Abstract: A fortified gate system and locking mechanism is disclosed which utilizes spring loaded locking mechanisms, triggered by the impact of an object such as a vehicle, to interlock a gate, a brace, and fortified anchoring devices. This interconnected structure forms an energy absorbing, impenetrable barrier. Because the gate system functions as a normal gate until an instance of attempted crashing entry, it provides reasonable accessibility while maintaining a high level of security.

Abstract: A cable window-lift in particular for motor vehicles and comprising a drive (1) for the alternating winding and unwinding of the cable (2) running in at least one loop and which cable, in relation to pane movement, is divided into a cable lifting portion (15) and a cable descending portion (16) and further is linked to a pane lifter (3) displaceable up and down along a guide (5), one spring element (9, 10) being provided in the cable lifting portion (15) and cable descending portion (16) resp. to compensate cable slack. To allow raising and lowering the pane in substantially play-free manner and to avert clattering and/or wind noise, the spring (9) in the cable lifting portion (15), which is compressed when in the pane closed position, evinces a spring force greater than the resultant of the pane weight and the frictional forces arising during pane motion and also larger than the spring force of the spring (10) in the cable descending portion (16).

Abstract: A frame-and-door unit includes a frame structure and a door. A first vertical frame of the frame structure is supported on one side portion of the door by hinges. When the door is closed, a second vertical frame of the frame structure is supported on the other side portion of the door by a latch bolt and a strike. The unit is bound tight with a band that extends across the door. Each of the vertical frames is formed having a band groove along which the band is passed. The unit, kept bound tight with the band, is fitted into a door opening of a building. The band is cut after the vertical frames are fixed to the edge of the door opening. The cut band is then removed from between the edge of door opening and the vertical frames.

Abstract: A window operator for rotating drive members which extend out a window sash. The operator handle has at least two positions, one position being extended in an operable position and the other position being a folded, non-operable position.

Abstract: An interlocking gutter retaining system for mounting a rain gutter under the eaves of a pitched roof includes a specially designed retainer member that is adapted to be affixed to the fascia board directly under the eaves. The retainer member is provided with engaging means, including a receiving channel, into which the rear wall of a standard rain gutter is inserted. The receiving channel is adapted so as to securely engage the gutter such that it can be pulled out only with significant force and/or the use a tool specially designed for the purpose. To maximize the engagement of the gutter within the securing channel, the rear wall of the gutter is crimped along its lateral edge.

Abstract: A sealing strip for a roof ridge or arris cover, made of soft, easily deformable material and having a center strip zone disposed between lateral strip zones. The center strip zone is adapted for placement on a roof ridge or arris plank and is air permeable. The lateral strip zones are adapted for placement on the top sides of roof cover boards. The center strip zone comprises a center section coming to rest on the roof ridge or arris plank and side strip sections which are sieve-like and air permeable. The adjoining lateral zones are pleated, with the pleating aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sealing strip.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls.

Abstract: The thermal efficiency of a building is improved by installing a weather block and vent member across the space between the ends of joists resting on a plate having between them an insulation blanket having a vapor barrier adjacent a ceiling on the bottom of the joists. The member blocks the flow of air towards the end of the vapor barrier and the ceiling and sometimes down past the plate in a wall inside covering and down pass the inside covering and the vapor barrier on the blanket insulation between the wall studs, and redirects it upwards along the rafters. It also blocks the flow of air across the plate, to eliminate the Bernoulli Effect thereat which was operative to suck the out the air between the wall-stud insulation vapor barrier and the wall interior covering. The weather block and vent is field adapted to the parameters of the building and is factory scored for easy field adaptation and so that it can be shipped flat for transportation economies.

Abstract: A cremation niche for holding the cremated remains of a deceased living being. The cremation niche includes a precast concrete block preferably having a size and consistency of a conventional cast building block. A cavity within the concrete block with access thereinto through an opening in the front upright surface of the concrete block provides access into the cavity for placing the cremated remains therein. A front face block matches the dimensions of the front surface of the concrete block and is connectable thereto by fasteners. A seal between the face block and the front face of the concrete block seals the cavity and protects the cremated remains. A separate molded plastic liner fitted into the cavity further enhances a hermetic seal within the cavity. Spacer tabs formed into one horizontal surface and one end surface of the concrete block enhance ease of building a wall of the filled and sealed niches with precise spacing between niches.

