Abstract: Methods of forming structures from layered viscoelastic materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, such methods may include covering at least a portion of a first viscoelastic material layer disposed on a substrate with a portion of at least a second viscoelastic material layer and containing a quantity of gas within a space defined between a portion of the substrate, a portion of the first viscoelastic material layer and a portion of the second viscoelastic material layer. The methods may further include forming at least one discrete fluid path between the defined space containing the quantity of gas and the vacuum, and removing at least a portion of the quantity of gas from the defined space through the at least one discrete fluid path. Additionally, elastomer structures comprising at least one void defined therein, the at least one void exhibiting at least a partial vacuum, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a control system are provided for estimating oxygen concentration downstream a diesel oxidation catalyst within a diesel engine system. The method includes, but is not limited to at least an intake manifold, a combustion chamber, an exhaust manifold, and the diesel oxidation catalyst located in the exhaust line upstream a diesel particulate filter, the method comprising: determining unburned fuel mass flow ejected from the combustion chamber, determining air mass fraction in the exhaust manifold, estimating air mass fraction downstream the diesel oxidation catalyst as a function of said unburned fuel mass flow and said air mass fraction in the exhaust manifold, estimating oxygen concentration downstream the diesel oxidation catalyst as a function of the estimated air mass fraction downstream the diesel oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: An engine control system includes a dosing control module and an offset determination module. The dosing control module actuates an injector to inject a first amount of reducing agent into exhaust gas produced by an engine during a period when a temperature of the exhaust gas is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The offset determination module determines an efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) material based on measured amounts of nitrogen oxide (NOx) during the period and expected NOx amounts, wherein the measured amounts of NOx are measured at locations upstream and downstream from the SCR material, and wherein the expected NOx amounts are based on the temperature of the exhaust gas and the first amount of reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas-aftertreatment device and a control method thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to an exhaust gas-aftertreatment device, which employs a burner and a metal filter, so that the filter can be regenerated within a short time at high temperature, and wherein the burner is operated when the vehicle is idling, and wherein the filter can be efficiently regenerated by forming a flame in a stable manner using a dispersion means, and which furthermore has enhanced durability, and to a method for controlling the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas purification method, and also disclosed is an exhaust gas purification system (1). The exhaust gas purification system (1) comprises, in order from the upstream side of an exhaust passage (11) of an internal combustion engine (10), a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst (32) for purifying NOx contained in exhaust gas, an HC-adsorbing member (33) for adsorbing hydrocarbons contained in exhaust gas, and a catalyzed DPF (34) or oxidation catalyst for purifying PM contained in exhaust gas. During the implementation of NOx regeneration control for restoring the NOx occlusion capacity of the NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst (32) in this system, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas in terms of excess air factor is taken to be 0.8 to 1.1 when an index temperature (Tc) serving as an index of the temperature of the HC-adsorbing member (33) is a first judgment temperature or less, is taken to be 1.0 to 1.

Abstract: An exhaust purification apparatus for internal combustion engine having a selective reduction catalyst that while maintaining a high NOx reduction ratio, inhibits any ammonia discharge downstream of the selective reduction catalyst. In the exhaust purification apparatus (2), a urea selective reduction catalyst (23) comprises a first selective reduction catalyst (231) and, provided downstream of the first selective reduction catalyst (231) in an exhaust passageway (11), a second selective reduction catalyst (232). Further, the exhaust purification apparatus (2) includes a urea injection unit (25) for feeding of a reducing agent upstream of the urea selective reduction catalyst (23) in the exhaust passageway (11) and an ammonia sensor (26) for detection of the ammonia concentration at a site between the first selective reduction catalyst (231) and the second selective reduction catalyst (232) in the exhaust passageway (11).

