Abstract: The invention relates to a method for freezing and storing cells in a vessel. Said method comprises the following steps: a) the cells are frozen to a storage temperature; and b) the cells are stored at said storage temperature. The inventive method is characterized in that the cells are stored in a gas-tightly sealed manner and/or at a partial oxygen pressure which is lower than the atmospheric pressure. The invention further relates to frozen cells in freezing medium in a vessel which is gas-tightly sealed and/or in which the partial oxygen pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of cooling and a cooling installation in which the method can be carried out includes two or more separate compartments (34) for receiving product so as to cool the product by sequential movement through each compartment in turn wherein the temperature drop in any one compartment reduces the temperature of exit of the product to a temperature about half of the temperature of introduction of the product to the compartments (34). Advantages of the present invention include that the time taken to cool the product to the required temperature is considerably reduced as the cooling is more effective. The present invention finds particular application to treating fresh produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly table grapes so as to reduce the incidence of spoilage or deterioration and to increase the usable shelf life.

Abstract: Ice-making machine with an add on board that has a textual display that can be used for a user to view various parameters of the ice-making machine and its operation and in some cases to adjust the parameters. The add on board includes a processor and a display program that presents a main menu and a series of sub-menus that are selectable from a list on the main menu. The display program includes both a view mode and an adjust mode.

Abstract: A deodorizer for a refrigerator is formed of a mesh type material having fine multiple pores through which the air in the refrigerator passes and the material having multiple pleats so as to enlarge a surface area coming in contact with the air, thereby maximizing a surface area coming in contact with the cool air and accordingly, improving deodorizing performance.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a container includes a refrigeration circuit having a primary fluid circulating therein and a secondary fluid circuit in communication with a first compartment of the container and a second compartment of the container. The secondary fluid circuit has a secondary fluid separate from the primary fluid circulating therein. The secondary fluid circuit includes a first heat exchange module in communication with an interior load space of the first compartment and a second heat exchange module in communication with an interior load space of the second compartment. Each of the first and second heat exchange modules includes a pump, a heater, a heat exchanger, and a three-way valve. A heat exchange interface between the refrigeration circuit and the secondary fluid circuit is operable to transfer heat from the secondary fluid to the primary fluid.

Abstract: A humidity controller (1) has a configuration composed of a cold/hot water circuit (10) through which cold/hot water circulates, an adsorption heat exchanger (20) that is provided in the cold/hot water circuit (10) and supports an adsorbent on its surface, and an air passage (30) that supplies air that has passed through the adsorption heat exchanger (20) at the time of hot water circulation to the inside of a room.

Abstract: A combination refrigerator/freezer unit with an insulated cabinet defining a refrigerator section, a freezer section and at least one air passage between the freezer section and refrigerator section. A single evaporator is disposed in the freezer section. A controller controls operation of the refrigeration system. The controller receives input signals from freezer and refrigerator sensors and controls the refrigeration system to pass refrigerant to the evaporator in the freezer section according to at least one temperature parameter of the refrigerator section sensed by the refrigerator sensor.

Abstract: A clear ice maker unit has a clear ice maker mechanism with a cascading water evaporator configured to make clear ice during ice making cycles. A controller uses fuzzy logic to control the clear ice maker and determine whether to initiate a next ice making cycle based on input signals from a thermistor in the ice storage bin. The controller will prevent initiation of an ice making cycle when the ice bin is at or below a threshold temperature. The controller will also prohibit ice making when the ice bin is at or below a second, slightly higher temperature for more than a prescribed period of time. In this way, the clear ice maker can recognize an uneven distribution of ice and maintain an optimal amount of ice in the bin.

Abstract: Defrosting operation is possible by causing refrigerant discharged from a compressor to flow to an outdoor heat exchanger, and returning the refrigerant passed through the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor through a water-heat exchanger, while operating a pump. Quick defrosting operation is possible by causing refrigerant discharged from a compressor to flow to an outdoor heat exchanger, and returning the refrigerant passed through the outdoor heat exchanger directly to the compressor, while stopping a pump. The temperature of water that has flowed into a water-heat exchanger is detected. According to the detected temperature, the defrosting operation using hot water and quick defrosting operation are selectively executed.

