Abstract: A method is provided for operating a diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment system including a DPF and a LNT. The LNT is regenerated as soot is combusting in the DPF. To accomplish this, reductant is injected between the DPF and the LNT during soot combustion, whereby the LNT experiences rich conditions as the DPF experiences lean conditions. Preferably, the DPF is of small size whereby the DPF is heated easily and needs to be regenerated almost as often as the LNT needs to be denitrated. In an exemplary process, DPF regeneration begins in response to a control signal to denitrate the LNT. Preferably, the reductant is diesel fuel and there is a fuel reformer between the DPF and the LNT. Oxygen consumed by soot combustion reduces the fuel penalty for regenerating the LNT and promotes stable reformer operation. Heat generated in the DPF helps warm the fuel reformer.

Abstract: One of the inventors' concepts relates to a power generation system, comprising a diesel engine and an exhaust system. The exhaust system comprises a first oxidation catalyst, a fuel reformer, and a LNT. A fuel injector is configured to inject fuel downstream of the oxidation catalyst, but upstream of the reformer. Preferably, the first oxidation catalyst is located near the engine. The first oxidation catalyst can extend the range of exhaust temperatures at which the aftertreatment devices operate by raising the temperature through reactions with residual hydrocarbons in the exhaust. The first oxidation catalyst also stabilizes the reformer operation by reducing the exhaust oxygen concentration. In a preferred embodiment, the engine operation is changed for LNT regenerations to increase the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment system including a DPF and a LNT in that order is operated with simultaneous soot combustion and LNT desulfation. When a control signal to desulfate the LNT is generated, the DPF is heated to ignite combustion of trapped soot. As the trapped soot is combusting in the DPF, reductant is injected downstream of the DPF, but upstream of the LNT at a rate that leaves the exhaust rich, whereby the LNT undergoes desulfation. Soot combustion reduces the fuel penalty for desulfation by removing oxygen from the exhaust. When a reformer is configured upstream of the LNT, soot combustion helps stabilize the reformer operation. In one embodiment, there are two fuel injectors; one upstream of the DPF and one between the DPF and the fuel reformer. Methods are provided for using this type of configuration to operate the reformer when the DPF is not being regenerated.

Abstract: A system, method and computer operable code is disclosed for reducing HC and liquid accumulation in an exhaust gas treatment system. A timer is used to monitor the amount of time the system spends in either absorption mode or desorption mode. If the exhaust gas temperature at the inlet of a oxidation catalyst device is below an absorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count up. If the exhaust gas temperature is above a desorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count down. At a predetermined timer threshold value, the engine is instructed to enter a thermal management mode operable to reduce accumulation of HC and liquid in the exhaust gas management system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for assisting regeneration of pollution management means (1) associated with oxidation catalyst forming means (2) implementing an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) function, and integrated in an exhaust line of a motor vehicle diesel engine (4), wherein the engine is associated with common ramp means (7) supplying fuel to the cylinders thereof. The invention is characterized in that it comprises means (8) for determining the frequency of the pollution management means regeneration and for comparing same to predetermined threshold values (10), to control the engine (4) in a first lean mixture regeneration operating mode (11) for frequencies less than the threshold values or in a second regeneration operating mode implementing engine operating sequences alternating rich mixture and lean mixture operating phases (12) for frequencies more than the threshold values.

Abstract: The present invention has for its problem to be solved to provide a technique in which in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine with a filter being arranged on an exhaust passage for trapping PM in an exhaust gas, it is possible to suppress an excessive rise in temperature of the filter during execution of filter regeneration control more preferably. In the present invention, when the amount of intake air in the internal combustion engine decreases up to an amount at which an excessive rise in temperature of the filter might be induced during the execution of filter regeneration control, the oxygen concentration of an ambient atmosphere around the filter is decreased up to a target oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A system comprises an engine including an exhaust system with a particle filter operable to collect particulate matter in exhaust produced by the engine, a sensor arrangement, a controller, and one or more engine control devices. The sensor arrangement provides a first sensor signal representative of oxygen in the exhaust and a second sensor signal representative of a temperature of the particle filter. The controller regulates operation of the particle filter in response to the sensor arrangement. The controller is structured to generate one or more output signals corresponding to a minimum exhaust flow rate as a function of the first and second sensor signals. The control devices are responsive to the one or more output signals to provide the minimum exhaust flow rate to the filter.

