Abstract: Control housing (1) for a heating or ventilation or air conditioning system, consisting in a housing body (2) closed by a lid assembly and being characterized by the fact that the housing body (2) includes at least one hydraulic control compartment (4) in which a hydraulic equipment-receiving space is formed, the hydraulic control compartment (4) including at least one opening (16, 17) for piping element(s) to pass through, the receiving space further including a unit (27, 28, 36) for maintaining in position at least one piping element. The maintaining unit may include a device (27, 28) for supporting piping element(s) which are formed by at least one pair of bearing surfaces (29) and a unit for locking in position at least one piping element against at least one bearing surface (29).

Abstract: A heat pump heating and hot-water system includes a water heating heat exchanger for heating water by heat exchange with a heating medium heated by a heat pump unit, an indoor heating unit, a heating circulation circuit for selectively pumping the heating medium to either of the water heating heat exchanger and the indoor heating unit using a heating medium pump, and a hot-water accumulating circuit that sends water in a hot-water storage tank to the water heating heat exchanger and returns water having passed through the water heating heat exchanger to the hot-water storage tank using a water pump. The volumetric flow rate of the heating medium pumped to the water heating heat exchanger by the heating medium pump is higher than or equal to the volumetric flow rate of the water pumped to the water heating heat exchanger by the water pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid heat pump apparatus comprising: a housing having a first channel and a second channel formed therein; a dehumidifying rotor disposed in the housing; a heating unit disposed in the first channel and heating air passing therethrough; a cooling unit disposed in the second channel and selectively cooling air passing therethrough; a coolant circulating unit including a compressor, a first heat exchanger disposed in the second channel, a second heat exchanger, and a four-way valve; and a water circulating pipe through which water circulates and which is connected to the second heat exchanger for heat exchanging between the circulating water and coolant in the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A dehumidifier is provided that may include a main body, a compressor provided within the main body to compress a refrigerant, a plurality of heat exchangers provided within the main body to condense the refrigerant compressed in the compressor or to evaporate the refrigerant, a first fan to discharge air, having undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant evaporated in the plurality of heat exchangers and having subsequently undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant condensed in the plurality of heat exchangers, out of the main body, a mode switch to perform switching between operating modes, including a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode, and a second fan to discharge air, having undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant evaporated in the plurality of heat exchangers in the cooling mode, out of the main body.

Abstract: A method for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a temperature of a first room of a building via a first thermometer placed in the first room and measuring a temperature of a second room of the building via a second thermometer placed in the second room and receiving the temperature of the first room via a first data communication device communicatively coupled to a first HVAC register in the first room and receiving the temperature of the second room via a second data communication device communicatively coupled to a second HVAC register in the second room. In some cases, the first data communication device is configured to communicate data between the first thermometer and a central automation controller and the second data communication device is configured to communicate data between the second thermometer and the central automation controller.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor device and an indoor device. The outdoor device includes an outdoor control unit that is operated at the voltage of a smoothing capacitor; a power-supply switching relay to which a signal line is connected; an inrush-current preventing-relay drive unit that is operated when single-phase AC power is supplied between a power-signal common line and the signal line via an outdoor activation relay in the indoor device and the power-supply switching relay; a first inrush-current preventing relay that is connected in parallel with a power supply relay and is controlled by the inrush-current preventing-relay drive unit; and a second inrush-current preventing relay that is connected in parallel with the first inrush-current preventing relay and is controlled by the outdoor control unit. The outdoor control unit closes the second inrush-current preventing relay when the external power supply is interrupted.

Abstract: Various arrangements are provided related to thermal energy coordination systems. A thermal energy coordination system may analyze solar irradiance measurements to identify an overgeneration solar energy event. The system may activate a thermal energy storage event to coincide with the overgeneration solar energy event at the plurality of solar panels. The system, which can include many network-enabled smart thermostats, may control air conditioners or other HVAC system within various structures. The system may determine a time to initiate cooling and a temperature to which to cool the structure based upon the received indication of the thermal energy storage event.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may include a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly releasably securable to the first sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly may include a housing having the back and a cover, a printed circuit board at least substantially enclosed by the housing, a battery compartment formed in the back of the housing for receiving one or more batteries, and a display exposed for viewing through an aperture in the cover of the housing for viewing the display by a user. The printed circuit board may include one or more battery terminals that extend from the printed circuit board through the back of the housing and into the battery compartment. In some cases, the battery compartment may define a cup-shaped reservoir that may be configured to collect leakage from one or more of the batteries.

