Abstract: The invention relates to a drivetrain, in particular a motor vehicle drivetrain, comprising: an engine; a gearbox comprising a main output and at least one auxiliary output; a hydrodynamic machine disposed at the auxiliary output on the gearbox output side; the hydrodynamic machine comprises a housing, stator vanes, and a rotor blade wheel; the rotor blade wheel can be driven by an input shaft; the input shaft is the output shaft of the auxiliary output or a shaft coaxially connected thereto.

Abstract: A device for converting wind energy into a reciprocating motion. The device has a sail that extends in a main wind direction and pivotally oscillates when subjected to wind. The sail is connected to a first support that is configured to move in a first direction when the sail during its oscillation moves towards any of two outermost positions from a neutral position, and move in a second direction opposite the first direction when the sail during its oscillation moves towards its neutral position from any of its outermost positions, thereby creating a reciprocating motion of the first support when the sail is subjected to the wind. A further device, a method and a system are also described.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for aircraft wherein at least one circuit includes two hydraulic pumps, at least one of which is driven by an engine that may suffer uncontained failure that can damage hydraulic lines close to the pump, is equipped with pressure sensors for the hydraulic fluid in the lines close to the pump and a sensor for the hydraulic fluid level in a hydraulic tank of the circuit supplied by the pump. A control system for a cut-out valve installed on a suction line wherein the fluid arrives at the pump includes logic that determines the occurrence of an uncontained engine failure requiring the isolation of the pumps from line elements that may have been damaged from measurements of the fluid pressures in the lines, from measurement of the level of fluid in the tank and from information supplied late by a uncontained engine failure detection system to command the closure of the cut-out valve.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure herein provides an apparatus that in one configuration includes a first hydraulic power unit for supplying a first fluid under pressure to a first chamber for controlling motion of a first movable member and a second hydraulic power unit for supplying a second fluid under pressure to a second chamber for controlling motion of a second movable member, an input device configured to provide an input signal for controlling the motions of the first and second movable members and a processor configured to: receive the input signal from the input device; and independently set, in response to the input signal from the input device, a first electrical actuator to control an amount and flow rate of the first fluid to the first hydraulic power unit and a second electrical actuator to control an amount and flow rate of the second fluid to the second hydraulic power unit for controlling the motion of the first and second movable members.

Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder (3) is connected to a discharge port (24) of a fluid pressure pump (2). A suction port (25) of the fluid pressure pump (2) is connected to a tank (10) via a suction passage (11) in which a flow restrictor (15) is provided. A change-over valve (4) changes over operation modes of the fluid pressure cylinder (3) between a load mode in which the pressure cylinder (3) is driven by the fluid pressure pump (2) and an unload mode in which the fluid pressure cylinder (3) elongates and contracts according to an external force exerted thereon in response to a differential pressure between the discharge port and the suction port. Automatic change-over of the operation modes of the pressure cylinder (3) in response to an operation of the fluid pressure pump (2) is thereby realized.

Abstract: A configuration of heat engine, a stirling engine, is presented that utilizes an even number of axially opposed, axially aligned cylinders and that can be made using almost unlimited variations in the number of cylinder pairings, size, length, operating temperatures and pressures, materials, heating and cooling sources, etc. The axially opposed configuration of the cylinder pairs maximizes engine efficiency by minimizing dead space, maximizing thermal isolation of the hot and cold sides, maximizing regenerator efficiency, maximizing the free flow of the working fluid and allowing the engine speed (rpm) and power output to be rapidly and precisely altered and controlled. When driven, the engine acts as a heat pump, with all of the aforementioned improvements and advantages over previous kinematic heat pumps and wherein the piston timing can be varied for precise temperature control and to provide a method of defrosting that requires no additional parts or heat source.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.

