Abstract: A fluid medium such as a gas and a liquid medium are interacted within a convoluted array of tubes, wherein the liquid medium is present as "rain-fall" rather than flooding the array of tubes, with a heat transfer medium being passed through the tubes to heat or cool the liquid medium, as the case may be, to drive the mass transfer occurring in the interaction between gas and liquid medium.

Abstract: A steam condenser wherein the steam is precipitated on tubes (13), through which cooling water flows and which are gathered into separate bundles. Each bundle is divided into compartments by support plates, the support plates being arranged perpendicularly to the tubes. The tubes, which are arranged in rows and form a bundle, envelop a cavity (19), in which a cooler (3) is disposed for the non-condensible gases. The non-condensible gases flow from the cooler (3) via orifices (6) into a suction channel (4), which is common to all compartments and extends over the entire length of the tubes (13). There is only one cooler (3), to which the suction channel (4) is directly attached, and the passage areas of the orifices (6) in the compartments are dimensioned in such a manner that the local, non-condensible mass flow is withdrawn with the locally available pressure difference.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for extracting thermal energy from a process fluid, comprising a first group of at least one plate-fin heat exchange module and a second group of at least one plate-fin heat exchange module. Each plate-fin heat exchange module includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of spaced-apart plates for communicating a refrigerant fluid in a cross-direction to a process fluid. The modules are sequenced alternately with one of the modules of the first group adjacent one of the modules of the second group. The modules are disposed so that the refrigerant fluid flows in a first direction through the modules of the first group and flows in a second opposite direction through the modules of the second group. A supply header connects to the inlets of each heat exchange module in parallel for communicating the refrigerant fluid from a supply to the heat exchange modules.

Abstract: An air cleaner with a smoke alarm unit for a forced air recirculating system is disclosed. The smoke alarm unit is housed within a module that fits within the frame of the air cleaner with minimal impact on the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a battery capacity tester and air cleaner functionality detector are included in the module. Signals from the battery tester and functionality detector are used by the smoke alarm unit to drive an alarm generator with different signals to produce distinguishable alarms for a smoke condition, low battery condition, and an air cleaner failure. A control unit may receive any of the alarm conditions to execute different control actions in the forced air system.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a fan for forcing air through an air path. An endless belt filter travels through a water tank and across the air path to exchange heat with air passing through the belt filter. A heater is provided for selectively heating the water. A moisture collecting filter disposed in the air path downstream of the belt filter removes moisture from the air. Sensors detect the volume and temperature of the water in the tank for actuating either or both of the heater and a warning buzzer. A speaker is mounted in the air conditioner housing and is connectible to a radio. A switching circuit causes radio sound from the speaker to be muted and instead causes the speaker to emit the warning buzzer when the latter is activated by a sensor.

Abstract: A new and improved failure alarm apparatus is provided for a furnace and an air conditioner which selectively, alternately share a common thermostat. The furnace and air conditioner failure alarm apparatus includes a battery power supply for powering electrical circuits in case of AC power failure. A first sensor assembly circuit monitors thermostat status and is connected to a thermostat on a neutral wire (white wire) connected to the thermostat. Each of a second and third sensor assembly includes a respective temperature sensor and a respective temperature sensor circuit. A second temperature sensor is placed adjacent to an air duct outlet. In addition, a third temperature sensor (an environmental temperature sensor) is housed in the furnace and air conditioner failure assembly housing where the signal processing an alarm circuitry are housed.

Abstract: A pressure switch for an energy recovery ventilator. The energy recovery ventilator for exchanging indoor air with outdoor air. The energy recovery ventilator having a housing including a first, and a second input port, and, a first and a second exhaust port, and a heat exchanger core. The energy recovery ventilator further having a first blower for drawing indoor air into said energy recovery ventilator through said first input port, through said heat exchanger core and out said first exhaust port, and a second blower for drawing outdoor air into said energy recovery ventilator through said second input port, through said heat exchanger core and out said second exhaust port. The pressure switch for determines if there is balanced air flow through the energy recovery ventilator. The pressure switch comprises means for sensing the pressure at the heat exchanger core near all four ports.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical, dual tube and plug device for on-line monitoring of performance losses due to reduced conductivity of a heat exchanger resulting from micro-bio fouling of the surfaces of said heat exchanger/condenser and for detecting change of heat transfer resistance of individual heat transfer tubes. The dual tube and plug assembly includes a first flow assembly tube and a second temperature assembly tube attached to the discharge end of a heat exchanger for providing accurate measurement of temperature and cooling water flow. The first flow assembly tube includes a tube having an inner chamber, including a flow sensor comprising a paddle wheel and a sensor and a temperature sensor for measuring discharge water temperature. The second temperature assembly tube plugs the inlet and the outlet of a heat transfer tube immediately adjacent to the flow assembly tube and includes a plurality of spring loaded temperature sensors in the plugged empty heat transfer tube.

