Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: Siding panels having indicia indicating a zone into which fasteners should be placed, and methods for manufacturing and installing the panels are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the siding includes a panel of siding material having a first edge extending along a first dimension, a second edge spaced apart from the first edge a first distance, and a first side with indicia. The indicia define a zone into which at least one fastener should be placed to install the panel. The zone extends along the first dimension and has a width of approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.3 inch. The zone has a center line spaced apart from the first edge a second distance of approximately 7 percent to approximately 22 percent of the first distance. The siding material is composed of a continuous, single fiber-cement compound including cement, silica, and cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A pan tile for use in a roofing system, wherein a plurality of such pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tiles, wherein the pan tiles may be structured individually or integrally in longitudinal arrays. The pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the individual pan tiles and/or the longitudinal arrays thereof.

Abstract: A radiation limiting opening for a structure includes a door with a gasket which seals against a door frame about the opening. Spaced apart channels in the door frame define a strike plate therebetween. A film made of a material galvanically compatible with the gasket to prevent corrosion is in intimate contact with the strike plate by a seal. This seal lodges an edge of the film in each channel to create a tortuous path for radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus (“chair”) for supporting one or more reinforcement bars or post-tension cables (“bars/cables”) in a concrete structure includes a base member having a centered opening, a pair of opposing first leg members extending upward from the base member at a first angle, a pair of opposing second leg members extending upward from the base member at a second angle, and a strap-shaped locking cradle. The strap-shaped locking cradle includes an arc-shaped receiving portion attached to the first and second leg members, a flexible portion suitable for wrapping over the bars/cables and a fastener to affix the flexible portion to the arc-shaped receiving portion or one of the first leg members such that transverse and vertical movement of the bars/cables is limited and longitudinal movement of the bars/cables is allowed.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction has a beam, a pair of spaced apart foot members, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, and a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam. The first plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to one of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The second plurality of leg members are connected at one end to the beam and at the opposite end to the other of the pair of spaced apart foot members. The beam, pair of spaced apart foot members and first and second pluralities of leg members are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. Multiple lengths of bolster may be joined together in a snap-fit engagement.

Abstract: The invention concerns an insulating glazing wherein the gap between the substrates is filled with at least one rare gas such as argon, krypton or xenon, the inter-layer sheet (50) has a thermal conductivity less than 1 W/m.K, preferably less than 0.3 W/m.K, a low-emissive coating being deposited on at least part of one of the substrates, an anti-frost coating being deposited on part of at least the outer surface of one substrate, the glazing being free of heating element, the glazing having a thermal conductivity coefficient U less than 1.2 W/m.K with a gas filling of at least 85%, and having a light transmission of at least 67% and a light reflection less than 18%.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A method of packaging and curing manufactured stone can include packaging a plurality of partially cured de-molded manufactured stones in a curing container having airflow apertures therein. The loaded container is then loaded into a drying oven for further curing for a suitable period. After curing in the oven, the curing container is removed and may be shipped to a customer without unpacking and repacking the manufactured stones.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.

Abstract: A storage system for storing and preserving food items or the like includes a sealable storage bag having attached to it a one-way valve element that communicates with the interior volume of the storage bag. The system also includes an evacuation device that can be positioned over the one-way valve element to evacuate air entrapped in the interior volume via the valve element. To avoid possible damage to the storage bag, the valve element, or the stored food items, the evacuation device is configured to have a maximum evacuation pressure of 6 pounds per square inch absolute or greater. In an embodiment, to control the maximum evacuation pressure of the evacuation device, the evacuation device can include a pressure control feature which in further embodiments may be pressure activated or user selectable.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the lateral tilt of a header of an agricultural plant cutting machine, such as, but not limited to, a combine, windrower or the like, and more particularly, to an automatic lateral tilt control system for precisely controlling an angle of lateral tilt of the header relative to the machine based on a lateral tilt angle of the machine relative to a reference and at least one additional characteristic such that, when the machine is disposed on a laterally inclined surface, and the machine is at a tilt angle differing from an angle of the laterally inclined surface, the angle of lateral tilt of the header relative to the machine is responsively adjusted so an angle of the lateral tilt of the header relative to the reference is substantially equal to the angle of the laterally inclined surface, the system especially useful when operating in a stubble mode and traversing inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically pruning vines grown in a row in a cordon-leading manner has a chassis, a pre-pruning module, a clear-cutting module and a position sensor. The clear-cutting module is positioned behind the pre-pruning module and has cutters thereon. The position sensor is forward of the clear-cutting module so as to locate the cordon and to position the cutter so as to achieve a clear cut from a periphery of the cordon. The clear-cutting module has upper cutters, lower cutters and lateral cutters.

