Abstract: Provided is a multitrack filling machine configured to obtain closed bags from a plurality of packing ribbons, including conveying means for the packing ribbon and a plurality of sacking stations, each including forming means, sealing means, filling means, cutting means, in which each sacking station includes driving means for the packing ribbon separated from the sealing means and including a dragging surface of high friction configured to interact by contact with the ribbon and to drag it along in the advancing direction.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device including: a tube-shaped casing; a pipe that is disposed at the downstream side of the casing, is inserted into the casing so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the casing, and is provided with a through-hole communicating with the casing; a guide member that guides the exhaust gas inside the casing to the through-hole; and an injection device that injects a reduction agent from an upstream end of the pipe into the pipe. Then, the guide member includes a turning guide member that guides the exhaust gas to the through-hole from the tangential direction of the pipe so as to generate a swirl flow inside the pipe and a protecting guide member that covers the upstream side of an injection area of the reduction agent in the axial direction of the casing.

Abstract: There are provided an air leakage preventing structure and an air cleaner having the same. The air leakage preventing structure includes: a partition unit having an inlet opening formed on one side thereof to allow air to be introduced therethrough and having a rib formed to be protruded from the circumference of the inlet opening; an air blowing fan coupled to the partition unit and rotating to allow air to be introduced through the inlet opening; a motor unit connected to the air blowing fan to rotate the air blowing fan; and an air guide unit connected to the rib formed to be protruded from the partition unit to form an outlet opening, and preventing air leakage when air introduced through the inlet opening flows out through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A filter housing (10) for a filter unit (50) with a substantially semicylindrical air filter (52). The housing includes an air inlet (20) and an engine air outlet (40). The filter housing (10) has a top aperture (12) for introducing and taking out the filter unit (50), and a cover (30) to close the top aperture (12), a bottom aperture (16) to be closed and opened by a closed filter bottom (70) of the filter unit (50) being introduced or taken out. Also, a filter unit for such a filter housing is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter assembly systems that utilize replaceable filter elements. The filter elements may include a ramp or sleeve for redirecting air intake when the filter elements are installed in the filter assembly systems and air is drawn into the systems. The filter elements and assembly systems may utilize co-acting components that mate with each other to at least one of: a) orient and permit mounting of the filter element in the systems; and b) permit mounting of only an authorized filter element in the systems.

Abstract: For a method for producing a filter element provided with a sealing part, wherein the sealing material is introduced into a casting chamber between two tundish parts when in the non-cured state, a compensation space connected to the casting chamber is provided for the expansion of the sealing material.

Abstract: A ceramic filter includes a porous ceramic body which is a sintered body of ceramic particles, and a coating portion formed on a surface of each ceramic particle to support the catalyst. The porous ceramic body has a specific surface area equal to or greater than 0.5 m2/cc, measured by a mercury porosimeter, and an amount of the coating portion is equal to or greater than 15 g/l.

Abstract: A tree fruit or nut harvesting apparatus includes first and second sheets. A pair of clamps are provided for each tree and trap overlapped side edges of the first and second sheets adjacent an upper end of a tree trunk. Opposite side edges of the first and second sheets are disposed at a downward and outward acute angle to the tree trunk to form the first and second sheets in an inverted V-shape. The oppose side edges of the first and second sheets form a collection tray. The clamps may be coupled by a tape to tree branches. An intermediate support using the first and second overlapped clamps members is supported by or tapes ties to tree branches on a ground mounted stake supporting an intermediate location of the first and second sheets between two adjacent trees.

Abstract: A machine for the harvesting of plants, movable in a direction of advance, comprises an arm movable between work and transport configurations, a tool comprising lateral ends and being able to occupy a work position and another position, a connecting device via which the tool is connected to the arm and enabling a first movement of the tool relative to the arm, during which the lateral ends move vertically relative to the arm in the same vertical direction relative thereto, the connecting device comprising means making it possible to operate a second transverse and horizontal movement of the tool relative to the arm and making it possible to operate this second movement independently of the first movement.

