Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a plurality of pumps that provide pressurized fluid to a plurality of hydraulic actuators some of which work more that others. That system is controlled by producing a usage value for each of the plurality of pumps which indicates an amount that the respective pump has worked. One of the pumps is assigned to each hydraulic actuator in response to the usage values. The pumps with lower usage values are assigned to hydraulic actuators which work more, so as to equalize the use of each pump. The assignment of pumps to hydraulic actuators changes with changes in the usage values for the plurality of pumps. When a given one of the plurality of hydraulic actuators is to operate, hydraulic fluid is routed from the assigned pump to that given one of the plurality of hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.

Abstract: Heavy equipment includes first and second hydraulic pumps, and first and second hydraulic actuators, where the first hydraulic actuator facilitates a first work function of the heavy equipment and the second hydraulic actuator facilitates a second work function of the heavy equipment. The heavy equipment further includes valving and a computerized controller. The valving is configured to allow the first hydraulic pump to be coupled to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator, and to allow the second hydraulic pump to be coupled to the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator. The computerized controller is coupled to the valving, and has a logic module.

Abstract: This invention consists of two or more fixed displacement hydraulic pump/motors mounted on a common input shaft hydraulically connected to two or more fixed hydraulic pump/motors mounted on a common output shaft. The relative displacements of the pump/motors are chosen such that by selectively activating the individual pump/motors, the transmission ratio can be changed in the case when the input devices and acting as pumps driving the output devices as motors (conversely when driving the vehicle in reverse). Further, a hydraulic accumulator and reservoir are attached in a manner that allows the pressurized fluid to augment the flow produce by the input pumps in order to increase the transmission ratio. Similarly, the transmission ratio can also be reduced by causing the input pumps to pump fluid into the accumulator at the same time they are pumping fluid through the output motors.

Abstract: A bearing support system for a piston and its connecting rod in which the bearing system supports the combined piston and connecting rod by only two bearings, a gas bearing at the power piston (or displacer) and a radially acting spring bearing at its connecting rod. The spacing between them meets prescribed relationships and preferably exceeds a calculated value based upon chosen engineering parameters. A non-compliant connecting rod is fixed to an end of a piston which has a clearance seal length in the range of 0.3 times the diameter of the piston and 1.5 times the diameter of the piston. The distance from the gas bearing to the effective point of connection of the radially acting spring bearing to the connecting rod is greater than the seal length of the piston.

Abstract: An uplock assembly for retaining and releasing landing gear systems, said uplock assembly comprising: a thermal actuator comprising: a chamber configured to contain expansible material therein; a heating mechanism coupled to said chamber for heating said expansible material and causing volumetric expansion thereof; a piston slidably coupled to said chamber and adapted to extend in response to said volumetric expansion; and an uplock release mechanism releasably engaged by said piston when extended such that said engaged uplock release mechanism causes the release of said landing gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the capture of wasted heat energy from an internal combustion engine for conversion of water from a liquid state into a gaseous state, the resulting pressure of which being used to drive a steam-driven air compressor, before being directed to a radiator-type condenser for conversion of water from a gaseous state back into a liquid state for reuse. The compressed air from the said steam-driven air compressor is directed to the cylinder head(s) upon the engine the heat is derived from, via an automatic regulator, where air is directed into multiple cylinders of the said internal combustion engine to assist in the propulsion of the pistons within the said cylinders and to assist in the efficiency of ignition of fuel molecules, both attributes of which are in the interest of greater efficiency in fuel consumption of the vehicle the apparatus is situated in.

Abstract: A method includes substantially eliminating surge of a compressor and reducing specific fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of an engine by adjusting exhaust flow through an exhaust gas recirculation system, by adjusting airflow through a compressor recirculation valve, by adjusting fuel injection timing, or by adjusting a combination thereof in response to variance in a plurality of parameters. The parameters include quantity of exhaust emissions, a maximum in-cylinder pressure of the engine, an area ratio of an exhaust gas recirculation mixer of the exhaust gas recirculation system, estimated or sensed compressor surge, engine load, altitude of operation, or combinations of the parameters thereof.