Abstract: A fuel heater formed form an elongated structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel and fuel measurement means. The fuel measurement means is fit to a conduit formed in the elongated structure. The fuel measurement means can be a capacitive-type level sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for cold drying or cold-condensing of gas comprises a heat exchange device and drying device through which a cold-carrying medium flows and which is cooled to such an extent that moisture contained in the gas under treatment is condensed out, frosted out, frozen out and/or liquefied. The heat exchange device and the drying device comprise an integral unit. At least one discharge pipe drains away the liquid condensate, the frost or ice and/or the liquid which are separated from the gas flow.

Abstract: For use in the fabrication of electronic circuit modules, there is provided a heating furnace which can be arbitrarily set in a desired temperature profile. The furnace includes a plural number of independently controllable heaters located in spaced positions to provide a plural number of heating zones in the furnace, and a plural number of cooling panels provided in the heating zones of the respective heaters. Each heater is independently controlled according to a specified type of substrate to establish a temperature profile for the specified substrate type in the furnace to carry out the curing of a sealing synthetic resin material of a semiconductor device and the reflow soldering of surface mounting devices in one and single furnace.

Abstract: An air circulation system is used to control the temperature in an area defined by a series of zones. The system has a hot deck and a cold deck, and a series of ducts each extending from the downstream side of the decks to a respective zone. A damper in each duct controls the amount of air entering the duct from each deck. The zone having the highest heat load and the zone having the lowest heat load are empirically determined, and a sensor is installed in each of those zones to monitor temperature. A temperature deviation in those zones from a temperature initially set into the system causes the duct dampers to those zones to adjust, and may also cause heat to be supplied or withdrawn from the decks. Each of the remaining zones normally has a temperature between those of the highest and lowest heat load zones.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the type, extent, and threshold of fouling in a heat exchanger test tube by using a reference test block to measure a reference thermal relaxation time at a guaranteed clean reference section of a heat exchanger test tube and comparing the reference thermal relaxation time with thermal relaxation times measured at the bottom region of unclean sections of the heat exchanger test tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the operational monitoring of a condenser including a steam chamber through which steam to be condensed flows and at least one configuration having a plurality of tubes in the steam chamber through which a coolant fluid passes from an inlet to an outlet end. The steam pressure and/or temperature is measured at least at one measuring point in the steam chamber. In addition, the inlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the inlet end, the outlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the outlet end and the coolant fluid mass throughput are measured at each selected tube. The measurements are evaluated to determine the heat transfer coefficient of each selected tube and the coefficients thus determined are assessed for diagnostic purposes. In particular, a signal is given when at least one heat transfer coefficient differs substantially from a predetermined setting.

Abstract: An in-line sight indicator structure for a fluid system wherein a chamber defining flow-through sight housing includes a sight glass in one wall portion thereof and a support member extending from an opposite wall portion in spaced relation to the sight glass to support an indicator element mounted thereon within a fluid stream passed through the chamber, the housing being hermetically sealed from ambient.

Abstract: Units for supplying a circuit of a heating or cooling supply system which are required for conveying a medium and for regulating and monitoring are arranged at parallel pipelines for the forward and return flows so as to be combined in an installation-ready structural component group in a housing of thermal insulating plastic, the housing being divided into a lower shell and an upper shell by a seam extending approximately in the central plane formed by the pipelines, the lower shell and the upper shell having a lock-seam connection with lock-seams that form a positive-locking connection along the entire outer edges of the shells, the upper shell being provided with openings that allow the parts of the units essential for operation to penetrate, while the lower shell is provided with a component for direct fastening to a wall, the strength and thickness of the material of the lower shell and upper shell being selected so that the housing can be used as protective transportation packing for the structural comp

