Abstract: A cooler has a thermally insulated container that defines a reservoir for retaining a flowable substance or fluid and comprises a base and a perimeter sidewall upwardly extending from the base to define an internal reservoir. The cooler also has at least a first spigot and a second spigot. The first spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a first location and the second spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a second location. The first location is spaced apart from said second location.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a housing with a chassis and a door enclosing a chilled interior; and a pressure equalization valve extending through a wall of the housing thereby facilitating an inflow of air from the surroundings into the interior and thereby blocking an outflow of air from the interior into the surroundings, the refrigerator comprising, a wall having a throughbore formed therein in a parallel flow arrangement with the pressure equalization valve, through which air can pass in two directions, wherein the flow of air is less than that of the airflow through the pressure equalization valve in the throughflow direction and greater than that of the air leakage value of the pressure equalization valve in the blocked direction.

Abstract: A blower fan of a fan coil unit includes a fan wheel including a first end ring, a second end ring, and a plurality of blades that extend between the first end ring and the second end ring. The plurality of blades define a wheel inner diameter, and each of the first end ring and the second end ring define an end ring inner diameter. The blower fan also includes a housing including an inlet orifice having an orifice diameter. The fan wheel is located within the housing. The orifice diameter is substantially equal to the end ring inner diameter and greater than the wheel inner diameter.

Abstract: A fan wheel of a blower fan includes a first base portion including a first flange, a second base portion including a second flange and a plurality of blades extending between the first base portion and the second base portion. The fan wheel is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A first end ring is attached to an inner perimeter of the first base portion, the first end ring including a third flange that extends outwardly relative to the axis of rotation. A second end ring is attached to an inner perimeter of the second base portion, the second end ring including a fourth flange that extends outwardly relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A component mounting plate (s1) of a casing for a refrigeration system includes an inner sub-plate (2), an outer sub-plate (3) and a heat insulating layer (4) filled with a heat insulating material, such as urethane. The inner sub-plate (2) is formed with a mounting hole (31) through which a mounting bolt (30) for mounting a component (16) to the inner sub-plate (2) passes. The heat insulating layer (4) contains a nut (40) disposed to correspond to the mounting hole (31) and an L-piece (41) disposed to correspond to the mounting hole (31) and including an extension (43) and a seat (42) with the nut (40) welded thereto. The L-piece is disposed in the heat insulating layer (4) with the seat (42) in contact with the inner sub-plate (2) and the extension (43) extending towards the outer sub-plate (3).

Abstract: A movement structure for a drawer of a refrigerator is provided that allows a storage box to be automatically withdrawn from or inserted into a main body of the refrigerator. The structure may include a rolling mechanism that rolls along a guide mechanism coupled to the storage box to facilitate and guide the movement of the storage box and maintain alignment relative to the main body of the refrigerator. A drive motor may provide a rotational force to the rolling mechanism to automate the movement of the storage box.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. This system and method allows a drawer to be withdrawn from or inserted into a main body of a refrigerator at a preset speed regardless of the weight of items stored within the drawer, thus increasing reliability of the driving system and enhancing utility of the drawer.

Abstract: To provide a heat converter for condensation that can be miniaturized and reduced in weight and can promote miniaturization, cost reduction and energy saving of a refrigeration system using the heat converter to thereby contribute to global environment conservation, and a refrigeration system using the heat converter.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an accumulator, and electronics for controlling the compressor. The accumulator collects gaseous and liquid refrigerant passing from the evaporator to the compressor. The electronics are mounted to the accumulator to transfer heat from the electronics to the refrigerant located within the accumulator to cool the electronics.

Abstract: A method of liquefying natural gas from a feed stream (10) comprising at least the steps of: passing the feed stream (10) against a mixed refrigerant being cycled through a heat exchanger (12), to provide an at least partly liquefied hydrocarbon stream (20) having a temperature below ?100° C.; outflowing the mixed refrigerant as a liquid and vapour outflow refrigerant stream (80) and passing it through a first separator (18) to provide a vapour refrigerant stream (90) and a liquid refrigerant stream (110); recycling without substantial heat exchange the liquid refrigerant stream (110) into the heat exchanger (12); compressing and cooling the vapour refrigerant stream (90) to provide a cooled compressed stream (100) having a temperature below 0° C. and recycling it into the heat exchanger (12).

Abstract: A valve comprises an inlet portion configured to couple to a source of a fluid, and a body portion in fluidic communication with the inlet portion. The body portion defines a modulated flow path and a constant flow path adjacent to the modulated flow path.

