Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a body, a carbonated water tank to produce carbonated water through mixing of clean water with carbon dioxide gas, a sensor unit inserted, at least a portion thereof, into the carbonated water tank, to sense an internal state of the carbonated water tank, and a holding unit disposed at one side of the carbonated water tank while holding the sensor unit in a fixed state. Through this configuration, it is possible to achieve easy coupling of the sensor unit and lines to the carbonated water tank while preventing water leakage even when the internal pressure of the carbonated water tank is high.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing water and air in installations for spraying water under pressure, includes: firstly, a body (2) equipped with two independent circuits (C1, C2), each for circulating a fluid, one air, the other water, each of the circuits including (i) a chamber (5, 15) accommodating a shutter member (6, 16) in the form of a spool, (ii) a duct (7, 17) for admitting the fluid, (iii) a discharge duct (8, 18) for discharging the fluid, and (iv) a drain duct (9, 19) for draining the fluid contained in the discharge duct; and, secondly, control elements for controlling the shutter members so as to make each one move between an open position which allows the fluid to pass and in which the drain duct is shut off, and a closed position in which the fluid is prevented from passing and the drain duct is open.

Abstract: The present claimed invention includes a first flow channel where a carrier gas or a mixed gas flows, a switch valve that is for flowing the mixed gas or the carrier gas to the first flow channel selectively, a fluid adjusting valve that adjusts a concentration of a gas flowing in the first flow channel, and a control part that conducts a feedback control on an opening degree of the fluid adjusting valve, and is characterized such that the control part initiates the feedback control by the use of an opening degree of the fluid adjusting valve at a time just before the gas flowing in the first flow channel is switched from the mixed gas to the carrier gas as an initial opening degree of the fluid adjusting valve at a time when the gas flowing in the first flow channel is again switched to the mixed gas afterward.

Abstract: In at least one implementation a carburetor includes an intake bore with a port opening into the intake bore, a fuel chamber from which fuel is supplied to the intake bore, and an accelerator device including a fuel reservoir. A fuel flow control valve is provided between the fuel chamber and the port to control the flow rate of fuel to the port and at least one passage communicates the fuel reservoir with the port and fuel in the fuel reservoir is supplied to the port therethrough. The passage also communicates the fuel reservoir with the fuel chamber. The fuel flow control valve is located between the fuel reservoir and the port and between the fuel chamber and the port, and the passage includes a portion extending between the fuel reservoir and the fuel chamber independently of the fuel flow control valve.

Abstract: An automatic choke apparatus for a carburetor includes an electric actuator, a choke valve opening/closing mechanism configured to open and close a choke valve by being driven by a power exerted by the electric actuator, and a controller configured to control operation of the electric actuator. The controller, to which a battery supplies electric power, operates the electric actuator and the choke valve opening/closing mechanism in order that, when the engine is stopped, the choke valve is set in a semi-opened position and, when the engine starts to be cranked, the choke valve is set in a fully-closed position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the choke valve from freezing up in the fully-closed state in a case where the engine is stopped under an extremely low temperature environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dissolving gases in a beverage, the apparatus including a product conduit that is fluidly communicable with a product supply and a product dispenser, a gas conduit configured to transport gas from a gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including at least one flow control mechanism; and at least one additional gas conduit configured to transport an additional gas from at least one additional gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including an additional flow control mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic choke apparatus for a carburetor includes an electric actuator, a choke valve opening/closing mechanism configured to open and close a choke valve by being driven by a power exerted by the electric actuator, and a controller configured to control operation of the electric actuator. The controller, to which a battery supplies electric power, operates the electric actuator and the choke valve opening/closing mechanism in order that, when the engine is stopped, the choke valve is set in a semi-opened position and, when the engine starts to be cranked, the choke valve is set in a fully-closed position. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the choke valve from freezing up in the fully-closed state in a case where the engine is stopped under an extremely low temperature environment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multiple loop reactor wherein one of the settling legs transferring polymer product from one loop to a further loop can be taken out of service or re-opened without interfering with the operation of said multiple loop reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbonator device for use in refrigeration appliances and beverage distributors having a reservoir that has a tank portion and a lid portion and a plurality of connections for technical components provided on the lid portion. The reservoir is supplied with water and carbon dioxide and the technical components allow for a variety of water dispensing options.