Abstract: A register box for HVAC installations has a body with a plurality of side panels arranged in a generally rectangular or square configuration and a wall extending across the rectangular configuration, a duct opening through the wall so as to communicate with an interior of the body, and an expandable foam polymeric material affixed to an inner side of the side panels. The wall has a surface extending from the opening of the duct to the side panels. The expandable foam polymeric material is affixed to the surface of the wall. The expandable polymeric material is polyurethane.

Abstract: An immediate hot-water supplying system 1 includes a P hot water supply device 10 configured to heat water flowing through a first supply pipe 2, an N hot water supply device 30 configured to heat water flowing through a second supply pipe 3, a check valve 6, and a coupled controller 60 configured to, when the flow amount detected by a second flow amount sensor 34 is equal to or more than a hot-water-supply detection flow amount, perform a hot-water supply operation in which a first burner 12 or a second burner 32 is burned with a circulation pump 16 stopped, and when the flow amount detected by the second flow amount sensor 34 is less than the hot-water-supply detection flow amount, perform a circulation heat keeping operation in which the first burner 12 is burned with the circulation pump 16 activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.

Abstract: A holding frame holds a polygonal solar battery panel including a light receiving surface. The frame includes a lower disposed in a spaced relationship with a back surface opposite to the light receiving surface, a rising part extending upward from the lower part, and a holding part formed at an end portion of the rising part on a side of the panel to hold one side of the panel. The holding part includes a portion protruding inwardly from the end portion, a portion protruding outwardly from the end portion, a portion extending upwardly from an outside of the outward-protruding portion, and a sandwiching portion extending inwardly from the upward extending portion to sandwich the panel between the sandwiching portion and the outward-protruding portion. The lower part includes a portion protruding inwardly relative to the rising part, and an outward-protruding portion protruding outwardly relative to the rising part.

Abstract: A cooling system (1) that cools an HV apparatus (31) includes a compressor (12) that circulates a refrigerant, a heat exchanger (14) that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air, an expansion valve (16) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, a heat exchanger (18) that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and air-conditioning air, a cooling portion (30) that cools the HV apparatus (31) using the refrigerant that flows between the heat exchanger (14) and the expansion valve (16), and a gas accumulator (70) that retains a gas-phase refrigerant gasified by heat exchange with the HV apparatus (31) in the cooling portion (30).

Abstract: A flash tank economizer includes a sensor for sensing a condition indicative of pressure in the flash tank, and when that pressure is found to equal or exceed the critical pressure of the particular refrigerant being used, a controller responsively closes a valve in the economizer vapor line to shut off the economizer. A sensor is also provided to sense the pressure at the compressor mid-stage, and if that pressure is found to exceed the pressure in the flash tank, the controller causes the flow control device to function so as to prevent the flow of refrigerant from the compressor mid-stage to the flash tank. Provision is also made for selectively draining refrigerant from the flash tank to reduce the pressure therein from a supercritical to a subcritical condition.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide refrigerant vapor compression system and method of operating that system are provided. The refrigerant vapor compression system includes a compression device, a flash tank receiver disposed in the refrigerant circuit intermediate a refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger and a refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger, and a compressor unload circuit including a refrigerant line establishing refrigerant flow communication between an intermediate pressure stage of the compression device and the refrigerant circuit at a location downstream of the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger and upstream of a suction inlet to the compression device, and a unload circuit flow control device disposed in said unload circuit refrigerant line. In response to at least one system operating parameter sensed by at least one sensor, the controller selectively positions the unload flow control device to maintain the refrigerant vapor compression system operating below a preselected high pressure limit.