Abstract: Power plant characteristics are operated in a flexible manner by controlling the power consumption of a CO2 capture and compression system. The impact of CO2 capture and compression on the capacity of a power plant can be minimized to maximize the electric power the plant can deliver to the power grid and the impact of CO2 capture and compression on the average plant efficiency can be reduced, by an operating method and a power plant, in which the power consumption of the CO2 capture system is used to control the net output of the plant.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided that may be used to control the temperature of steam being reheated by a moisture separator reheater (MSR). The temperature of a steam being reheated by a MSR may be sensed, and controller embodiments may use the sensed temperature to control the transfer of heat from various MSR components into the reheated steam. By using such control embodiments, the MSR may provide optimally heated steam to other power plant components, thus increasing the performance, efficiency, and safety of a power plant.

Abstract: In a method for recovering energy from the heat dissipated by an internal combustion engine wherein the pressure and temperature of a liquid working medium are increased from a lower process pressure and a first temperature to an upper process pressure and a second temperature by a pump unit; the working medium is heated from the second temperature to a third temperature by transferring heat from a hot medium containing heat dissipated by the internal combustion engine to the working medium, which is thereby converted from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase; the working medium is then expanded to the lower process pressure whereby mechanical power is generated and the working medium is converted from a gaseous phase to a liquid phase and transferred back to the pump unit, the upper process pressure is adjusted in such a way that the working medium is expanded at least approximately to a predetermined saturated steam limit and to an internal combustion engine for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine providing a hot exhaust gas flow which is used as heat source for a Clausius-Rankine cycle process, wherein a pump is provided in the cycle for pumping, pressurizing and circulating an operating fluid, the pumping operation is controlled by a controller depending on the exhaust gas mass flow through an evaporator and possibly also the exhaust gas temperature to vaporize the operating fluid and expanding the vapor under pressure in an expander while generating energy. The vapor is condensed in a condenser to form a condensate which is again returned to the pump.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel heat shield configured to shield fuel from high temperatures of surrounding turbine components to prevent coking of the fuel is disclosed. The gas turbine engine fuel heat shield may be formed from a generally elongated member having a first collar at a first end and a second collar at a second end opposite to the first end. One or more recesses may be positioned in an outer surface of the generally elongated member between the first and second collars. A sleeve is positioned around the generally elongated member and radially outward of the recess to form one or more sealed chambers. The sleeve may be sealed to prevent fuel from entering the recess and coking. Such design, therefore, prevents the formation of carbon particles from the fuel that could clog the fuel injectors.

Abstract: A burner arrangement is provided including a swirl-generating premix burner for providing a fuel/air mixture produced with a first fuel as well as a mixing pipe adjoining the premix burner downstream thereof and extending into a combustion chamber. In the case of such a burner arrangement, safer operation with highly reactive, in particular H2-rich fuel is achieved by the mixing pipe having a constriction downstream of the outlet of the swirl generator, and by a feeder for spraying in the highly reactive, in particular H2-rich fuel being arranged at the level of the constriction.

Abstract: A fuel injector in a combustor apparatus of a gas turbine engine. An outer wall of the injector defines an interior volume in which an intermediate wall is disposed. A first gap is formed between the outer wall and the intermediate wall. The intermediate wall defines an internal volume in which an inner wall is disposed. A second gap is formed between the intermediate wall and the inner wall. The second gap receives cooling fluid that cools the injector. The cooling fluid provides convective cooling to the intermediate wall as it flows within the second gap. The cooling fluid also flows through apertures in the intermediate wall into the first gap where it provides impingement cooling to the outer wall and provides convective cooling to the outer wall. The inner wall defines a passageway that delivers fuel into a liner downstream from a main combustion zone.