Abstract: A head assembly for a rake is provided. The head assembly includes a base portion, a handle coupling, and a number of tines. Each tine includes an elongated body. Each tine body includes a first end, a flexure portion, an offset portion, and a distal second end. The tines includes a first set of tines and a second set of tines. A number of tine bodies in the first set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than 1.0. A number of tine bodies in the second set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is less than 1.0.

Abstract: The invention is related to a yarn separating mechanism including a three dimensional flapping element providing more practically separation of the yarns in form of said bundles or clamps with three dimensional flapping effect, applied to a lot of textile machines working yarns in form of bundles and clamps and have to separate these again in the next step.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a textile product generally includes a feeding section for providing a starting material to facilitate producing a textile product derived from the starting material; a drafting section operably coupled to the feeding section for gripping, pulling, stretching and breaking at least one strand of the starting material into at least one continuous and cohesive network of an intermediate product; and a spinning section operably coupled to the drafting section for winding and twisting the at least one continuous and cohesive network of an intermediate product onto a removable receiving member to form the textile product; the feeding section, the drafting section, and the spinning section are configured to form the textile product in a continuous operation.

Abstract: A chain link 2 for connecting two additional chain links 3, 3.1 hooked therein, for the formation of a round steel link chain, for example, a conveyor chain of a scraper conveyor, comprises two bends 4, 5 and two legs 7, 7.1 connecting the bends. On its external side facing away from its inner space 6, one or more functional surfaces 8, 11, 15, 15.1, 16 are present. The chain link 2 is designed asymmetrically with respect to at least one of its central planes in at least one of its two bends 4, 5 so as to form or enlarge one or more functional surfaces 8, 11, 15, 15.1, 16.

Abstract: A gas turbine facility 10 of an embodiment has a combustor 20 combusting fuel and oxidant, a turbine 21 rotated by combustion gas exhausted from the combustor 20, and a pipe 41 guiding a part of the combustion gas exhausted from the turbine 21 to a pipe 42 supplying the oxidant. Further, the gas turbine facility 10 has a pipe 43 guiding mixed gas constituted of the oxidant and the combustion gas to the combustor 20, a pipe 45 guiding another part of the combustion gas to the combustor 20 as working fluid of the turbine, and a pipe 40 exhausting a remaining part of the combustion gas to an outside.

Abstract: A cover (54, 54A-B) enclosing with clearance (65) an acoustic damping resonator (24) on a working gas path liner (22) of a gas turbine component (28). The cover includes a coolant inlet chamber (56, 56B) with a top wall (58, 58B) that is closer to the liner than a top wall (32) of the resonator, and extends upstream from the resonator relative to the working gas flow (48). Compressed air (26) surrounds the cover at a higher pressure than the working gas and flows (44) into and through the coolant inlet chamber, then through holes (34) in the resonator, then exits through holes (38) the liner into the working gas. The coolant inlet chamber directs the flow of compressed air over a weld (50) of the upstream wall (40) of the resonator to cool it. The cover may be formed as a box (57) or a sleeve (69).

Abstract: A gas turbine plant including a gas turbine and a compressor is provided with a steam turbine plant including a steam turbine and a condenser, and, an exhaust heat recovery boiler. Steam from the exhaust heat recovery boiler is directly flown to the condenser of the steam turbine plant through a bypass control valve. A pressure sensor detects pressure in a turbine bypass system. A controller outputs, based on a set value from an input device and a process value from the pressure sensor, an open level instruction value to the control value so as to make the process value consistent with the set value in a predetermined sampling cycle. A corrector corrects the set value from the input device in a direction in which the open level instruction value decreases when the open level instruction value from the controller becomes a value that substantially fully opens the control valve.

Abstract: A micro gas turbine system (16) having an annular recuperator (24). The recuperator (24) serves to transfer heat from an exhaust stream (27) of the turbine (17) to an air stream (23) compressed by a compressor (19). Passages (1) for the exhaust stream (27) and passages (2) for the air stream (23) are arranged in alternation to each other in the recuperator (24). Adjacent passages (1, 2) are separated from each other by at least one wall (15). A filler (5) is arranged in the passages (1, 2) of at least one fluid stream.