Abstract: A distillation method and apparatus having application to the distillation of air in which liquid production make is varied by varying the pressure ratio across a turboexpander used in generating refrigeration. The pressure ratio is varied by varying the pressure of a compressed stream fed to the turboexpander. This is done by solely compressing such compressed stream by a first booster compressor during a low rate of production of liquid products. During a high rate of production of liquid products, the compressed stream is also compressed within a second booster compressor. The second booster compressor is driven by a variable speed drive to allow a variety of liquid production rates between the low level of liquid production and the high level of liquid production.

Abstract: A clasp for stringed jewelry having a first component rotatably engageable to a second component. A rotational engagement of one end of the string or wire with the first component allows it to be rotated to engage with a second component attached to the second end of the string or wire. The rotational engagement of the first component, prevents any twisting of the wire or string during the engagement process and prevents deformation of the necklace from twisting.

Abstract: Wristlet clasp allowing the wristlet length to be finely adjusted. A wheel accessible through an opening in the cover can be made to rotate to screw or unscrew a threaded rod so as to move an end of the wristlet relative to the cover.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative chain includes joining a first and second material in a layered relationship, each material having a different appearance, and forming such joined material into a thread comprising a core of a third material. In one embodiment, the thread is introduced onto a support to form a spiral, and the spiral is separated into chain elements or links that are intertwined to form jewelry chains. Thereafter a portion of the first material along the outer surface of the chain is removed to reveal or expose a portion of the sub-layer of second material along the outer surface. In one embodiment, the thread core is maintained for solid link chain. In another embodiment, the thread core is removed to form hollow link chain. In either case, the outer surface of the chain is provided with contrasting appearances from the first and second materials.

Abstract: An earring includes an s-member earring post having a first end that includes a keeper, and a second end for insertion in a pierced ear hole of a user's ear. One or more beads are slideably attached to the s-member earring post, wherein, when the earring is worn on the user's ear, the keeper maintains a stable position of the at least one bead based on a gravitation force on the bead.

Abstract: An arrangement for the presentation of a jewelry element has a carrier, the carrier and the jewelry element each having a pair of bearing parts for supporting the jewelry element. The bearing parts associated with the carrier are a component part of a separate bearing device. The carrier, the jewelry element, and the bearing device are modular structural component parts. The bearing device can be connected to the carrier and to the jewelry element. The bearing parts may comprise a pin and a recess for movably supporting the jewelry element. The pin converges in the direction of the recess according to a defined converging angle. The recess diverges in direction of the pin according to a diverging angle. The diverging angle is greater than the converging angle. The pin and the recess meet at the vertex of the diverging angle and converging angle to form a point-type bearing support.

Abstract: A glassware manufacturing method and machine, whereby the inner surfaces of the molds of the various forming sections of the machine are treated using a common processing member, and the exhaust substances produced by the treatment are aspirated simultaneously with or at a predetermined time during the treatment by a suction device having at least one suction hood associated with the processing member.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein that control the environment (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, humidity, temperature, gas flow rate, pressure) around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a closed-loop control system and a capsule that are used to control the level of hydrogen around the exterior (non glass contact surface) of the vessel(s) so as to suppress the formation of gaseous inclusions and surface blisters in glass sheets. In addition, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to help cool molten glass while the molten glass travels from one vessel to another vessel in the glass manufacturing system. Moreover, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to maintain an atmosphere with minimal oxygen around the vessel(s) so as to reduce the oxidation of precious metals on the vessel(s).

Abstract: Optical fiber manufacturing methods, which manufacture optical fibers with uniform characteristics using a simple device construction, are provided. The optical fiber manufacturing methods comprise, drawing a glass fiber from a glass preform by heating and melting one end of the glass preform and coating at least one layer of resin around the circumference of the drawn glass fiber. The method includes the steps of decreasing the viscosity of the resin from an initial viscosity during a start-up process time to a steady viscosity as optical fiber draw speed increases, wherein the steady viscosity is a predetermined viscosity; and increasing the draw speed during the start-up process time to a faster steady speed.

Abstract: Drawing methods and drawing furnaces for drawing an optical fiber with small non-circularity by simple drawing system are provided. An optical fiber preform is received into a muffle tube and heated by a primary heater placed to surround the muffle tube. The optical fiber preform is heated such that a starting position of a meniscus portion is higher in its position than the top of the primary heater, wherein the meniscus portion is created at the bottom portion of the optical fiber preform.

