Abstract: A thermal power plant is disclosed that comprises a heating system (10) that utilizes solar radiation for heating a working fluid, a turbine (11) to which, in operation, the working fluid is delivered, a condenser (13) located downstream from the turbine and arranged for condensing vapour exhausted from the turbine, and a cooling system (14) associated with the condenser. The heating system comprises a field of reflectors (17) that, during diurnal periods, are arranged (for example by pivoting) to reflect incident solar radiation to a receiver (18) for heating the working fluid. The cooling system (14) is arranged in operation of the power plant to transport a coolant fluid to which heat is transferred during vapour condensing and it comprises a subterranean heat exchanger incorporating conduits (27) through which the coolant is recirculated when cycling through the condenser.

Abstract: Processes using multiple expansion turbines for efficient recovery of power from a plurality of very high pressure streams of superheated vapor are disclosed. Beneficially, processes of the invention use at least two classes of expansion turbines. Processes according to this invention are particularly useful for recovery of power from very high pressure streams of superheated steam in an olefins manufacturing process. Such streams are typically produced by thermal cracking of suitable petroleum derived feed stocks, and the olefins being produced and purified are typically ethylene and/or propylene.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fast starting and loading a combined cycle power system are described. In one example embodiment, a method for starting a combined cycle power generation system is provided. The system includes a gas turbine and a steam turbine. The method includes loading the gas turbine at a loading rate that is facilitated to be at an increased loading rate, setting a first predetermined value for a bypass pressure set point for high-pressure steam, and increasing the first predetermined value to a second predetermined value at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing turbines, including a compressor turbine with a vaporizable liquid delivery device, are presented. A compressor turbine uses the evaporation of a vaporizable liquid at or near thermal equilibrium from the vaporizable liquid delivery device during the compression. The vapor created thereby typically carries the thermal energy discharged after the gas turbine cycle. The amount of liquid vaporized during compression, the length of time vaporization takes, the proximity to thermal equilibrium at which vaporization occurs, the amount of thermal energy recovered by recuperation, and the temperature at the inlet of the combustion chamber are generally interrelated parameters that can be controlled to increase efficiency.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system including a gas inlet pipe, at least one air compressor stage attached to the gas inlet pipe and adapted for compression of a gas, a heat transfer system to cool the gas during or after compression, at least one absorption bed attached to the heat transfer system, at least one compressed gas reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed gas reservoir being attached at its inlet to the absorption bed, at least one preheater stage that is attached to the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir for heating a compressed gas before expansion but after storage in the compressed gas reservoir, and at least one gas expander that is attached to the preheater stage and is adapted for the expansion of the compressed gas.

Abstract: A method for generating openings in a metal foil includes at least the following steps: a) providing a planar metal foil, b) generating at least one bend in the metal foil, and c) generating at least one opening in the region of the at least one bend through the use of a cutting production process. Grinding tools are preferably used. A method for producing a honeycomb body, an exhaust gas treatment unit for mobile internal combustion engines having a honeycomb body and being produced by the method, as well as a motor vehicle, are also described.

Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas powered turbine includes a premix section to mix a first selected volume of fuel with a selected oxidizer. The premix section includes an injector plate that includes a porosity according to selected characteristics, such as pore size, pore density, pore distribution, and other selected characteristics. Therefore, the fuel may be provided through the porous plate to the premix area in a selected uniform flux.

