Abstract: A machine for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products including a containing element for containing the product to be dispensed; a stirrer for stirring the product to be dispensed; a heat exchanger fluid flowing in a circuit in a direction of circulation through an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a pressure reducing element; a fan rotating about an axis of rotation to force an air flow towards the condenser; a control unit connected to the fan to control the fan through a speed signal; a temperature sensor, located downstream of the condenser in the circulation direction to detect a condensation temperature and configured to send to the control unit a temperature signal as a function of which the control unit generates the speed signal.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a dispensing system and a method for dispensing liquid into a container are provided. The dispensing system can be an autofill dispensing system. In one example aspect, the dispensing system includes a vibration generator and a measurement device. When a container is present in a preselected position, liquid is delivered to the container. As liquid fills into the container, the vibration generator propagates vibrations through the container. The measurement device detects one or more characteristics of the vibration and routes one more signals indicative of the characteristics to a controller of the system. The controller determines a liquid fill level of liquid within the container based at least in part on the signals received from the measurement device.

Abstract: A pressure switch includes an airtight metallic pressure vessel. A contact mechanism is normally in a closed state and assumes an open state when a pressing force acts thereon. An airtight terminal, provided through an end surface section of the pressure vessel, is connected to the contact mechanism. A metallic first diaphragm is secured to a surface section at one end of the pressure vessel, is moved by a first moving pressure, and is reset by a reset pressure that is lower than the first moving pressure. A first plunger causes the contact mechanism to switch the open state. A metallic second diaphragm is secured to pressure vessel, is moved by a second moving pressure that is higher than the first moving pressure, and is not reset under at least an atmospheric pressure. A second plunger causes the contact mechanism to switch to the open state.

Abstract: An extruder for an ice machine essentially made up of a monoblock body which is configured from a first body essentially joined to a second cylindrical body, hollow as well in the central portion thereof, and that on the lower portion thereof defines a threaded portion for the joining thereof to an ice machine, through a plurality of holes; and wherein, in the central portion of the body coinciding with the central portion of the second body, a plurality of hollows are located in each body, which determine the inlet and the outlet of a series of channels through which the ice passes towards the outlet of the cited extruder, and wherein said hollows have a “kidney” shape with one concave side and another convex one.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products includes a thermal system using a main heat exchanger fluid, a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a pressure reducing element, all affected by circulation of the main heat exchanger fluid. A motor includes a drive shaft rotatable about a vertical axis. A production unit includes a first container with a processing chamber for making ice cream and a stirrer insertable into the first processing container. A second container includes a cavity rotatably housing the first container and which is fixed relative to a frame. Channels for circulating the main heat exchanger fluid are associated with the second container and define for the thermal system a second heat exchanger in which the main heat exchanger fluid circulates. A coupling mechanism couples the first container and drive shaft for transmission of motion from the motor to the first container.

Abstract: A heating control method, a heating control device, and an ice maker are provided. The heating control method is: determining that an ice maker is in the ice-making operation state, and the current water feeding is the first water feeding after a target ice maker is turned on; continuously heating a water inlet pipe for a first preset duration; controlling the water inlet valve to remain closed until the heating for the water inlet pipe ends, ensuring that no ice is present in the water inlet pipe or even if the ice is present, water can be smoothly fed into a water storage tank of the ice maker after the water inlet pipe is heated continuously for the first preset duration.

Abstract: An air conditioning appliance having a safety device. The safety device preferably communicates with at least one sensor that is configured to detect an undesirable condition. If an undesirable condition is detected, then the operation of the air conditioning appliance can be modified as needed for safety.

Abstract: A vapor compression system (20) comprises a compressor (22) having one or more bearing systems (66, 68) supporting a rotor and/or one or more working elements (44). One or more bearing feed passages (114) are coupled to the bearings to pass fluid along a supply flowpath to the bearings. A mechanical pump (130; 330) is positioned to drive fluid along the supply flowpath. An ejector (140, 150) has a motive flow inlet (142, 152) coupled to the mechanical pump to receive refrigerant from the mechanical pump.