Abstract: A diffuser for a turbine engine that includes two annular webs extending inside one another and connected between them by substantially radial vanes, wherein the downstream peripheral edge of at least one of the webs includes indentions evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the diffuser.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan drive gear system, a low spool connected to the fan drive gear system, and a high spool disposed aft of the low spool. The low spool comprises a rearward-flow low pressure compressor disposed aft of the fan drive gear system, and a forward-flow low pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure compressor. The high spool comprises a forward-flow high pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure turbine, a combustor disposed aft of the high pressure turbine, and a forward-flow high pressure compressor disposed aft of the combustor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of operating thermal equipment, for example, gas turbines and methods for protecting hot parts of thermal equipment from, for example, corrosion by ash from an alkali metal or from lead; fouling by ash of an alkaline-earth metal, lead or a transition metal; and the combined effects of an alkali metal, lead, an alkaline-earth metal or a transition metal;

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of engine variable of a gas turbine engine to regulate the surge margins of at least two compressors. A controller (20) receives data measured from engine sensors (22, 23) and uses said data to determine an indication of surge margin for each of at least two compressors (6, 7) of the gas turbine engine. The controller (20) uses the indications of surge margin for each of the compressors to determine a control strategy that balances the requirements of each compressor. In one embodiment a surge margin operating map divided into different control domains (40, 43, 43) is used. The indication of surge margin determined for each compressor is plotted to determine which control domains the current operating point on the surge margin operating map falls within.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant has a compressor (2), a first combustion chamber (6) followed by a high pressure turbine (4), a second combustion chamber (10) and a low pressure turbine (5). In the first combustion chamber (6) a first gaseous fuel (8) is injected and combusted, generating first hot gases (9) that are at least partly expanded in the high pressure turbine (4), and in the second combustion chamber (10) a second fuel (11) is injected in the at least partly expanded hot gases generated in the first combustion chamber (6) and combusted, generating second hot gases (12) that are expanded in the low pressure turbine (5). In the first combustion chamber (6) water is also injected to increase the gas turbine plant power output. In the first combustion chamber (6) a water flow rate is injected compatible with a predetermined flame stability limit.

Abstract: In a gas turbine power plant, pressurized fuel gas undergoes pressure reduction and gas expansion before being provided to a gas turbine. Condensations, which can damage the turbine, can form as the fuel gas cools when the fuel gas undergoes the pressure reduction and expansion. An electric startup heater is used to superheat the fuel gas to substantially prevent the condensations from forming. The electric startup heater includes band heaters wrapped externally to a fuel gas pipe to heat the fuel gas from outside in. Compared to conventional heaters which provide superheating through internal heating elements, the electric startup heater reduces costs and provides increased safety, flexibility, operational efficiency and ability to adapt to varying fuel gas characteristics.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a low pressure spool, a high pressure spool, a stationary support frame, and at least one support arch. The low pressure spool extends between a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine. The high pressure spool extends between a high pressure compressor and a high pressure turbine. The spools are rotatable about a center axis of the engine. The support arch has a stationary support mount disposed between a low spool mount and a high spool mount. The support arch is disposed relative to the spools and the stationary support frame so that a load from each spool caused by the rotation of that spool can be transferred to the stationary support frame through the support arch. The support arch can freely rotate about the center axis of the engine relative to the spools and the stationary structural frame.

Abstract: Sensors are mounted to an engine to detect engine conditions and send information to an engine controller or other engine component through a wireless connection. Ports are located on the engine controller. An antenna assembly is plugged into one of the ports and wirelessly receives the signal from the sensor. Another antenna assembly transmits a signal from the engine controller to an external component. A processor within the antenna assemblies monitors and adjusts the signals to correct for signal interference.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to heating or cooling with wireless power. A device may comprise a wireless power receiver having at least one associated receive antenna. The device may further include a thermoelectric element operably coupled to the wireless power receiver and configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the device upon receipt of wireless power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a combination refrigeration and combustion system including a tank that holds liquefied gas, an expansion valve in fluid connection with the tank, and a sealable chamber housing an evaporator, with the evaporator in fluid connection with the expansion valve. The system is configured for expulsion of the liquefied gas from the tank into the expansion valve. The expulsion takes place in at least one pulse over part of a defined time interval. After an expulsion of gas, the liquefied gas expands into gaseous form in the evaporator, allowing for continuous combustion of the gas in gaseous form.

