Abstract: An air conditioning system that includes desiccant compartments for holding a desiccant; a heat exchanger, a blower and a vessel. The heat exchanger can be filled with a heat transfer medium, while the blower blows ambient air by the heat exchanger such that the blown air is cooled and the heat exchanger is warmed such that thermal energy increases and is transferred from the air to the heat transfer medium causing the heat transfer medium to turn into vapor. The vapor is then diffused to one of the desiccant compartments such that the vapor is adsorbed onto the desiccant creating a mixture. Then an energy source is applied to the mixture such that the vapor and desiccant are separated. The separated vapor is transported to the vessel where it is condensed and then sent back to the heat exchanger, such that the system is able to be continuously operating.

Abstract: A refrigerator or a freezer comprises a primary refrigeration system (11) which is augmented with a passive secondary refrigeration loop (15) having a condenser (30) in thermal contact with a primary fluid line (12) at the location between a primary compressor (16) and a primary condenser (18) and preferably placed outside a building so that the passive secondary refrigeration loop (15) provides cooling to the primary refrigeration system (11) when the outside temperature is sufficiently low The condenser (30) of the passive secondary refrigeration loop (15) is positioned above the points where the primary fluid line (12) connects with mlet (32) and outlet (34) lines of the secondary loop condenser (30)

Abstract: A heat pump comprising an evaporator, a compressor and a heat exchanger is provided. The evaporator transfers heat from taken in air to a first fluid and expels the taken in air at a temperature cooler than ambient temperature. The compressor compresses and pumps the first fluid. The heat exchanger comprises a first passage for the heated compressed first fluid driven by the compressor and a second passage for a second fluid driven by thermal convection. A heat pump comprising a second heat exchanger that receives heated compressed first fluid from the compressor which heats compressed first fluid from the heat exchanger is also provided. Additionally, methods and systems for heating a fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a heat pump system and a method of controlling the same. In a heating operation, a refrigerant circulating in an air-conditioning device is heat-exchanged with a working fluid heated by a heating device so as to be heated, and the heating device is controlled according to a temperature of the working fluid. Thus, various types of heating members are conveniently used as the heating device for heating the refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a receiver unit for receiving information required for every day life, a control unit for determining information a user is in need from the information required for every day life, and a display unit for displaying the information the user is in need to an outside of the refrigerator.

Abstract: In concurrent operation of performing a refrigeration cycle in which an outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as a condenser, and at least one of a plurality of indoor heat exchangers (31, 41, 51) functions as a condenser, pressure difference ?P1 between a high pressure refrigerant an a refrigerant in a liquid pipe (15) is detected, and the degree of opening of an outdoor expansion valve (23) is adjusted so that the pressure difference ?P1 becomes larger than a predetermined target value.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation control is provided for a suction valve located on a suction line. When the flow rate through a refrigerant system needs to be reduced, the suction valve is rapidly cycled from an open position to a closed position. A bypass line connecting compressor discharge to compressor suction with a bypass valve and a discharge valve positioned on the discharge side of the compressor are also provided. When the control closes the suction valve, it also closes the discharge valve to prevent the refrigerant to backflow into the bypass line, and, at the same time, the control opens the bypass valve. Opening of the bypass valve reduces discharge pressure, leading to reduction in compressor power consumption and subsequent operating efficiency gain.

Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided that includes a compressor, a motor for driving the compressor, a refrigerant system component, and a controller. The refrigerant system component can operate in a pulse width modulated mode having a loaded phase and an unloaded phase. The compressor motor is loaded in the loaded phase but unloaded in the unloaded phase. The controller applies a first voltage to the compressor motor in the loaded phase and a second voltage to the compressor motor in the unloaded phase. Here, the second voltage is less than the first voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual zone type air conditioner for vehicles, which includes two air volume controlling doors mounted on an air inflow port of an air-conditioning case where the cross section of an air passageway is uniform and a flow of air is relatively uniform, a sealing wall mounted between the air volume controlling doors, and a controlling part mounted for selecting a more air volume side as a level of a blower when an air volume set by a driver and an air volume set by a passenger are different from each other and controlling the air volume controlling doors to supply the set air volumes to a driver's seat side and a passenger's seat side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerated display case of the type comprising a bearing base and a top glass compartment designed to be alternatively used to display homemade ice cream and pastry, being provided with a horizontal wall above the base designed to house the containers of homemade ice cream and with a pair of shelves designed to support pastry trays inside the front wall of the glass compartment, able to slide together towards the top of the glass compartment in order to be concealed from the sight of customers situated in front of the display case.

