Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids with the earth's internal energy released through the vents of the ridge expansion zones in the planet's seas. The whole apparatus is conformed of three main parts: components located on a large barge include the main pump, a water filtering system, a pressure regulating valve. The second part contains long concentric tubes of constant diameter handing from the barge and defining outer and inner fluid channels through which cool water flows down while heated water flows up. The third part is a heat exchanger attached at the bottom of the long concentric tubes, which is placed over a thermal vent in the ocean floor. Crust fracturing may be used to stimulate the vent's flow by injecting high pressure water through wells that may be vertical, inclined or directional.

Abstract: In a coal fired power plant (17) incorporating a feed-water heater (10), energy is provided to the feed-water heater by pumping geothermal hot water through supply and return pipes (15, 16) from a geothermal reservoir (14) located beneath an adjacent coal seam (19). The coal seam acts as an insulating layer, increasing the temperature of the geothermal reservoir (14). Solar heat collectors (21) and (25) can also be provided to boost the temperature of the geothermal hot water and/or the feed water.

Abstract: A flasher separates a geothermal fluid into steam and hot water. A steam turbine is driven by being supplied with the separated steam as a working medium. An evaporator is supplied with the steam from the steam turbine as a first heating medium, which is thereafter supplied to a first preheater via the evaporator. A superheater is supplied with the hot water separated by the flasher as a second heating medium, which is thereafter supplied to a second preheater via the superheater. A medium turbine is driven by being supplied, as a working medium, with a low-boiling-point medium having been heat-exchanged sequentially in the first preheater, the second preheater, the evaporator, and the superheater. In the evaporator and the first preheater, the low-boiling-point medium and the first heating medium are heat-exchanged. In the superheater and the second preheater, the low-boiling-point medium and the second heating medium are heat-exchanged.

Abstract: A heat engine system with a rotating wheel assembly. The wheel assembly rotates through an expansion zone and a contraction zone. The expansion zone heated. The contraction zone is not heated and may be actively cooled. Weights are supported by the wheel assembly. Each of the weights are movable from a first position that is a first distance from the wheel's center to a second position that is a farther second distance from that center. A temperature activated piston is coupled to each of the weights. Each of the temperature activated pistons move one of the plurality of weights between its first position and its second position as each temperature activated piston rotates on the wheel assembly through the expansion zone and the contraction zone. The movement of the weights dynamically alters the center of mass for the wheel assembly and causes it to turn.

Abstract: A solar combined heat and power system is provided. The system is multi-functional. Saturated steam and organic vapor are provided to steam and organic Rankine cycle power generators by concentrating solar radiation to solar power thermal energy storage container. Thermoelectric generator chips and solar cells are run at an optimum temperature for generating extra power. A hot water storage tank is used to generate hot water by absorbing latent heat on condense process or by absorbing surplus heat from water or organic fluid when power generators stop. Thus, the present invention improves solar energy usage effectiveness, and provides heat and power with high efficiency.

Abstract: A system includes a first steam generator configured to generate a first boiler feedwater, a second steam generator configured to generate a second boiler feedwater, a common boiler feedwater configured to combine the first boiler feedwater and the second boiler feedwater to produce a common boiler feedwater, and a heater configured to receive the common boiler feedwater to heat a gas.

Abstract: A waste heat retrieval system of a vehicle may include a reservoir disposed in a lower side of a exhaust gas boiler and in which a predetermined space is formed, a retrieval line that connects the exhaust gas boiler with the reservoir, a retrieval supply control valve disposed to open or close the retrieval line, and a control portion that controls the retrieval supply control valve to open the retrieval line such that working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler is returned to the reservoir if a retrieval condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler in a waste heat retrieval system may be retrieved to the reservoir and therefore the freezing problem of the working fluid can be substantially resolved.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle where, in a circulation path of a working fluid, a heat exchanger exchanging heat between the working fluid and a heat medium, an expander, a condensing unit and a pumping device are provided in order, includes a temperature detector detecting the temperature of the working fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger, a pressure detector detecting the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, a flow rate adjusting unit for adjusting the working fluid flow rate to the heat exchanger and a control device controlling the adjusting unit. The control device controls to change the temperature and pressure of the working fluid sucked into the expander while satisfying the relationship along the target pressure line TPL where the target pressure is set to increase the working fluid density following the increase in the working fluid temperature.

