Abstract: An exhaust purification device includes a front catalyst arranged in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine that is longitudinally mounted in a vehicle, a rear catalyst arranged in the exhaust system downstream of the front catalyst, and a bypass pipe that communicates with the exhaust passage of the exhaust system upstream of the front catalyst, communicates with the exhaust passage between the front catalyst and the rear catalyst, and is arranged at a position that is spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the exhaust system.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle engine, is provided having, in one form, two cylinder banks arranged at an acute angle to one anther and each having at least one exhaust gas outlet, a so-called V-engine, having exhaust gas guide elements arranged in the region of the inner angle, including a housing surrounding the exhaust gas outlets of both cylinder banks in a gas tight manner and having at least one exhaust gas outlet opening is characterized in that the housing is made in two parts, with a first part which is connected to the one cylinder bank and surrounds its exhaust gas outlets and with a second part which is connected to the other cylinder bank and surrounds its exhaust gas outlets; in that the two parts each have a side facing the other part and having at least one housing opening via which the two parts communicate with one another; and in that an expansion compensation element is arranged between the two parts and surrounds the housing opening

Abstract: An affordable system for the production of clean energy comprises a plurality of tubular columns, each sealed at the bottom, to contain water in most of its inner volume. A buoy having an opening at the very bottom and a mechanical valve at its top thereby becomes inflatable and deflatable at preset times in a cycle. Once made buoyant by letting air in the bottom opening—forcing most of the water out of the buoy—it thereby elevates to the very top of the column until it reached the top of the column where the column lid depresses the valve stem deflating the buoy thus lowering the buoy to the bottom to begin the cycle again. A chain and gears engage with a rotary alternator for the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A traveling device for crawler type heavy equipment is provided, which can improve the manipulability by preventing an abrupt decrease/increase of a traveling speed of the equipment when a combined operation, in which a left/right traveling device and a working device are simultaneously driven, is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump unit including at least one hydraulic pump with inlet and outlet ports, a pump case for accommodating the hydraulic pump having an opening through which the hydraulic pump is insertable, and a lid, called a center section, closing the pump case. The center section forms a pair of inlet/outlet passages communicating an end with the inlet and outlet ports of the hydraulic pump and an end opening through a pump case abutting surface of the center section, and a first charging passage by which hydraulic fluid is fed through the pump case abutting surface of the center section. At least one of the pump case and the center section communicates the first charging passage with the pair of inlet/outlet passages via a first hydraulic fluid feeding valve preventing the reverse flow into said first charging passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid linear drive having a cylinder (1) which is entirely or partially filled with a pressure medium. A piston (2) is arranged inside said cylinder so as to be displaced and has a piston rod (10) which is arranged at one end of the piston (2) and is led out of the cylinder (1) in a scaling manner. The piston subdivides the interior space of the cylinder into a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (7), the piston rod (10) extending through the second chamber (7). A pump (17), which is particularly reversible and by means of which the pressure medium can be pumped into the first chamber (6) and pumped off from the first chamber (6), has a first intake and/or pressure connection (18) and a second intake and/or pressure connection (19). The first intake and/or pressure connection of the pump (17) is connected to the first chamber (6) and the second intake and/or pressure connection is connected to a storage chamber.

Abstract: A power piston sealing assembly in conjunction with a Stirling engine is disclosed. The power piston sealing assembly consists of one or several sealing retainers with threads alternatively using fasteners within the power piston. Said power piston sealing assembly comprises of a power piston, displacer rod seal(s), displacer seal spring(s) and sealing retainer(s) all concentrically mounted within the power piston.

Abstract: Brake master cylinder (10) for a motor vehicle, of the type which comprises a substantially axial body (12) inside a bore (14) of which at least one axial piston is slideably mounted, of the type in which the bore (14) comprises two seals, front (30, 34) and rear, interposed between the piston and the bore (14), the seals (30, 34) comprising three radially concentric lips accommodated in grooves (70, 72) in the bore (14), characterized in that front faces of the grooves (70, 72) are configured at least in part as a slope.