Abstract: An object is to provide a low temperature showcase in which waste heat from a condenser and the like can be utilized by a simple constitution to effectively eliminate dew condensation on a middle pillar, particularly on gasket of upper part of a door. The low temperature showcase includes a middle pillar whose front surface abuts on the gasket of the door; a machine chamber disposed outside a main body under a display chamber and including the condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like, and the showcase further includes a middle pillar duct member which is vertically attached to the middle pillar and in which a middle pillar duct is defined, a leading portion which leads air from the machine chamber into the middle pillar duct, and exhaust holes which discharge the air flowing upwards through the duct to the outside of the gasket between the upper part of the door and the main body.

Abstract: Thermal storage air conditioner including an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, and at least one compressor for compressing refrigerant, an indoor unit having at least one indoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, a thermal storage unit having a thermal storage tank for holding thermal storage substance therein, a thermal storage heat exchanger for receiving refrigerant from an outside of the thermal storage unit to heat exchange with the thermal storage substance in the thermal storage tank, and a securing member for securing the thermal storage heat exchanger so as to maintain the thermal storage heat exchanger submerged under the thermal storage substance in the thermal storage tank, and a functional unit for selective control of refrigerant flows among the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the thermal storage unit according to an operation condition, thereby maintaining the thermal storage heat exchanger in the thermal storage tank securely, to prevent drop of he

Abstract: A portable evaporative cooling system having a misting apparatus has a fan generating an air path and a spraying apparatus dispersing water in the air path. A water container has an elongate body wherein the water container has a cross-sectional profile that at least partially approximates a cross-sectional profile of the misting apparatus. The misting apparatus selectively slidingly engages at least part of the cross-sectional profile of the water container, therein selectively securing the fan inside the water container. A lid is in selective cooperative engagement with the open end of the water container and has an access port therethrough. In a first configuration, the lid encloses the misting apparatus within an interior region of the water container, and in a second configuration, the misting apparatus is operatively coupled to an external portion of the lid, wherein the misting apparatus draws water through the access port.

Abstract: A refrigerant system, which utilizes CO2 as a refrigerant, includes a main closed-loop refrigerant circuit and a booster closed-loop refrigerant circuit. A heat accepting heat exchanger, which provides extra cooling for the refrigerant circulating through the main circuit, and thus improves refrigerant system performance, also serves as a shared component coupling the two circuits through heat transfer interaction. Various schematics and configurations for the booster circuit, which may be combined with other performance enhancement features, are disclosed. Additional benefits for economizer function, “liquid-to-suction” heat exchanger, intercooling and liquid injection are also presented. The booster circuit may also contain CO2 refrigerant.

Abstract: A cooling device is provided having three storage zones that are insulated from each other and cooled via evaporators through which a coolant flows. A first coolant circuit extends through a first and a second of the three storage zones and a second coolant circuit positioned parallel to the first coolant circuit extends through the first and the third of the storage zones.

Abstract: A refrigeration device is provided that includes a housing enclosing an interior and an ice reservoir, arranged in the interior, having an output opening and accommodating a stirrer. The ice reservoir can be pivoted between two positions that are different with respect to the height of the output opening.

