Abstract: A system for levelling the column of a bucket truck, including a hydraulic cylinder, fulcrums for the cylinder located on a substructure, and a pedestal, and a pivot point for the pedestal allowing the column of the crane and a turntable to be positioned at 0° in relation to the horizontal plane, thereby increasing the working slope range both in the forward and backward direction up to 20° in relation to the chassis of the carrying vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and transporting a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus is carried onboard a ship. The apparatus including a sealed and thermally insulating tank intended for the storage of the cryogenic fluid in a state of liquid-vapor diphasic equilibrium, the apparatus including at least two sealed pipes passing through the tank in such a way as to define a passage for the removal of the vapor phase of the cryogenic fluid from inside to outside the tank, the two sealed pipes each including a collection end opening inside the tank at the level of the sealing membrane of the top wall. The collecting ends of two sealed pipes open to the inside of the tank at the level of two zones of the top wall which are situated at two opposite ends of the top wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a gas distribution system that allows for the rapid displacement of an extraneous gas in the distribution system by a primary gas. The gas distribution system utilizes a gas accumulator to aid in the rapid displacement of the extraneous gas. In one embodiment a flare pilot system uses the inventive distribution system to allow for the rapid purge of air from the flare pilot system by a fuel.

Abstract: Controlling flow of gas in a gas pipeline network, wherein flow of gas within each pipeline segment is associated with a direction (positive or negative). Minimum and maximum delivery rates to each gas receipt facility are determined. Lower and upper flow bounds of gas delivery rate are created by bounding minimum and maximum signed flow rates using minimum and maximum delivery rates, respectively, for each pipe segment. A pressure drop relationship for each pipeline segment within the lower and upper flow bounds is linearized to create a linear pressure drop model for each pipeline segment. A network flow solution is calculated, which includes flow rates for each pipeline segment and pressures for each network nodes to satisfy the lower and upper flow bounds on the gas delivery rate. The network flow solution is associated with control element setpoints used by a controller to control one or more control elements.

Abstract: A multi-staged lighting device (1) for generating a polarized multi-colored light beam (25) is disclosed. The multi-staged lighting device (1) comprises two or more light concentrators (5, 15), each light concentrator (5, 15) having a wavelength converter (8, 19) configured to convert light entering the light concentrator (5, 15) to light having a longer wavelength, and at least one polarizing beam splitter (10) configured to split converted light coupled out from a light concentrator (5, 15) into two light beams having different polarizations, one of the light beams being transmitted to a different light concentrator (5, 15) and the other light beam forming a color component of the polarized multi-colored light beam (25).

Abstract: An improved mounting system and associated kit is disclosed for installing decorative lights within a window frame. The present system comprises a support framework assembly of separate tubular track members, each having a slotted opening running along its length and together joined in a substantially rectangular configuration or in an alternative form intended to conform to the shape of the window frame. Separate L-shaped and T-shaped connectors constructed having movable projecting sections are sized and fitted with O-ring members to provide a press-fit engagement with the tubular chambers of the track members at their respective ends and thereby join the tubular track members together in their assembly and secure the assembly in mounted position within the window with the respective slotted openings inwardly facing.

Abstract: An illumination device (e.g., an electric candle, etc.) generally includes a housing, a light source, and a pendulum supporting the light source. At least one portion of the pendulum is disposed within the housing. At least one support member is fixedly coupled to both the housing and the pendulum, and is configured to support pivotal movement of the pendulum and the light source relative to the housing. And, a driving device is coupled to the pendulum, at a location within the housing, and is configured to produce the pivotal movement of the pendulum.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle lamp with high visibility of road signs. This vehicle lamp (1) is provided with a light source (10) which emits light of a prescribed spectrum and an optical member (30) which is provided on an optical path of the light and increases the number of peaks in the spectrum of the light.