Abstract: A cooling unit apparatus and method for controlling a defrost cycle using a multi-parameter defrost control system. The unit includes a refrigeration assembly with a compressor and an evaporator, a defrost temperature sensor that senses a temperature related to the defrost cycle, a controller configured to control a defrost cycle based on an elapsed defrost time and the defrost temperature. The controller is programmed with a defrost set point and a maximum defrost time. The controller ends the defrost cycle when the elapsed defrost time is greater than the maximum defrost time or when the defrost temperature is greater than the defrost set point, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling the same, which is capable of minimizing power consumed in an indoor unit and an outdoor unit by cutting off external power supplied to the outdoor unit in a standby mode when it is determined that the air conditioner has a standby operation condition. When a standby operation state is switched to a normal operation state, power is supplied from an indoor power supply unit to an outdoor power supply unit via a communication line to perform an initial operation of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Accordingly, external power supplied to the outdoor control board is completely cut off in the standby operation state and only an indoor unit is in a standby state, thereby minimizing standby power consumed in the air conditioner.

Abstract: An ice-making machine having an assembly and a controller that controls said assembly to make ice. A sensing device senses a current level of ice in an ice bin that receives the ice made by the assembly. The controller compares the current level to a high set point and a low set point and, based on a current energy rate, controls the assembly to maintain the current level at or near the high set point when said current energy rate is low and at or near the low set point when the current energy rate is high to provide energy efficiency. The controller and sensing device are part of a retrofit assembly that retrofits an existing ice machine with the energy efficient feature.

Abstract: A simultaneous cooling-heating multiple type air conditioner includes a plurality of cooling-heating combined-use indoor units controlled in an operation domain divided into a plurality of operation zones based on a refrigerant suction pressure and a refrigerant discharge pressure of a compressor. The operation domain includes three operation zones. In the first operation zone, a cooling-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode is switched to a heating-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode. In the second operation zone, the cooling-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode or the heating-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode, does not switch to different modes. In the third operation zone, the heating-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode is switched to the cooling-initiative simultaneous cooling and heating operation mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to refrigerating systems, primarily, to refrigerating systems employing compressors with economizing inlets and multi-pass condensers. In accordance with the invention a refrigerating system with economizing cycle employs a compressor unit with an economizer inlet and a condenser unit having a first condensation stage, a second condensation stage, and means to remove liquid refrigerant portion between the condensation stages. An intermediate liquid outlet from the first condensation stage feeds a circuit with the evaporator and a liquid outlet from the second condensation stage feeds a circuit with the economizer inlet. The invention provides a high efficiency refrigerating system incorporating of advantages of cost-effectiveness provision of liquid sub-cooling or/and liquid temperature inherent for refrigerating systems with economizing cycle and cost-effectiveness advantages of two-stage condensation condensers.

Abstract: A cooling unit with a refrigeration assembly including an evaporator and an insulated cabinet including an ice maker chamber that is cooled by the evaporator. The cooling unit includes an ice maker mechanism disposed in the ice maker chamber, the ice maker mechanism including an ice mold with cavities, an ice mold heater, ejector blades, and strippers. The ice maker mechanism can produce ice and eject the ice into an ice bin within the cabinet during a plurality of ice ejection cycles. The ice is ejected by energizing the mold heater and rotating the plurality of ejector blades through the plurality of cavities. A controller tracks an elapsed time since a previous ice ejection cycle and prohibits a next ice ejection cycle when the elapsed time is below a prescribed time period. A next ice ejection cycle is also prohibited when an ice mold thermistor is below a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A solar air-conditioning system that is preferably designed to operate with concentrated solar heat and uses a circulating refrigerant in a cycle of compression and expansion. Solar concentrators raise the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The raised temperature is dissipated to the atmosphere and the refrigerant proceeds to the evaporator coil, which is located within a water tank containing at least 1000 gallons of an anti-freeze water solution. As the water is the storage medium, heat can be added to or extracted from the storage medium by the evaporator coil. A radiator pickup coil is also located within the water tank and is part of a separate chilled water system which can circulate its own water supply through other radiators located throughout a dwelling. Additionally, one or more bypass valve(s) within the refrigerant system allow switching to solar heating.

