Abstract: The present invention realizes a reliable heat pump apparatus and heat pump apparatus having high recovering efficiency. The heat pump apparatus includes an expander 711 for expanding working fluid, a permanent magnet type synchronization power generator 710 which is disposed for recovering power by the expander 711 and which generates three phase AC power, and a first converter 708 which converts the AC power to DC power, and which rotates the power generator 710 at a predetermined target number of revolutions by switching of a switching element group 709. The generated electricity is consumed by connection of an AC power supply 701 to a DC power line which is rectified and smoothened by a rectifier circuit 702 and a smoothing capacitor 703, and by driving of an electric motor 706 which rotates a compressor 707 through a motor drive apparatus 704, and the power is efficiently recovered.

Abstract: An air-outlet mode selecting device includes first and second rotary doors. Each of the first and second rotary doors has rotary shafts separated from each other in an axial direction of the rotary shafts, an outer peripheral door surface that is provided at a position separated radial outward from the center line of the rotary shafts and is turned with the rotary shafts, and left and right side plates for connecting both ends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface and the rotary shafts. One of the first and second rotary doors opens and closes a specified opening among three openings and other rotary door opens and closes the remaining two openings among the three openings. Accordingly, door operation force and air flow resistance can be effectively reduced, and the size of the air-outlet mode selecting device can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: An in-ground geothermal heating and cooling system for a building is provided. The system can comprise a buried ground source heat pump, a heat exchanger, and a ground loop circuit buried to a depth below the regional frost line. The system can also comprise a buried ground source heat pump buried inside a building to be heated. The system can also comprise an in-building heat exchanger disposed in a building, and an evaporative loop running from the ground source heat pump to the in-building heat exchanger. A method for installing such an in-ground geothermal heating and cooling system is also provided.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes cooling air ducts for guiding cool air into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber. The ducts may be made of a material that allows light to transmit therethrough. LEDs are installed within the cooling air ducts to illuminate the interiors of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. Reflection mirrors may be installed within the cooling air ductd to reflect light generated by the LEDs. A separate space for installing the LEDs is not necessary, and thus an internal capacity of the refrigerator can be increased. Also, by providing the LEDs at various locations, the interior of the refrigerator can be uniformly illuminated.

Abstract: Compressor including a chamber having a muffler room therein for introducing refrigerant compressed at a compression part, a cover on top of the chamber for closing an upper part of the muffler room, and a discharge muffler including a first coating gasket having a base part with coated layers on upper and lower surfaces for sealing between the chamber and the cover, thereby reducing noise and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling odor within a refrigeration appliance is provided. The apparatus includes a frame removably positioned within an airflow path configured to supply cooled air to a food storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance. The frame defines a chamber. A filter medium is positioned within the chamber. The filter medium is configured to filter air channeled therethrough and remove odorous molecules.

Abstract: An air-conditioning unit and an air-conditioning apparatus capable of setting the air temperature at a defroster vents higher than the air temperature at the foot vents during heating operation are provided. Each of the air-conditioning unit and air-conditioning apparatus includes a chassis; a cooling unit configured to cool air introduced into the chassis; a heating unit configured to heat air introduced into the chassis; a conditioned-air channel configured to guide the heated air and the cooled air into a high-temperature hot-air vent and a low-temperature hot-air vent; and a mixing-suppression unit configured to suppress mixing of the heated air and the cooled air, the mixing-suppression unit being provided in the conditioned-air channel.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided including a freezing chamber having a first evaporator and a first fan provided inside, and a refrigerating chamber having a second evaporator and a second fan provided inside. Further, the first and second fans may be configured to direct cool air generated by the first and second evaporators to the freezing and refrigerating chambers, respectively. Additionally, plurality of cool-air ducts may be provided in at least one of the freezing and refrigerating chambers, the cool air ducts may be configured to provide cool air to the freezing and refrigerating chambers via operation of the first and second fans, respectively.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a fan for blowing cool air generated by an evaporator to a freezing chamber or a refrigerating chamber; a scroll guide for discharging cool air discharged from the fan in two directions; a guide pipeline formed at the scroll guide in two directions for guiding cool air discharged from the scroll guide; and a cool air duct connected to the guide pipeline for supplying cool air to the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber. An optimum scroll guide that can be applicable even when a plurality of cool air ducts are implemented is provided, thereby reducing a flow loss of cool air discharged from the fan and decreasing consumption power.