Abstract: A method for controlling the wastegate in a turbocharged internal combustion engine including the steps of: determining, during a design phase, a control law which provides an objective opening of a controlling actuator of the wastegate according to the supercharging pressure; determining an objective supercharging pressure; measuring an actual supercharging pressure; determining a first open loop contribution of an objective position of a controlling actuator of the wastegate by means of the control law and according to the objective supercharging pressure; determining a second closed loop contribution of the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate; and calculating the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate by adding the two contributions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the wastegate in a turbocharged internal combustion engine including the steps of: determining, during a design phase, a control law which provides an objective opening of a controlling actuator of the wastegate according to the supercharging pressure; determining an objective supercharging pressure; measuring an actual supercharging pressure; determining a first open loop contribution of an objective position of a controlling actuator of the wastegate by means of the control law and according to the objective supercharging pressure; determining a second closed loop contribution of the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate; and calculating the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate by adding the two contributions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the wastegate in a turbocharged internal combustion engine including the steps of: determining, during a design phase, a control law which provides an objective opening of a controlling actuator of the wastegate according to the supercharging pressure; determining an objective supercharging pressure; measuring an actual supercharging pressure; determining a first open loop contribution of an objective position of a controlling actuator of the wastegate by means of the control law and according to the objective supercharging pressure; determining a second closed loop contribution of the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate; and calculating the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate by adding the two contributions.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a turbine comprising a turbine housing with at least a first and a second spiral channel, each being coupled to an exhaust gas line of an exhaust gas tract of the internal combustion engine for conducting exhaust gas to a turbine wheel arranged within the turbine housing and driving a compressor wheel of a compressor of the exhaust gas turbocharger, an area ratio Qg of the turbine corresponds to the formula Qg=(A?+AAGR)/AR>0.40, wherein A? refers to a narrowest flow cross-section of the first spiral channel, AAGR to a narrowest flow cross-section of the second spiral channel (52b) and AR to a wheel exit flow cross-section of the turbine exhaust channel. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and such an exhaust gas turbocharger.

Abstract: In a radial compressor, particularly of an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, having a compressor housing within which a compressor wheel is disposed for compressing air from an inflow channel of the compressor housing and directing the air to an outflow channel of the compressor housing, the compressor housing comprising a bypass channel having a first flow opening upstream of an axial compressor wheel inlet and a second flow opening downstream of the compressor wheel inlet, the compressor housing is configured at least in a flow region upstream of the outflow channel in a rotational asymmetric manner with regard to a rotational axis of the compressor wheel.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a turbine housing with an integral EGR conduit is disclosed. The turbine includes a turbine wheel attached to a turbine shaft and rotatably disposed in a turbine housing having a turbine volute conduit having a turbine inlet passage fluidly coupled to a turbine volute conduit having a turbine volute passage and a turbine volute inlet and an EGR conduit having an EGR passage, the EGR passage having an EGR conduit inlet, the EGR conduit inlet disposed on the turbine inlet conduit. The turbine inlet conduit is configured for fluid communication of a first portion of an exhaust gas flow received from an engine to the turbine wheel. The EGR conduit is configured for fluid communication of a second portion of the exhaust gas flow to an engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A waste heat regeneration system for a vehicle having a vehicle engine actuated by a start-stop switch includes Rankine cycle circuit, a motor generator, a by-pass circuit and a control device. The Rankine cycle circuit includes a pump, a boiler heating the heat medium by heat exchanging with waste heat generated by the vehicle engine, an expansion device and a condenser. The by-pass circuit is connected to the Rankine cycle circuit at the upstream and downstream sides of the condenser and the communication of the heat medium is openable and closable therethrough. When the start-stop switch of the vehicle engine is turned off, the control device controls the by-pass circuit to communicate the heat medium therethrough and keeps controlling of the rotational speed of the motor generator until pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the expansion device is decreased to a predetermined level, and then stops the control.

Abstract: A method of combusting a very low cetane number material comprises injecting said material into a combustion cylinder of a heterogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine and supplying to the cylinder inlet port supplying the chamber combustion air or working fluid at a temperature substantially above ambient for substantially the entire time that the engine is running. Other aspects of the invention provide a compression ignition engine for use in the method, and method of using the engine to combust fuels.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced or impending reduced insolation event are disclosed herein. Examples of transient reduced insolation events include but are not limited to cloud-induced reduction in insolation, dust-induced reduction in insolation, and insolation events caused by solar eclipses. In some embodiments, in response to the detecting or predicting, steam flow is regulated within the solar steam system to reduce a flow rate into a steam turbine. Alternatively or additionally, one or more heliostats may be responsively redirected onto a steam superheater or steam re-heater.

