Abstract: A plumbing system pressure protection valve assembly that utilizes a unitary body to connect a hot water tank to a cold water supply, a vacuum breaker, and an expansion tank. The assembly includes two ball valves coupled to the unitary body to isolate the hot water tank from the cold water feed and to isolate and permit draining of the expansion tank. The assembly also includes a rod and foot coupled to a tab on the unitary body to provide support for the expansion tank service valve assembly.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a housing having an air outlet chamber, an air treatment apparatus disposed in the housing, and an air guide mechanism movably disposed in the housing. A vent connecting the air outlet chamber with outside is formed at a sidewall of the air outlet chamber. The air treatment apparatus includes an air treatment unit and has an air inlet. The air guide mechanism is configured to connect an inner cavity of the air treatment unit with outside or isolate the inner cavity of the air treatment unit from outside. When the inner cavity of the air treatment unit is in communication with outside, air entering through the air inlet flows through the air treatment unit and into the air outlet chamber, and then flows out through the vent.

Abstract: Provided are an air purification device (100) and an air conditioner (1000). The air purification device (100) includes a housing (1), a filter module (2), and a plurality of power supply elements (3). The housing (1) has an accommodation cavity (11). The filter module (2) is disposed within the accommodation cavity (11) and has a plurality of electrical connectors (21) provided thereon and arranged at intervals in a first direction. The plurality of power supply elements (3) are arranged at intervals at the housing (1) in the first direction and have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of electrical connectors (21). Each of the plurality of power supply elements (3) has a plurality of power supply contacts (31). When the plurality of electrical connectors (21) is in contact with one of the plurality of power supply contacts (31) of each of the plurality of power supply elements (3), the power supply elements (3) is electrically connected to the electrical connectors (21).

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes: an outdoor unit including a first refrigerant circuit that includes a compressor and a first heat exchanger; a first indoor unit disposed in a first indoor space and that includes a second heat exchanger; a second indoor unit including a third heat exchanger; an intermediate unit including an intermediate refrigerant circuit that causes the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger to individually function as an evaporator or a condenser; and a first auxiliary refrigerant circuit including a first auxiliary heat exchanger and a second auxiliary heat exchanger connected in series to the first auxiliary heat exchanger via a refrigerant pipe.

Abstract: The outdoor unit (1000) includes a housing whose inside is divided into a fan chamber (110) and a machine chamber (120). A compressor and a reactor that are heat-generating components are provided in a lower area of the machine chamber (120). An electric board (50) including a printed circuit board (51) and an electric component (52), and an electric component box (10) constituted by an inner box (11) and an outer box (12) and accommodating the electric board are provided above the heat-generating components. A lower face of the inner box (first thermal insulation plate) and a lower face of the outer box (second thermal insulation plate) constitute a double thermal insulation plate (10a).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ventilation apparatus including a housing including: an intake flow path provided to draw outdoor air into an indoor space and an discharge flow path provided to discharge indoor air to the outside, a cover covering the housing, a total heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between air flowing in the intake flow path and air flowing in the discharge flow path, and a dehumidification unit including a heat exchanger provided on the intake flow path configured to remove moisture in the air flowing in the intake flow path and a drain tray configured to collect condensate generated from the heat exchanger, wherein the housing includes a first housing including a first hole asymmetrically formed on one surface of the housing with respect to a center line of the one surface extending in a long axis direction and a short axis direction of the one surface and configured to allow the drain tray and the total heat exchanger to be withdrawn from the outside of the housing, and a s