Abstract: A cool air supplying apparatus is provided for a refrigerator. The cool air supplying apparatus includes a box fan motor integrally having a fan that blows cool air generated by an evaporator to a freezing chamber or a refrigerating chamber and a motor that drives the fan, a first passage that supplies cool air generated from the evaporator to the box fan motor, and a second passage that supplies cool air blown by the box fan motor to the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber. Since the box fan motor does not interrupt a cool air passage, energy loss may be decreased. Further, since the motor does not protrude towards the inside of the refrigerator, a capacity volume of the refrigerator may be increased.

Abstract: A refrigerant distributor is disclosed, for minimizing noise and providing refrigerant to each refrigerant tube uniformly, which includes a hollow body (11) in which a refrigerant flows; an inlet (12) provided at one end of the body, and through which the refrigerant flows in; and a plurality of discharge holes (13) provided for being in parallel at the other end of the body.

Abstract: To reduce the number of refrigerant external leak-prone spots, in a portion where an expansion valve is mounted. A casing is joined to a refrigerant outlet of an evaporator, and a low-pressure pipe extending to a compressor is connected to the casing by a pipe clamp. An expansion valve is disposed within the casing. Within the casing, an inlet port of the expansion valve and a high-pressure pipe are connected to each other, and an outlet port of the expansion valve and an inlet pipe of an evaporator are connected to each other. This limits the portions of the expansion valve which can cause refrigerant external leakage to portions connected by the pipe clamp.

Abstract: An encrusted gemstone comprising a base diamond having a crown with a table surface, a pavilion, and a recessed seat in the table surface, an insert diamond having a pavilion matching said recessed seat and set therein, a bore extending axially between a culet of the base diamond and the recessed seat thereof, and a shaft received within said bore, said shaft having a proximal end projecting into the recessed seat and formed with an insert retaining portion, and a distal end projecting from the culet and provided with a securing arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a lens of synthetic quartz glass with increased H2 content, in particular for a lens for an optical system with an operating wavelength of less than 250 nm, in particular less than 200 nm, with the steps: providing a precursor product of synthetic quartz glass, in particular with a first H2 content of less than 2·1015 molecules/cm3, with a circumferential border surface and two base surfaces lying on opposite sides, wherein at least one partial surface of at least one of said base surfaces has a curvature, and treating the precursor product in an H2-containing atmosphere in order to produce a precursor product of synthetic quartz glass with a second H2 content that is increased in relation to the first H2 content, in particular with a second H2 content of more than 1016 molecules/cm3, and measuring at least one optical property of said precursor product with said second H2 content.

Abstract: In order to provide glass ceramic articles with an improved surface with regard to roughness, the invention relates to a method for producing glass ceramic panels (40) in which a green glass panel (10) is produced by hot forming and the green glass panel (10) is subsequently ceramized to form a glass ceramic, wherein the green glass panel (10) is fire-polished on at least one surface (11, 12) before or during the ceramizing.

Abstract: A gas sensor is for determining at least one physical quantity of a gas, e.g., an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the gas sensor having a sensor element that is fixed in a housing of the gas sensor by a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a sealing element, which has a ceramic and/or a metallic material. After the heat treatment, the sealing element has a maximum decrease in volume of 5 percent, or an increase in volume, based on the volume of the sealing element prior to the heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for removing blisters (large bubbles in a glassmelt) and seeds (small bubbles in a glassmelt) from a glassmelt by feeding helium bubbles having a diameter between about 0.5 cm and about 3 cm at a prescribed flow rate and location to effectively produce a substantially bubble-free article.