Abstract: An optical element includes a light entrance surface, a light exit surface, and a reflective surface. The light entrance surface has a first entrance sub-surface, a second entrance sub-surface, and a third entrance sub-surface which form a cavity for containing a light source. The light exit surface is opposite to the light entrance surface and has a first exit sub-surface, a second exit sub-surface, and a third exit sub-surface. The reflective surface connects the light entrance surface with the light exit surface. The reflective surface has a first reflective sub-surface connecting the first entrance sub-surface with the first exit sub-surface and a second reflective sub-surface connecting the third entrance sub-surface with the third exit sub-surface. The first reflective sub-surface has a step laterally extending from a side adjacent to the light entrance surface to another side adjacent to the light exit surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device (500) for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one optical body (1) and at least one mounting device (100) for the at least one optical body (1), wherein the at least one optical body (1) has a number of adjacently arranged ancillary optics (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), wherein each ancillary optics (11-15) is formed from a light-guiding material and each ancillary optics (11-15) has a light-coupling face (11a-15a) and a light-decoupling face (11b-15b), wherein the at least one mounting device (100) has at least one receptacle (111, 112, 113, 114, 115) for each ancillary optics (11-15), and wherein receptacles (111-115) are delimited by delimiting walls (111?, 112?, 113?, 114?, 115?), wherein the delimiting walls (111?, 112?, 113?, 114?, 115?) have boundary edges (111a?, 112a?, 113a?, 114a?, 115a?) on the light exit side, which boundary edges (111a?, 112a?, 113a?, 114a?, 115a?) are imaged, in a light distribution produced by means of the

Abstract: An illumination device for vehicles, in particular rear light, with a light-emitting unit to generate a predetermined light function. The device comprises a plurality of light sources and an optical unit. The optical unit comprises a light guide with means for the deflection of the light coupled in the same, and a retroreflective unit to generate a retroreflective function. The light guide is designed as a low-profile light guide, which is arranged in the main radiation direction in front of the retroreflective unit. The means for deflecting the light are distributed on or in the low-profile light guide such that the first light beam emitted from the light source and coupled into a narrow side of the low-profile light guide is coupled out at a front flat side of the low-profile light guide to produce the predetermined light function.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicular lamp including: a lamp outer case including a lamp housing having an opening and a cover configured to close the opening; a first board mounted with a first light source package; a second board mounted with a second light source package; and an optical member mounted with the first board and the second board. The first board and the second board are different kinds of boards that have different heat dissipation performances. Since the heat dissipation property for the heat generated when the first light source package is driven and the heat dissipation property of the heat generated when the second light source package is driven becomes different from each other, the heat dissipation performances may be properly controlled depending on an irradiation state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an LED lighting fixture, comprising: a lens configured to concentrate light from a light source and project a concentrated light beam; an LED module comprising a controller and a plurality of LED lamps arranged in a geometric pattern, the controller being configured to control variation in luminous intensity of the plurality of LED lamps; a solar module configured to receive the concentrated light beam projected by the lens and convert the received light energy to electricity to actuate the LED module; and a lamp shade with an uneven surface; wherein the controller controls variation in luminous intensity of the plurality of LED lamps and causes light emitted from the plurality of LED lamps to be casted upon the uneven surface which, in collaboration with the geometric pattern of the plurality of LED lamps, creates a variety of lighting effects through refraction.

Abstract: A lens for distribution of light from a light emitter. The lens has thick and thin wall portions between inner and outer lens surfaces. The thick wall portion(s) are at least twice as thick as the thin wall portion(s). At least one of the inner and outer surfaces has a texturing for diffusion of emitter light passing therethrough. The lens may include at least one interface between two materials with different indices of refraction. At least one surface of the interface may have a texturing for diffusion of emitter light passing therethrough. And, a method for manufacturing of the lens by forming a lens region with a textured surface portion by injecting the thermoplastic elastomer into an injection-molding cavity defined by a shape-forming configuration with a texturing in at least one area of the cavity. The shape-forming configuration is configured to shape a thermoplastic elastomer into such thickness that the set elastomer retains the texturing.

Abstract: A variety of light-emitting devices are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by a light-emitting element (LEE). In general, embodiments of the light-emitting devices feature two or more light-emitting elements, a scattering element that is spaced apart from the light-emitting elements, an extractor element coupled to the scattering element, and a reflective element that is configured and arranged to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting elements.

Abstract: High efficiency optical collimator utilizing an open central light flow feature reduces losses while maintaining high intensity. Many degrees of collimation are possible including wide beam angles which traditionally exhibit high back-reflection losses.

Abstract: A lighting fixture which is formed in a selected geometric shape selected from the group consisting of triangular, round, oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and polygonal having a multiplicity of sidewalls in a geometric shape and other geometric shapes which enable illumination through both or at least one of at least one exterior front planar surface and at least one exterior rear planar surface of the geometric shaped lighting fixture.