Abstract: A support bracket suitable for use in a casing of an outdoor condensing unit includes a main body configured to reside between a corner post and a coil of the condensing unit, a first extension member extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension member extending from a second end of the main body. The first extension member is configured to attach to a first inlet grille of the condensing unit. The second extension member is configured to attach to a second inlet grille of the condensing unit.

Abstract: A centralized cooling system can selectively deliver individualized cooling to individual electrical load units. The system can provide direct cooling from a manifold of cooling outlets in a controlled manner based on the sensed electrical loads of particular load units. A branch monitoring system monitors the load on electrical feeds that are coupled to electrical load units. A controller is coupled to the branch monitoring system and provides output to control a cooling unit. At least one control valve is further coupled to the controller downstream of the cooling unit generally at each cooling outlet to control an amount of cooling fluid, such as air or liquid, directed to one or more of the units. If a load changes for a given unit, the controller can actuate a cooling valve coupled to a corresponding cooling outlet and alter the amount of cooling fluid flowing into or around the unit(s).

Abstract: A refreshment bar includes one embodiment of a cooling or heating apparatus for food and/or beverage containers. The apparatus maintains a food or beverage container placed on one of the plates at a desired cold or hot temperature relative to the bar surface temperature and ambient temperature. The apparatus includes thermally conductive plates, for example stainless steel disks, positioned in recesses such that the upper surfaces of the plates are coplanar with the top surface of the bar, thereby providing a level surface. A thermal exchanger system is used to cool or heat the plates. The system includes a reservoir containing a thermal element and a thermal transfer fluid. The reservoir is located adjacent the lower surface of the bar top. The plates are thermally coupled to the thermal transfer fluid and thermal element, thereby cooling or heating the plates.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a machine compartment located at its top end. The refrigerator includes a drain tube and a pump coupled to the drain tube and located at the bottom end of the refrigerator. The pump transfers the accumulated condensation from the drain tube to a pan located at the top end of the refrigerator. The heat and airflow generated by the machine compartment then evaporates the condensation from the pan.

Abstract: An automated machine for making semi-frozen beverages includes a bowl system with a chamber and a dispensing assembly. A mixing system includes an auger rotatably received in said chamber and a dispensing assembly. A drive assembly includes a motor drivingly connected to a flexible drive belt connected to and adapted for driving the auger. A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator cylinder for receiving refrigerant from a compressor. The evaporator cylinder is located within the auger. A consistency control mechanism controls a valve for discontinuing the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator cylinder when the product reaches a desired consistency.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage container having a tank with an interior and an open top. At least two and preferably three trays are independently rotatably mounted within the interior of the housing so that an upper tray is positioned above one or more lower trays. Each tray has a plurality of compartments and each compartment is adapted to receive a source unit container. At least one cold working area is formed on the upper tray while an extraction tool selectively engages and moves stored unit containers from any of the trays and to the cold working area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a freezer having a rotatable storage rack. A pair of driving hubs are positioned along a central axis and arms extended from each hub perpendicular to the central axis, from which hanging rods are provided for the hanging of one or more baskets.

Abstract: A beverage fountain includes a container and removable freezable member for containing and chilling a beverage. The removable freezable member is placed in or above the interior of the beverage container, in the flow path of a beverage circulating through the fountain to lower the temperature of the beverage. The removable freezable member is maintained in a position within the flow path without disrupting or interfering with circulation of the beverage. The removable freezable member may be a component of the fountain, such as a portion of the central support or one of the trays secured to the central support.