Abstract: A guard for a sickle of an agricultural plant cutting machine includes a forwardly extending finger including a longitudinally extending, upwardly facing surface extending over the sickle, which includes a rearwardly facing air discharge nozzle therein located above and/or forwardly of the sickle, and the finger includes an air flow passage extending internally therethrough from an air inlet adjacent to a base of the finger to the nozzle, for delivering a flow of pressurized air thereto, the nozzle being at least mostly flush with or recessed into the upwardly facing surface. As a result, the nozzle is operable for discharging the flow of air rearwardly over the finger without obstructing plant material flow thereover, the air flow being sufficient to blow at least a substantial amount of loose grain and other plant material located forwardly of the front edge of a header floor of the machine, onto the floor for collection by a conveyor of the header for processing.

Abstract: An Air-splicing device for splice-connecting two glass-fiber roving strands (1, 3), comprises a strand channel (6) open at its two opposing ends (7, 8), two splice chambers (9, 10) arranged side-by-side in said strand channel, at least three strand clamps (13, 14, 15, 16) two of which are outer strand clamps (13, 15) arranged at either side outside of said two splice chambers and at least one of which is an inner strand clamp (14, 16) arranged between said two splice chambers, and two strand cutters (17, 18) arranged at the opposite ends of the strand channel. Said first and second splice chambers are feedable with pressurised air independently of each other.

Abstract: There is provided a steel cord including a plurality of untwisted core filaments of steel aligned in parallel, and a layer of sheath filaments of steel twisted around the core filaments so as to be unevenly distributed around the core filaments, wherein interstices between the filaments are maintained during vulcanization thereby achieving improved rubber penetration (sufficiently adhering rubber to the core filaments). Since the cross sectional length of the steel cord 10 is greater than the minimum cross sectional length, interstices A are maintained between sheath filaments 14 under the tension and pressure p of the surrounding rubber 16 applied to the steel cord 10 during vulcanization. Rubber 16 penetrates into the steel cord 10 through the interstices A, and sufficiently adhere to core filaments 12 to achieve high rubber penetration.

Abstract: A pocket-sizing apparatus for a device that inserts staple drivers into pockets aligned to form a slot in a surgical staple cartridge. A fin extends from a driver guide fixture for insertion into the slot. The fin increases the size of the slot, thereby aiding in inserting drivers into the pockets. Preferably a second fin extends from the driver guide fixture adjacent the fixture passage and aligned with the first fin. A gap is formed between the first and second fins, extending from a first edge to an opposite edge of the fixture passage. The driver is driven through the gap. The fins are substantially equal to the thickness of the driver. The fins have tapered leading edges to aid cartridge insertion and removal, and a lip extends from the driver guide fixture for preventing the fins from widening the slot too much and for narrowing an overly wide slot.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit includes an autothermal reformer for producing a reformate from fuel; a turbine; a combustor for burning the reformate to power the turbine; a recuperator for obtaining thermal energy to improve the efficiency of the auxiliary power unit; a steam generator for using thermal energy from the recuperator to produce steam from a water supply; a condenser for recovering the water from turbine exhaust; and an electrical generator coupled to the turbine for producing electrical power. Recovered heat and water are used with the autothermal reformer to produce rapid and complete combustion of the fuel with a relatively low concentration of emissions.

Abstract: The exhaust within an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system should be purged to allow for access to the components of the EGR system. A system and method for purging the EGR system is provided. The system and method may incorporate an: EGR purge fan, an EGR purge blower, or a turbomachine. The system and method may draw the exhaust out of the EGR system. The system and method may drive the exhaust out of the EGR system.

Abstract: A plasma enhanced rapidly expanded duct system includes a gas turbine engine inter-turbine transition duct having radially spaced apart conical inner and outer duct walls extending axially between a duct inlet and a duct outlet. A conical plasma generator produces a conical plasma along the outer duct wall. An exemplary embodiment of the conical plasma generator is mounted to the outer duct wall and including radially inner and outer electrodes separated by a dielectric material. The dielectric material is disposed within a conical groove in a radially inwardly facing surface of the outer duct wall. An AC power supply is connected to the electrodes to supply a high voltage AC potential to the electrodes.

