Abstract: A water-gas shift catalyst in an exhaust gas recirculation system of either a naturally-aspirated or forced induction fuel-injected internal combustion engine uses a water-gas shift reaction to increase the amount of hydrogen in recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: A energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine which dynamically allocates heat energy to multiple vehicle accessory systems

Abstract: A energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine which dynamically allocates heat energy to multiple vehicle accessory systems

Abstract: Because the efficiency of the thermal energy storage technology is inherently restricted, its beneficial use is limited to very particular economic boundary conditions, i.e. a large difference between the value of electricity going into the unit and the value of electricity coming out of the unit. With the reduction in wind power equipment prices and the cost of fossil fuels and/or their combustion products this is occasionally the case for wind power. Wind is a free fuel and the value of wind power when there is too little load demand is essentially zero, and the value of wind power when there is demand is considerable indeed. Under these circumstances, a combination of electrothermal energy storage and combustion of (fossil) fuels as an auxiliary heat source provides for a cost efficient system for storing energy and an economical way of generating electricity.

Abstract: A segmented heat exchanger system for transferring heat energy from an exhaust fluid to a working fluid. The heat exchanger system may include a first heat exchanger for receiving incoming working fluid and the exhaust fluid. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least a portion of the first heat exchanger in a parallel flow configuration. In addition, the heat exchanger system may include a second heat exchanger for receiving working fluid from the first heat exchanger and exhaust fluid from a third heat exchanger. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least a portion of the second heat exchanger in a counter flow configuration. Furthermore, the heat exchanger system may include a third heat exchanger for receiving working fluid from the second heat exchanger and exhaust fluid from the first heat exchanger. The working fluid and exhaust fluid may travel through at least a portion of the third heat exchanger in a parallel flow configuration.

Abstract: A logic boiler that consists of a concentrated solar energy boiler, a thermal storage system, and a traditional fossil fuel boiler is replacement of the traditional fossil fuel boiler in a power plant for solar thermal electric power generation. The thermal storage system or fossil fuel boiler compensates the output steam of the solar energy boiler to provide on demand, reliable and regulated steam for steam turbine. The controls sequences provide results that maximize the output of the solar boiler while provide the regulated and fast responded steam to the turbine. The control sequences also provide an algorithm to store excessive thermal energy from the solar energy boiler into the thermal storage system. The power plant sees the logic boiler as a conventional boiler without knowing the details of working sequences between the solar boiler and fossil fuel boiler or thermal storage.

Abstract: A powertrain including an HCCI engine is disclosed. The HCCI engine is configured to supply mechanical power, and a generator operably coupled to the HCCI engine is configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical power into one of electric energy and hydraulic energy. The powertrain further includes a motor operably coupled to the generator. The powertrain also includes an energy storage device operably coupled to the generator and the motor. The powertrain further includes a controller configured to control the powertrain such that energy stored in the energy storage device is supplied to the motor when the HCCI engine supplies insufficient mechanical power to the generator to supply the motor with sufficient power to meet power requirements of the powertrain, until the HCCI engine supplies sufficient mechanical power to the generator to supply the motor with sufficient power to meet the power requirements of the powertrain.

Abstract: An air storage plant comprises a storage volume for a pressurized storage fluid, a storage fluid expansion machine and a generator which is arranged with the expansion machine on a common power train. During the start up of the air storage plant, the generator is operated at least temporarily electromotively in order to assist the acceleration of the rotor of the expansion machine. This allows a more rapid acceleration of the expansion machine to the rated rotational speed and, consequently, earlier synchronization and an earlier power output than acceleration caused solely by the storage fluid flowing through.

Abstract: An ECS system includes an ACM mounted adjacent an air-liquid heat exchanger through a diffuser that contains a diffuser plate. The diffuser plate receives airflow from the ACM which strikes the diffuser plate and flows radially outward and around the diffuser plate and into the air-liquid heat exchanger to provide minimal pressure loss and proper flow distribution into the air-liquid heat exchanger with significantly less packaging space.