Abstract: A device for housing and transporting at least one carton (3), containing a food product, such as ice cream, includes a thermally-insulated chamber (1) and an insulated lid (9). The device includes an element for retaining the carton within a housing (2) provided in the insulated chamber when a user removes product from the carton and essentially flat element for contact with a hand or fingers of the user, arranged on the upper part of the device.

Abstract: A deep-drawn inner coating or an inner door of a cooling equipment. An insertion element is maintained by form-closure in a recess of a wall. In order to facilitate the accurate fixing of the position of a component incorporated in the insertion element, the insertion element extends at least up to a plane flush with a surface of the wall surrounding the recess.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure switching mechanism that switches one compressor mechanism in a sealed-type rotary compressor between regular compression operation and operation stop in accordance with the magnitude of load, and the pressure switching mechanism is equipped with a branch pipe which includes an open/close valve at the middle thereof and which communicates a high-pressure side of a refrigerating cycle to a second suction pipe, an auxiliary suction pipe connected to the suction pipe end part in an accumulator, a check valve which is mounted on either the auxiliary suction pipe or the suction pipe and checks a reverse flow of refrigerant into the accumulator, and a guide pipe which mounts and holds the suction pipe or the auxiliary pipe to the accumulator.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat, multi-channel heat exchange tubes extending between spaced headers. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of flow channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end. A plurality of connectors are positioned between the inlet header and the heat transfer tubes such that the connector inlet ends are in fluid flow communication with the header through a relatively small cross-sectional flow area openings and the connector outlet ends are adapted to receive the inlet end of a heat exchanger tube. The connector defines a fluid flow pathway from the relatively small cross-sectional flow area opening in the inlet end of the connector to an outlet opening in the outlet end of the connector that opens to the flow channels of the heat exchange tube received in the outlet end of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valved cryogenic refrigerators, in particular, Gifford McMahon (GM) refrigerators, and GM type pulse tube refrigerators where gas is cycled between high and low pressures by a valve mechanism that connects to an expander. Input power is reduced by use of a buffer volume which stores gas that flows to and from the warm end of the regenerator through a valve that opens and closes during the periods when the main supply and return valves are closed and is closed when the main supply and return valves are open.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the pre-treatment of air prior to the introduction thereof into a cryogenic air separation unit, and to the corresponding apparatus. In a method for cooling air (4) containing CO<SUB>2 </SUB> by means of direct heat exchange with water (12), the acid-base balance of the water used is altered such that the pH thereof is greater than 7 and such that the water absorbs a substantial fraction of the CO<SUB>2 </SUB> contained in the air.

Abstract: A non-adiabatic distillation (NAD) process has been developed which combines the required heat transfer and mass transfer required for the separation of a mixture with the mass transfer, resulting in a more reversible, and therefore more energy efficient process. This distillation process, when used in conjunction with ammonia absorption refrigeration systems, allows for feasible and cost-effective production of refrigeration from low-grade waste heat. The primary advantage of the NAD process is its ability to efficiently utilize sensible heat contained in gases resulting from combustion processes. Thermal energy is converted to refrigeration with exhaust gas temperatures as low as 80° C.

Abstract: Body piercing jewelry for attachment to a body piercing comprises an ornament component and an insertion component attached to the ornament component. The ornament component has a closed peripheral border circumscribing an opening that extends entirely therethrough. The ornament component is of a size to prevent it from entering the body piercing. The insertion component includes a plurality of insertion elements, each comprising a strand of material having an end attached to the ornament component and having an opposite end associated with a tip. The insertion elements are sequentially insertable, tips first, through the body piercing to place the strands to extend entirely through the body piercing in side by side relation and for tail segments of the insertion elements that exit the body piercing to be passed through the opening in the ornament component to form a closed loop engaged with the body piercing.

Abstract: A manufactured product for jewelry and/or costume jewelry, which comprises a jewel made in aluminium with at least one portion of its surface coated with a layer of at least either hard aluminium oxide or hard titanium oxides.

