Abstract: A novel method converts heat into mechanical work. In a cyclic process, a working medium is compressed while giving off heat and it is subsequently brought in thermal contact with the surroundings via a first heat exchanger. Then it is expanded while obtaining mechanical work, whereupon the cyclic process is run through once more. A high degree of efficiency is achieved by virtue of the fact that the working medium, after expansion, is guided through another heat exchanger, which is situated inside a rapidly rotating rotor and which, on the exterior thereof, is surrounded by at least one substantially annular gas space from whose exterior heat is dissipated. There is also disclosed a device for carrying out the novel method.

Abstract: A combustor heat shield has a body with heat exchange promoting protuberances extending from a back face thereof. The density of protuberances is less in hot spot regions than in other heat shield regions which require less cooling.

Abstract: An annular wall for the combustion chamber of a turbomachine has a cold side and a hot side, said wall being provided with a plurality of primary holes and a plurality of dilution holes distributed in circumferential rows, together with a plurality of cooling orifices that are distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows that are spaced apart axially from one another, the number of cooling orifices being identical in each row thereof, and the wall further including bores disposed immediately downstream from the primary holes and from the dilution holes and distributed in circumferential rows, the bores in any one row presenting a substantially identical diameter, being spaced apart at a pitch that is constant, and presenting intrinsic characteristics that are different from the intrinsic characteristics of the cooling orifices of the adjacent rows.

Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.

Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for monitoring a temperature of a pipe in a system. The temperature sensing assembly includes an insulator body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The outer and inner surfaces extend between the first and second ends. The inner surface is configured to receive a portion of the pipe. A temperature sensor is disposed adjacent the inner surface and is configured to directly contact the pipe when the pipe is received by the inner surface.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A waste heat collecting system for an internal combustion engine has an object to collect waste heat from the engine and make most use of the collected waste heat to achieve the maximum effect of improving fuel consumption ratio. The waste heat utilizing system has a waste heat collecting cycle for collecting waste heat from an internal combustion engine and having an expansion device for generating rotational driving force from the collected waste heat, a refrigerating cycle having a compressor device for compressing a refrigerant and a power transmitting means rotationally driven by a driving force generating means and operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same. In this system, the expansion device is operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same.

Abstract: To provide a compact and well serviceable heat pump water boiler. The heat pump water boiler is constituted to have a body unit (1) by integrating: a refrigerant cycle, in which a compressor (2), a radiator (3), a radiator (4), pressure reducing means (5) and an evaporator (6) are connected; a blower fan (8) for blowing wind to the evaporator (6); a hot-water supplying water-refrigerant heat exchanger (9) acting integrally with the radiator (3) for converting water into hot water; a hot-water supplying circulation water pump (15) for feeding water to the hot-water supplying water-refrigerant heat exchanger (9); a bath warming/heating water-refrigerant heat exchanger (17) acting integrally with the radiator (4) for further raising the temperature of the hot water of the bath tab; a bath water circulating pump (18) for circulating the hot water of the bath; and hot-water reserving tank (10) for reserving the hot water.

Abstract: A storage system that has variable temperature includes one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are independently operable of one another. A heating and cooling system is in thermal communication with the one or more drawers. The heating and cooling system generates even air-flow around all sides of the one or more drawers for heating and/or cooling thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling device may be mounted to a portion of a chassis of an electronic system, wherein the cooling device may be releasably and pivotably attached to the chassis in at least an open position to permit access to components within the electronic system and a closed position to permit installation of a cover on the chassis. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice container storing the ice made in an ice making device and including an opening through which the ice is discharged and a carrying shaft carrying the stored ice to the opening; an outlet, into which ice carried through the opening is supplied, discharging the ice to an outside of the refrigerator; and a three rotating blades coupled with the carrying shaft and carrying the ice discharged from the opening to the outlet, wherein the outlet is arranged to deviate from an ice discharging axis of the opening.

Abstract: An ice-cube complete filling detector and a refrigerator comprising the same comprise a cam, an arm lever rotated by the cam, a detector driving gear rotated by the arm lever, a detector driven gear rotated by the detector driving gear, and an ice-cube detection lever connected to the detector driven gear, so that the detector driven gear is rotated via gear engagement by the detector driving gear and the detector driven gear, and the ice-cube detection lever can be rotated in a large range of about 180 degrees, thereby ensuring high accuracy of detection.