Abstract: A scent diffusion device including an air flow generator; an outlet, the generator and outlet defining a path for the flow of air therebetween; a plurality of scent diffusion modules comprising: a slide moveable by sliding inside a housing between at least one diffusion position and a non-fragrant position; at least one first window in the slide intended to receive a source of fragrant molecules; a second window in the slide, wherein, in the diffusion position, the first window faces a window in the housing and in the non-fragrant position, the second window faces the window in the housing, and wherein the modules are positioned such that window axes of the housings of different modules are aligned on the path; and a device permitting the slides to be brought individually onto one of the positions; the flow of air successively traversing the windows of the housings, the first window and the second window of the slides according to positions of the latter.

Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a carburetor housing and a mixture forming passage provided in the carburetor housing. A throttle and a choke valve are rotatably arranged in the mixture forming passage on a throttle shaft and a choke shaft, respectively. A lever arrangement has a throttle adjusting lever mounted on the throttle shaft and a choke adjusting lever mounted on the choke shaft. The throttle valve and the choke valve are adjustable in several operating positions and the lever arrangement assumes appropriate positions corresponding to the operational positions, respectively. A release device for releasing a locking action between the throttle adjusting lever and the choke adjusting lever when an emergency stop is actuated is provided. A spring forcing the choke adjusting lever in a direction toward an engagement plane with the throttle adjusting lever.

Abstract: A carburetor assembly (1) has an intake channel section (30) and an air channel section (31). In the intake channel section (30), a throttle element and a choke element are arranged. An air control element is arranged in the air channel section (31). A first coupling unit (25) is provided which defines the position of the throttle element in at least one start position of the carburetor assembly (1). A second coupling unit (26) couples the position of the air control element in at least one operating state to the position of the throttle element. To ensure a reliable start, the choke element is held in at least one start position by the first coupling unit (25) and the second coupling unit (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a precursor to a process chamber is described. The apparatus comprises an ampoule capable of receiving either a liquid precursor source material or a solid precursor source material. The ampoule is capable of delivering either a liquid precursor material to a vaporizer coupled to the process chamber, or a vaporized or gaseous precursor material to the process chamber. The ampoule also includes a continuous level sensor to accurately monitor the level of precursor source material within the ampoule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gassing a liquid (1), particularly for membrane facilities used in immersion operation, having a gas supply channel (2) and at least one gas lance (3) from which a gas flow exits in gassing operation. According to the present invention the gas lance (3) is connected to the gas supply channel (2) by means of at least one connection channel (5) comprising a first mouth area (8) on the side of the gas lance (3) and a second mouth area (8?) on the side of the gas supply channel (2) and generating as a throttle a flow pressure loss of the gas flow entering the gas lance (3). Below the first mouth area (8) an extension section (6) is provided, which adjoins the gas lance (3) and has an opening (7) below the first mouth area (8).

Abstract: In a liquid substance supply device, a three port two valve directional control valve is provided in a transfer line, and a substance container and the transfer line are connected together by a four port three valve directional control valve in such a way that the four port three valve directional control valve and the substance container can be removed from the transfer line as a unit. Furthermore, in a vaporizer, an orifice member is provided to surround the end portion of an internal conduit in which flows a mixture substance consisting of a gas and a liquid substance mixed therewith, and gas for atomization is spouted into a vaporization chamber through a gap defined between the internal conduit and the orifice member. Yet further, the temperature of a vaporization surface in the vaporization chamber can be controlled independently in correspondence with the nature of the liquid substance.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a controlled blend of two or more fluids. Thermally-induced permeation through a permeable tube is used to mix a first fluid from outside the tube with a second fluid flowing through the tube. Mixture ratios may be controlled by adjusting the temperature of the first fluid or by adjusting the pressure drop through the permeable tube. The combination of a back pressure control valve and a differential regulator is used to control the output pressure of the blended fluid. The combination of the back pressure control valve and differential regulator provides superior flow control of the second dry gas. A valve manifold system may be used to mix multiple fluids, and to adjust the volume of blended fluid produced, and to further modify the mixture ratio.

