Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water heater, and a safety control method and system therefor. The system includes: an exhaust fan; a rotational speed detecting unit, configured to detect a rotational speed of the exhaust fan; a power obtaining unit, configured to obtain a set value for output power of the exhaust fan; a rotational speed difference obtaining unit, configured to obtain an actual value of the rotational speed and a reference value of the rotational speed according to the set value for the output power, and to calculate a difference between them; and an exhaust control unit, connected to the exhaust fan, the rotational speed detecting unit, the rotational speed difference obtaining unit and the power obtaining unit respectively, configured to correct a predetermined wind pressure curve graph at an air outlet of the exhaust fan according to the difference.

Abstract: The time for steam generated in a low temperature heating device to reach a saturated steam temperature is reduced a low temperature heating device configured to heat supplied water by using heat of sunlight to generate steam; a steam separation device configured to separate two-phase water-steam fluid generated in the low temperature heating device into water and steam; and a high temperature heating device configured to heat the steam separated in the steam separation device by using heat of sunlight reflected by a plurality of heliostats to generate superheated steam.

Abstract: A skid for capturing refrigeration from liquefied natural gas vaporization is disclosed comprising a first heat exchanger mounted on the skid, the first heat exchanger having a natural gas inlet, a natural gas outlet, a process fluid inlet, and a process fluid outlet. The process fluid is configured to flow from the process fluid inlet through the first heat exchanger to the process fluid outlet and then to the process fluid inlet. Other embodiments of the system for capturing refrigeration from vaporization of liquid natural gas, and methods for its use, are described herein.

Abstract: The heat exchanger includes at least one heat transfer tube which is provided to extend in a first direction and in which refrigerant flows, a fin which is connected to the heat transfer tube and has a first region and a second region which are located windward of the heat transfer tube in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a first guide member provided to extend in the first direction. The first region and the second region are spaced apart from each other in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. The first guide member is disposed between the first region and the second region in the third direction. Of the heat transfer tube and the first guide member, the first guide member is disposed most windward in the second direction.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus has a compressor, a cooling-heating switching mechanism, a condenser, a refrigerant expansion mechanism, and an evaporator. During operation of the compressor, the refrigerant expansion mechanism opens the refrigerant circuit, a first three-way valve connects an outlet of the compressor to the condenser, and a second three-way valve connects an inlet of the compressor to the evaporator. During stop of the compressor, the refrigerant expansion mechanism closes the refrigerant circuit, the first three-way valve connects the outlet of the compressor to the evaporator, and the second three-way valve connects the inlet of the compressor to the evaporator.

Abstract: A purging device that includes a purging pipe for purging a gas mixture containing a coolant and a non-condensable gas from a chiller; a purging tank; a cooling device that has a cooling heat-transfer surface provided therein which condenses the coolant in the gas mixture and is oriented in the height direction inside the purging tank; a drainage pipe for discharging the liquid coolant inside the purging tank to the chiller; an exhaust; a purging tank pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the purging tank; and a control device which detects that an increase in the level of the liquid coolant inside the purging tank has occurred when the measured value from the purging tank pressure sensor decreases, and thereafter, increases to a prescribed value or higher, when condensing the coolant by cooling the interior of the purging tank using the cooling device.

Abstract: A charge-verification tool is used with a charge-verification system to diagnose and remedy a charge condition. The charge-verification tool includes a device having a controller configured to communicate with a system controller in the charge-verification system and a display configured to display measurements and instructions to an installer. The device is a user interface and is configured to provide communication between the installer and the system controller in the charge-verification system. The controller prompts the installer to input charge-verification system information including refrigeration line length and diameter. The controller receives a subcooling temperature calculated by the system controller and determines whether the subcooling temperature is between a threshold and a target subcooling temperature.

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a system controller for a refrigeration or HVAC system having a compressor rack with a compressor and a condensing unit with a condenser fan. The system controller monitors and controls operation of the refrigeration or HVAC system. A rack controller monitors and controls operation of the compressor rack and determines compressor rack power consumption data. A condensing unit controller monitors and controls operation of the condensing unit and determines condensing unit power consumption data. The system controller receives the compressor rack power consumption data and the condensing unit power consumption data, determines a total power consumption of the refrigeration or HVAC system, determines a predicted power consumption or a benchmark power consumption for the refrigeration system, compares the total power consumption with the predicted power consumption or the benchmark power consumption, and generates an alert based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system having an ejector includes, in the case that a pressure difference between a pressure prevailing in the receiver and a pressure of refrigerant leaving the evaporator decreases below a first lower threshold value, the pressure of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger is kept at a level which is slightly higher than the pressure level providing optimal coefficient of performance.