Abstract: Air to be introduced into the cabin of a motor vehicle passes over a measuring device, in which parameters such as temperature, humidity and pollution are measured. The measuring device comprises a housing having an air inlet, which is supplied with a fraction of the air stream, and an air outlet for evacuating this fraction. The housing has an internal chamber which communicates with both the air inlet and the air outlet, and air circulating means such as a pump are provided for setting up a differential pressure between the inlet and outlet so that the fraction of the air stream to be measured flows through the chamber in the housing. The sensor or sensors are arranged in this chamber, so that they are always ventilated by the air passing through the latter.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hot spots in a rotary regenerative air preheater which compensates for normal variations in the temperature of the incoming hot gas stream or incoming cold air stream. Alarm conditions are based on calculations relating to the average and maximum outlet gas or outlet air over a period of time compared to the air and gas inlet temperature. The alarm is triggered if the maximum values deviate from the time averaged values more than a selected percentage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a rotatable mass of structured packing for mass or heat transfer between two contacting fluids of different densities wherein the packing mass is made up of corrugated sheets of involute shape relative to the axis of the packing mass and form a logarithmic spiral curved counter to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A hierarchical control system including a central receiver; a first communications medium operably connecting the central receiver to at least one controller; and a controller operably connected to the central receiver by the first communications medium. The system also includes a sensor for sensing conditions; a second communication medium; and a transmitter for transmitting the sensed conditions from the sensor to the central receiver via the second communications medium. The central receiver also includes receiver for receiving transmissions on the second communications medium and a transmitter for retransmitting the transmissions on the first communications medium.

Abstract: A system for monitoring abnormalities in a heat exchanger having heat-exchange tubes for heating feed water with extraction steam, an inlet and an outlet for the feed water, and a drain cooling zone, includes a process input, an apparatus for calculating the differential pressure between the feed water pressures at the inlet and outlet, an apparatus for computing the heat exchanging performance of the heat exchanger, and judgement apparatus for monitoring the differential pressure and the heat exchanging performance, thereby judging the presence or absence of scale accretion within the heat exchanger end, whenever scale accretion is present, judging the specific locations of the scale accretion in the inner and outer surfaces of the heat-exchange tubes, fluid flow distribution passageways and devices other than the heat-exchange tubes.

Abstract: A cooling/warming control system of an air-conditioner comprises a transmitting portion and a receiving portion for radiating ultra-sonic waves from the air-conditioner to a room wall surface and receiving the ultra-sonic pulses reflected therefrom using a number of ultra-sonic wave sensors. A microcomputer calculates the time interval from the moment the radiation of the ultra-sonic pulses are transmitted until the reflecting wave pulses are received, measures the room area or volume and compares the measurement with the previous set area or volume, determines the magnitude of the cooling/warming load and then controls the load operating system connected thereto in order to operate loads in multiple stages according to the room temperature.

Abstract: A double containment liquid source gas line uses an outer annular chamber which functions as a safety containment housing and a thermal control liner. The thermal control is accomplished by providing hot water and pumping the water in a closed loop configuration. The water serves to accurately and reliably control temperature of liquid source gas in the gas line. The water is in a closed loop system, so that, by providing leak detection equipment on the water line, faults in either chamber may be rapidly detected.

Abstract: A pyrolytic converter utilizing a rotatable drum surrounded by an outer drum support structure and disposed in an oven chamber pyrolyzes materials including plastic waste, tires, materials from automobile shredding operations, containers and trays of plastic material, rubber, leather, garbage, sewage sludge, coal, oil shale, broken asphalt and the like. The gaseous products of pyrolyzation are collected and condensed in a series of three tanks; the later two of which are water filled and the intermediate one of which has a chamber in which expanding steam creates turbulence and provides an air lift which forms water into a spray for cooling incoming gases while simultaneously scrubbing the gases. The gases are condensed into oils of successively higher volatility in the first, second and third tanks.

Abstract: A heat-pump type air-conditioner includes a potentiometer provided to output a voltage corresponding to a position of a slidable terminal movable on a register element. Based on the magnitude of the output voltage, one of a cooling mode, a stop mode and a heating mode is set, as is the speed of the compressor consequently, both the modes selection and the temperature control can be performed with one switch operation.

Abstract: A flexible air duct is connected to a dishwashing unit for conducting hot moist air therefrom. Opposite ends of the duct communicate with the dishwashing unit for conducting condensed water back thereto, while hot air is discharged through an air outlet disposed intermediate the ends of the duct. The duct is of oblong cross-section and includes cooling fins on one side.