Abstract: A combination drainage system and radon gas venting system for a structure foundation as disclosed which utilizes solid rubber particle fill as a free draining and venting medium.

Abstract: A storm shutter installation includes a pair of supports attached above and below a window to be protected. The supports include a pair of parallel channels to receive a pair of plywood panels. One or more removable brace are provided to support the plywood panels. The braces typically run parallel to the short dimension of the panels thereby reducing the unsupported long dimension of the panels. The braces are clamped together, thereby clamping the panels together and clamping the panels to the supports. The resulting storm shutter installation is substantially stronger, perhaps as much as an order of magnitude, than single plywood panel installations.

Abstract: A clip for door molding of vehicles is provided which pinches and holds an outer panel more securely. The clip for door molding for attaching a door molding having an inverted U-shaped cross-section onto the top margin of an outer panel of a door, wherein an inner engagement piece is upwardly formed inside the lower end of a planar body to pinch and hold the inner edge of the door molding with the body, and a pair of outer engagement pieces are downwardly at the opposite ends outside the upper end of the body, formed for engaging the outer edge of the door molding as well as for pinching and holding the top edge of the outer panel on the body, comprising an interposed engagement piece which is formed between the pair of outer engagement pieces, the interposed engagement piece having a contact section opposing to the edge of the top margin of the outer panel and a pinching section downwardly bent from the tip of the contact section to pinch and hold the top margin of the outer panel with the body.

Abstract: A self storage warehouse facility (10) has a plurality of separate insulated self storage rooms (12) each having an exterior foldable door (14) mounted for movement between open and closed positions to permit access to the insulated storage room (12). The foldable door (14) has a plurality of insulated partitions (50, 52, 54) having rollers (66) mounted in guide rails or tracks (42) for movement. In closed position, the lower partition (54) has a lower tubular seal (74) which seals against the foundation (11) and an adjacent ledge (74, FIG. 4). The entire outer perimeter of the door (14) is sealed against a rubber strip (40) along the side edges and upper edge of the door (14). A tubular seal (72) seals along the bottom edge of the door (14). A solenoid operated damper (82, FIG. 7) in a cool air duct (80) is moved to a closed position by energizing of the solenoid (87) upon opening of the door (14). The damper (82) is opened upon return of the door (14) to a closed position.

Abstract: In a drywall corner-trimming assembly providing a "bullnose" configuration, two corner-trimming members and a splice are combined. Each member has a central portion and two flanged portions. The central portion has a generally arcuate profile. Each of the flanged portions extends from one of the lateral edges of the central portion at a step defining a lateral limit of a concave surface of the central portion. The members and the splice are assembled so that the splice straddles such members, so that a portion of one of the expansive surfaces of the splice faces the concave surface of the central portion of each of such members, so that the splice is concealed at least substantially by the central portions of such members are viewed, and so that each of the lateral edges of the elongate splice is pressed firmly against the step at one of the lateral edges of the central portion of each of said members. The splice is secured adhesively to the members, as by adhesive ribbons.

Abstract: The present invention is a fireproof and hurricane proof building having a concrete floor, a plurality of special wall assemblies, and a special roof assembly. Each special wall assembly comprises a reinforced cinder block wall, foam, stucco, fireproof coatings, steel studs, and fire retardant gypsum plaster. The special roof assembly comprises steel trusses, steel joists, metal sheets, and fireproof tiles. The windows and doors are fireproof and hurricane proof. The special wall assemblies, special roof assembly, and concrete floor are interconnected to form an air tight, fireproof and hurricane proof enclosure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a reinforced metal stud for use in a hollow wall. The wall includes sheet metal studs placed horizontally between adjacent, horizontally extending gypsum core boards, typically in the walls surrounding an elevator shaft and stairwells, and in area separation walls and the like. The metal studs include an inner flange, an outer flange and an adjoining web connecting the flanges, with a core board abutting each side of the web. Standard or special fire-retardant gypsum wallboards are attached by fasteners to the outer flanges of the metal studs. A hollow space is thus formed between the core boards and the wallboards, the outer flange and a portion of the web being within the hollow space. A reinforcement channel is provided for attachment to and strengthening of the stud. The web and the outer flange of the stud form a partially enclosed space, and the reinforcement channel nests in the enclosed space.