Abstract: A light with higher luminance is radiated while lights of a plurality of different wavelengths are appropriately selected and light guiding efficiency is improved. An illumination apparatus including three or more light sources which are arranged so that optical axes of the light sources intersect at one point and which respectively emit lights of different wavelength ranges, an optical device which transmits a light from one of the light sources while reflecting lights from the other light sources so as to make the lights enter an optical path of the light from the one of the light sources, and an optical device rotator which rotates the optical device in a direction in which the light sources are arranged.

Abstract: A luminaire (100) comprising a chamber (110) comprising at least one light exit surface (112); an axial carrier (120) mounted in said chamber (110) on an axis (105), said axial carrier (120) carrying a plurality of solid state lighting elements (122) and being surrounded by the light exit surface (112); and a body (130) mounted around said axial carrier (120), said body (130) comprising a plurality of radially extending optical cells (140) each comprising an inlet (142) facing said axial carrier (120); an outlet (144) facing the light exit surface (112); and a plurality of reflective surfaces (146, 148) extending from said inlet (142) to said outlet (144); wherein at least one of the axial carrier (120) and the body (130) are rotatably mounted relative to said axis (105) and wherein the body (130) can be rotated relative to the axcial carrier (120) or vice versa.

Abstract: A lamp structure has a film-coated glass tube fixed by a body and a fixing element. The film-coated glass tube has 3D images film-coated on an inner wall for projection. A hollow tube passing through the film-coated glass tube is connected to a lighting bulb at a top thereof and has a projecting bulb connected in a middle section thereof for projection on the film-coated glass tube. Thereby the present invention is able to display 3D images by projection with a strongly fixed structure of the film-coated glass tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an occupancy sensing unit configured to monitor an environment illuminated by a lighting fixture. An inventive occupancy sensing unit may include an occupancy sensor to detect radiation indicative of at least one occupancy event in the environment illuminated by the lighting fixture according to sensing parameters. The occupancy sensor can be coupled to a memory that logs sensor data, which represent the occupancy events, provided by the occupancy sensor. A processor coupled to the memory performs an analysis of the sensor data logged in the memory and adjusts the sensing parameters of the occupancy sensor based on the analysis.

Abstract: A circular edge-lit lighting device includes a light emitting panel (LEP) and a first light emitting diode (LED) light source positioned proximal to a first location on a narrow outer perimeter edge of the LEP. The first LED light source is configured to emit a first light into the LEP through the narrow outer perimeter edge. The first light has a first intensity level. The circular edge-lit lighting device also includes a second LED light source positioned proximal to a second location on the narrow outer perimeter edge the LEP. The second LED light source is configured to emit a second light into the LEP through the narrow outer perimeter edge. The second light has a second intensity level. The first location and the second location are different locations.

Abstract: A disk-shaped substrate made of a heat conductive material is provided with, along an outer periphery of one surface of the substrate, a ring-shaped phosphor that emits light by irradiation with blue laser light that is excitation light. The substrate is provided with, on another surface of the substrate, a plurality of convex portions dotting a region corresponding to a region provided with the phosphor. In a phosphor wheel, the substrate is driven by a motor to rotate about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A light includes a body, a front housing secured to a front end of the body, a translating retainer rotatably engaged with the front housing, a slip ring positioned around the front housing and between the translating member and the front end of the body, a compressible ring positioned around the front housing and between the slip ring and the front end of the body, a lens mounted to the front housing, an electronic assembly, and a light emitting element in electrical communication with the electronic assembly and positioned within the lens. Rotation of the translating retainer in a first direction causes the translating retainer to drive the slip ring toward the front end of the body, compressing the compressible ring and causing the compressible ring to bulge outward to contact, and removably engage, an inner wall of a pipe or conduit that the light is positioned in.