Abstract: Provided is a base metal undercoat containing catalyst and an exhaust article containing the catalyst. The catalyst contains a base metal undercoat with an oxygen storage component, and at least one catalytic layer. Also provided are methods for preparing the catalyst and methods for monitoring the oxygen storage capacity of an exhaust article containing the catalyst.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust filter construction includes a rectangular filter block, an elongated non-rectangular jacket with oval cross section, and support structure supporting the filter block in a center of the jacket. The support structure includes shielding components forming an insulating air gap with the jacket around the filter block (including a double-layered air gap in “hot” areas), and further includes support structure slidably supporting one end of the filter block to accommodate dissimilar thermal expansion. The structure further includes baffling components with angled surfaces directing input exhaust gases along efficient flow paths from an inlet cone into front, rear, and opposite sides of the filter block and further directing output exhaust gases from top and bottom sides of the filter block toward a longitudinally-centered outlet cone. Some components are identical is shape and size for use in different locations on the construction, thus simplifying tooling.

Abstract: A torque converter output augmentation apparatus includes a torque converter connected between an engine and a driven component in a drive train. The torque converter is connected into a hydraulic circuit along with a hydraulic fluid pressurizer, a hydraulic fluid container, and a valve. The hydraulic fluid pressurizer pressurizes hydraulic fluid received from the torque converter and the hydraulic fluid container stores pressurized hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic fluid pressurizer. A controller is programmed to cause the valve to alternately admit and block pressurized hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic fluid container to the torque converter. Pressurized fluid received from the hydraulic fluid container is directed within the torque converter in a manner that augments torque converter output to the driven component.

Abstract: Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic controller for working machine according to the present invention, which presupposes an electronic control system where an integrated bleed-off valve common to hydraulic actuators is used for bleed-off control and the bleed-off valve is controlled by the secondary pressure of a proportional solenoid valve controlled by a controller, is constituted to compensate supply of a pressure oil for the hydraulic actuators even if the secondary pressure of the proportional solenoid valve is stopped, by providing, at the bleed-off valve, a fail-safe position with a fail-safe path which opens with an opening having smaller area than an unload opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic circuit arrangement, in particular for the drive of concrete distributor masts. The circuit arrangement comprises at least one hydraulic load (34, 35, . . . ), the latter being connected at the inlet side by means of a feed line (64) to the pressure outlet of a hydraulic positive displacement pump (60), and comprises at least one proportional valve (56) which is arranged in the feed line (64), is assigned one of the loads and, in its rest position, blocks the feed line (64), and in an operating position, forms a throttle aperture (57) with a variable opening cross section. Also provided in the feed line (64) is a reversing group (82), which in the standby state is connected to the tank (62) and in the operating position is connected to the at least one load (34, 35, . . . ).

Abstract: A wave energy power generating apparatus includes a fixed base, a buoyant float unit and at least one gearing mechanism. The fixed base has a slide shaft mounted thereon for connecting with the buoyant float unit. The buoyant float unit includes a buoyant float slidably connected with the slide shaft, and at least one rack mechanism formed with a pair of rack members. The gearing mechanism includes a transmission shaft, and a pair of one-way gears connected with the transmission shaft and engaged with the rack members. The rack members can drive the one-way gears to rotate the transmission shaft in a single predetermined direction when an upward or downward movement of the buoyant float unit occurs.

Abstract: In a gas fueled internal combustion engine, in particular a natural gas fueled internal combustion engine, as well as in a method for fuelling an internal combustion engine with gas, in particular with natural gas, with a charged “downsizing” Otto engine and an injection of the gas, a homogenous stoichiometric gas-air mixture is set and the charging takes place by an exhaust turbo charger as well as a compressor, which can be turned off and is located above the exhaust turbo charger in the air suction route.