Abstract: An absorption based heater is constructed on a fluid barrier heat exchanging plate such that it requires little space in a structure. The absorption based heater has a desorber, heat exchanger, and absorber sequentially placed on the fluid barrier heat exchanging plate. The vapor exchange faces of the desorber and the absorber are covered by a vapor permeable membrane that is permeable to a refrigerant vapor but impermeable to an absorbent. A process fluid flows on the side of the fluid barrier heat exchanging plate opposite the vapor exchange face through the absorber and subsequently through the heat exchanger. The absorption based heater can include a second plate with a condenser situated parallel to the fluid barrier heat exchanging plate and opposing the desorber for condensation of the refrigerant for additional heating of the process fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for heat exchange. The heat exchange apparatus may include an adsorber device. The adsorber device is configured to draw heat from a first heat reservoir and transfer heat to a first heat sink. The heat exchange apparatus may include a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the adsorber device by the working fluid. The heat exchanger transfers heat to a second heat sink. The heat exchange apparatus may include an expansion device fluidly connected to the heat exchanger by the working fluid. The expansion device expands the working fluid, and exchanges heat with a second heat reservoir. The expansion device includes a turbine device for converting at least a part of an exergy of the working fluid during expansion into mechanical work. The heat exchange apparatus may include the adsorber device being fluidly connected to the expansion device by the working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating and/or cooling a chamber (9). The device comprises at least one frame (4), at least one first light passage device (1) and at least one second light passage device (2). The fast light passage device (1) and the second light passage device (2) are arranged on the frame (4). Furthermore, at least one first intermediate chamber (3) is formed between the first light passage device (1) and the second light passage device (2). At least one thermally conductive medium is arranged in the first intermediate chamber (3). At least one heating and/or cooling element (5) is arranged on the frame (4) such that it is in contact with the thermally conductive medium arranged in the intermediate chamber (3), the device having at least one current supply unit (8) which is powered by solar energy and which is connected to the heating and/or cooling element (5).

Abstract: Electrical energy storage and discharge system for storing electrical energy as thermal energy includes a heat pump cycle with first working fluid, a water steam cycle with second working fluid, a first thermal storage system with first thermal fluid, a second thermal storage system with second thermal fluid, an electrical heater member and a power regulating member, fluidly connected to each other. The system includes fluidly connected first cold and hot storage tanks, and the system includes fluidly connected second cold and hot storage tanks. The electrical heater is operably connected to the system between the tanks. The power regulating member is electrically connected to one or more electrical sources to regulate excess electrical energy, partially, to the electrical heater, and partially, to the heat pump cycle.

Abstract: A spherical filter drier for an HVACR system includes a generally spherical shell and a core that is fixed position relative to the shell. The shell has a first opening and a second opening in fluid communication with one another across the core. The core includes a media that removes contaminants from fluid flowing from the first opening through the core to the second opening. The spherical shell may be a monolithic shell, or formed from a pair of generally hemispherical shells.

Abstract: Methods and system for managing lubricant within a vapor compression heat pump are presented. In one example, lubricant may be flushed from selected areas of a heat pump to other areas of the heat pump where lubricant is desired. The lubricant may be flushed in full flushing mode or in a partial flushing mode.

Abstract: An outdoor unit control unit 200 has a defrosting operation condition table 300a that defines an activation rotational speed Cr in accordance with a total sum of flow rate coefficients Cva that is a total sum of flow rate coefficients Cv representing capacities of indoor expansion valves 52a to 52c. The outdoor unit control unit 200 calculates the total sum of the flow rate coefficients Cva by adding the flow rate coefficient Cv of each of the indoor expansion valves 52a to 52c, and refers to the defrosting operation condition table 300a, so as to determine the activation rotational speed Cr. Then, the outdoor unit control unit 200 activates a compressor 21 at the determined activation rotational speed Cr when starting a defrosting operation, maintains this activation rotational speed Cr for a predetermined time from the start of the defrosting operation, and drives the compressor 21.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a first compressor and a second compressor, operating in tandem, wherein the first compressor includes a compression capacity different than the compression capacity of the second compressor. A method for operating a refrigeration system including a first compressor and a second compressor operating in tandem; wherein the first compressor comprises a first compression capacity and the second compressor comprises a second compression capacity larger than the first compression capacity the method comprising the steps of: determining a cooling demand; operating the first compressor in a first stage of cooling; operating the second compressor in a second stage of cooling; and operating the first compressor and the second compressor in a third stage of cooling.

Abstract: A system includes a compressor driven by a motor. A condenser receives working fluid from the compressor. An evaporator is in fluid communication with the condenser and the compressor. A first sensor produces a first signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor. A second sensor produces a second signal indicative of a discharge line temperature. A processing circuitry processes the first signal and the second signal to determine a freeze time. The processing circuitry processes the freeze time, the current signal, and the discharge line temperature signal to determine a working fluid charge level.