Abstract: A food container and refrigerator having the same are provided, by which contents accommodated in the food container may be taken out of the food container. The food container includes a main body having an entrance on a top side of the main body, a cover opening or closing the entrance of the main body, and a locking unit having one side connected to the main body and the other side detachably engaged with an upper part of the cover to prevent the cover from being opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sanitizing a water dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption is disclosed. The dispenser can be in the form of any dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption employing a reservoir that dispenses water through one or more spigots. Water in the reservoir is sanitized with an air/ozone gas mixture that is transmitted to a porous polymeric diffuser having a central bore and a porous wall. The porosity of the porous wall defines bubble size.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enhancing airflow through a vertically oriented spiral freezer or oven stack used for freezing or heating food product. At least one high-static fan assembly is mounted above a spiral stack assembly of the system to accelerate and direct air vertically through the spiral stack assembly. Air is directed through a heat exchanger via at least one circulation fan, cooling or heating the air via the heat exchanger. The cooled or heated air is vertically accelerated through the vertically oriented spiral stack assembly via at least one high-static fan assembly mounted above the spiral stack assembly. A method is also disclosed to retrofit a system having a vertically oriented spiral freezer or oven stack to enhance airflow through the stack.

Abstract: A portable cooling apparatus and associated method include an ice chest having an inner cavity defined by one or more side walls extending upwardly from a floor forming a lower end of the ice chest and having a lid positioned at an upper end of the ice chest so as to close access to the inner cavity; a manifold removably positioned on the floor of the inner cavity of the ice chest, the manifold having an inlet and an outlet extending through the one or more side walls to outside the ice chest; and an electric fan associated with the manifold outlet for drawing air from the inlet through the manifold so as to blow air through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved apparatuses for forming sheet glass. In one embodiment, the invention introduces a structural web that supports the forming structure in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming structure.

Abstract: The invention disclose a convection glass heating furnace, which includes upper and lower furnace bodies, at least one gas-collection box are set in the upper and lower furnace bodies respectively, glass inlets and outlets are setup in the gas-collection box, and a jet-flow plate is set at the gas outlets. The gas inlets of gas-collection box are connected with the exhaust port of a blower fan through pipelines. Gas heating devices are setup in the gas-collection boxes. The gas inlets of the blower fan and its upstream gas routes along with the exhaust port of the blower fan and its downstream gas route form a gas circulation loop together. Glass is heated in the heating furnace of the invention by the hot gas sprayed on its surfaces, so the deficiencies of low heating efficiency and long heating time can be effectively avoided when heating the glass with high reflectivity and transmission ratio.

Abstract: A system for directing cooling air onto a neck ring in a glassware molding machine that includes at least one air plenum stationarily disposed at a blank mold station and having an internal cavity for receiving cooling air flowing laterally inwardly toward the axis and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the axis, a plunger wear plate disposed overlying at least a portion of the air plenum, and having an array of axially oriented openings for receiving air directed from the air plenum, a plurality of openings in the neck ring arm for receiving air from the openings in the plunger wear plate across a gap between the neck ring arm and the plunger wear plate when the neck ring arm overlies the plunger wear plate, and a plurality of air passages in the neck ring for receiving air from the neck ring arm openings.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine is described which has a plurality of knitting systems which are arranged on the circumference of the needle cylinder and a corresponding plurality of drawing frames which are assigned individually to the knitting systems for feeding substantially untwisted fibrous materials to knitting tools which can be deployed in the knitting systems into in each case a fibre-receiving position. According to the invention, the drawing frames are configured as miniature bars which have at least four and at most eight adjacent drawing frames and a central housing (25) which is designed to receive the drives and from which the upper and lower rolls (26b, 27b, 28b) of the drawing frame assembly protrude on both sides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hosiery garment for providing grip to a person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and for simultaneously providing grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of a footwear. The hosiery garment comprises a foot enclosure configured to conform to the person's foot. The foot enclosure defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A first pair comprising a first tacky thread and a first supplementary thread defines the inner surface. A second pair comprising a second tacky thread and a second supplementary thread defines the outer surface. The inner surface defined by the first pair provides grip to the person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and the outer surface defined by the second pair simultaneously provides grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of the footwear.