Abstract: A fuel distribution apparatus 12 comprises a manifold head 28, a waisted portion 30 and a nozzle head 32. An inlet channel 22 is formed in a mounting surface 18 of a casing 14 of a jet engine. An annular inlet manifold 42 is formed in the manifold head 28 to receive fluid from the fuel inlet channel 22. Six outlet fluid passageways 46 extend substantially tangentially away from the annular inlet manifold 42 and open out into a annular outlet manifold 50. Three ports 52 are formed in the inner wall of the annular outlet manifold 50 and the ports are connected to fuel delivery tubes 54 which extend away from the ports in the substantially helical fashion around the waisted portion 30 into the nozzle head 32. The outlet fluid passageways are arranged to direct the fluid around the outlet manifold in a first direction and the helical fuel delivery tubes extend in the opposite direct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a statically starting and operating ramjet engine system. The system includes a pumping ejector coupled to a ramjet engine upstream of the ramjet inlet. A subsonic converging nozzle is placed in fluid communication between the pumping ejector and ramjet inlet. The pumping ejector ejects a primary fluid into the ramjet inlet to entrain a secondary fluid and create a mixed flow with sufficient momentum and internal energy to achieve characteristic speed. The converging nozzle provides a characteristic cross section necessary for the mixed flow to achieve characteristic speed as it moves through the nozzle, thereby producing a standing shock wave at the point of maximum convergence of the nozzle and creating sonic conditions at the inlet of the ramjet engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a regenerative superheater system for an ejector ramjet engine. The invention includes a superheater in thermal communication with the combustion chamber of the ramjet engine. The superheater transfers thermal energy from combustion chamber to an ejectant which is then redirected upstream to the ramjet ejector. In one embodiment of the invention the temperature of the ejectant is modulated by a variable geometry cooler that controls the amount of thermal energy removed from the superheater system by ambient air. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the ejectant is modulated by a variable geometry superheater that controls the amount of thermal energy added to the superheater system through combustion gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulation of the temperature of a hot gas of a gas turbine, particularly of a stationary gas turbine used for generating electricity, which comprises injecting a liquid into an airflow, which can be drawn into a compressor and with the aid of which a fuel inside a combustion chamber, which is situated downstream, combusts while producing the hot gas that is subsequently expanded when flowing through the turbine part located downstream. A temperature measuring device is provided that measures the temperature of the airflow before the compressor, whereby the temperature of the hot gas is regulated by the quantity of fuel. The aim of the invention is to provide a regulation with which, during wet compression operation, the serviceable life of the components subjected to the action of hot gas is lengthened.

Abstract: A method is described for the controlled purging of the fuel feeding system in the combustor of a gas turbine comprising at least one compressor, capable of compressing the air introduced into it through an inlet duct, at least one combustor, in which said compressed air is mixed and combusted with a gaseous fuel coming from a feeding duct, and at least one turbine, capable of transforming the energy of the combusted gas coming from said combustion chamber into work energy which can be exploited for activating one or more operating machines. The combustor is equipped with one or more burners, each equipped with at least one pilot injector and one or more main injectors for the adduction of the gaseous fuel inside the burner. The method comprises purging at least part of the main injectors and relative manifolds with a stream of gaseous fuel when the turbine is in diffusive flame functioning mode.

Abstract: A combustor/coil assembly for direct electromagnetic induction from a detonation wave comprises an annular combustor, a magnetic field source and a port. The annular combustor comprises an inner liner and a coaxial outer liner. The outer liner is electrically insulated from the inner liner. The magnetic field source generates a substantially axial magnetic field inside the annular combustor. The port introduces reactants into the annular combustor to form the detonation wave. The detonation wave induces a voltage between the inner liner and the outer liner by forming a current loop between the inner liner and the outer liner.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a material of general formula (I): [(AyCo1-y)]u(Mn1-zCz)[(Si1-xBx)]v??(I) as a magnetocaloric material, wherein the material is orthorhombic and wherein: A is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; B is selected from Ge, Sn, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; C is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; x, y and z are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0 to 0.2; and u and v are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0.5 to 1.5. The invention also provides a method of making materials of formula (I) and a magnetocaloric refrigeration device comprising such materials.

Abstract: A method of addressing environmental warming and generating power, including positioning a device for generating electrical power in an environment experiencing undesired warming, the device including an active layer for intrinsically transducing thermal energy into electrical energy, and first and second electrical contacts having different work functions, respective first and second electron diffusion barriers positioned between and in electric communication with the active layer and respective first and second electrical contacts, wherein thermally generated electrons are separated to the first electrical contact and holes are separated to the second electrical contact, and wherein the introduction of thermal energy to the active layer increases the rate at which electron-hole pairs are formed, connecting the device to a power grid, removing thermal energy from the environment via conversion into electricity, and supplying electricity to the power grid, wherein the removal of thermal energy from the enviro

Abstract: A thermoelectric display case (10) is provided with at least one cooling tube (30) having at least one thermoelectric module (40) that cools containers (20) stored in the cooling tube (30).

