Abstract: A fixing point arranged at a guide rail consists substantially of a slide, which is movable along the guide rail and which is guided by guide shoes at the free limb of the guide rail and carries a yoke. A bracket, at which a damping element is supported, is arranged at the guide rail. The end of a belt is held by a connecting element, which in turn is suspended by a tie rod and nuts at the yoke. In the case of an emergency stop situation in which the brake of the drive unit retards the elevator car to standstill, the retardation forces arising in that case are transmitted by belt, connecting element and tie rod to the yoke, wherein the retardation forces produce a displacement of the slide downwardly into the spring-stressed position against the damping capability of the damping element.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator apparatus that may be mounted horizontally in an upper portion of an elevator hoistway. Such an elevator apparatus may comprise a drive machine, a deflector sheave, a support frame, and a roping system. The roping system may be configured to eliminate reverse rope bend to improve the rope life of the system.

Abstract: A brake monitor for monitoring a brake system of an elevator system that includes a drive and a drive controller in addition to the brake system. The brake monitor includes a first brake signal input for electrically connecting the brake monitor to a first brake contact of the brake system and a driving signal input for connecting the brake monitor to a first electrical driving signal line of the drive controller. Also provided are a power supply, a microprocessor and a relay circuit. The relay circuit is configured to be activated for interrupting a safety circuit of the elevator system or for interrupting a control voltage of the drive controller so that the elevator system can be stopped.

Abstract: A vibration damping system for an elevator is provided with a damping device (5) that is provided between a cab (1) and a car frame (2) for supporting the cab (1) and whose damping coefficient can be changed. A speed detector detects the traveling speed of a reference elevator car, and a calculation unit (15) receiving the traveling speed detected by the speed detector calculates a control signal for the damping device (5), and outputs the control signal to the damping device. The calculation unit (15) controls the damping device (5) in such a way that, in the case where the traveling speed exceeds a predetermined value, the damping coefficient of the damping device (5) is larger than that in the case where the traveling speed is the same as or smaller than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A door assembly has a door header mounted on a frame defining a doorway, a door movably supported on the frame, and a track including at least one supporting surface along at least one side of the track. The track is secured to the door header. The assembly has at least one roller that is adapted to roll along the track. The roller has a rim portion adjacent a hub portion, and a tire material surrounding the rim portion that contacts the track. The roller is at least partially covered with a thermal barrier between the tire material and at least one of the rim portion and the hub portion to prevent heat transfer to the tire material.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator system which can perform an optimum assignment suited to the operation condition of elevators and can appropriately notify a user of accurate information. For this purpose, there are provided a call registration device which registers a destination call before boarding and a notification device which provides elevator information. Normally, immediately after registration of a destination call, the notification device provides information on an assigned car. On the other hand, when a prescribed assignment review condition is met, immediately after registration of a destination call, the notification device provides information to the effect that the registration has been accepted, thereafter the assignment of the elevator is reviewed, and the notification device provides information on an assigned car when the elevator responds to the destination call.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distance adjustable passenger handle assembly for an elevator. The handle assembly comprises plural fixing members (120), and plural handle supports (140). Each fixing member (120) includes a horizontal wall (122) having an opening (124) formed at an intermediate portion thereof along the entire length thereof. The opening (124) has a width which prevents the head of the fastener (30) from passing therethrough. Each handle support (140) includes a vertical partition (144), and a horizontal wall (146). The vertical partition (144) defines a space (143) inside the handle support (140), and has a through hole (145). The horizontal wall (146) has an opening (147) corresponding to the opening (124). With the handle securely fixed the handle support, the handle support (140) is inserted to the fixing member (120), adjusted to a desired distance to the inner wall, and securely coupled to the fixing member (120).