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a NOx purification system configured to reduce NOx contained in an exhaust gas by including an oxidation catalyst device (12) and a selective reduction type NOx catalyst device (14), which are arranged in this order from the upstream side, as well as the NOx purification system (1). The method and the system estimates whether a volume (Vn) of NO2 adsorbed in the oxidation catalyst device (12) increases or decreases, and controls a flow rate (Vgb) of exhaust gas which bypasses the oxidation catalyst device (12) on the basis of the increase or decrease in the estimated volume (Vn) of adsorbed NO2.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment device includes a single intake path for an exhaust gas feedstream from an internal combustion engine and a coated substrate including a first substrate portion fluidly in parallel with a second substrate portion. A flow modification device selectively restricts flow of the exhaust gas feedstream exclusively to the first substrate portion, exclusively to the second substrate portion, and concurrently to the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion in controllably variable proportions.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system associated with a power source is disclosed. The exhaust treatment system may have a filter located to remove particulate matter from a flow of exhaust, and a regeneration device located proximal the filter. The exhaust treatment system may also have a first fluid handling component located upstream of the power source to vary an amount of oxygen in the flow of exhaust, a second fluid handling component located downstream of the power source to vary the amount of exhaust air flow in the exhaust circuit, and a controller in communication with the regeneration device and the fluid handling component. The controller may determine a need for filter regeneration, and determine adjustments to the first and second fluid handling components required to provide sufficient oxygen and air mass flow in the exhaust for filter regeneration.

Abstract: An evaporation unit for producing a gas flow including ammonia, in particular in connection with an SCR system in motor vehicles, includes at least a housing, at least one meandering flow channel delimited by a closed wall and having an inlet and an outlet and at least one heat conductor disposed in a first evaporation section of the at least one flow channel coaxially between the housing and the wall. A device and a motor vehicle having the evaporation unit are also provided.

Abstract: The invention has its object to provide an exhaust emission control device which can be favorably mounted on a vehicle without causing relative twisting between a particulate filter and a selective reduction catalyst. In the exhaust emission control device in which a particulate filter and a selective reduction catalyst are housed by casings, respectively, and arranged side by side such that inlet ends of the filter and the catalyst are oriented to one and the same direction, an S-shaped communication passage being provided for introduction of the exhaust gas from an outlet end of the filter to an inlet end of the adjacent catalyst through antithetical turnabout, urea water being addible intermediately of the communication passage, the casings for the filter and catalyst are integrally restrained by rigid plates (restraining members).

Abstract: An apparatus of a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas suitable as a three-way catalyst (TWC) apparatus to be used for purifying carbon monoxide (CO), a hydrocarbon (HC) and a nitrogen oxide (NOx) in exhaust gas exhausted from a gasoline automobile, as well as a method for purifying exhaust gas.

Abstract: An object is to provide a technology with which the temperature of exhaust gas can be raised with improved efficiency in cases where a catalyst apparatus including a catalyst having an oxidizing ability is provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. According to the present invention, a catalyst apparatus 6 that is provided in the exhaust passage 1 of the internal combustion engine and to which reducing agent is supplied from upstream when the temperature of the exhaust gas is to be raised is equipped with at least first and second catalysts 4, 5 having an oxidizing ability. The first catalyst 4 is configured in such a way that the exhaust gas flows through a gap between its outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust passage. The second catalyst 5 is disposed downstream of the first catalyst 4 with a space 10 having a specific width Ws between it and the first catalyst 4.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables efficient utilization of the purification capability of an exhaust gas purification apparatus. To achieve the object, according to the present invention, in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine provided with a reducing agent supply apparatus that supplies a reducing agent to the exhaust gas before it flows into an exhaust gas purification apparatus, an extension chamber is provided downstream of the position at which the reducing agent supply apparatus supplies the reducing agent to the exhaust gas and upstream of the exhaust gas purification apparatus. The extension chamber is provided with a back step flow creating portion that creates a back step flow of the exhaust gas in the extension chamber and a swirling flow creating portion that creates a swirling flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquid flow in a pipeline which is provided with at least one turbine device to extract energy from the liquid flow, wherein stream is used to produce liquid flow in the pipeline and through the turbine.

Abstract: Example energy storage systems (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a fluid circuit (22, 22?, 22?) and an electrical unit (24, 24?, 24?) configured to operate as a motor in a first phase of operation and to operate as a generator in a second phase of operation. The fluid circuit (22, 22?, 22?) comprises a first fluid container (30, 30?, 30?) situated so content of the first fluid container experiences a first pressure level; a tank (32, 32?, 32?) having its content at a second pressure level (the second pressure level being less than the first pressure level): and, a first hydraulic motor/pump unit (34, 134, 34?) connected to communicate a first working fluid between the tank and the first fluid container. In the first phase of operation electricity is supplied to the first hydraulic/motor unit (34, 134, 34?) whereby the first hydraulic/motor unit transmits the first working fluid from the tank into the first fluid container (30, 30?, 30?).