Abstract: Brake master cylinder (10) for a motor vehicle, of the type which comprises a substantially axial body (12) inside a bore (14) of which at least one axial piston is slideably mounted, of the type in which the bore (14) comprises two seals, front (30, 34) and rear, interposed between the piston and the bore (14), the seals (30, 34) comprising three radially concentric lips accommodated in grooves (70, 72) in the bore (14), characterized in that the seals (30, 34) comprise central lips of reduced cross section.

Abstract: Brake master cylinder (10) for a motor vehicle, of the type which comprises a substantially axial body (12) inside a bore (14) of which is slideably mounted at least one axial piston, of the type in which the bore (14) comprises two seals, front and rear, interposed between the piston and the bore (14), characterized in that it comprises at least one wide groove (66, 68) which is formed in the bore (14) in front of a groove (70, 72) for retaining the front seal, which extends at least in part around the piston, and which communicates with said retaining groove (70, 72) and the hole in the piston, in order to allow resupplies to occur with a high flow rate.

Abstract: An air boost device such as a turbocharger, wherein the compressor wheel thereof is re-designed to permit die inserts (20), which occupy the air passage and define the blades (4, 5) during a process of forming a wax pattern (21) of a compressor wheel, to be pulled without being impeded by the blades. This modified blade design enables the automated production of wax patterns (21) using simplified tooling. The compressor wheel improves low cycle fatigue, withstands high temperatures and temperature changes, and permits operation at high boost pressure ratio while, on the other hand, having low weight, low inertial drag, and high responsiveness.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel, a compressor wheel connected thereto, an electric motor situated on the side of the compressor wheel which is distant to the turbine wheel, and a rotor connected to the compressor wheel in a rotationally fixed manner and designed in a freely projecting manner. A drive system for motor vehicles includes a turbocharger. The turbocharger is characterised by a very spontaneous response behaviour, as well as the possibility for energy recovery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting solar energy and converting it to heat, mechanical work, or electricity on a small scale and utilizing one or more system components originally adapted for use in a non-solar-power-generation application are described. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid that is part of a solar energy collector. This fluid transfers heat to the working fluid of thermodynamic engine, which converts some of the heat into mechanical work or electricity. One or more system parameters are monitored and controlled to enable improved efficiency under variable environmental conditions.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus (7200) includes a heat pump circuit (7201) and a power generation circuit (7100). The power generation circuit (7100) includes an evaporator (701) including a first and a second heat exchanger (710a, 710b), a turbine (702), a condenser (703) and a pump (704). The first heat exchanger (710a) absorbs heat rejected from the heat pump circuit (7201) into a power generation circuit (7100) while the second heat exchanger (710b) further heats the fluid. The power generation circuit (7100) includes a bypass (707) which allows a portion of working liquid to enter the turbine (702) without passing through the evaporator (701). A heat pump (704) with similar bypass is also disclosed. Also disclosed are dual stage turbine design and a nozzle (10300) for a turbine which includes two fluid paths (1011, 1014) that adapted to receive and mix the liquid and vapour streams of working fluid, so that the liquid working fluid is vaporized by the heat from the vapour working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting heat energy to mechanical energy by expanding an evaporated working fluid with an expansion device (2) connected to an evaporator (6). It is provided according to the present invention that the expansion is carried out in a low-pressure expansion device and the energy contained in the expanded evaporated working fluid can be recycled into the evaporator (6) and utilized for evaporating additional working fluid.

Abstract: A combined-cycle power plant, a steam thermal power plant, and a method for operating the power plant, which are capable of effectively utilizing raw fuel produced from medium- or small-scaled gas fields and oil fields. Raw fuel produced from a gas field is separated into a gas component and a liquid component by a separator. The gas component is burnt in a combustor of a gas turbine, and resulting motive power is converted to electricity by a power generator. The liquid component separated by the separator is burnt in a steam generator to generate steam that is supplied to a steam turbine. Resulting motive power of the steam turbine is converted to electricity by a power generator. Since the electricity generated by the power generators is AC power, the AC power is converted by a converter to DC power that is transferred from the vicinity of the gas field to a consuming area via a cable.