Abstract: An ice-making tray according to the concept of the present invention is capable of making ice at high speed and improving the transparency of ice by providing a second tray having ice cells for storing ice-making water to be coupled, in an overlapping manner, to the upper surface of a first tray which is in contact with a refrigerant pipe. The first tray may be formed of an aluminum material, the second tray may be formed of a plastic material, and the first tray formed of an aluminum material can efficiently function as a heat exchanger of an ice-making space due to having high thermal-conductivity. In the second tray, a fixing part for fixing the ice-making tray inside the ice-making space, a shaft accommodating part for accommodating the rotation shaft of an ejector, a temperature sensor accommodating part for accommodating a temperature sensor, and an air insulating part for insulating the ice-making tray and an ice separating motor may be formed integrally.

Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice bucket with an agitator rotatably mounted within the ice bucket. The agitator may be rotated by a dispenser motor. The agitator may be coupled to the dispenser motor via a fork connected to the motor and a socket connected to the agitator. The fork is selectively engagable with the socket, and the fork transfers torque from the dispenser motor to the agitator via the socket when the fork engages the socket. The ice making assembly may be provided in a refrigerator appliance.

Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice having a refrigeration system, a water system, and a control system. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The water system includes a water filter and a sump to hold water to be made into ice. The control system includes a controller adapted to determine a baseline freeze time, a baseline harvest time, and/or a baseline fill time after an initial set of ice making cycles and is further adapted to compare subsequent harvest times, freeze times, and/or fill times to the baseline freeze, harvest, and/or fill times to determine whether the ice maker needs maintenance. If controller determines that ice maker needs maintenance, controller can push a notification to a portable electronic device connected to the ice maker.

Abstract: A household cooling appliance includes an ice maker unit for making ice, wherein the ice maker unit has a container, in which the ice is stored, a weight detection unit for determining the weight of the container, and an evaluation unit, which is configured for determining a filling level of the container with ice depending on the weight.

Abstract: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a cabinet having a freezer compartment. An evaporator supplies cold air to the freezer compartment and an evaporator cover covers the evaporator. The evaporator cover has a supercooling passage for flowing some of cold air that has exchanged heat through the evaporator to a supercooling compartment of the freezer compartment. A cold air duct directs the other of the cold air that has exchanged heat through the evaporator to a top storage space over the supercooling compartment. A cold air guide device guides cold air in the cold air duct to a bottom storage space under the supercooling compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes: a duct dividing the inside of a storage compartment body into a storage compartment and an air channel and having a main discharge port and a sub-discharge port; an air guide dividing the air channel into a first channel communicating with the main discharge port and a second channel guiding air in the first channel to the sub-discharge port; a heat exchanger provided in the first channel; and a fan suctioning air in the storage compartment and sending the air to the first channel. According to the refrigerator, it is possible to maximize the volume of the storage compartment and separately discharge air to the main discharge port and the sub-discharge port, using a simple structure.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage chamber, an inner case that defines the storage chamber, a first door rotatably installed on the cabinet and configured to open and close one side of the storage chamber, a second door that includes a pillar configured to rotate and contact the first door and that is installed on the cabinet and configured to open and close another side of the storage chamber, and a transfer member provided inside the inner case and configured to sense rotation of the second door and to guide rotation of the pillar. The transfer member includes a lifting guide portion that is configured to, based on the pillar approaching the lifting guide portion, move downward and contact the pillar while the pillar remains unfolded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including a vacuum packing device. The refrigerator includes a body and a vacuum packing device provided in the body and configured to suction air in a vinyl pack having a check valve, wherein the vacuum packing device includes a vacuum pump provided to suction the air, a switch module provided to control an operation of the vacuum pump, a suction head including a first path directly connected to the check valve and configured to suction the air, and a chamber including a first opening connected to the first path and provided to collect a foreign substance suctioned through the suction head.

Abstract: A cooler and freezer access control system locks a cooler or freezer when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler or freezer. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler or freezer for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler or freezer door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler or freezer door open while stocking the cooler or freezer with product.

Abstract: A refrigerator including fixers for fixing various components to an inner case and a light emitting diode (LED) assembler in which a printed circuit board having an LED mounted thereon is assembled and which is integrally provided in the inner case. The refrigerator includes an inner case configured to form a storage compartment, an outer case coupled to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, a plurality of components fixed to a rear plate of the inner case, and a plurality of fixers integrally formed at the rear plate of the inner case to fix the plurality of components thereto, wherein the plurality of fixers are injection-molded along with the rear plate of the inner case.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one compartment having an open face. A closure is movable relative to the open face to selectively close the open face. At least one glass shelf is provided within the compartment. The at least one glass shelf has an upper surface. A contour can at least partially bound an area within the upper surface.