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing startup time of an equipment front end module (EFEM). The EFEM may include an EFEM chamber formed between a plurality of walls, an upper plenum above the EFEM chamber, the upper plenum in fluid communication with the EFEM chamber, a plurality of ducts that provide a return gas flow path enabling recirculation of gas from the EFEM chamber to the upper plenum, one or more filters that separate the upper plenum from the EFEM chamber, an isolation gate configured to block the return gas flow path responsive to the isolation gate being actuated to a closed position to isolate the one or more filters from an ambient environment responsive to a gas being flowed through the upper plenum when the EFEM chamber is opened to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic powered phase change material thermal energy storage system includes a refrigerator unit having a phase change material (PCM) tank and a photovoltaic (PV) panel to provide electrical energy to the PCM tank to melt a PCM stored therein. The PCM tank includes a refrigeration coil immersed in the PCM and configured to circulate refrigerant to between the PCM tank and a condenser. Energy released and absorbed during solidification and melting of the PCM is used to support an air-conditioning (AC) unit and substitute power used by a compressor of the AC unit, to handle demand during peak hours, thereby reducing overall power requirement of a facility. The melting of the PCM is also controlled, so that the AC unit may operate with the aid of the PCM for longer duration during the day.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a PCM storage unit comprises a first side and a second side, each side having a perimeter; a perimeter seal joining the first and second sides together at the perimeters of the first and second side, whereby the first and second sides are at least partly spaced apart from each other to define at least one PCM storage area between the first and second sides; and PCM contained in the least one PCM storage area; wherein the first and second sides are made of metal or metal alloy. The PCM storage unit can comprise the first and second sides that are hermetically sealed by the perimeter seal, or can comprises a PCM that is flammable. The PCM contained in the least one PCM storage area can have a Smoke Developed Index greater than 50 when burned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data center and an air conditioning system thereof. The air conditioning system includes an air-inlet grille, a precooling module, a first spray module, a cooling module, a direct evaporative heat exchanger, a second spray module, a water collector, and an outdoor fan. The precooling module is arranged on an inner side of the air-inlet grille and includes a plurality of groups of indirect evaporative coolers. The first spray module is arranged above the precooling module, and the second spray module is arranged above the direct evaporative heat exchanger. The cooling module is arranged below the direct evaporative heat exchanger and includes a plurality of cooling sub-modules.

Abstract: A steam dispersion system for building humidification is disclosed. At least a portion of the steam dispersion system is comprised of a flexible material that is collapsible for changing the outer dimension of the portion comprised of the flexible material from a greater, higher-pressure, size, to a smaller, lower-pressure, size.

Abstract: Ventilation members for venting and/or draining moisture in building structures include a base panel and at least a transversely extending panel. Vent or drain openings are provided through the transverse panel, and a holding clip extends from the transverse panel for holding a drainage mat in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conditioning ventilation system 1.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a climate controlled safe system. The climate controlled safe system includes a safe body, a safe door pivotly coupled to the safe body, an insert removably coupled to the safe body, and wherein the insert further includes an insert body, an insert door pivotly coupled to the insert body, and further wherein the insert door includes a removable climate control unit and a removable hygrometer.

Abstract: A normalization unit acquires a normalized reference value being a value obtained from normalization of a reference value according to a predetermined normalization rule, the reference value being a status value acquired from an air conditioner during a normal estimation period during which the air conditioner is estimated to operate normally, the status value indicating an operational status of the air conditioner. An acquiring unit acquires from the air conditioner, the status value as a diagnosis value during a diagnosis period during which it is not clear whether or not the air conditioner operates normally and which is after the normal estimation period. The normalization unit normalizes the diagnosis value according to the normalization rule.

Abstract: A monitoring system is configured to monitor an environment within an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system. The monitoring system includes a sensor configured to acquire data indicative of an environmental parameter value within the enclosure. The monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive the data from the sensor, to determine occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data, and to instruct a circuit breaker of the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to determining the occurrence of the thermal event.

Abstract: A system for predicting failure of an HVAC fan motor unit includes a fan motor controller for measuring a time duration between reception of the deactivation signal from the control circuitry and speed of a fan reaching zero rotations per minute (RPM). The measured time duration is then transmitted to the control circuitry. The control circuitry stores a set of test time durations characterizing a working fan motor unit. During operation, the control circuitry periodically transmits an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the fan motor controller. The control circuitry receives and compares the measured time duration from the fan motor controller with a test time duration to generate a delta time duration variable. Subsequently, the control circuitry determines if the generated delta time duration variable exceeds a threshold time duration and predicts a failure time duration for the generated delta time duration to reach the threshold time duration.

Abstract: A facility providing systems and methods for managing and optimizing thermal comfort is provided. The facility is a software algorithm that intelligently detects the thermal comfort preferences of residential smart thermostat users, where a user's “comfort preference” is defined to refer to an estimate of a measurement of the user's comfort across varying values of some set of exogenous factors, including but not limited to indoor temperature, the time of day, the day of the week, and weather conditions. This facility encompasses the use of this “comfort preference” for the creation of an optimal schedule of setpoints for a residential thermostat which is configured to optimize some objective, including potentially user comfort, energy efficiency, load shift, or cost.

