Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain carboxylic monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices. The polymeric compositions comprise polymerized carboxylic hydrophilic siloxanyl monomers.

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: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: A vacuum sealer for packaging, sealing and storing items and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer is disclosed. The vacuum sealer has a means to feed, form, seal and cut film bags for storing items. The vacuum sealer preferably includes a body, a top portion, a base portion, a film cartridge, a drive mechanism, a sealing and cutting mechanism and a vacuum/pump mechanism. The film cartridge is operatively positioned in a feed opening in a top portion of the vacuum sealer. The film cartridge houses film for forming film bags for use in the vacuum sealer. The film cartridge may have tubular film contained in a collapsed state or may have two film rolls which are brought together and sealed at the edges. The vacuum sealer may be used in a vertical orientation or optionally in a horizontal or angled orientation.

Abstract: An air cleaner including an improved airflow path is provided according to the invention. The air cleaner includes a duct extending between an air inlet of the air cleaner and an air outlet, with the duct being configured to conduct an airflow. The duct includes a shaped input region located downstream of one or more air cleaning components and upstream of an impeller, a curved transition region downstream of the shaped input region, with the curved transition region transitioning the airflow from an air inlet orientation to an air outlet orientation, and an expansion output region downstream of the curved transition region, with the expansion output region allowing the airflow to expand. The air cleaner further includes the impeller located in the curved transition region of the air duct. The airflow is smoothly conducted from the air inlet to the air outlet by the duct.

Abstract: A filter for engine exhaust gases includes a housing coupled to an engine to receive engine exhaust gases, and a filter media which is located in the housing. The filter media includes a plurality of filter passages, and a plurality of particles of a transition metal deposited on at least a portion of the filter media. The size of the particles are approximately thirty nanometers or less.

Abstract: A crop-processing device with a picking-up and cutting device for picking up and cutting an agricultural product. The crop-processing device furthermore has a discharge duct for discharging cut agricultural product from the crop-processing device, in which discharge duct first and second rotating accelerating elements are arranged for conveying the cut agricultural product through the discharge duct by contact with the cut agricultural product. The peripheral speed of the second accelerating element is greater than the peripheral speed of the first accelerating element. As a result, the acceleration up to the desired discharge speed, and thus the discharge of the product, is more uniform. Furthermore, the device requires less power than known crop-processing devices.

Abstract: A cutter head includes first and second mounts that are configured to allow coupling with various motive equipment, such as a tractor or an excavator. The first mount may be mounted on the rear of the cutter head chassis for coupling with the tractor, while the second mount may be mounted on the top of the cutter head chassis for coupling with the excavator. A pressure gauge includes an adjustment arrangement such that the position of the display of the pressure gauge can be adjusted for viewing of the operator of the tractor or excavator. The cutter head may include a cooler assembly that works off or in conjunction with a primary cooler assembly of the tractor or excavator. The cutter head may include an excavator linkage equipped with a bushing assembly.

Abstract: A spring system is described for a feeder device of an agricultural harvester having a first roller movably mounted in a casing and biased by the spring system towards a second roller in order the compress crop passing between the two rollers. The spring system comprises at least one spring surrounding a guide rod 200 that extends in use between a movable support of the first roller and the casing of the feeder device. The guide rod 200 is formed of two telescopically collapsible parts 210, 212, one connected to the roller support and the other to the casing.

Abstract: A knife section for a mower provides a base portion and at least one knife extending longitudinally from the base portion. Each knife includes a single breakage hole having a length extending longitudinally from the base. The breakage hole includes opposed non-parallel sides defining a variable width hole along its length. The hole provides for permitting the knife to break along a region which transversely intersects the non-parallel sides.

Abstract: A discharge chute blocker system and method comprises a plate slidably mounted to a frame, which enables an operator to selectively block discharge as it travels through a discharge chute. Among other multiple embodiments and alternatives, a system and method for remote actuation of the discharge chute blocker is described.