Abstract: An exhaust duct assembly includes a cooling liner spaced apart from an exhaust duct case that articulate for use in a short take off vertical landing (STOVL) type of aircraft. The cooling liner assembly is attached to the exhaust duct case through a foldable attachment hanger system. The foldable attachment hanger system provides a low profile (foldable up/down) for a limited access installation envelope typical of a three bearing swivel duct (3BSD) which rotates about three bearing planes to permit transition between a cruise configuration and a hover configuration. In this way, each cooling liner segment may be formed as a complete cylindrical member requiring joints only between the swivelable duct sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust nozzle for a bypass turbomachine, the nozzle comprising a central body, a primary cowl surrounding the central body to define a primary channel, and a secondary cowl surrounding the primary cowl to define a secondary annular channel, the secondary cowl comprising a stationary portion and a movable portion disposed to extend the stationary portion and capable of moving longitudinally upstream and downstream relative to the stationary portion and relative to the primary cowl so as to vary the exhaust section and/or the throat section of the nozzle, the stationary portion of the secondary cowl presenting a plurality of spaced-apart repetitive patterns disposed extending its trailing edge, and the movable portion of the secondary cowl including in its outside surface a plurality of indentations of shapes complementary to the patterns of the stationary portion.

Abstract: A low-pressure turbine of a gas turbine is disclosed. The turbine comprises a number of stages arranged one behind the other in an axial manner in the flow-through direction of the turbine. Each stage is formed from a fixed vane ring having a number of vanes and from a rotating blade ring having a number of blades. Each stage is characterized by a characteristic value vane-to-blade ratio that indicates the ratio of the number of vanes to the number of blades within a stage. One of the stages of the turbine is designed in such a manner that, in the event of noise-critical conditions of the turbine, the characteristic value vane-to-blade ratio of this stage is between a lower cut-off limit for mode k=?1 of the blade-passing frequency (BPF) of said stage and an upper cut-off limit for the mode k=?2 of the blade-passing frequency (BPF) of this stage.

Abstract: An engine casing for a mid-turbine frame having a plurality of radially extending struts includes a ring structure and at least one mount. The ring structure has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of equally spaced dimples along the exterior surface and protruding from the interior surface. The ring structure is connected to each of the plurality of struts at the interior surface at the dimples. The mount is positioned within each of the dimples and transfers load to the engine casing.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a turbine that has a rotor supported in a turbine compressor casing of the turbine for rotational movement of the rotor about a rotor axis. The rotor assembly comprises a first gas flow assembly positioned within the turbine compressor casing and around the rotor. The first gas flow assembly has a plurality of nozzles that are removeably attached to an inner circumference of the rotor, each nozzle having a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet and a nozzle blade disposed there between. The rotor assembly further comprises a heat assembly partially positioned within the turbine compressor casing of the rotor. The heat assembly directs heated gas into the nozzle inlet wherein the nozzle outlets discharge the heated gas tangentially with respect to the rotor such that the discharged heated gas produces a reactive force on the plurality of nozzles to rotate the rotor about the rotor axis.

Abstract: A water producing system adapted to condense water from the air and collected in a storage tank were the water is purified and bacteria is killed. An additive device is configured to supplement additives to the water such as minerals. An additive control system supplements the water and controls the amount of additives therein. One form of killing the bacteria is utilizing an ozone injection system with a filter system to remove the ozone before the water is dispensed.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus includes a housing with an interior chamber, a thermoelectric device that is thermally coupled to the interior chamber, a temperature sensing device that is thermally coupled to the interior chamber, the temperature sensing device providing a temperature measurement; and electronics configured to generate and apply input power to the thermoelectric device, and to adjust the input power maintaining a functional relationship between the input power and the temperature measurement.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus includes a housing with an interior chamber, thermoelectric devices that are thermally coupled to the interior chamber, and dual redundant electronics configured to generate and apply input power to the thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container packing structure, characterized in that it comprises a crystalline phase containing 55 to 97% by weight of xonotlite crystallites and 3 to 45% by weight of tobermorite crystallites. It also relates to a method for fabricating such a packing structure, and the container containing same, and its use for storing fluids such as gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides cryostat comprising a cryogen vessel 2 suspended within an outer vacuum container 4 by an arrangement comprising: at least one housing 20 mounted on an exterior surface of the outer vacuum container and arranged to function as a floor mounting foot, for supporting weight of the cryogen vessel and the outer vacuum container; at least two mounting points 26, 30 mounted within the housing(s); and at least two suspension elements 22, 23, being an upper suspension element 22 and a lower suspension element 23, each of the at least two suspension elements 22, 23 extending through a hole 32 in the surface of the outer vacuum container between the respective mounting point 26; 30 and a respective point on the cryogen vessel.