Abstract: A heat engine with external hot source in which the engine has at least one variable volume working chamber for a working gas, and a distribution mechanism that connects this chamber to a cold input from an energy receiving path during an outgoing transfer phase and to a hot output of the energy receiving path during an incoming transfer phase, the energy receiving path being intended to heat the working gas outside the chamber on contact with the external hot source, wherein the distribution mechanism is timed in such a way as to: maintain pressure in the energy receiving path; during stable operation, connect the working chamber with the cold input from the energy receiving path whilst the pressure in the chamber is lower than the pressure in the energy receiving path.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for utilizing thermoelectric devices to control the operation of a Stirling type engine.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a turbocharged engine having a throttle and a turbocharger. One example method comprises, moving the throttle during boosted conditions, separating out effects on the throttle inlet pressure into a first portion corresponding to disturbances caused by the movement of the throttle, and a second, remaining, portion. The method further comprises adjusting the turbocharger based on the second portion and not the first portion.

Abstract: A compressor for compressing a gas, the compressor comprising: a housing having an axial inlet and an annular outlet volute; an impeller wheel including a plurality of blades, the wheel being rotatably mounted within the housing between said inlet and outlet volute; the axial inlet being defined by a tubular inducer portion of the housing and the annular outlet volute being defined by an annular diffuser passage surrounding the impeller, the diffuser having an annular outlet communicating with the outlet volute; the housing having an inner wall defining a surface located in close proximity to radially outer edges of the impeller blades which sweep across said surface as the impeller wheel rotates; wherein the compressor housing incorporates at least one section comprised of a deformable, energy absorbing material arranged to deform and absorb energy generated as a result of impellor wheel failure.

Abstract: Exhaust gas recirculation systems and methods related to internal combustion engines are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises an engine having at least a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group, with at least one cylinder in each cylinder group, an intake manifold having an inlet and a first outlet coupled to the first cylinder group and a second outlet coupled to the second cylinder group, an intake passage coupled to the intake manifold inlet, and first and second exhaust manifolds coupled to the first and second cylinder groups, respectively. An exhaust gas recirculation system is further coupled between the second exhaust manifold and the intake passage, and has a number of openings positioned within the intake passage, the number of openings equal to or greater than a number of cylinders having an intake event between successive exhaust events occurring in the second cylinder group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing compressed air and for injecting the same in an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel motor, comprising an exhaust turbocharger. The method has the following steps: determination of operating parameters of the internal combustion engine to identify operating states of the internal combustion engine; production of compressed air by the internal combustion engine using the determined operating parameter in an operating state without combustion and storage of the produced compressed air; and injection of the stored compressed air into the combustion engine using the determined operating parameter in an operating state with combustion of the internal combustion engine in order to increase the pressure in an induction cycle. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: A Two-stage turbocharged engine system includes, but is not limited to an internal combustion engine, a high-pressure turbocharger having a high-pressure turbine for rotating a high-pressure compressor through a connecting shaft, a low-pressure turbocharger having a low-pressure turbine for rotating a low-pressure compressor by means of a connecting shaft, a low-pressure intake line for fluidly connecting the outlet of low-pressure compressor to the inlet of high-pressure compressor, an high-pressure intake line for fluidly connecting the outlet of high-pressure compressor to an air cooler, and a bypass device for selectively fluidly connecting a first branching point located in low-pressure intake line to a second branching point located in high-pressure intake line, to thereby bypassing the high-pressure compressor; said bypass device being located closer to the low-pressure compressor than to the high-pressure compressor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system configured for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head having at least two cylinders, a single exhaust duct emerging from the cylinder head, an individual exhaust duct provided between each cylinder and the single exhaust duct, and a reservoir of fixed volume integrated in the cylinder head and coupled to the single exhaust duct via a connecting duct. A reservoir valve is provided in the connecting duct in some embodiments. According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed in which the reservoir valve is commanded to an open position when flow through the single exhaust duct is large and commanded to a closed position when flowrate through the single exhaust duct is small. In some embodiments, a turbine, with a selectable volume upstream of the impeller, is coupled to the cylinder head.