Abstract: A pick up element (1) for agricultural products having a thin and long-limbed shape such as grass, straw, leguminous and similar products comprises long-limbed pick up prongs (10) developing along a development line (11) between a first and a second end (110,111) and ideally divided, along the development line (11) into: a taking up zone (100) of the agricultural products from the ground comprising the first end (110); a transport zone (101) of the agricultural products consecutive to the taking up zone (100) wherein the development line (11) defines a holding and transport concavity (112) of the agricultural products; a hooking zone (102) consecutive to the transport zone (101) and comprising the second end (111).

Abstract: Tip end sides of two spun yarns are turned back in the shape of “J”, and opposed to each other so that turned-back portions can be linked to each other. The tip end sides of the spun yarns are intertwined to the base end sides of the turned-back portions so as to be joined to each other, and the intertwining is performed within the spun yarns. Accordingly, piecing can be securely performed irrespective of the type of a mating material. Since no knot is formed, the possibility can be lowered that a portion of knitting yarns becomes an obstacle when forming stitches, or is caught on a knitting needle and breaks the yarns. Since the yarns are linked to each other at the turned-back portions, color mixture is not caused even when the colors of the yarns are different from each other, and thus quality and appearance can be improved.

Abstract: A method for adjusting fuel flow to individual combustion chambers in a gas turbine having fuel nozzles for each combustion chamber, manifolds for supplying fuel to at least one fuel nozzle in each combustion chamber, wherein the manifolds have flow metering devices for the fuel nozzles and a controller for adjusting the flow metering devices, the method including: supplying fuel to the combustion chambers through at least one of the manifolds; combusting the fuel in the combustion chambers and generating exhaust gases which drive the gas turbine; determining whether one of the combustion chambers is operating relatively lean or rich by actuating a corresponding to the one of the combustion chambers to adjust fuel flowing to the one of the combustion chambers; sensing a condition of the exhaust gases at various exhaust regions in the exhaust gases and determining a change in the condition of the exhaust gas due to the actuation of the flow metering device, and correlating the change in the sensed condition of

Abstract: The present invention relates generally or preferably to pulsed hypersonic compression waves and more particularly to shaped charge devices using pulsed hypersonic compression waves to create thrust, two-cycle internal and external combustion engines, rotary machines and more specifically to internal and external rotary combustion engines, fluid compressors, vacuum pumps, and drive turbines for expandable gases or pressurized fluid and water, as well as hydrogen. Other systems include machines and procedures employed during in-process drying of moisture-laden materials employing a reaction chamber forming a pressurized and heated gas.

Abstract: A turbofan engine has a fan on a front side thereof and a turbine driving the fan. The turbofan engine includes a disk rotationally driven by the turbine, a spinner detachably mounted at a front side of the disk, a spiral blade integrally mounted on a surface of the spinner, and a rear moving blade detachably mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the disk. The spiral blade and the rear moving blade form a first-stage moving blade of the fan.

Abstract: A system for providing an oxidizer and a fuel to a rocket engine is provided. The system includes a fuel supply system. The fuel supply system includes a fuel pump that pumps fuel to the rocket engine. The system includes a coolant supply system that supplies a coolant to the rocket engine, and a power plant that powers at least one of the fuel supply system and the coolant supply system. The power plant is powered by energy received from the coolant system.

Abstract: A procedure to diagnose a particle filter disposed in an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine as well as a device to implement the procedure is proposed. Provision is made to ascertain the degree of efficiency of the particle filter on the basis of the upstream particle flow occurring upstream in front of the particle filter and on the basis of the downstream particle flow occurring downstream behind the particle filter. The ascertainment of the degree of efficiency of the particle filter allows for an On-Board-Diagnosis of the particle filter, with which compliance with specified exhaust gas threshold values can be assured.