Abstract: A domestic cooling device includes an insulating wall, a cold chamber adjoining the insulating wall, and a wall light arranged on the insulating wall. The wall light includes at least one light source, a window element which forms a transparent window region, and a reflection surface that is arranged in front of the window element in the propagation path of at least a portion of the light radiation coming from the light source. The insulating wall includes an inner lining part adjoining the cold chamber and an insulating foam material arranged behind the inner lining part. An opening is formed in the inner lining part, at least a portion of the reflection surface being arranged within the contour of the opening. At least a portion of the reflection surface is formed by a cover part that covers the opening and with which the insulating foam material is in contact.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor package in a refrigerator configured to provide information related to refrigerated food. The sensor package may include a body having a mark classified by a type of food allocated to the sensor package and indicating the type of food of a food to which the sensor package is coupled, a battery, an operation switch, a memory configured to store food information corresponding to the type of food corresponding to the mark, a sensor communication module that communicates with a display provided in the refrigerator, a sensing module that senses state information associated with the food, and a sensor control module that controls the sensor communication module to initiate communication between the sensor package and the display of the refrigerator based on the state information sensed by the sensing module.

Abstract: Door alarm systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed. A door alarm system may monitor a door of a refrigeration device and detect a failed attempt at closing the door. In response to detecting the failed attempt, the door alarm system may generate a notification of the detected, failed attempt so that remedial action may be taken.

Abstract: A cryogenic installation unit comprises at least one item of equipment to be thermally insulated, a structure for containing the at least one item of equipment, a main insulation contained in the structure and, associated with this main insulation, a secondary insulation of lower thermal conductivity than the main insulation, said secondary insulation consisting of a vacuum insulation panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying a material, the apparatus including: an air-delivery enclosure with an air inlet and an air outlet through which forced air is directed toward the material; and an ultrasonic transducer connected to the air outlet of the air-delivery enclosure, the ultrasonic transducer including: a first inner surface; a second inner surface, the second inner surface facing the first inner surface, the first inner surface and the second inner surface defining an airflow path through the ultrasonic transducer; a first groove defined in a first inner surface, the first groove including a first flat portion; and a second groove defined in a second inner surface, the second groove including a second flat portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the removal of organic solvents from wet bagasse. The use of the methods result in dried bagasse that contains no more than 1 weight percent organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heat exchange, in particular in a refrigerant circuit, with at least one first flow path and at least one second flow path, which, in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the device, are disposed coaxially with respect to one another, and each of which comprises at least one flow channel. The device is realized of a synthetic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology based upon the nesting of tubes to provide chemical reactors or chemical reactors with built in heat exchanger. As a chemical reactor, the technology provides the ability to manage the temperature within a process flow for improved performance, control the location of reactions for corrosion control, or implement multiple process steps within the same piece of equipment. As a chemical reactor with built in heat exchanger, the technology can provide large surface areas per unit volume and large heat transfer coefficients. The technology can recover the thermal energy from the product flow to heat the reactant flow to the reactant temperature, significantly reducing the energy needs for accomplishment of a process.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger without straight flow channels is provided, for exchanging heat between fluids. Said heat exchanger, comprises a start plate, an end plate and a number of heat exchanger plates provided with a pressed pattern of ridges and grooves with a pitch. The heat exchanger plates are kept at a distance from each other by contact between ridges and grooves of neighboring plates in contact points, when said plates are being stacked onto one another. Flow channels are thus formed between said plates, the contact points are positioned so that no straight lines are formed along the length of the heat exchanger plates.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger assembly and method. First and second plates made of a predetermined thermally conductive material are configured when mated to form a hermetically sealed vapor chamber. A wick made of the same predetermined thermally conductive material resides in the vapor chamber forming a gas chamber.

Abstract: A two-phase pump loop (TPPL) for dissipating a thermal load during operation of an apparatus includes a coolant, a vapor/liquid receiver, a pump, an evaporator, a condenser, a valve (V1) configured to regulate a pressure at an outlet of the condenser; a valve (V2) having a control set point set equivalent to a low pressure (PL) measured in the vapor/liquid receiver; and a controller configured to control the set points of V1 and V2. The TPPL is configured to cool the thermal load with tight control of the temperature of the coolant that is cooling the apparatus. The TPPL may be combined with a vapor cycle system (VCS) to provide a thermal management system with the VCS being configured to use the same or different coolant than the TPPL.