Abstract: A system and method for determining adiabatic stress derivative of temperature for rocks under water. The system includes three pressure vessels disposed in seawater. A data collecting unit is in the first pressure vessel. A rock sample is in a first chamber of the second pressure vessel. A temperature sensor is in each of the center of the rock, the surface of the rock sample, and the first chamber. A pressure sensor is also in the first chamber. Outputs of the temperature sensors and the pressure sensor are communicated with inputs of the data collecting unit. A first drain valve is provided on the second pressure vessel and communicated with the first chamber. A second drain valve is provided between the second pressure vessel and the third pressure vessel, and communicated with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A wiring connector housing including a housing body having first and second ends and at least one interference tab extending outwardly from the second end is provided. The wiring connector housing further comprises spaced apart channels located through the housing body extending from the first end to the second end with the first end of the channels each configured to receive a quick connector therein. Each of the second ends of the spaced apart channels being located to register with and receive corresponding quick connect terminals therein. The at least one interference tab is configured to contact an isolation ridge of an electrical relay and thereby prevent the second ends of the spaced apart channels from being improperly registered with the corresponding quick connect terminals.

Abstract: A water switch assembly for a nugget ice making assembly is provided. The ice making assembly includes a hollow auger rotatably mounted within a reservoir and configured for extruding ice. The water switch assembly extends vertically through the center of the ice making auger and reservoir. The water switch assembly is in fluid communication with a water inlet and includes a float for measuring the water level. In this manner, the water switch assembly is configured to control the level of water within the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods of preventing overheating of computer equipment in a cabinet when a supply coolant to a cooler in the cabinet fails. An example embodiment is a data center that includes a plurality of cabinets and at least two main coolant supply lines. The cabinets are configured to house computer equipment and the main coolant supply lines provide coolant to the plurality of cabinets. Moreover, each cabinet includes a cooler and each of these coolers includes at least two radiators which receive coolant from different main coolant supply lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing soymilk includes heating units for heating a soybean soup, a defoaming unit for defoaming a heated soybean soup, an extracting unit for separating a defoamed soybean soup into soymilk, bean curd refuse and a liquid residue, and pipe lines for returning the separated liquid residue between the defoaming unit and the heating unit to refeed the separated liquid residue to the defoaming unit. The pipe lines for refeeding the separated liquid residue to the defoaming unit are connected to a liquid residue discharge port of the extracting unit from which the separated liquid residue is taken out and refed to the defoaming unit with a transfer pump.

Abstract: A turbo compressor that has a compression stage provided with an impeller that rotates; a housing provided with a gear unit accommodation space that accommodates lubricating oil and accommodates a large diameter gear that transmits rotating force to the impeller, an IGV accommodation space in which the ambient pressure is lower than the gear unit accommodation space, and a gap that brings the IGV accommodation space and the air intake side of a first compression stage into communication; a pressure equalizing tube that causes a gas to circulate from the gear unit accommodation space toward the IGV accommodation space; and a second oil separating device that separates, in the IGV accommodation space, the lubricating oil contained in the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus employing pressure transients for transporting fluids from one reservoir to another, includes an at least partly enclosed space, and a body herein, where the body is movable relatively to the interior of the space. The apparatus further includes an opening in the enclosed space to allow a fluid to flow alternately in the direction into and out, and conduits in fluid communication with the opening and connected to the reservoirs. Further, an object is arranged to collide with the body so as to generate pressure transients in the partly enclosed space in order to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the partly enclosed space towards the second reservoir, and to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the first reservoir towards the partly enclosed space.

Abstract: An evaporator apparatus comprising at least one container configured to maintain liquid for freezing and a plurality of heat transfer compartments configured around the at least one container to allow for the flow of cold anti-freeze in order to freeze the liquid and warm anti-freeze in order to thaw frozen blocks of ice contained within the evaporator apparatus. A lever integrated into the body of the evaporator to allow for rotation of the evaporation in order to harvest the frozen blocks of ice. The evaporator further including, at least one inlet opening to allow for the inflow of anti-freeze into the plurality of heat transfer compartments and at least one outlet opening to allow for the discharge of anti-freeze from the evaporator apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of preventing overheating of computer equipment in a cabinet when a supply coolant to a cooler in the cabinet fails. An example embodiment is a data center that includes a plurality of cabinets and at least two main coolant supply lines. The cabinets are configured to house computer equipment and the main coolant supply lines provide coolant to the plurality of cabinets. Moreover, each cabinet includes a cooler and each of these coolers includes at least two radiators which receive coolant from different main coolant supply lines.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprises: a housing (1), at least two refillable containers (2) for storing bulk beverage ingredients, at least a beverage preparation unit (3) operatively linked to the containers for preparing a beverage from at least one of the stored bulk beverage ingredients, a sub-housing (4) in which the containers are placed, the sub-housing being removable from the housing.