Abstract: A portable gas filling system for transfer of cryogenic fluids to high pressure gas cylinders includes a moveable platform, a cryogenic fluid pump for connection to an off platform cryogenic fluid Dewar, and a vaporizer for connection between the fluid pump and gas cylinders. A vacuum pump is provided for purging of interconnecting system lines and a gas accumulator interconnected to the system lines enables storage of gas to pressurize the Dewar.

Abstract: An energy dissipation arrangement for a cryogenically cooled superconductive magnet comprising a plurality of superconductive coils (10) connected in series and housed within a cryostat (24), comprising a superconducting switch (25) having a superconductive current path (28) in series with the superconductive coils (10); and a resistor (38), external to the cryostat, electrically connected in parallel with the superconductive current path (28) of the superconducting switch (25).

Abstract: A device and method for utilizing waste heat from the exhaust of a low pressure condensing steam turbine. An adsorption chiller is driven by heat recovered from the exhaust steam by incorporating a heat exchanger between the low pressure condensing steam turbine and the condenser of the steam turbine. The heat exchanger provides heated fluid which is then utilized as the hot water for the adsorption chiller. The adsorption chiller outputs chilled water which may be beneficially used for many purposes in the power plant.

Abstract: The present invention “PH2OCP” relates to a portable water and climatic production system. In the preferred embodiment, the system uses a combination of heating coils assemblies, cooling coils and more specifically the desiccant rotor technology for the extraction, collection of water vapor molecules from the air stream and transformation in to condensate for the production of clean filtered potable water. The portable water and climatic production system or “PH2OCP” is designed to operate and produce water in a wide range of global climatic conditions, including the most arid of environments. This is made possible due to the highly effective performance capabilities of the desiccant rotor technology in the extraction of water vapor molecules from any existing ambient air. The desiccant technology is designed in the “PH2OCP” to operate in combination with the microwave reactivation system in the regeneration or reactivation section and cooling coils assembly located in the condensation section.

Abstract: A closed loop refrigerant expansion system with a tube and shell condenser is provided with a control which, upon shutdown, causes the flow of refrigerant to reverse from the evaporator to the condenser to thereby both reduce the amount of refrigerant vapor passing to the condenser and increase the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser to thereby reduce the maximum temperature load in the condenser. Reverse flow can be made to occur either by reversing the direction of the refrigerant pump or opening a bypass valve around the pump.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water supply device integrally formed with a rear surface of a storage chamber thereof. The refrigerator includes a storage chamber door to open and close a storage chamber, a dispenser mounted to the storage chamber door, and a water supply device separably connected to a rear surface of the storage chamber door adjacent to the dispenser, so as to supply water to the dispenser.

Abstract: In a cooling system for an electronic device of the present invention, server rooms in which a plurality of servers are placed, an evaporator which is provided close to each of the servers, and cools exhaust air from the server by vaporizing a refrigerant with heat generating from the server, a cooling tower which is provided at a place higher than the evaporator, cools the refrigerant by outside air and water sprinkling, and condenses the vaporized refrigerant, and a circulation line in which the refrigerant naturally circulates between the evaporator and the cooling tower. According to the cooling system, an electronic device which is required to perform a precise operation with a heat generation amount from itself being large, such as a computer and a server, can be efficiently cooled at low running cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building are shown and described. These systems and methods utilize extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air into the building in response to cooling load determinations.