Abstract: There is provided an energy recovery apparatus capable of recovering a hydraulic energy in a regenerative air-conditioning system including a pressure sustaining valve and capable of coping with a discharge change caused by variation in air-conditioning load, the air-conditioning system being capable of carrying out normal operation even in a case where the energy recovery apparatus fails. The energy recovery apparatus is configured so as to feed water from a water tank to air-conditioning loads such as a heat source or a fan coil at a higher place through a feed pipe line by a pump and to lead the water passed through the air-conditioning loads into the water tank via a return pipe line including the pressure sustaining valve, a branch pipe line is disposed so as to branch into the water tank from the return pipe line in upstream of the pressure sustaining valve, and the energy recovery apparatus is connected in to the branch pipe line.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes an air conditioning unit for conditioning air and a conduit mounting portion. The conduit mounting portion is integrally formed with a component on a periphery of the air conditioning unit. The conduit mounting portion has a mounting hole formed therein for mounting the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for servicing a coolant system, such as, an automobile air conditioner are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a device for measuring a parameter of the coolant system; and means for selectively switching between providing: (i) communication between the coolant system and said measuring device, and (ii) communication between the coolant system and the coolant supply.

Abstract: A system for providing cooled compressed air free of entrained moisture. A housing surrounds a heat exchanger and has an inlet for passage of hot compressed air into an input plenum of the housing and an outlet plenum having an outlet for the cooled and dried compressed air. The bottom of the output plenum extends below the bottom of the heat exchanger to form a trough which collects condensate that collects on the plates of the heat exchanger, flows to the bottom of the heat exchanger, and is pushed by the flow of the compressed air to the output plenum. A shield is placed between the outlet and the heat exchanger to prevent condensate spewed from the plates of the heat exchanger from passing directly across the outlet opening or directly into the outlet opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing defining a freezer storage compartment, an evaporator operatively coupled to the freezer storage compartment and configured to cool the freezer storage compartment, and an evaporator fan positioned to move air across the evaporator. The refrigerator also includes an ice maker positioned within the freezer storage compartment, a dispenser in flow communication with the ice maker and configured to dispense ice, and a control system configured to receive a signal from said dispenser indicating dispensing of a first amount of ice from the dispenser, the control system configured to activate the evaporator fan in response to the signal, the evaporator fan operating continuously for a time period upon activation.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprises: a refrigerating cycle including a compressor and an evaporator; a heater core for heating the air that has passed through the evaporator; a first sensor for acquiring information related to a temperature of the evaporator; a second sensor for acquiring information related to a temperature of a medium to supply heat to the heater core; and a compressor control unit for controlling the compressor. When the temperature of the evaporator is not higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the compressor control unit reduces a ratio of compression of the refrigerant by the compressor. When the temperature of the medium is not more than a first predetermined value, the compressor control unit sets the threshold temperature at a value higher than a frost limit temperature of the evaporator.

Abstract: A device and method are specified for managing indoor air quality. More particularly, to promote health, comfort, and air quality, a device and method are proposed for filtering and dehumidifying air in an indoor environment, e.g., air that flows through an HVAC system.