Abstract: An improved device for supporting and aligning anchor bolts within a light pole foundation mold. An outer ring having a downwardly projecting, circumferential lip fits atop a sonotube foundation mold. Cross members transverse the space inside the ring and have holes disposed thereon for receiving bolts. A conduit receiving hole is positioned at the intersection of the cross members. Projections on the top side of the outer ring have an outer edge that is aligned with the inner edge of the circumferential lip to provide means for securely stacking several of the devices in superimposed fashion.

Abstract: A glass brick wall is provided including a plurality of generally rectangular glass bricks layed in horizontal runs between spaced elongated vertically extending support frame members. The wall has horizontally extending elongated separation stripe between adjacent horizontal runs. The vertical support frame members present a face incorporating vertically spaced apertures receiving the separation strips.

Abstract: Roofing system is presented comprising a built-up roof(BUR) assembly or modified roof membrane assembly (MRM) which is adhered to gypsum, concrete or composite sheets or panels which have been loose-laid over a roof substrate. This allows the BUR or MRM assemblies to conduct heat to or receive heat from the thermal mass of the loose laid mass-weighted sheets immediately below the BUR or MRM assemblies. The gypsum panels, preformed concrete panels, poured-in-place concrete or composite mass-weighted construction panels which are placed between the BUR or MRM assemblies and the roof substrate causes more gradual changes in temperature between the roof assembly and the roof substrate.

Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated elements having a generally concave interior surface which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows, and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. The connecting members comprise an elongated wall with a central portion between two outer portions. The elements have two extensions which extend laterally along the plane of the middle side of the elements. By engaging a connecting member to an element, the outer side of the element, the extension of the element and the outer portion of the connecting member form a triangular space providing structural rigidity to the formwork.

Abstract: A false ceiling for buildings designed to absorb acoustic waves has perfoed plates. One or several suspended plates (1, 6) are provided which are so hard that they cannot vibrate. The plates have a plurality of regularly or irregularly arranged holes (4, 7) with 0.2-3 mm diameter, the surface of the holes being less than 4% of the total surface. The air in the holes (4, 7) forms with the overlying cavities (11) a dampening active mass system of the foil absorber type.

Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.

Abstract: An anchoring sleeve for receiving a screw in a concrete building element, consists of a tubular body (1) made of synthetic material and surrounded by a metal shell (8) which only partially covers the synthetic body (1) so that at least the lower end thereof is exposed and can be destroyed by dissolving or perforating it so that water can flow through.

Abstract: A method of installing a seismic damping wall where the seismic damping wall is attached to the upper floor beam prior to installing the upper floor beam. A hanging plate is placed in the chamber defined by a standing structure plate. The hanging plate is temporarily attached to the standing structure plate. The top edge of the hanging plate is affixed to a horizontal structural beam that upon installation in the building will be an upper floor structural beam. The combined unit, comprising the horizontal structural beam, the hanging plate and the standing plate structure, is placed in position and the horizontal structural beam on the upper floor is installed in the building structure. The chamber is filled with a viscous liquid. The hanging plate and the standing plate structure which were temporarily fastened together are separated from each other. The standing plate structure is lowered down toward the horizontal structural beam on the lower floor.

Abstract: A method for grouting tile comprises applying a protective coat made of self-adhesive, impenetrable, flexible, sheeting material to the top surface and peripheral sides of the tile before grouting, then removing the protective coat after grouting. The protective coat eliminates contact between the grout and the tile surface, thereby eliminating the need for pre-grouting sealer application, tile washing, tile cleaning, and/or acid cleaning of the tile.