Abstract: A subcritical pressure high-temperature steam power plant includes a combustion boiler system, steam turbine generator system, and condensate and feedwater system and wherein the conditions of steam generated in the boiler system and supplied to the steam turbine generator system are subcritical pressure and high temperature (turbine inlet temperature of 593° C. or more).

Abstract: An assembly for use in a fuel injection system within a combustor of a combustion turbine engine is described. The assembly may include: a first port formed through an outer radial wall of the combustor and a second port formed through an inner radial wall. A plenum may be formed about the first port. A tube may be formed that has a first end positioned within the first port and a second end positioned within the second port. At the first end, the tube may be sized smaller than the first port such that two passages are defined therethrough: a first passage defined about an exterior of the tube; and a second passage defined through an interior of the tube.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine generally includes a radial flow fuel nozzle having a fuel distribution manifold, and a fuel injection manifold axially separated from the fuel distribution manifold. The fuel injection manifold generally includes an inner side portion, an outer side portion, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fuel ports that extend through the outer side portion. A plurality of tubes provides axial separation between the fuel distribution manifold and the fuel injection manifold. Each tube defines a fluid communication path between the fuel distribution manifold and the fuel injection manifold.

Abstract: A first orifice on a first inner surface of a first annular zone of a forward-bounded annular combustor provides for injecting air forward and radially outwards thereinto, from a location aft of a fuel slinger/injector. A radial dimension of a first outer surface of the first annular zone exceeds that of a corresponding first inner surface. A radial dimension of a second outer surface of a second annular zone of the annular combustor—aft of the first annular zone—exceeds that of a corresponding second inner surface. The first and second outer surfaces, and the first and second inner surfaces, are respectively coupled by transitional outer and inner surfaces of an annular transition zone located therebetween. The radial dimensions of the transitional outer and inner surfaces at the junctions with the corresponding second surfaces exceed the corresponding radial dimensions at the junctions with the corresponding first surfaces.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser having a first wall, a second wall, and a flow separator. The first and second wall define an annular cavity, with the annular cavity having an inlet. The first and second wall also forming a prediffuser that is proximate the inlet, and a dump region distal the inlet. The flow separator extends from the first wall into the annular cavity.

Abstract: A push-lock pin for connecting a plate to surface includes a cylindrical pin housing and a shaft within the housing. The shaft has a ball-lock mechanism and a push-down pop-up mechanism.

Abstract: A combustor of a combustion turbine engine is described. The combustor may include an inner radial wall, which defines a combustion chamber downstream of a primary fuel nozzle, and an outer radial wall, which surrounds the inner radial wall so to form a flow annulus therebetween, and the combustor may include a socket extending from the outer radial wall into the flow annulus. The socket may include: a mouth formed through the outer radial wall; a floor offset a predetermined distance from an outboard surface of the inner radial wall; impingement ports formed through the floor; and an axial nozzle.

Abstract: A hot gas segment arrangement, especially for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine, that includes at least one hot gas segment, which is removably mounted on a carrier, and is subjected at its outside to hot gas and impingement-cooled at its inside, whereby an impingement plate with a plurality of distributed impingement holes is arranged in a distance at the inside of the impingement plate. A cooling air supply means is provided for loading the impingement plate with pressurized cooling air in order to generate through the impingement holes jets of cooling air, which impinge on the inside of the hot gas segment. The cooling efficiency and lifetime are increased by the impingement plate being part of a closed receptacle, which is supplied with the pressurized cooling air, and by the receptacle with the impingement plate being mounted on the carrier independently of the hot gas segment.