Abstract: A compressor (1) including a compressor mechanism; an input line (12) for providing gas to the compressor; and an output line (14) for providing compressed gas from the compressor. The compressor may supply gas at a first pressure or at a second pressure, by variation of the charge pressure within a gas circuit. A buffer volume and arrangement of valves, contained within the compressor, facilitate the change in static charge pressure. The electrical power drawn by the compressor is reduced when the charge pressure is reduced. Changing the charge pressure in the compressor also varies the cooling power delivered by the refrigerator. Therefore, this variable charge compressor can be used to reduce the electrical power drawn by an MRI system when it is in standby, and the full refrigeration capability is not required. Also, this has the effect of reducing wear and increasing the life of certain components within the refrigerator and compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas safety device of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system for vehicles. The gas safety device includes a gas sensor installed at an air inlet connecting an engine room and the inside of a vehicle; and refrigerant cutoff valves installed at lines of an evaporator at the sides of refrigerant inlet or outlet for restricting the flow of a refrigerant by means of the operation of a control unit according to a sensing signal value of the gas sensor. In the gas safety device, when gas is leaked in the engine room after a starting switch of the vehicle is turned on, the gas sensor installed at the air inlet connecting the engine room and the inside of the vehicle senses the gas leakage, and outputs a corresponding signal value to the control unit.

Abstract: This invention disclosed a freezer; and it's control method. The freezer includes the casing and the top board, on which a pad for placing wine cups and bottles and for easy wine pouring is equipped. There is a fast cooling chamber at the ventilation opening of the freezer, and a clapboard to adjust temperature is placed in the freezer, dividing the freezer into two chambers vertically. Air return openings are equipped above and beneath the clapboard. The said fast cooling chamber includes an air outlet pipe. The pipe is fixed on the wall of the freezer, just wrapping the ventilation opening. The said clapboard to adjust temperature includes a board, sealed with tapes at both front and back, making the front part joint the glass door and the back part joint the internal wall of the freezer. At the same time, the air return opening can be open or closed dependent on need to form different temperature control of the fast cooling chamber and the two chambers.

Abstract: A system for using freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity and the container is received in the cavity. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior cradle having a bottom and edges extending from the bottom. The cradle bounds the cavity. An outer rim is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity. The bottom includes an inner surface facing the cavity receiving the container and an outer surface. The outer surface of the bottom is recessed relative to an outer surface of the outer rim.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery unit for accurately filling a refrigerant system with a refrigerant is provided which includes a storage vessel for holding refrigerant, sensors to assist in determining the pressure of the refrigerant in the storage vessel, a controller to control the flow of refrigerant from the storage vessel to the refrigerant system to be serviced, and a heating device to heat the refrigerant, which is activated only if heating is required, as determined by data received by the controller.

Abstract: The present invention offers an improvement over prior art cooling systems by accounting for rapid changes in thermal load. The circulation rate of refrigerant in a cooling cycle is set so that the two phase mixture exiting the cold plate evaporator device stays within a saturation dome of all mixtures between a saturated liquid and a saturated vapor. Furthermore, the two phase mixture exiting the cold plate evaporator device is allowed to move within the saturation dome so that the exit quality of the two phase mixture leaving the cold plate evaporator device changes with the heat load being removed. In this way, rapid changes in heat load are removed from the component or components in contact with the cold plate evaporator device without having to change the circulation rate of refrigerant in the cycle. Only the exit quality of the vapor leaving the cold plate/evaporator changes.

Abstract: The present inventors took notice of the fact that a person has constant repetitive nature in timing of restart of an indoor air conditioner after the OFF timer was ended, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor air conditioner and an operation control method thereof capable of obtaining comfortable sleep by setting an automatic start condition suitable for a user. The indoor air conditioner includes an OFF timer function for continuing the operation until set time is elapsed, time elapsed until restart by restart input means 15 after an OFF timer is ended is stored in automatic start time storing means 35 as automatic start time, and a room temperature at the time of restart is stored in automatic start temperature/humidity storing means 36 as automatic start temperature.

Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system which can automatically switch the operating mode of at least one indoor unit based on the difference between a measured indoor temperature provided by an indoor temperature sensor and a predefined set indoor temperature and then set a new set indoor temperature. The air conditioning system does not require a user to manually switch the operating mode of the indoor unit, thereby maximizing user convenience. In addition, the air conditioning system can maintain optimum room temperature.