Abstract: A method to manipulate boundary layer conditions within a ducted fluid flow is provided. This method may be used to attach fluid flow to ducted surfaces bounding the fluid flow. This involves flowing a fluid over the surface wherein the fluid contains positively charged ions and electrons. An electric field accelerates ions and electrons in directions parallel to the electric field. The accelerated positively charged ions accelerate low energy air within lower regions of a boundary layer over the ducted surfaces bounding the ducted fluid flow. A magnetic field at the surface redirects ions and electrons based on their velocity and charge. The magnetic field imparts little force on the relatively heavy and slow moving positive ions but has a significant impact on the relatively fast moving, light weight electrons.

Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan cowl disposed about an axis, a core cowl within the fan cowl and a bleed passage having an inlet that receives a bleed airflow and an outlet that discharges the bleed airflow in an upstream direction from the outlet. The bleed airflow is selectively introduced near a boundary layer of an inlet lip section of the fan cowl.

Abstract: Systems and methods for passively directing aircraft engine nozzle flow are disclosed. One system includes an aircraft nozzle attachable to an aircraft turbofan engine, with the nozzle including a first flow path wall bounding a first flow path and being positioned to receive engine exhaust products, and a second flow path wall bounding a second flow path and being positioned to receive engine bypass air. The first flow path wall is positioned between the first and second flow paths, and the second flow path wall is positioned between the second flow path and an ambient air flow path. Multiple flow passages can be positioned in at least one of the first and second flow path walls to passively direct gas from a corresponding flow path within the flow path wall through the flow path wall to a corresponding flow path external to the flow path wall.

Abstract: A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally stable catalyst for treating automobile exhaust by-products is provided. The catalyst of the invention comprises a first section that includes a precious metal present in a first concentration and a second section that includes a precious metal present in a second concentration. The catalyst of the invention is characterized by a unique precious metal concentration profile in which the first concentration of the precious metal is lower than the second concentration of the precious metal. When placed with an automobile exhaust system, the second section is positioned downstream of the first section. The present invention also provides a lean NOx trap utilizing the unique precious metal concentration profile. The NOx trap is found to possess improved NOx conversion performance relative to a NOx trap with the same total amount of precious metal deposited uniformly over the volume of the trap.

Abstract: An exhaust mounting system includes an exhaust component having a pair of ridges along an outer perimeter. A mounting band is disposed around the outer perimeter of the exhaust component between the ridges. An isolation pad is disposed between the exhaust component and the mounting bracket for absorbing vibration energy between the mounting band and the exhaust component.

Abstract: A backup system is provided that has a local electric motor and pump for some or all of hydraulic actuators. A local backup hydraulic actuator has two power sources, hydraulic as primary and electrical as backup. During normal operation, the hydraulic actuator receives pressurized fluid from a hydraulic system and the fluid flow to the chambers is controlled by a servo valve. If the hydraulic system fails, the electronic controller detects the failure by observing the signal indicative of the pressure from the pressure sensor, and the controller powers the local hydraulic pump to provide high pressure hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator via the servo valve.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hydrostatic drive is provided. The hydrostatic drive has a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic engine. The hydrostatic drive further has a first and a second hydraulic reservoir for storing and recuperating energy. Pressure energy is stored in the first reservoir. For the purpose of recuperating the pressure energy stored in the first reservoir, the first reservoir is connected to a suction side of the hydraulic pump. A downstream working line of the hydraulic engine is connected to the second reservoir. In addition, the downstream working-line connection of the hydraulic engine is disconnected from the suction side of the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hydraulic control arrangement for controlling a number of consumers, particularly of a mobile working machine. In addition to the consumers of the control arrangement, an additional consumer should be able to be connected to a power beyond port. All consumers and power beyond consumers are supplied with hydraulic fluid by a pump. An input pressure scale is provided downstream of the pump, and the greater of the load pressures of the consumers or of the at least one power beyond consumer is applied to the control port of said input pressure scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control device for a priority, first hydraulic consumer and a subordinate, second hydraulic consumer, pressure medium being deliverable to the first or the second consumer via a first or a second metering diaphragm. A pressure scale which allows a constant pressure difference to be adjusted above the first metering diaphragm is mounted upstream from the first metering diaphragm. For this purpose, said pressure scale is provided with a valve piston encompassing a first control edge, by means of which a first flow area between a feeding duct and the first metering diaphragm can be controlled. A second control edge which allows a second flow area to be controlled between the feeding duct and a load signaling line is provided on the valve piston of the first pressure scale.

