Abstract: A system for cooling the impeller of a centrifugal compressor in a turbomachine, this compressor (10) supplying an annular diffuser (12) comprising an end-piece (26) that extends downstream and along the impeller of the compressor and that is covered on the upstream side by an annular metal sheet (90) that delimits, with the impeller of the compressor, a first annular passageway (39) to carry away the air taken from the outlet of the compressor and, with the end-piece of the diffuser, a second annular passageway (98) to carry away a portion of the air flow coming out of the diffuser.

Abstract: A turbomachine comprising a diffuser-distributor assembly comprising a downstream end-piece connected at its downstream end to means for injecting air for ventilating a turbine and delimiting with the impeller of a centrifugal compressor an annular cavity for the circulation of ventilation air taken from the outlet of the compressor, this turbomachine comprising means for taking air from the injection means and means for guiding this air to the radially internal portion of the downstream face of the impeller.

Abstract: System for ventilating a combustion chamber wall A system for ventilating a combustion chamber wall in a turbomachine comprising a centrifugal compressor (10) supplying, via a diffuser (12), a combustion chamber (14), this system comprising an annular case (90) arranged radially between the combustion chamber and a downstream end-piece (26) of the diffuser and that comprises a radially external wall (92) for the guidance of an air flow coming out of the diffuser, and a radially internal wall (94) delimiting with the end-piece of the diffuser a channel (88) for the air coming out of the diffuser to pass through.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for personal heat control, including a flexible housing comprising a cooling surface, a heating surface thermally insulated from the cooling surface, and a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from cooling surface to heating surface. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a system for cooling wearers of impact-resistant helmets, comprising an impact-resistant outer shell, foam pads affixed to an inside of the impact-resistant outer shell and configured to rest on a wearer's head, thermoelectric cooling devices spaced to avoid interference with foam pads and configured to rest against the head, a heat sink, and heat pipes thermally coupled at one end to thermoelectric cooling devices and at another end to the heat sink, and configured to transfer heat from thermoelectric cooling devices to heat sink with minimal heat loss, the heat pipes spaced to avoid interference with the foam pads.

Abstract: Devices and methods are set forth for providing a product dispenser comprising a refrigerating cavity designed to receive the product to be distributed in order to cool it down before its expulsion for use by a consumer.

Abstract: Cold therapy is an established practice used in the medical profession to treat certain limb injuries, such as sprained or strained arm or leg muscles or injuries to joints. Generally, these types of injuries should be chilled to slow blood flow, which reduces swelling, pain, and further damage. Cold therapy is also an established practice used to treat migraine and other types of headaches. A typical course of cold therapy treatment is to apply ice for a specified period to the injured region of a limb, the neck, face, or head. Alternatively, a pack or bag containing a chemical agent that reacts (endothermically) to produce cold may be applied to the injured region, the neck, face, or head.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling carcass parts (1) comprises at least one cooling element (8, 9) with a flexible cooling surface (14) for abutment with a carcass part (1); a form-stable shell (15); and a cavity (17) behind the flexible cooling surface (14), through which cavity refrigerant can flow from an inlet to an outlet. The apparatus also comprises a moving device (13) for moving the cooling element (9) for abutment of the cooling surface (14) with the carcass part (1).

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, heat exchangers, and multichannel tubes are provided which include internal configurations designed to promote mixing. The multichannel tubes include interior walls which form flow channels. The interior walls are interrupted at locations along the multichannel tube in order to provide open spaces between the flow channels where mixing may occur. The mixing that occurs promotes a more homogenous distribution of refrigerant within the multichannel tubes.

Abstract: A refrigerator including an ice making device to make ice and a control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes the ice making device to make ice, and an ice reservoir disposed below the ice making device to receive the ice made by the ice making device. The ice making device includes an ice-full state sensing lever installed, in a vertically pivotally rotatable manner, at one side thereof to sense whether or not the ice reservoir is full of ice, and a lever cover to cover a side surface of the ice-full state sensing lever. With the use of the lever cover, even if the ice is caught between a wall surface of an ice making compartment and the ice making device, the ice is caught between the wall surface of the ice making compartment and the lever cover. This has the effect of assuring a stable operation of the ice-full state sensing lever.