Abstract: A cooling system and method are provided for facilitating two-phase heat transfer from an electronics system including a plurality of electronic devices to be cooled. The cooling system includes a plurality of evaporators coupled to the electronic devices, and a coolant loop for passing system coolant through the evaporators. The coolant loop includes a plurality of coolant branches coupled in parallel, with each coolant branch being coupled in fluid communication with a respective evaporator. The cooling system further includes a control unit for maintaining pressure of system coolant at a system coolant supply side of the coolant branches within a specific pressure range at or above saturation pressure of the system coolant for a given desired saturation temperature of system coolant into the evaporators to facilitate two-phase heat transfer in the plurality of evaporators from the electronic devices to the system coolant at the given desired saturation temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus for controlling a synchronous motor, which includes a receiver section for receiving the value detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the synchronous motor. The synchronous motor is started up with the current fed into it, whose magnitude is changed in accordance with the temperature received by the receiver section at the time of starting up the synchronous motor. In this way, the stable startup of the synchronous motor can be guaranteed and the useful life of the semiconductor elements can also be prolonged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat recovery system of a plant using a heat pump that absorbs some heat energy wasted from a condenser of the plant. The heat recovery system is constructed such that water condensed by the condenser is supplied to a service water heater via condensate pumps. A heat pump is installed between the condensate pumps and the service water heater for receiving the condensed water and the coolant. Some of the condensed water and the coolant, having passed through the heat pump, are supplied to a coolant inlet port of the condenser, and the remaining portions are supplied to the service water heater. The condensed water supplied to the service water heater is heated by a three way valve through which service water heating steam is supplied. Some of the steam is directly recovered to the condenser via a combustion air heater.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cooling apparatus for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMRI) RF coils comprising a base, a cup, an input tube and an output tube. The input tube and the output tube are connected to the cup, in which the base and the cup are tightly sucked together to form a vacuum space by the vacuum caused by the negative pressure when the air is drawn out. The vacuum is able to block the conduction of low temperature. The base, the cup, the input tube and the output tube may be made of heat-isolation materials with high strength of hardness. The main objective of the present invention is to provide a low temperature system for long time use by the protection of a vacuum space; therefore the particular RF coil is used to retrieve NMRI signals. By reducing the resistance, the noise is therefore restrained, and the signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced to achieve high resolution and the scanning time is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subassembly element for a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit, wherein the subassembly element has a front side, a rear side and two side regions, at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, and wherein at least one air guidance means is provided in the subassembly element by means of which air can be guided from the air inlet to the air outlet in the subassembly element. The invention furthermore relates to a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit.

Abstract: A personalizable sports themed ice chest having a main ice chest housing and a selectively openable and closable lid member pivotably secured to the housing. The ice chest has a personalizable sports related shape, wheels rotatably secured to the housing, a collapsible pull handle mechanism connected to the housing, and areas on the housing and lid member for the placement of a logo or emblem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigeration circuit for a vehicle air-conditioning system provided with a compressor, a condenser, a pressure-reduction/expansion means and an evaporator in this order, wherein R1234yf is used as the refrigerant and a shut-off valve for shutting off the circuit based on an excessive acceleration signal of the vehicle is provided in the circuit each of upstream and downstream of the condenser. When the refrigerant used is changed to R1234yf, which is a new-type refrigerant, it is possible to instantaneously minimize refrigerant leakage from the circuit in the event applied with an excessive impact, and to reduce the possibility of a fire starting or the like.

Abstract: An invertible portable cooler having a lid, an insulated interior to receive and retain ice and ice water, a can receptacle member to receive and retain a plurality of beverage cans, and an ice trap to receive and retain ice drained of excess water, wherein the beverage cans and ice retained by the ice trap are accessible by opening the lid of the cooler. The cooler may be provided with one or two spigots for dispensing the ice water without removing the cooler lid. The cooler may have a second lid opposite from the first lid. A cooler stand may be provided that accommodates inversion of the cooler.