Abstract: An exhaust filter regeneration regime is described in which a filter is regenerated by triggering an exothermic reaction in the filter to burn off particulate load. In order to attain the appropriate regeneration temperatures fuel is injected in the exhaust stream and oxidizes upon contact with a catalytic converter. A control regime comprises metering fuel injection dependent upon exhaust stream temperature to provide a flexible control regime independent of engine duty cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling the function of a diesel engine (1) in a motor vehicle, provided with anti-pollution means (6, 7), comprising an oxidation catalyst (6) and arranged in the exhaust system (3) of said engine (1). The catalyst (6) has at least one non-initialised state and one initialised state and the engine (1) is provided with means (8) for supplying the engine cylinders with fuel by means of at least one injection during the recovery phase thereof. Said system comprises a single temperature sensor (18) upstream of the catalyst (6) and means (19), for controlling the supply means (8) which can control the switching of the phase control and/or the quantity of fuel injected during the recovery phase between a first value for the initialisation of the catalyst and a second value for maintaining the initialised state of the catalyst as a function of the measured temperature upstream of the catalyst.

Abstract: A motor vehicle exhaust aftertreatment system includes an exhaust conduit that includes a NOx adsorber, a particulate filter, a reformer for generating reformate containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a fuel source, a reformate conduit, and an oxygen sensor. In response to a pressure drop through the particulate filter attaining a threshold value, reformate is introduced under selected controlled flow conditions into the exhaust conduit and caused to undergo combustion. The resulting exotherm maintains the temperature within the particulate filter within a selected range that is effective to cause oxidation and removal of soot from the particulate filter. Introduction of reformate into the exhaust conduit is discontinued when the pressure drop through the particulate filter is decreased to a selected value.

Abstract: The invention makes use of an exhaust gas catalyst, comprising an active component comprising at least one type of metal from noble metals and transition metals; NOx-absorbing material for absorbing and releasing nitrogen oxides according to the surrounding nitrogen oxide concentration; and compounds represented by A2O2SO4 and/or A2O2S (A is a rare earth element).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic modular unit having two rotating impellers—a primary impeller (3) and a secondary impeller (4)—which jointly form at least one toroidal working chamber (5), having at least one inlet (6) into the toroidal working chamber (5) for operating medium and an outlet (7) out from the toroidal working chamber, the inlet (6) and the outlet (5?) being connected to each other via a circuit (8), and having an operating-medium source (10) that can be coupled to the inlet at least indirectly. The inventive hydrodynamic modular unit is characterized by the following features: means (9) for coupling the operating-medium source to the inlet and the outlet simultaneously or in a slightly time-delayed manner.

Abstract: A system is described for converting the energy contained in each ocean wave into mechanical energy used to drive an electric generator. The system is built around a large weight that sits atop an air-filled raft inside a chamber that is partly open to the ocean on one side. Water from each incoming wave pushes the raft upward in the chamber. As the water level subsides, the weight exerts a pulling force onto a gear system that in turn drives a standard electrical generator. The system is simple in design, it is highly scalable and inexpensive to construct with off-the-shelve components and building materials.

Abstract: A cascade power system and a method are disclosed for using a high temperature flue gas stream to directly or indirectly vaporize a lean and rich stream derived from an incoming, multi-component, working fluid stream, extract energy from these streams, condensing a spent stream and repeating the vaporization, extraction and condensation cycle.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger with an exhaust gas turbine in an exhaust tract, a power turbine arranged downstream of the exhaust gas turbine and an exhaust gas treatment unit arranged downstream of the power turbine, a pressure control device is provided in the exhaust tract downstream of the exhaust gas turbocharger and is moved toward a pressure release position so as to limit the exhaust gas pressure downstream of the exhaust gas turbine when the exhaust gas flow resistance in the exhaust gas treatment unit becomes excessive for example by a clogged particle filter.