Abstract: An engine for extracting energy from a heat source, comprising a support, a shaft rotatably coupled to the support and being rotatable in a first direction, a plurality of vessels coupled to and spaced about the shaft, a working fluid provided in the plurality of vessels, and a plurality of conduits connecting the vessels together in a circuitous fluid circuit. Each conduit has an outlet end connected to one of the plurality of vessels, an inlet end connected to another one of the plurality of vessels, and a one-way check valve configured to allow the working fluid to flow out of the one vessel via the outlet end, through the conduit and into the another vessel via the inlet end.

Abstract: Extracting energy from a naturally-occurring underground hot rock formation includes enabling fluid to flow, at least partially under the influence of gravity, through a fluid injection well to the hot rock formation, converting the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid into electricity, using at least a portion of the generated electricity to preheat the fluid before it reaches the hot rock formation, heating the fluid with the hot rock formation and, subsequently, extracting energy from the heated fluid for use in connection with an application.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Compressed Air Turbine-Generator, or CAT-G that will enable the ability to manage energy gathered from ecologically friendly sources, such as solar and wind power. Compressed Air Energy Storage, (C.A.E.S.), is a promising mode of clean energy storage. A major challenge facing this technology is the need to efficiently convert the compressed air energy into electricity. Conventionally, high-pressure air is used only to improve the efficiency of a conventional jet powered turbine generator. The focus herein is on a new technology that efficiently converts the energy stored in compressed air directly into electrical power without producing greenhouse byproduct gases or other pollutants. This new capability will add important flexibility to the optimization of ecologically friendly energy systems.

Abstract: A closed Rankine cycle power plant using an organic working fluid includes a solar trough collector for heating an organic working fluid, a flash vaporizer for vaporizing the heated organic working fluid, a turbine receiving and expanding the vaporized organic working fluid for producing power or electricity, a condenser for condensing the expanded organic working fluid and a pump for circulating the condensed organic working fluid to the solar trough collector. Heated organic working fluid in the flash vaporizer that is not vaporized is returned to the solar trough collector.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a turbine protection device which can interrupt backflow from a deaerator to a turbine completely even if a check valve provided between the deaerator and the turbine can not interrupt the steam flow between the deaerator and the turbine completely. In order to achieve the above object, a control unit sends commands to a shutdown valve device so as to close the shutdown valve device when a differential pressure resulted from subtracting a pressure of a extraction steam from a pressure within the deaerator becomes greater than or equal to a first predetermined value. As a result, the backflow from the deaerator to the turbine is interrupted by a stop valve of the shutdown valve device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature of a fuel gas. The system and method includes mixing an intermediate pressure feedwater stream from the heat recovery steam generator with a high pressure feedwater stream from the heat recovery steam generator, then using that mixture to heat the fuel gas mixture. The system and method may provide for improved control over the Modified Wobbe Index of the fuel gas, which may allow for greater variation in the composition of the fuel gas.

Abstract: A waste heat utilization device (2) for an internal combustion engine (6) includes a heat medium circuit (8) through which a heat medium applied with waste heat from at least one of the engine and a heat source of the engine is circulated as the engine is operated, and a Rankine cycle circuit (4) through which a working fluid is circulated. The Rankine cycle circuit includes a heating unit (10, 12) for heating the working fluid by causing heat to transfer to the working fluid from at least one of the heat medium and the heat source, an expander (14) for expanding the working fluid introduced therein from the heating unit to produce driving force, and a condenser (16) for condensing the working fluid introduced therein from the expander. The working fluid is delivered from the condenser to the heating unit. The flow rate of at least one of the heat medium and the heat source that transfer heat to the working fluid in the heating unit is controlled in accordance with an operating condition of the engine.

Abstract: In an adiabatic expansion heat engine, adiabatically expanded low pressure fluid is returned to a source of high pressure fluid through a balance of internal pressures or forces that balances out the resistance to the flow of the fluid being pumped from the low pressure to the high pressure with the high pressure fluid metered into the working chamber.

