Abstract: A method of regulating and controlling an internal combustion engine forming part of a hybrid power unit of a self-propelled vehicle, the method employing a first graph showing the power transmitted by the engine as a function of the rotation speed of a drive shaft, and for different injector openings of a power-regulating injection device; and a second graph showing the torque transmitted by the drive shaft as a function of the rotation speed of the drive shaft, and for different injector openings of the power-regulating injection device; the second graph also showing the injector opening of the power-regulating injection device.

Abstract: A hybrid power train for farm tractors, wherein the elements defining at least one of the electric machines are housed in a structural casing formed in one piece. The structural casing forms an integral part of the supporting structure of the tractor in the form of a half-shell open on one side, so as to permit assembly of an insulating element, a stator, and a shaft fitted with a respective rotor to form the electric machine part of the hybrid power train. The diesel engine of the agricultural tractor is mechanically connected to the Power take-off mechanism by routing the PTO shaft through a number of hollow shafts for transmitting power from the diesel engine to and from the two electric machines by means of a conventional epicyclic gear train.

Abstract: The drive assembly has: an input member and an intermediate shaft; an axial clutch device for connecting the input member and the intermediate shaft in rotary manner; and a pulley connected in rotary manner to the intermediate shaft and defined by two half-pulleys movable axially with respect to each other and engaging a drive belt, the distance between the half-pulleys determining the winding radius of the belt. A push member, movable axially, along the intermediate shaft, between two limit positions, exerts thrust on the two half-pulleys to determine, in direct relation with its own axial position, the axial distance between the two half-pulleys, and alternatively exerts thrust on the clutch device to release the clutch device when moved axially in the direction increasing the distance between the half-pulleys. A control device is also provided to vary, on command, the axial position of the push member.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for a tractor includes a diesel engine and two electrical machines. The diesel engine and the two electrical machines are connected mechanically to a device for subdividing and re-combining of the output powers delivered by the diesel engine and delivered or absorbed by the electrical machines. The electrical machines are capable of operating both as generators and as motors. The propulsion unit is operable such that in at least one interval of the ground speed of the tractor, the electrical fraction of the power delivered or absorbed by the electrical machines is zero.

Abstract: The drive assembly has: an input member and an intermediate shaft; an axial clutch device for connecting the input member and the intermediate shaft in rotary manner; and a pulley connected in rotary manner to the intermediate shaft and defined by two half-pulleys movable axially with respect to each other and engaging a drive belt, the distance between the half-pulleys determining the winding radius of the belt. A push member, movable axially, along the intermediate shaft, between two limit positions, exerts thrust on the two half-pulleys to determine, in direct relation with its own axial position, the axial distance between the two half-pulleys, and alternatively exerts thrust on the clutch device to release the clutch device when moved axially in the direction increasing the distance between the half-pulleys. A control device is also provided to vary, on command, the axial position of the push member.

Abstract: A sterilization method for a sterile liquid-content packing machine using liquid disinfectant for sterilizing parts of a filler pipe and connecting piping in free communication with the filler pipe requiring sterilization. A preheating heat-storage piping is provided having a capacity for holding a predetermined quantity of heat transferred to the heat piping by passing super heated air therethrough. Spray charging of a predetermined quantity of liquid disinfectant occurs for a predetermined period of time into the super heated air passing through the heat storage piping which results in vaporizing the liquid disinfectant while dropping the temperature of the mixture of vaporized disinfectant steam and super heated air due to the vaporization. The drop in the temperature of the mixture is inhibited by heat stored within the heat storage piping. The mixture is communicated within the connecting piping to be sterilized which extends from the heat storage piping.

Abstract: A piston unit is disclosed which includes a pressure-compensating device wherein pressure variations in a product line are dampened by subjecting a side of the piston (6) remote from the product line (5) to a variable air pressure. Rolling membranes (7,8) are positioned on both sides of the piston and enclose between them a chamber (13) which is connected to a source of vacuum (14) so as to secure contact of the membranes with the piston. The vacuum is distributed in the chamber (13) with the help of a vacuum line (15) with enlarged outlet area, and is distributed over the end faces of the piston (6) by way of a network of ducts (19,20) in the piston.

Abstract: A pump unit comprising co-operating, push-pull connected reciprocating pumps for the pumping in portions of contents to packing containers on a packing machine. The reciprocating pumps (1) each comprise a control piston (4) connected to the pump piston (6) in control cylinders (18), which are joined together in pairs by means of a connecting pipe (20). The pipe is provided with a flow regulating valve (21) for regulating the flow rate of the hydraulic oil and hence the piston speed. The quantity of hydraulic oil in the connecting pipe can be regulated with the help of a supply tank (23) so that the length of stroke of the pistons can be adjusted.

Abstract: In an arrangement for a filling valve on a packing machine after-dripping is prevented by providing that the outside surfaces of the valve which can come into contact with the contents are cleaned with the help of a pressure fluid during operation of the machine. An arrangement in accordance comprises a filling valve whose valve body is provided with a channel for the supply of pressure fluid and an outlet opening situated at the lower end of the valve body which conducts the pressure fluid and causes it to flow along the underside of the valve body so that any residue of the contents is effectively flushed away.

Abstract: In packing machines which produce aseptic packing containers for e.g. foodstuffs, it is of greatest importance that the machines can be cleaned and sterilized in a satisfactory manner prior to the production of packing containers. In accordance with the invention a method and an arrangement are provided on a packing machine for the sterilization of the lower end of a filling pipe 10 as well as of surrounding parts of a packing material tube 8. Use is made for this prupose of a connecting element 20 which connects two feed ducts 11,12 present in the filling pipe 10 to each other so that cleaning and sterilizing agent can circulate in the filling pipe. In a subsequent stage the connecting element 20 is removed so that sterilizing agent can be made to circulate also along the outside of the filling pipe 10 and in the packing material tube surrounding the filling pipe, whereupon the production of the packing containers commences.

Abstract: A pumping unit for the filling of containers in packaging machines, in particular of foodstuffs with fluid behavior with the presence of suspended particles, which allows reliable operation under aseptic conditions, and which is easily cleanable. The conical shutter of the pumping unit, selectively connecting the pumping piston to the product intake duct and to the product delivery duct, is movable backwards from its seat, so as to allow an easy and reliable cleaning of unit's body, with no danger of product deposit with consequent loss of aseptic conditions.

Abstract: In packing machines of the type which manufacture packing containers with liquid contents a filling pipe with a valve arrangement situated at the outlet end is frequently used. The valve arrangement that is described comprises a movable valve element which is manoeuvred with the help of pressure variations in the filling pipe. The movable valve element is cup-shaped and is adapted so that it is lifted through excess pressure in the filling pipe from a fixed seat so that an annular discharge opening results.