Abstract: There is described an exhaust gas turbocharger which comprises a compressor and a turbine having an adjusting drive for adjusting a turbine geometry. A performance characteristic is determined depending on a turbine output, a mass flow through the turbine and a gas temperature upstream of the turbine. A mass flow characteristic is determined depending on the mass flow through the turbine and the gas temperature upstream of the turbine and a gas pressure downstream of the turbine. Depending on the performance characteristic and the mass flow characteristic, an adjuster position of the adjusting drive for adjusting the turbine geometry is determined using a characteristic diagram. For control, an adjusting signal for controlling the adjusting drive is determined depending on the adjuster position for adjusting the turbine geometry. For diagnosis of the exhaust gas turbocharger, the exhaust gas turbocharger is diagnosed depending on the adjuster position.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine having a plurality of combustion cylinders, and an exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the plurality of combustion cylinders. The exhaust manifold may be divided into first and second sections. The first section may be fluidly coupled to a first group of combustion cylinders, and the second section may be fluidly coupled to a second group of combustion cylinders. The engine assembly may also include a turbocharger having an exhaust turbine configured to receive exhaust from the first section. The engine assembly may further include a proportional valve assembly configured to selectively fluidly couple the second section to at least one of the turbocharger and an exhaust recirculation loop.

Abstract: In a supercharged internal combustion engine having an intake duct and an exhaust gas recirculation system and comprising an exhaust gas turbine with two separate flow passages of different flow cross-sections arranged upstream of a turbine rotor of the exhaust gas turbine, each flow passage being in communication with a respective engine exhaust line for supplying it with exhaust gas and an exhaust gas recirculation line extending from one of the engine exhaust lines to the engine intake duct, a bypass line bypassing the exhaust gas turbine is provided and a common control element is arranged in the recirculation line of the exhaust gas recirculation system and in the bypass line for controlling the exhaust gas flow from the recirculation line selectively to none or any of the intake duct and the turbine bypass line.

Abstract: A system for recirculating exhaust gas in an engine system includes a turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation system. The turbocharger includes a turbine driven by the exhaust gas from an engine, and a compressor operatively connected to the turbine. The compressor includes an air inlet and a diffuser portion located downstream of the air inlet. The exhaust gas recirculation system includes a fluid passage having an inlet fluidly connected to an outlet of the engine, and an outlet fluidly connected to the diffuser portion of the compressor and located downstream of the air inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A high temperature solar power tower system includes a molten salt heat transfer medium, a high temperature solar receiver, and an energy conversion system. The molten salt heat transfer medium is capable of being heated to a temperature of at least approximately 1200 degrees Fahrenheit by the high temperature solar receiver. The energy conversion system uses the heated molten salt to generate power.

Abstract: A space-based power system including a plurality of power system elements in space. The power system elements include solar cells that receive sunlight and generate electricity from sunlight, a power module for converting electricity into radio frequency or optical energy for transmission to a pre-determined location, such as a power station, planet or satellite. Emitters of the power module that output the energy are arranged in a nadir direction, and the solar cells are arranged in a non-nadir direction. One or more components are arranged to adjust the phase or timing of the energy output by the emitters.

Abstract: A recuperative air storage plant comprising a gas turbine set and a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, exhaust gas heat from the gas turbine set can be transferred to a pressurized stored fluid which flows from a storage volume to a expansion machine. A flow junction with an exhaust gas damper which can be operated in a plurality of positions is arranged in the exhaust gas path of the gas turbine set, upstream of the heat exchanger. This exhaust gas damper makes it possible to divide the exhaust gas mass flow (m0) of the gas turbine set in a variable fashion between a stack and the heat exchanger. In this way it is possible to operate the gas turbine set quickly at high power in the electric power network independently of the heat exchanger and the expansion machine, while the thermal load of the air storage part is slowly increased by incrementally increasing the exhaust gas proportion (m1) which flows to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting an air/fuel mixture into a combustion chamber, which is to be mounted within a restricted space. This injection device (20) comprises a bowl (70) having an external cylindrical wall (73) continued at its downstream end by a divergent section (74) provided, downstream, with a collar (75) having the form of a ring extending radially outward, the divergent section of the bowl being connected, immediately upstream of the flange, by a connecting wall (76) to a cylindrical ring (77), the cylindrical ring and the connecting wall forming a connection rim oriented in the upstream direction. At least one row of vortex holes (79) is formed in the external cylindrical wall, close to its upstream end, and the connecting wall of the connection rim of the bowl is provided with a row of cooling orifices (81) inclined axially at an angle y to the axis of symmetry of the injection device.