Abstract: A method to operate and electronic controlled internal combustion engine, and particularly a heavy duty diesel engine, to effect vane cleaning of a variable geometry turbocharger.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having a turbine wheel connected, by means of a shaft, to the compressor wheel of a compressor which includes a variable inlet geometry comprising a plunger and a sleeve-shaped partition for controlling an auxiliary duct leading radially to the compressor wheel, which is provided with compressor wheel blades to which air is supplied axially via an axial inlet passage and radially via a radial wheel inlet area, the compressor wheel includes a contoured ring provided at its outer circumferential surface with auxiliary blades disposed over, and aligned with, the compressor wheel blades in the radial and the axial wheel inlet region of the compressor wheel.

Abstract: A submarine cold water pipe water intake system of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is installed at a cold water inlet of a power boat, and the cold water pipe includes: a water intake head; a water intake pipe formed by connecting composite pipes in a series, and each composite pipe is formed by arranging a plurality of wavy inner pipes sequentially into a tubular shape; a connecting pipe formed by engaging an outer pipe and an inner pipe, and an inner pipe of the connecting pipe being connected to the cold water inlet of the power boat, and an end of the outer pipe of the connecting pipe is connected to a connecting portion of the water intake pipe.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a fluid machine, which is simple in structure and in which lubricating oil containing smaller amount of the working fluid is supplied to sliding portions of an expansion device. The fluid machine has the expansion device for generating a driving force by expansion of the working fluid, which contains the lubricating oil and is heated to a gas phase condition. The fluid machine further has an electric power generating device driven by the driving force of the expansion device and generating electric power. An oil pooling portion is formed in a fluid passage, through which the working fluid discharged from the expansion device flows, such that the lubricating oil contained in the working fluid is brought into contact with at least one of sliding portions of the expansion device and the electric power generating device. And a heating unit is provided to heat the working fluid in the oil pooling portion.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity from steam power, which includes a steam source communicated with a steam load, the steam load requiring steam at a load pressure lower than the steam source; a pressure reduction valve communicated between the steam source and the steam load, and adapted to reduce steam pressure to the load pressure; and a pressure reduction valve bypass circuit including a steam turbine for converting steam to electric power, the turbine being communicated with an electric power load to provide power to the load. The turbine is advantageously positioned vertically above a motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that includes a first heat exchanger for heating a first heat transfer medium in a first form from a first temperature to a second higher temperature to provide an increased pressure gas, a first mechanical device configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more primary components, and one or more additional mechanical devices configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more secondary components. The mechanical device produces spent gas, and a conversion device is operably associated with at least one of the mechanical devices to convert the spent gas to the first form for re-use.

Abstract: A premixing injector for use in gas turbine engines assists in the lean premixed injection of a gaseous fuel/air mixture into the combustor of a gas turbine. The premixing injector is designed to mix fuel and air at high velocities to eliminate the occurrence of flashback of the combustion flame from the reaction zone into the premixing injector. The premixing injector includes choked gas ports, which allow the fuel supply to be decoupled from any type of combustion instability which may arise in the combustor of the gas turbine and internal passages to provide regenerative cooling to the device.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine pilot assembly includes a swirler having high and low pressure sides. A hood at least partially encloses the swirler on the high pressure side. The hood is secured over the swirler, in one example. The hood includes an aperture creating a tortuous path from the high pressure side to the low pressure side through the swirler. The hood reduces the differential pressure across the swirler by reducing the velocity and pressure of the air before entering the swirler. In one example, the hood includes first and second spaced apart walls interconnected by a perimeter wall. The walls form a generally annular structure, in one example. At least one of the walls includes an array of apertures communicating with a cavity interiorly arranged within the walls upstream from the swirler. Air from the high pressure side flows through the apertures and is slowed before passing through the swirler and into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seal for sealing a gap between transition sections of adjacent can annular combustors in a turbine engine such that the seal is usable in applications for sealing pressure drops of 0.5 bar or greater. The seal includes a plate configured to extend between adjacent transition sections and the plate may have at least one perforation extending from the front surface of the plate to the rear surface of plate. The seal further includes a porous matrix formed from materials capable of withstanding turbine combustion gas temperatures, wherein a portion of the porous matrix may be fixedly attached to a surface of the plate.