Abstract: A device for the refining of a glass melt at high temperatures according to the skull pot principle is provided. The device includes a skull crucible having walls that are constructed from a plurality of pipes, a high-frequency coil for coupling electrical energy into the contents of the skull crucible, and an inlet and an outlet of the skull crucible being arranged in a melt surface region of the glass melt, wherein the inlet and the outlet are essentially arranged lying opposite one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a method of making optical fibers comprises: (i) manufacturing a core cane; (ii) situating a plurality of microstructures selected from rods, air filled tubes and glass filed tubes and placing said microstructures adjacent to the core cane, said microstructures forming no more than 3 layers; (iii) placing the core cane with said adjacent microstructures inside a holding clad tube; and (iv) placing interstitial cladding rods inside the holding (clad) tube, thereby forming an assembly comprising a tube containing a core cane, a plurality of microstructures and interstitial cladding rods. The assembly is then drawn into a microstructured cane and an optical fiber is drawn from the microstructured cane. According to several embodiments, the method of making an optical fiber includes providing at least one air hole and at least one stress rod adjacent to the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and related equipment for manufacturing shaped fabrics or anatomically shaped tubular hosiery and knitwear items, obtained with Raschel looms having preferably two parallel needle beds and automatic latch needles. During the knitting process, by gradually varying the height of the needle bed and of the sinking plane lying above with respect to the needles sliding in the same bed, knitting density can also be suitably changed. As a consequence, concerned anatomic parts such as the bodice and ankles of a pair of tights or a stockings as well as the waist and sleeves of a sweater can be shaped with higher accuracy and effectiveness.

Abstract: A laundry system comprises a laundry appliance and a vertical laundry module. The vertical laundry module comprises one of a drawer that slidably opens from a face of the module and/or a door that opens from the face of the module and has an effective upper surface that is located at substantially the same height as an effective upper surface of the laundry appliance. The vertical laundry module can further comprise a functional element that can be a laundry care function or a non-laundry care function.

Abstract: The machine provides a path (3) for feed of the fabric with a transfer system, for example a pneumatic system. Along the aforesaid path the fabric can be treated in rope form or in open width according to the machine settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drum type washing machines, and more particularly, to a top cover supporting structure for covering a top of a drum type washing machine. The top cover supporting structure of the present invention includes a front panel (200), at least one top cover supporting member (210) at an upper portion of a rear of the front panel (200), and a top cover (130) placed to an upper surface of the top cover supporting member (210), thereby permitting to support an enamel coated top cover (130) which can not have a structure like a supporting rib at an edge thereof.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises a first laundry appliance, a second laundry appliance horizontally or vertically arranged relative to the first laundry appliance, and a cabinet module horizontally arranged relative to the first and second laundry appliances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having an enhanced exterior. The present invention includes a housing, a tub in the housing, a drum rotatably installed in the tub to hold a laundry, and a driving means for rotating the drum. And, the drum includes a plurality of lifters on an inner circumference of a sidewall of the drum, a multitude of perforated holes at the sidewall between the lifters, and a joint portion extending on the sidewall in a length direction to be indistinguishable from the lifters and the perforated holes.

Abstract: A fluid stream wash load agitating system, comprising a vertical axis washing tub, a vertical axis washing basket coaxially placed within said tub, at least one fluid output positioned to remove water from said basket during said operation, and at least one first and at least one second high velocity fluid stream inputs around said basket and positioned to substantially agitate at least a portion of said wash load during said operation.

Abstract: A strap lock includes a buckle lock and a strap. The buckle lock includes a male fastener, a female fastener, a key locking mechanism and an indicator. The male fastener is connected to one end of the strap. The female fastener is connected to the other end of the strap and detachably connected to the male fastener. The key locking mechanism is disposed on the female fastener and includes a core shaft having a key hole which is capable of receiving either one of a first key and a second key; the core shaft can be driven by either one of the first key and the second key to lock or release the male fastener from the female fastener. The indicator is movably disposed on the female fastener. In particular, the indicator moves to a displaying position when the key hole of the core shaft is inserted by the first key. Besides, the indicator can be restored to its original position via the second key.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock includes a deadbolt, a user rotatable actuator, and a lock interface. The user rotatable actuator is operatively connected with the deadbolt for movement of the deadbolt between locked and unlocked conditions when the actuator is changed from an inoperable condition to an operable condition. The lock interface is configured to change the actuator from the inoperable condition to the operable condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface.

Abstract: An electronic key includes a key housing that has a suspension eyelet near its periphery, with the suspension eyelet having a deployed use position and a stowed non-use position. The suspension eyelet is held by a guide arm which is movable such that the suspension eyelet is lowered into a receiving space in the key housing where it is inaccessible in its non-use positional. It can also be moved out into the use position for the purpose of suspending the electronic key.