Abstract: An ice storage capacity can adjusted according to a needed amount of ice, and a user can obtain a required amount of the ice to increase the user's convenience. For this, an ice bank is provided. The ice bank includes an external case and an internal case. The internal case is disposed inside the external case and includes an interior space in communication with an interior space of the external case. One of the external case and the internal case overlappingly moves toward the other case to vary an ice storage capacity.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. More functions can be added to a refrigerator door by coupling a home bar and a dispenser. Also, since the dispenser is disposed so that it is shielded from the outside, contamination of the dispenser can be prevented.

Abstract: According to the structure of the refrigerator and the dispenser for the same, water is easily dispensed as the water dispensing device and the ice dispensing device are separately provided and the water dispensing button is provided at the front of the chute cover, and the water dispensing device is minimally damaged due to the absorbing pad structure.

Abstract: An expander-compressor unit (10) includes a two-stage rotary expansion mechanism (3) having a first cylinder (41) and a second cylinder (42). In the expansion mechanism (3), a suction port (71) facing a working chamber on the upstream side in the first cylinder (41) and a discharge port facing a working chamber on the downstream side in the second cylinder (42) are formed. An intermediate plate (43) is provided between the first cylinder (41) and the second cylinder (42). In the intermediate plate (43), a communication passage (43a) for allowing communication between a working chamber on the downstream side in the first cylinder (41) and a working chamber on the upstream side in the second cylinder (42) is formed. The communication passage (43a) does not communicate with the working chamber in the first cylinder (41) during the suction process, and communicates with the downstream working chamber in the first cylinder (41) at or after the end of the suction process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air cooling device of an integrated thermo-hygrostat, which is advantageous over known integrated thermo-hygrostats in that it is possible to prevent indoor air from being mixed with cold outdoor air when cooling an indoor space using the cold outdoor air in winter by installing an indoor air control damper which can control the flow of the indoor air in front of an evaporator installed in an inner portion of a main body. The air cooling device can rapidly lower the temperature of the indoor space to the intended temperature, increase cooling efficiency, and prevent power from being unnecessarily consumed by being capable of suspending the cooling function thereof when cooling is performed using outdoor air having a temperature below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a demand shifting thermal storage system employing a heat transfer/thermal energy storage vessel to produce and hold a phase change fluid using an air cooled/water cooled/ground coupled or evaporative condensing unit to generate the cold fluid with a separate and dependent circuit coupled to the indoor cooling load to remove heat from the HVAC or process cooling load using one or multiple indoor coils to absorb heat returning the heat to the thermal energy storage vessel to reject the space heat, cool the space and continue the cycle.

Abstract: A drink dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber that contains a cooling fluid therein. A refrigeration unit is disposed within the housing. The refrigeration unit includes an evaporator coil extending into the cooling fluid such that a frozen cooling fluid bank forms about the evaporator coil. An agitator is disposed within the housing. The agitator extends into the cooling fluid for circulating the cooling fluid about the frozen cooling fluid bank. Dispensing valves mounted onto the housing dispense drinks from the drink dispenser. An electronic control system is disposed within the housing. The electronic control system is coupled with the agitator such that the electronic control system cycles the agitator between an agitator on period and an agitator off period. Cycling the agitator between an agitator on period and an agitator off period promotes stable growth of the frozen cooling fluid bank.

Abstract: A temperature chamber in which a device is tested is connected to a temperature-controlled air source for controlling temperature of the chamber. The temperature chamber includes thermal insulation formed on side surfaces of the chamber. A universal manifold adaptor for directing the temperature-controlled air directly to a device being tested is connected to the chamber. The temperature chamber also includes an exhaust system. A self-closing cable feed-through module is connected to an outer surface of the chamber. The feed-through module includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein cables are fed through the first and second portions into the chamber in a first position and the first and second portions form a leak tight seal around the cables in a second position.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a subcompartment in a compartment of an appliance is disclosed. The heating apparatus includes an electromagnetic member disposed in the compartment, and a metal member thermally coupled to the subcompartment. The metal member is magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic member to generate an eddy current in the metal member in response to a magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic member for heating the subcompartment. A related heating method and a refrigerator incorporating such a heating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Contemplated NGL plants include a feed gas bypass circuit through which a portion of the feed gas is provided downstream to a vapor portion of the feed gas to thereby increase turbo expander inlet temperature and demethanizer temperature. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous for feed gases with relatively high carbon dioxide content as they entirely avoid carbon dioxide freezing in the demethanizer, provide additional power production by the turboexpander, and recover C2+ components to levels of at least 80% while achieving a low carbon dioxide content in the NGL product.