Abstract: A magnetic cultured pearl comprises a magnetic core member around which pearl nacre material has been permitted to develop as a result of implantation of the magnetic core member within a host organism. The magnetic cultured pearls can be used to manufacture pearl necklaces or pearl bracelets without the need to string the cultured pearls upon conventional strings. A method of manufacturing the magnetic cultured pearls is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic machine and a related method for grinding the arrises of glass panes, provided with devices which allow to work glass panes which are rectangular or optionally contoured, at the arrises thereof, with rigid tools, such as diamond grinding wheels, by acting simultaneously but independently on the two mutually opposite arrises along the perimeter of the pane. The machine has at least one pair of mutually opposite working heads, each working head being provided with a tool which can be moved by floating toward the arris of the glass pane which is independent of the approach of the opposite tool. By way of the combined action of movement of the glass pane and of at least one pair of working heads it is also possible to work glass panes which have a nonrectangular shape.

Abstract: A high-quality glass gob is easily obtained that is adapted to glass of recent years having higher refractive indices or lower Tg of which the molding temperature is close to or below the temperature of liquid phase. A nozzle, which is connected to a bath of molten glass to flow out the molten glass, has a site disposed where the center of gravity of a cross-section, which is perpendicular to the flow-out direction of the molten glass in the flow path within the nozzle, is shifted from the center of gravity of the cross-section of upstream side. A method for producing a glass shaped body includes steps of melting a raw material of glass within a bath of molten glass, flowing out the molten glass into a molding tool through a nozzle connected to the bath of molten glass, and molding the glass shaped body.

Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system for and method of analyzing and cleaning a cullet stream prior to bottle manufacturing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the system includes a raw materials feeder, a mixing stage, a melting stage, a bottle-forming stage, a cooling/annealing stage, an inspection stage, and a batch controller. The raw materials feeder further includes a cullet bin within which is cullet supply, a feeder, an analysis device, and removal assembly. Certain preferred embodiments of the method include the steps of feeding cullet onto the conveyor, performing real-time composition analysis of the cullet, removing contaminants from the cullet, determining whether the cullet batch is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold, adjusting the glass batch formulation, sending the batch ingredients to the mixing stage, and then completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A dehydration-sintering furnace for dehydrating and/or sintering an optical fiber preform for use in production of an optical fiber includes a muffle for accommodating the optical fiber preform, a heater for heating the muffle, and a pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus connected to the muffle. Since the pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus is thermally insulated from a room temperature atmosphere or heated, vapor produced in a dehydration-sintering process is prevented from condensing (liquefying) in a pressure fluctuation absorbing apparatus, thereby preventing reduced dehydration effectiveness in the muffle and reduced quality of the optical fiber preform.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a cut-resistant fabric. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cut-warning fabric. In yet another aspect the present invention relates to a method for preventing vandalism on a fabric. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fabric according to the present invention as an anti-vandalism fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, comprising an optical sensory array for determining changes in the position of a drum which is mounted in a washing machine at least so as to be pivotable about a swiveling axis. The sensory array is provided with at least one light sensor, at least one modifiable light passage, and at least one light source. The light sensor is directed to portions of light which are emitted by the light source, are dependent upon changes in the light passage, and impinge the light sensor.

Abstract: An open-loop ozone washing system for safely washing with high levels of ozone is shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one washer having a drain in fluid communication with a sewer. The system also includes an ozone source, which is preferably an ozone generator. The system also includes an off-gas control system operably connected to at least one washer. Using such a configuration, the washer can safely wash with a liquid wash bath having about 2 ppm to about 20 ppm ozone. The present invention also includes kits and methods for converting traditional washing machines to open-loop ozone washing machines.