Abstract: In accordance with the method of this invention, sulfur is removed from the gas stream exiting a sulfur storage tank through condensation and impingement of droplets and/or particles of elemental sulfur on the baffles and wall(s) of indirectly cooled scrubber-condenser. In order to effect the melting and return to the liquid sulfur storage tank of any sulfur collected on the baffles and wall(s) of the scrubber-condenser, said baffles and wall(s) are periodically heated, preferably with indirect steam. The scrubber-condenser apparatus of this invention is designed to effect the condensation and solidification of sulfur from the gas stream and to maximize the impingement of sulfur droplets and particles upon its baffles and internal wall(s) by repeatedly changing the flow direction of said gas stream. The scrubber-condenser is vertically mounted on a liquid sulfur storage tank and is connected directly to a vent located on top of the tank.

Abstract: A cooling abnormality detection system for external electronic equipment includes a protection unit. The protection unit includes two temperature sensors arranged in each piece of external electrical equipment to be monitored, in order to measure the temperature of each. A temperature difference measuring means receives the measured temperature from each piece of equipment and outputs a sensor failure signal when the absolute value of difference between the temperatures measured by the two temperature sensors exceeds a first predetermined value. An abnormal temperature signal is output from the temperature difference measuring means when the two measured temperatures both exceed a second value. The sensor failure signal is transmitted to the electronic equipment, while generation of the abnormal temperature alarm interrupts the power supply to the electronic equipment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for measuring the cleaning effectiveness of cleaning bodies (20) on heat exchangers having a bunch of tubes (16). Further, a method and a plant is proposed with which the heat transfer from steam into cooling water through the walls of the condenser tubes is measured. The measurement is carried out with the aid of an inertialess temperature sensor (15) so that, by highly sensitive measuring of the temperature sequence of a certain control volume, the cleaning effect of the cleaning bodies can be derived.

Abstract: A self configuring air conditioning system. The system includes a system controller for an air conditioning system operably connected to a compressor and an expansion valve, a first portable wireless remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wireless transmission, and a second portable wired remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wired transmission. The system further includes a wireless receiver operably connected to the system controller for receiving wireless remote transmissions from the first portable wireless remote controller, and an interface operably connected to the system controller for receiving wired remote transmissions from the second wired remote controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling heating and cooling equipment in an energy efficient manner. The system comprises a microcontroller, a temperature sensor, a motion detector, a telecommunications interface and a control interface for the heating and cooling equipment. The system can override the thermostat control of the heating and cooling equipment and operate the equipment at a first set-back level and a second set-back level. The system will operate at the first set-back level if there is no motion for a pre-determined period. The system will revert to thermostat control if motion is detected within a second pre-determined period, otherwise the system will initiate operation at the second set-back level. The system will operate at the second set-back level until motion is detected or a control signal is received from a telephone. If thermostat control is initiated by a telephone, then the system will disable operation at the first set-back level until motion is detected.

Abstract: A twinning controller or control circuit for use in an HVAC system is coupled between a system thermostat and at least two HVAC units coupled to a common duct. The HVAC units are heating, cooling or heating and cooling appliances such as heating furnaces, air conditioners, fans, other forced air systems, or other devices for heating and/or cooling an environment. The twinning controller is capable of operating in a single-stage mode (single mode) or a double-stage mode (dual mode). When operating in the double-stage mode, the twinning controller alternately operates the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit in order to extend the operating life of the HVAC units. The twinning controller includes a microcomputer which receives inputs from the system thermostat and provides outputs to the first and second HVAC units in order to efficiently control the temperature in an environment such as a living space.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and/or cooling a particulate material, e.g. vegetables, by heat exchange with a liquid comprises a horizontal tubular chamber of waisted internal cross-section containing a rotatable mesh cylinder having an auger blade corotatable therein. A row of inlets for heat exchange liquid along the bottom of the chamber are connected via external pipe work to a row of outlets for heat exchange liquid at the top of the chamber. Upward flow of heat exchange liquid causes suspension of particulate matter as it is conveyed through the chamber by the auger, thus minimizing rubbing contact on the particulate material. The apparatus includes a heating section defined by inlets A-D, a holding section defined by inlets E to L, and a cooling section defined by inlets M to Q, all within a common chamber. Within each section, each outlet is connected externally to the alphabetically preceding inlet except for the leftmost outlet which is connected to the rightmost inlet.

Abstract: A method for the efficient cooling of a cavity-bearing surface is disclosed. The method includes the provision of an extra-fine coolant mist to the surface to be cooled wherein the surface has at least two projections and at least one cavity therebetween. The mist is deposited so as to form an ultra-thin coolant film upon the surface and at least one coolant mist vortex within the cavity. The film is evaporated from its outside surface.