Abstract: An annular combustion chamber of a turbine engine, the chamber including inner and outer coaxial walls forming two surfaces of revolution, which are connected together upstream by an annular chamber end wall including injection systems passing therethrough, each including an injector and at least one swirler for producing a rotating air stream that mixes downstream with fuel from the injector, and at least one ignition spark plug mounted in an orifice of the outer wall downstream from the injection systems. The spark plug is situated circumferentially between two adjacent injection systems that are configured to produce two air/fuel mixture sheets rotating in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention, which relates to a miniaturisable plasma thruster, consists of: —igniting the plasma by microhollow cathode discharge close to the outlet and inside the means for injecting the propellant gas, said injection means being magnetic and comprising a tip at the downstream end thereof; —bringing the electrons of the magnetised plasma into gyromagnetic rotation, at the outlet end of said injection means; —sustaining the plasma by means of Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR), said injection means being metal and being used as an antenna for electromagnetic (EM) emission, the volume of ECR plasma at the outlet of said injection means being used as a resonant cavity of the EM wave; —accelerating the plasma in a magnetic nozzle by diamagnetic force, the ejected plasma being electrically neutral.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling passive soot oxidation in a diesel particulate filter that includes sensing the temperature of exhaust gases upstream and downstream of the diesel particulate filter. The sensed temperatures are used by a control unit to predict whether the temperature of the exhaust gas within the diesel particulate is within a predetermined temperature range for passive oxidation of soot in the diesel particulate filter. If the temperatures are below passive oxidation temperatures, an auxiliary component is activated that increases the temperature of exhaust gas delivered to the diesel particulate filter. When the exhaust gas temperature within the DPF is predicted to be within passive oxidation levels but below active regeneration temperatures, the auxiliary component is deactivated.

Abstract: The present technology provides systems for monitoring particulate matter buildup on a filter installed in the engine exhaust stream of a vehicle. A filter differential pressure sensor monitors a pressure differential across the filter. A downstream differential pressure sensor monitors a pressure differential across an exhaust stream outlet. A processor monitors a particulate buildup value based at least in part on the pressure differential across the filter and the pressure differential across the exhaust stream outlet. A method for monitoring particulate buildup is also provided. The method monitors a pressure differential across the filter, and determines a downstream exhaust flow rate based on a pressure differential between a filter outlet housing and an exit pipe, where the diameter of the filter outlet housing is greater than the diameter of the exhaust exit pipe.

Abstract: A method for the calculation of the NO2 content at the inlet of a selective catalytic reduction—SCR—device (22) of an exhaust system (4) with: an exhaust pipe (10); a tank for a reducing agent and injection elements (18); a first sensor (20) for measuring the concentration of nitrogen oxides upstream of the SCR; and a second sensor (24) for measuring the concentration of nitrogen oxides downstream of the SCR,includes the following stages: halting the injection of reducing agent; measuring the concentration of nitrogen oxides upstream and downstream of the SCR during a period of time; calculating the amount of NO2 accumulated in the SCR during the period of time; and determining the NO2 content upstream of the SCR from the calculated amount of NO2 accumulated per unit of time.

Abstract: Method and system for the removal of noxious compounds from lean burning engines, the method comprising in series the steps of contacting the exhaust gas with a catalyst being active in oxidation of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, passing the treated exhaust gas through a particulate filter catalysed with a first SCR catalyst, and passing the exhaust gas leaving the particulate filter through a second SCR catalyst, wherein ammonia is injected into the exhaust upstream of the catalysed particulate filter at a temperature below or at about 220° C. and wherein urea is injected into the exhaust gas between the first and the second SCR catalyst when the exhaust gas has reached a temperature of about 200° C.

Abstract: A method for particulate filter performance monitoring in an exhaust gas treatment system is provided. The method includes monitoring a current received from a soot sensor in the exhaust gas treatment system and comparing the current to a soot sensor current threshold. Based on determining that the current is greater than or equal to the soot sensor current threshold, an accumulated engine out soot value is compared to an accumulated engine out soot threshold. A particulate filter fault is set based on determining that the accumulated engine out soot value is less than the accumulated engine out soot threshold. A monitoring system and an exhaust gas treatment system of an engine are also provided.