Abstract: A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) selectively rotates a synchronizing ring relative the static ring to adjust a flap assembly through a linkage to vary an annular fan exit area through which fan air is discharged. By adjusting the FVAN, engine thrust and fuel economy are maximized during each flight regime.

Abstract: A sprung seal assembly includes a flexible sprung seal having a center section disposed between opposing curved and cantilevered first and second end sections. First and second free edges of the first and second end sections respectively are trapped within a retainer. First and second sliding lugs attached to the first and second free edges respectively are slidably disposed in first and second channels respectively. The first and second free edges are trapped in the retainer by the first and second sliding lugs disposed in the first and second channels between a mounting surface and the retainer attached to the mounting surface. The center section may have a wear strip. The sprung seal assembly may be disposed between a relatively fixed sidewall and a relatively movable flap of a nozzle assembly. The retainer is mounted to the flap and the center section is in sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the sidewall.

Abstract: A system (10) and method of modifying a combined cycle power generation system (12, 14, 16, 18). In one embodiment of the invention an existing system includes one or more first gas turbines, one or more first steam turbines, and one or more heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs). An exemplary method includes providing at least one second gas turbine of greater operating efficiency than each of the one or more first gas turbines and connecting at least one existing HRSG to receive exhaust output from the second gas turbine to generate steam. Also according to the invention a path is provided for mixing steam exiting a high pressure steam turbine with steam generated in a low pressure HRSG to route such mixed steam through a reheat section of a high temperature, high pressure HRSG so that reheated mixed steam exiting the reheat section can be routed into a low pressure steam turbine.

Abstract: The engine comprises a low pressure stage (1) and a high pressure stage (2) with two independent rotors (3,4) and associated fixed fluid preparation members (9,10,13,14), combining “compressor” means (15,16) and “expander” means (17,18) and at least one combustion chamber (19,20) in a central volume defined axially by the rotors (3,4) and laterally by three substantially cylindrical, coaxial walls (22,23,24), defining in pairs an outer duct (25) connecting the outlet of the LP compressor (15) to the inlet of the HP compressor (16) and an inner duct (26) connecting the outlet of the HP compressor (16) to the inlet of a first combustion chamber (19), whose outlet supplies the HP expander (18) with gases produced by combustion guided to the inlet of the LP expander (17), whose outlet is in communication with the outside via at least one exhaust opening (41) for the combustion gases.