Abstract: An appliance having an enclosure arranged to receive articles to be treated also includes a water container and a steam chamber with a steam outlet. A water dispenser is arranged to dispense water from the water container to the steam chamber. A heating element is thermally associated with the steam chamber. A control is arranged to selectively operate the heating element. A steam path extends between the steam outlet and the enclosure. A chemical dispenser is positioned along the steam path. The heating element heats water in the steam chamber to create steam, and the chemical dispenser adds a chemical to the steam as the steam passes through the steam path.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process used to cut and model sheets of leather or other modellable materials, according to which cutting and modelling are carried out by means of a die and a lid-punch that cooperate to cut a leather sheet positioned and tightened between the die and the lid-punch according to predefined cutting lines and at the same time model the sheet in a stable way by means of a plastic film injected on one of the two sides of the sheet.

Abstract: An exemplary Electronic-component housing may be placed onto a carrier rail with two interlocking spars extending longitudinally at a distance from each other and opening toward the longitudinal sides of the rails. An interlocking profile firmly affixed to the housing is positioned on the underside of the housing and across from the interlocking profile. A displaceable securing lock that is spring-loaded toward the interlocking profile. The securing lock may include on its end away from the interlocking profile a shaped drawbar eye for engagement with an actuation tool. The housing side wall above the securing lock and extending upward extends at least with its lower area in a plane perpendicular to the displacement direction of the securing lock and includes in this area a shaped tool-guide channel with its mouth pointed toward the drawbar eye on the securing lock.

Abstract: A lock for a cabinet of the type wherein a door of the cabinet is movable through a frame of the cabinet is provided. An exemplary lock of the present invention includes a first and second restraining member connected by a rod and rotatable around an axis of rotation between a first position wherein a cabinet member is trapped between the restraining members and the door can not move through the frame and a second position wherein the door is freely movable through the frame. The lock optionally includes a mounting member having a rod-retaining section and optionally one or more rotation locks and/or one or more rotation restraints. The restraining members are optionally sized and shaped to facilitate rotation between the first and second position while accommodating different sizes and specifications of cabinet types. The lock optionally includes one or more strengthening members and end extensions angled on one or both ends of the rod.

Abstract: A lock assembly that secures a door to an adjacent frame. The assembly includes an elongated base, a cam assembly mounted to the base including a housing, a lever, and a sliding member having a first end slidably connected to the lever and movable in a direction perpendicular to the base by rotation of the lever, an extension actuator having a proximal end movably connected to a second end of the sliding member, and a lock mechanism mounted to the elongated base and movable between unlocked and locked positions. The second end of the sliding member extends to a position within the housing upon full rotation of the lever. The extension actuator and base may permit modular addition of lock mechanisms at multiple locations.

Abstract: A method and a device for converting a mode of operation from straight printing to perfecting in a sheet-processing machine, includes a cam/follower control for operating a gripper system, in which cam followers are maintained in a position in which they are disengaged from control cams before a conversion of the mode of operation is performed. The method and the device convert a gripper system of a reversing drum between a straight or one-sided printing mode and a perfecting or recto-verso printing mode, by controlling pivoting and opening movements of grippers of the gripper system with a control cam. Initially, a cam follower is locked in a position in which it is disengaged from the control cam. Subsequently, a further cam follower is locked in a position in which it is disengaged from a further control cam. Then the gripper system is converted.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a shift lever includes a detent member movable along a path, a stopper member movable between a locking position to block movement of the detent member and an unlocking position to permit movement of the detent member, and a cam member carried by the stopper member and pivotable relative to the stopper member. In one embodiment, a spring member resiliently biases the stopper member toward the locking position. An electromagnetic solenoid permits relative movement between the cam member and the stopper member when unenergized and prevents relative movement between the cam member and the stopper member when energized. The cam member applies a force to the stopper member to move the stopper member toward the unlocking position in response to movement of the detent member along the predetermined path when the electromagnetic solenoid is energized.

Abstract: An aircraft locking system (10) is described that includes an electromechanical lock that has a shackle (14) actuable by the lock, the shackle being adapted to lock a flight control system. The electromechanical lock may include data encryption electronics.