Abstract: A quantity of soot trapped in a particulate filter in an engine exhaust system is calculated for use in a regeneration control strategy by drawing electric current from an electric power supply through a circuit which comprises in series an internal portion of the particulate filter and an electric impedance external to the filter. At least one electric measurement device connected to the circuit provides circuit-related data sufficient to enable a processor to calculate temperature-adjusted electric resistance of soot trapped in the internal portion of the particulate filter by calculating non-temperature-adjusted electric resistance of soot trapped in the internal portion of the particulate filter and temperature-adjusting a calculation of non-temperature-adjusted electric resistance of soot trapped in the internal portion of the particulate filter based on temperature data from a source of temperature data indicative of an internal temperature of the particulate filter.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide a system and method for maximizing the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The system includes an insert for placement in portions of an exhaust system downstream from the header but before the muffler. Inserts can also be placed within the intake system of an internal combustion engine in order to maximize fuel efficiency. Whether placed in the exhaust or the intake, an exemplary embodiment would not affect emissions compliance of the exhaust system and combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust rain cap assembly for covering the end of an exhaust conduit, the exhaust rain cap assembly including a channel vane member comprising a channel vane for attaching to the lid and stop member. The exhaust rain cap assembly may also include a counterbalance that interacts with a spacer, bushing or other stop member to provide for the lid to stop in a plurality of positions including a closed position, a first open position for when the engine is idling, and a second open position when the engine is in operating.

Abstract: A method to recover energy in a reversible hydraulic motor system during a motor reverse event is disclosed. A swashplate of a hydraulic motor is pivoted over a center position when the hydraulic motor rotates in a first direction and is due to receiving a pressurized fluid from a pump. Thereafter, by de-stroking the pump a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor is restricted. Then, a valve is moved to a charge position to store the pressurized fluid into an accumulator. Next, the stored pressurized fluid of the accumulator is discharged to the hydraulic motor as the hydraulic motor begins rotation in an opposite, second direction. Subsequently, the valve is moved to a block position to inhibit flow of the pressurized fluid into or out of the accumulator. By up-stroking the pump, a continuous rotation of the hydraulic motor in the opposite, second direction is maintained.

Abstract: A piston plate assembly for a torque converter comprising: an aperture including a chamfer portion; and, a bushing installed in the aperture and including a radius portion proximate the chamfer portion, wherein the bushing is arranged to seal the piston directly to a transmission input shaft and the radius portion is arranged to ease assembly of the bushing onto the input shaft.

Abstract: A power unit that can periodically determine a leakage of a compressed gas to early discover a defect, such as a crack, and a vehicle in which the power unit is used are provided. A vehicle that runs with an air engine including a gas machinery includes a control device. The control device includes an adjuster that controls an output of the gas machinery such that a target output is obtained, a pressure measuring unit that measures the pressure of the compressed gas at the piping unit of the air engine, and a determination unit that determines a leakage state of the compressed gas based on a change in pressure, which is measured by the pressure measuring unit every time the target output of the gas machinery becomes substantial zero. The control device suspends the determination of the leakage state when the target output of the gas machinery changes from substantial zero during the determination.