Abstract: A tubular knit fabric is disclosed that is manufactured with a pile extending from the outer side thereof and in an extended length, small diameter configuration, the tubular knit pile fabric subsequently being separable into shorter tubular segments that may be secured to paint roller cover cores to produce seamless paint rollers. The knit paint roller cover fabric of the present invention is manufactured in a tubular segment with cut pile segments extending from the outside of the tubular knit paint roller cover fabric. The tubular knit paint roller cover fabric of the present invention is also manufactured in a size that makes it appropriate for installation onto paint roller cover cores.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a water tub, a drum mounted in the water tub so as to be rotatable a wash operation and a dehydration operation are carried out, the drum including an end plate, a drum support provided on the end plate of the drum and including a mount portion on which a shaft supporting the drum is mounted thereon, and a cover covering the mount portion of the drum support so that the mount portion is rendered substantially planar.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a cabinet cover and a drain passage forming portion formed on the cabinet cover.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a bolt movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The lock assembly includes an exterior assembly and an interior assembly having an interior actuator manually operable to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior actuator manually operable to cause the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position and inoperable to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a frame, a rotary pawl, a locking member, a handle, and a lock plug. The frame is adapted for attachment to the first member. The handle is pivotally attached to the frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking member retains the pawl in the latched position when the locking member is in an undeflected configuration. The handle causes the locking member to deflect and release the pawl from a latched position when the locking member is in an unlocked position and the handle is moved to the open position. The lock barrel is supported by the frame and can selectively move the locking member to a locked position where the locking member cannot be actuated by the handle.

Abstract: A handle and housing assembly includes a housing having front and rear sides. A handle is connected on the front side of the housing to a shaft that extends through the housing along a forwardly-rearwardly extending axis. The handle may turn the shaft about the axis to turn components connected to a rear portion of the shaft, and/or the handle may move shaft-connected components forwardly and rearwardly along the axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, the housing defines a forwardly facing recess, and the handle is nestable within and extendable from the recess. In some embodiments, the handle and housing are provided with padlockable formations that extend side by side when the handle is in its nested or retracted position.

Abstract: A method regulating flatness of a metal strip at a roll housing output including at least one dynamic flatness actuator. A rolling process characterizes flatness of the strip by measuring a quantity D in n points distributed across the strip width, from n measurements of the quantity D. Then, using an action model of flatness regulation and an optimizing method, an overall setpoint including at least one elementary setpoint is determined for the dynamic actuator, such that a calculated flatness residual defect criterion is minimal, and executing the overall setpoint. The action model on the flatness used for determining the overall setpoint includes, for the dynamic actuator, as many submodels as there are points for measuring the quantity D characteristic of flatness, each submodel enabling the effect of the dynamic actuator on the quantity D to be calculated at the corresponding point when a setpoint is applied thereto.

Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly. The assembly comprises a plurality of blades, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has an open diameter configuration and a closed diameter configuration. The plurality of blades comprises active blades and floating blades, wherein each active blade is engaged to an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is constructed and arranged to move each active blade from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration. Each floating blade is moved from the open diameter configuration to the closed diameter configuration only as a result of the movement of the active blades.

Abstract: A work conveyance device for a pressing machine, consuming less energy and enabling reduction in production costs. The workpiece conveyance device has a pair of transfer bars provided in parallel to a feed direction, support members for moving each of the transfer bars freely in the feed direction while restricting the transfer bars in a lift direction, linear motors interposed between the support members and the transfer bars for moving the transfer bars in the feed direction relative to the support members, lift devices for moving the support members in the lift direction, and workpiece holding jigs detachably mounted to the transfer bars for holding a workpiece.