Abstract: A control device for an HVAC system is provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to control devices that facilitate adjustment of heating and cooling setpoints. In one embodiment, the control device allows for concurrent adjustment of the heating and cooling setpoints while maintaining a desired deadband value therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for setting a combination desired temperature for a plurality of air conditioners installed in a target zone, and a method for calculating base relationship information of the target zone include setting a combination desired temperature of a top-priority air conditioner among the air conditioners by at least one test driving of the top-priority air conditioner, the combination desired temperature of the top-priority air conditioner being a desired temperature of the top-priority air conditioner for realizing a comfortable temperature range of the target zone; and in response to a temperature of at least one temperature sensor among temperature sensors being outside the comfortable temperature range while the top-priority air conditioner is driven at the combination desired temperature of the top-priority air conditioner, adjusting the combination desired temperature of the first air conditioner through test driving of the first air conditioner.

Abstract: A system includes: a housing; a hot water tank arranged within the housing and configured to store a first volume of water; a cold water tank arranged within the housing and configured to store a second volume of water; an exterior heat exchanger arranged on the housing and defining a set of fluid channels extending vertically along an exterior wall of the housing; and an interior heat exchanger thermally coupled to an interior volume of a building. The system also includes a set of valves configured to: during daytime, route the first volume between the hot water tank and the exterior heat exchanger and route the second volume between the cold water tank and the interior heat exchanger; and, during nighttime, route the first volume between the hot water tank and the interior heat exchanger and route the second volume between the cold water tank and the exterior heat exchanger.

Abstract: There is described an actuator for a damper comprising an electrical circuit, a cable coupled to the electrical circuit, a lower housing supporting the electrical circuit, and an upper housing coupled to the lower housing. The electrical circuit controls positions of the damper. The cable provides power and control to the electrical circuit. The lower housing includes a first trough and a second trough to provide support for the cable in a first direction. The upper housing includes a first protuberance and a second protuberance to provide support for the cable in a second direction. The first and second protuberances are positioned offset from the first and second troughs of the lower housing.

Abstract: A ventilation conduit is provided, the ventilation conduit being configured to be installed in a building structure with cement poured on said conduit. The ventilation conduit is configured to have a profile section comprising a plurality of layers, a first layer being of a first material and a second layer being of a second material having anti-corrosion properties. The first material may be any of galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel and the second material may be a polymer-based material. The layers are arranged in a configuration having periodic waves and sealing regions in a hook configuration. An anti-corrosion coating and a thermal insulation membrane may be applied on the first and second materials. A method for processing and installing a ventilation conduit is further provided, the method allowing the processing of ventilation conduits as described above.

Abstract: A system and method for providing individualized climate control for guests seated at a table. Air flows from vents in the table, providing either warming, cooling, or fresh air as appropriate. The vents include means of adjustment so that each guest may personalize the amount of air flow as well as the direction of air flow. The air is provided from a centralized heating and/or cooling system and is piped through the floor. The air is directed up from the floor to the table through one or more pipes located in the table base. The floor includes a plurality of air vents that can be used to connect the underfloor air system to the table bases. The system allows for easy reconfiguration, as tables can be easily repositioned and connected at other ports.

Abstract: An abort gate to divert airflow in an air system comprises a housing having a flow inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet. A flow diverting blade is mounted to a shaft within said housing. Rotating a blade arming bar also rotates the flow diverting blade within said housing between a first position and a second position. A pulley bar mounted to the shaft adjacent to the blade arming bar comprises a pulley bar pulley that receives a cable that connects said pulley bar to a winch and a tab on the pulley bar that extends towards the blade arming bar, such that rotation of the pulley bar toward the blade arming bar causes the tab to push said blade arming bar and also rotate the blade arming bar thereby rotating said flow diverting blade.

Abstract: An air purifier may include: a first body including a case having an inlet and an outlet, and a fan disposed inside the case; and a second body coupled to a top of the first body and including a central portion and an outer edge surrounding the central portion, wherein the second body includes: a lower body coupled to the first body; a cover disposed over the lower body; and an upper body disposed between the lower body and the cover, the upper body having a greater height at a portion thereof that corresponds to the outer edge than at a portion thereof that corresponds to the central portion, thereby allowing water, penetrating into the second body, to be collected.