Abstract: A spherical braking system mounted on a drive shaft of a vehicle comprising a brake sphere pad positioned just above and below a brake sphere and resting on an at least one segment of a brake housing wherein, the brake housing includes a top segment and bottom segment coupled to mounting dogs by using screws. A hydraulic cap installed on a threaded portion of a hydraulic shaft which is encircled by bushing and coupled near a brake sphere. A plurality of hydraulic lines connected from at least one hydraulic splitter are coupled to the hydraulic cap. When the driver depresses the brake pedal, pistons are forced into fluid chambers in the master cylinder. The resulting hydraulic pressure is transmitted through the hydraulic splitter and hydraulic lines to hydraulic caps which results the vertical movement of the brake pads causes a braking torque to be generated, slowing the rotation of the drive shaft and driven shaft simultaneously, which therefore decreases the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a braking system of a vehicle, particularly of a motor vehicle, is described in which an automatic braking process is triggered by the exceeding of a specifiable threshold value by a rate of change conditioned upon the operation of a brake pedal. It is provided, in this context, that the threshold value is specified/varied by the driver in an initialization operation of the braking system. Also described is a related braking system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid brake system to perform a braking operation for a vehicle by generating hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder. The hybrid brake system includes an input shaft, a pedal simulator connected to the input shaft, a master cylinder provided therein with first and second pistons, an oil supply part supplying oil to the pedal simulator and the master cylinder, a power piston connected to the first piston, and a first chamber formed between the power piston and an inner surface of the master cylinder. The pedal simulator includes a simulation housing, a simulation rod provided at one end of the simulation housing, a second chamber formed at a lateral side of the first chamber to receive the simulation rod, and a boosting part communicated with the second chamber to generate the repulsive force as the brake pedal is pressed.

Abstract: An aircraft brake system electromechanical actuator is provided. The actuator is configured with features that allow the electric motor to be a line replaceable unit. One such feature is a foreign-object-damage shield that inhibits dust, debris, and/or other particulate contaminants from entering the electromechanical actuator during electric motor removal and replacement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an insert for a backing plate assembly for a composition friction brake shoe. The insert is particularly useful in the formation of a universal brake shoe for use with a trolley car braking system. The insert includes a central member having a first and second set of attachment posts extending from the respective ends thereof. These first and second sets of attachment posts are adapted for securing a first and second backing plate strap, respectively, thereto. A key bridge extends through a back portion of the central member and is configured for attachment to a brake shoe. A flange guide support extends from a side portion of the insert and includes legs defining a channel that runs parallel to the insert. The flange guide support is adapted for contacting a wheel flange to align a brake shoe with the wheel during braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a vibration damping target has a linear member that includes a plurality of wires, which are held so that each of the plurality of wires is relatively displaced in a state that the wires are in contact with one another, and a cover member that covers a peripheries of the plurality of the wires, wherein the plurality of the wires and part of the cover member are fixed to the vibration damping target, and a region of the linear member that flexes through plastic deformation of the linear member is located near each point where the linear member is fixed to the vibration damping target.

Abstract: A luggage identification system and method is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the luggage identification system includes a luggage bag with an aperture disposed on a front panel. A sleeve is secured over the aperture using stitching or adhesive to provide a durable connection between the sleeve and the luggage material and provide structural support to the front panel of the luggage. A customized identification sheet is adapted to slide within the sleeve through a top opening that is formed between a front and rear side of the sleeve. A top flap or zipper is used to access the top of the opening and to secure the identification sheet within the sleeve. The identification sheet may be customizable to each particular traveler. The sleeve includes a front side that is comprised of a clear durable material so that the identification sheet is viewable from the outside of the luggage.

Abstract: A device for organizing around the collapsible handle of wheeled luggage, baggage or containers the most personal, important, or frequently used items during travel is disclosed, which includes a bag that attaches to the collapsible handle of luggage and uses the handle as a skeleton frame to create a securing structure for those items without inhibiting the operation of the collapsible handle. The bag is fully accessible and convenient by its close proximity to the users hand when the handle is in its extended position. In either position, the device offers an increased opportunity for branding, personalization and identification for the end user. When the device is removed from the handle it can be stowed in a convenient configuration, such as a tri-fold, for storage or hung within convenient reach to the user to allow continued access to the items being stored.