Abstract: A combustor includes a first shroud extending circumferentially inside the combustor and at least partially defining an inlet passage. A second shroud extends circumferentially inside the combustor. The second shroud defines an outlet passage. A first plate extends radially inside the second shroud downstream from the inlet passage of the first shroud and upstream from the outlet passage of the second shroud. The first plate generally defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A second plate extends radially around the first plate downstream from the inlet port and upstream from the outlet port of the first plate. A first fluid flow path extends from the inlet passage to the inlet port. A second fluid flow path extends from the outlet port to the outlet passage. A baffle extends from the first shroud to the first plate. The baffle separates the first and second fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a coupling element for coupling a first shaft to a second shaft, the second shaft being substantially axially aligned with the first shaft, the coupling element provided with an exterior surface that engages an opposing interior surface of the first shaft and an interior surface that engages an opposing exterior surface of the second shaft to facilitate torque transfer between the first shaft and the second shaft when rotated together, wherein the coupling element and at least one of the first and second shafts cooperate to define at least one fluid passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A system for combusting boil-off gas and generating electricity at an offshore LNG marine terminal distant from an onshore LNG facility is disclosed. BOG produced as a result of LNG transfer between an onshore LNG facility and an LNG carrier, is combusted to produce power which drives an electrical generator producing electricity. None or a reduced amount of BOG needs to be returned to an onshore LNG facility, as some of the BOG is combusted at the offshore marine terminal.

Abstract: A methanol indirect combustion combined-cycle power generation apparatus and method. A liquid methanol input stream is evaporated to provide a gaseous methanol stream which is converted to syngas that is combusted in a gas turbine assembly to drive a first electrical generator and produce an exhaust gas. Heat from the exhaust gas of the gas turbine assembly is used to produce first and second steam streams. The first steam stream drives a first steam turbine and provides the heat required for converting the gaseous methanol stream to the syngas combustion stream. The second steam stream drives a second steam turbine and provides the heat required for evaporating the liquid methanol input stream. A second electrical generator is driven using at least one of the first and second steam turbines.

Abstract: An accessory gear box configured to be mounted on a fan casing of a turbojet engine, including: an input shaft; a plurality of accessory drive shafts; and a compartment forming an interface with an accessory arranged on the housing of the accessory gear box at a site of the accessory, the interface compartment including an inlet and an outlet configured to allow air to circulate inside the compartment, to insulate the accessory gear box from heat generated by the accessories.

Abstract: A sectorized nozzle for a turbine engine turbine including an inner sectorized annular platform and an outer sectorized annular platform connected together by radial airfoils, at least one of the platforms including a plurality of orifices for passing air in a neighborhood of its upstream end, the orifices being distributed over the circumference of the platform and opening out at their ends remote from the airfoils into a circumferential annular cavity of the sector of the platform, which cavity is closed by a metal sheet fastened to the platform sector and pierced by orifices for feeding cooling air.

Abstract: A combustor generally includes a shroud that that defines at least one inlet passage extends circumferentially inside the combustor. A first plate extends radially inside the shroud downstream from the inlet passage. The first plate defines at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port and at least partially defines at least one fuel nozzle passage. The shroud at least partially surrounds a sleeve that extends around the fuel nozzle passage. A tube at least partially surrounded by the sleeve may extend through the fuel nozzle passage. The tube, the sleeve, and the first plate may at least partially define an outlet passage. A first fluid flow path generally extends from the at inlet passage to the inlet port, and a second fluid flow path extends generally from the outlet port to the outlet passage.

Abstract: Magnetic materials, having: a composition represented by a general formula: (R1-yXy)x(Fe1-aMa)100-x where, R is at least one of element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Y, X is at least one of element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Hf, M is at least one of element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Al, Si, Ga and Ge, x is a value satisfying 4?x?20 atomic %, y is a value satisfying 0.01?y?0.9, and a is a value satisfying 0?a?0.2, wherein the magnetic material includes a Th2Ni17 crystal phase or a TbCu7 crystal phase as a main phase, that are useful for magnetic refrigeration.