Abstract: Methods and systems that detect high resonance frequencies as a laundering device (e.g., a washer or dryer) is in a spin cycle, and avoids those frequencies, as well as a band around those frequencies (e.g., 75 rpm on either side of the resonant frequency), in subsequent spin cycles, is described. Aspects of the invention also provide for detecting whether the setup of the laundering device has changed (e.g., resulting from a change in physical location or setup), and provides for the recalibration of a resonance frequency or known high vibration speed when a new setup is detected. Aspects of the invention recognize that solutions to minimize vibration are unnecessary. It is not necessary to optimize or minimize vibration in order for a laundry device to work properly, but rather it is sufficient to ensure that the laundry device does not spin the drum at a speed that causes excessive vibration.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine capable of minimizing the number of parts required to discharge the generated condensate as possible and of simplifying the drainage path. A laundry treating machine includes a cabinet in which an accomodating space receiving laundry therein is formed, a moisture supply device supplying moisture to the accomodating space, a water supply part connected with the moisture supply device to supply water, a water discharge part discharging water condensed from the moisture supplied by the moisture supply device or water remaining in the moisture supply device, a circulation duct to draw-in air of the accomodating space and discharging the air into the accomodating space, and a heat exchanging part provided in the circulation duct, the heat exchanger in which circulated air is dehumidified or heated.

Abstract: A computer cover retention bar (or lock bar) is provided that is functionally integrated with a padlock and/or Kensington lock setup in such a way that full closure via the padlock and/or Kensington lock will ensure that the retention bar, itself provided with detents or hooks that themselves act to keep the cover fully closed with respect to a chassis or body of the desktop or workstation, cannot be moved. This then ensures that the locking action of a padlock or Kensington lock goes a measure beyond the norm, in that a cover can indeed remain fully closed without, e.g., affording unauthorized individuals from prying open the cover.

Abstract: A fixture mechanism is adapted to secure a computer hardware device onto a base plate, and includes a first limiting member, a second limiting member, a positioning mechanism, and an interfering member provided on the computer hardware device. The first limiting member is adapted to be secured onto the base plate, and includes an upright wall provided with a slot. The second limiting member is adapted to be disposed on the base plate, is movable relative to the first limiting member between locking and released positions, and is provided with a limiting groove that cooperates with the slot. When the second limiting member is at the released position, the slot is communicated with the limiting groove to permit free sliding movement of the interfering member along the slot. When the second limiting member is at the locking position, the slot is partly communicated with the limiting groove to thereby limit the interfering member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking system for a sash window which comprises a first part that is installed in use within the sill of the sash window frame and which faces a second part that is mounted in use to the underside of the bottom rail of the lower sash wherein the first and second parts each have a respective complementary engaging parts whereof one of the complementary engaging parts of the first and the second parts is moveable relative to the other to lockingly engage with the other and which may be drawn away from locking engagement by use of a magnetic key.

Abstract: A wing including an infill of fixed extent and an outer frame including at least two outer frame member comprises at least one of which includes a pair of associated outer frame portions connected by a telescopic joint comprising a linear joint, said outer frame members connected at a corner joint defined in part by an included angle that may be changed, said the infill bounded by an inner frame having an outwardly disposed peripheral channel supported in relation to the outer frame that at least in part occupies the channel.

Abstract: A door latch assembly having a latching mechanism and a substantially flush-mounted actuator. The actuator may raise and lower a latch within the latching mechanism to engage and disengage the strike plate of an adjacent door jam. Similar to the actuator, a key cylinder may be substantially flush-mounted on an opposite side of the door. The key cylinder may lock or unlock the latch assembly.

Abstract: The locking device contains an axle, a bolt, a positioning plate, and a cylinder. The axle is connected to a thumb-turn knob and, from a circumference of the axle, a lever is extended perpendicularly. The bolt has a vertical trough in a rear section. An end of the lever is embedded in the trough. The positioning plate has an elongated opening inside which the axle is embedded. The cylinder is positioned adjacent to and above the rear section of the bolt. The cylinder has a key hole in the center and an activation bar extended from a circumference of the cylinder. When the thumb-turn knob or a key in the key hole is turned, the positioning plate is moved towards an opposite direction. In turn, the lever of the axle pushes or pulls the bolt in the same directions as the key or the knob is turned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct connecting type door latch device for an automobile, comprising: a key cylinder which is provided at an outside of a door and to which a key operation rod is formed, a latch comprising a connection member, wherein a latch linking means interconnects the key operation rod and the connection member such that the rotation force of the key operation rod of the key cylinder can be transmitted to the connection member of the latch when an outside handle to which the key cylinder is mounted is positioned apart by a predetermined distance from the latch.