Abstract: A water disinfection system includes a water disinfection device, having a UV light generator for the UV treatment of water, and a water pipe, having a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion and a third pipe portion which branches off between the first and the second pipe portion. The water disinfection device includes a first water connection and a second water connection. The first water connection is connected to the first pipe portion. The second water connection is connectable to a water reservoir which is to be provided. The second pipe portion is connectable to a water source which is to be attached. The third pipe portion is connectable to a tap for water, so as to be able in this way to provide an improvement in the water quality.

Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage device includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte disposed between the cathode and the anode. The anode includes a capacitive material as a majority component, and further includes an electrochemically active material as a minority component, such that an operating potential of the anode is configured according to a reaction potential of the electrochemically active material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting and controlling ice bridge slab thickness and/or initiation of ice harvest following a freeze cycle. This adjusting and controlling is performed through the use of adjustable float clip assemblies which set the amount of water available for ice making in a batch process. The adjustable float clip assemblies provide an ice machine user with the ability to easily adjust the ice slab bridge thickness to a single or plurality of settings, and allow for changes in ice bridge slab thickness at the site of installation.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ice maker and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment, a storage compartment door for opening/closing the storage compartment, and an ice maker including an ice making tray for producing pieces of ice, and a water dispense cup for dispensing water supplied from a water supply pipe to the ice making tray. A water guide section is formed in the water dispense cup to guide the water, which is supplied from the water supply pipe, to a region below the water supply pipe so that ice pieces are prevented from being accumulated in the water dispense cup.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identifying an electrical device, and its state, in a network of electrical devices are disclosed. An energy monitoring device is programmed to identify an electrical device coupled to a power supply, and a state of the electrical device, from a change in successive measurements of the power supply. Algorithms for determining a load signature for an electrical device and its state are disclosed. A stored table of load signatures for states is used to identify devices, and states. Energy monitoring information is collected and presented to the user on a display, a remote display, or is transmitted over a network to a remote device such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, an iPhone, a cell phone, voice mail, email, or text message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low pressure water filter and dispenser system for use in a refrigerator which enables an effluent from said system exhibiting a log 6 bacteria reduction and a log 4 virus reduction with pressures as low as 0.35 kg/cm2 (5 psi). The system can be located in various places, for example it can sit on the shelf, it can be mounted to the ceiling of the refrigerator, or it can be attached to the wall or other internal components.

Abstract: A flow device for a refrigerant/compressor system is installed between the outlet of an evaporator and the suction port of a compressor. The device includes a floating element that helps inhibit liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Under certain conditions where liquid refrigerant discharges from the evaporator, the floating element floats in the discharged liquid. Upon doing so, the float rises to a generally closed position where the float obstructs a main fluid outlet that leads to the compressor. In the closed position, refrigerant can still pass through the flow device, but through a more restricted outlet. To prevent the float from undesirably rising under the impetus of refrigerant vapor flowing at high flow rates, the floating element itself includes a flow-restricting passageway, radial guides, and/or a streamlined shape. The float can be incorporated within a manifold of a multi-coil or multi-circuited heat exchanger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that improve the effectiveness of a compression-based refrigeration cycle dehumidifier by allocating thermally distinct sections of the condenser to different air flows are disclosed. A bypass opening and divider plate direct ambient air to the refrigerant inlet section of the condenser. Air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator is directed to the rest of the condenser, with the air from the refrigerant outlet section of the evaporator being preferentially directed downstream, in the refrigerant flow path sense, from that section of the condenser already allocated to the ambient air coming from the bypass opening. The flows of ambient air and dehumidified air can be adjusted to improve moisture removal rates and avoid blockage of the evaporator by freezing of the condensate onto the evaporator. The system may also be used to remove condensates other than water.

Abstract: The present invention for controlling an inflow time schedule of an ice machine includes a water inflow mechanism and a water amount control switch. The ice machine further includes a control axle, and the movement stroke of the control axle includes at least a closing locus linked to the water amount control switch for letting the water inflow mechanism to stop water inflow, and at least two opening loci which are located in the pathway of the closing locus and are linked to the water amount control switch for letting the water inflow mechanism to start water inflow. Since one closing locus is located between two opening loci, the water inflow of the water inflow mechanism will be separated into at least two times, so as to achieve a sectional water supplying effect, thereby reducing the wave motion of water in the ice tray and providing a smooth water supply.

Abstract: A water amount control device for an ice machine, which at least includes a main control unit and a water supplying unit, is provided. The present invention utilizes a detecting unit which is connected to the main control unit in the ice machine to detect the water amount in an ice tray of the ice machine, so as to decide if the water amount in the ice tray reaches a preset level. If the water amount does not reach the preset level, the main control unit commands the water supplying unit to maintain water supplying until the preset amount is reached, and since the preset level is reached, the detecting unit may send out a signal to the main control unit so as to command the water supplying unit to stop water supplying.