Abstract: A control system and method that compensates for changes in backpressure of an engine includes a pressure sensor that senses the backpressure. A boost compensation module that communicates with the pressure sensor, determines an averaged BC factor, and adjusts a variable geometry turbo based on the averaged BC factor.

Abstract: A multi-chamber heat accumulator for storing heat energy as well as for generating electrical energy comprises a pit structure having a bottom, a sidewall, and a cover. The pit structure comprises at least one inner zone with a first solid matter pit filling and at least one outer zone with a second solid matter pit filling. The outer zone at least partially surrounds the inner zone, the pit filling of the inner zone being separated at least in parts from the pit filling of the outer zone by at least one partition wall. The inner zone comprises at least one first pipeline system with at least one inlet to the inner zone and at least one outlet from the inner zone for passing fluids through, which is present at least in parts in the first pit filling material of the inner zone. A method for generating electrical energy is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting thermal to motive energy. Said system comprises at least one pressure vessel, having at least one upper injection orifice for a warm and/or cold fluid, and at least one liquid piston pump inside the pressure vessel which is coupled with a working cycle. The pressure vessel has a horizontal partition that is provided with a bore. Above said partition, a gas or gas mixture is present, and below the partition, the liquid piston pump is located.

Abstract: A method of reducing pollutants exhausted into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels. The disclosed process removes nitrogen from air for combustion, separates the solid combustion products from the gases and vapors and can capture the entire vapor/gas stream for sequestration leaving near-zero emissions. The invention produces up to three captured material streams. The first stream is contaminant-laden water containing SOx, residual NOx particulates and particulate-bound Hg and other trace contaminants. The second stream can be a low-volume flue gas stream containing N2 and O2 if CO2 purification is needed. The final product stream is a mixture comprising predominantly CO2 with smaller amounts of H2O, Ar, N2, O2, SOX, NOX, Hg, and other trace gases.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes three supports equally spaced apart about the annular fuel manifold, the three supports having at least two pin supports disposed between the fuel manifold and a surrounding gas generator casing. Each pin support includes a radially extending pin co-operating with an aligned ring slidingly disposed around the pin for relative sliding displacement therebetween. The pin supports providing axial constraint while permitting the fuel manifold to radially displace relative to the surrounding gas generator casing due to thermal size change.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel conveying member in fluid flow communication with at least one fuel nozzle, the fuel conveying member having at least first and second member portions sealingly engaged to one another, and means for conveying fuel defined at a junction between the first and second member portions. The means for conveying fuel is defined by at least part of two different walls of each of the first and second member portions.

Abstract: An exhaust liner assembly including an interface between moveable parts includes a seal liner having a plurality of slots. The size of each slot varies with the circumferential position of the liner assembly to provide a stable cavity pressure within the interface to create a stable barrier about the entire circumference of the exhaust liner assembly.

Abstract: A vectorable nozzle includes convergent and divergent sections and a throat therebetween. Heightwise spaced apart upper and lower walls outwardly bound a nozzle flowpath and extend aftwardly through the convergent and divergent sections from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. The upper wall includes triangular left and right side convergent upper panels pivotably mounted to a triangular convergent upper ramp in the convergent section along left and right side convergent angled hinge lines respectively. The upper wall further includes triangular left and right side divergent upper panels pivotably attached to a triangular divergent upper ramp in the divergent section along left and right side divergent angled hinge lines respectively. The left and right side convergent upper panels are in sealing engagement with the left and right side divergent upper panels along left and right side upper interfaces, respectively.

Abstract: An outlet device for a jet engine includes an outlet nozzle and a plurality of guide vanes arranged movably in the outlet nozzle for guiding a gas from the jet engine for the purpose of steering a craft equipped with the jet engine. At least one of the guide vanes can be adjusted into such a position that hot parts of the engine located inside the outlet nozzle are at least substantially concealed seen from the outlet side of the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: A crack-resistant floating collar mounting arrangement is provided comprising a collar mounted between spaced-apart mounting flanges, the flange being fixed to a dome from an outer surface unexposed to the hot combustor temperatures.