Abstract: A two-stage system for delivering fuel to a gas turbine including a first stage variable pump for serving as a primary source of fuel, a second stage fixed pump for selectively supplementing the variable pump, a bypass valve connected to the fixed pump for loading and unloading the fixed pump and a regulator valve assembly connected to the variable pump and the bypass valve for controlling operation of the variable pump and the bypass valve. Preferably, the two-stage system also includes a control valve connected to the regulator valve assembly for setting a pressure differential across the regulator valve assembly and, thereby, loading and unloading the fixed pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the combustion in a gas turbine. The method includes measuring, by means of one or two calorimeters, the temperature, calorific value and relative density of a gaseous fuel in order to determine the Wobbe index, comparing the Wobbe index value measured with a predefined Wobbe index value for the gaseous fuel and regulating the temperature of the gaseous fuel by means of at least one heat exchanger in order to reach the predefined Wobbe index value. The method may also include using a second gaseous fuel, having a different Wobbe index from the gaseous fuel, or a fuel obtained by mixing the gaseous fuel and the second gaseous fuel, according to arbitrary proportions and variable with time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustor of a gas turbine engine, including: a fuel spray portion configured to spray a fuel so as to create a diffusion combustion region in a combustion chamber; a pre-mixture supply portion configured to supply a pre-mixture gas including the fuel and an air so as to create a pre-mixture combustion region in the combustion chamber, the pre-mixture supply portion being positioned concentrically with the fuel spray portion so as to surround the fuel spray portion; and an annular separation portion disposed between a downstream end of the fuel spray portion and a downstream end of the pre-mixture supply portion so as to separate the diffusion combustion region and the pre-mixture combustion region from each other.

Abstract: A combustor 500 is composed of a plurality of premixed combustion burners 100 each comprising a fuel nozzle 110 provided in a burner tube 120, the fuel nozzle 110 having a plurality of swirl vanes 130 on an outer peripheral surface thereof. Injection holes 133a, 133b are formed in each swirl vane 130. Staging control is exercised such that when a gas turbine is in a full load state, a fuel is injected through the injection holes 133a, 133b of all the swirl vanes 130, and when the gas turbine is under a partial load, the fuel is injected only through the injection holes 133a, 133b of a specific number of the swirl vanes 130 adjacent in a circumferential direction, and fuel injection through the injection holes 133a, 133b of the remaining swirl vanes 130 is stopped.

Abstract: A method for measuring combustion parameters within a combustion zone of a gas turbine engine, the combustion zone being defined between an inner and outer casing. The method comprises transmitting a beam from a transmit optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing off a portion of the inner casing and receiving a portion of the beam reflected off the inner casing with a receiving optic optically coupled to a bore in the outer casing. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises a laser generating a beam and a transmitting/receiving optics pair, the transmitting/receiving optics pair being configured for operative association with a port in an outer casing of a gas turbine engine, whereby the transmitting/receiving optics are in optical communication by reflecting the beam off a portion of an inner casing.