Abstract: A curved diffuser (210) in a gas turbine engine (201) directs a primary portion of air flow from a compressor (202) through a curved discharge opening (213) into a plenum (220). The curved diffuser (210) also comprises ports (217) through which a secondary portion of air passes into confined space (225) that is defined in part by a pressure boundary element that may be comprised of at least one plate (222) or at least one conduit (306). The at least one plate (222) and the at least one conduit (306) respectively comprise apertures (246, 312) through which pass the secondary portion of air to provide impingement-type cooling to transitions (230, 320). In various embodiments the velocity of the air between adjacent transitions (230, 320) may flow at relatively uniform velocity along the longitudinal distance of the respective transitions (230, 320).

Abstract: An afterbody for a turbojet engine is disclosed. The afterbody includes an afterburner casing, a thermal protection liner, and a diaphragm-forming assembly interposed between the liner and the casing. The diaphragm-forming assembly defines a flow area which is traversed by a ventilation stream. The diaphragm-forming assembly includes two annular plates overlapping one another, each being perforated with a plurality of apertures and being mounted on the liner and the casing respectively. The apertures jointly define the flow area of the assembly. Furthermore, the assembly is designed such that the expansion of the liner causes an angular displacement of the plate with respect to the plate, leading to an increase in the size of the flow area.

Abstract: A method of assembling a crank assembly for a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a valve assembly including an outer fairing and an inner fairing coupled to the outer fairing with a strut. The valve assembly further includes an annular slide valve coupled between the inner and outer fairings. The valve assembly is positioned within a duct having a radially outer duct wall and a radially inner duct wall. The method includes coupling a first arm of a crank assembly to the annular slide valve, and coupling a second arm of the crank assembly to the outer fairing such that the crank assembly controls movement of the annular slide valve and for moving the outer and inner fairings between a first operational position and a second operational position to facilitate regulating an amount of airflow channeled through the turbine engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, combustor, and high pressure (HP) turbine operatively joined together. An interstage cooling circuit is joined in flow communication from an intermediate stage of the compressor to a forward face of an HP disk supporting a row of turbine blades for channeling interstage bleed cooling air thereto.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, combustor, and high pressure turbine operatively joined together. The turbine includes a nozzle followed by a row of rotor blades. A first bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between the last stage of the compressor and a forward cooling channel in vanes of the nozzle for feeding first cooling holes therein with pressurized primary air at a first pressure. A second bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between an intermediate stage of the compressor and aft cooling channels in the nozzle vanes to feed second cooling holes with pressurized secondary air at a second pressure less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A system for attaching the end of a shaft of a gas turbine engine engaged inside a coupling supported by a bearing is disclosed. The system includes a nut with a first thread which is screwed into the shaft and a second thread which is screwed to the coupling. Advantageously, the screw pitches of the two threads of the nut are reversed relative to one another so as to form an adjusting nut.

Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a means for regulating a flow of a fluid, and a thermoelectric device for cooling a fluid, wherein a difference in temperature between a hot side and a cold side of the thermoelectric device is minimized and an efficiency of the thermoelectric device is maximized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing and replacing stored energy comprise capturing inlet air from the ambient environment so the inlet air flows in a first general direction. Released liquid air flows in a second general direction, the second general direction being substantially opposite to the first general direction. The released liquid air is pumped to pressure, and the released liquid air and inlet air flow past each other such that heat exchange occurs. The inlet air warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the inlet air. Moisture and carbon dioxide are removed from the inlet air, and the inlet air is compressed and cooled such that the inlet air is substantially liquefied. The substantially liquefied air replaces a portion of the released liquid air; and the substantially vaporized released liquid air is combusted with fuel to produce electricity.

Abstract: In the method of using ambient air to vaporize liquefied gas, the steps include transferring heat from a stream of ambient air to a stream of liquefied gas, thereby cooling the air stream, and vaporizing the liquid; transferring heat from a source into the cooled air stream; and then discharging the heated air stream to atmosphere, sufficient heat being transferred to obviate objectionable fog production resulting from step c).