Abstract: A locking device for a telescoping pole for use with a retractable handle system, the pole having at least one moveable section slideably mounted in a guide member having at least one opening. The locking device includes a body fixed to the movable section, a locking member carried by the body and movable between locking an unlocking positions, a rotatable lever carried by the body and pivotable between a release position, in which relative movement is permitted between the movable section and the guide member, and a blocking position, in which the lever comes to bear on the guide member and exerts a force assuring a transverse immobilization of the moveable section in the guide member. The lever is coupled to the locking member to be displaced toward the blocking position when the locking member is engaged in the opening under the force produced by a restoring element.

Abstract: A defeatable room access control system and method having: 1) an electronic mortise lockset limiting access to a protected room; 2) an authorized user detection scheme controlling the lockset; 3) a door interlock mechanism confirming the closure status of the door; 4) an ability to override the door interlock mechanism when an authorized user is detected. 5) one or more microprocessors programmed to monitor and control all functions.

Abstract: A locking device includes a barrel affixed to a plate member of a sliding track in a housing structure, a lock bolt movable in and out of the barrel for locking an external mobile device to the sliding track, a pull knob provided at the back side of the barrel and connected with the lock bolt for moving the lock bolt in and out of the barrel, and a spring mounted in the barrel to impart an outward pressure to the lock bolt and to hold the lock bolt in the locking position.

Abstract: A door latch device in a motor vehicle comprises an engagement portion including a latch which engages with a striker of a vehicle body. The door latch device comprises an inner lever connected to an inside handle, a lock lever connected to a lock knob on a door inside the vehicle, a subsidiary lever connected to the lock lever, a childproof lock lever, a motor and an actuating member driven by the motor to actuate the childproof lock lever. Childproof locking and a double locking can be carried out by the single motor.

Abstract: A lock device includes a tongue slidably engaged with a housing and extendible out of the housing, an anchoring device slidably disposed in the housing and having two anchoring members for selectively aligning with the tongue and having a compartment formed between the anchoring members, and a moving device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing to selectively align either of the anchoring members with the tongue and for preventing the tongue from being engaged into the compartment of the anchoring device. The moving device includes an electromagnetic mechanism coupled to the anchoring device for moving the anchoring device relative to the housing.

Abstract: A latch lock having a latch which is arranged so as to be displaceable against spring force in a lock case that can be fastened to a wall, door leaf, or the like, having a first locking cylinder whose thumb draws the latch back against spring force when the cylinder core is rotated by a key. The locking cylinder is constructed in such a way that it allows the key to be pulled out only in a determined position of the cylinder core with reference to the cylinder housing such as in the locking position. According to the invention, a second locking cylinder is arranged in the lock case and coupled with the first locking cylinder such that, when rotated by means of a key, its thumb moves the first locking cylinder into the determined position in which the key can be extracted from the first locking cylinder.

Abstract: A tumbler pin lock includes an auxiliary locking mechanism including an auxiliary locking pin to provide enhance locking in addition to the locking provided by the tumbler pins so that the lock remains locked even if the tumblers are picked or bumped into their unlocked positions.

Abstract: A key assembly (500) is configured in a housing (90) of an electronic device, the housing having an opening (902) defined therein. The key assembly includes an elastic key body (50) and a hollow carrier (52). The hollow carrier is received in the opening of the housing for holding the key body. The key body and the carrier together seal the opening.

Abstract: A handle-less key assembly occupies less space and is attachable to certain attachment structures for providing a key-turning torque arm. The handle-less key assembly is set with a key body, a lock fastener, and an abbreviated key handle on one end of the key body. The handle-less key assembly can be connected and overlapped in face-to-face relation with other keys or key accessories so that the same may be well combined, easily located, and convenient to carry. A torque arm extension can be formed by connecting the handle-less key assembly with other keys or key accessories or to a key post. The turning torque of the key assembly thus be enlarged via the key post, key accessory, or successively connected key bodies so that the handle-less key assembly can function properly even if the key handle is shortened and the volume of the whole key is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism.