Abstract: An object is to reduce a load acting on an engine upon starting up the engine such that the engine can be quickly started up to reliably feed pressure oil from a hydraulic pump to an accumulator.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a drive system for a ground engaging member of a machine. The drive system includes first and second hydraulic motors that are disposed parallel to each other. The drive system also include first and second brake valves that are configured to regulate flow of fluid through the first and second hydraulic motors in order to selectively perform braking. The first hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with a first input line and a first output line. The second hydraulic motor is in fluid communication with a second input line and a second output line. A first connection line is configured to fluidly communicate the first input line with the second input line to equalize pressure therebetween. A second connection line is configured to fluidly communicate the first output line with the second output line to equalize pressure therebetween.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic circuit which can further improve a responsive characteristic in a pressure reducing operation and a reliability in the pressure reducing operation of a relief valve device, when a main circuit pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A vibration suppressor is disclosed that is configured for use in a system having a hose under pulsating hydraulic pressure. The pulsating hydraulic pressure causes vibration of the hose at the pulsation frequency. The vibration suppressor is applied to the hose and is constructed to have a resonant frequency slightly below the pulsation frequency where the pulsating hydraulic pressure is at a peak level, due to, but not limited to, the existence of a resonance in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A Gravity-Buoyancy Object Turbine (GBOT) is provided to generate kinetic energy using gravitational force and buoyancy force exist in the nature. The turbine of the invention has a gravity (air) chamber and a buoyancy (liquid) chamber, arranged side-by-side in such a way that both gravity and buoyancy exerts force directly and continuously on the shaft/drum/belt to cause the rotation of the turbine. The turbine blades (objects) forms the shape of a wheel, which enables leak-proof and resistance-free transfer between air and liquid chambers. The objects could be cylindrical and rotating by its own. The material, size and shape of key components and related control mechanisms of GBOT are optimized to deliver maximum performance.

Abstract: Pulsed plasma engine and method in which a noncombustible gas is introduced into an explosion chamber, the gas is ionized to form a plasma within the chamber, an electrical pulse is applied to the plasma to heat the plasma, the pulse is turned off to produce an explosive pressure pulse in the plasma, and the plasma is confined in the chamber by a magnetic field that directs the pressure pulse toward an output member which is driven by the pressure pulse.

Abstract: A method for determining a driving characteristic of an analogized or analog-controlled hydraulic valve of a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system in which a brake pressure generated with the aid of an electrically controllable, electric-motor-driven pressure supply device, is conducted to a wheel brake via an inlet valve and can be conducted via an outlet valve from the wheel brake into a pressure medium container. The pressure supply device and the inlet valves, and outlet valves, can be controlled by an electronic control unit. For determining the control characteristic of an analogized or analog-controlled inlet or outlet valve, a brake pressure is generated by the control unit via the pressure supply device, and the brake pressure is determined by a pressure sensor associated with the pressure supply device. The determined brake pressure and an associated valve control variable are stored as a calibration point of the control characteristic.

Abstract: A charge air cooler includes a cooler housing configured to couple with an intercooler core outlet and having a condensate/water trap disposed within the cooler housing. The water trap is configured to inhibit water passing through the housing outlet. The water trap is further configured to collect the water and introduce it to the engine at a controlled rate.

Abstract: An engine system may include a first intake line connected to an intake manifold and supplying the intake manifold disposed on a cylinder block with outside air, an intake bypass valve disposed on the first intake line, a second intake line that bypasses the first intake bypass valve to the intake manifold, a first exhaust line through which exhaust gas flows from an exhaust manifold disposed on the cylinder block, an exhaust bypass valve disposed on the first exhaust line, a second exhaust line connected to the exhaust manifold and bypasses the exhaust bypass valve, a turbo charger disposed between the second intake line and the second exhaust line and operated by exhaust gas passing the second exhaust line to pump intake air flowing the second intake line, and a control portion that controls the intake bypass valve and the exhaust bypass valve depending on a driving condition.

Abstract: A wastegate assembly can include a plug configured to plug a wastegate opening where the plug includes a concave, at least partially spherical surface; a shaft configured for receipt by a bore in a wastegate chamber; and a rotatable arm extending from the shaft where the arm includes a convex, at least partially spherical surface configured for contacting the concave, at least partially spherical surface of the plug for a closed orientation of the plug with respect to the wastegate opening.

Abstract: An engine system having a flowpath between a junction upstream of a turbocharger and an intake manifold that includes an ejector and an aspirator connected in parallel relative to one another within the flowpath is disclosed. The motive flow through the ejector is in the opposite direction relative to the direction of the motive flow through the aspirator, and both the ejector and the aspirator have a suction port fluidly coupled to a device requiring vacuum. The engine system also includes a first check valve disposed in control of the motive flow through the ejector and a second check valve disposed in control of the motive flow through the aspirator and may also include a control valve in fluid communication within the flowpath upstream or downstream of the ejector and the aspirator that controls the flow into and/or out of both thereof.