Abstract: The present torque converter includes a front cover, an impeller, a turbine, a stator, a stator brake and thrust bearings. The stator brake brakes rotation of the stator and includes a brake case coupled to the stator, a brake fixation member coupled to a stationary shaft and a brake disc unit. One of the thrust bearings, disposed axially between the impeller and the brake case, supports the both members in a rotatable state. The other bearing supports the impeller and the brake fixation member in a rotatable state, while disposed between the members and axially closer to the engine than the thrust bearing is.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shiftable clutch device (10), in particular in disc configuration, including at least a first clutch component (10E) and a second clutch component (10A), each clutch component including friction surface bearing and/or friction surface forming elements (1E, 1A, 1.1), configured to be brought into at least indirect operative engagement through a shifting device (14) that is loadable with a pressure medium through a pressure cavity (8), wherein devices for generating a cooling oil flow to the friction surface bearing and/or friction surface forming elements (1E, 1A, 1.1.) of the particular clutch components (10E, 10A) are provided in an “open” functional condition of the shiftable clutch device (10).

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A dual clutch which has two friction clutches, a central pressure-exerting plate and two pressure plates which are axially movable relative to the pressure-exerting plate with the interposition of the friction linings of two clutch disks, which each mesh with in-each case one gearbox input shaft, of actuating devices. The dual clutch is held at the drive-input side, with the dual clutch being supported at the gearbox side by an actuating system, which holds the two actuating devices, for actuating the pressure plates, and with the actuating system being rotatably held on the clutch housing.

Abstract: A shift element which, when actuated, can conduct at least first and second components (41, 42) into force-transmitting and releasable connection. The shift element comprises at least one deformation member (1) that can be actuated and which consists at least in part of a dielectric polymer by which the shift element can be actuated.

Abstract: A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle to reduce the rotational inertia of the clutch system, provide torsional damping within the system, and minimize vibration (e.g., rattling) between a floater and a flywheel. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch assembly, comprising at least one friction clutch (8, 9), which includes a clutch disk (21, 22) with friction linings (18, 19) that can be clamped between two pressure plates (14, 15, 16). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the pressure plates has a collar (30), which encloses the friction linings radially on the outside at least in some regions.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.

Abstract: A circulation pressure is supplied to a starting device (2), and a working pressure that engages and disengages a lockup clutch (3) by the difference from the circulation pressure is regulated by a linear solenoid valve (10). A spool portion (121) of the linear solenoid valve (101) is provided with a first feedback oil chamber (12b) for feeding back the working pressure to a spool (12p), and a second feedback oil chamber (12a) for feeding back the circulation pressure to the spool (12p) in the direction opposite to that of the first feedback oil chamber (12p). A pressure-receiving area (A1?A2) of the first feedback oil chamber (12b) and a pressure-receiving area (A1?A2) of the second feedback oil chamber (12a) are set equal to each other in the spool (12p).

Abstract: Provided is an automatic teller machine (ATM), including: a body to process depositing or withdrawing of a paper medium; a cassette being slidably attached to and detached from the body, and comprising a cassette coupler formed on one side of the cassette to receive a power from the body, and to internally receive the paper medium; a receiving unit being formed within the body to install the cassette, and comprising a body coupler being combined with the cassette coupler when installing the cassette to thereby transfer the power from the body to the cassette; and a combining unit being formed on each of the body coupler and the cassette coupler so that a rotation center line of the body coupler and a rotation center line of the cassette coupler are matched on the same axial line to thereby combine the body coupler and the cassette coupler.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a movable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.