Abstract: The waste heat recovery system of an engine includes a Rankine cycle, a first bypass passage, a first valve and a control unit. The Rankine cycle allows a working fluid to circulate therethrough. The Rankine cycle has a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, an expander and a condenser. The first heat exchanger exchange heat between the working fluid and the engine or a first intermediate medium exchanging heat with the engine. The first bypass passage allows the working fluid to pass therethrough. One end of the first bypass passage is located at an upstream side of the condenser and the other end is located at a downstream side of the condenser. The first valve opens and closes the first bypass passage. When temperature of the engine or the first intermediate medium is lower than a first predetermined value, the control unit opens the first valve.

Abstract: Systems are provided that may be used to diffuse and deflect the flows of gas into a plurality of gas flows. A gas flow, for example, exhaust gas, may be diffused, that is, spread out by the diffuser. A flow deflector may be coupled to the diffuser so that the gas flow may be result in a plurality of gas flows. By diffusing and allowing a plurality of gas flows, improved gas flows may be achieved.

Abstract: A method and system for augmenting the output of a combined cycle power plant having a gas turbine driving a generator, a heat recovery steam generator that recovers exhaust heat from the gas turbine to drive a steam turbine also driving a generator, and a refrigeration element that is powered by available energy in steam exhausted from the steam turbine to cool water. The refrigeration element employs a substantially closed cycle refrigeration system that, in a preferred embodiment, is either an absorption chilling system or a thermal compression chilling system. The refrigeration element provides cool water to an inlet chiller arranged to chill inlet to the gas turbine to augment the power output of the gas turbine and the water is recirculated to be chilled and used again. Since the refrigeration cycle is substantially closed, little or no additional plant water consumption is imposed on the power plant.

Abstract: A gas fuel supply apparatus is constructed to be capable of supplying any one of propane gas and butane gas to a gas engine while switching between the propane gas and the butane gas. A check valve is provided in a gas fuel supply passages corresponding to a gas canister containing the gas fuel of a low working pressure (propane gas). The check valve prevents the gas fuel of a higher working pressure (butane gas) from flowing from a downstream side of the check valve to an upstream side of the check valve.

Abstract: A mixer for a gas turbine engine combustor includes: (a) a primary fuel injector with upstream and downstream ends, the primary fuel injector including: (1) a hollow central portion configured to pass a first air stream; (2) an annular fuel passage at the downstream end, configured to discharge an annular first fuel stream surrounding the first air stream; (b) an annular splitter surrounding the primary fuel injector, configured to pass a second air stream surrounding the first fuel stream; (c) an annular first housing surrounding the splitter, and having an exit positioned axially downstream of the primary fuel injector and the splitter; and (d) fuel injection ports disposed in an array outside the first housing, and disposed in communication with a fuel supply and positioned to discharge a second fuel stream into a third air stream at a position axially upstream of the exit of the first housing.

Abstract: An annular combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine includes radially inner and outer walls connected together by a chamber end wall including openings, each of which receives a fuel injection system. Heat protection deflectors are fastened to the chamber end wall. Holes are formed through the chamber end wall to pass cooling air onto an upstream face of each deflector. The inner or outer edge of a deflector presents a sealing rim engaging the respective inner or outer wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.

