Abstract: An air precleaner arrangement for an internal combustion engine comprises a screen, a shroud, a fan, a first cyclone filter and a second cyclone filter. The screen has air permeable openings sized to retain debris. A fan is cooperating with the screen to provide an air stream from an upstream surface through the openings of the screen to a downstream surface. The shroud encloses the fan and the screen. The first cyclone filter has an air inlet receiving air on the downstream surface of the screen, an air outlet and a scavenge port in communication with interior of the screen and thus with the air stream of the fan. The second cyclone filter has an air inlet connected to the air outlet of the first cyclone filter, an air outlet connected to the air inlet of the internal combustion engine and a scavenge port connected to an exhaust venturi in the exhaust stream of the engine.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly is provided, which is configured for alternate installation therein of different sized filter cartridges. Features of the air cleaner assembly and components for use therewith, are described. Also methods of assembly and use are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system to mount a filter bag to a wet/dry vacuum cleaner by providing an adapter for mounting the filter bag to a drain opening in the wet/dry vacuum cleaner drum and restricting the typical vacuum port, forcing the vacuum materials to enter through the drain opening and into the bag. The lid of the wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be removed independently of the bag to avoid rupturing the bag. Further, the bag can rest on the bottom of the drum for support.

Abstract: A filter device has a filter element made from a filter hose that has a filter wall separating an unfiltered side from a clean side of the filter device in a radial direction. The filter wall of the filter hose is provided with a very fine particle filtration layer comprised of nanofibers. The diameter of the nanofibers is less than one micrometer. The nanofiber layer can be applied to a green filter material and the filter element can be produced subsequently from the filter material with applied nanofiber layer. Alternatively, the nanofiber layer can be applied to a finished filter element.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb structural body (filter) which has a low pressure loss upon collecting particulates, makes it possible to deposit a great amount of particulates and ashes, and is less likely to produce cracks.

Abstract: A variety of transportable air treatment system improvements are described. In one aspect of the invention, the system is designed to significantly reduce the noise generated during operation. In another aspect, an easily removable cooling unit is provided. In still another aspect, an air treatment unit (as for example a plasma reactor) is provided that is arranged to filter the air stream, inactivate biological organisms and/or reduce or eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are carried in the air stream. The air treatment unit may take the form of a plurality of stacked trays. In yet another aspect of the invention, the air treatment system further includes a duct unit that directs air from the air treatment unit to the treated air outlet. The duct unit is operable to clamp the stacked trays to help seal the stacked trays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filter unit (1) having the shape of a tube comprising a top plate (6), having an air inlet (7) leading into the interior of the tube, whereby the top plate (6) includes fasteners (13) for removably attaching said air filter unit to a wall (2) so that the air inlet of the top plate is concentrically disposed in relation to an opening in said wall, and a sealing ring (14,15) of a resilient material surrounding the air inlet in the top plate. According to the present invention, the top plate (6) includes at least one protrusion (16) on the side thereof facing said wall (2) in use, the height of said protrusion (16) being less than the distance with which the sealing ring (14,15), when not subjected to load, projects out from the surface of the top plate.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus may comprise a base material folded in a folded state. A filter may be attached to the base material. In addition, the filtering apparatus may comprise a perforation. The perforation may be configured to define a portion of the base material configured to be removed from the base material. The base material may be configured to be transformable to an unfolded state when the portion of the base material is removed along the perforation. An adhesive may be attached to the base material. The adhesive may be configured to adhere the filtering apparatus around at least one orifice of a subject when the base material is in the unfolded state. In addition, the filter may be doped with medication or other substances depending upon an intended application. The filtering apparatus may also contain a tactile area to assist the subject in using the filtering apparatus.

Abstract: A device includes a housing configured with a working element. The device further includes a motor configured for urging motion of the working element. The device further includes a power control module. The power control module is configurable for being in electrical connection with at least one of the motor, a first power source configuration and a second power source configuration. The first power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a battery assembly having a DC power output. The second power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a power inverter, the power inverter configured for receiving an AC power and further configured for outputting a DC power to the second power source configuration. The motor receives power via the power control module from the first power source configuration and/or the second power source configuration.