Abstract: A HVAC system and method for a vehicle is disclosed. The air conditioning portion of the HVAC system may be able to store and release refrigerant in charge bottle while operating in an air conditioning mode. The air conditioning portion of the HVAC system may be able to employ the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator to provide supplemental heat.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case that defines a product display area, and at least one door that provides access to the product display area. The method includes sensing a parameter of an ambient environment adjacent the case, delivering a signal indicative of the sensed parameter to a controller, and determining a duty cycle using the controller based on the signal indicative of the sensed parameter. The method also includes detecting a change in the sensed parameter using the controller, interrupting the duty cycle by initiating a clearing interval using the controller in response to the controller receiving the signal indicative of the change in the sensed parameter, and clearing condensation from the door during the clearing interval.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerated merchandiser. The method includes providing a case that defines a product display area and an air passage that has an inlet and an outlet, positioning an evaporator in the air passage to refrigerate the air, positioning a fan in the air passage to move the air through the passage, and logging a first temperature value during frost-free operation of the evaporator. The method also includes logging a second temperature value during frosted operation of the evaporator, calculating a difference of the first and second temperature values, and defrosting the evaporator when the difference exceeds a pre-determined value. Each of the first temperature value and the second temperature value is independently associated with at least one of the air entering the inlet of the air passage, the air exiting the outlet of the air passage, and saturated evaporator temperature.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioner which is capable of efficiently disposing an internal heat exchanger, and enabling the air conditioner to perform an efficient operation. A thermostatic expansion valve is accommodated in a casing directly connected to the refrigerant outlet of an evaporator. The inlet of the expansion valve and a pipe for receiving high-pressure liquid refrigerant are connected to each other within the casing. The outlet of the expansion valve and the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator are connected to each other within the casing. The internal heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between high-pressure refrigerant delivered to the inlet of the expansion valve and low-pressure refrigerant returning to a compressor is connected between the casing and a pipe joint disposed in a firewall.

Abstract: A single medium voltage starter box is mounted on a chiller unit with the other components of the chiller system. The starter box can be positioned on the chiller system unit to permit the starter box to be close coupled to the motor, and specifically to the main motor lead exit hub without the need for any power conduit connections between the starter box and the motor. In addition, the starter box also does not require any control interface and receives controls from a control panel. A short conduit connection between the control panel and the starter box is used to provide the necessary connections between the control panel and the starter box.

Abstract: A motor-driven compressor includes a compression mechanism for compressing a refrigerant gas, an electric motor, an inverter assembly and an inverter chamber. The electric motor drives the compression mechanism. The inverter assembly converts direct-current power into polyphase alternating-current power to supply to the electric motor and controls a rotational speed of the electric motor. A substrate having an electric circuit and an electronic component connected to the substrate are provided in the inverter assembly. The inverter chamber detachably accommodates the inverter assembly. A vibration damping member is arranged in the inverter assembly.

Abstract: Methods of making hydrophilic coatings having anti-fog properties, and hydrophilic articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a surfactant and polyethylenimine. The method includes forming a polyethylenimine-solvent mixture; applying a surfactant to a surface of the substrate; and applying the polyethylenimine-solvent mixture to the dried surfactant on the surface of the substrate. After drying or curing, the resulting coating may be hydrophilic thereby allowing water or the like to easily shed therefrom (e.g., providing anti-fog properties).

Abstract: A ceiling type air conditioner includes a main body case which comprises a plurality of air flow holes through which air is sucked and discharged, a heat exchanger which is provided inside the main body case to perform a heat exchange with respect to air sucked into the main body case, a fan which is provided inside the main body case to change a blowing direction of air on which a heat exchange is performed in the heat exchanger and to send the air, and a driving motor which forwardly and reversely rotates the fan.

Abstract: A temperature control vest for use in providing cooling for workers subject to extreme temperature work environments. The temperature control vest includes chest-covering pieces and a back-covering piece that are connected by adjustable straps that run over the shoulders of the user and lacing assemblies that pass around the sides of the user. The chest covering and back covering pieces each have one or more detachable panels mounted on their interior surfaces that include compartments holding built-in ice sheets composed of refrigerant cubes for providing cooling to the user. The panels are releasably attached to the chest-covering pieces and back-covering piece so that the panels and the ice sheets can be quickly removed and replaced when the ice becomes melted. The compartments in the panels include fabric mesh layers along their inside surfaces for holding the replaceable ice sheets in contact with the user for cooling and heating purposes while providing a pleasing visual appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a water filter, a water filter housing, a water filter cap, and a tool for rotating the water filter cap. Engagement of the tool and the water filter cap and subsequent rotation of the tool thereby rotates the water filter cap and water filter. The tool includes a head portion and a body portion and the head portion is an inverse surface of at least a portion of the water filter cap for mating with the water filter cap.