Abstract: An external-reheat gas turbine and method are disclosed. A gas turbine system can include a compressor, an expander, a combustor disposed between the compressor and the expander, a boiler disposed between the compressor and the expander, a conduit including chargeable air and in thermal communication with the boiler and an external free heat source coupled to the boiler.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine cooling system includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with a source of cooling air, a first cooling circuit including a first heat exchanger circuit in the heat exchanger and a first bypass circuit with a first bypass valve for selectively bypassing at least a portion of first airflow around the first heat exchanger circuit. A second cooling circuit may be used having a second heat exchanger circuit in the heat exchanger and a shutoff control valve operably disposed in the second cooling circuit upstream of the second heat exchanger circuit and the heat exchanger. A circuit inlet of the first cooling circuit may be used to bleed a portion of compressor discharge bleed air for the first airflow to cool turbine blades mounted on a rotor disk using an annular flow inducer downstream of the first bypass valve and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for control of a gas turbine or a gas turbine generator, where the gas turbine is connected to a dryer vessel in which gas turbine exhaust gases are used to heat treat a material in the dryer vessel. The control system comprises one or more sensors for temperature, moisture and/or flow rate in the dryer vessel and/or of the material inside, entering and/or exiting the dryer vessel and a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the fuel and/or air flow into the gas turbine. This control system and method enables providing the appropriate heat output from the gas turbine to meet the process heat required for the desired material treatment. Optionally, the gas turbine can be a liquid fuel turbine engine, or a reciprocating engine can be substituted for the turbine engine.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting fuel injectors to a gas turbine engine. The system comprises an engine casing having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The system further comprises a plurality of first and second fuel injectors. Each fuel injector has a respective flange for mounting the fuel injector to the casing at a respective aperture so that the fuel injector extends into the engine. The first fuel injectors have flanges which are dismountably sealed to an inner side of the casing. The second fuel injectors have flanges which are dismountably sealed to an outer side of the casing. The flanges of the first fuel injectors are configured to allow them to pass through the apertures of the second fuel injectors. A first fuel injector can be dismounted from the casing and withdrawn therefrom through the aperture of a dismounted second fuel injector.

Abstract: A system for mounting a fuel injector to an engine casing with an aperture includes a fuel injector having a flange for mounting to the casing at the aperture. The flange allows it to pass through the aperture. An intermediate ring mediates the mounting of the flange to the casing at the aperture. The intermediate ring is inside the casing at the aperture and defines an opening from which the fuel injector extends into the engine with the flange positioned inward of the ring. The flange is dismountably sealed to an inner side of the ring, and the ring is dismountably sealed to an inner side of the casing to mount the fuel injector to the casing. On dismounting the flange from the ring, the fuel injector can be displaced to allow the ring, to be moved away from the aperture. The fuel injector can then be withdrawn.

Abstract: A combustor is provided for mounting a fuel injector to a gas turbine engine. The combustor comprises an engine casing having an aperture formed therein. The system further comprises a fuel injector having a flange for mounting the fuel injector to the casing at the aperture so that the fuel injector extends into the engine. The flange is dismountably sealed to an inner side of the casing. The aperture and flange are configured so that, when dismounted, the fuel injector can be rotated into an orientation relative to the aperture which allows the flange to pass though the aperture and the fuel injector to be withdrawn from the casing.

Abstract: A chilled beverage container with dual concentric cylinder sides; an outer cylinder for holding the beverage, and an inner cylinder for holding a coolant where the inner cylinder is sealed such that the coolant cannot mix with the beverage to dilute it or alter the taste.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system has an engine driving an electric generator. A compressor is powered by the generator. At least one first electric fan is positioned to drive an airflow across a heat rejection heat exchanger. At least one second electric fan is positioned to drive an airflow across a heat absorption heat exchanger. A controller is coupled to the compressor and first and second fans. The controller is configured to: start the engine; engage the generator and at least one of the first fans before the engine has reached running speed; after the engine has reached running speed, start the compressor; and after starting the compressor, start at least one of the second fans.