Abstract: The cooler with integrated ice-maker is a combination cooler and icemaker that takes the accumulated water created in a cooler from melting ice and recycles the accumulated water back into ice. The cooler with integrated ice-maker comprises a cooler, a removable drip shelf, a pump system, and an icemaker.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a quick-freezing function includes: a main body; at least one freezing chamber disposed in the main body and comprising at least one quick-freezing chamber; a freezing evaporator disposed in the main body, and spaced apart from the at least one freezing chamber via a freezing air duct cover plate; a freezing fan corresponding to the at least one freezing chamber and a quick-freezing fan corresponding to the at least one quick-freezing chamber, and configured to blow cold air generated by the freezing evaporator into the at least one freezing chamber and the at least one quick-freezing chamber respectively; and a controller configured to control the freezing fan and the quick-freezing fan. The refrigerator can maintain the taste and nutrition of foods through quick-freezing, and prolong the fresh period of vegetables and fruits.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage chamber having an opening; a drawer type door to open or close the opening; a display positioned at the drawer type door; a first connector provided at a sidewall of the storage chamber; a second connector provided at the drawer type door and being electrically connected to the display; a first frame coupled to an inner wall of the storage chamber, the first frame to cover the first connector; a second frame coupled to the drawer type door, the second frame to support a storage box; and a wire electrically connected between the first connector and the second connector. The first frame has a first accommodating part to accommodate one portion of the wire and the second frame has a second accommodating part to accommodate another portion of the wire.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door and a hinge assembly connecting the door and the cabinet. A sensor detects an opening angle of the door. The sensor includes: a first component and a second component, where one of the first component and the second component is a magnetic element, and the other one is a magnetic sensing element. The first component is provided at the hinge assembly, and the second component is provided at the door. This enables the magnetic sensing element to accurately sense a magnetic field of the magnetic element, and simplify a structure of the cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for freeze-drying injectable compositions, in particular pharmaceutical compositions, comprising: A) storing a quantity of a dispersion of an injectable composition in an aqueous dispersion medium in at least one ready-to-use vial, B) rotating the vial at least for a period of time to form a dispersion layer at an inner surface of a circumferential wall of the vial, C) during rotating of the vial according to step B) cooling the vial to form ice crystals at the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the vial, and D) drying the cooled composition to sublime at least a portion of the ice crystals formed in the dispersion by substantially homogeneously heating the circumferential wall of the vial. The invention also relates to a freeze-dried composition obtained by the method according to the invention and a system for freeze-drying injectable compositions, in particular pharmaceutical compositions, in particular by making use of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable textile dryer and method of controlling a conveyor belt speed of the textile dryer is provided. The speed of the belt is utilized to more quickly adjust the temperature of the drying chamber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to metallurgical processes and equipment and, more particularly, to a metallurgical furnace capable of operating with a broad range of broad range of raw materials and fuels, including those with high levels of impurities. Accordingly, the metallurgical furnace of the present invention comprises (i) at least an upper tub, (ii) at least a lower tub, (iii) at least a fuel feeder positioned substantially between the at least an upper tub and the at least a lower tub, (iv) at least a row of tuyeres positioned on at least one of at least an upper tub and at least a lower tub, the at least a row of tuyeres fluidly communicating inside the furnace with the outside environment, and (v) at least a burner positioned on at least one of at least an upper tub and at least a lower tub. The use of at least a burner jointly with the at least a row of tuyeres generates a very intense release of heat by virtue of the exothermic reactions which occur by this combination.

Abstract: A dental oven comprising a firing chamber for the heat treatment of dental restoration parts. The firing chamber is connected to a negative pressure source via a suction line. A valve arrangement is located between the firing chamber and the suction line with the aid of which the suction line is closable towards the firing chamber in order to maintain a negative pressure in the firing chamber. The suction line between the valve arrangement and the negative pressure source is ventilatable via an ambient air connection.

Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower employs air cooled condenser modules and operates by mechanical draft to exchange heat between atmospheric air and steam. The cooling tower utilizes a modular air cooled condenser with heat exchange deltas having tube bundles that are manufactured and assembled prior to being shipped to the tower site.

Abstract: A gas/liquid heat exchanger comprises a stack of flat tubes, defining liquid flow passages. Spaces between the flat tubes define gas flow passages, with the sides of the core having an irregular comb-like arrangement. The heat exchanger further comprises a housing having side covers over the sides of the core, and being spaced from the sides of the core. The core has at least one portion of reduced width, so as to provide channels extending throughout the height of the core. The heat exchanger further comprises a pair of side seals at least partly received in the gap between the side cover of the housing and the core, and more particularly in the channels along the sides of the core. The side seal extends throughout the height of the core and has a thickness which is greater than that of the gap.