Abstract: A composition and method for causing arthropod mortality utilize a formulation containing at least one surfactant selected from a defined group to cause the dynamic surface tension of the formulation to be less than about 30 dynes per centimeter as measured with a Kruss Bubble Pressure Tensiometer (BP2 Version 1.20) causing more than 80% mortality of the treated arthropods within about two minutes or less after the arthropods are treated with the composition.

Abstract: A silicone surfactant-based synergistic agricultural formulation contains a combination of a first defined silicone surfactant and a second defined silicone surfactant in a concentration sufficient to cause a knockdown level on treated arthropods, even in the absence of known pesticidally active ingredients.

Abstract: A process for transforming beneficial organic nutrient-rich products from raw organic biosolid waste material is provided. The process includes mixing the raw organic biosolid waste material with an oxidizing agent and maintaining a relatively high level of moisture content by weight during the mixing. One or more other additives including, for example, an enzyme, may be included in the mixture. The mixture is dried and pelletized to a particle size in a selectable range. Further additives may be included with the dried and pelletized organic biosolid product to create a beneficial nutrient-rich product for plants and animals with minimal adverse environmental effect. The mixing may occur in a batch-wise or continuous manner. Moisture and/or nutrient sensors may be used to observe the transformation and the resulting information may be feedback into a controller to adjust water and/or additive introduction.

Abstract: A system is described for metering the bending angle of a metal sheet or section (35) in a bending machine (10) which comprises a fixed bed to support the sheet or section (35) to be machined, a support frame (12) for a press (15) comprising at least one mobile punch (32) and a corresponding fixed counter-punch (24) acting as temporary clamping means of the sheet or section (35) during the bending stage, also comprising at least one bending blade (20, 21) which in operation can be moved towards and away from the sheet or section (35) being machined, in order to shape this sheet or section (35).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating articles having apertures from a flat feedstock, such as gutter covers, are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for fabricating articles having apertures from a flat feedstock includes an uncoiler for receiving and metering out a desired quantity of a flat feedstock in roll form; a feeder/straightener for receiving the feedstock from the uncoiler; a first press for receiving the feedstock from the feeder/straightener, the first press housing a tool and die that forms one or more apertures in the feedstock; a second press for receiving the feedstock from the first press, the second press housing a tool and die that cuts the feedstock into a finished length; and a roll former for receiving the feedstock from the second press, the roll former comprising a plurality of rollers that create a desired profile along the width of the feedstock.

Abstract: A metallic article with improved fatigue performance and resistance to corrosive attack and stress corrosion cracking is produced by treating a first area of a metallic article with a first surface treatment that induces a specified amount of cold work. A second, sacrificial area of the metallic article in electrical communication with the first area is treated with a second surface treatment that induces an amount of cold work higher than that of the first surface treatment. Due to the differences in cold work resulting from the different surface treatments, the second area of the metallic article is less noble than the first area and is therefore more susceptible to corrosive attack. As a result, the second sacrificial area will preferentially corrode leaving the first area protected from corrosive attack. Compressive residual stresses induced in the surface of the metallic article through the surface treatments improve the fatigue performance and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Abstract: Thread lug forming systems form thread lugs (36) on container necks or necked end domes. A continuously rotating cam system (100) has multiple sets of thread lug forming tools (135) which are driven to recirculate about stationary cams (130). The cams actuate inner and outer forming tools (150, 152) of the tool sets as they progress around the cams to form the thread lugs. A second system uses generally the same tool sets in a multiple-station reciprocating press (203), and the container bodies are indexed through the tool stations (252) in which the thread lugs are formed.

Abstract: An expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bursting disk from a sheet or foil is disclosed. The bursting disk has an edge for clamping the bursting disk in a clamping device and a middle region enclosed by the edge, with the following manufacturing steps: the sheet or foil is clamped with a first portion forming the future edge of the bursting disk, said first portion defining a second portion which corresponds to the future middle region of the bursting disk. A third region is defined, which is located within the second portion of the sheet or foil, a part of the second portion enclosing the third portion of the sheet or foil is clamped completely by means of a pair of clamping jaws or female dies, the sheet or foil is deformed for a first time in the third portion, the third portion being located within the second portion, which remains undeformed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a necking system including a plurality of necking dies each necking dies having an at least partially non-polished necking surface and a non-polished relief following the necking surface. The present invention further provides a method of necking an metal container including providing an metal blank; shaping the blank into a bottle stock; and necking the metal bottle stock, wherein necking includes at least one necking die having an at least partially non-polished necking surface.