Abstract: A soil amendment comprising compost and between about 5% and about 30% by weight of an agricultural liming material, wherein at least about 50% of said liming material has an average particle size of about 65 microns or less is described. Methods for using and manufacturing this soil amendment are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a turned blank at a workstation in a progressive forging machine comprising simultaneously monitoring both the force on a tool in the workstation and the crank angle of the machine, determining a reference crank angle when the tool is subjected to a force at the workstation about to deliver a blow and a blank in the workstation is properly angularly aligned, operating the machine to forge blanks in a normal manner when a force on the tool at the workstation occurs substantially at the reference crank angle, and interrupting said normal manner when the force on the tool at the workstation occurs before said reference crankshaft angle to enable the blank being formed at the workstation to be separated from remaining blanks being forged in the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to lip-rolling and flanging tool for bending back and/or widening fender-wheelwell edges of motor vehicles, comprising a flanging roll (46) that is attached through a telescoping tube arrangement (10) to an affixing flange (4) mountable on the wheel axle of the motor vehicle, and while generating a pressing force against the fender-wheelwell edge is pivotable together with the wheel axle, wherein the flanging roll (46) is mounted in a forked support bracket (44) disposed at one end of the telescoping tube arrangement (10), which bracket is disposed in a rotatable and lockable manner between clamping jaws (40, 40?) attached to the telescoping tube arrangement (10), characterized in that the clamping jaws (40, 40?) each have at least one recess or milled-out section (100, 100?) that interacts with a pin (103) disposed in the flanging-roll support bracket (44) so as to restrict the pivoting range of the flanging-roll support bracket (44).

Abstract: A process of bending a strip-like blade member in the width direction, and that of bending the blade member in the thickness direction are caused to be continuously performed. A method includes: a step of bending the blade member in the width direction; and a step of, after the bending process, bending the blade member in the thickness direction. In the width-direction bending step for the blade member, the blade member is clamped by a pair of rotary press claws 13, 14 from both sides in the thickness direction to be compressed in the thickness direction, whereby the compressed portion is extended in the longitudinal direction of the blade member and the blade member is bent in the width direction.

Abstract: The embodiment relates generally to a stamping or draw die used for forming a workpiece into a part or component using a first die shoe, a second die shoe and a punch wherein the punch draws the material into a cavity located in the second die shoe. The force is generated during the forming operation are often unbalanced which generates an uneven stress distribution on the component of the die assembly. By varying the position and angle of the guide surfaces located on the punch, first die shoe and second die shoe the stress can be distributed across a greater area of the respective die assembly component to reduce stress concentrations in a localized area and correspondingly reduce the potential for die failure.

Abstract: A method for forming a stepped shaft includes: forming a billet of a predetermined mass; heating the billet; cross-wedge rolling the billet to form an intermediate workpiece having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion that are axially spaced apart by a neck that is smaller in diameter than the first and second cylindrical portions; and performing at least one upset forging operation on the end of the intermediate workpiece to enlarge the first cylindrical portion such that in at least one location its diameter is larger than a diameter of any other portion of the stepped shaft and larger than a diameter of the billet.

Abstract: A work is placed on a pair of dies and a knock out die, and a punch is caused to descend, whereby the work is subjected to bending into a box-shape. In order to reduce a camber generated by an internal stress after the bending, on a surface of the knock out die, widths of friction-reduced regions at side portions thereof are made to be larger than a width of the friction-reduced region at a center portion thereof, with the result that a distribution of friction at the respective portions of the knock out die during processing is improved.

Abstract: A machine, tooling and method for cold forming complex metal parts such as a banjo style hose fitting starting with a near net shape volume of wire and continuing with multiple forging blows and an intermediate rotation of the blank to produce a hose coupling shell end, a transition neck, a large counterbored annular coupling body and a perpendicular alignment tang.

Abstract: A method to manufacture a steel die having a Physical Vapor Deposition wear resistant coating on a profile surface and a steel die formed thereby is disclosed. The steel die is subjected to quenching and tempering to achieve a Rockwell hardness in the range of about 40-45 Rc and then subjected to machining to form a profile surface. The surface is then subjected to Physical Vapor Deposition of a wear resistant coating that may be multiple layers of CrN, AlCrN, TiCrN, TiN, TiCN or TiAlN, and preferably is alternating layers of TiN—TiCN—TiN. The coating is applied at a sufficient thickness to impart wear resistance to the steel die. The steel dies are useful in sheet metal stamping operations.

Abstract: In a multi-station forging machine having a stationary die breast and a reciprocating slide moveable in a direction towards and away from the die breast, the slide carrying a tool holder at a workstation, a tool case moveable back and forth on the tool holder in the direction of slide movement, tool segments carried in the tool case and moveable between open and closed positions, a pivotal lever carried on the slide having one portion engaging a rearwardly facing surface adjacent a rear of the tool case, a pivot surface around which said lever pivots, and another portion on a part of the lever extending from the pivot surface remote from the one portion, a high force spring mounted on the die breast, the spring being arranged to apply a high biasing force to said other lever portion when the slide is near or at front dead center, the lever transferring said biasing force to said tool case to bias said tool case forwardly.