Abstract: A method and a device for handling containers is described, wherein the containers (10) are transported along a predetermined transport path (T) and combined with at least one other product, the amount of which can be determined, in such a way that the product is fed to each individual container (10) in a predetermined feed area (D) of the transport path (T), wherein the other product is routed along a feed path (6) to the feed area (D). At least one characterizing state (Z) is determined in a detection area (8) disposed upstream relative to the feed area (D) in a direction of transport of the containers (10), said state being characteristic of a number of containers fed, and a residual amount (M) for the product that remains to be fed to the predetermined feed area (D) until the product is switched is determined as a function of this characteristic state (Z).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.

Abstract: A system and method for skew correction of a mailpiece includes moving the mailpiece along a path of travel in a first orientation toward a first drive roller and a second drive roller. Control of the mailpiece is established in the first orientation by the drive rollers. A first skew correction of the mailpiece is implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece with respect to the path of travel. The first drive roller and the second drive roller may be employed to change the orientation of the stopped mailpiece from the first orientation to a second orientation with respect to the path of travel. A second skew correction may be implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece in the second orientation with respect to the path of travel.

Abstract: An isolating device for isolating objects, in particular fuel pellets, contains a conveying device having a conveying belt with a conveying side and a backing side and is guided over at least two deflection pulleys and on which a number of pushing elements protruding from the conveying side of the conveying belt are arranged. The isolating device is configured for a particularly reliable and interruption-free isolation at a high processing speed. Each pushing element is connected with a directing element arranged on the backing side. The directing element includes a sliding surface facing away from the conveying belt. The conveying device contains a guide rail having a guiding surface for the directing elements arranged in a partial section of the conveying belt lying between the deflection pulleys. The sliding surface and the guiding surface are of a complementary shape so that the sliding surface can slide on the guiding surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system comprising at least one transport device (1) for transporting packaging elements (2) and/or groups of packaging elements. Said system comprises a transport element, which can be moved in a transport direction and forms a transport surface for the packaging elements and/or groups of packaging elements, and at least one electric measuring module (9) with at least one sensor (11) for detecting at least one physical variable.

Abstract: A conveyor transfer system and a transfer platform for transferring articles from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor across a gap. The transfer platform fits in the gap between two conveyors arranged end to end. At least one of the conveyors includes a conveyor belt that reverses direction around a reversing element at the gap. The transfer platform floats in the gap supported by the conveyor belt or its reversing element without a direct connection to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: The secure baggage claim apparatus and method centers on a dynamic merge conveyor unit that feeds into a standard baggage claim unit. The dynamic merge actively measures every space and every bag. Once the merge determines sufficient spacing for an individual bag, the dynamic merge will accelerate a bag into the open space on the baggage claim unit. Such dynamic merging greatly improves the throughput and capacity of baggage drop off and delivery. The entire baggage claim unit resides within the passenger sector of baggage claim. Current configurations allow bags to freely circulate between the secure and non-secure side of the baggage claim area. With the present invention, bags are prevented from circulating back and forth from the secure side to the non-secure side, which prevents an individual on the non-secure public side from placing a bag on a baggage claim unit where it will then be circulated and unscreened into the secure side for a baggage handler to retrieve such bag.

Abstract: A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products, comprising at least a first elongated conveyor (7), which can be driven in a first direction, a second elongated conveyor (8), which can be driven in a second, opposite direction, and a transfer unit (12) having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein a transfer element of the transfer unit describes a path between the inlet end and the outlet end which makes at most a small angle with the horizontal and which extends outside the area defined by the adjacent paths of the first and the second conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive and tensioning unit for a scraper chain conveyor, in particular a face conveyor for drum cutter-loader mining apparatus, comprising a telescopically configured machine frame (10) having a machine frame base and a machine frame head, which is displaceable relative to the machine frame base by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder (20) and has bearing recesses (6) for supporting a chain drum shaft, each hydraulic cylinder (20) being supported at one end in a connecting joint (30) on a side board (4) of the machine frame head (2) and at the other end in a connecting joint (30?) on a side wall (15) of the machine frame base (1). in order to improve the unit, the connecting joint (30) comprises a recess in the side board (4) an/or in the side wall (15) and a bearing bracket detachably anchorable in the recess (31), wherein structurally identical recesses are provided in both side boards (4) and in both side walls (15).