Abstract: Packaging assembly intended for the extemporaneous preparation of suspensions or solutions of a solid active product in a liquid product, the active product having been freeze-dried and being contained in a flask A, and the liquid product being contained in a flask B closed by a dropper (30), a connection member (16) enabling to put in communication the two flasks for the purpose, in a first step, to cause the liquid product to pass from flask B into flask A containing the solid product, then, in a second step, to reverse the assembly and aspirate into flask B the suspension or solution thus formed. Flask A containing the active product is closed by an elastic stopper (10) having a central perforation (12) closed by a perforable operculum (14) which is perforated by the dropper when the flasks are put in communication by means of the connection member.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A method for covering a pot means, the cover is a flattened sleeve comprising a base portion tapered and sized to fit a pot and having an upper portion which is detachable and having a closed bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected or crimped about the pot means.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot means, the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion sized to fit a pot and may have a non-linear upper edge defining a skirt and having a closed bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot means.

Abstract: An apparatus for shrinking a heat-shrinkable film around a product. The apparatus has a first heating stage which heats a portion of the underside of the package to properly position the shrink film and a second heating stage which further shrinks the film. Side heating jets can optionally be used to heat the sides of the package between the first and second heating stages. The top of the package can also be heated after the second heating stage.

Abstract: Rotary die apparatus for producing filled gelatin capsules comprises two cylindrical rollers mounted with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel and defining a nip therebetween, with at least one roller having a plurality of recesses on its outer surface; and means for feeding gelatin ribbon to each roller surface and thereby to the nip. The apparatus includes a metering system for delivering particulate material between gelatin ribbons at the nip; and means for rotating the rollers in synchronism with the metering system such that particulate material is supplied over a recess in said at least one roller, and the juxtaposed ribbon sections close over the particulate material to form a capsule. Air mechanisms may be used to shape the gelatin ribbon into the roller recesses, and such mechanisms can also be used to facilitate the flow of particulate material in the metering system.

Abstract: In a sheet wrapping body producing apparatus, an oxygen absorbing strip sheet supplied from an oxygen absorbing sheet supplying shaft is cut out by a first rotary die cut unit to make an oxygen absorbing sheet tip. The tip is transported in such a manner to prevent the misalignment by a delivery drum unit and a first transportation belt unit. During the transportation, a breathing layer strip sheet is supplied on a transporting surface of the first transportation belt unit, on which the oxygen absorbing sheet tip is placed. Also, a strip cover film is placed on the oxygen absorbing sheet tip. Then, a rotary seal unit seals the breathing layer strip sheet and strip cover film, and the sealed portion is cut by a second rotary die cut unit. Accordingly, a sheet wrapping body can be produced at high speeds.

Abstract: A bale wrapper apparatus (10) which comprises: a frame (13); a towbar (14) attached to and projecting forwardly of the frame (13) to enable the apparatus to be towed behind a propelling vehicle (11); a arch structure (15) forming part of said frame (13) and facing in the intended direction of travel, said structure being of sufficient size to allow a bale (12) lying on the ground to pass through the arch (15) when the apparatus (10) is moved forwardly; a bale lifting device (16) mounted on the frame (13) and operative to lift a bale (12) lying on the ground to a bale-wrapping position; means (19) for rotating the bale (12) about a substantially horizontal axis (24) extending generally parallel to the direction of travel when the bale (12) has been lifted to the bale-wrapping position; means (20) for holding a supply reel (29) of stretchable plastics film for wrapping the bale (12); means (21) for causing relative rotation between the supply reel (29) and the bale (12) about a substantially vertical axis (22),

Abstract: An inserting apparatus comprises an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a filling position, a document feed path and a flap holder for holding a flap of an envelope in an open position. On the side of the document supply path where the flap holder is also located, the most downstream roller is formed by a return pulley of a conveyor belt. Owing to a conveyor belt being trained over the most downstream roller on that side of the document feed path where the flap holder is also located, a small roller can be used without this leading to run-in problems. The documents are moreover forcefully advanced at the end of the document feed path into a nip between two rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A riding saddle comprises, inter alia, two downwardly depending flaps from either side of the seat, which flaps may be altered to provide different configurations so that the saddle may be readily adapted for different riding pursuits. Such adaptability is provided by a generally two-part flap comprising a main part attached to the seat and a plurality of differently contoured removable parts releasably attachable to the main part, either in an aperture thereof, or at a front edge thereof. The invention provides a simple, quick, and relatively lowcost method of adapting a saddle to suit a variety of riding activities, such as show jumping, racing and dressage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique method and system for automatically controlling the motion of a rotary ring twisting and winding device, provided with a rotary ring member rotatably mounted on a holder by way of a bearing mechanism, which is utilized for textile machines having a so-called ring traveller twisting and winding mechanism. The present invention is characterized in that the rotational speeds of the rotary ring member and spindles are continuously detected, and the detected rotational speed of the rotary ring member is compared with the desired rotational speed of the rotary ring member which is calculated by multiplying a predetermined ratio by the detected rotational speed of the spindles, and if it is detected that the rotational speed of the rotary ring member is out of control, the rotational speed of the rotary ring member is electrically controlled to return to a condition of satisfying a predetermined allowable controlled condition.