Abstract: A mower unit includes a housing, a pair of cutting blades arranged inside the housing, each of the cutting blades being rotatable about a respective vertical axis supported by said housing, the cutting blades being driven to be rotated in opposite directions, and a baffle arranged generally between rotation regions of the cutting blades to guide air flows generated by the cutting blades. The baffle defines an upper baffle portion located adjacent an upper region of the housing, a lower baffle portion located adjacent a lower region of the housing, and an air passage formed for allowing the air flows to flow between the upper baffle portion and lower baffle portion.

Abstract: An agricultural working machine, such as a combine harvester or forage harvester, has a feeding assembly arranged on the front for accommodating a header attachment which is designated to harvest and convey a harvested crop, and a gauge wheel attachment comprising at least support wheel associated with the header attachment on one or both sides of the feeding assembly, wherein the header attachment is arranged pivotally about a rotation axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the agricultural working machine on the feeding assembly in such a manner that the header attachment can be automatically rotated from a working position into a transport position when the feeding assembly is lowered, and at least one support wheel of at least one gauge wheel attachment supports the header attachment on the ground in the transport position. This ensures that the use of a separate header trailer is not necessary.

Abstract: In an apparatus on a drafting system of a spinning room machine, especially a draw frame, carding machine, combing machine or the like, for weighting the drafting system rollers, at least one pressure-medium cylinder with a piston is acted upon by pressure medium and is arranged so as to be axially movable inside a cylinder housing. A piston rod extends from piston passing through at least one cylinder cover that defines the cylinder housing at the end. In order to improve the apparatus, for determining the position of the piston with the piston rod, at least one inductive displacement sensor is integrated into the pressure-medium system, and the inductive displacement sensor is connected to an evaluation device.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine plant utilizing sequential combustion is provided. The gas turbine plant includes a compressor for compressing inducted combustion air, a first combustion chamber for combustion of a first fuel by utilizing the compressed combustion air, with a first turbine which is connected downstream of the first combustion chamber, and a second combustion chamber for combustion of a second fuel by utilizing the gases which emerge from the first turbine, with a second turbine which is connected downstream of the second combustion chamber. The method provides quick running up with simultaneously low emissions and homogeneous distribution of the turbine inlet temperature is achieved by the second combustion chamber being completely shut down for achieving a low partial load mode of the gas turbine plant.

Abstract: The gas-steam engine of this invention is divided into boiler, turbine and piston reciprocating types. This engine controls the burning through the binary or ternary gas supply system, producing the hi-temperature and hi-pressure gas and steam or mixture by utilizing the kinetic and heat energy form by burning, so as to do work by the above gas, as well as reclaiming the heat consumed heat at the same time, with the steam reverted and recycled for use after doing work. Therefore, it radically the great energy waste and serious environmental pollution question in the existing heat engine. Compared with the former technology, it realizes the energy saving of about 75%, with little exhaustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to control ignition, combustion burn rate, extinguishment, and reignition of solid propellant is provided.

Abstract: An open-cycle engine in which rotary power is produced by the pressure of hot gasses against confined, rotating vanes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for the voltage controlled output adjustment of a sensor heater in the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine. In order that such a procedure, whereby the operating temperature of the sensor is achieved in the shortest amount of time, can be implemented without the sensor being damaged in the process, provision is made according to the invention, that the heating voltage in a beginning phase of the heat-up phase of the heater is brought to a high value either very quickly in respect to a subsequent phase or precipitously brought to that high value, preferably the operating voltage; and subsequently the heating voltage is continuously or virtually continuously reduced.

Abstract: An engine system (100) includes an internal combustion engine (101) connected to an exhaust system (102). A portion (103) of the exhaust system (102) is connected to the internal combustion engine (101), and an additional portion (111) of the exhaust system (102) is connected to a vehicle and includes a tailpipe (123). An after-treatment system (105, 109) is connected to the engine (100) located between the internal combustion engine (101) and the tailpipe (111). A mixer (200) is located between a first segment of the tailpipe (202) and a second segment of the tailpipe (204). The mixer (200) is arranged to mix a flow of exhaust gas (214) from the first segment of the tailpipe (202) with a flow or air (218) to yield a mixture, and to route the mixture into the second segment of the tailpipe (204).