Abstract: An HVAC condensate evaporation system or aerobic dispersion system may transform the condensate that drains out of HVAC systems and/or septic systems into steam that is less likely to cause property damage. The system may be installed midstream in a condensate line and condensate that flows through the condensate line in normal operation may enter the chamber where it hits a solar-powered boiler that evaporates the condensate back into the atmosphere as steam. By converting the condensate into steam, property damage due to drainage out of the condensate line of an HVAC system may be minimized, or even eliminated. The system also may include a back-up capacitor or battery for low solar days. The system may further include wireless notification capability, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi capability, to transmit notifications to the building owner or other interested parties of condensate issues as they may arise.

Abstract: A ceramic heater 171,172 comprising: a ceramic base 17g extending in an axial-line-L direction; and a heat generation portion 17a, wherein a length Lh in the axial-line direction of the heat generation portion and a maximum outer diameter D of the ceramic heater satisfy a relationship of 8?Lh/D.

Abstract: An electric air heater system including a first electric air heater module. The first electric air heater module including an outer casing having an inner surface, a first end, and a second end; a refractory insulation layer in tight communication with the outer casing; an inner cavity within the refractory insulation layer; and a plurality of tubes extending through the inner cavity from the first end to the second end, the plurality of tubes each having an exterior surface. Each tube is fixed relative to the outer casing at the first end, and each tube has an electrical connection disposed at the first end. The plurality of tubes is arranged into one or more bundles of tubes, where each bundle includes two or more tubes having a plurality of fins extending radially from the exterior surface, and a heating element axially through a hollow interior of the tube.

Abstract: An electrical heating device for a motor vehicle includes an at least partially electrically conductive housing having an end face in which a circumferential groove is provided. A lid, formed from sheet metal, seals the housing. An adhesive is introduced into the groove The lid has a circumferential edge which engages in the groove such that the edge of the lid is immersed circumferentially in the adhesive. The inside dimension of the groove is smaller than the wall thickness of the lid.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control device, a heat source system, a control method, and a control program with which a heat medium at a required temperature can be more effectively sent out. This control device, which is applied to a heat source system 1 comprising a plurality of heat source machines (2a), (2b) connected in series, comprises a setting unit which sets the outlet setting temperatures of cool water in the respective heat source machines (2a), (2b) on the basis of: a measured value of a cool water flow rate, measured values of inlet temperatures of the cool water in the respective heat source machines (2a), (2b); and the required outlet temperature of the cool water in the heat source system (1).

Abstract: Receiving and storage of energy, and particularly a particle solar receiver for solar thermal power generation. The particle solar receiver includes: a feeding bin temporarily storing endothermic particles to be heated, and a multi-stage plate heat absorbing channel allowing the particles to flow along a predetermined path by gravity, where the multi-stage plate heat absorbing channel includes a plurality of plate-type structures which forms a changing flow direction of the particles flowing between adjacent plate-type structures. The particle solar receiver can achieve the endothermic particle heating function with a simple structure, i.e., the function of converting the solar power into thermal energy at a high-temperature level.

Abstract: A film stretching unit uses a solar-thermal process temperature control system for a film stretching unit. The process temperature control system comprises at least a solar heat generator and a heat storage unit. A heat consumer circuit is connected to the heat storage unit in order to be capable of drawing stored thermal energy to supply a film stretching unit 1 with thermal energy.

Abstract: Provided are an infrared absorber having extremely low reflectivity in the wavelength band of infrared rays, a method for manufacturing the same, a black-body radiation device, and a radiative cooling device. Provided is an infrared absorber 10 provided with: an absorption layer 11 comprising carbon black and a resin; and, on the absorption layer 11, a surface layer 12 that comprises a resin including essentially no pigment and that has an optical confinement structure 13 in which a plurality of minute projections are formed on the surface thereof, the hemispherical total reflectivity of the infrared absorber 10 in infrared wavelengths of 5-15 ?m being 0.2% or less. Further provided are a method for manufacturing the infrared absorber, a black-body radiation device, and a radiative cooling device.