Abstract: A high efficiency cooling and heating apparatus comprises an outdoor condensing unit having a high speed fan disposed within a housing. Also disposed with the housing is a micro compressor run by a high speed brushless DC motor with a custom winding to increase efficiency and decrease weight. A control circuit allows the motor to operate at high speeds almost instantaneously. The fan pulls air across a dual condenser coil disposed within the housing. An indoor evaporative unit also houses a high speed fan along with a control circuit to allow an operator to select cooling or heating an air flow. The indoor and out door units are connected with hoses to provide heat exchange. The apparatus can be operated at a much higher ambient temperature than conventional air cooling and heating systems.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a coolant cooler for cooling a coolant at the entrance of a flow control valve, when the cooling amount in the coolant cooler is deficient as well as excessive. The refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing the coolant, a radiator for radiating heat from the coolant, a coolant cooler for cooling the coolant, a flow control valve for regulating the flow volume of the coolant, an evaporator for evaporating the coolant, and a heat-exchange-amount control for controlling the amount of heat exchanged in the coolant cooler. The coolant is circulated through the compressor, the radiator, the coolant cooler, the flow control valve, and the evaporator, in that sequence.

Abstract: A chiller includes a main condenser that has a refrigerant condensate sump with an internal weir or standpipe that maintains at least a minimum liquid seal between the outlets of the main condenser and a heat-recovery condenser. The main condenser is used for normal cooling operation, and the heat-recovery condenser is for supplying an external process with heat that would otherwise be wasted. In addition to providing a liquid seal, the sump and weir combination provides a reliable source of liquid refrigerant to cool the chiller's compressor motor and creates a trap for collecting foreign particles that might exit either of the chiller's two condensers.

Abstract: A refrigerant floating expansion apparatus including a main body, a standpipe, a float element and a separation element is provided. The main body includes a base plate and a pipe-shaped housing. The standpipe fixed on the base plate has a second pipe opening and a third pipe opening. The pipe wall of the standpipe has at least an opening near the second pipe opening. The float element surrounds the standpipe for controlling a fluid-passing area of the opening. The separation element surrounding the float element is disposed on the base plate and forms an inner path with the pipe-shaped housing. The separation element has several fluid passageways near the base plate. A high-pressure fluid entering the main body is guided to pass through the fluid passageways to move the float element for controlling the fluid-passing area of the opening. Then, the high-pressure fluid is transferred to a low-pressure fluid.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is able to decrease the amount of refrigerant between a first expansion device and an injection valve and thus adjust the pressure of an injected refrigerant by decreasing the opening degree of the first expansion device and maintaining the opening degree of a second expansion device upon opening of the injection valve, thereby making the system stable upon opening of the injection valve. Furthermore, upon starting up a compressor, the opening degrees of the first and second expansion devices are partly decreased based on the start-up of the compressor and then gradually opened again, and upon completion of the start-up of the compressor, the opening amounts of the first and second expansion devices and the injection valve are controlled, thereby making the cycle more stable.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner including a front opening and closing panel with a structure wherein a sink is difficult to occur in a design surface.

Abstract: A system for locking control systems of an appliance includes a lock control that is configured to selectively place at least one of the user-controllable systems in a locked condition while allowing another of the user-controlled systems to remain in an unlocked condition. The system generally includes an appliance operation control, at least one interface and the lock control. The appliance operation control is configured to control user-adjustable controllable systems of the appliance in response to input received by the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is on the appliance and is in communication with the appliance operation control. The at least one interface is configured to receive input via the interface to control at least two of the user-controllable systems of the appliance. When a user-controllable system is in the locked condition, the locked control system is inoperative or unable to be adjusted.

Abstract: A cooling tube system (100) is formed as part of a refrigerator shelf (102). The shelf(102) includes a frame (104) having a series of frame wires (106). Secured above and supported on the frame wires (106) are a set of cooling tubes (114). A fan (132) directs cool air generated from cooling air equipment (130) through vents (136) into the refrigerator interior (129). The air flows through rear hollow ends (140) of the cooling tubes (114). The cooling air (138) is directed toward the front (124) of the refrigerator (120).

Abstract: A temperature controlled surface in a refrigerator that includes a heat exchanger configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to be cooled in thermal communication with a freezer compartment of the refrigerator. A second heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to cool the temperature controlled surface. A pump configured to flow the cooling medium through the first and second heat exchangers. A first heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the storage tank and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to be cooled. A second heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to cool the air and any contents within the temperature controlled compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a refrigerated goods container on its back accommodates a vertical partition, which is connected via at least one holder in the vicinity of its upper edge and with the refrigerated goods container. At least one receiving portion is molded in the refrigerated goods container, in which the at least one holder of the partition can be hooked in.