Abstract: To save energy in hotel and motel rooms, apartments and temporarily occupied rooms generally, an apparatus for saving energy includes a temperature control circuit that overrides a thermostat for controlling an air conditioning unit in a hotel room and a switching circuit to disconnect power to lights when the room is not being occupied. The temperature control circuit maintains the temperature of the room at a higher temperature to save energy, but not so high as to return the temperature of the room to a comfortable temperature. To return power to lights and control of the air conditioning unit to the thermostat, a tag attached to a key necessary for entering the room must be inserted into a switch included with the apparatus. A delay circuit permits the person sufficient time to leave the room after removing the tag before the thermostat is overridden and power to the lights disconnected.

Abstract: An excess heat abnormality detection and alarm system for external electronic equipment includes a protection unit containing a timer for counting a predetermined period of time and outputting a time output signal, a temperature measuring means for causing temperature sensors to measure the temperatures of the electronic components, a first and second abnormal temperature discriminating means, the first abnormal temperature discriminating means being operated for a predetermined period of time set in the timer means. The first abnormal temperature discriminating means identifies or discriminates one of the temperatures measured by the temperature measuring means as an abnormal temperature. A second abnormal temperature discriminating means operated after a predetermined period of time set in the timer means distinguishes between the two temperatures measured by the temperature measuring means.

Abstract: A variable-capability compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger installed in an outdoor unit and indoor heat exchangers installed in each of a plurality of indoor units are connected by pipes so as to form a refrigerating cycle. The air-conditioning load on each of the indoor units is detected. The capability of the variable-capability compressor is controlled according to the sum of the air-conditioning loads on the respective indoor units. At the time of a heating operation, the refrigerant heat loss in each of pipes respectively connected to the indoor heat exchangers is detected. When the refrigerant heat loss in at least one of the pipes is a given value or more, the capability of the variable-capability compressor is enhanced to compensate for the refrigerant heat loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for preventing unnecessary expense in operation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) especially in areas wherein occupancy may be sporadic and where the occupants of such areas may not be personally concerned with keeping the expense of running such systems at a minimum. To accomplish this the present invention provides for at least two thermostatic controls within such area, one of such controls having fixed limits for the ambient temperature within the area while the other has variable limits therefor. The fixed limit control is locked and only accessible for adjustment by authorized personnel having the key to such lock. The variable limit control is actuated to override the fixed limit control through the operation of relay switches initiated by an infrared motion sensor unit positioned within such area.

Abstract: A roller is provided with at least one thermocouple for measuring the temperature of a product or sheet. The roller comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose outer surface cooperates by contact with the sheet. The thermocouple removably extends through a guide tube which extends inside the roller and is carried by supports. The end of the guide tube through which the hot junction of the thermocouple extends is fixed in a position perpendicular to the wall of cylindrical body. This end of the guide tube opens onto a blind hole provided in the wall of the cylindrical body where the hot junction of the thermocouple is received. Application in the measurement of the temperature of the sheet of an annealing furnace of a continuous treatment process.

Abstract: An improved evaporator or evaporator/condenser for use in refrigeration or heat pump systems including first and second spaced, pressure resistant headers (10, 12) ; a plurality of elongated tubes (20) of flattened cross-section extending in parallel, spaced relation between and in fluid communication with the headers (10, 12) and serpentine fins (34) extending between and bonded to adjacent ones of the tubes (20). The tubes (20) and fins (34), between the headers (10, 12), define a nonplanar configuration having an apex (80). A condensate trough (82) is aligned with and opens towards the apex (80) to receive condensate dripping therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from a hot compressed gas before the gas is delivered to a work tool. The apparatus includes a unitary rigid structure composed of a central core, with a header mounted on each side of the core. The central core includes a recuperator section and an aftercooler section, and the headers define air passages whereby the air passing through the apparatus is first cooled in the recuperator section, further cooled in the aftercooler section, and then reheated in the recuperator section. A water separator is positioned at the location where the gas reaches its lowest temperature, and such that upon reheating, a relatively dry and hot gas may be delivered to the work tool.