Abstract: A pumped heat energy storage system (11) is provided. A thermodynamic charging assembly (11?) may be configured to compress a working fluid and generate thermal energy. A thermal storage assembly (32) is coupled to charging assembly to store at atmospheric pressure by way of a conveyable bulk solid thermal storage media thermal energy generated by the charging assembly. A thermodynamic discharging assembly (11?) is coupled to the thermal storage assembly to extract thermal energy from the thermal storage assembly and convert extracted thermal energy to electrical energy. A heat exchanger assembly (34) is coupled to the thermal storage assembly. The heat exchanger assembly is arranged to directly thermally couple the conveyable bulk solid thermal storage media that is conveyed to the heat exchanger assembly with a flow of the working fluid that passes through the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A grey water heat recovery apparatus has first and second passes arranged in counter-flow orientation. It has a hot side for grey water, and a cold side for fresh water supplied under pressure. It extracts heat from the grey water drains of a building. The fresh water is carried in tubing modules in series immersed in a grey water sump in a cylindrical plastic or stainless steel pipe. The coils have a return leg such that both ends of the fresh water coil are carried out through the same upper end pipe closure, without a pressurized line wall penetration in the walls of the pipe. There is a non-electrically conductive barrier between the fresh water and grey water flow paths. The apparatus has a leak detection circuit and co-operable bypass valves. The entire assembly may be enclosed in a unitary external housing with easily accessible connection fittings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat recovery unit to transfer heat from a gray water source discharged from a bath or a shower to preheat fresh cold water supplying a bath, a shower, a boiler system or hot water heater. The heat recovery unit comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a non-return valve, an anode, as well as associated piping and fittings. Fresh water from a pressurized public network or well flows through the inner tube while the gray water flows between the inner and outer tubes. The non-return valve installed in the fresh water pipe prevents contamination of the drinking water system. A translucent pipe may be installed in a section of the gray water piping system to detect any leaks. An insulated jacket may be placed around the unit to reduce heat loss. The heat recovery unit may be used in domestic, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

Abstract: A heat exchanger module adapted for being mounted directly to the outer surface of the housing of an automobile system component, such as a transmission or engine housing, is provided. The heat exchanger module comprises a heat exchanger fixedly attached to an adapter module. The adapter module contains one of more fluid transfer channels, interface connectors, seals and mounting holes for screws and/or bolts. In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter module is comprised of an adapter plate that is sealed with one or more shim plates, the shim plates also providing a brazing surface for brazing the adapter module directly to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger therefore being attached to the adapter module without the use of a base plate.

Abstract: Thermal spray coating methods and thermal spray coated articles are disclosed. The thermal spray coating method includes positioning a covering on a cooling channel of a component, and thermal spraying a feedstock onto the covering. The covering prohibits the feedstock from entering the cooling channel in the component and is not removed from the component. In another embodiment, the thermal spray coating method includes providing a component comprising a substrate material, providing a cooling channel on a surface of the component, positioning a covering on the cooling channel, and thermal spraying a feedstock onto the component and the covering, the feedstock comprising a bond coat material. The covering prohibits the bond coat material from entering the cooling channel. The thermal spray coated article includes a component, a cooling channel, a covering on the cooling channel, and a thermally sprayed coating on the component and the covering.

Abstract: Methods to minimize electro-corrosion in the water cooling ports of stacked heat sinks (coolers) and components fabricated according to those methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved water management systems which deflect or collect evaporative liquid exiting counterflow heat exchangers and improve airflow distribution are provided. Such heat exchangers include open cooling towers, closed circuit cooling towers, and evaporative condensers. The improved water management systems eliminate water splash out and the noise associated with water splashing. Further, when the fan assemblies are located below the evaporative heat exchanger, the improved water management systems keep the fans dry and prevent freezing in subzero climates.

Abstract: The firearm comprises a firearm housing (1) connected to the barrel assembly (2), a firearm breech (3) mounted in the housing (1) and connected to a spring for forcing the breech (3) to its initial shooting position, a tensioning lever (11), a tensioning lever (11) carrier (4) that is connected to the tensioning lever (11) and arranged for common linear movement in the axial direction of the firearm with the tensioning lever (11) in and against the shooting direction. The tensioning lever (11) contains the first latch (6) and lever part (7) wherein the first latch (6) is arranged for controlled movement by means of manual control of the lever part (7) from the first position—shooting position, wherein the first latch (6) is engaged with the barrel assembly (2), fixing the tensioning lever (11) to the barrel assembly (2), to the second position, wherein this engagement is disconnected and the tensioning lever (11) can move in the said axial direction against the shooting direction.