Abstract: A pressure regulator that regulates the pressure at which carbon dioxide is introduced to water in a carbonated beverage system based on the temperature of the water. The regulator may be capable of operating in a first mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure varies substantially linearly over a first water temperature range, and a second mode in which the carbon dioxide pressure is substantially constant over a second water temperature range. A first flow path having a relatively small gas flow capacity may serve as a pilot to control the gas flow through a second flow path having a larger gas flow capacity.

Abstract: An interlocking lever having first and second cam faces is mounted on a throttle valve stem, and a throttle valve is arbitrarily opened to perform start-up in a state in which the first cam face makes contact with the choke valve lever and the interlocking lever is stopped during low-temperature start-up with the choke valve closed. After the choke valve has been returned to the fully open position, the throttle valve alone is opened with a small degree of opening to perform low-load operation; and in the mid- and high-load region, the interlocking lever integrally turns with the throttle valve, the second cam face pushes the air valve lever, and the throttle valve and air valve are caused to open and close proportionally. Preferably, the degree of opening of the throttle valve for low load operation is adjustable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a precursor to a process chamber is described. The apparatus comprises an ampoule capable of receiving either a liquid precursor source material or a solid precursor source material. The ampoule is capable of delivering either a liquid precursor material to a vaporizer coupled to the process chamber, or a vaporized or gaseous precursor material to the process chamber. The ampoule also includes a continuous level sensor to accurately monitor the level of precursor source material within the ampoule.

Abstract: A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.

Abstract: A carburetor (1) for an internal combustion engine has an intake channel section (3) wherein a throttle element and a choke element are supported to pivot about respective rotational axes (34, 35). The carburetor (1) has a starter unit which has an operating position, an off position and at least one start position. In the start position, the starter unit fixes defined positions of the throttle element and the choke element. A simple manipulability and a multifaceted operational use of the carburetor (1) are achieved when the starter unit includes an actuating lever (29, 69) and an intermediate lever (18, 68) having respective rotational axes (28, 37) which are at a distance (c) to each other at least at the elevation of the intermediate lever (18, 68) and when the actuating lever (29, 69) acts on the throttle element via the intermediate lever (18, 68).

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, dense, non-porous hollow fibers made from Polymethyl pentene (PMP) formed into a fabric with the PMP as the weft. One or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibers. Various reactors using such modules are described.

Abstract: The water carbonation method and apparatus of the present invention consists of a square mixer within a carbonated chamber. The mixer is partially filled with water. Carbon dioxide is then added above the level of water. A rotating member attached to the mixing motor then mixes the water and carbon dioxide to from a carbonated solution. Varying the time for which the carbonation operation is carried on may vary the degree of carbonation. After the specified carbonation cycle, excess carbon dioxide is then relieved through an exhaust solenoid and the remaining carbonated solution is released through the dispensing solenoid into a cup.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: An automatic water freeze prevention device having a first valve, second valve and third valve that cooperate to fill or drain a water utilization device according to pre-selected temperature conditions. These three valves are driven to their respective open/closed positions by an electrical power sending device that is, in turn, actuated by a temperature setting device that is associated with a temperature sensing device.

Abstract: An intake device having an intake channel that includes an intake channel section is provided. A butterfly valve is pivotably mounted in the intake channel section. A dividing wall is disposed downstream of the butterfly valve and divides the intake channel section into an air duct and a mixture duct. The air duct has a flow cross-section that is greater than the flow cross-section of the mixture duct. A fuel jet opens into the mixture duct.