Abstract: A process for treating mixed loads of tools and/or parts which incorporates an optional pre-heat phase, a cryogenic phase, and an optional post temper phase.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and devices for producing two-phase coolants such as an ice slurry. Also provided are methods for producing two-phase coolants, and methods for using the two-phase coolants to lower the temperature or maintain a low temperature in any subject, system, object, device, or application where particular low temperatures are desired. Also provided are systems for determining the cooling capacity of two-phase coolants.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning apparatus includes a heat source unit, a utilization unit having a utilization-side heat exchanger, and liquid and gas refrigerant connection pipes interconnecting the heat source unit and the utilization unit. The heat source unit has an adjustable capacity compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism and an accumulator. The refrigerant circuit can perform at least cooling operation. Compressor frequency, degree of superheat, and degree of supercooling are stored in a stable state where the degree of supercooling has been made equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. After a predetermined time period, the degree of supercooling is detected while compressor frequency and degree of superheat become the stored compressor frequency and degree of superheat. The detected degree of supercooling is compared with the stored degree of supercooling to determine adequacy of the quantity of refrigerant inside the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic defrost of a refrigerator device are provided. The system adaptively moves the defrost cycle to low usage times based on an evaluation of compressor usage in a daily cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an HVAC system. The apparatus comprises a freeze-up sensor, a vacuum sensor, and a thermostat. The freeze-up sensor communicates a signal to indicate that ice is developing in the HVAC system and the vacuum sensor communicates a signal to indicate that a vacuum pressure exists in the HVAC system. When a signal is detected, the apparatus deactivates the HVAC system to prevent damage. The thermostat comprises a touch-screen display with a continuous set-point.

Abstract: An energy recovery ventilator system includes a belt partially located in each of a first chamber and a second chamber. First and second desiccant units are positioned on the belt. At least some of the first desiccant units are in the first chamber at a first relative humidity, causing air received in the first chamber to achieve a first air humidity. At least some of the second desiccant units are in the second chamber at a second relative humidity, the second relative humidity being caused by the air received in the first chamber. The second relative humidity is modified to the first relative humidity by air passing through the second chamber, the air achieving a second air humidity. A controller causes the belt to move second desiccant units from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first air humidity fails to comply with a specific air humidity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising at least one ionic liquid and at least one fluoroolefin. Such compositions may be useful as absorbent/working fluid pairs in absorption cycle systems for providing cooling or heat.

Abstract: A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the compression system operates in the critical flow regime where the pressure in an evaporator tube will remain almost constant and then ‘jump’ or ‘shock up’ to the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A chemical state monitoring system for a refrigeration system that continuously monitors and detects problems within a refrigeration system. The monitoring system comprises a sampling device for collecting refrigerant in a high pressure liquid line of the refrigeration system, a purge valve in an upper portion of the sampling device; a refrigerant state sensor for sensing a condition indicative of the state of refrigerant in the collection chamber; and a controller operatively connected to the refrigerant state sensor and to the purge valve for controlling said purge valve and detecting fault conditions based on signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A heat source-side refrigerant circuit A including a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a first refrigerant branch portion 21 connected to the compressor 11, a second refrigerant branch portion 22 and a third refrigerant branch portion 23 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13, a first refrigerant flow rate control device 24 provided between branch piping 40 and the second refrigerant branch portion 22, intermediate heat exchangers 25n connected at one side thereof to the first refrigerant branch portion 21 and the third refrigerant branch portion 23 via three-way valves 26n and connected at the other side thereof to the second refrigerant branch portion 22, and second refrigerant flow rate control devices 27n provided between the respective intermediate heat exchangers 25n and the second refrigerant branch portion 22, and user-side refrigerant circuits Bn having indoor heat exchangers 31n connected respectively to the intermediate heat exchangers 25n are provided, and at least one of water and

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: an indoor device installed at indoor; an outdoor device connected to the indoor device using a refrigerant pipe; a ventilation unit for exchanging heat of outdoor air and indoor air while ventilating indoor air and outdoor air; and a guidance duct for communicating the ventilation unit and an air inhalation portion of the outdoor device in order to guide indoor air exhausted from the ventilation unit to an air inhalation portion faulted in the outdoor device. Therefore, the number of ventilation holes to form in an outer wall of a building can be minimized, a construction cost can be reduced, and performance of the air conditioner can be improved.

Abstract: A structure for the collection of an evaporated fluid is disclosed. The structure may include a reservoir for holding a liquid. The reservoir may have an open end, and an enclosure mounted about the open end of the reservoir for entrapping a fluid evaporated from the reservoir. The enclosure may include a support structure, and a tensionable covering supported by the support structure. The structure also may include a collector for collecting condensate from the covering, the collector being mounted to the support structure, intermediate the support structure and the covering, and oriented to receive condensate moved by gravity along the covering. A tensioning apparatus may be employed for tensioning the covering about the collector to encourage the condensate to engage the collector. The condensate may then be transported within the collector to a desired location.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system stores containers, typically containing biological or chemical samples, at ultra-low temperatures, i.e., from about ?50° C. to about ?90° C., preferably about ?80° C. under normal operating conditions. A robot automatically places sample storage containers in stationary storage racks within the freezer compartment. Magnetic couplings are used to transmit mechanical power from outside of the freezer compartment to the robot inside of the freezer compartment. The robot has a simplified mechanical configuration.