Abstract: An object is to provide a two-stage expansion refrigerating device capable of performing control with low cost so that a pressure of a refrigerant which has flowed through a high-pressure-side expansion unit is an optimum pressure, the device comprises a control unit (a controller) which controls a compressor (a low-stage-side compression element and a high-stage-side compression element) and each expansion unit (a high-pressure-side expansion valve as a high-pressure-side expansion unit and a low-pressure-side expansion valve as a low-pressure-side expansion unit), and a temperature sensor (a temperature detection unit) which detects a temperature of the refrigerant which has flowed through the high-pressure-side expansion valve, and the controller estimates a pressure of the refrigerant which has flowed through the high-pressure-side expansion valve based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and controls one of the high-pressure-side expansion valve and the low-pressure-side expansion valve

Abstract: Disclosed related to a co-generation according to the present invention has some advantages in that the heat of the refrigerant recovered at the supply heat exchanger is used for the water boiling as well as the heat recovered at the drive source is used for water boiling when the air conditioner is under the air-cooling mode and has a water boiling request by comprised as an electric generator; a drive source operating the electric generator; a waste heat recovery heat exchanger recovering the exhaust gas heat of the drive source; a water boil heat exchanger installed for boiling water; an air conditioner air-conditioning indoor air; a radiant heat exchanger radiating heat to outside; a supply heat exchanger installed on the refrigerant path of the air conditioner; and a heat transfer path connecting the waste heat recovery heat exchanger, water boil heat exchanger, and the radiant heat exchanger, and the supply heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed related to a co-generation according to the present invention comprising an electric generator, an engine, a waste heat recovery heat exchanger where the waste heat of the engine is recovered, a water boil heat exchanger connected with the waste heat recovery heat exchanger and the heat transfer path, a hot water storage tank connected with the water boil heat exchanger and the water circulation path, a water boil heat exchanger bypassing path formed at the water circulation path, a water boil heat exchanger bypassing valve installed at the water boil heat exchanger bypassing path.

Abstract: A system for cooling a water stream with an inlet air stream to produce a cooled water stream useable with a cooling coil to produce chilled water for a hydronic cooling system or for other purposes. The system is also effective to cool refrigerant and to supply cool water for a ground well system.

Abstract: A simultaneous heating/cooling multi air conditioner capable of performing heating and cooling simultaneously is provided. The simultaneous heating/cooling multi air conditioner includes a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers. The plurality of outdoor heat exchangers are configured to individually operate as a condenser or an evaporator depending on a heating/cooling ratio. Thus, even if the heating/cooling ratio changes, deterioration of the heating/cooling performance is prevented. When an operation mode is changed, continuous heating/cooling can be performed without stopping the system.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus is provided in which a refrigeration cycle is used to produce ice inside an evaporator that is generally horizontally disposed, with a hollow auger being provided with a helical flight thereon, for scraping ice from the inner wall of the evaporator and pushing the ice toward one end of the auger, by which it is compressed and moved by a paddle toward a flange, in which it is delivered to an ice breakup device, by which the ice is diverted into a compression zone, with water being squeezed from the ice and the ice delivered to a transport tube and then to an ice retainer. Filling the retainer or jamming of ice nuggets inside the transport will effect a shut-down of the apparatus. Various water level controls for a water reservoir are provided, whereby the auger is flooded inside and outside, for enhancing ice formation. Nugget-type ice is provided by the ice making apparatus. The apparatus allows for changing the nugget size/shape without negative ice hardness consequences.

Abstract: An battery-powered, portable air conditioner apparatus is provided having an insulated chest with two holes in the lid. A fan is positioned in one of the holes for drawing air into the chest, where heat is exchanged with the contents of the chest, and the other hole is a vent, through which the conditioned air exits. The air conditioner apparatus may be provided with a receptacle that is capable of engaging rechargeable, cordless power tool battery packs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a demand shifting thermal storage system employing a heat transfer/thermal energy storage vessel to produce and hold a phase change fluid using an air cooled/water cooled/ground coupled or evaporative condensing unit to generate the cold fluid with a separate and dependent circuit coupled to the indoor cooling load to remove heat from the HVAC or process cooling load using one or multiple indoor coils to absorb heat returning the heat to the thermal energy storage vessel to reject the space heat, cool the space and continue the cycle.