Abstract: A system for delivering vapor phase fluid at an elevated pressure from a transport vessel containing liquefied or two-phase fluid is provided. The system includes: (a) a transport vessel positioned in a substantially horizontal position; (b) one or more energy delivery elements disposed on the lower portion of the transport vessel wherein the energy delivery devices include a heating means and a first insulation means, wherein the energy delivery devices are configured to the contour of the transport vessel; (c) one or more substantially rigid support devices disposed on the outer periphery of the energy delivery devices, wherein the support devices hold the energy delivery devices in thermal contact with a lower portion of the transport vessel; and (d) one or more attaching devices secure the rigid support devices onto the transport vessel and hold the energy delivery devices between the substantially rigid support device and a wall of the transport vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a user to change a filter dryer of a refrigerant recovery unit having a refrigerant determining module that is configured to determine a condition of the refrigerant or an amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter dryer, or a condition of the filter dryer, an alert device that notifies the user to change the filter dryer in response to the condition, a pressure module that regulates the pressure in the filter dryer, and a pressure-sensing device that is configured to detect a change of pressure in response to filter dryer maintenance. The refrigerant recovery unit is disabled from recovering refrigerant when the refrigerant determining module determines that the filter dryer needs to be replaced, and it is activated in response to the change of pressure detected by the pressure-sensing device.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration system with a compressing unit, and a method of controlling a refrigeration system. To facilitate a better control, the capacity of the compressing unit is controlled based on a predicted future cooling demand rather than an actually determined cooling demand. The invention further provides a system wherein a cost value for changing the cooling capacity of the system is taken into consideration.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a temperature controlled compartment partitioned from the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, a door for the temperature controlled compartment, a cooling unit installed in the temperature controlled compartment for supplying cold air to the temperature controlled compartment, a duct for defining a flow passage of the cold air to circulate the cold air supplied from the cooling unit within the temperature controlled compartment, a blower fan for blowing the cold air supplied from the cooling unit through the duct, and a control unit for generating control signals to drive the cooling unit and the blower fan so as to maintain a temperature in the temperature controlled compartment at a set temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a heat source unit, an air supply device, and a heating medium circuit. The heat source unit heats a heating medium that is used for heating the room. The air supply device supplies outdoor air to the room as ventilation air. The heating medium circuit includes at least one room heating device that releases the heat of the heating medium, and an outdoor air heating device that heats the ventilation air with the heat of the heating medium. The heating medium circuit circulates the heating medium between among the room heating device, the outdoor air heating device, and the heating medium—refrigerant heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cut-out circuit for an air conditioner, which protects the air conditioning system components when subjected to low pressure conditions, without requiring manually resetting the system after low pressure cut-out, but which requires resetting after high pressure cut-out. The cut-out circuit includes a device, preferably a relay, connectable to a voltage source and through a normally closed low pressure switch to a compressor clutch, the relay being operable in a closed state to output a voltage from the voltage source through the low pressure switch to the clutch, and in an open state to cease outputting or interrupting the voltage. The low pressure switch is operable to open responsive to a low pressure condition, to interrupt voltage flow to the clutch.

Abstract: Disclosed here is an air conditioner and the control method thereof comprising an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger for the heat exchanging of the outdoor air and refrigerant; at least one indoor unit corresponding to the outdoor unit and having indoor heat exchanger for the heat exchanging of the room air and refrigerant; an expansion valve installed on the refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and expanding the refrigerant; and a control device controlling the opening speed of the expansion valve in accordance with the operation modes of the indoor unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses that support the transfer of data from a thermostat unit to a controller unit to control a variable speed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The duty cycle of a signal (that is sent from a thermostat unit to a controller unit) is adjusted in accordance with a temperature difference between the ambient temperature of an environmentally controlled space and a set temperature. The controller unit measures the duty cycle to determine the temperature difference and adjusts the speed of a blower motor or compressor in accordance with the temperature difference. The signal is switched on and off, in which the AC waveform is conducted and blocked by the thermostat unit and received by the controller unit. The controller unit measures the duty cycle of the received signal, determines the temperature from the duty cycle, and adjusts the speed from a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater for heating a liquid comprising: a heat pump; a liquid tank in heat communication with the heat pump, wherein the liquid tank comprises the liquid; and at least one metal condenser tube immersed into the liquid, wherein the metal condenser tube forms at least one coil. The metal condenser tube has a flattened double-tube configuration and a cross-section defined by concentric ovals such that at least a portion of the concentric ovals is in contact with one another thereby minimizing space between the flattened double-tubes. The heat pump comprises a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the tube-in-tube heat exchanger recovers heat from refrigerant returning from the liquid tank and transfers the recovered heat to refrigerant going to the compressor thereby superheating the refrigerant.

Abstract: A food preparation unit includes a food product storage and display section with a plurality of pans and an associated pan cooling arrangement.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner wherein a pipe retaining member retaining auxiliary piping connected to a heat exchanger is disposed near both a lateral side and an underside of a bottom frame. The pipe retaining member is bent in an L-shape, and its short plate is exposed on the underside of the bottom frame. The pipe retaining member can be removed only by slightly separating a lower part of the bottom frame from a wall in the fixed state of the indoor unit to the wall. Since the heat exchanger can be separated from the bottom frame without disconnecting the auxiliary piping from communication piping, maintenance work such as washing of the heat exchanger is efficiently performed without requiring much time and effort for separating the auxiliary piping from the communication piping.

Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.