Abstract: An illuminating device can include a housing having one or more sidewalls defining a housing interior. The device can include at least one light element and an optics assembly. The optics assembly can include an outer face and at least one lens. The at least one lens can be configured to allow light from the at least one light element to pass therethrough. The optics assembly can include a skirt extending from the outer face into the housing interior and surrounding the at least one lens. The skirt can have an interior surface defining a skirt interior and an outer surface facing the one or more sidewalls of the housing. Potting material can be positioned between the outer surface of the skirt and the one or more sidewalls to prevent water ingress into the skirt interior. In some cases, no potting material is positioned within the skirt interior.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a saturated water explosive device, including a water intake pipe, a flow splitter for splitting a high-pressure liquid, a flow baffle for baffling the high-pressure liquid, a heat receiver having a cavity defined inside, a pillar connected with the heat receiver by a micro-channel wherein the high-pressure liquid is heated to be high-temperature saturated water, and a heat source for heating the cavity. High-pressure water is heated to produce high-temperature high-pressure saturated water, and then by using the saturated water explosive device of the present invention, the produced high-temperature high-pressure saturated water instantaneously explodes as being heated, and a high-temperature high-pressure steam flow is produced due to rapid vaporization, and expansion and is used as a power source.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater, includes a combustion chamber housing (12) extending in the direction of a combustion chamber housing longitudinal axis (L), a support area (24) extending radially outwards in relation to the combustion chamber housing (12), a sealing element (33) with a first sealing area (34) on a first axial side of the support area (24) and a second sealing area (36) on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side, of the support area (24). A deformation connection area (42) connects the first sealing area (34) and the second sealing area (36) to one another and encloses the support area (24) in a circumferential section that is radially outwards.

Abstract: An example rotational flow and sink flow coupling integrated system may include a spray layer, a slurry pool, a circulating pump, a rotational flow and sink flow coupling device, and a tube bundle-type dedusting and demisting device. The rotational flow and sink flow coupling device, which includes a plurality of rotational flow and sink flow coupling units and supporting beams for supporting the rotational flow and sink flow coupling device which are located therebelow, is mounted above the slurry pool and below the spray layer. The tube bundle-type dedusting and demisting device is arranged on top of a tower body; each rotational flow and sink flow coupling unit includes a rotational flow cylinder, a rotational flow rotor, and a flow guiding device. Both the components described in this paragraph and any other additional components may be implemented in various ways according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: A coal fired Oxy boiler power plant with a condensate system, combustion system and post combustion CO2 capture plant configured and arranged to remove CO2 from a flue gas stream generated in the combustion system. The condensation system includes a plurality of serial low pressure heaters arranged in flow series downstream of the pump and at least one parallel low pressure heater arranged fluidly parallel to at least one of the serial low pressure heaters. Flue Gas Heat Recovery System, Flue Gas Condenser and Gas Processing unit are thermally integrated into the condensate system.

Abstract: A burner assembly includes a burner housing having a fuel inlet; a burner for emitting ignited fuel to a heat exchanger; and an igniter and flame sensor assembly mounted to the burner housing, the igniter and flame sensor assembly including an opening therein providing an air path from an exterior of the burner housing to an interior of the burner housing, the opening sized to provide a predetermined drop of carbon dioxide at an outlet of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An impinging-type temperature uniformity device includes an outer case portion; and a temperature uniformizer provided in the outer case portion, spaced apart inwardly from an inner surface of the outer case portion and connected to the outer case portion, wherein the temperature uniformizer includes: a head portion provided in the outer case portion; and a body portion spaced apart inwardly from the inner surface of the outer case portion and including at least one through-hole.

Abstract: A dual pilot light burner assembly suitable for working with a first type of gas or a second type of gas. According to one implementation the assembly includes a support, a regulating sleeve having a first nozzle, an air and gas mixing and intake chamber, and an injector having a second nozzle. The regulating sleeve is moveable with respect to the injector for placing the first supply nozzle in a first position with respect to the second supply nozzle for the delivery of the first type of gas to the pilot nozzle. The regulating sleeve moveable with respect to the injector for placing the first supply nozzle in a second position with respect to the second supply nozzle for the delivery of the second type of gas to the pilot nozzle. The regulating sleeve including structure accessible by an external tool and capable of receiving an end of the tool for use in moving the regulating sleeve between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A cylinder of a combustor includes a cylinder body inside of which combustion gas flows, a jacket plate that covers the cylinder body from the outside and forms a fluid space into which high-pressure fluid flows between an inner peripheral surface of the jacket plate and an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body, and a rib that connects the cylinder body and the jacket plate. The rib is connected to the cylinder body by a cylinder side end portion on the cylinder body side in a radial direction with respect to an axis of the cylinder body being welded from both sides in an axial direction of the axis. The rib is connected to the jacket plate by a jacket side end portion on the jacket plate side in the radial direction being welded from both sides in the axial direction.