Abstract: A coupling in accordance with the present invention may be used to join devices together without the need for conduits or other intermediaries. A nut may be used to couple the coupling to a first device via a first thread portion and to a second device via a second thread portion. In some embodiments, the coupling may be affixed to one of the first or second devices.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for improving the efficiency of a transcritical cooling installation and the installation itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigeration machine, particularly a heat pump, comprising a closed circuit, which contains a coolant and in which an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an, in particular, electrically operated expansion valve are arranged one after the other. The refrigeration machine also comprises an overheating control unit for at least intermittently regulating the temperature of the coolant in the area of the compressor, particularly the compression final temperature. The invention also relates to a method for operating a refrigeration machine of the aforementioned type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigeration circuit having a mono- or multi-component refrigerant circulating therein, said refrigeration circuit comprising at least one expansion device. According to the invention, the expansion device is provided in the form of at least two valves (a, b, c, d) connected in parallel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of operating such a refrigeration circuit. Said method is characterized in that, in case of a defect of one of the valves (a, b, c, d) connected in parallel, said defective valve is taken out of operation and the or at least one of the additional valves ensures the control operation of the refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A high efficiency air conditioning system includes a pneumatically-controlled variable displacement compressor and a compressor clutch that is selectively cycled on and off to minimize series re-heating of conditioned air. Conditioned air is discharged after passing through an evaporator core, and a target value for the evaporator outlet air temperature is determined based on the desired air discharge temperature. The compressor clutch is cycled off when the evaporator outlet air temperature falls below the target value by at least a calibrated amount, and is thereafter cycled on again when the evaporator outlet air temperature rises above the target value. The target value is preferably biased to prevent compressor operation when the desired air discharge temperature exceeds outside air temperature by at least a calibrated amount and to prevent the relative humidity in the air-conditioned space from rising above a desired level.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. A compression unit 11 for compressing the refrigerant by the drive force of a vehicle engine 4 is arranged in a housing 10 of a compressor 1. The flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11 is detected by a flow rate sensor 15 including a throttle portion 15b and a pressure difference detection mechanism 15a. The throttle portion 15b reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11. The pressure difference detection mechanism 15a detects the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the throttle portion 15b in the refrigerant flow thereby to detect the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11. An oil separator 12 for separating the lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 11 is interposed between the compression unit 11 and the flow rate sensor 15.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a compressor rack having a plurality of variable capacity components is provided. A variable capacity component is selected from the plurality of variable capacity components as a designated variable capacity component. The designated variable capacity component is operated by varying a capacity of the designated variable capacity component. Each variable capacity component of the plurality of variable capacity components, except for the designated variable capacity component, is operated at a fixed capacity corresponding to one of a maximum and a minimum capacity of the variable capacity component.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration system including a plurality of refrigerated display cases. Each display case has a dedicated evaporator assembly that cools return air by evaporating a refrigerant, and a first stage compressor assembly that is in fluid communication with the respective evaporator assembly to compress the refrigerant to a first pressure corresponding to a first temperature of the refrigerant prior to discharge of the compressed refrigerant. The refrigeration system also includes a second stage compressor assembly that is in fluid communication with the first stage compressor assemblies to compress the refrigerant to a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure, and that corresponds to a second temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigeration system further includes a heat exchanger that is in fluid communication with the second stage compressor assembly to receive the refrigerant from the second stage compressor assembly to reject heat from the refrigerant.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a portion of a body. The device includes a curved bias member disposed in a bias member chamber, and a plurality of elongated liquid permeable containers comprising a plurality of elongated chambers, wherein each have a plurality of liquid absorbent particles disposed therein. The elongated chambers are in fluid communication with a plurality of compartments, and configured to redistribute the particles in the containers. The particles have a thermal conductivity constant less than that of ice; and the particles expand into a gel and occupy a volume of the containers when the device is immersed into a liquid. In other embodiments, the bias member has a pair of end portions extending outwardly therefrom in a substantially orthogonal orientation, forming an omega shaped bias member.

Abstract: A wind machine for producing water by condensation, includes a wind rotor, an air-dehumidifying unit and at least one electric power generation unit, these being supported by a tower anchored in the ground, the dehumidifying unit including at least one refrigeration compressor, at least one condenser and at least one evaporator that are connected together by a refrigerant fluid circuit, incorporating a member for expanding the fluid, the machine furthermore including elements for recovering and storing condensed water vapour. The at least one electric power generation unit is mechanically coupled directly to the wind rotor via its rotation shaft. The wind machine includes a device for storing and recovering the electric power thus generated and a device for automatically controlling and regulating the dehumidifying unit.

