air to the annular slide valve to facilitate regulating the quantity of fan bypass air channeled to the gas turbine engine augmentor.

Abstract: The invention proposes a cooling system (42) for a gas turbine (1), with an annular duct extending axially in the compressor (5). In the annular duct, a ring (15) of compressor guide blades (14, 28, 33) and a ring (17) of moving blades (16) fastened to a rotor disk (19) of the rotor (3) are provided, with at least one cooling-air extraction point (34), arranged on the rotor (3), for diverting a cooling-air stream into a cooling-duct system arranged in the rotor (3), and with a turbine unit (8), in which, when the gas turbine (1) is in operation, components subjected to thermal stress by a hot gas (20) can be cooled by the divertible cooling-air stream, and also with a feed line (46) for feeding a liquid (45) into the cooling-air stream.

Abstract: A bleed valve for bleeding air from a compressed air chamber at start-up of a gas turbine engine is self-actuated. The bleed valve moves between open and closed positions based on the pressure within a compressed air chamber. In this manner, the bleed valve is driven to an open position at low pressure conditions and to a closed position once the pressure within the compressor chamber becomes higher and closer to operating pressures. In this manner, a relatively inexpensive and simple bleed valve can be utilized to provide the start-up bleed valve function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to start gas turbine engines at cold start. A gearbox is not mechanically coupled to any accessory or to the starter-generator. Rather, a controller is used to route power to a starter-generator to rotate the turbine mainshaft to start the gas turbine engine. The controller prevents power to an accessory drive motor, until the starter-generator creates a positive torque. When a positive torque is reached, excess power is routed to the accessory drive motor, typically a brushless direct current motor.

Abstract: A heat radiator having a thermo-electric cooler uses a plurality of heat radiation modules to induce forced thermal conduction at respective hot spots. The heat radiator comprises a first heat radiation module with a radiator fin set in which the fins are connected by a thermal conduction member attached onto a heat source. The thermo-electric cooler is attached to the heat source, whereby heat will be delivered from the heat absorption terminal to the heat release terminal thereof. The heat radiator further comprises a second heat radiation module with a radiator fin set in which the fins are connected by a thermal conduction member attached onto the thermo-electric cooler. Thereby, the heat generated in a heat source, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and an accelerated graphic chip, is dissipated through not only the first heat radiation module but also the thermo-electric cooler at the second heat radiation module.

Abstract: A heat radiator has a thermo-electric cooler and multiple heat radiation modules and the method of the same is capable of applying forced heat conduction on a hot spot on a computer circuit through a plurality of conduction paths. The heat radiator comprises a first heat radiation module with a heat sink simultaneously attached to the hot spot and the thermo-electric cooler and a second radiation module with a heat sink attached on the thermo-electric cooler only, whereby the heat generated in a heat source, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and an accelerated graphic chip, and delivered from the heat absorption terminal to the heat release terminal of the cooler can be dissipated efficiently. The first heat radiation module and the second radiation module further respectively include a first and a second radiating fin sets.

Abstract: A heating and cooling device includes a case having an air passage, a blower for sending air to the air passage, a thermoelectric conversion element and a controller. The thermoelectric conversion element is disposed in the case, and has a heat-absorbing part and a heat-emitting part, which are switched based on a current direction. The thermoelectric conversion element heats or cools air sent by the blower by switching the current direction. The controller stops electricity supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element, when air sent by the blower toward the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped while the thermoelectric conversion element is supplied with electricity.

Abstract: A liquid desiccant regenerator system, including a desiccant/air heat exchanger having a first desiccant inlet and a desiccant reservoir. The reservoir has a first desiccant outlet, a second desiccant outlet and a second desiccant inlet. The first desiccant inlet and the first desiccant outlet are connectable to a heat source, the second desiccant inlet conducts diluted desiccant of the reservoir and the second desiccant outlet conducts concentrated desiccant from the reservoir. The second desiccant inlet and the desiccant outlet are connected to a desiccant/desiccant heat exchanger for applying heat to the diluted desiccant flowing into the reservoir. A dehumidification method is also provided.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a heat source unit, an air supply device that supplies the outside air to the room as the ventilation air, a water supply type humidifier for humidifying the ventilation air, a heating medium circuit, and a supply water heating device. The heat source unit heats a heating medium that is used for heating the room in a heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger. The heating medium circuit includes at least one room heating device that releases the heat of the heating medium heated in the heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger into the room, and circulates the heating medium between the room heating device and the heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger. The supply water heating device uses the heat generated from the heat source unit in order to heat water to be used in the humidifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circulation cooling system of a cryogenic cable in which a reserver unit can be made smaller and a conventional adjustment mechanism or adjustment task of the amount of a refrigerant within a reserver unit is not necessary. The circulation cooling system of a cryogenic cable according to the present invention has a reserver unit storing a refrigerant and a cable cooling portion cooling down a cable by the refrigerant sent from the reserver unit and the refrigerant sent from the cable cooling portion is returned to the reserver unit again for circulation. The system is characterized in that it has a refrigerant temperature adjustment mechanism to keep constant the amount of the refrigerant within the reserver unit.

Abstract: A method to detect and respond to a coil condition in an HVAC system. The method includes calculating an initial airflow restriction value and a current airflow restriction value, which are compared. If the current airflow restriction value is greater than a first sum including the initial airflow restriction value and a first restriction factor, then a coil condition is preliminarily determined to be freezing and cooling in the HVAC system is stopped.