Abstract: Water evaporation with accompanying large amount of heat absorption is used in an apparatus and methods in cooling hot refrigerant in a condenser as result of work by an air conditioning compressor. A centrifugal water droplet generator and projector are designed with air flow modification of droplet travel paths for maximum even coating of condenser surfaces with thin water film for maximum evaporation efficiency. Vacuum is also used in the system for lowering of water evaporation temperature and carrying away moisture saturated air to further increase efficiency of condenser cooling.

Abstract: A climate control system for a storage unit. The system includes a reverse cycle chiller; a fluid supply line in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid side heat exchanger; a fluid return line in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid side heat exchanger and the fluid supply line; at least one hydronic coil in optional fluid communication with the fluid supply line and the fluid return line, the at least one hydronic coil located in a room to be controlled; a controller in communication with the reverse cycle chiller and the at least one hydronic coil; an ambient temperature sensor in communication with the controller; an ambient humidity sensor in communication with the controller; a room temperature sensor in communication with the controller, the room temperature sensor positioned in the room; and a room humidity sensor in communication with the controller, the room humidity sensor positioned in the room. A method of controlling the climate in a storage unit is also described.

Abstract: A four-way valve (12) includes a valve housing (14) having a valve chamber (30) inside; connection openings (62, 64, 66) opening in the inner surface of the valve chamber (30); a slide valve element (24) for controlling communication between the connection openings (62, 64, 66) according to a sliding position thereof; and a drive mechanism for driving the slide valve element (24),the drive mechanism having a sleeve (80) defining a cylinder bore (86) inside; a piston (78) slidably fitted in the cylinder bore (86); a valve rod (76) attached with the slide valve element (24); a pilot pressure chamber (88) supplied with pilot pressure for sliding the piston (78); and an O-ring (94) supporting the sleeve (80) inside the valve housing (14), the O-ring (94) securing a gap (98) between the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve (80) and the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing (14).

Abstract: A jewelry item is disclosed and includes a chain, which has decorative items attached to it and which has a first fastening device to hang the item from an object such as a belt loop. A second fastening device is used to adjust the length of the object. Decorative items may be attached to the chain for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and for gathering together into a conglomeration to conceal the chain and providing a singular compact appearance for the jewelry item. A swivel coupled to the first fastening device permits the jewelry item to be rotated to an alternate viewing position.

Abstract: A refractive element array has a first securing member having a first retainer body. The retainer body includes a first outside retainer projecting from the first retainer body and a first inside retainer projecting from the first retainer body. The first securing member opposes the second securing member for cooperatively securing the refractive element array. The securing members have a deployed position and a not deployed position. The securing member has a retainer body. The retainer body includes an outside retainer projecting from the retainer body and an inside retainer projecting from second retainer body. A carrier strip connects to the first retainer body and connects to the second retainer body. The carrier strip is connected between the first retainer body and the second retainer body. Refractive elements are mounted to the carrier strip.

Abstract: When melting a glass layer 3 by irradiating a region to be fused R therealong with a laser beam L1, the region to be fused R is irradiated therealong with the laser beam L1 having a first heat input, so as to melt the glass layer 3, the heat input is switched when the melting ratio of the glass layer 3 in a direction substantially orthogonal to a moving direction of the laser beam L1 exceeds a predetermined level, and the region to be fused R is irradiated therealong with the laser beam L1 having a second heat input smaller than the first heat input, so as to fix the glass layer 3 to a glass member 4. This inhibits the glass layer 3 from falling into an excessive heat input state and thus deters the glass layer 3 from crystallizing during burning. The glass member 4 is fused to a glass member 5 through the glass layer 3 thus deterred from crystallizing, so as to yield a glass fusing structure 1.