Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal dryer system and method for removing surface moisture allow complete removal of plastic pellets, flakes and particles from the dryer and water-conveying or water processing system during or after each drying cycle. By eliminating plastic particulate retention in the dryer and throughout the water conveyance and processing systems whereby contamination of different type materials dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water alone or in combination under pressure are discharged toward various accumulation or occlusion (“hang-up”) points in the dryer and throughout the water-conveying or processing system to remove retained plastic pellets, flakes and particles.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal pellet dryer and method for removing surface moisture from pellets and enabling complete removal of all pellets from the dryer after each drying cycle. By eliminating dried pellets retained in the dryer, contamination of different type pellets dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water under pressure are discharged toward various pellet hang-up points in the dryer to remove retained pellets.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide information to a customer via a network. In one embodiment, the information may include test results that are stored in a database, and customers may access the test results via a website. Accordingly, a customer may submit a sample of a substance to an analysis service provider for testing. After conducting tests on the substance sample, the analysis service provider may post the test results on the website. In one embodiment, the test results may pertain, for example, to the analysis of substances related to petrochemical products, such as catalysts, with refineries as the customers. The way in which information is presented to a customer may be customized according to customer preferences. To protect sensitive data, security procedures may include identification of the customer based on his location in the network, such as an IP address of a computer. Customized reports may be generated based on customer-specific needs or industry standards.

Abstract: A combustion chamber subject to the build-up of acoustic vibrations may have the vibrations inhibited by an electrode system which can be modulated to produce anti-noise. Sound is sensed by a microphone which may be mounted remotely to produce a control signal coupled to a voltage generator feeding the electrode system.

Abstract: Heat is applied to a heat sealable material which may be in the form of a bag, for example, to seal a portion of the bag. This may be the top, bottom or side of the bag, and one form of heat sealable material is a plastic film such as polyethylene, either as a coating on the inside of a paper kraft bag or as a separate ply. The two portions to be heat sealed are juxtaposed and passed between endless metal bands which move in synchronism with the heat sealable material as a part of the conveyor means for the heat sealable material. Heat is imparted to the heat sealable material from the metal bands and it is imparted to the metal bands by electrical current conducted into the bands by collector rings on the pulleys over which the metal band is entrained. The heat is conducted through the kraft ply to the heat sealable material to cause the two portions to be sealed together.