Abstract: A portable cooler with a powered cooling system is disclosed. Preferred embodiments include wheels large and flexible enough for rolling over sand, grass, and other uneven surfaces, and handles for carrying and/or pulling. Pulling handles can include an extension that can be rigid or flexible and can be retractable. Power sources include rechargeable and/or exchangeable batteries, and/or a solar panel. Accessories in preferred embodiments include a power outlet for a cellular telephone, a power outlet for an iPod, a docking station for an iPod, an AC electrical outlet, a radio, a CD player, a tape player, an MP3 player, a television, audio headset outlets, and one or more audio speakers. In preferred embodiments, some or all of the power source, the cooling system, and the accessories are protected from water and/or sand. Some embodiments include a beverage holder, and in some of these embodiments the beverage holder is cooled.

Abstract: Heat transfer compositions are usable in their own right or are suitable as a replacement for existing refrigeration usages. The compositions possess a reduced Greenhouse Warming Potential, yet have a capacity and energy efficiency (which may be conveniently expressed as the “Coefficient of Performance”) ideally within 20% of the values of those attained using R-134a, and preferably within 10% or less (e.g. about 5%) of these values.

Abstract: An evaporator (1) having: a plurality of vertical tubes (2) having a refrigerant path (7, 8) therein; an upper tank (10, 11) communicating upper ends of the refrigerant paths (7, 8) in the plural tubes (2); a lower tank (12, 13) communicating lower ends of the refrigerant paths (7, 8) in the plural tubes (2); and a resistance generators (21) provided in vicinity of inlets of the refrigerant paths (7, 8) and applying resistance to refrigerant flowing from the upper tank (10, 11) or the lower tank (12, 13) into the refrigerant paths (7, 8).

Abstract: A design for equipment and process for reliquefaction of LNG boiloff gas, primarily for shipboard installation, has high thermodynamic efficiency and lower capital cost, smaller size (volume, footprint), lower weight, and less need for maintenance than systems utilizing the prior art. The main refrigerant gas compressor is reduced to a single stage turbocompressor. Optional elements include: compression of boiloff gas at ambient temperature; compression of boiloff gas in one or two stages; turboexpansion of refrigerant gas incorporating one or two turboexpanders; turboexpander energy recovery by mechanical loading, compressor drive, or electric generator; refrigerant sidestream for cooling at the lowest temperatures.

Abstract: A design for equipment and process for reliquefaction of LNG boiloff gas, primarily for shipboard installation, has high thermodynamic efficiency and lower capital cost, smaller size (volume, footprint), lower weight, and less need for maintenance than systems utilizing the prior art. The main refrigerant gas compressor is reduced to a single stage turbocompressor. Optional elements include: compression of boiloff gas at ambient temperature; compression of boiloff gas in one or two stages; turboexpansion of refrigerant gas incorporating one or two turboexpanders; turboexpander energy recovery by mechanical loading, compressor drive, or electric generator; refrigerant sidestream for cooling at the lowest temperatures.

Abstract: When mirror polishing is performed on a glass substrate by bringing a polishing pad into contact with the surface of the glass substrate while supplying a polishing liquid containing polishing grains to the substrate surface, the pH of the polishing liquid is maintained within a certain range or the agglomeration degree or dispersion degree of the polishing liquid is controlled. Consequently, an adequate mirror polishing rate can be maintained and there can be obtained a glass substrate having a good end shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article having: coalesced first and second glasses, wherein: the first glass has at least two different metal oxides, wherein the first glass has a Tg1 and Tx1, and wherein the difference between the Tg1 and the Tx1 is at least 5K, the first glass having less than 20% by weight SiO2, less than 20% by weight B2O3, and less than 40% by weight P2O5; and the second glass has at least two different metal oxides, wherein the second glass has a Tg2 and Tx2, and wherein the difference between the Tg2 and the Tx2 is at least 5K, the second glass having less than 20% by weight SiO2, less than 20% by weight B2O3, and less than 40% by weight P2O5.

Abstract: Method for recycling mineral wool waste containing organic components, comprising the steps of: feeding the mineral wool waste into a charging device of a melting or preheating aggregate of a glass melting furnace; feeding an oxygen-containing gas flow into the charging device to generate an oxygen-rich atmosphere in said charging device; combusting the organic components in said charging device.