Abstract: In a refrigerant evaporator, a first refrigerant collector defined in a tank portion of a first evaporation unit is connected to a second refrigerant distributor defined in a tank portion of a second evaporation unit, and a second refrigerant collector defined in the tank portion of the first evaporation unit is connected to a first refrigerant distributor defined in the tank portion of the second evaporation unit. The refrigerant evaporator includes a connection channel to connect a first refrigerant channel that introduces refrigerant from a heat-exchange core portion of the first evaporation unit to a heat-exchange core portion of the second evaporation unit and a second refrigerant channel that introduces refrigerant from a heat-exchange core portion of the second evaporation unit to a heat-exchange core portion of the first evaporation unit.

Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers that utilize one or more foam heat transfer units engaged with the tubes to enhance the heat transfer between first and second fluids. The foam of the heat transfer units can be any thermally conductive foam material that enhances heat transfer. In an embodiment, a liquid distribution unit is employed that sprays a fluid to maximize the energy transfer through the use of large surface/volume ratio of the sprayed fluid. The spraying can be used in combination with or separately from the foam heat transfer units. Also, the tubes can be helically twisted around the liquid distribution unit so that the sprayed fluid impinges on the tubes. The shell-and-tube heat exchangers described herein are highly efficient, inexpensive to build, and corrosion resistant. The heat exchangers can be configured as an evaporator, a condenser, or for single phase cooling or heating thermal transfer applications.

Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger is provided wherein the heat exchanger is comprised of a plurality of stacked heat exchange plates defining a plurality of alternating first and second fluid channels interconnecting respective pairs of manifolds. At least one of the manifolds in the pairs of manifolds is in the form of an annular manifold structure which divides the heat exchanger into at least a first part and a second part thereby forming at least a two-pass flow path. The annular manifold structure is provided by a generally tubular manifold insert having one end embedded within the manifold. A first annular manifold flow passage communicates with one of the sets of fluid channels in the first part of the heat exchanger and a second, central manifold flow passage communicates with the corresponding set of fluid channels in the second part of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cooling device includes: a refrigerant circulation loop configured to depressurizing the inside thereof, the refrigerant circulation loop includes, an evaporator that vaporizes a part of refrigerant by heat generated by an electronic component, a condenser that cools the refrigerant, and a pump that circulates the refrigerant, wherein a filling ratio of liquid refrigerant to a volume of the refrigerant circulation loop is configured to maintain a refrigerant circulation capability of the pump.

Abstract: A heat pipe assembly that includes at least one axial groove heat pipe and at least one porous media heat pipe. The porous media heat pipe may be embedded into a flange of the axial groove heat pipe, or embedded into a wall of the axial groove heat pipe, or embedded into another bore of the axial groove heat pipe. The evaporator of the at least one porous media heat pipe may be located remotely and can accept a high heat flux, while a condenser of the at least one porous media heat pipe is attached to the axial groove heat pipe.

Abstract: The Re-Corable Coaxial Hose System allows temperature control to be added around material-carrying tubing in both new and existing dispensing systems. The jacketing system seals around the material-carrying tube and allows a thermal transfer fluid to be circulated in the resulting annular space so as to change the temperature of the material being dispensed. Because the system is comprised of a series of tubing and hoses it is flexible and can be routed around corners and through wire tracks and can be used in both manual and robotic applications. Because the seals around the material-carrying tube can be released and subsequently re-sealed, the internal material-carrying tube can be replaced, defined as “re-coring” the hose assembly.

Abstract: A heat transfer fin (3) comprises a plate-like base section (4), a cylindrical collar section (5), a recessed section (7) which has a sloped surface (7a), and a flare section (6) which, when combined with another heat transfer fin (3), is in surface contact with the sloped surface (7a) of the another heat transfer fin (3). The sloped surface (7a) of the recessed section (7) and the root of the collar section (5) are connected, the connection portion where the sloped surface (7a) of the recessed section (7) and the collar section (5) are connected is bent at an acute angle, and the root of the collar section (5) reaches a position beyond a reference plane (S) which is in contact with a surface (4a) of the base section (4), the surface (4a) being located on the side opposite the flare section (6).