Abstract: A die for a tool set includes a punch and a die for mechanically joining metal sheets lying flat one on top of another by shaping. An anvil and die segments together form a cavity into which the joining is carried out. The die segments are supported in a slidable manner at an angle transversely, preferably orthogonally to the cavity axis H against a spring force. A casing sleeve surrounding the die segments is essentially rectangular in cross section, open at the top and can be attached to a base body. The die segments can be supported and guided in guide slots lying parallel opposite one another in the casing sleeve. Guide mechanisms project laterally on the die segments for positive engagement in the guide slots.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacture of bifurcated stents are disclosed. The apparatus can include a base having a first mount, a second mount and a third mount. The first mount, the second mount and the third mount can be configured to secure a first mandrel, a second mandrel and a third mandrel at positions relative to one another. The mandrels may be configured to receive two or more mono-tubular stents so that the stents or components of the stents may be secured to one another to form a bifurcated stent.

Abstract: This invention consists of a tool and a bending plate that provides a means of straightening woodcutting saw bars otherwise known as saw bars. The saw bars are used in the process of harvesting timber with machinery. The machinery would include Feller Bunchers or any Wood Processing Machine that uses a hydraulic, electric or gas driven wood cutting chain with a steel bar. The Erickson Super Straightener is a tool that consists of 3 main functional parts. There is a rotating head plate with an attached handle and the separate bending plate. In order to use the tool the bending plate must be secured by welding or bolting it to an adequate flat working surface. The best place to secure the bending plate would be on the machine it is intended to be used for. The tool is then used by slipping the ears of the bent saw bar through the stationary bending plate. The bar is then held securely in place by the bending plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for checking for errors in the measured value or values of one or more filling level sensors arranged in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, characterized in that the measured values of a plurality of measurements are sensed and are each compared with a further physical variable for plausibility. If the measured values are not plausible, a warning signal is fed to a warning device and a warning information item is triggered by the warning device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a footwear testing device that evaluates the durability of footwear to the wear encountered in the sport of skateboarding.

Abstract: One embodiment of a shock and launch apparatus comprises a first carriage and a second carriage adapted to move along a carriage guide, wherein the first carriage has a mass M1 greater than a mass M2 of the second carriage; the carriage guide, associated with a substantially linear path of movement of the first and second carriages; and a carriage stop, capable of being positioned at a first position and a second position, wherein the carriage stop in the first position is at least partially in the path of movement of the second carriage. In one embodiment, the carriage stop in the second position is not in the path of movement of the second carriage.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) includes a thermocouple, a first nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, a second nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, and a first igniter.

Abstract: A device, a system and a process is provided for the use of a breath alcohol-measuring device (1) with improved personal identification. The breath alcohol-measuring device (1) is combined with a pulse oscillometer (4) such that the initially measured values of the complex airway resistance of a test subject are stored in an evaluating and control unit (3) connected to the breath alcohol-measuring device (1) and to the pulse oscillometer (4) and compared to subsequently measured values of a test subject. A breath alcohol measurement is released and/or a vehicle immobilizer (2) is actuated in case of agreement of stored values with subsequently measured values.

Abstract: An analytical column includes a coating that absorbs at least one of ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) radiant energy and converts the radiant energy into heat.

Abstract: A method for coupling a gas chromatograph (21) to an NMR spectrometer, wherein the carrier gas present at the outlet of a separating column (23) of the gas chromatograph (21) including a sample contained in the carrier gas is supplied via a heated transfer line (1) to a collecting device (2) for the sample contained in the carrier gas, is characterized in that the carrier gas containing the sample is introduced into a collecting liquid (8) in the collecting device (2), and the sample is collected in the collecting liquid (8), wherein the collecting liquid (8) is suitable as an NMR solvent for the sample. The sample loss of the coupling method is reduced.

Abstract: A device for the selective determination of the quantity of oil mist includes an impactor (1) with a micronozzle (4) for dispensing a predetermined volume of a gas to be tested, a baffle plate (5) arranged downstream of the micronozzle (4) for depositing oil particles. A window (7) is provided on the side of the baffle plate (5) facing away from the micronozzle (4).