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: A motion sensor includes: a first tilt detector including a first electrode having a recess and a second electrode and a first conductive ball having shape same as that of the first electrode; a second tilt detector including a third electrode having a recess and a fourth electrode and a second conductive ball having shape same as that of the third electrode; and a third tilt detector including a fifth electrode having a recess and a sixth electrode and a third conductive ball having shape same as that of the fifth electrode, wherein in the first tilt detector, the recess of the first electrode and the recess of the second electrode are opposed to each other, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be plane-symmetrical to each other at a first distance with respect to a plane perpendicular to a first axis, and the first conductive ball moves in a space between the first electrode and the second electrode to change the first electrode and the second electrode to a conductive state or a non

Abstract: Embodiments of steering wheels with switches for sunroofs or convertible tops and vehicles having the same are disclosed herein. One embodiment disclosed herein is of a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle having a sunroof located in an aperture of a roof of the vehicle having a panel movable with respect to the roof to open and close the aperture. The assembly comprises a steering wheel disposed in the vehicle and a sunroof switch disposed on the steering wheel and electrically connectible to the sunroof to move the sunroof panel.

Abstract: A two-stage switch apparatus includes: a PCB including first and second electrodes; a conductive dome disposed on the PCB; an insulating film covering a surface of the conductive dome on a side opposite to the PCB, and third and fourth electrodes above the conductive dome; and a button actuator provided over a side of the insulating film, which is opposite the PCB. The button actuator includes a conductive elastic body protruding to the side of the insulating film at positions corresponding to both the third and fourth electrodes. An analog portion is formed by the conductive elastic body, the third electrode and the fourth electrode, when the conductive elastic body contacts both the third and fourth electrodes. A digital portion is formed by the conductive dome and the second electrode, when the button actuator is pressed and the conductive dome is indented.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mechanism for correcting the deformation generated at a portion of the rotation pin between a single pole unit farthest away from a switching mechanism and a single pole unit adjacent thereto, and there is disclosed a correction plate provided at a portion of the pair of rotation pins located between a single pole unit farthest away from the switching mechanism and a single pole unit adjacent thereto, having a pair of rotation pin through hole portions to allow the pair of rotation pins to be penetrated, respectively, and a pair of adjustment extending portions extended in the direction in which the rotation pins penetrate at the upper or lower portion of the rotation pin through hole portions to determine the height of penetration allowance hole of the rotation pins together with the rotation pin through hole portions.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate including an active layer, a signal electrode formed on a surface of the active layer, a first driving electrode that is formed on the surface of the active layer and is connected to a ground, and a second driving electrode including a first part that is formed on the surface of the active layer and a second part that is connected to the first part and is provided above the first driving electrode. The substrate is provided with a loop-like groove that penetrates through the active layer and encompasses the first part.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided that in one aspect provides a switch knob that can move in up to five directions by using a plunger element that moves with respect to an actuation plate such that tilting the knob in any of four directions uses the plate to activate underlying domes whereas pressing the knob towards the assembly provides a fifth function by moving the plunger element with respect to the plate and thus activating a central dome beneath the plunger element. In another aspect, the switch assembly enables a larger area of illumination on an illuminated film by interposing a light pipe between an actuation dome and the film, the light pipe also serving as a plunger element to enable touch actuation by pressing the film, moving the plunger towards the dome and activating the dome.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may have an inverted dome switch assembly. The switch assembly may have an inverted dome that has a base and a conductive underside. The base may be attached to a button member. Two electrical contacts in the button member may face the conductive underside. Corresponding conductive traces may be connected to the contacts. The dome may bear against a housing member. The button member may be movable with respect to the housing member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The dome switch may form a footprint based upon the dome base area. The housing member may extend into a portion of the footprint and not into the remaining portion of the footprint allowing that space to be otherwise utilized.