Abstract: A refrigerant measuring and warning device includes a casing, at least one sensing element, and a detection circuit. The casing forms connectors, which are connected together by a conduit, to selectively connect to sources of refrigerant to be detected. The sensing element has an enclosure forming a connector at an end for connection with the conduit and an interior chamber communicating the connector via a pressure-dropping necked passage, a pressure detection chip and a thermocouple arranged at a top of the chamber for detecting pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to be detected. The detection circuit is housed in the casing and stores multiple sets of reference temperature and pressure for different type of refrigerants for comparison with the detected pressure and temperature, both data being displayed on a display device for visual observation and comparison.

Abstract: An adaptive defrost control system of the present invention monitors an amount of current flowing through the defrost heater to calculate the amount of power delivered thereby. The circuit utilizes a thermistor to monitor the temperature rise of the electrical trace supplying current to the defrost heater to allow the controller to calculate an amount of power delivered thereby. A second thermistor may be used to compensate for a change in ambient temperature that might otherwise be attributed to a change in current flow through the power trace. A physical modification to the power trace to enhance the temperature rise characteristic at the point of placement of the thermistor enhances the accuracy of the calculation. A secondary current flow path around the branch of thermistor placement is also provided so as to not reduce the total current carrying capacity of the power trace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal system for producing cost effective energy particularly for cooling purposes. In one embodiment, wind turbines are used to generate electricity and compressed air energy, wherein the compressed air energy is used to co-generate electricity and chilled air. The chilled air is then used to chill water in either a mixing chamber, or a desalination system, wherein the chilled water is stored in a separation tank, wherein it can later be used to provide cooling for an air conditioning system for a facility. When desalination is used, the system produces chilled fresh drinking water which can be used for air conditioning, and then used as fresh drinking water. Any exhaust chilled air can be used directly for air conditioning.

Abstract: A condensation system is disclosed where a multi-component fluid is condensed to form a condensate, a portion of which is sub-cooled and mixed with non-condensable vapor in the system to reduce the accumulation of non-condensable vapor and to improve the stability and efficiency of the condensation system.

Abstract: A sample cooling apparatus capable of cooling and holding samples or wafers at a cryogenic temperature with no vibration or drift with respect to a measurement reference surface is disclosed. In the sample cooling apparatus, a sample holder is arranged in a vacuum vessel mounted on a housing having a table for forming a measurement reference surface to be supported by a thermal insulator. A frame is disposed within the housing to be supported by a first buffer. A refrigerating machine is disposed in the frame to be supported by a second buffer and has a head directed to the vacuum vessel. The cooling head of the refrigerating machine is connected to the sample holder by way of a flexible thermal conduction member.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling heating device in which a suitable operation can be performed in harmony with fluctuations of cooling and heating loads to reduce energy consumption, and the cooling heating device includes an outdoor heat exchanger having one end connected to a refrigerant outlet-side pipe of a condenser via an expansion valve and having the other end connected to a suction-side pipe and a discharge-side pipe of a compressor and configured to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outside air; a changeover valve which executes control so as to pass the refrigerant discharged from the compressor through the condenser or the outdoor heat exchanger and supply the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor or supply the refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor; and a control unit which controls the compressor, the expansion valve and the changeover valve based on a cooling operation signal in response to a cooling load of the cool tar

Abstract: An ammonia/CO2 refrigerating system having a liquid pump for feeding the liquid CO2 cooled in a brine cooler by the utilization of the vaporization latent heat of ammonia in an ammonia refrigeration cycle to a cooler, which comprises a liquid receiving vessel 4 for receiving a CO2 brine cooled in a brine cooler 3, a liquid pump 5 capable of changing the rate of the feed of a liquid, a rising piping 90 provided between the liquid pump 5 and a cooler 6, and a communication pipe 100 for communicating the top of the riser pipe 90 with the CO2 gas phase in the liquid receiving vessel 4, wherein the discharge pressure of the liquid pump 5 is set so as for the CO2 recovered form the cooler 3 or the liquid receiver 4 in the state of a liquid or a gas-liquid mixture, and the level of the rise in the rising piping 90 is set at a level being the same as or higher than the highest storage level for the CO2 brine in the liquid receiving vessel 4.

Abstract: A refrigerator or freezer apparatus comprising: a cabinet (1) at least a compartment (2,3) to store food, a box (5) firmly lodged in said cabinet and closable in a vacuum-tight manner, a drawer (6) apt to be extracted and inserted in said box, a vacuum pump (7) connected to said box in the back side of it, a vacuum valve (13) able to selectively equalise the internal pressure in said box, wherein it comprises locking means, and specially a tiltable handle in the front side of said drawer, able to connect or disconnect said drawer to/from said box; said vacuum valve and/or said vacuum pump are operated by the tilting movement of said handle or by the closing movement of said drawer (6).

Abstract: A method for producing liquefied natural gas wherein high pressure liquid natural gas is subcooled and then flashed to form flash vapor and liquefied natural gas product, and the flash vapor is employed in a refrigeration cycle to generate refrigeration for subcooling the liquid natural gas.

Abstract: A personalized jewelry item comprising a pendant containing information pertaining to one's birth is provided. The pendant includes a base and a cover hinged to the base so that the cover is movable relative to the base between a swung open position and a swung closed position. The pendant has one's birthstone on one side and another stone on the other side. In a preferred embodiment, the pendant has an outwardly projecting eyelet, an aperture and a spike projecting into the aperture. The spike is being configured so that as an eyelet of an identical pendant is inserted into the aperture, and the spike fits into a hollow of the eyelet of the identical pendant to retain the identical pendant in a hanging manner.

Abstract: A resealable locket comprising a first cover and a second cover. The first cover defines a see-through opening. The second cover is movably connected to the first cover. The first and second covers define a chamber when the first cover is closed on the second cover. A fixing member is disposed on the first and second covers. The fixing member is operable to enable a user to selectively open and close the locket without the use of a tool so that the user may selectively place and remove a charm from the chamber.