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a particulate matter detection filter having a volumetric soot storage capacity smaller than the volumetric soot storage capacity of a diesel particulate filter, and a differential pressure measuring part measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the particulate matter detection filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. More particularly, the present invention provides a dual-injector system for diesel emissions control and corresponding methods.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive type urea sensor 74 is adopted for use in an engine exhaust gas purifying apparatus. The magnitude of convection of urea aqueous solution generated in a storage tank 41 is determined based on temperature information detected by the urea sensor 74. For detection of abnormality, a detected concentration Dn is adopted when the percentage GRDt of temperature change of urea aqueous solution is small, so that convection is small and it is determined not to affect accurate detection of an abnormality.

Abstract: A pulse detonation wave engine (PDWE) detonation system provides for optical ignition. The detonation system has a plurality of detonation banks, where each detonation bank has a plurality of detonation chambers for receiving a fuel/oxidizer mixture from a propellant source. An optical ignition subsystem generates a plurality of optical pulses. The detonation system also has an optical transport subsystem for transporting the optical pulses from the ignition subsystem to the chambers, where the optical pulses ignite each fuel/oxidizer mixture such that the chambers detonate in a desired order. This allows the banks to be sequentially detonated and the chambers within each bank to be simultaneously detonated, without the increased tankage and toxic ignition associated with conventional approaches.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a primary diesel particulate filter provided in an exhaust line of a diesel engine, a secondary exhaust line branched from the exhaust line from an upstream side of the primary diesel particulate filter, and a secondary diesel particulate filter provided in the secondary exhaust line. The secondary diesel particulate filter has a soot storage capacity smaller than the soot storage capacity of the primary diesel particulate filter. The apparatus further includes a differential pressure measuring part for measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the secondary diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a primary diesel particulate filter provided in an exhaust line of a diesel engine, a secondary exhaust line branched from the exhaust line from an upstream side of the primary diesel particulate filter, and a secondary diesel particulate filter provided in the secondary exhaust line. The secondary diesel particulate filter has a soot storage capacity smaller than the soot storage capacity of the primary diesel particulate filter. The apparatus further includes a differential pressure measuring part measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the secondary diesel particulate filter. A distance to the secondary diesel particulate filter from a branching point of the secondary exhaust line from the primary exhaust line is about 2 m or less.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a reciprocating or Wankel engine, an exhaust gas passageway fluidly coupled to the engine, and a fuel-fired burner. The burner is positioned in the exhaust gas passageway and comprises a swirler configured to swirl exhaust gas of the engine so as to stabilize in the exhaust gas passageway a flame generated by the burner without use of supplemental combustion air when the engine is operating above idle. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic circuit for a steer-by-wire steering system which includes a hydraulic pump, a reservoir, a bi-directional steering actuator, a pair of electronic control units (ECU) for generating electrical steering control signals in response to an operator-generated steering command. There is a need for such a circuit which des not require large expensive valves. The hydraulic circuit includes a pair of solenoid operated directional control valve units and a pair of solenoid operated shut-off valves. Each directional control valve unit and a corresponding one of the shut-off valves are connected in series between the pump, the reservoir and the steering actuator, and are connected to a respective one of the ECUs and controlled thereby. In the absence of a fault condition both shut-off valves are open so that hydraulic flow to and from the actuator is shared by both the first and second directional control valve units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive (1) comprising at least one first hydraulic pump (4), a second hydraulic pump (5), and first, a second, a third, and a forth hydraulic motor (7, 8, 9, 10). A first connection (12) of the first hydraulic pump (4) is connected to a first connection (19) of the first hydraulic motor (7) and a first connection (20) of the third hydraulic motor (9). A first connection (16) of the second hydraulic pump (5) is connected to a first connection (26) of the second hydraulic motor (8) and a first connection (27) of the fourth hydraulic motor (10). A second connection (22) of the first hydraulic motor (7) and a second connection (29) of the fourth hydraulic motor (10) are connected to a second connection (18) of the second hydraulic pump (5). A second connection (28) of the second hydraulic motor (8) and a second connection (23) of the third hydraulic motor (9) are connected to a second connection (14) of the first hydraulic pump (4).

