Abstract: A system and method for managing hydraulic fluid load flow requirements for a tractor having a single pump hydraulic system. The system and method controls an implement hydraulic system and an auxiliary implement hydraulic system using a single hydraulic pump. The auxiliary flow valve system and method of the present disclosure gives precedence to the auxiliary functions so as to maintain full function of the auxiliary device. It also may supply a reduced flow, less than the maximum available from the system hydraulic pump to the auxiliary device. The remaining flow is available to the implement hydraulic system, with full flow being available to the implement when no auxiliary function is used. It also provides the ability to use a closed center valve in a load sensing system by bleeding flow pressure from the auxiliary hydraulic system.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine in which the volume of working fluid displaced by each cylinder is selectable on each cycle of working chamber volume by active control of one or more electronic valves has a controller configured to select specified groups of cylinders to repetitively carry out active cycles until a change in selection is made. The groups are selected to reduce torque ripple and/or bearing side load. The cam profile may be varied to further reduce torque ripple.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for subjecting high-pressure fluids to a fluid flow assembly that generates or extracts work/energy using a work producing machine. Kinetic energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system of a working machine. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic machine for providing hydraulic fluid to one or more actuators of the working machine. The method includes receiving a signal requesting a pump pressure from the hydraulic machine based on the load pressure of a first actuator of the one or more actuators which first actuator has the highest load pressure of the one or more actuators, discriminating the pressure request from the first actuator provided that the first actuator is stalled due to overload or geometrical limitations, and controlling the hydraulic machine to provide to pump pressure based on the load pressure of a second actuator of the one or more actuators which second actuator is in operation and has the second highest load pressure of the one or more actuators, or, if no actuator in addition to the first actuator is present and in operation, controlling the hydraulic machine to provide a predetermined idle pump pressure.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission comprises a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, first and second main fluid passages fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor so as to constitute a closed fluid circuit, a charge fluid passage, a plurality of first charge check valves and a plurality of second charge check valves. The plurality of first charge cheek valves are interposed between the charge fluid passage and the first main fluid passage so as to allow only flow of fluid from the charge fluid passage to the first main fluid passage when the first main fluid passage is hydraulically depressed relative to the charge fluid passage. The plurality of second charge check valves are interposed between the charge fluid passage and the second main fluid passage so as to allow only flow of fluid from the charge fluid passage to the second main fluid passage when the second main fluid passage is hydraulically depressed relative to the charge fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for conserving water in a hydro-power plant comprising a plurality of inlet channels having a one-way inlet valve corresponding to respective turbine outlets, each inlet channel directly leading to a waste valve fitted on said channel and a respective bypass line disposed adjacent said waste valve having a one-way outlet valve, said bypass line leading to an outlet disposed substantially above the level of the turbine inlet.

Abstract: An engine for converting thermal energy to kinetic energy is provided. The engine includes a first zone and a second zone and a movable loop, which extends between the first zone and the second zone. Containers are attached to the loop such that the loop and the containers are movable conjointly between the first zone and the second zone. Each of the containers is adapted to receive a varying amount of a working fluid therein and is adapted to be in a plurality of states, including a first state, in which it contains a first amount of the working fluid, and a second sate, in which it contains a second amount of the working fluid, the first amount being smaller than the second amount. Each of the containers is caused to be in its first state as it moves through the first zone and in its second state as it moves through the second zone so as to impart motion to the loop.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for harnessing ocean wave energy, wherein the apparatus relieves excessive loadings on components to avoid damage thereof in adverse wave conditions. The apparatus includes a buoyant actuator and a pump anchored within the body of water. Fluid at high pressure is pumped ashore by the pump, energy is extracted as useful work at an on-shore plant, and the resultant reduced pressure fluid is returned to the offshore pump to be re-energized. The buoyant actuator is operably connected to the pump by tether and is buoyantly suspended within the body of water above the pump. The buoyant actuator is provided with a connector that includes a damping mechanism configured to maintain a substantially rigid connection between the hollow body and the tether until such time as loading therebetween exceeds a prescribed load whereupon the damping mechanism facilitates limited relative movement therebetween to relieve the loading.