Abstract: An auxiliary heat exchanger may reduce a temperature of a refrigerant allowed to pass through the auxiliary heat exchanger. The operation of the auxiliary heat exchanger may be controlled. In some implementations, the auxiliary heat exchangers may include fluid retention members, thermoelectric coolers, and/or other types of heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method and system of storing and transporting valuable gases comprising mixing the gases with liquid natural gas to form a mixture. The mixture is transported in vessel configured for cooling the mixture by boiling a portion of liquid natural gas. The transportation vessel is further configured to be cooled in the absence of valuable gases by a remaining portion of liquid natural gas. The method further comprises recycling liquid natural gas through the vessel for pre-cooling the vessel prior to loading the mixture of valuable gases and liquid natural gas.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided for minimizing damage caused by leaks from a packaged terminal air conditioner (“PTAC”) or heat pump (“PTHP”). A shutoff switch can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit of a PTAC/PTHP. The switch is configured such that, when it is exposed to water, the PTAC/PTHP is automatically deactivated to prevent further leakage. The shutoff switch includes a plurality of spaced, non-insulated conductors enclosed between a non-conductive base layer and a water absorbent layer. The water absorbent layer is in contact with the conductors. Electrical connection between the conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wetted, but there is no electrical connection between the conductors when the water absorbent layer is dry. The switch can be placed on or near the PTAC/PTHP, on the floor or wall beneath the PTAC/PTHP and/or on a wall sleeve that receives the PTAC/PTHP.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a downhole device is provided that in one embodiment includes a refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure and stored in a chamber, an outlet configured to allow the refrigerant to discharge from the chamber and vaporize to cool the downhole device, and a force application device configured to apply pressure on the refrigerant in the chamber to maintain the refrigerant in the chamber at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant. In another aspect, a method of cooling a device is provided that in one embodiment includes providing a chamber containing a refrigerant therein, the refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure, discharging the refrigerant from the chamber to cause the refrigerant to evaporate to cause a cooling effect proximate the device to be cooled, and maintaining the refrigerant at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A heat pump apparatus is provided. The heat pump raises the water temperature during a hot-water supply without using a separate heat source such as a heater. The heat pump apparatus includes an outdoor unit including a first compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve. The heat pump apparatus includes an indoor unit including a second heat exchanger and a second expansion valve, a hydro unit including a second compressor, a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, a fifth heat exchanger, a third expansion valve, a fourth expansion valve, and a fifth expansion valve. The heat pump apparatus includes a refrigerant flow path switching unit to switch among flow paths, and a water flow path switching unit to switch between flow paths of the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of operating an adsorption compressor system, which system comprises a hot source and a cold source and at least a first and a second adsorption bed, wherein the first bed has an initial temperature that is lower than the initial temperature of said second bed, in which system heat is circulated using a heat transfer fluid (HTF), the method comprising the following phases: phase A) comprising the steps of: heating the first adsorption bed by feeding HTF to it, coming from said second bed, optionally via said hot source, while maintaining a thermal wave in said first bed; and cooling the second adsorption bed by feeding HTF to it, coming from said first bed, optionally via said cold source, while maintaining a thermal wave in said second bed; wherein phase A) is maintained until the exit temperature of said first bed and said second bed are essentially the same and phase B) comprising the steps of: feeding the HTF effluent of said first bed to said hot sourc

Abstract: A heat pump and a control method thereof, the control method of the heat pump which heats a heated space through heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant and heat exchange between the refrigerant and circulation water, includes calculating the maximum allowable frequency of a compressor based on the temperature of the outdoor air and the heating load of the heated space, calculating the mean operating frequency of the compressor while the compressor is operated at the calculated maximum allowable frequency, recalculating the maximum allowable frequency based on a result of comparison between the mean operating frequency and the maximum allowable frequency, and operating the compressor at the recalculated maximum allowable frequency, thereby improving coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a vapour compression system (1), and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The vapour compression system (1) comprises a compressor (2), a heat rejecting heat exchanger (3), a controllable valve (4), a receiver (5), at least one expansion device and at least one evaporator arranged along a refrigerant path having refrigerant flowing therein. The vapour compression system (1) is capable of being operated in a subcritical control regime as well as in a supercritical control regime.

Abstract: An object to save power and control engine startup and shutdown while improving the cabin environment with a simple configuration. A vehicular air-conditioning control device detects an outside air temperature; finds from an eco-running map a time TA until odor and so forth corresponding to the outside air temperature arises, an eco-runnable TB extended by shutting down a blower, and a time TC at which to shut down the operation of the blower fan; shuts down the blower fan at the time TC during eco-running; and, when the eco-runnable time TB elapses, causes the blower fan to operate, issues an engine startup request, and initiates refrigerant circulation by a compressor. Thus, by operating the blower fan for a predetermined time when the engine has been shut down by eco-running, the comfort of the cabin environment can be improved and the eco-runnable time can be extended to save power.