Abstract: A vapor-compression air conditioning system comprising a blower positioned in a return air flow path from a conditioned space, a reheat heat exchanger positioned in the return air flow path and downstream from the blower, a system reversing valve fluidly coupled to the reheat heat exchanger, and a refrigerant flow sequencer interposed the system reversing valve and the reheat heat exchanger. A method of manufacturing an air conditioning system is also provided.

Abstract: An ice producing apparatus for a refrigerator includes a storage tank configured to store a cooling medium. A first heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the storage tank and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to be cooled. An ice mold includes at least one cavity that is configured to retain water therein. A second heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to freeze the water in the ice mold to produce ice.

Abstract: A portable cold pack case for carrying temperature sensitive medicines that are required to be refrigerated and for carrying related medical accessories for use in conjunction with these medicines. The case includes a clamshell housing having a fabric cover and including a pair side faces and a binder. The side faces are connected to the binder and separately hinged along the opposing side edges of the binder. A zipper extends around the edges of the side faces for defining and enclosing an interior space for the case within the housing. One or more sheets of refreezable refrigerant cubes that are encapsulated in clear plastic are mounted inside of the case. A removable panel including a pocket and straps for securing medical articles is releaseably attached to one of the inside surfaces of the case. An inner layer of thermal insulation having a flap of material formed into an insulating wall extends along and wraps around the interior periphery of the case.

Abstract: An apparatus for chilling a beverage container includes a motor housing having an electric motor. A receiving member is coupled to the motor and is rotated when the motor is actuated. A beverage container may be removably coupled to the receiving member such that the beverage container may be rotated/spun when the motor is actuated. The apparatus may also include a base unit that defines a reservoir configured to receive the beverage container and ice. The base unit includes a lid that is spring biased toward a closed configuration. The motor housing with beverage container coupled thereto may be situated such that the beverage container is received in the base unit reservoir. Ice may be poured over the container and the lid moved to apply pressure therebetween. Activating the motor causes a thermal transfer that melts the ice as the container spins and the beverage within the container is chilled.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source into a receptacle. The dispenser includes a first housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface closer to the beverage source and a second surface further from the beverage source. The dispenser also includes a beverage cooler including a second housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides defining an interior volume. A first circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a first set of fluid flow paths. A second circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a second set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first set of fluid flow paths. A third circuit is disposed within the interior volume of the second housing and forms a third set of fluid flow paths in parallel with the first and second sets of fluid flow paths, wherein, the first, second, and third circuits defines an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: A drain system for a cooler having a drain, said drain having a drain spout, comprising a funnel removably attached to said drain spout and a hose removably attached to the bottom of said funnel.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, a valve an energy recovery device and at least one bypass passage. The compressor is fluidly connected to the evaporator. The condenser is fluidly connected to the compressor. The valve is configured to control flow of high-pressure refrigerant exiting the condenser. The energy recovery device has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the valve to receive high-pressure refrigerant and the outlet is fluidly connected to the evaporator to deliver low-pressure refrigerant thereto. The energy recovery device is configured to extract work from flow of refrigerant therethrough. When the valve is closed and refrigerant flow cutoff, suction power loss is reduced by introduction of one or both of high-pressure refrigerant or low pressure refrigerant via one or more bypass passages.

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided which include manifold configurations designed to promote mixing of vapor phase and liquid phase refrigerant. The manifolds contain flow mixers such as a helical tape, sectioned volumes, and partitions containing apertures. The flow mixers direct the flow of refrigerant within the manifold to promote a more homogenous distribution of fluid within the multichannel tubes.

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided which include tube and manifold configurations designed to promote separation of vapor phase and liquid phase fluid. The manifolds contain multichannel tubes of various end geometries designed to dispose flow channels at different heights within the manifold. Individual tubes also may be disposed at different heights within the manifold. The various flow channel and tube heights permit direction of vapor phase and liquid phase refrigerant to certain flow channels.