Abstract: The cooling device for a pet carrier is a portable system for providing an ice-cooled surface on which a pet can rest. The cooling device includes a housing defining an open interior region therein, adapted for receiving a volume of ice. An opening is formed through an upper surface of the housing, and a lid is pivotally joined to the housing for selectively and releasably covering and sealing the opening. A plurality of apertures are formed through the lid, and a plurality of spikes are secured to a lower surface of the lid and project downwardly therefrom. When the volume of ice is received within the housing, the lid may be closed and the spikes evenly distribute the ice within the housing. The ice generates cooled air, which may be transmitted through the apertures to a pet resting on the upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for washing cooling or air conditioning circuits, according to which a washing agent is conducted through said cooling or air conditioning circuit. Said agent dissolves and absorbs the soluble substances that adhere to the cooling or air conditioning circuits and discharges the mechanical contaminants. The washing agent is conducted through the cooling or air conditioning circuit that is washed in a closed cycle without escaping into the environment, by the pressure differential between the pressure chamber and the distillation chamber and is returned to the pressure chamber after being cleaned in the distillation chamber, compressed by a compressor and cooled in a condenser. The invention also relates to a device for washing cooling or air conditioning circuits, said device consisting of a pressure chamber containing a washing agent. The outlet pipe for fluid of the pressure chamber is connected to the cooling or air conditioning circuit that is washed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing reflux to a refluxed heavies removal column of a LNG facility. The system withdraws a fraction of a predominately methane refrigerant from a methane refrigeration cycle of the LNG facility. The withdrawn methane refrigerant is then cooled in an auxiliary heat exchange system by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant that is also used to cool the natural gas feed stream upstream of the heavies removal column. The resulting cooled predominately methane steam is then employed as reflux to the heavies removal column.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating a feed liquefied natural gas containing at least methane and a hydrocarbon less volatile the methane, into a product natural gas enriched with methane and lean in hydrocarbon less volatile than methane and a heavier fraction lean in methane and enriched with hydrocarbon less volatile than methane. The process includes heating the feed liquefied natural gas in a heat exchanger, passing the heated fluid into a distillation column, withdrawing the heavier fraction from a bottom of the column, and withdrawing a residue gas from a top of the column. The process also includes liquefying at least part of the residue gas in the heat exchanger, refluxing a part of the liquid portion of the fluid obtained in the liquefying step into the column, and withdrawing, as the product natural gas, the remainder of the liquid portion.

Abstract: A jewelry article includes an elongated support and a multiplicity of beads strung along the support. At least one of the beads constitutes a stopping bead consisting of a substantially closed hollow metal shell with a pair of holes sized to slideably receive the support. A heat shrink tube is positioned inside the shell with its opposite ends captured by portions of said shell around the holes. When heated, the tube shrinks radially into conformance with the support so as to permanently anchor the bead to the support.

Abstract: An extension for joining opposite ends of jewelry, especially necklaces. The extension including a central region joining opposed spiral regions. Each of said spiral regions being descending spirals of approximately one and one half revolutions and decreasing in radius by about one half for each one half revolution. The spiral regions are reverse mirror images. The extensions can be utilized individually or as multiples to modify the length of the jewelry.

Abstract: An earring assembly for doubled pierced ear is provided. The assembly includes a first element comprising a first linkage, a middle element comprising a second linkage and third element comprising a third linkage. The first linkage of the first element has first and second ends. Similarly, the second linkage of the middle element has first and second ends and the third linkage of the third element has first and second ends. Corresponding ends of the linkages are attached utilizing post and back mating connections in order to attach the earring assembly to a wearer's earlobe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making glass. In certain example embodiments, a major surface(s) of the glass is treated with aluminum chloride (e.g., AlCl3) at or just prior to the annealing lehr. The aluminum chloride treatment at or just prior to the annealing lehr, in either a float or patterned line glass making process, is advantageous in that it allows the treatment to be performed at a desirable glass temperature and permits exhaust functions in or proximate the annealing lehr to remove byproducts of the treatment in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Methods for continuously manufacturing crystallized glass curved panels and pipes. The crystallized glass flat panel can be reformed by re-heating process. The method includes a reforming bed in the tunnel furnace that helps the flat panel to deform during transition. Three different reforming bed designs and processes are invented to produce convex and concave curved panels and pipes. In producing the pipe, both surfaces of the opening edges of the open pipe will be liquefied to liquid glass, even the pre-existing crystal structure. A roller squeezer will squeeze both edges together tightly, so they will be fusion bonded together. The closed pipe will be crystallized again so the crystals can grow between the bonding edges. The crystallized glass panel are made from crystallizable glass consist essentially of SiO2—Al2O3—CaO or SiO2—Al2O3—CaO—ZnO, or alike.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making glass. In certain example embodiments, a major surface(s) of the glass is treated with aluminum chloride (e.g., AlCl3) at or just prior to the annealing lehr. The aluminum chloride treatment at or just prior to the annealing lehr, in either a float or patterned line glass making process, is advantageous in that it allows the treatment to be performed at a desirable glass temperature and permits exhaust functions in or proximate the annealing lehr to remove byproducts of the treatment in an efficient manner. In certain example embodiments, the glass may be polished for thinning after the treatment, with the polishing being performed on a major surface of the glass opposite to a major surface which has been treated with aluminum chloride.