Abstract: A firearm has a barrel, a trigger, a bolt assembly and a magazine well with a longitudinal direction, in which a magazine is movably accommodated in the longitudinal direction. A manually actuable slide is movable substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction. The slide engages on a driver connected to the magazine and moves the driver with the magazine from a safety position into a feed position.

Abstract: An automatic magazine ejection system is disclosed. The automatic magazine ejection system comprises a modified bolt catch, a release switch, and a pivotable magazine catch. The modified bolt catch pivots from a first position to a second position. When in the second position the bottom of an external part of the modified bolt catch moves toward the firearm. The release switch is connected to the modified bolt catch. The bottom of the release switch engages the end of the pivotable magazine catch to pivot the end of the magazine catch out of the magazine well and permit the automatic removal of the magazine. If the release switch is slid to an “off” position then the bottom of the release switch does not engage the pivotable magazine catch when it moves and the magazine is not removed from the magazine well.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a firearm comprises a lower receiver, a bolt carrier, a buffer sleeve and a buffer. The lower receiver is arranged to support a hammer and an auto-sear. The bolt carrier comprises a body and a striker moveable with respect to the body between a first position and a second position. The buffer sleeve is arranged to contact the bolt carrier and to contact a buffer spring. The buffer sleeve defines an internal cavity and comprises open ends. The buffer is oriented in the internal cavity and extends through the buffer sleeve. The buffer is arranged to contact the striker and move the striker to the second position.

Abstract: An elastomer shock absorber for the trigger assembly of a firearm utilizing an elastomer shock absorber positioned between a moving part of the trigger assembly and the frame assembly. Adhesive mounting of the elastomer to the back of the trigger or positioning the elastomer internal to the frame assembly both provide significant reductions in the shock transfer of trigger energy to the gun body, thereby increasing the accuracy of the firearm.

Abstract: One embodiment of a gun configured with soft recoil system comprises a plurality of recoiling parts that initially moves in the direction of the projectile being fired before moving in a direction opposite to that of a projectile during the firing of the round. The soft recoil system throttles the movement of the recoiling parts such that the energy expended during the firing of the round is spread over a longer time period and a longer distance than would normally occur. The soft recoil system stores at least a portion of the energy transferred to the recoiling parts and the user may selectively release at least a part of that portion of energy to offset the energy imparted to the gun during the firing of the next round.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a motor-less cartridge ring gear engagement module (CRGEM) for a turret-rotating system that includes a main drive gear configured to rotate in a rotation plane, a manual input shaft that extends substantially orthogonal relative to the rotation plane, and a drive shaft that extends substantially orthogonal relative to the rotation plane, where the drive shaft and the manual input shaft extend substantially parallel to one another. In an illustrative example, both the main drive gear and a hand crank may be located on a top surface of the CRGEM. In some embodiments, a manual drive cap may be hingedly coupled to the gearbox and configured to rotate in a vertical plane that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation plane. At least some examples may provide for a hand-operated, manual traverse unit that advantageously does not require electrical power to operate.

Abstract: An exercise and training tool is provided for training handgun users to establish a strong grip with the thumb, palm, and other fingers of the hand which are not the trigger finger, and then to independently exercise the index finger in the more delicate and precise motions used for controlling the trigger for improved accuracy. The training tool may also disable a trigger pull function by the index finger unless a proper grip is maintained with the thumb, palm, and other fingers of the hand. Other tactile feedback included within the trigger pull sensation may be offered, to represent operations of a handgun such as trigger “break,” trigger reset, or recoil during a discharge.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a cam assembly, the cam assembly comprising a main cam, a shoot cam coupled to the main cam, and a charge cam coupled to the main cam, wherein the main cam, the shoot cam, and the charge cam are configured to rotate in response to an external force, and the charge cam is configured to persistently store potential energy in the cam assembly upon rotation of the charge cam a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A toy gun capable of illuminating soft projectile being ejected therefrom, comprising a gun body, a grip assembly is fixedly attached to the gun body, and a trigger assembly mounted on the grip assembly. The gun body has a power source, a motor, a launch assembly with a launch tube, a light source and a light reflecting unit. When the trigger assembly of the toy gun is actuated, the power source activates the motor and switches on the light source. The activated motor causes the launch assembly to discharge a soft projectile in the launch tube and the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the light reflecting unit onto the soft projectile once it is discharged, thereby illuminating the soft projectile.