Abstract: A fuel modulation system usable in can-annular combustor systems of turbine engines for more efficiently managing fuel flow to reduce the amount of NOx while maintaining appropriate combustor flame temperatures. The fuel modulation system controls individual inline modulation valves in cooperation with a overall stage control valve to bring a turbine engine through the startup phase and to maintain operating conditions at a load set point while reducing NOx variability between baskets by using individual combustor dynamic pressure measurements. The fuel modulation system may be managed such that individual inline modulation valves remain within a predetermined range of positions relative to a nominal position to reduce NOx variability.

Abstract: A low emission turbine includes a reverse flow can-type combustor that generally includes a primary and secondary fuel delivery system that can be independently controlled to produce low CO, UHC, and NOx emissions at design set point and at conditions other than design set point. The reverse flow can-type combustor generally includes an annularly arranged array of swirler and mixer assemblies within the combustor, wherein each swirler and mixer in the array includes a primary and secondary fuel delivery system that can be independently controlled. Also disclosed herein is a can-type combustor that includes fluid passageways that perpendicularly impinge the backside of a heat shield. Processes for operating the can-type combustors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a flashback condition in a fuel nozzle (8) of a gas turbine (10) are provided. The fuel nozzle is configured to pass a flow of air (20) to be mixed with a fuel in a premixing zone (11). The apparatus includes at least one fuel injecting device (12) positioned to define a point of fuel injection in the premixing zone. The apparatus further includes an electrode (16) positioned upstream of the point of fuel injection. The electrode is adapted to sense a flashback condition that can occur in the premixing zone.

Abstract: A bleed valve (30) for a gas turbine engine (10) comprises a diffuser (50), through which heated compressor bleed air flows (54) into a bypass duct (22) air stream (B), has a plurality of small holes (40). The plurality of holes (40) is divided into two or more arrays of holes (52p,q,r), each array of holes (52p,q,r) is angled (?) away from one another so that their respective bleed flows (54p,q,r) do not coalesce. This separation improves mixing with the air stream (B) and helps prevent hot bleed air damaging nacelle and other engine components.

Abstract: A system of increasing overall fuel efficiency of a facility including a gas expansion engine for receiving a supply of pressurized gas of a first pressure and first temperature and outputting a tail gas of a second lower temperature and lower pressure. The expansion engine having a rotatable shaft as an energy output. An electric generator and/or other rotatable machinery is coupled to the rotatable shaft of the gas expansion engine. A heat exchanger may be used to transmit coldness from the tail gas of the expansion engine to an HVAC apparatus or an ice making apparatus or other plant process cooling equipment. A method of increasing overall fuel efficiency for a facility utilizing the afore described equipment is taught in the present invention.

Abstract: A gear shaft for a gearbox, the gear shaft having a spiral bevel gear integral and concentric therewith with portions of the gear shaft extending from each side of the spiral bevel gear, the spiral bevel gear having a negative helix angle.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for heating or cooling food to an appropriate temperature for service using a standard food service container, such as a chafing dish or food cart. A thermally conductive plate has a plurality of Peltier chips attached thereto to drive a temperature difference. The Peltier chips are in thermally conductive contact with a heat exchanger. A heat transfer liquid circulates through tubing in the heat exchanger and a separate radiator, perpetuating the temperature difference at the plate. The heat exchanger and radiator may be spaced apart by a gap. One or more fans may be placed to encourage airflow through the radiator. A coolant reservoir and pump may be included.

Abstract: A variety of liquids in containers can be cooled by a self-contained system for rapidly cooling liquids. A system utilizes cooling devices placed inside, outside, or integrated into containers for liquids. The cooling devices can utilize endothermic or other reactions to rapidly cool the liquids by storing cooling reactants separately and then causing them to mix or react upon demand.

Abstract: A motor vehicle operable by a cryogenically stored fuel with a removal device for condensed gas from a tank, particularly from a cryogenic tank. The removal device for the cryogenically stored fuel includes at least one removal pipe having a shut-off valve, which is operated by compressed air.