Abstract: The glass fiber for an optical amplifier has a glass core, a first glass cladding, and a second glass cladding. The core has a composition, in mol %, of Bi2O3, 30-60; SiO2, 0.5-40; B2O3, 0.5-40; Al2O3, 0-30; Ga2O3, 0-20; Ge2O3, 0-25; La2O3, 0-15; Nb2O5, 0-10; SnO2, 0-30; alkali metal oxides, 0-40; and Er2O3, 0.05-8. The process for making the glass fiber includes first making a preform consisting of the core and the first glass cladding by drawing from a double crucible. Then the second glass cladding is formed around the preform by a rod-in-tube process. The glass claddings have a composition that includes a transition metal compound as an absorbent.

Abstract: Methods for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first pathway and redirecting the optical fiber along a second, different pathway which is non-parallel with the first pathway. The optical fiber may be coated as it travels along the second pathway.

Abstract: A take-off element (10) for the gentle treatment of thread and for simple handling comprises two parts (11, 12), wherein at least one of said parts is arranged so as to be adjustable in longitudinal direction relative to the other. Whereas one of the parts 11 has a longitudinal slit for receiving a thread, the other part is provided with a head (34) extending on one side away from the shaft (35), the head being movable from the outside to the thread-receiving opening (26) in order to close the opening and away therefrom in order to clear the opening. The head (34) has an oblique surface (37) which is disposed to close the thread-receiving opening (26). The new take-off element (10) does not have a hook and thus does not exhibit any problem regarding process reliability. Its part (12) has a robust slider head, thus avoiding potential deformations on the head. Considering process reliability, the take-off element (10) permits a perfect insertion and removal of the comb thread (25) of a knit fabric.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine for the production of an opened fabric tube comprises a needle cylinder (1), a frame (6), which is coupled to the needle cylinder (1) and in which at least a draw-off roller (4) and/or a take-up roller (5), drive means (36 to 43) to drive said roller, and a blade (19) intended for opening the fabric tube are each rotatably mounted, and a flexible shaft (21), which is rigidly connected to the blade (19) and a drive wheel (38), for setting the blade (19) in rotation at a rotational speed dependent on the knitting speed. According to the invention, the drive wheel (38) of the flexible shaft (21) is functionally connected (FIG. 2) to the drive means (36 to 43) for the draw-off and/or take-up roller (4, 5).

Abstract: A washing apparatus such as an automatic laundry washing machine includes a wash agent dispenser drawer including an additive compartment for storing various additives such as detergent, bleach and fabric softener. One or more water inflow tubes may extend downwardly into the additive compartment and may be configured to deliver water for diluting the additives contained in the compartment. The inflow tubes are of sufficient length to reach a sub-surface portion of additive held in the compartment. Water may simultaneously be delivered to the surface of the additive. Furthermore, inflow tubes have their outlets positioned adjacent to the base(s) of one or more siphon post/cap assemblies located in the additive compartments, such that a churning effect is produced from the injection of water through the tubes and the siphoning action of the siphon post, whereby mixing is enhanced and additive buildup may be avoided and/or removed.

Abstract: A balance ring for washing machine devices as may be used in vertical and horizontal axis washing machines is provided. One structural arrangement of the ring comprises alternatively disposed positive and negative curved blades, as well as curved and straight blades, that in combination with the different heights of the blades, reduce the time and the amplitude of the vibrations of the transition state, thus enabling the washing basket to spin at higher velocities, and reducing the centrifugal cycle while increasing the centrifugal force applied to the objects being washed. Such an structural arrangement provides a superior drying of the clothes and further results in energy savings.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a first laundry treating device, and a second laundry treating device arranged adjacent to the first laundry treating device. The second laundry treating device is operable independently of the first laundry treating device. A first draining pipe guides water discharged from the first laundry treating device, and a second draining pipe guides water discharged from the second laundry treating device. A joining pipe is connected to the first and second draining pipes at a joining point.

Abstract: A dispenser for a liquid detergent composition suitable for use in an automatic washing machine having a rotating drum, comprises a housing including a reservoir for the detergent composition. The reservoir has a dispensing aperture. The dispenser includes a weight which is moveable relative to the housing. The movement of the weight is driven by rotation of the drum. The weight is connected to a closure for the dispensing aperture. Movement of the weight causes the dispensing aperture to open.