Abstract: A method of air conditioning an environment with an HVAC system. The method comprises the steps of: determining an environment to be either occupied or vacant; determining a mode of operation for the HVAC system to be heating or cooling; determining a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint; and determining a setback value equal to a difference between the value of the heating setpoint and the value of the cooling setpoint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for monitoring the heat transfer and therefore the efficiency of a condenser. A water column is formed by shutting off a condenser pipe which assumes the steam temperature T.sub.s and whose outflow time after the resumption of the flow can be utilized for measuring the flow velocity. With the knowledge of the water inlet temperature T.sub.1 and the water outlet temperature T.sub.2 measured on the same condenser pipe, it is possible to very accurately establish the heat transfer through the measured condenser pipe, so that on the basis thereof it is e.g. possible to operate a cleaning system with foam rubber balls. Thus, each fraction of the possible efficiency of the condenser is exploited.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery device having: a condenser in communication with fuel vapor from a fuel tank, the condenser condenses fuel from the fuel vapor; a reservoir collecting condensate from the condenser, the reservoir maintains the condensate at a temperature sufficient to maintain the condensate in a liquid state; and return means returning the condensate to the fuel tank. Also disclosed is a method of removing fuel from a fuel vapor including the steps of: passing the fuel vapor from a fuel tank through a condenser; condensing the fuel from the vapor; cooling the condensate to a temperature sufficient to maintain the condensate in a liquid state; and returning the condensate to a fuel tank periodically.

Abstract: A fluid sensor for heat exchanger system includes a supporting device such as a tubular hose fitting for mounting the sensor in the system so that heat exchanging fluid circulated in the system comes into contact with the sensor. A window or sight glass is mounted in the supporting device along with corrodible separating means interposed between the sight glass and the heat exchanging fluid. A visual indicator such as a movable flap or a colored ball can be viewed through the sight glass when the separating means is ruptured or broken by corrosion. The viewing of the indicator provides an indication that the heat exchanging fluid has reached a certain corrosive state and requires replacement or treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the separating means is a metal diaphragm spaced from the sight glass.

Abstract: An eddy current probe, especially useful for inspecting roll plugs in steam generator tubes, has a detector assembly which is automatically extended and retracted in a radial recess in an elongated body to prevent damage to the detector assembly during insertion and retraction of the probe, yet permits the detector assembly to bear against the interior wall of the roll plug, including the roll zone. In one embodiment, a mechanical actuator in the form of a pair of finger members spring biased radially outward operate through camming surfaces to rotate a pivot member which retracts the detector assembly; however, when the probe enters the bore of a roll plug the fingers are compressed to permit extension of the detector assembly. In another embodiment, a linear actuator such as a solenoid rotates the pivot member to extend and retract the detector assembly.

Abstract: A condenser for removing vapor from freeze dryers and other vessels includes a three-stage cyclonic or turbine-like vapor distributor mounted for rotation about the axis of an elongated horizontal delivery tube extending through the axial center of the condenser chamber. The delivery tube mounts end and radial spray nozzles for selectively spraying cleansing fluid and sterilizing steam onto the interior surfaces of all components within the condenser chamber, including a plurality of condenser members arranged in radially offset configuration about the delivery tube in an optically dense configuration which requires vapors to impact the cold surfaces of the condenser members before contacting the inner surface of the enclosing condenser chamber. Optical density is achieved by providing the condenser member as sheets of metal formed with a serpentine passageway between them for the circulation of a coolant.

Abstract: The sensor unit consists of a scale model of the vehicle mounted on the roof of the vehicle itself. The sensor unit measures the amount of energy exchange necessary to obtain the desired air-conditioning in its interior environment and generates a signal, which is of a predictive nature, indicating the amount of energy exchange necessary to obtain the corresponding air-conditioning in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved air drier adapted for drying humid air is equipped with a cylinder shaped shell having a conical water collecting bottom and a duct disposed therein which is provided with an air outlet tube through the center thereof; and the outer wall of the duct helically wound with the elongated condensing tube in which the coolant of a condenser circulates is helically disposed a continuous partition board in correspondence to the wound condensing tube; the periphery of the continuous partition board is not in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder shaped shell with a drain space defined therebetween so as to permit the water condensed from the moisture in the humid air can drip down therefrom to the water collection bottom. The dried air is then led through the outlet tube to the outside.

Abstract: A tube and fin heat exchanger having two adjacent fluid circuits through which compressed air and a refrigerant fluid flow so as to be in heat exchange relationship with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the areas between the tubes and fins of the heat exchanger are filled with a mass of moist material which ices and operates to accumulate energy to thereby transfer the energy when the refrigerant fluid is not circulated.