Abstract: A three-axial acceleration sensor inspection device is provided for inspecting a three-axial acceleration sensor that detects acceleration components in three axes crossing perpendicularly with each other and outputs acceleration component signals. The three-axial acceleration sensor inspection device includes a test plate for mounting the three-axial acceleration sensor thereon; a supporting plate for supporting and rotating the test plate; a main rotational shaft for rotating the supporting plate. The supporting plate is arranged radially around the main rotational shaft along a radius direction of the main rotational shaft, and is disposed at each of at least four locations with an equal angular interval along a circumferential direction of the main rotational shaft.

Abstract: In a circuit configuration for ascertaining tilt errors in connection with a position-measuring device, the position-measuring device includes at least one incremental track on a measuring graduation that is able to be read by a scanner, which is movable relative to the measuring graduation in a measuring direction, and the scanner is guided along the measuring graduation and the scanner is rotated with respect to the measuring graduation by an angle of misalignment that is changeable during the relative movement. Perpendicular to the measuring direction, the scanner has a first scanning region and a second scanning region, whereby upon reading the at least one incremental track, at least one first position signal is able to be generated by the first scanning region and at least one second position signal is able to be generated by the second scanning region.

Abstract: A phantom device for mimicking anatomical structures, comprising: at least one electronic device layer comprising segmented areas of liquid crystals for forming a graphic layout of an anatomical structure; the segments comprising dyes of various absorbing characteristics for mimicking anatomical structures such as blood vessels; the areas further comprising electrically controllable optical diffuser and/or absorber elements for varying the absorption in the segments so as to mimic dynamical properties of said anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.

Abstract: To test the integrity of packages—cups (11)—a package conveyor (14) is provided, on whose conveying run (17) the cups (11) are positioned at a distance from one another, specifically in a correct formation forming transverse rows (23). In order to form a sealed testing chamber (13) for a group of cups (11) to be tested, a covering hood (19) can be lowered from above onto the package conveyor (14). Together with the covering hood (19), the latter forms a sealed testing chamber (13). A vacuum is produced in the latter, with the consequence that the packages experience deformation, specifically the cups (11) experience deformation of a closure film. Non-sealed cups (11) are identified and separated out.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.

Abstract: An immersion sensor for analysis of liquids or melts includes an immersion carrier, a detector and a radiation-guiding unit, and a sample chamber arranged in the immersion carrier. The sample chamber has an inlet opening for liquid or melt, and the sensing components for measurement of the liquid or melt act inside the sample chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) surface analysis. Exemplary embodiments include systems and methods for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) surface analysis, including a SOFC having a ceramic surface, a scanner adjacent the ceramic surface for collecting data related to the ceramic surface, a structure for retaining the SOFC with respect to the scanner, a device for collecting a processing the ceramic surface data and a process residing on the device, the process for analyzing and presenting the ceramic surface data.

Abstract: A drive actuator for a measurement instrument having a probe, the drive actuator including a heating element in a thermally conductive relationship with the probe such that application of electric current to the heating element modifies a characteristic of the probe. The probe device includes a probe including a cantilever having a lever made of a material having a selected thermal expansivity and a drive actuator in operable cooperation with the cantilever lever made of a material having a thermal expansivity different than the thermal expansivity of the material of which the cantilever lever is made.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine torque estimation device that accurately estimates the torque of an internal combustion engine without being affected by engine speed changes. A reference signal, which is output at predetermined rotation angle intervals of a crankshaft for the engine, is acquired. In accordance with the reference signal, the amount of change in the rotation speed of the crankshaft is acquired as a rotational fluctuation. A filtering process is performed on the rotational fluctuation in synchronism with reference signal output timing to extract a frequency component synchronized with a combustion cycle of the engine. The torque of the engine is estimated in accordance with the extracted frequency component.