Abstract: A method for separating a mixture of carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen and optionally nitrogen by cryogenic distillation is provided.

Abstract: Air separation method in which air is separated within cryogenic rectification processes conducted in first and second cryogenic air separation plants. The first cryogenic air separation plant is designed to produce an oxygen-rich product stream and the second cryogenic air separation plant is designed to produce an impure oxygen vapor stream. At least part of the impure oxygen vapor stream is introduced into a lower pressure column of the first cryogenic air separation plant and oxygen contained in such stream along with air separated within the first air separation plant is used in producing the oxygen-rich product stream.

Abstract: A wearable containing element for an electronic apparatus, comparable to an ornament or pendant, comprising at least a pair of complementary shells, able to be coupled with each other so as to define a containing body with an external surface having a shape and size comparable to those of a traditional ornament, and an internal containing compartment, of a shape and size sufficiently large to house the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Jewelry includes a stone having a groove extending at least partially around a periphery of the stone. A setting includes a wire received in and running along the groove to mount the stone in the setting. In one process, a groove is cut in the stone using a laser.

Abstract: A gemstone construction, comprising a plurality of individual gemstones assembled together by a common frame to define a composite gemstone unit having a girdle, a crown on one side of the girdle, and a pavilion on the opposite side of the girdle, each of the individual gemstones defining a segment of the composite gemstone unit, and including a girdle segment of the composite gemstone unit girdle, a crown segment of the composite gemstone unit crown, and a pavilion segment of the composite gemstone unit pavilion, the girdle and crown segments of at least some of the individual gemstones having an outer face to serve as the outer face of the composite gemstone unit girdle and crown, the girdle segment of at least some of the individual gemstones having at least one flat, smooth, inner face in contact with a corresponding flat, smooth, inner face of the girdle segment of another individual gemstone in the composite gemstone unit, the common frame engaging the girdle segments of the individual gemstones to pres

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating “open” microfluidic devices by screen printing. The method comprises steps consisting in: a) depositing a mixture of a glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic precursor material and of an organic medium onto said substrate, which is made of a material chosen from glass, glass-ceramic and ceramic, by screen printing in order to form at least one screen-printed feature in a desired pattern, each feature corresponding to a microfluidic device; and b) firing the screen-printed feature(s) at a temperature allowing the precursor material to bond to the substrate by melting. The subject of the invention is also a method of fabricating microfluidic devices that are “closed” by a sheet of glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic.

Abstract: In a vertical glass drawing process, an edge guiding assembly (33) located between a glass forming apparatus (41) and a glass sheet separating apparatus (20) reduces horizontal motion of the glass ribbon (13) from which the glass sheets (11) are removed and results in the reduction of the difference in stress levels between the top and bottom edges of a glass sheet (11) made by the process. The edge guiding assembly also provides a reduction of the variation of stress levels between successive sheets of glass made by the vertical drawing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a mineral melt comprising providing a circulating combustion chamber (1) which comprises an upper zone (2), a lower zone (3) and a base zone (4), injecting particulate fuel, particulate mineral material and primary combustion gas which has optionally an oxygen level of at least 25% by volume into the upper zone of the circulating combustion chamber so that the fuel undergoes pyrolysis in the upper zone to produce char, thereby melting the particulate mineral materials to form a mineral melt and generating exhaust gases, injecting secondary combustion gas which has optionally an Oxygen level of at least 25% by volume into the lower zone of the circulating combustion chamber so that the char combusts, thereby completing combustion of the fuel, and separating the mineral melt from the hot exhaust gases so that the hot exhaust gases pass though an outlet in the circulating combustion chamber and the mineral melt collects in the base zone.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a length of 1 km or more with average transmission loss in a wavelength band of 1383 nm being less than average transmission loss in a wavelength band of 1310 nm, wherein a maximum value of any 1 km section loss in the wavelength band of 1383 nm does not exceed the average transmission loss by 0.03 dB/km or more.