Abstract: A method of achieving a target activation parameter, such as a predetermined response time and/or consistency when thermally activating at least one active material element, such as a shape memory alloy actuator or shape memory polymer hinge, includes deciding whether to prime the element based on energy efficiency and/or overall system costs/performance.

Abstract: A green treatment process for cleaning exhaust gas generated in the air oxidation of benzene homologs is disclosed. It takes the hot pressurized exhaust gas generated in the benzene homolog air oxidation process as driving power and heating source: firstly, introducing the said exhaust gas into a turbine refrigerator so that it can drive the refrigerator to generate the cooling capacity that will be utilized for condensing the gas phase in the upper part of the flash evaporator and for trapping organics entrained in the exhaust gas; then, leading the exhaust gas with lowered temperature and pressure into corresponding heat exchangers to provide a part of heating source for the flash evaporator and to preheat the reaction raw materials. Furthermore, introducing the condensed exhaust gas into a water absorption scrubber for further removal of trace organics entrained therein.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hydraulic brake system master cylinder, having at least one piston which is arranged in a housing and displaceable along an axis as a result of brake actuation and to which a pressure chamber which can be connected to wheel brakes, and a refill chamber is assigned, wherein the pressure chamber in the non-actuated state can be connected to a fluid reservoir via a compensating bore and on actuation of the brake can be isolated therefrom by means of a cup seal arranged on the piston in order to build up pressure. The master cylinder having a cup seal arranged in a radially open, encircling groove of the piston which groove is formed by a first and a second radially encircling projection, wherein when the brake actuation is released additional fluid is drawn from the refill chamber in the direction of the pressure chamber via the second projection.

Abstract: A turbo compound transmission, such as in a heavy duty or medium duty diesel engine, includes a turbo compound turbine to be driven by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and a coupling including a first rotor including a mechanical input drive adapted to be driven by the turbine, and a second rotor including a mechanical output drive. A brake is arranged to brake and limit the rotation of the turbine. The coupling is arranged to decouple when braking with the brake, subjecting the coupling to a torque above a predetermined torque limit. A method for controlling a turbo compound transmission is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a twin turbocharged engine with a single exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are disclosed. In one example approach a system is provided comprising a first turbocharger in a first intake passage with a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the first turbocharger to intake air entering the first turbocharger, and a second turbocharger in a second intake passage without a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the second turbocharger to intake air entering the second turbocharger.

Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a bearing housing with a bearing bore and a semi-floating bearing disposed within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the shaft is supported by the bearing for rotation about an axis within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a turbine wheel fixed to the shaft proximate to the first end and configured to be rotated about the axis by post-combustion gasses emitted by the engine. Additionally, the turbocharger includes a compressor wheel fixed to the shaft proximate to the second end and configured to pressurize an airflow being received from the ambient for delivery to the engine. Furthermore, the turbocharger includes a plate secured within the bearing housing and configured to prevent rotation of the bearing about the axis. An internal combustion engine employing such a turbocharger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a hot gas stream flow path, a pump, an expander, a first working fluid flow path fluidly connecting a pump outlet and an expander inlet, a second working fluid flow path fluidly connecting an expander outlet and a pump inlet, a first heat exchange section that transfers heat from the hot gas stream to working fluid traveling along the first working fluid flow path, a second heat exchange that transfers heat from the hot gas stream to working fluid traveling along the first working fluid flow path between the pump and the first heat exchange section, and a third working fluid flow path fluidly connecting a first point of the first working fluid path to a second point of the second working fluid path to permit at least a portion of the working fluid to bypass the first heat exchange section and the expander.