Abstract: An improved piston to seal configuration for a master cylinder including a master cylinder housing defining a bore, the bore defining an elongated axis, a seal groove defined by the master cylinder housing and disposed about the bore, a seal positioned within the seal groove and a piston closely and slideably received within the bore, wherein the piston includes a distal end and a chamfer formed on the distal end, the chamfer being adapted to engage the seal, with the caveat that the piston is free of bypass holes.

Abstract: Internal combustion engines, both compression ignition (CI) and spark ignition (SI), four cycle and turbocharged, are defined with the proposed patented modifications to improve environmental acceptability. Thermal efficiency has been more than doubled at the maximum power design point. The CI engine 75.8 percent and the SI engine 72.7 percent. The particulates (smoke), nitrus oxide, and carbon monoxide have been reduced to a trace for both engine types. With the improved thermal efficiency the carbon dioxide produced per horsepower is less than half of the current designs. Exhaust noise and obnoxious smell has been eliminated for both engine types. These predicted improvements are based on the use of existing fuels. A byproduct of the design will be the recovery of the distilled water resulting from the products of combustion. A fuel tank is defined which collects the condensed water and varies the fuel storage volume to that required for the remaining fuel.

Abstract: Bearing systems for high speed rotating shafts, such as turbocharger shafts, include a first ball bearing in one end of an elongated cylinder capable of carrying axial thrust in both directions and a second ball bearing in the opposite end of the elongated cylinder with its outer race slideably mounted in the cylinder against the biasing force of a preload spring. The second ball bearing is free to move axial with the shaft upon axially expansion of the shaft when exposed to high temperature. The inner races of the ball bearings are clamped to and rotate with the shaft as part of the rotating assembly.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine comprising at least one Helmholtz resonator having a resonator cavity and a resonator neck in flow communication with the interior of the combustion chamber. The cavity extends around at least part of the neck and is spaced apart therefrom to define a cooling chamber therebetween. The cooling chamber allows the neck and the cavity to be cooled with a flow of cooling air. The sunken neck allows the resonator to be located within enclosures with minimal volume without compromising on the damping properties afforded.

Abstract: A transition duct having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a body portion extending between the inlet and outlet openings at respective inlet and outlet ends. The inlet opening defines a generally circular cross-section for the body portion and has a geometric center, and the outlet opening defines a generally rectangular arc-like cross-section. The body portion has an internal profile substantially in accordance with coordinate values X, Y and Z at an angle ?, as set forth in Table 1, where each of the X, Y and Z coordinate values are taken at a sweep angle ? passing through the section origin and measured from a first plane defined by the inlet end and increasing toward a second plane defined by the outlet end.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a ring seal segment having a base portion and a frame portion. The base portion and the frame portion are a unitary structure. The frame portion is made of four unitary side walls: a forward wall, an aft wall and a pair of transverse side walls. The side walls can be arranged in a rectangular configuration. At least a part of the base portion can be coated with a thermal insulating material. A ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention is well suited to withstand the expected operational loads in the turbine section. The transverse side walls can provide bending strength to the base and can strengthen the forward and aft side walls. Transition regions between the side walls and the base portion are strengthened by three perpendicular planes that cooperate to provide structural strength to the ring seal segment.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) gas turbine system that utilizes the fuel stream as a means of controlling the operation of the IGCC to achieve a target output and efficiency. The methods and systems enable the IGCC to be operated at reduced output, but without a corresponding drop in efficiency as compared to prior art gas turbine systems. Conversely, the IGCC may be operated at higher outputs. The methods and systems achieve the target output and efficiency by adjusting the chemical potential energy, sensible energy, or both of a fuel stream entering the combustion turbine. The chemical potential energy and sensible energy may be manually or automatically controlled.