Abstract: The refrigerant service port valve for air conditioners has a valve body defining a main fluid conduit adapted for insertion into a coolant line using compression fittings at opposite ends of the conduit. A pedestal is mounted on the exterior conduit wall. The pedestal has a bore therethrough forming a lower service passage that enters the main fluid conduit, and an internally threaded blind bore parallel to the lower service passage. A slider is mounted on the pedestal, the slider having a male quick connect fitting defining an upper service passage. The upper service passage may be aligned with the lower service passage in an open position to service the system, or the slider may be moved to align the upper service passage with the blind bore to access a setscrew, which is raised partially into the upper service passage to lock the valve in a closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerated transport system includes a prioritizing algorithm to limit the maximum amount of refrigerant flow available to at least one limited cooling compartment by holding a delta T (difference between the supply air temperature and return air temperature) instead of a setpoint temperature in the at least one limited cooling compartment when the available cooling capacity is insufficient to hold a substantially constant temperature in all compartments. A method for creating multiple refrigerated compartment spaces having precision temperature control includes the steps of: prioritizing the compartments by identifying at least one priority compartment to be held at a setpoint temperature; and limiting refrigerant flow to all but the priority compartment when there is insufficient cooling capacity to maintain all compartments at their respective setpoint temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice-making device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same. The ice-making device of the present invention comprises a water tank detachably mounted to a rear surface of a refrigerator door, an ice-making housing detachably mounted to the rear surface of the door below the water tank and provided with a predetermined installation space therein, an ice tray mounted into the installation space and provided with an ice-making groove in which water supplied from the water tank is frozen into ice, and an ice bank for storing ice made in the ice tray, wherein the ice bank can be received in or withdrawn from the installation space.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing an ice vessel, in which the lumps of ice spread uniformly so that each portion of the vessel can be molded uniformly. The invention includes a main body (20), upper mold and lower mold (24 and 26) mounted to the main body (20) and having convex portion (22) and concave portion (23) of shape of the ice vessel respectively so as to mold the ice vessel (18) by coupling the upper mold (24) or the lower mold (26) and pressing lumps of ice (2) poured into the molds (22 and 24), pushers (32 and 34) liftably mounted to the convex portion (22) of the upper mold (24), and resilient members (36 and 38) mounted to press the pushers (32 and 34) downward, wherein when the upper and lower molds (24 and 26) are coupled with each other, the pushers (32 and 34) push the lumps of ice (2) laterally in the concave portion (23) of the lower mold (26) so that the lumps of ice (2) are uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: Liquids to be dispensed as “frozen” or “slush” beverages are rapidly cooled to a suitable target viscosity or percentage of frozen, by maintaining a flow of liquid nitrogen through one or more heat exchangers, counterflowing the beverage to be cooled from a reservoir to a dispenser, and controlling the flow of liquid nitrogen to achieve the target viscosity or percentage of frozen of the beverage to be dispensed.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes an external housing and an internal housing supported by a vehicle roof. The external housing is located primarily outside of a vehicle compartment, and the internal housing is located primarily inside of the vehicle compartment. External air enters the refrigeration unit through a first opening located between the vehicle roof and the external housing and exits through a second opening in the external housing. The external air is heated by a condenser and a compressor and exits the refrigeration unit through the second opening. A fan is located within the second opening to control the airflow through the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A food serving tray including a base which includes a substantially flat serving area, wherein the serving area is bounded by a raised perimeter arranged about the serving area, a cooling chamber located directly below the serving area, wherein the cooling chamber is operatively arranged for holding water to be frozen into ice for cooling an item placed on the serving area, a cover operatively arranged to engage over the raised perimeter about the base, and a fill hole for filling the cooling chamber with water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerant circuit (1), in particular for use in a liquefaction plant, the refrigerant circuit (1) at least comprising: —a refrigerator (2) having an inlet (21) for refrigerant (10) at a refrigeration pressure, and at least five outlets (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, . . . ) for evaporated refrigerant (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, . . . ) evaporated at different pressure levels, the at least five outlets (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, . . . ) being preferably intended for refrigerants evaporated at increasing pressures from the first outlet (22) to the fifth (26) and optional higher outlets; —a first compressor (3) having one or more inlets for receiving evaporated refrigerant from the refrigerator and an outlet (34) that can be connected to the inlet (21) of the refrigerator (2); and—a second compressor (4) having one or more inlets for receiving evaporated refrigerant from the refrigerator and an outlet (44) that can be connected to the inlet (21) of the refrigerator (2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a liquid bath of oxygen. A liquid bath of at least 70 mol % of oxygen is located at the base of a cryogenic distillation column. The bath is continuously boiled by an aluminum reboiler. A portion of the liquid bath is purged to prevent a build up of inflammable impurities in the bath. A portion of the purge is sent to a second reboiler, which is less inflammable than the first reboiler. Oxygen boiled by the second reboiler is sent back to the column, and a portion of the oxygen rich liquid bath treated by the second reboiler is also purged. The invention also relates to an apparatus of carrying out this method.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus are used for low-temperature air fractionation. Input air (8) is cooled in a main heat exchanger (9) and introduced into a single column (12) for obtaining nitrogen (11, 43). A nitrogen product stream (15, 16, 17) is removed from the upper region of the single column (12). A first residual fraction (18, 29) is removed from the lower or central region of the single column (12), re-compressed (30) and then fed to the single column (12) again (32). An oxygen-containing stream (36) is removed from the single column (12) at an intermediate point and fed to a pure oxygen column (38) (39). A pure oxygen product stream (41) in the liquid state is removed from the lower region of the pure oxygen column (38). The pure oxygen product stream (41, 56) is evaporated and warmed with respect to input air (8) in the main heat exchanger (9) and finally obtained as a gaseous product (57).