Abstract: An icemaker assembly includes an ice tray having an ice forming compartment, a water line configured to advance water from a water source to the ice tray, a valve operable to selectively block advancement of water through the water line while an actuation signal is generated, a control system operable to generate the actuation signal for a water advancement period, a water level detection system for determining if a level of water in the ice forming compartment is below a threshold value and generating a control signal in response thereto. The control system is further operable to alter a magnitude of the water advancement period in response to generation of the control signal. Water is initially advanced into the ice forming compartment for a first period of time during a first ice making cycle by opening the valve.

Abstract: Multiple ice making is determined according to a time needed for an ice making step or a change in time in which a refrigerant temperature drops. An ice making machine alternately repeats an ice making step of cooling ice making plates 10 and 10 where an evaporation pipe 14 connected to a refrigeration system 12 by circulatively supplying a refrigerant to the evaporation pipe 14, and producing lumps of ice M by circulatively supplying ice making water in an ice-making-water tank 22, and a deicing step of separating the lumps of ice M produced at the ice making plates 10 and 10. When the ice making step at which the time needed from the start of the ice making step to the end thereof becomes shorter than a normal ice making time is consecutively detected by a predetermined number of times, it is decided that multiple ice making has occurred and the ice making machine is stopped.

Abstract: The whole main tank for housing the constant temperature liquid the temperature of which is adjusted by a temperature adjusting device is supported in a sub tank with a gap as a heat insulating layer around the main tank. A liquid level regulating mechanism supplies and discharges the constant temperature liquid between inside of the main tank and the gap formed in the sub tank to thereby achieve heat insulation and regulation of the liquid level of the constant temperature liquid housed in the main tank by utilizing the same gap in the sub tank.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage dispenser includes a housing, a holding tank, a cap member, a cooling device, and a dispensing valve. The housing has a top end formed with a beverage inlet. The holding tank is mounted in the housing, is in fluid communication with the beverage inlet, and is adapted to hold an alcoholic beverage that was poured into the housing through the beverage inlet. The cap member is disposed removably on the top end of the housing for closing the beverage inlet. The cooling device is mounted in the housing, is coupled to the holding tank, and is operable so as lower the temperature of the alcoholic beverage held in the holding tank. The dispensing valve is mounted on the housing, is coupled to the holding tank, and is operable so as to permit discharging of the alcoholic beverage from the holding tank.

Abstract: A refrigerator for supplying a proper amount of water and a control method thereof. The refrigerator is optimally operated in ice-making and ice-separating modes based on the amount of water supplied for making ice cubes, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: A condensate overflow prevention assembly prevents condensate overflow in an air cooling system using a fluid level sensor and a pump activated by the fluid level sensor to pump the condensate away from a drainage system when a blockage occurs in the drainage system.

Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.

Abstract: The invention relates an apparatus to extract clean, cooled or heated bottled water from a water cooler/dispenser for distribution to a refrigerator or ice maker or other remote outlet. More specifically, the invention relates to an originally installed, or retrofitted using a self-piercing saddle valve, remote dispensing apparatus for use with conventional water heating/cooling dispensers employing bottled water for dispensing the water substantially instantaneously to a remote outlet.

Abstract: An electronic control for the operation of a beverage dispenser of the refrigerated ice bank type is shown. The control provides for reliable determinations of when ice production is needed and when it is not needed. A microprocessor receives information from an ice bank probe and from a temperature probe located within the ice bank. Data collected by the microprocessor from both the ice bank probe and the temperature probe is used to determine if the ice bank is either insufficient in size and should be increased or is of sufficient size such that the compressor can be turned off. A carbonator level probe is also shown and connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed whereby the carbonator probes are sampled in a manner to accurately determine the level of water in the carbonator and therefore the need for turning on or turning off any water pump connected thereto.

Abstract: An ice cream machine for cooling liquid ice cream into frozen ice cream includes an evaporator system with a secondary evaporator. The evaporator system includes a cooling chamber having an ice cream input and an ice cream output. A valve can be placed at the ice cream input to achieve dry freeze operation. The valve can prevent the cooling chamber from being completely filled.

Abstract: The ice maker herein works in the conventional manner wherein a refrigeration system provides for cooling of the evaporated. Water is first circulated over the evaporator as the evaporated is cooled. A temperature sensor is located in a water recirculating system and a microprocessor monitors the temperature of the calculating water. Once a predetermined non-freezing temperature is reached, for example 40 degrees Fahrenheit, water circulation is stopped. However, the compressor continues to run and cool the evaporator for a predetermined period of time to a desired lower temperature. The pump is then turned on and water again circulated over the evaporated initiating the ice making cycle. This process insures that ice adheres to the evaporator and does not prematurely slough off and/or result in the formation of slush.

Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.

Abstract: A flake ice machine and a method for the monitoring of a flake ice machine are disclosed. On opening the water inlet valve a clock is started and, after a certain filling time, the water inlet valve is closed, even if a sensor (6) in the evaporator trough (2) has not detected reaching the maximum fill level.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: Dehumidifier including a water tank under a cabinet for storage of condensate dropped from a heat exchanger, a vertical barrier in front of the water tank for separating a space, a fixing guide fitted to a fitting hole on a top surface of the water tank, a floater rotatably fitted to the fixing guide for being rotated by buoyancy, and detection means fitted to one side of the barrier for detection of full water tank as the floater rotates, thereby detecting a full water tank more, accurately.

Abstract: A portable heating and cooling unit intended to be used within a room or area of a building includes a cabinet supported on a plurality of wheels and a refrigeration circuit at least partially carried within said cabinet. The refrigeration circuit includes a first coil, a compressor, a second coil and a refrigerant reversing valve. In a cooling mode of operation, the first coil acts as an evaporator coil and room air is circulated by a first fan across the evaporator coil and delivered into the room. A second fan circulates room air through the second coil acting as a condenser coil and discharges the thus warmed air away from the room area to be cooled. In a heating mode of operation, the refrigerant reversing valve is activated to change the flow direction of the refrigerant through the circuit such that the first coil now acts as a condenser and The second coil now acts as the evaporator.

Abstract: A machine capable of generating and dispensing potable water is disclosed. Novel features of the inventive machine include continuous water filtration, a durable primary outer housing unit designed to minimize damage during transportation and handling, and a hot gas injection system designed to allow the generation of water from ambient air at temperatures as low as 50° F.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extraction of freshwater from ambient air in regions of extremely hot and humid climates, for supply of drinking water and freshwater for small to large groups of people in remote and isolated areas or wherever freshwater resources are not conveniently accessible. Compact mobile units are disclosed to provide freshwater and drinking water for resort areas, to passengers on land and sea vehicles, in situations of emergency, and to areas of water shortage. The art of adaptation of commercial dehumidification units is taught in design and construction of apparatus for production of freshwater and drinking water. Preparation of drinking water included ultraviolet disinfection, ozone treatment, and/or chlorine addition; activated carbon and ion exchange filters; and adding of fluorine, air/oxygen to refresh the water storage units, and minerals for taste and health provisions.

Abstract: Dehumidifier including a water tank under a cabinet for storage of condensate dropped from a heat exchanger, a vertical barrier in front of the water tank for separating a space, a fixing guide fitted to a fitting hole on a top surface of the water tank, a floater rotatably fitted to the fixing guide for being rotated by buoyancy, and detection means fitted to one side of the barrier for detection of full water tank as the floater rotates, thereby detecting a full water tank more, accurately.

Abstract: A method of controlling an expansion valve including the steps of: measuring a primary system condition; determining an error in the primary system condition; measuring a secondary system condition; determining an error in the secondary system condition; and modulating the expansion valve based upon the larger of the first or second error.

Abstract: A portable heating and cooling unit intended to be used within a room or area of a building includes a cabinet supported on a plurality of wheels and a refrigeration circuit at least partially carried within said cabinet. The refrigeration circuit includes a first coil, a compressor, a second coil and a refrigerant reversing valve. In a cooling mode of operation, the first coil acts as an evaporator coil and room air is circulated by a first fan across the evaporator coil and delivered into the room. A second fan circulates room air through the second coil acting as a condenser coil and discharges the thus warmed air away from the room area to be cooled. In a heating mode of operation, the refrigerant reversing valve is activated to change the flow direction of the refrigerant through the circuit such that the first coil now acts as a condenser and the second coil now acts as the evaporator.

Abstract: An ice-making water tank 30, which has a main body 50, is disposed generally below ice-making plates 28. A deep portion 51 of smaller cross-section is formed in the main body 50. The discharge inlet 56 of an overflow pipe 55 is disposed in the central portion of the water surface in the main body 50, and the height of the discharge outlet is set at the upper limit H of the level of the ice-making water. A float switch 57, which sets the lower limit of the water level, is disposed in the central portion of the water surface in the deep portion. Thus, water levels which are almost equal to the prescribed upper limit H and lower limit L can be set even if the ice-making water tank is mounted at an inclined angle.