Abstract: A multichannel heat exchanger is provided that may be used in any suitable application, such as air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pump, and similar systems. The heat exchanger provides for enhanced thermal exchange density within reduced envelope dimensions. Multichannel tubes may be oriented such that their major width is generally in a vertical plane, but such that their edges are inclined with respect to the vertical. The resulting envelope dimensions are reduced. Moreover, liquid condensate that may collect on the heat exchangers (e.g., when used as evaporators) may be channeled toward lower edges of the multichannel tubes along which the condensate flows for evacuation and collection.

Abstract: Heat exchangers containing various tube configurations and a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system employing these heat exchangers are provided which allow flexibility in directing fluids through a heat exchanger. Groups of tubes may be placed at different locations within a heat exchanger slab in order to tailor the heat transfer properties of each tube group to their location on the heat exchanger slab. Groups of tubes may be connected using manifolds to create coil circuits.

Abstract: An air conditioner outdoor unit including a box-shaped casing for accommodating at least a heat exchanger, an air blower, and a compressor. The casing has a front wall with an opening. A reinforcement rib is arranged near the opening of the front wall to increase compressive strength in the vicinity of the opening.

Abstract: Natural gas is liquefied in a hybrid liquefaction cycle in which the gas feed is precooled using vaporizing liquefied refrigerant gas; liquefied using vaporizing mixed refrigerant comprising ethylene and at least one other refrigerant selected from hydrocarbons and halocarbons; and subcooled using a work expanded pressurized gaseous refrigerant stream. Preferably, the liquefied refrigerant gas used for precooling is propane, the mixed refrigerant does not contain ethane or nitrogen and the pressurized gaseous refrigerant is nitrogen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the integration of a fractionation process and an olefin refrigeration system, wherein the fractionation process olefin effluent is supplied to the refrigeration system, can eliminate a fractionation process condenser and reflux drum typically present. A plurality of bottoms streams can be collected from the fractionation process. The olefin refrigerant can be supplied to alternate olefin refrigerant consumers, as desired. A column in the fractionation process can be refluxed with an olefin stream from refrigeration system, and olefin product can be collected or exported via line.

Abstract: Processes to separate a light hydrocarbon stream comprising ethylene, ethane, and C3+ hydrocarbons into an ethylene stream, an ethane stream, and a C3+ hydrocarbon stream, including: feeding the light hydrocarbon stream to a deethanizer; separating the light hydrocarbons in the deethanizer to form a C3+ hydrocarbon bottoms stream and a C2-rich overhead stream comprising ethylene and ethane; separating the C2-rich stream in a C2-rectifier to form a first ethylene stream and an ethane-rich bottoms stream; and separating the ethane-rich bottoms stream in a C2-splitter to form a second ethylene stream and an ethane stream.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process of removing carbon dioxide from a natural gas feed stream comprising sending a natural gas feed stream comprising methane and carbon dioxide through an adsorbent bed to produce a carbon dioxide depleted methane rich product stream after removal of carbon dioxide. The adsorbent bed is regenerated and then the spent regeneration gas stream cooled to produce a cooled spent regeneration gas stream that is sent to a membrane element. A permeate stream passes through the membrane element and a residue stream passes by the membrane element without passing through said membrane element. Substantially all of the carbon dioxide and a minor portion of the methane comprises the permeate stream which is disposed of and a major portion of the methane and a minor portion of the carbon dioxide comprises the residue stream which is then recirculated to the regeneration gas stream.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a cryogen is provided. In the disclosed embodiment a liquid cryogen is first vaporized and subsequently compressed prior to undergoing sterilization using biological filters. The compressed, sterilized cryogen vapor is then pre-cooled, preferably with the cryogen being vaporized, to produce a partially condensed, cool, sterile cryogen stream and then further condensed using the liquid cryogen to produce a sterilized liquid cryogen.

Abstract: An improved prong for use in a retaining device such as a jewelry setting is disclosed. The prong includes a riser section, an engagement section and a lever section. The riser section may include one or more indents and a longitudinal groove to aid in engagement of an object such as a gemstone. The engagement section may include diverging tines configured to match the contour of a gemstone. The present invention also provides a jewelry setting which includes the prongs.