Abstract: A power plant and method for harnessing power from a source of working fluid. The power plant may include a power shaft that includes a first power gear, a first reciprocating engine situated proximate to the power shaft and connected to the first power gear for delivering a power stroke. The first reciprocating engine may include a first bucket assembly which comprises a first bucket mounting frame, a first bucket, and a first connecting mechanism that connects the first bucket to the first bucket mounting frame to form a first hinge that pivots about a first pivot axis such that the first bucket creates a turning moment about the first pivot axis, and a first locking mechanism for selectively locking the first bucket in the first bucket mounting frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar power system for use as a solar roofing concept based on an absorber system with a solar thermal absorber and a circulation system for circulating absorber liquid through the absorber and a core system which extracts energy from the absorber liquid and provides hot water to a building. An intelligent controller uses data about external conditions to control the core system, where both current conditions and predicted conditions are taken into account. In preferred embodiments, the system can generate heat, hot water and electric energy to cover the need for a normal household. When excess heat is generated, the thermal energy can be used by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) machine for electricity production. A forecasting and control unit using external weather measurements in combination with internet weather forecasts will by fuzzy logic calculate the optimum periods of time for use of the heat pump during the colder periods.

Abstract: A Molecular Transformation Energy Conversion System (MTECS), converts thermal energy to work energy. Unlike Rankine cycle engines that typically use a liquid to gas state change to extract work from the system, the MTECS uses a liquid to solid and/or austenite to martensite state change to extract work. Operation of the system involves extracting work from a thermally reactive material that changes in crystalline structure over a relatively small temperature range (as compared to Rankine cycle systems). Input thermal energy is transferred into either or both the thermal transfer component (typically a gas/liquid refrigerant) and/or the molecular transformation component (typically either water/ice or a shape memory material) to power the system. Sources of input thermal energy and methods of their transference into the system may be numerous.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for using a controllable heat source to generate electricity. One embodiment provides an energy generation module comprising a controllable heat source, one or more jackets of thermoelectric devices, and heat conducting fluids surrounding or otherwise thermally coupled to the jackets. The energy generation module can be used to convert heat from a heat source such as a gas combustion chamber into electricity. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for generating electricity when electrical power is not existent, cost prohibitive or otherwise in short supply. The generated electricity can be used by the user, stored in an electrical storage battery or sold to a local or remote power grid.

Abstract: A steam turbine system is described comprising fluidly in series: at least one high pressure turbine and/or at least one intermediate pressure turbine and at least one low pressure turbine; and further comprising steam outlet means to enable extraction of auxiliary process steam from a location upstream of the low pressure turbine and for example between the intermediate pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine; and at least one flow restrictor in a steam extraction conduit from the or each low pressure turbine. The system is described as part of a steam generator fuelled by carbonaceous fuel combustion with post combustion carbon capture capability.

Abstract: A feed water storage and recirculation system for a steam turbine power plant having a post-combustion carbon capture plant which uses steam from the power plant as a heat source for regeneration of absorbent and returns condensate from the post-combustion carbon capture plant to the steam turbine power plant, and a plant with post-combustion carbon capture are described, comprising: a feed water storage tank; a deaerator integral to or fluidly in series with the feed water storage tank; a steam extraction conduit to convey water/steam to the feed water storage tank and deaerator after extraction from a turbine of a steam turbine power plant; a feed water supply conduit to supply feed water from the feed water storage tank to a boiler of a steam turbine power plant; a low pressure condensate conduit comprising at least a PCC condensate conduit to return condensate from an associated post-combustion carbon capture plant to a location upstream of the deaerator, together with the condensate returning through the

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam turbine (10), in particular for using the waste heat of an internal combustion engine (2), comprising at least one rotor (26) and at least one stator (20), said stator (20) comprising at least two nozzles (22) which are arranged in parallel in relation to each other. The nozzles (22) are designed for different load points of the rotor (26) and can be switched on and off independently from each other.