Abstract: A molding die for molding glass includes a base material, a first intermediate layer on the base material, and a protective film on the first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer is made of titanium or other materials that is not easy to be attacked, and the protective film is made of molybdenum alloy. A method of reproducing the molding die of the present invention includes removing the protective film but keeping the first intermediate layer and the base material still, and then coating a new protective layer on the first intermediate layer.

Abstract: In a process for producing a low polarization mode dispersion optical fiber, which comprises the steps of drawing a glass preform into an optical fiber and of spinning, during drawing, the optical fiber about an optical fiber axis, the spinning is imparted according to a bidirectional and substantially trapezoidal spin function, which includes zones (P) of substantially constant amplitude (plateau) and zones of transition (T) where inversion of the spin direction takes place, wherein the extension (p) of the zones of substantially constant amplitude is greater than the extension (t) of the zones of transition, and the number of inversions of the direction of spin in a length of fiber of 20 m is at most two.

Abstract: A method for fabricating tapered optical fibers is provided. The method includes applying thermal energy at a location defined along an elongated length (114, 116, 118) of an optical fiber (112). The method also includes varying the location in a first direction of travel at a predetermined rate along the elongated length of the optical fiber while applying a tension to the optical fiber. The method further includes removing the tension when the location is outside a first portion (116) of the elongated length. According to an aspect of the invention, the method includes transitioning from the first direction of travel to a second direction of travel opposed to the first direction of travel when the location is within a second portion (114) of the optical fiber. The method further includes transitioning from the second direction of travel to the first direction of travel when the location is within a third portion (118) of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A yarn feeder comprises a switching mechanism which presets a swing direction of the yarn feeding port after completion of a yarn feeding operation, and, after having completed yarn feeding operation, changes over the swing of the yarn feeding port from one yarn feeding position to another standby position interlocking with the released selective operation of the entraining means, wherein the switching mechanism includes a neutral position holding mechanism operated in association with the entraining means so as to hold the yarn feeding port in a neutral position ascended higher than the yarn feeding position in upright state.

Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly is mounted in a sash window having a top rail, a base, and two stiles connected together at their extremities. The integrated assembly contains a sash lock mechanism, a tilt latch mechanism, and a connector. The sash lock mechanism includes an actuator movable to adjust the assembly among a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, and a rotor coupled to the actuator. The tilt latch mechanism includes a tilt latch housing supported by the top rail and a latch bolt slidably supported by the tilt latch housing and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the tilt latch housing has a generally circular cross-section. The connector has a first end of operably coupled to the latch bolt and a second end operably coupled to the sash lock mechanism.

Abstract: A lock for a door or the like which has a casing and a deadbolt assembly which comprises a bolt and a drive mechanism in the form of a cam of a cylinder lock which is adapted to be operated by a key. The drive mechanism is arranged to drive a coupler which is guided for sliding movement in the casing between a withdrawn position in which the bolt is located substantially wholly within the casing and an extended or thrown position in which a portion of the bolt projects from the casing. A lever in the form of a link is arranged between the coupler and the bolt, the link being pivotally mounted in the casing and provided with first engagement means in the form of a pin which is engageable in a slot in the coupler and second engagement means in the form of a slot which is arranged to engage with a pin on the bolt.