Abstract: A recreational cooler with a hollow accessory shaft is disclosed. The hollow shaft extends completely through the cooler from top to bottom. The hollowed area of the shaft is completely independent from the product receiving area of the cooler allowing for insertion of recreational cooler accessories. Recreational cooler accessories may include: umbrellas, fishing poles, radios, tables, cooking stands, seats, chairs, beverage bottles, cans, cups, basketball standards, and/or racks for drying beach towels. Two coolers may also be used to support each side of a volleyball net, badminton net, or tennis net.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part. To heat the reactor part, a portion of this wall is arranged as a solar energy collector, which can result in a very compact structure. In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is held or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in its liquid state thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit includes a linear electric compressor including a housing with a cylinder bore, a pair of end plates, a valve unit, a piston, an urging device for urging the piston, a coil generating electromagnetic force and a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet cooperates with the urging device and the coil to reciprocate the piston in the cylinder bore. The piston further includes a piston rod and the urging device is provided around the piston rod and a pair of piston heads integrally formed at opposite ends of the piston rod. The diameter of the piston rod is smaller than that of the piston head. The permanent magnet is provided on the piston head and the coil surrounds the piston head. The housing further includes a seat located between the pair of piston heads and the urging device is provided between the seat and each of the piston head.

Abstract: In a refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reduction and expansion means, and an evaporator, R1234yf is used as the refrigerant, the refrigerant at the exit side of the evaporator is controlled in a superheated condition, and the refrigeration cycle is operated in a range of 5 to 16 degrees of superheat, and preferably in a range of 10 to 16 degrees of superheat. When the refrigerant used is changed to the new refrigerant R1234yf, while high advantage for improving the coefficient of performance can be achieved, the rise in temperature of the discharged refrigerant is appropriately suppressed so that deterioration of refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant can be prevented, and a high-efficiency operation can be realized as the entirety of the refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream. A liquefaction system comprises at least an NGL recovery system 12, a main refrigerant circuit 42 and a first refrigerant circuit 100, a pressure reduction device 52 followed by an end gas/liquid separator 62. The main refrigerant circuit 42 comprises at least one or more main refrigerant compressors 45, 45a, 45b, and the first refrigerant circuit comprises one or more first refrigerant compressors 101. A hydrocarbon feed stream 10 is passed through the NGL recovery system 12 to produce a methane-enriched overhead stream 20, which is subsequently cooled and liquefied by the first and second refrigerant circuits. The pressure of the liquefied stream is reduced and the resulting mixed-phase stream 60 is passed through the end gas/liquid separator 62 to provide an end gaseous stream 70 and a liquefied hydrocarbon product stream 80.

Abstract: A LNG storage and regasification plant includes a reliquefaction unit in which boil-off vapors from the storage tanks are re liquefied and recycled back to the LNG storage tanks for tank pressure and Wobbe index control. Preferably, LNG cold is used for reliquefaction and operational flexibility is achieved by feeding a portion of the pressurized boil-off gas to a fuel gas header and/or to be recondensed by the sendout LNG.

Abstract: A process and a device for the cryogenic separation of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in particular of a mixture having, as main components, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is presented.

Abstract: A freeze and thaw system using knowledge-based hardware and methodology is provided for repair of oil-filled pipes. Liquid nitrogen is boiled off inside freeze jackets installed over the pipe, exiting in a superheated vapor state. Liquid nitrogen flow rates, controlled by the temperature controllers, are based on the requirements of the freeze process to maintain a desired level of superheat. The freeze operation is divided into distinct phases each with a different nitrogen superheated exhaust temperature. At the end of the repair, electric heaters wrapped over the pipe proceed to thaw the frozen oil. The heater controller thaws the frozen plugs based on an embedded time versus temperature protocol. The freeze prevention heaters are wrapped over the freeze jackets to prevent ice formation over the cold freeze jackets while the freeze plug is formed and maintained. This technology results in less thaw and freeze time at reduced liquid nitrogen usage.

Abstract: A spring lock mechanism for a hinged earring in which the earring parts meet at the hinge but meet in such a way that there is a slight force required to close the pin in the catch which produces a compressive force between the earring parts joined at the hinge tending to separate the hinged parts. As the pin is released from its catch, the hinged hoop earring springs open, facilitating its removal from the ear The hinged hoop earring is closed by a simple push pin mechanism, which when opened releases the upper hoop earring connection allowing it to easily be opened and removed from the ear by the wearer.