Abstract: A burner for use in the manufacture of quartz glass is provided, which comprises a triple-tube assembly of a center tube for feeding a silane or siloxane compound, an intermediate tube for feeding oxygen, and an outer tube for feeding hydrogen, a first tubular shell surrounding the triple-tube assembly for feeding hydrogen, a plurality of first nozzles disposed within the first tubular shell for feeding oxygen, a second tubular shell surrounding the first tubular shell for feeding hydrogen, and a plurality of second nozzles disposed within the second tubular shell for feeding oxygen. Synthetic quartz glass ingots having high optical homogeneity are produced.

Abstract: An invert mechanism for a glassware forming machine includes a support frame having a base adapted removably to be mounted on a forming machine frame. A linear actuator is suspended from the support frame and a linear gear rack extends from the actuator within the support frame. A hollow shaft has a central portion carried for rotation on the support frame and oppositely extending end portions with axial external splines and open ends. A gear is coupled to the central portion of the shaft for co-rotation with the shaft and has external teeth coupled to the gear rack. A pair of ball nuts are disposed on the end portions of the hollow shaft, and a pair of hollow pneumatic pistons are respectively disposed on the ball nuts over the open ends of the shaft. Invert arm mounts are respectively disposed on the pistons, and a spring is disposed within each piston operatively extending between the piston and the shaft to bias the pistons to a position adjacent to the support frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for delivering a cooling fluid to the interior of a formed bottle has a a lower guide arm and an upper cooling tube assembly secured on a vertical post. The upper cooling tube assembly has a plenum chamber having a bottom wall and at least one vertical cooling tube is mounted on its bottom wall. The lower guide arm includes a vertical through hole for receiving each of the cooling tubes. The upper cooling tube assembly is vertically displaceable on the post relative to the lower guide arm assembly via a drive which includes a lead screw/drive nut located within the post.

Abstract: A parison is blown into a bottle in a mold at the blow station of an I.S. Machine. Pressurized air is supplied to the mold through a cooling tube which will be displaced downwardly from an up position, where the parison will be blown into a bottle, to a down position following the formation of the bottle. The pressure of the air is decreased as the cooling tube is displaced from the up position to the down position.

Abstract: Forehearths that create a substantially homogeneous temperature to molten glass forming materials across the end position are provided. A gas cavity, a weir, a refractory block, or a heating element in the forehearth may be utilized to reduce a temperature gradient of molten glass forming materials across the end position. Reducing the temperature difference of the molten glass forming material across the end position permits for improved chemical and physical properties of the glass fibers and the end products formed from the glass fibers. In addition, a reduction in the temperature gradient across the end position produces a more homogenous glass fiber and glass product. Further, a reduction in the shear break rate occurs when the molten glass forming material has a temperature that is substantially the same across the end position, which results in a reduction in the breakage of glass fibers and an increase in manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A mechanism for delivering a cooling fluid to the interior of a formed bottle has an upper cooling tube assembly secured on a vertical post. The upper cooling tube assembly has a plenum chamber having a bottom wall and at least one vertical cooling tube is mounted on its bottom wall. The cooling tube is mounted on the plenum chamber with a quick release mechanism.

Abstract: A method and a system based on the method imparts to an optical fiber a predetermined rotation about its axis, wherein the fiber is rotated by way of a frictional force acting on the fiber while it is advanced in a predetermined direction. The rotation actually imparted to the optical fiber is measured on-line while the fiber is advancing in the direction and the frictional force is controlled responsively to the measured rotation so as to obtain the predetermined rotation. Spinning devices acting on the optical fiber by way of an externally controllable frictional force and particularly suitable to be used with the method are disclosed.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes exposing a surface to a first gas composition under conditions sufficient to deposit a layer of a first chalcogenide glass on the surface, and exposing the layer of the first chalcogenide glass to a second gas composition under conditions sufficient to deposit a layer of a second glass on the layer of the first chalcogenide glass, wherein the second glass is different from the first chalcogenide glass.

Abstract: An optical fiber 1 comprising a glass portion 2 having a core 2a and a cladding 2b, and one or more covering layers 3 formed around the glass portion 2, in which an arrangement form of the covering layer 3 with respect to the glass portion 2 in cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof is changed continuously in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: A fiber forming bushing assembly includes a frame and a bushing within the frame. One or more sections formed of a pre-cast refractory material are positioned between at least a lower sidewall of the bushing and the frame.