Abstract: A humidifier for providing moisture to an airstream comprises a pipe having a first end for connecting to a source of steam and a closed second end; first and second slots disposed opposite each other and longitudinally along a major portion of the length of the pipe; and a plurality of members sandwiched within the first and second slots, the members being disposed toward the interior of the pipe to guide condensate into the interior of the pipe.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate of air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: To provide a lightweight choke valve that has a reduced number of components and is easy to assemble, despite being provided with a relief valve. A carburetor choke valve provided in an intake passageway of a carburetor includes a plate shaped choke valve body having a relief opening. A base end side of a plate shaped relief valve for opening and closing the relief opening is jointly fastened to a rotatably supported choke shaft crossing the intake passage of the carburetor.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a permeable fluid carrier, a constant temperature source of a first fluid, and a constant pressure source of a second fluid. The fluid carrier has a length, an inlet end, and an outlet end. The constant pressure source connects to the inlet end and communicates the second fluid into the fluid carrier, and the constant temperature source surrounds a least of portion of the length. A mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid exits via the outlet end A method of making a mixture of two fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing an apparatus and a process for dispensing a beverage from a tap, sometimes as often as about every 8 to 10 seconds, while maintaining a predetermined quantity of dissolved nitrogen and/or dissolved carbon dioxide or other gas utilizing a contactor module containing hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: Biocompatible microspheres containing one or more active principals, a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer and a surface-active agent which is also biodegradable and biocompatible, contain less than 10 ppm of heavy metals. These microspheres are prepared by providing a solution of the polymer and of the active principal in a water-immiscible solvent which is more volatile than water and mixing with an aqueous solution of the surface-active agent, followed by evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: An air humidifier apparatus with a time switch system combined to a circulation mechanism allowing for a controlled cyclical flow of water into a drain of the basin containing water in which soaks a spongy and absorbent material located on the circumference of a rotary drum, thus preventing any accumulation of limestone and other minerals in the water of the basin. The circulation mechanism that includes valves allows for a controlled flow of water while preventing any continuous flow of water through the drain in the case the humidifier stops in a position with an opened drain. Furthermore, the water can flow by that same drain if there is an overflow of water in the basin.

Abstract: A mixer tap unit has a body connected to a nozzle having two separate water passages extending the length of the nozzle. A hot water connection, a cold water connection and a filtered water connection are provided for the body. In use, the hot and cold water can mix in a mixing chamber in the tap body and flow along the passage. Filtered water flows separately along the passage. Valves are provided to respectively control the flow of the hot, cold and filtered water. In a preferred form, a chamber allows carbonization of the filtered water prior to delivery to the tap body and the supply of CO.sub.2 gas to the chamber is controllable by a valve. The valve is operated in a first direction to inject CO.sub.2 gas into water in the chamber, and in a second direction to allow the carbonated water to flow to the nozzle.

Abstract: A pressure vessel has an excess pressure release device comprising a passage between the interior and the exterior of the pressure vessel, a bursting disc seated in the passage, and a flexible membrane mounted adjacent to the disc between the interior of the vessel and the disc so as to seal the passage and hold the disc captive without the disc being clamped. The excess pressure release device may be used in connection with any pressure vessel requiring an excess pressure release device of the bursting-disc type. The device is particularly suitable for use in the dispensing valve of a home carbonation apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for ensuring heat exchange between a gas flow and a heat exchanger comprises a duct through which the gas flows. The heat exchanger is mounted in the duct such that the gas flows therethrough. Constrictions for the gas flow are arranged in the duct upstream of the heat exchanger in the direction of gas flow such that jets of gas are created. In an embodiment the constrictions are provided by flow passages extending through a diaphragm mounted across the duct. In use, liquid is sprayed over the heat exchanger and the high velocity jets of gas pick up the liquid and carry it into the heat exchanger. In this way the surfaces of the heat exchanger are thoroughly wetted by the liquid and the efficiency of the heat transfer is thereby improved.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an air-fuel mixture to a preferable ratio required in an internal combustion engine during any of the engine operating conditions, which preferable ratio is variable in response to the engine operating condition. In one embodiment, the control system is arranged to regulate the amount of fuel, to be jetted into the intake passage leading to at least one combustion chamber of the engine through a main discharge nozzle, in response to the pressure of fuel vapor inside a fuel tank. In another embodiment, the control system is arranged to regulate the amount of fuel, to be jetted into the intake passage through one or both of the low speed port and the idle port, in response to the pressure of fuel vapor inside the fuel tank. The control system is usable in association with an internal combustion engine of any type having a fuel evaporation control system.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus ventilates room air with environmental air after the environmental air has been filtered, heated and humidified to appropriate levels. Environmental air is drawn into an intake duct, is passed successively through an air filter, an electric filament heater and is humidified by directing the air stream through a moving evaporator belt which is saturated with water from a water tank which is automatically controlled by a humidistat. The humidity level and temperature are automatically maintained by means of the humidistat and air temperature sensor.