Abstract: A system and method for biomass pyrolysis utilizing chemical looping combustion of a produced char to capture carbon dioxide is disclosed. The system includes a biomass pyrolysis reactor, a char combustor, and oxidation reactor and a separator for separating carbon dioxide from flue gas produced by the char combustion. The pyrolysis reactor pyrolyzes biomass in the presence of reduced metal oxide sorbents producing char and pyrolysis oil vapor. The char is separated and combusted in the char combustor, in the presence of oxidized metal oxide sorbents, into a gaseous stream of carbon dioxide and water vapor. The carbon dioxide and water are separated so that a stream of carbon dioxide may be captured. The oxidation reactor oxidizes, in the presence of air, a portion of reduced metal oxide sorbents into oxidized metal oxide sorbents that are looped back to the char combustor to provide oxygen for combustion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for regenerating or manufacturing activated carbon wherein the exhaust gases and vapors from various sections of the furnace are supplied to other sections of the furnace in a recycling manner. In a down-flow embodiment, the water vapor and calorific gasses generated in excess in the drying and devolatilization sections, respectively, are provided, either directly or through a combustion chamber, to the activation section. In an up-flow embodiment, heat from the activation section is recycled to the drying and devolatilization section and the down-flow brings the water vapor from the drying section and volatile material from the devolatilization section into the activation section where it can be effectively used.

Abstract: A method and system for removing impurities from water including heating a first gas stream including a first gas or a gas mixture and pre-humidifying the first gas stream using water from an impure water source. Heat may be transferred the first gas stream to a second gas stream, wherein the second gas stream includes a second gas or a gas mixture and wherein the first gas stream and the second gas stream flow in opposing directions. Water may be condensed out of the first gas stream and the second gas stream may be contacted with impure water, evaporating at least a portion of water from the impure water into the second gas stream to humidify the second gas stream. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are sustained at or near ambient pressure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for evaporation and possibly distillation of liquids by means of a heat pump. By using a heat pump (2), energy is taken from energy reservoirs (1) such as rivers, lakes, sea water, air, sun or ground heat. It is however difficult to obtain temperatures to evaporate water at atmospheric conditions. According to the invention, low temperature heat is utilized by means of a heat pump by using the condenser (high pressure part) of the heat pump to evaporate liquids in an evaporator (4?) at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and thus at a lower evaporation temperature. A pump or a compressor (10) after the evaporator (4?) together with a pressure reducing device (9) at the inlet of the evaporator (41) ensures lower evaporation pressure. To fully utilize the heat energy from the heat pump, the liquids may be preheated in heat exchangers (5) before the pressure reducing means, or as part of the same means.

Abstract: The invention comprises an absorption heat pump to supply energy to a distillation process or an outside process. The streams used to effect the absorption heat pump are to be combined in any case as a feedstream to a conversion process, and energy thus is conserved by avoiding the necessity of reseparating the streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing charcoal. It is characterized in that: first hot gases are generated by at least one heating means; its first gases are mixed with second gases in order to form a gas mixture; this mixture is sent into a charge of wood in order to generate therein a pyrolysis front; an overpressure is created between the upstream end and the downstream end of the charge so as to force this front to pass through it in one direction, namely from the upstream end to the downstream end; and third gases are recovered downstream of the charge, at least a first portion of said third gases, in the form of a stream of said second gases, is conveyed by a conveying means. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: There is described a novel woven-fabric packing 1, in which a plurality of woven-fabric layers 2 of metal or plastic filaments 3 are disposed parallel to one another. The woven-fabric layers 2 have protuberances 4, at least one protuberance 4 having an opening 5, which lies in an opening plane 6, which is oriented at an angle of 40 to 140 degrees relative to the woven-fabric layer 2. The openings 5 of woven-fabric layers 2 are all oriented in one opening direction X.