Abstract: Nozzle for engine has coaxial arrangement of inner pilot and outer mains airblast fuel injectors and intermediate air-swirler passage sandwiched between the outer and inner air-swirler passages of the pilot and mains airblast fuel injectors, respectively. The nozzle has an annular first-splitter wall separating the pilot outer air-swirler passage from the intermediate one. An outer surface profile of the first-splitter wall defines radially inner side of the intermediate air-swirler passage. The nozzle has an annular second-splitter wall separating the intermediate air-swirler passage from mains inner air-swirler passage. An inner surface profile of second-splitter wall defines radially outer side of intermediate air-swirler passage. The outer and inner surface profile of the first and second splitters walls, respectively, have convergent sections facing each other forming convergent portion of the intermediate air-swirler passage.

Abstract: A gas lighting device having a casing fastenable to an electric household appliance by means of fastening means coupleable with corresponding perforations obtained on a carrying element of the electric household appliance; wherein the fastening means consist of at least one pair of elastically deformable fastening elements protrudingly carried by the casing, perpendicularly to the same, in a position immediately adjacent one to the other so that they are adapted to snappingly couple with only one and the same of said perforations of the carrying element of the electric household appliance.

Abstract: A pilot tube assembly for easy repair and/or replacement of a pilot hood is disclosed. In one example, a field configurable burner tube assembly may include a burner tube, a pilot hood, wherein the pilot hood engages the burner tube and can be secured to the burner tube in any of two or more different orientations in the field, a thermo-electric device, and a bracket for carrying the pilot hood and burner tube assembly adjacent to the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A portable cooking stove is disclosed. The cooking stove includes a base structure. At least one burner is positioned within the base structure. A burner plate is positioned above the burner and also above the base structure. When the stove is in use, a cooking surface may be placed on top of the burner plate. Multiple legs are connected to the base structure. The legs can be positioned in an extended configuration in which the base structure is positioned at a certain height above a ground surface. When the legs are positioned in the extended configuration, the height at which the base structure (and therefore the burner plate and any cooking surface that is placed on the burner plate) is positioned above the ground surface is adjustable without removing the legs from the base structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion tank having an internal cavity separated by a flexible diaphragm to form an upper pressurized gas portion and a lower pressurized fluid portion, and an indicator positioned at an upper part of the expansion tank in communication with the contents of the upper pressurized gas portion. The indicator is configured so as to display a first color if the operating conditions are normal in the pressurized gas portion, and a second color if the amount of moisture detected in the pressurized gas portion greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Further disclosed is a method for detecting whether there is an excessive amount of moisture in a pressurized gas portion of an expansion tank by allowing pressurized gas from the pressurized gas portion to come into contact with the indicator, and viewing the color displayed by the indicator. As such, the tank can be simply visually inspected to determine whether there is a potential failure in the tank.

Abstract: An air temperature regulating assembly is provided having a packed rock bed through which air may flow between outer and inner spaces by way of interstices between rock units in order to transfer heat to or from the rock bed, in use. Dampers control the flow of air between the outer space, the inner space, an enclosed air space the temperature of which is to be regulated by raising or lowering it and the surrounding atmosphere. A fan moves air within the assembly. The rock bed is in the form of a pile of rocks having an upper surface that is inclined and directed in the general direction of the sun to directly absorb solar energy. The outer space is defined between the upper inclined surface of the rock bed and a transparent cover spaced upwardly from the surface of the rock bed.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to methods and systems that can detect over cycling conditions that exist in an HVAC system. The over cycling condition can be caused by overheating of a forced air heating system or furnace of the HVAC system control. When the furnace overheats, a thermally actuated limit switch within the furnace may cut off power to a heat generation apparatus. The limit switch can reconnect the power to the heat generation apparatus after it has cooled down, at which point the thermostat control system may issue another heating call to continue heating the enclosure so that it reaches the desired temperature. If the overheat condition persist, then the thermally actuated switch will cut power, resulting in repeated power cycling. The detection system and methods can monitor these power loss events and use them as data points for determining whether an alert condition exists within the HVAC system.