Abstract: Cascaded Cold Climate Heat Pump systems (“CCCHP”) and methods are disclosed. A CCCHP provides efficiency improvements over traditional heat pump systems by utilizing a connected cascaded circuit configuration, to apportion compressor load of a heat pump circuit between two or more circuits. One embodiment that allows the CCCHP to achieve this efficiency improvement includes connecting multiple cold climate heat pump circuits through an intermediary heat exchange unit in a cascaded configuration, where energy is displaced from one refrigerant flow of a circuit into the refrigerant flow of another circuit. This allows each circuit to deploy a smaller compressor that operates within a narrower pressure and temperature range, than it otherwise would if it utilized a single larger compressor in a single circuit operating within a larger pressure range, which has a larger pressure differential between its initial state and its desired state causing inefficiency in the system.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for energy distribution that uses liquid carbon dioxide as a working fluid. Evaporation of the carbon dioxide provides cooling, and compression of the carbon dioxide gas back to the liquid state provides heat. The amount of heat transferred at both stages is sufficient to provide environmental heating and cooling. Waste thermal energy from a power plant, in the form of hot water, is fed into the system and used to drive the overall process. An underground thermal energy storage system is used to store energy flowing into the system that is in excess of the current demand.

Abstract: A rotating magnetic field generation device of the present invention includes: a magnetic field generating unit including disks in which a plurality of magnets are arranged circumferentially, a magnetic field working space formed by stacking the disks at intervals to make the plurality of magnets face each other, and a shaft to which the stacked disks are fixed, the shaft being installed at a central axis of the disks; an adiabatic vacuum vessel in which the magnetic field generating unit is installed; and a drive mechanism that is installed in a room temperature region and rotates the shaft.

Abstract: A shipping container having a temperature-controlled thermal sleeve. A sleeve assembly is fixed within the container housing, including a metal sleeve for holding a temperature-sensitive sample package and temperature sensors for monitoring the ambient temperature around the metal sleeve. A thermal element is affixed proximate to the metal sleeve, coupled to a heat sink, and controlled by a circuit that is configured to provide power to the thermal element as needed to substantially maintain the desired temperature of the sample package during transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beauty instrument, comprising: a housing with vents therethrough as an air inlet or air outlet; a control circuit board in the housing; a light source assembly in the housing and electrically connected with the control circuit board; and a thermoelectric cooling assembly. The thermoelectric cooling assembly comprises: a thermoelectric cooler, a heat sink, a fan, and a heat transfer assembly. The heat transfer assembly comprises a VC or an ALVC or an Aluminum Heat Pipe. The heat transfer assembly is thermally connected between the heat sink and the hot side of thermoelectric cooler. A front end of the beauty instrument has a light outlet surface; the cold side is connected to and cool the light outlet surface, or the cold side serves as the light outlet surface, thereby, the light outlet surface is able to cool skin in contact.

Abstract: A multi-step method is disclosed for exchanging heat in a vapor compression heat transfer system having a working fluid circulating therethrough. The method includes the step of circulating a working fluid comprising a fluoroolefin to an inlet of a first tube of an internal heat exchanger, through the internal heat exchanger and to an outlet thereof. Also disclosed are vapor compression heat transfer systems for exchanging heat. The systems include an evaporator, a compressor, a dual-row condenser and an intermediate heat exchanger having a first tube and a second tube. A disclosed system involves a dual-row condenser connected to the first and second intermediate heat exchanger tubes. Another disclosed system involves a dual-row evaporator connected to the first and second intermediate heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a compressor; a condenser; a hot pipe; at least one capillary tube; at least one evaporator; a valve device including: an input port connected to the condenser; a first port connected to one end of the hot pipe; a second port connected to an other end; and at least one output port connected to the at least one capillary tube; and a controller configured to: control the valve device to operate in the first mode by connecting one of the first port and the second port to the input port and connecting an other one to the output port; control the valve device to operate in the second mode, by closing one of the first port and the second port and connecting an other one to the output port; and control the valve device to operate in the third mode, by closing all the first port and the second port.