Abstract: On cold filling of pressure containers the filling gas is cooled before introduction into the pressure container to be filled. On completion of the filling process the pressure container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. As the gas warms up the pressure in the pressure container rises rapidly. According to the invention, the pressure container is cooled before the introduction of the filling gas. The filling gas cools rapidly by means of heat transfer to the pressure container, whereby the filling capacity of the pressure container is considerably increased. Said method is particularly suitable for the filling of small tanks, in particular, for gas-driven vehicles and fuel-cell systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating the appearance of clouds by forcing air over dry ice and channeling the resultant cloud out the top of an enclosure. The apparatus includes an insert having four sides, a bottom and an open top. A manifold may be coupled to a perforation in the insert wherein an optional silo may extends from the manifold toward the open top of the insert. The manifold and silo may be adapted to store dry ice, or dry ice may be stored in a chamber juxtaposed to the manifold. A fan juxtaposed to manifold forces air into the manifold and, ultimately, over the dry ice. The resultant cloud is then channeled out of the manifold by a diffuser plate and, ultimately, out of the enclosure. In one embodiment, feet beneath the manifold provide a gap between the enclosure and the apparatus such that the cloud exits the enclosure.

Abstract: A freezer for the storage of blood plasma and other blood products is disclosed.

Abstract: An accumulator and associated method substantially reduces if not eliminates a bump energy event associated with the use of a U-tube. A bypass or pressure equalizing passage is provided between upper portions of a U-shape return tube for reducing the pressure difference on opposite sides of any accumulated liquid refrigerant in the bottom of the U-tube upon compressor start-up. This prevents or substantially prevents the liquid “slug” from entering the suction line leading to the compressor. The diameter of the U-tube in the lower region of the accumulator's canister is reduced relative to the diameter of the upper portions of the return tube, thereby reducing the volume of liquid refrigerant that can accumulate in the return tube. The reduction also increases the flow velocity of the gas phase refrigerant for improving oil recirculation.

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

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cold air circulating apparatus includes: a main body, which is provided with a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment for preserving food items, and a temperature controlled compartment for preserving food items, separately from the freezer and the refrigerator compartments; a first cooling unit formed at the rear side of the freezer compartment for supplying cold air into the freezer compartment; a second cooling unit formed at the rear side of the refrigerator compartment for providing cold air into the refrigerator compartment; a cold air circulating device for circulating air inside the temperature controlled compartment by using the first cooling unit or the second cooling unit; and a control unit for controlling operations of the cold air circulating device to thereby regulate temperature inside the temperature controlled compartment, based on a user-set temperature for the temperature controlled compartment.

Abstract: A method (126) and a low capacity controller (28) enable a chiller system (20) to operate below a minimum allowable capacity. The chiller system (20) includes a chiller (40) and a chiller fluid loop (30), having a supply line (36) for conveying a chiller fluid (34) from the chiller (40) and a return line (38) for returning the chiller fluid (34) to the chiller (40). A capacity demand for the chiller (40) is determined. When the capacity demand is less than a minimum allowable capacity of the chiller (40), the chiller fluid (34) is routed from the return line (38) to a heat exchanger (96) of the low capacity controller (28) where the chiller fluid (34) is warmed and returned to the return line (38). The warmed chiller fluid (34) establishes a false capacity demand, detectable at the chiller (40), that is at least the minimum allowable capacity.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a valve assembly located at a refrigerant path from a condenser to at least one expansion valve for controlling flow of a refrigerant from the condenser to the at least one expansion valve. The valve assembly includes a valve chamber, wherein the refrigerant drawn from the condenser is held in the valve chamber; at least one outlet hole through which the refrigerant held in the valve chamber is discharged to a corresponding outlet path connected to the at least one expansion valve; and a valve body for selectively opening and closing the at least one outlet hole as the valve body rotates, such that the refrigerant held in the valve chamber is selectively discharged to the corresponding outlet path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner for vehicles, and more particularly, to an air conditioner for vehicles, in which a seat vent is formed on an air-conditioning case to supply some of air existing in a mixing area formed inside the air-conditioning case to the seat and a heat exchanger for seat is also mounted in the air-conditioning case, thereby securing an installation space for installing convenient devices inside a seat, and in which the air conditioner is utilized to cool and heat the seat, thereby reducing consumption of energy by enhancing efficiency, decreasing the number of components since additional temperature-adjusting door is not needed, and supplying a fixed amount of air to the seat regardless of air-conditioning modes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a low-temperature showcase in which dew condensation water from outer surfaces of transparent walls is securely treated and in which air can smoothly be blown from a mechanical chamber to the outer surfaces of the transparent walls. The low-temperature showcase includes a showroom having the transparent walls, the mechanical chamber constituted under this showroom, and a cooling unit constituted of a compressor, a condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like arranged in the mechanical chamber. The low-temperature showcase further comprises blow-off portions which are formed at lower portions of the transparent walls and which blow air discharged from the fan for the condenser in the mechanical chamber toward outer surfaces of the transparent walls, and water receiving portions which are defined between the blow-off portions and the outer surfaces of the transparent walls and which allows inflow of dew condensation water flowing down along the outer surfaces of the transparent walls.