Abstract: A coolant flow measurement device includes a coolant flow circuit, a cooling system, a purge system, a variable speed fluid pump, a differential pressure gage and a primary flow meter. The coolant flow circuit may be attached to a an HVAC system of the vehicle such that coolant may be circulated through the HVAC system of the vehicle. The cooling system may cool the coolant in the coolant flow circuit. The purge system may be used to purge air from the coolant flow circuit. The variable speed fluid pump may be operable to balance the fluid pressure between the device inlet and the device outlet. The primary flow meter may be operable to measure the coolant flow in the coolant flow circuit. The differential pressure gage measures a pressure differential between the device inlet and the device outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension system is provided, having a first spring element clamped between the vehicle body and a wheel and a second spring element clamped between the body and the wheel in parallel to the first spring element by application of a tensile force by a tensioning element. The second spring element is not active without application of the tensile force. A pressure addition spring element is also provided which, in the case of large spring excursions, acts as an end stop. The pressure addition spring element is not activated by of the tensile force for activating the second spring element. The spring rate of the second spring element is preferably lower than that of the first spring element. Additional spring elements of different wheels or axles can be activated by a common mechanical tensioning element which can shorten or lengthen several tension devices connected with the spring elements.

Abstract: Measuring the unevenness of a pavement surface. A frame carrying an array of sensors is transported above the pavement surface. At a first position, the distance of each sensor is measured from respective first points on the pavement surface. The measurements are repeated for subsequent positions. Calculations from the measurements determine any change in tilt. The measurements and calculations are used to derive a measure of the unevenness of the pavement surface.

Abstract: Samples of hydrocarbon are obtained with a coring tool. An analysis of some thermal or electrical properties of the core samples may be performed downhole. The core samples may also be preserved in containers sealed and/or refrigerated prior to being brought uphole for analysis. The hydrocarbon trapped in the pore space of the core samples may be extracted from the core samples downhole. The extracted hydrocarbon may be preserved in chambers and/or analyzed downhole.

Abstract: A device includes an analyzer (53) and a sampling apparatus (51) for taking a sample of at least one fraction of the gas that has at least one porous membrane element (55). The porous membrane element (55) has a support (63) and a first surface (57) which is in contact with liquid circulating in duct (13) and a second surface (59) which opens out into a duct (61) which is connected to the analyzer (53). The hardness of the first surface (57) is more than 1400 Vickers (kgf/mm2), ranging more particularly between 1400 and 1900 Vickers (kgf/mm2). The device can be used to analyze the gaseous content of oil well boring sludge.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter typically having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is used in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. At least one thin-film RTD sensor is held within a spacer or interface member and the spacer, optionally, received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is preferably constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts by employing a construction approach in which the spacer and RTD sensor(s) is secured in place by solder, braze or another compound flowed into place while inserting the spacer and/or sensor(s).

Abstract: A thermal mass flow controller or mass flow meter having a novel sensor housing that reduces heat conduction from the housing mounting plate or base to the sensor itself. The housing also greatly minimizes the thermal gradient that can result from the uneven application of heat to the housing base. This reduction is accomplished in part by the use of one or more thermal isolation slots to isolate the upper portion of the housing (which holds the sensor) from the lower portion of the housing. Heat transfer to the sensor housing is also minimized by raising the middle portion of the bottom of the housing so that thermal contact is made between the base and the housing only at the two ends of the housing.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low liquid level detecting device comprising a float sensor and a casing. The casing has first to third chambers formed between an upper wall and a bottom wall. The top portion of the first chamber is formed with a top opening. The bottom portion of the first chamber is fluid communicated with the bottom portion of the second chamber. The top portion of the second chamber is fluid communicated with the top portion of the third chamber. The bottom portion of the third chamber is formed with a bottom opening. A float sensor is mounted inside the third chamber. A drain hole is formed through the bottom part of a chamber wall surrounding the third chamber. A method for detecting a low liquid level using the above low liquid level detecting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator (1) is provided for sealing engagement with an opening of a receptacle. A float (8) is used which rests at the liquid level and which is connected to a float rod (7), which in turn is pivotally connected to fixed (5) and slidable rod (6). Upon changing liquid levels, the float (8) and, accordingly, the slidable rod (6) move and the position of the slidable rod with respect to a marked transparent cup (11) disposed outside of the receptacle, indicates the liquid level. The transparent cup (11) covers the portion of the indicator outside of the receptacle and serves to provide a fluid- and air-tight seal between the interior and exterior of the receptacle when the indicator is in place. In one embodiment the liquid level indicator may be used with oil tanks. A transparent cup (11) for use with existing devices is also taught.