Abstract: A tip turbine engine (10) according to the present invention includes an engine support structure (12) for cantilevering a load bearing shaft from an engine support plane (P). An engine support structure (12) defines the engine support plane (P), which is perpendicular to an engine centerline (A). The shaft (60) is rotationally fixed, coaxial with the engine centerline (A), and structurally supported by the engine support structure (12) such that a load borne by the shaft (60) is transferred along the engine support plane.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler assembly comprises a cold plate, a first thermoelectric cooler, and a second thermoelectric cooler. The cold plate has a first side and a second side. The first thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the first side of the cold plate, and the second thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the second side of the cold plate. A heat exchanger assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shroud for mounting a fan is provided. The shroud may include a plate, a hub, a first leg, and a second leg. The plate may include an aperture edge of an aperture in a surface of the plate. The hub includes a bore defining an axis of rotation of a fan. The first leg and the second leg are mounted to and extend between the hub and the aperture edge. The first leg includes a first leg portion having a first curve shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The second leg may include a second leg portion having a second curve shape in the plane. The first curve shape may be an arc of a circle. A fan housing may include the shroud, an actuator to effect rotation of the fan, and a mounting bracket, which mounts the actuator to the shroud.

Abstract: A method for partially freezing an aqueous mixture comprising simultaneously or in either order the steps of: placing said aqueous mixture in contact with at least part of a freezing surface; cooling the freezing surface to below the freezing point of the aqueous mixture; so that ice forms at the freezing surface; and oscillating the freezing surface relative to the aqueous mixture in a direction that is not perpendicular to at least part of the freezing surface; characterised in that the oscillation is linear with a frequency of between 20 and 200 Hz.

Abstract: A water-cooled air conditioner is provided, and includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a cooling tower, and a boiler. The indoor unit cools or heats a space, and includes a first heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air and refrigerant. The outdoor unit is installed separately from the indoor unit and includes a second heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between water and refrigerant. The cooling tower is connected to the outdoor unit, and cools water flowing to the second heat exchanger. The boiler is connected to the outdoor unit, and increases a temperature of the water flowing to the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is formed with a plurality of thin plates separated from one another by predetermined gaps through which refrigerant and water flow. The second heat exchanger includes an anti-freezing device that prevents freezing of water within the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a first and a second heat exchanger, a plurality of compressors, a uniform oil pipe, a plurality of oil separators, and an oil return opening. The first heat exchanger performs heat exchange between air of an indoor space and refrigerant to condition the air. The second heat exchanger is connected to the first heat exchanger through a pipe, to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and water. The plurality of compressors is installed at one side of the second heat exchanger, to compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure. The uniform oil pipe communicates the plurality of compressors with each other, to guide a flow of oil within the plurality of compressors to flow between the compressors. Each oil separator is provided at an outlet of a respective compressor, to separate oil included in refrigerant discharged from the compressors.

Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover coupled to the generator. The prime mover selectively drives the generator in least at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed. A sensor is in electrical communication with the generator to sense a load of the generator and to deliver a signal indicative of the generator load. A controller is in electrical communication with the generator, the prime mover, and the sensor, and receives the signal indicative of the generator load. The controller selectively operates the generator at one of the first speed and the second speed in response to the signal indicative of the generator load.