Abstract: An integrated truck and trailer power system comprises auxiliary power generation and storage devices mounted on a trailer, such as an array of solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer and a storage battery mounted on the trailer, and switching devices for controlling flow of power there between and to an electrically powered HVAC system of the truck, whereby the truck can be maintained at a comfortable temperature by supply of power stored by the auxiliary power storage device.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a defrosting flow channel mechanism. The air conditioning apparatus performs an air-warming defrost operation in which refrigerant sent from an indoor heat exchanger to an outdoor heat exchanger is evaporated while defrosting an arbitrarily selected heat exchange path using the defrosting flow channel mechanism. In the defrost operation, the refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger from the indoor heat exchanger is not channeled into the refrigerant flow diverter but is passed through the arbitrarily selected heat exchange path from the gas-side end to the liquid-side end of the arbitrarily selected heat exchange path, and the refrigerant passed through the arbitrarily selected heat exchange path flows through the refrigerant flow diverter to be passed through other heat exchange paths other than the arbitrarily selected heat exchange path from the liquid-side end to the gas-side end of the other heat exchange paths.

Abstract: A method and system for storage of perishable items is provided. The system includes at least one enclosed compartment to store the perishable items. At least one of the walls of the enclosed compartment is detachable to allow movement of the perishable items in and out of the compartment. The system further includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are disposed on one of the walls of the compartment. The LEDs include one or more blue LEDs that are coated with a layer of phosphor material. The LEDs are electrically coupled with a power source. The system further includes a control unit that is configured to control power supplied by the power source to the LEDs based on presence of the perishable items in the compartment.

Abstract: A system for providing upkeep and maintenance to piping system including in improved pipe freezing apparatus is disclosed and described herein. In a specific embodiment, the system is quite useful to replace worn valves that may require digging underground to expose enough of the pipe system. Novel tools for removing the valve are additionally provided by the present invention. The preferred embodiment further improves upon job safety when using CO2 (dry ice) evaporating and venting the chamber as a gas displacing oxygen. The novel design of the pipe freezing apparatus described herein can be installed by hand without tools. Said design further obviates a need for a specifically designed vent for the pipe freezing apparatus.

Abstract: A self-contained evaporative air conditioner system includes a housing having a central chamber, a lower chamber, and an upper chamber; a heat exchanger positioned in the central chamber; an air nozzle and a water nozzle for creating a mist of water droplets suspended in air in the lower chamber; an ambient air vent for introducing non-pressurized ambient air to the lower chamber; a vacuum assembly for creating a partial vacuum in the upper chamber to draw the mist and ambient air through the heat exchanger to remove heat from the heat exchanger through evaporative cooling; a return air vent for receiving air to be conditioned; and a fan for drawing air from the return air vent through the heat exchanger to remove heat from the air without permitting the air to mix with the mist and ambient air drawn through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a temperature-adjusted unit includes: a compressor that circulates the refrigerant; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air; an expansion valve that reduces a pressure of the refrigerant; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air-conditioning air; a cooling passage that forms a path for the refrigerant to flow between the heat exchanger and the expansion valve; and a heating passage that forms a path for the refrigerant to flow between the expansion valve and the heat exchanger. The temperature-adjusted unit is disposed to be capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the cooling passage and to be capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heating passage.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a condenser to condense the refrigerant having passed through compressor, a capillary tube to lower a temperature and a pressure of the refrigerant having passed though the condenser, an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant having passed through the capillary tube, and a heat exchanger coupled to a refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor to cool the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe. With components so arranged, operational efficiency of the refrigerator may be enhanced, and energy may be saved.

Abstract: A method for liquefying a natural gas primarily including methane, preferably at least 85% of methane, the other components essentially including nitrogen and C2-C4 alkanes, in which the natural gas to be liquefied is liquefied by circulating at a pressure P0 no lower than the atmospheric pressure (Patm), P0 preferably being higher than the atmospheric pressure, in at least one cryogenic heat-exchanger (EC1, EC2, EC3) by a counter-current closed-circuit circulation in indirect contact with at least one stream of coolant gas remaining in the compressed gaseous state at a pressure P1 that is entering the cryogenic heat-exchanger at a temperature T3? that is lower than T3, T3 being the liquefaction temperature of the liquefied natural gas at the pressure P0 at the output of said cryogenic exchanger, characterised in that the coolant gas includes a mixture of nitrogen and at least one other component selected from among neon and hydrogen.