Abstract: A heat source optimization system capable of alternating configurations between an air exchange system and a geothermal system and/or earth loop systems depending on an instantaneous need and/or desire for taking in or discharging heat, while simultaneously remaining operational and without reversing valving or changing the rotational direction of a refrigerant compressor. The system manages refrigerant, and, via a processor and/or controller system, determines where to obtain refrigerant and also the quantity of refrigerant to be obtained. Additionally, the system, via a processor and/or controller system, both determines the optimal location or locations from which to take in heat or to which heat is to be rejected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance having a compressor for effecting the refrigeration cycle, a heat exchanger (1) for condensing the refrigerant fluid through refrigerant flow tubes (2) in serpentine form where the refrigerant flow is provided, said heat exchanger (1) being disposed against a fan (3) that is structurally integrally provided to effect forced heat convection for cooling said heat exchanger (1) by blowing air thereon.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for regulating an environmental variable (such as ambient room temperature) within a target zone. The system includes a sensor system configured to monitor the target zone, detect one or more inhabitants present within the zone, and identify an alpha person from the one or more inhabitants. Once the alpha person is identified, a measurement sensor measures a skin parameter from the identified alpha person and generates a sensor signal communicating the measured skin parameter to an environmental control system. Upon receiving the sensor signal, the environmental control system regulates an environmental variable within the zone based on the measured skin parameter from the alpha person.

Abstract: A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines if one or more of the HVAC systems may benefit from a particular product or service, and outputs the HVAC systems that are determined to benefit from a particular product or service.

Abstract: This device (D) for regulating the air flow in a pipe includes a flap (6) delimiting, relative to an inner surface (104) of a pipe (10) of the device (D), an air passage section (S), and an adjusting calibrating element (8) movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a sealing wall (12), extending between the calibrating element and an inner surface (106) of the duct (10), suitable for preventing the passage of air from the side of the duct (10) opposite the air passage section (S). The sealing wall (12) is rotatable relative to the pipe (10) under the action of the movement of the calibrating element, and the calibrating element includes a front wall (86) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X?) of the duct (10) which, in the first position of the calibrating element, does not protrude past the circumference of the duct.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having at least one electrical resistance heating element, two conductors connected electrically to the electrical resistance heating element to conduct electric current through the electrical resistance heating element and thereby to heat the electrical resistance heating element, a heat-conducting element for transferring heat from the electrical resistance heating element to a fluid to be heated, an electrical insulating element insulating electrically the two conductors and the at least one electrical resistance heating element, and at least one tube. The two conductors, the electrical insulating element, and the electrical resistance heating element are arranged within a cavity bounded by the tube. The heat exchanger has an adapter plate and a tube opening, each being arranged at an opening of the adapter plate, and the at least one tube being connected fluid-tight to the adapter plate, which is connected fluid-tight to an electronics housing and/or an HVAC system housing.

Abstract: A household appliance has a heating circuit (140) for heating a fluid including a heating element (150) that can be selectively energized (155) to determine the heating of the fluid, and a monitoring unit (125) for monitoring the operation of the heating circuit. The monitoring unit (125) is configured to monitor at least one electrical potential internal to the heating circuit (140). The at least one electric potential internal to the heating circuit (140) is at least one among: an internal electric potential detected at a first terminal (160b) of the heating element (150) connected to an on/off switch (155) of the heating circuit (140); an internal electric potential detected at a second terminal (160a) of the heating element (150) connected to a main switch (135) of the appliance or to a safety switch provided for switching the heating circuit off in case of malfunction of the on/off switch (155).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element (1) having an exothermic composition containing an oxidizable metal, a carbon component and water. Tri-alkali metal phosphate is contained in the heating element (1), and the content of water in the heating element (1) is equal to or larger than 50 parts by mass and equal to or smaller than 90 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal, and the content of tri-alkali metal phosphate as a phosphate group is equal to or larger than 0.5 parts by mass and equal to or smaller than 1.1 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal.

Abstract: Our invention consists of two separate and discrete families of polymers, e.g. thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (“FRP”) and thermoplastics. Both are used as the materials of construction to fabricate solar thermal collectors. These families have the same general configuration and are based upon the same principles. Both families are used in a form that some of the walls of the collector are translucent. Both families incorporate a passage through which the thermal fluid flows. Both families make use of dyes to absorb energy from the sun in the fluid and the collector walls. Each of the families makes use of improved collector configurations and designs and special operating approaches. Each family can serve different markets for different solar thermal collectors. In particular, FRP stands alone as an emerging new category of materials for a broad range of applications including everything from novel solar thermal collectors to exotic airplanes.

Abstract: Parabolic trough modules include a generally elongated parabolic trough including a pair of spaced-apart trough end walls and a trough panel extending between the trough end walls. The trough panel is generally semi-circular in cross-section and has a concave light reflective surface.