Abstract: A combustion liner assembly for a gas turbine combustor includes a plurality of fuel nozzles disposed circumferentially about a central axis of the combustor, and a venturi section disposed downstream of the fuel nozzles and connected to a head end of the liner assembly. The venturi section defines an annular throat area downstream of the fuel nozzles. A liner sleeve is connected to and commences at a downstream end of the venturi section. At least a portion of the venturi section serves as a liner upstream of the liner sleeve.

Abstract: A burner for a gas turbine including a burner housing is provided. Provided is a lean-rich partially premixed low emission burner for a gas turbine combustor providing stable ignition and combustion process at all engine load conditions. At the upstream end of that burner a pilot combustor creates a flow of an unquenched concentration of radicals and heat. Respectively provided is a plurality of quarl sections surrounding the exit of the pilot combustor, a main combustion room defined downstream the pilot combustor and at least a first channel defined as an annular space between an upstream quarl section and the closest downstream quarl section providing air and fuel to a main flame in the combustion room.

Abstract: Fuel (12) is supplied to a rotatable portion (118) of a gas turbine engine (10) comprising a rotor (24) and at least one blade (26, 26.1) operatively coupled thereto, so as to provide for cooling at least one of the rotor (24) and the at least one blade (26, 26.1) by transforming the fuel (12) to a vapor or gaseous state. The fuel (12) is discharged is a vapor or gaseous state from the rotatable portion (118) directly into a combustion chamber (16) of the gas turbine engine (10).

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a flow rate of fuel to be supplied to a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine having a turbine rotated by combustion gas injected from the combustion chamber and a compressor for compressing air to be supplied to the combustion chamber, a first fuel flow rate at starting of the engine is calculated based on at least the detected output pressure of the compressor. In addition, a second fuel flow rate at starting of the engine is calculated based on at least the detected temperature of the inflowing air, the exhaust gas temperature and the rotational speed of the compressor, one of the first and second fuel flow rates is selected based on the detected exhaust gas temperature and operation of a fuel metering valve is controlled based on the selected fuel flow rate, thereby enabling to prevent white smoke at engine starting even when the engine is in the unstable range where the exhaust gas temperature is low.

Abstract: A bypass turbofan gas turbine engine is started by means of electric starter motor mounted directly about a downstream end or upstream of the low pressure spool of the engine. This causes air to be driven by a fan through a bypass duct around the engine casing. Closures close to substantially seal an outlet of the bypass duct, and the air is directed into a combustion chamber of the engine and through the turbines, causing the high pressure spool to pick up speed for starting.

Abstract: In an overspeed protection apparatus for a gas turbine engine having a turbine rotated by combustion gas injected from a combustion chamber to drive a compressor, a fuel shutoff valve to shut off fuel to be supplied to the engine and a controller controlling operation of the fuel shutoff valve based on a turbine rotational speed to protect the turbine from overspeed, an outlet pressure of the compressor is detected and compared with a threshold value when a shutoff command is outputted, and the fuel shutoff valve is determined to be failed when the detected pressure is not less than the threshold value, thereby enabling to promptly detect the fuel shutoff valve failure without additional installing sensor, thereby enhancing the reliability

Abstract: What are described are polycrystalline magnetocaloric materials of the general formula MnaCobGecAx with A, B or C 0?x?0.5, 0.9?a?1.1, 0.9?b?1.1, 0.9?c?1.0, where up to 30 mol % of the Mn or Co may be replaced by Fe, Ni, Cr, V or Cu or up to 30 mol % of the Mn, Co or Ge may be replaced by vacancies, in which phases of the orthorhombic TiNiSi structure type and of the hexagonal Ni2In structure type are present at a temperature below ?40° C.

Abstract: The thermal flux generating device (10) with magnetocaloric material comprises an external cylindrical shell (11), made out of metal or any other adequate material, which delimits the inside of the device (10). Inside this shell (11), a rotor (12) is mounted coaxially which consists of a rotary magnetic arrangement, at least one roughly circular ring of elements (13) comprising at least one magnetocaloric material, this ring is positioned coaxially around the rotor (12) and a set of electric coils (14), with radial axes, evenly positioned around the rotor (12) and which make up a stator (15) electrically supplied so as to create a rotating field that rotationally drives the magnetic arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed are anodically protected, corrosion resistant, self cleaning, high efficiency, submerged tube and plate heat exchangers. Also disclosed are systems for purifying liquids using the anodically protected, corrosion resistant, self cleaning, high efficiency, submerged tube and plate heat exchangers. Further disclosed are methods for purifying liquids using the anodically protected, corrosion resistant, self cleaning, high efficiency, submerged tube and plate heat exchangers.