Abstract: A wearable communication device including a necklace having an integrated first power source, and a telecommunications device having a transceiver configured to allow wireless communication, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to couple and decouple with the necklace, and wherein the telecommunications device is configured to receive power from the first power source when coupled with the necklace.

Abstract: Friendship bracelets (10A, 10B, 10C) are provided with undulating edges allowing to them to interlock and create an assemblage (60). The assemblage (60) accommodates bracelet accumulation by an individual and also facilitates bracelet exchange among friends. When an individual is wearing the assemblage (60), a bracelet can be easily removed therefrom for gifting and/or a bracelet can be easily added thereto upon receipt.

Abstract: An earring for a pierced ear includes an ornamental member and an earring post. The earring post includes a base, a first prong and a second prong. The earring post is made of a deformable metal so that the first prong and the second prong can be bent to secure the earring in an ear without requiring detachable pieces.

Abstract: A gemstone cut into a round stone and method of cutting a gemstone are disclosed herein. A crown having a table may be surrounded by eight star sets. The eight star sets may be surrounded by eight bezel facets. The eight bezel facets may be surrounded by eight pairs of upper girdle facet sets. Each upper girdle facet set may have one primary upper girdle facet and two secondary upper girdle facets. Each star set may have one primary star facet and four secondary star facets. A bottom having a culet may be surrounded by 8 pavilions the eight pavilions may be surrounded by 8 lower girdle facet sets. Each lower girdle facet set may have one primary lower girdle facet and two secondary lower girdle facets. Both the crown and bottom may be surrounded by 16 girdle facets or by perfectly circular girdle.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an optical element, and a method of manufacturing an optical element, whereby variance of dropping positions of glass droplets can be suppressed even with a low-cost and simple configuration. The positions where the glass droplets are discharged from a discharged port 51c are controlled by having a predetermined force applied to the glass droplets from the wall surface of a passage 51b of a correcting member 51 in a non-contact manner, the glass droplets passing through the passage 51b. Therefore, variance of dropping positions of the glass droplets can be suppressed without surrounding the whole manufacturing apparatus. Consequently, a highly accurate optical element can be manufactured with the low-cost and simple configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically toughening glass which can toughen the surface of the glass by inducing compressive stress on the glass surface through ion exchange and a method of chemically toughening glass using the same. The apparatus includes a chemical toughening bath which chemically toughens the glass; a transportation part which transports the glass from upstream of the chemical toughening bath through the chemical toughening bath to downstream of the chemical toughening bath; and a microwave generator disposed above the chemical toughening bath, the microwave generator radiating microwaves to the glass.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-density array of holes in glass comprises providing a glass sheet having a front surface and irradiating the glass sheet with a laser beam so as to produce open holes extending into the glass sheet from the front surface of the glass sheet. The beam creates thermally induced residual stress within the glass around the holes, and after irradiating, the glass sheet is annealed to eliminate or reduce thermal stress caused by the step of irradiating. The glass sheet is then etched to produce the final hole size. Preferably, the glass sheet is also annealed before the step of irradiating, at sufficiently high temperature for a sufficient time to render the glass sheet dimensionally stable during the step of annealing after irradiating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum glass sealing method and a sealing device using the method. The sealing device comprises a bottom plate, an annular side wall, a cover plate, a partition plate and a heating device, wherein the lower end of the annular side wall (15) situated on the bottom plate and air-tightly connected with the bottom plate; the cover plate (15) air-tightly covered at the upper end of the annular side wall; the partition plate (15) arranged on the middle part of the height direction of the annular side wall; after the periphery of the partition plate (15) air-tightly connected with the inner surface of the annular side wall, the partition plate divides the space encircled by the bottom plate, the annular side wall and the cover plate into a first closed space and a second closed space; and the two closed spaces are provided with an air extraction port for vacuumizing respectively.

Abstract: A disc roll includes a plurality of annular disc members each defining a hole and having a peripheral surface; and a rotary shaft fitted into the holes of the annular disc members by insertion, whereby the peripheral surfaces of the disc members serve as a conveying surface of the disc roll. The disc members include an inorganic fiber, mica and a clay having a content of particle components that have a particle size of 5 ?m or larger of not higher than 30% by weight based on the weight of the clay.