Abstract: A forced-flow steam generator includes first and second steam generator pipes which form a surrounding wall, wherein the first and second steam generator pipes are welded in a gas-tight fashion and are traversable by flow in a vertical direction. A passage collector is arranged within the surrounding wall, wherein the passage collector connects the first steam generator pipes with the second steam generator pipes. The first steam generator pipes are connected at an outlet side to an inlet side of the second steam generator pipes, wherein the second steam generator pipes are connected in series with the first steam generator pipes. Each of the second generator pipes has a restrictor device. Further, a power plant with a forced-flow steam generator is provided.

Abstract: A fossil-fired steam generator for a steam power station includes a number of economizer, evaporator and superheater heating surfaces forming a flow path through which a flow medium flows in a plurality of pressure stages. In a high-pressure stage, an overflow line is connected to the flow path on its inlet side and leads to an injection valve disposed upstream in the flow path from a superheater heating surface in a medium-pressure stage on the flow medium side. The overflow line has two supply lines of which a first supply line branches off on the flow medium side upstream from a high-pressure preheater and a second supply line branches off on the flow medium side downstream from the high-pressure preheater.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, a second lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, an upstream end located at the outlet, a trailing edge located at the outlet opposite the upstream end and generally opposite first and second sidewalls. Each sidewall has an edge extending along the outlet between the upstream end and the trailing edge. Each edge diverges laterally from the upstream end and converges laterally before reaching the trailing edge.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes first and second wall surfaces, an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface and a diffusing section positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe, a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and a third lobe adjacent the second lobe. The first lobe and the second lobe meet at a first ridge and the second lobe and the third lobe meet at a second ridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a premix burner of a combustion chamber of a gas turbine with at least one annular duct for supplying air and fuel, including a radially outer and a radially inner combustion chamber wall relative to a burner central axis and with at least one swirler arranged in the duct, said swirler including several flow-guiding elements distributed around the circumference of the duct cross-section, characterized in that at least one radially inner duct wall is provided in the area of the flow-guiding elements with a concave recess of the annular groove type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel nozzle end cover, a fuel nozzle and a process of fabricating a fuel nozzle end cover. The fuel nozzle end cover includes a base material and one or more features extending from the base material into a cavity of the fuel nozzle end cover. The one or more features are secured to the base material by a process selected from the group consisting of beam welding, friction welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and combinations thereof. The fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle insert and a fuel nozzle end cover. The process of fabricating the fuel nozzle end cover includes providing a base material and securing one or more features to the base material by a welding process selected from the group consisting of beam welding, friction welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a cooling hole. The cooling hole includes an inlet, an outlet, a metering section and a diffusing section. The diffusing section extends from the metering section to the outlet and includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, and a transition region having a portion that extends between the first and second lobes and an end adjacent the outlet.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a cooling hole. The component includes a first wall having an inlet, a second wall having an outlet and a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and having a substantially convex first surface and a substantially concave second surface. The component also includes a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. A gas turbine engine wall includes first and second surfaces and a cooling hole extending between an inlet at the first surface and an outlet at the second surface. The cooling hole includes a metering section commencing at the inlet and a diffusing section in communication with the metering section and terminating at the outlet. The metering section includes a top portion having a first arcuate surface and a bottom portion having a second arcuate surface. The first and second arcuate surfaces have arcs extending in substantially similar directions.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally from the metering section and a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a gas path wall having a first surface and second surface and an impingement baffle having impingement holes for directing cooling fluid onto the first surface of the gas path wall. A cooling hole extends through the gas path wall. The cooling hole continuously diverges from an inlet in the first surface to an outlet in the second surface such that cross-sectional area of the cooling hole increases continuously from the inlet to the outlet. A longitudinal ridge divides the cooling hole into lobes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a gas path wall having a first and second opposing surfaces and a baffle positioned along the gas path wall. The baffle has impingement holes for directing cooling fluid onto the first surface of the gas path wall. A cooling hole is formed in the gas path wall and extends from a metering section having an inlet in the first surface through a transition to a diffusing section having an outlet in the second surface. A longitudinal ridge extends along the cooling hole between the transition and the outlet. The longitudinal ridge divides the diffusing section of the cooling hole into first and second lobes.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a housing that defines a flow path, and a stage arranged within the housing. The stage includes a plurality of rotating airfoil members and a first plurality of stationary airfoil members. A second plurality of stationary airfoil members is arranged directly adjacent to the first plurality of stationary airfoil members. A flow improvement system is associated with each of the first and second pluralities of stationary airfoil members. The flow improvement system establishes a predetermined clocking of each of the first plurality of stationary airfoil members relative to each of the second plurality of stationary airfoil members to improve flow characteristics along the flow path.