Abstract: A vapour compression refrigeration system has a main refrigerant circuit having a main gas cooler or condenser arranged in a high pressure branch, a first main evaporator arranged in a first low pressure branch, a main compressor fluidically connecting the first low pressure branch to the high pressure branch, and an expansion device connecting the high pressure branch to an intermediate pressure branch. The system has a by-pass branch connecting the high-pressure branch to the intermediate pressure branch and provided with a by-pass valve, a secondary refrigerant circuit having a secondary gas cooler or condenser arranged in a secondary high pressure branch, a secondary evaporator arranged in a secondary low pressure branch, and a secondary expansion device connecting the secondary high pressure branch to the secondary low pressure branch. A rotary pressure exchanger is fluidically connected to the by-pass branch downstream of the by-pass valve and the secondary refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a air purge device that can effectively discharge air.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a unit cooler, which includes a first evaporator coil, a second evaporator coil, and a blower. The HVAC system further includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The controller actuates the blower to direct air to flow over the first evaporator coil and the second evaporator coil, receives measurements from the first sensor and the second sensor, initiates a defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the first valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the first evaporator coil, transmits instructions to open the first valve when the defrost cycle for the first evaporator coil has terminated, and initiates a defrost cycle for the second evaporator coil by transmitting instructions to close the second valve to prevent the flow of refrigerant into the second evaporator coil.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus (100), which is arranged on a pipe (101), and is configured to measure the liquid content of a medium within the pipe (101); said apparatus comprises: a light transmission member (210), a light generation device (203), and a light reception device (204); the light generation device (203) is configured to emit emission light toward the light transmission member (210) that passes through an outer boundary wall (214) of the light transmission member (210) and has a preset emission angle, and the light reception device (204) is configured to receive reflection light after the emission light is reflected by an inner boundary wall (215) of the light transmission member (210). The measurement apparatus (100) can directly detect whether liquid is carried in a gaseous refrigerant exiting from an evaporator, as well as measure the amount of carried liquid.

Abstract: A refrigeration system configured to receive a refrigerant is provided, as well as a walk-in refrigeration unit configured to utilize said system. The refrigeration system comprises: a power source, a condenser unit, an evaporation unit, a plurality of compressors, wherein each of the plurality of compressors is communicably coupled to the condenser unit, and a plurality of expansion devices, wherein each of the plurality of expansion devices is communicably coupled to the evaporation unit. The system is configured to receive an A3 refrigerant having a Global Warming Potential (GWP) value less than 10.

Abstract: An ice maker includes an upper assembly including a plurality of hemispherical upper chambers, a lower assembly disposed below and pivotally coupled relative to the upper assembly, wherein the lower assembly includes a plurality of hemispherical lower chambers, a driver configured to pivot the lower assembly, a pair of rotating parts disposed at both sides of the lower assembly, a first pivoting arm pivotally mounted on one of the rotating parts, a second pivoting arm pivotally mounted on the other of the rotating parts and connected to the driver, a connection shaft connecting the first pivoting arm to the second pivoting arm, a first elastic member having one end connected to the first pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly, and a second elastic member having one end connected to the second pivoting arm and the other end connected to the lower assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator. A refrigerator according to the present invention may comprises a first tray assembly forming one part of ice-making cells, and a second tray assembly forming the other part of same. Following the start of ice making process, so that ice can be produced in the direction of ice-making cells formed by any one tray assembly, from among the first and second tray assemblies, to the ice-making cells formed by the other tray assembly, the other tray assembly comprises a first surface forming a part of the ice-making cells, and a second surface extending from the first surface and supported by at least one surface of the one assembly.

Abstract: An ice machine, tray, and tray insert are provided. A heat exchanger cools the liquid to freezing, then overcomes the heat of fusion to form ice. The tray includes an energy transfer surface in thermal contact with the heat exchanger to define a liquid/ice boundary layer. The tray further includes at least one freezing cavity. An egress area is defined in the tray above the freezing cavity. An insert traps a small volume of liquid, thus hindering movement of the liquid underneath the inserts and providing a nucleation/seed site. A mixing mechanism displaces the liquid thereby causing the liquid to flow to create a velocity profile at the liquid/ice boundary layer to create a directional freezing process starting from the energy transfer surface of the tray in thermal contact with the heat exchanger and growing through the freezing cavity up to the egress area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a cooler with a telescoping apparatus for access of separate contents to the main container in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a telescoping cooler for access into an insulated container is provided, the telescoping cooler comprising a telescoping bar having a compressed configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the telescoping bar in the extended configuration allows a user to exchange one or more contents of a connected carrier train without opening a primary opening of the insulated container; the connected carrier train attached to the telescoping bar, wherein the connected carrier train comprises a plurality of compartments for holding the one or more contents; a cache enclosure separating the connected carrier train from the insulated container when the telescoping bar is in the compressed configuration.