Abstract: A needle for transferring stitches therefrom to adjacent needles for hosiery knitting machines comprises a shank, a head, arranged at a longitudinal end, or upper end, of the shank, and a latch which is pivoted to the shank proximate to the head, about a pivoting axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank and can rotate about the pivoting axis in order to open or close the head. The needle comprises at least one elastically flexible lamina, which is associated with the shank and forms, on the two opposite sides of the shank, below the latch, two receptacles, one for each side of the shank. The head of an adjacent needle can be inserted in each of the receptacles, in order to transfer the loop of knitting, from the needle being considered to the adjacent needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit of a laundry treatment apparatus and, more particularly, to a control unit of a laundry treatment apparatus, in which shaking of a knob can be prevented and a feeling of manipulation of the knob can be improved when the knob is manipulated. The control unit of a laundry treatment apparatus includes a board provided in a control panel of the laundry treatment apparatus, an encoder mounted in the board and having a projected rotation shaft, a supporter mounted in the board or the control panel and having a hollow unit disposed outside the rotation shaft, a knob having a connecting shaft coupled to the rotation shaft, and a busing mounted in the hollow unit and rotatably supporting at least one of the connecting shaft and the rotation shaft.

Abstract: A fabric treatment apparatus is provided. The fabric treatment apparatus includes a treatment room which can receive and hold clothes; a motor which generates a rotational force; an eccentric unit which is rotated eccentrically by the rotational force generated by the motor; a contact unit which converts the rotating motion of the eccentric unit into a reciprocating motion; a clothes rack which is disposed in the treatment room and is coupled to the contact unit so as to move reciprocally in a linear path, and on which a number of hangers can be hung; and a heating unit which supplies at least one of hot air and steam into the treatment room.

Abstract: A cutting machine, particularly for leather and similar materials, comprising a pair of shoulders which are connected by a system of guides arranged so as to lie above a conveyor belt, at least one cutting head being movable along the guide system, the movement of the cutting head in the same advancement direction as the conveyor belt and at right angles to the guide system being distributed on two or more elements, at least one of which is cantilevered.

Abstract: A fastening device for a portable electrical device includes a base defining a curved sliding slot; a locking member rotatably attached to the base and a portion of the locking member capable of inserting into the portable electrical device and withdrawing from the portable electrical device; an actuating member rotatably attached to the base, and an elastical member fixed on the actuating member and the base, and capable of positioning the actuating member at a first position and a second position. The actuating member comprises a sliding portion and a driving portion. The sliding portion is movably received in the curved sliding slot, the driving portion contacting with the locking member.

Abstract: A fastening device for fixing an electronic device includes a base board; a hook fixed on the base board and capable of inserting into the electronic device; a locking member attached on the base board, the locking member is rotatable in a first rotating plane; an actuating member attached on the base board and adjacent to the locking member, and a resilient member comprising two ends and a winding connecting with the two ends. The actuating member is rotatable between a first position and a second position in a second rotating plane, which is perpendicular to the first rotating plane. The actuating member contacting with the locking member. One of the two ends fixed on the actuating member, and the other one of the two ends fixed on the baseboard. The winding unrestrained disposed by the two ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock mechanism for a casement window having a keeper adapted to be attached to a sash, a lockbar adapted to be attached to a frame for engaging with the keeper to lock the casement window, and an actuator for actuating the lockbar to engage with the keeper. The actuator includes a fork having a V shaped groove, the V shaped groove includes a first leg and a second leg, and the actuator includes a switch having a channel for placement of a drive pin. The switch is rotatably mounted at a juncture of the first and second legs so that the channel generally aligns with either the first leg or the second leg for facilitating alignment of the drive pin within the V shaped groove.