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly, comprising: heat exchanger pipework which comprises a plurality of elongate tube elements which extend in spaced relation and a plurality of pipe end couplings which fluidly connect open ends of respective tube elements, wherein the pipe end couplings each comprise a main body part to which the open ends of the respective tube elements are fixed, and an enclosure part which is fixed to the main body part and provides a closed fluid connection between the open ends of the respective tube elements; and a plurality of fins which extend in spaced relation and optionally substantially orthogonally to the tube elements, wherein the fins each comprise a sheet element, optionally a single, continuous sheet element, which includes a plurality of apertures through which extend respective ones of the tube elements, and a plurality of fin coupling elements which are located within respective ones of the fin apertures to interface the tube elements to the sheet elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency thermal transfer plate for providing thermal transfer to and from a fluid. More specifically the present invention provides a thermal transfer plate including a skived fin plate for improved thermal transfer between a fluid within the thermal transfer plate and the thermal transfer plate.

Abstract: Header for a heat exchanger and resulting heat exchanger are disclosed. The tubular header is of the type which can receive at least one connecting flange (5, 6) with an internal fluid passage (25), and is composed of: a header plate (8) with a longitudinally open wall, provided with slots intended to receive parallel fluid flow tubes; and a cover (9) which, after assembly, closes a longitudinal opening of said header plate, the wall of this cover having at least one external collar (28) delimiting a hole for the flow of fluid (27), said connecting flange (5, 6) being attached to said cover (9) and being configured in such a way that it can be crimped onto the header (3, 4), thereby bringing the internal passage (25) into fluid communication with the hole (27) in said collar.

Abstract: Method for controlling heat transfer between two objects. In one embodiment, the method includes flowing a current through an electromagnet disposed about a container holding magnetorheological fluid to bias a first conductive element against a first end of the container and a second conductive element against a second end of the container to align particles in the magnetorheological fluid such that first conductive element is conductively coupled to the second conductive element; and reducing the current through an electromagnet such that the first conductive element is biased away from the first end of the container and the second conductive element is biased away from the second end of the container to break the alignment of the particles in the magnetorheological fluid such that the first conductive element is not conductively coupled to the second conductive element.

Abstract: Presently disclosed thermal actuators may be incorporated into a self-regulating thermal insulation, such that expansion and contraction of the thermal actuators in response to changes in temperature adjacent the thermal insulation automatically changes the thermal resistance of the thermal insulation. In this manner, a self-regulating thermal insulation may be configured to locally adjust in response to local changes in temperature of a part being insulated, for example, during curing or some other manufacturing process. Such self-regulating thermal insulation may be configured to respond to temperature changes without feedback control systems, power, or human intervention. One example of a thermal actuator may include a first segment of a first material, and a plurality of second segments of a second material, the second segments being coupled to the first segment and spaced apart from one another along the length of the first segment.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for cleaning the exterior of a furnace heat exchanger that includes a bundle of finned convection or bare radiant tubes heated when in use by the flue gases of a heater furnace. The apparatus comprises a motorized carriage 10 guided for movement along the outer surface of the bundle in a direction parallel to the tubes and a holder 24 on the carriage for holding a lance 20 in a position relative to the carriage 10 that permits the lance 20 to penetrate between the tubes of the bundle and to be advanced along the core by the carriage while remaining in the latter position.

Abstract: A left handed handgun which allows the use of conventional right handed unmodified magazines. The handgun assembly is adapted for left handed operation including the frame, slide, ejector, firing pin stop area, and extractor to accommodate the left handed user and eject empty cartridge cases away from the left handed user.

Abstract: A T-shirt Gatling gun speed loader that includes a series of tubes that mate with the tubes of a T-shirt Gatling gun. T-shirts to be loaded into the T-shirt Gatling gun are located in the speed loader tubes. A series of pushrods are located coaxially with the speed loader tubes and extend for a distance that is approximately the length of the tubes of the T-shirt Gatling gun. These pushrods are mounted at a second end to a push plate so that by inserting the speed loader tubes into the T-shirt Gatling gun tubes and pushing the push plate, the T-shirts are loaded into the T-shirt Gatling gun at a distance to allow proper firing of the T-shirts. The speed loader is then withdrawn from the T-shirt Gatling gun.

Abstract: A bolt hold open linkage incorporated into a lower receiver of a firearm for elevating a bolt catch into contact with a forwardly displacing bolt associated with an upper receiver reciprocating action assembly. An elongated central stem has a forward end and an opposite rearward end, a shoulder being supported, via an extending portion, from the rearward end. A pair of axially aligning mounting pins are supported at spaced apart locations of the lower receiver above a magazine receiving well incorporated into the lower receiver, the pins mounting the opposite ends in pivoting fashion about a centerline extending between the axially aligning pins which is offset from the shoulder.