Abstract: An exhaust gas distributor for an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine includes a distributor housing having a first exhaust gas path fluidically connecting a first inlet opening, associated with at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine, to a first outlet opening associated with a turbine of an exhaust gas turbocharger, a second exhaust gas path fluidically connecting a second inlet opening, associated with at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine, to a second outlet opening associated with the turbine, and a third exhaust gas path fluidically connecting the second exhaust gas path to a third outlet opening associated with an exhaust gas cooler, and an adjustable control element controlling the distribution of an exhaust gas flow from the second inlet opening to the second outlet opening and the third outlet opening. The control element in its end positions cooperates with stop contours.

Abstract: A hybrid steam power plant is disclosed using the steam generator as a sub-construction for a solar receiver.

Abstract: A steam turbomachine includes a housing having a shell that defines a steam flow path, a first stage bowl cavity formed in the shell, a first stage including a plurality of first stage nozzles and a plurality of first stage buckets arranged downstream of the plurality of first stage nozzles, a second stage including a plurality of second stage nozzles and a plurality of second stage buckets arranged downstream of the plurality of second stage nozzles. The second stage is arranged downstream of the first stage along the steam flow path. A bypass circuit is formed in the shell. The bypass circuit extends from a first end fluidically connected to the first stage bowl cavity to a second end fluidically exposed to the steam flow path upstream of the second stage. A valve element is positioned in, and selectively blocks, the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A fuel manifold and fuel injector arrangement for a gas turbine engine combustion chamber includes an annular combustion chamber casing arranged around the combustion chamber. Circumferentially spaced fuel injectors supply fuel into the combustion chamber and a fuel manifold supplies fuel to each of the fuel injectors. The fuel manifold includes flexible fuel pipes and a plurality of T piece connectors. The stem of each connector is mounted on an outer end of a respective one of the fuel feed arms and each flexible fuel pipe interconnects an arm of one connector with an arm of an adjacent connector. Each connector is arranged such that the arms are arranged are at angles to the planes containing the axis of the casing and perpendicular to the axis of the casing respectively. Adjacent connectors are arranged at opposite angles such that the fuel manifold extends around the casing sinusoidally.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system including a gas turbine engine configured to produce exhaust gas, a selective catalytic reduction system configured to produce processed exhaust gas from the exhaust gas, and a control system. The control system includes a first controller configured to regulate operation of the selective catalytic reduction system, a second controller configured to regulate operation of the gas turbine engine, and an optimizer configured to coordinate operation of the first controller and the second controller to simultaneously maximize a first level of an emissions compound in the exhaust gas and regulate injection of a reductant into the selective catalytic reduction system to reduce a second level of the emissions compound in the processed exhaust gas to a first desired level of the emissions compound in the processed exhaust gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system including a gas turbine engine, a selective catalytic reduction system, and a control system configured to regulate operation of the selective catalytic reduction system based at least partially on preset variations in an emissions compound of exhaust gases produced by the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A power plant system is provided having a high temperature battery, supplied with fluid via at least one supply line, for storing and releasing electrical energy, a gas turbine for generating electrical energy, and a heat exchanger which is designed to extract thermal energy from the exhaust stream of the gas turbine and transfer said thermal energy to the fluid, which fluid can be supplied after heat transfer to the high temperature battery via the at least one supply line.

Abstract: Devices and systems for active thermal control of sample holding devices for bDNA testing, polymerase chain reaction testing, chemiluminescent immuno-assay testing, and so forth. The thermal control subsystem includes a fluidic circuit, first and second heater assemblies, a centrifugal pump, and a heat exchange device. The first and second heater assemblies include a heat removal device and a controllable thermo-electric device. One or both of the heater assemblies can include a heat spreader. A controller actively controls the pump, the heat removal device, and the thermo-electric devices, to thermally-control sample-containing vessels retained in the holding device.