Abstract: A power plant for combustion of carbonaceous fuels with CO2 capture, comprising a pressurized fluidized bed combustion chamber (2), heat pipes (8, 8?) for cooling of the combustion gas in the combustion, a direct contact cooler (15), a cleaned exhaust pipe (18) for withdrawal of the exhaust gas from the direct contact cooler (15) and introduction of the cooled exhaust gas into a CO2 absorber (19), where a lean exhaust pipe (20) is connected to the top of the absorber (19) for withdrawal of lean exhaust gas from the absorber (20), and a rich absorbent pipe (30) is connected to the bottom of the absorber (19) for withdrawal of rich absorbent and introduction of the rich absorbent into a stripping column (32) for regeneration of the absorbent to give a lean absorbent and a CO2 stream that is further treated to give clean CO2, where a water recirculation pipe (16) is connected to the bottom of the direct contact cooler (15) for withdrawal of used cooling water and connected to the top of the direct contact cooler

Abstract: A fuel heating system for a power plant includes a fuel source for a gas turbine system, wherein the fuel source contains a fuel at a first temperature. Also included is a feedwater source for distributing a feedwater. Further included is a fuel heater configured to receive the fuel at the first temperature and distribute the fuel to the gas turbine system at a second temperature and capable of receiving the feedwater from the feedwater source. Yet further included is at least one boiler drum for containing a boiler substance. Also included is at least one heat exchanger for receiving the feedwater and the boiler substance and distributing the feedwater to the fuel heater and the boiler substance to the blowdown system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly comprises an engine assembly disposed about a longitudinal axis, a core nozzle positioned adjacent the engine assembly to direct a core flow generated by the engine assembly, a fan nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the core nozzle to direct a fan flow, wherein the core nozzle defines a plenum to receive a portion of the core stream flow from the core nozzle and a thermoelectric generator assembly positioned in the plenum. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: An interface between an inlet flow conditioner and a compressor discharge air passage in a gas turbine includes a cap back plate including a curved exterior surface, and an inlet flow conditioner (IFC) cooperable with the cap back plate. An end of the IFC includes a curved exterior surface that is continued from the curved exterior surface of the cap back plate. The interface provides for more uniform and higher pressure air as well as more air supply, resulting in more uniform combustion.

Abstract: Vane assemblies for gas turbine engines and methods for assembling vane assemblies are disclosed. The vane assemblies may include at least one shroud having at least one vane-receiving portion, at least one vane having at least one end portion received in the vane-receiving portion, and at least one sealing member having an uncompressed cross-section that is substantially circular. The sealing member(s) are disposed between and in contact with the end portion of the vane and the vane-receiving portion of the shroud.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet at the first wall surface, an outlet at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and diverging longitudinally from the metering section, a third lobe adjacent the second lobe and diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, and a transition region having an end adjacent the outlet and a portion that extends between the lobes and the outlet. The first and third lobes each include a curved outer portion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface and a diffusing section in communication with the inlet and extending to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a plurality of crenellation features that encourage lateral spreading of cooling air flowing through the cooling hole.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and first and second cooling holes extending through the wall. The first and second cooling holes each include an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. Each diffusing section includes first and second lobes, each lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section. The outlets of each cooling hole include first and second lateral ends and a trailing edge. One of the lateral ends of the outlet of the first cooling hole and one of the lateral ends of the outlet of the second cooling hole meet upstream of the trailing edge of the first cooling hole and the trailing edge of the second cooling hole.