Abstract: Emissions of nitrogen oxides in exhaust from gas turbine systems are reduced, in accordance with the invention, by introducing, into the combustor, a supplementary gaseous stream comprising dihydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and a stream of gaseous fuel and/or mixtures thereof, with a source of dioxygen to form a combustible gaseous mixture; combusting the mixture to produce heat and a combustion product stream; and driving a turbine with the combustion product stream to produce an exhaust stream and to generate mechanical power. Supplementary gaseous streams are, advantageously, formed by a process for hydroshifting dimethyl ether, i.e. formed by a process which comprises passing a feed stream which includes dimethyl ether and steam to a hydroshifting, reaction zone including an essentially alkali metal-free catalytic composition substantially composed of copper or nickel in elemental form.

Abstract: A power generation gas turbine includes first stage turbine blades made of an alloy whose 10.sup.5 -hour 14-kgf/mm.sup.2 temperature capacity is 920.degree. C. or over, second and subsequent stage turbine blades made of an alloy whose 10.sup.5 -hour 14-kgf/mm.sup.2 temperature capacity is 800.degree. C. or over, first stage turbine nozzles made of an alloy whose 10.sup.5 -hour 6 kgf/mm.sup.2 temperature capacity is 900.degree. C. or over, and second and subsequent stage turbine nozzles made of an alloy whose 10.sup.5 -hour 6-kgf/mm.sup.2 temperature capacity is 800.degree. C. or over.

Abstract: In the present invention, a NO.sub.x absorbent is used for removing the NO.sub.x in the exhaust gas. The NO.sub.x absorbent absorbs NO.sub.x in the exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean, and releases the absorbed NO.sub.x and reduces it to nitrogen when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is rich or stoichiometric. To prevent the NO.sub.x absorbent from being saturated with the absorbed NO.sub.x, the NO.sub.x absorbent must be regenerated periodically by causing the NO.sub.x in the absorbent to be released and reduced. However, it is found that when the regenerating process by supplying a rich air-fuel ratio exhaust gas to the NO.sub.x absorbent is carried out at high NO.sub.x absorbent temperature, a part of NO.sub.x flows out from the NO.sub.x absorbent at the beginning of the regenerating process without being reduced. In the present invention, this outflow of NO.sub.x is suppressed by, for example, carrying out the regenerating process only when the temperature of the NO.sub.

Abstract: A water jacketed exhaust pipe comprising an inner liner, an outer shell, and a spray ring. The inner liner includes an internally tapered section which clips the turbulence that occurs along the inner walls of the liner. As a result, fluid expelled from the spray ring will not migrate into the inner liner where it can cause severe corrosion. The inner liner is longer than the outer shell. The outer liner includes an internally tapered section which scatters the stream of water expelled from the spray ring and further redirects water onto the inner liner and into the center of the exhaust path. The redirected water particles are easily vaporized and in the process, extract a significant amount of heat from the exhaust system.

Abstract: An exhaust component for an internal combustion engine includes a housing having an interior. Left and right inlet tubes are provided on an inlet end wall of the housing for conveying exhaust gases to the interior, and at least one outlet tube is provided on an opposite outlet end wall of the housing for conveying the exhaust gases from the interior. A first panel extending between top and bottom walls of the housing in a position intermediate the inlet and outlet end walls defines an outlet opening in fluid communication with the outlet tube. Second and third panels extend convergingly toward the outlet opening from left and right side walls of the housing in order to direct the exhaust gases toward the outlet opening. One embodiment includes both left and right outlet tubes that extend from the outlet end wall to the outlet opening covergingly so that both the left and right outlet tubes are in fluid communication with the outlet opening.