Abstract: A water-cooled air conditioning system includes an indoor unit having a first heat exchanger where air and refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other, an outdoor unit having a second heat exchanger where water and the refrigerant are heat-exchanged with each other, a cooling tower for cooling the water directed to the second heat exchanger, a discharge duct for guiding the air conditioned in the indoor unit to an indoor space for an air conditioning, and an intake duct for guiding the air in the indoor space to the indoor unit. The second heat exchanger is a plate type heat exchanger having a space that is divided into a plurality of sections along which the refrigerant and the cooling water separately flow.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes two or more heat exchangers, a refrigerant pipe, a compressor, an accumulator, and an overcooler. The heat exchangers perform heat exchanging between air or water and refrigerant. The refrigerant pipe guides refrigerant circulating between the two or more heat exchangers. The compressor compresses refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe to a high temperature and pressure. The accumulator is provided on one side of the compressor, to separate an inflowing refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. The overcooler is provided on one side of the heat exchangers, to further cool refrigerant passing through the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A cooling system for a building includes a glass structure unit having a frame and two spaced-apart inner and outer glass panels mounted on the frame. The frame and the glass panels cooperatively confine a fluidtight receiving space. A coolant fills the receiving space. A temperature-responsive flow control valve is connected to the glass structure unit, is connected fluidly to the receiving space, and has a valve casing, a valve member disposed in the valve casing, and a temperature sensor attached to the valve casing to activate the valve member to open when the temperature sensor detects that the glass structure unit has a temperature increased to a preset temperature, so that the coolant flows out from the fluidtight receiving space for replenishment of the coolant therein.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprises: a first compression unit (C1) and a second compression unit (C2) for respecitvely compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger (200) provided at an outdoor unit and connected via the second control valve (400) to the first compression unit (C1) and the second compression unit (C2); and indoor heat exchanger (100) provided at an indoor unit is connected via the second control valve (400) to the first compression unit (C1) and the second compression unit (C2) and via the expansion valve (700) to the outdoor heat exchanger; and a first control valve (500) for controlling a refrigerant flow by selectively connecting the first compression unit (C1) and the second compression unit (C2) in series or in parallel. As the first compression unit (C1) and the second compression unit (C2) are selevtively connected to each other in series or in paralell, a capacity of the air conditioner is varied according to a change of an indoor temperature and fabrication cost is minimized.

Abstract: A thermal energy recovery system for an ice making plant of an ice rink includes a refrigeration unit for generating temperatures suitable for maintaining an ice surface that generates low grade heat as a by-product. A storage tank for storing a heat transfer fluid is provided. A refrigeration loop conveys heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat from the refrigeration unit to the storage tank. A thermal energy utilization loop provides fluid communication from the storage tank to a building HVAC system. There is at least one heat pump on the thermal energy utilization output conduit adapted to take heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat and convert the low grade heat into one of high grade heat or comfort cooling for use in the building HVAC system.

Abstract: A condensed water drain structure includes an air conditioning case having an evaporator and a drain for draining condensed water from inside the air case to the exterior of a vehicle body. A drain cap mounted on the drain has a head with a hole for draining condensed water. The hole is shaped as a slot having a height difference toward the air conditioning case in an axial direction of the head. The condensed water is smoothly drained even though there is a narrow space between a plate in the case and structure external to the case, to prevent vehicle exhaust gas or smoke from entering of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance comprises at least one water reservoir and a piping system connecting the water reservoir to a water dispenser and means for maintaining the water reservoir at a predetermined temperature. The piping system is designed for allowing a recirculation of water from and to the water reservoir in order to assure that the water delivered by the dispenser is at the correct temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for chilling food is provided. The apparatus includes first, second and third containers which are nestable and stackable. The second and third containers fit within a chamber defined in the first container. The second container is designed for holding ice and the third container is designed for separately holding food. The apparatus is configured so that as the ice in the second container melts, the volume of a subchamber defined between the second and third containers decreases to maintain the remaining ice in contact with an undersurface of the third container holding the food. The food is therefore more effectively and consistently chilled than in prior art designs. In one embodiment, the second container is buoyant. The second container will therefore float on the surface of ice water drained from the second container to the bottom of the first container. The apparatus may be configured to receive multiple food containers and/or multiple ice containers.

Abstract: A valve (4) for a refrigeration system. Comprises two diaphragms (8, 10) being operatively connected. One diaphragm (8) is in contact with the refrigerant, the other (10) is in contact with the filling fluid. The two diaphragms (8, 10) may have different active areas. In combination with the connection between the two diaphragms (8, 10) this provides a ‘pressure gearing’ between the filling fluid and the refrigerant. Allows the pressure of the filling fluid to be relatively low even when the pressure of the refrigerant is high, while ensuring that the valve (4) can function properly. Particularly suitable for high pressure refrigeration systems, such as CO2 systems.