Abstract: A handler includes a storage tank which stores liquid nitrogen, supply channels which supply refrigerant from the storage tank to inner passages of a first shuttle, a valve which opens and closes the supply channel, and a heat exchanger which has vaporization chambers with larger flow path cross-sectional areas than those of the supply channels to vaporize liquid nitrogen within the vaporization chambers. According to this structure, the respective vaporization chambers are filled with nitrogen gas produced by preceding vaporization. Thus, pressure fluctuations produced by successive vaporization of liquid nitrogen can be reduced. Moreover, nitrogen gas is supplied to the respective inner passages. Accordingly, excessive cooling for part housing pockets can be prevented.

Abstract: A refrigerator system or cryopump includes a first refrigerator having at least first and second stages, and a second refrigerator. A thermal coupling between the first stage of the first refrigerator and a cold end of the second refrigerator is restricted to maintain a temperature difference between the cold end of the second refrigerator and the first stage of the first refrigerator. The refrigerator system or cryopump also includes a radiation shield in thermal contact with the cold end of the second refrigerator, and a condensing surface, spaced from and surrounded by the radiation shield, and in thermal contact with a second stage, e.g., coldest stage, of the first refrigerator. The restricted thermal coupling can be configured to balance the cooling load on the two refrigerators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are developed to improve accuracy of diagnostic tests for A/C systems. In particular, a refrigerant recovery unit may have its hoses pre-charged with a refrigerant to a predetermined pressure or amount before performing the diagnostic tests on the A/C system of the vehicle. For example, a predetermine amount of refrigerant may be injected into the hoses of the refrigerant recovery unit to pre-charge them. The pre-charged hoses of the refrigerant recovery unit may prevent a refrigerant flow from the A/C system to the hoses connected thereto before the diagnostic tests are implemented and thus, improve the accuracy of the diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A beverage cooler has a low voltage DC supply (311) usable by the controller ancillaries, such as lighting (318), the DC supply also providing the supply voltage to a microprocessor (313) which electronically commutates at least one of the motors (305, 306, 307) associated with beverage cooling to provide a required speed or loading. The microprocessor also responds to and controls the cooler ancillaries, such as lighting, temperature and status reporting thereby allowing a reduced component count.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a vitrified sample on a sample holder for inspection in an electron microscope. It is known to spray a solution on a grid and then immerse the grid in a cryogenic liquid, such as ethane or liquid nitrogen. The invention proposes to spray small droplets of the liquid on a cryogenic surface, such as a grid or a sample holder in vacuum. The liquid forms vitrified sample material when hitting the surface due to the low temperature of the grid or sample holder. A lamella may be excavated from the thus formed sample material, to be studied in a TEM, or the vitrified sample material may be directly observed in a SEM. In an embodiment the material may be sprayed on a cryogenic liquid, to be scooped from the liquid and placed on a grid.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus (100), particularly for home use, is proposed.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and recharge device is configured to be connected to refrigeration equipment. The device includes a filter configured to filter refrigerant and removal contaminants in recovered refrigerant. The filter includes a fuse configured to indicate when the filter should be replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a service unit for vehicle air-conditioning systems, which is provided with an emptying and filling device for removing the coolant or a coolant/compressor oil mixture from a vehicle air-conditioning system and replenishing the vehicle air-conditioning system with coolant and optionally with compressor oil. The device can include at least one tank for coolant and a vacuum pump for generating a negative pressure in the vehicle air-conditioning system emptied of coolant or coolant/compressor oil mixture for a subsequent intake of coolant and optionally compressor oil into the vehicle air-conditioning system to be replenished. A chimney-like gas-collecting chamber having upper and lower openings can be arranged inside the service unit and is otherwise sealed off from the surrounding atmosphere.