Abstract: A component has an outer wall defining an interior chamber to be cooled. Electronic equipment is mounted within the outer wall in the chamber. A thermoelectric cooler has a cool node positioned to be within the chamber, and a hot node positioned outwardly of the outer wall. A fuel cell provides electricity to the thermoelectric cooler. The fuel cell is mounted outwardly of the outer wall.

Abstract: A reforming method of a metallurgical furnace generated exhaust gas includes reforming a high temperature exhaust gas discharged from a metallurgical furnace by adding a reducing agent to the gas, wherein addition of the reducing agent is initiated when an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is 1 vol % or less, and a reforming reaction is completed when a temperature of the exhaust gas is 800° C. or higher, and an apparatus thereof. The reducing agent is blown from a reducing agent blowing nozzle having a double pipe structure.

Abstract: A method and system of storing and transporting gases comprising mixing the gases with liquid natural gas to form a mixture. The mixture is a liquid-liquid mixture or slurry, and is stored in vessel configured for maintaining the mixture at a first location. The mixture is transported to a second location for storage in vessel for maintaining the mixture. The mixture is removed from the second location storage vessel for separation and use in additional processes.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for loading and/or unloading a substance into or from a sorption media. A substance is presented at an edge of the sorption media, which comprises parallel layers of a sorption material. To load (i.e., via absorption and/or adsorption) the substance into the sorption media, heat is transferred away from the sorption media, a loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is increased relative to the sorption media. To unload the substance from the sorption media, heat is transferred into the sorption media, a voltage of an opposite polarity from the loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is decreased relative to the sorption media. In some embodiments, the sorption media includes surface structures that may load molecules of the substance.

Abstract: An inventive cryostat for use in a biomagnetic measurement system. The cryostat comprises at least one inner vessel and at least one outer vessel, and at least one cavity arranged between the inner vessel and the outer vessel, wherein negative pressure can be applied to the cavity. At least one radiation shield for shielding the cryostat from electromagnetic radiation is housed in the cavity. The cryostat furthermore comprises at least one ground lead for connecting the radiation shield to an electrical ground or earth. The ground lead is connected to the radiation shield in the cavity. The cryostat has at least one electrical feed-through, by means of which the ground lead can be contacted electrically from an outer side of the cryostat through the outer vessel.

Abstract: A lined beverage-cooling container is disclosed, the container comprises a carton lined with a watertight liner bag. The walls of the bag are higher than the walls of the carton. Because the bag expands past the walls of the carton, a cavity for holding ice is formed on top of the carton. A method of use such container is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of adapter systems and related apparatus, and methods of operating the same are described. The adapter of the systems is couplable to an outlet of a fluid source and an inlet of a routing device. The adapter includes a plunger configured to engage an integrated valve of the fluid source and to receive a member of the routing device. The routing device member includes an end capable of breaking a seal. Coupling of the routing device to the outlet may advance the plunger such that plunger engages the integrated valve and at least partially opens the integrated valve.

Abstract: A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a compression device, a refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger disposed in a closed-loop refrigerant circuit in serial refrigerant flow relationship. A refrigerant storage device is connected by at least one refrigerant line in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit and a flow control device interdisposed in that refrigerant line. Refrigerant may be selectively withdrawn from and returned to the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit; or withdrawn from and returned to the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit; or withdrawn from the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit and returned to the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant may be withdrawn from and returned to the refrigerant circuit during operation or during an off-cycle.

Abstract: A refrigerant system operates in an environment defined by three distinct temperature levels, such as, for instance, the outdoor ambient temperature level, the indoor temperature level and the refrigeration temperature level. The refrigerant system is provided with an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger located within the general indoor environment and connected to receive the flow of refrigerant from a heat rejection heat exchanger. The air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger gives off heat to the indoor air and in the process further cools the refrigerant flowing to an expansion device to thereby increase the cooling effect provided by an evaporator to the refrigeration area. Provisions are also made to partially or entirely bypass the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger and/or the heat rejection heat exchanger, on a selective basis.