Abstract: A latch device (30) for a door lock includes a latch (38) pivotable between an extended, locking position and a retracted, unlocking position upon operation of a linking rod (37). A liming block (36) is coupled with the linking rod (37) and movable between a locking position not allowing direct pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position and an unlocking position allowing pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position. When the door is closed, the locking member (36) is moved by gravitational force to a locking position. Movement of the linking rod (37) in an unlatching position through an idle travel moves the locking member (36) from the locking position to the unlocking position without moving the latch (38). Further movement of the linking rod (37) in the unlatching position causes pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device adapted for locking a shutter element (13) adapted to slide along a railing (11), which locking device (3) comprises at least one locking bolt (5) movable between a first state, in which the locking bolt is adapted to engage with a locking member (9) in the shutter element to lock the shutter element against movement, and a second state, in which the locking bolt is adapted to avoid engagement with the locking member and to allow movement of the shutter element. The invention also relates to a locking arrangement adapted to be connected with and allow locking of a shutter element (13) arranged to slide along a railing (11), which locking arrangement (7) comprises at least one locking member (9) shaped to allow a locking bolt (5) to, in a first state, engage with and lock the locking member, and thus the shutter element, against movement. The invention also relates to a locking system.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for a utility service enclosure with a cover mountable over a sidewall includes an attachment member having a pair of spaced legs and aligned apertures formed in the legs. A fastener is extensible through the aperture in the one leg disposed interiorly of the enclosure when the attachment member is mounted over the sidewall of the enclosure and deforms the sidewall into engagement with the aperture in the other leg. A flange extending from the attachment member interengages a body having a lip overlaying the cover to inhibit removal of the cover from the enclosure. A lock is engageble with the body and the flange to lock the body to the attachment member.

Abstract: A locking device includes a shaft, a locking head joined to the shaft, and a lock body having a lock opening for receiving a locking end of the shaft. A latch member is disposed within the lock body and includes a shaft aperture for receiving the locking end of the shaft therethrough. The shaft aperture includes an edge portion spring biased radially inward of the lock opening to engage the recessed portion with the edge portion when the locking end of the shaft is disposed in the lock opening. A locking member is disposed within the lock body. Rotation of the locking member from a locked condition to an unlocked condition moves the edge portion of the shaft aperture out of engagement with the recessed portion of the shaft to permit withdrawal of the shaft from the lock opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soapstock treatment apparatus which can treat a soapstock produced during a plant oil production process within a short period and with a high degree of efficiency. As shown in FIG. 1, the soapstock treatment apparatus includes a reactor 20 configured to oxidatively decompose a soapstock, an electric heating coil 23 configured to heat water in the reactor 20 at 650° C. which is not less than the critical temperature of water, a high-pressure pump 13 configured to pressurize the water in the reactor 20 at 17 Mpa which is less than the critical pressure of water, and a compressor 33 configured to pressurize the water in the reactor 20 at 17 Mpa which is less than the critical pressure of water. Also, an exhaust pipe 41 for discharging a reaction gas generated by the oxidative decomposition treatment and a waste pipe 51 for discharging a solid (inorganic) residue generated by the oxidative decomposition treatment are connected to the reactor 20.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: This invention concerns an active reconfigurable stretch forming tool, and in another aspect the invention is a method of stretch forming. The tool comprises an array of extensible shape forming elements which are driven in extension to produce the same force per unit area across a workpiece during shape forming. An array of limit switches are located in front of the array of shape forming elements, such that each shape forming element is driven in extension towards a respective limit switch during shape forming. In use, each limit switch is activated by the workpiece as it is shaped and each switch, upon activation, prevents further extension of the respective driven element. The tool and method are useful in the forming of three dimensional shapes in solid sheet metal or mesh, to produce panels for reflector antennas.