Abstract: A direct expansion/direct exchange (“DX”) geothermal heating/cooling system having a plurality of pin restrictors positioned in housing units at ground accessible locations. The pin restrictors are preferably located near the compressor unit and on the field side of the distributor. Refrigerant is substantially equally distributed by a distributor to substantially equally sized line sets in the DX system with multiple wells. The distributors are place in either horizontal or vertical inclinations with the pin restrictors situated on the field side of the distributor in each individual liquid refrigerant transport line. A cut-off ball valve is located within the liquid refrigerant transport line on each side of the respective pin restrictor housing units. A filter/dryer is place within the same liquid refrigerant transport line segment as the pin restrictor(s) with a refrigerant flow shut-off valve being situated on each side of the liquid line segment containing the filter/dryer and the distributor.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system using ground heat. The system includes one or more indoor units, at least one outdoor unit, a ground heat exchanger, and a plurality of auxiliary heat sources. The one or more indoor units condition indoor air. The at least one outdoor unit communicates with the indoor units via a plurality of pipes, and includes an outdoor heat exchanger where heat exchange occurs. The ground heat exchanger is connected with the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and laid under the ground to allow heat to be exchanged between ground heat and a circulating medium circulating through the ground heat exchanger. The plurality of auxiliary heat sources are installed on one side of the outdoor unit to assist heat exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger. Two or more auxiliary heat sources are simultaneously used, or one of them is selectively used.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a fluid deliverable to a space. The evaporator is connected to the condenser via an inlet line and to the compressor via a suction line. A refrigeration circuit is defined by the compressor, condenser, inlet line, evaporator, and suction line. A refrigeration mode of the refrigeration circuit transfers heat from the fluid to a refrigerant in the evaporator and accumulates frost on the evaporator. The evaporator, a bypass line connected to the suction line and to the inlet line, a portion of the suction line, and a portion of the inlet line define a defrost circuit that circulates refrigerant in a defrost mode to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the frost on the evaporator. The refrigerant flows by gravity from the evaporator to one of the portion of the suction line and the portion of the inlet line in the defrost mode.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an indoor unit casing having a first suction port, a panel, a moving mechanism, and a control unit. The panel opens the first suction port by moving so that the panel is spaced apart from the indoor unit casing, and closes the first suction port by moving so that the panel is proximate to the indoor unit casing. The moving mechanism moves the panel so that the first suction port is opened to a desired degree of opening. The control unit controls the moving mechanism. Furthermore, the control unit is capable of modifying the degree of opening of the first suction port to a desired degree of opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates an air filter for filtering an airflow passing along at least one refrigeration component into surrounding spaces. The air filter is positioned in an upper machine compartment which houses refrigeration components associated with maintaining temperatures in the refrigerator. At least one sensor is arranged adjacent the air filter to determine a parameter of the air flow. A control, including an air filter analyzer, determines a need for an air filter change based on the sensed parameter. In addition to removing impurities from the airflow, the air filter includes scented media which adds fragrance to the airflow.

Abstract: An dispensing system suitable for lifting and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator or lifting and dispensing ice from an undercounter ice maker to a dispenser on the countertop.