Abstract: A selectable component jewelry system comprises a wearable jewelry base such as a finger band, pendant, or bracelet having a post for receiving interchangeable components concentrically thereon and secured thereto by an ornamental threaded cap enabling persons to create and wear unique pieces or jewelry.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system for heating one or more ingredients of a glass batch or the entire glass batch that is then used to make molten glass using waste hot gases from a system for generating electricity using a drive for an electrical generator that is powered by a heat engine that exhaust waste hot gases having a temperature of at least about 200 degrees C. At least a portion of the electricity generated can be used to power manufacturing plant equipment and the waste hot exhaust gases exhausted by the heat engine, such as a gas turbine, is used in a static or dynamic heat exchanger to heat the entire glass batch or one or more of the ingredients of the glass batch, prior to feeding the glass batch into a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: Glass-ceramics includes Li2O, Al2O3 and SiO2, have an average crystal grain diameter of a predominant crystal phase of 90 nm or below and have crystal grain diameter distribution of 20 nm or below. The glass-ceramics can be manufactured by heat treating glass comprising Li2O, Al2O3 and SiO2 under a temperature within a range from 650° C. to 750° C. and then further heat treating the glass under a temperature within a range from 700° C. to 800° C. for 100-200 hours.

Abstract: A production method of an optical waveguide includes: preparing a laminated body that includes a first clad layer and at least a core layer laminated on the first clad layer; forming a light propagating optical waveguide core by cutting the core layer by use of a dicing saw from a side where the core layer is laminated while intruding an edge of a blade portion of the dicing saw into the first clad layer so as to partially cut the first clad layer; and embedding at least a cut portion of the laminated body with a second clad layer.

Abstract: A strand forming and chopping apparatus includes a bushing for forming a continuous strand, a size applicator for applying a size to the strand, a chopping device for chopping the strand into individual segments and a thread-up apparatus for directing the strand into the chopping device. The thread-up apparatus includes a cot incorporating a cot shoe and a strand guide displaceable between a rest position and a thread-up position where the strand guide holds the strand in a feed position from which the strand is engaged by the cot shoe and delivered to the chopping device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes washing machine of the top loading type having a base structure provided with at least one opening for housing other elements of the washing machine and a tub coupled with the base structure. The base structure and tub are aesthetically matched and when coupled, form an exterior of the washing machine, thereby eliminating the need for a cabinet enclosing the base structure and tub.

Abstract: A washing machine which needs almost no space around a housing and which can be improved in workability for putting in and out washing loads. In a housing (1) having an opening portion (1a) is set a water tank (4) having an opening portion (4a) facing the opening portion (1a) of the housing (1). An unbendable first door (3) for opening and closing the first opening portion (1a) of the housing (1) can be accommodated generally entirely in lower portion of the housing (1) and slid vertically against the housing (1). The first door (3) is biased upward by flat spiral springs (10). The flat spiral springs (10) brake downward sliding of the first door (3).

Abstract: A tub of a washing machine capable of being commonly used for motors mounted on different positions and a washing machine including the tub are disclosed. The washing machine includes a tub which includes a first motor mounting portion to mount a direct connection-type motor thereon and a second motor mounting portion to mount a direct connection-type motor thereon, a rotary drum rotatably installed in the tub, and a motor mounted on one of the first motor mounting portion and the second motor mounting portion to drive the rotary drum. The first motor mounting portion and the second motor mounting portion are integrally formed as one body with the tub when the tub is manufactured.

Abstract: A water softener which uses ion exchange resins to soften water and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The water softener and the washing machine having the same include an ion exchange unit including ion exchange resins therein, the ion exchange unit including a first ion exchange unit and a second ion exchange unit which alternately perform softening of water and regeneration of the ion exchange resins. Since any one of the first ion exchange unit and the second ion exchange unit performs softening of water and the other one thereof performs regeneration of the ion exchange resins, it is possible to continuously supply soft water.