Abstract: A transportation system is based on battery powered vehicles operating in an isolated geographic area within which a base electrical load during the day exceeds the normal electrical load during the night. The system is operated by generating power for the load by using a geothermal power plant that operates day and night at a substantially constant power output. The vehicles are operated during the day; and power generated by the power plant supplies the base electrical load. Recharging of the batteries of the vehicles occurs only at night when power generated by the power plant in excess of the normal electrical load is available for recharging purposes.

Abstract: An integrated gas turbine/air separation system is operated at or below full system load by feeding the air separation unit with air from a dedicated air feed compressor and optionally with extracted air from the gas turbine air compressor. When the gas turbine air compressor discharge drops below a selected pressure at part load conditions, the flow of extracted air to the air separation unit is discontinued and the air separation unit operates at constant pressure supplied only by the air feed compressor. This mode of operation is particularly useful in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation system and allows the design of the oxygen and nitrogen product compressors such that the compressors operate at high efficiency during full load IGCC operation.

Abstract: The arrangement of a gas turbine engine suitable for high bypass ratio aircraft engines in which gases circulate in a primary air channel (7) and a secondary channel (8) concentric to said primary air channel, is characterized in that structural vanes (22) connecting the channel delimitation casings (2, 10, 14, 5) with each other, alternate with aerodynamic vanes (20) for guiding the gases on a common circumference of the engine bypass air channel (8), and in that the structural channels branch out between the two channels. The resulting advantages are simplicity of construction associated with a reduction in the space required for housing the channels and good resistance without notable increase of the total mass.

Abstract: A system for detecting the ambient temperature of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, where an oxygen sensor (O.sub.2 sensor) is installed for detecting oxygen content in exhaust gases generated by the engine. The oxygen sensor has a detection element and a heater for heating the detection element when supplied with current. The exhaust system is further provided with a catalytic converter which similarly has a heater for heating the catalyst for promoting the activation thereof. The electric resistance of the sensor heater is detected and based on the detected resistance, the ambient temperature of the exhaust system is detected or estimated in accordance with characteristics preestablished with respect to the electric resistance of the heater. With the arrangement, it becomes possible to detect the ambient temperature of the exhaust system without using a temperature sensor. The detected ambient temperature is used for controlling the current supply to the heater of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for exhaust gas clarification apparatus for internal combustion engine is disclosed. The diagnostic apparatus can diagnoses the individual catalyst independently by means that an air/fuel ratio sensor is mounted before and after the individual catalyst, and that the individual catalyst is diagnosed by estimating the correlation of the output signals from the air/fuel ratio sensors mounted before and after the individual catalyst, and furthermore, that the individual diangosis operation is performed at distinctive operation regions adequate for their corresponding diagnostic mode.

Abstract: A method and a plant for combined production of electricity and fresh water in a stand-alone plant of the wind/diesel type. The method enables the simultaneous production of electricity and fresh water with optimal use of the various units of the plant under all conditions of operation by optimally utilizing the wind energy and minimizing fuel consumption. A continuously operating diesel engine controls the line frequency and the power supply without any energy being accumulated. A preferred embodiment of the plant includes a first closed fluid circuit and a second open fluid circuit, the first closed circuit including at least an electric heating unit receiving energy from a wind turbine, an internal-combustion engine, preferably a diesel engine, and a distillation unit. The distillation unit constitutes a unit common to the first closed and the second open circuits.

Abstract: An impingement freezer having a zoned freezing chamber in which the temperature of each zone is independently controllable so that the temperature profile within the impingement freezer is coldest at a zone adjacent the outlet and warmest at a zone adjacent the inlet for maximum thermodynamic usage of the refrigerant. Additionally, the velocity of each of the impingement jets is independently adjustable from zone to zone so that in the zone adjacent the entrance of the freezing chamber, the impingement jets can be adjusted to have maximum velocity to produce maximum heat transfer coefficients and thereby an acceptable rate of cooling within the impingement jet freezer. Impingement jets are formed within nozzles that are tapered in two orthogonal directions to prevent frost build-up. Circulation within the impingement jet freezer is produced by venturi-like devices driven by vaporization of incoming refrigerant.