Abstract: The lightweight concrete panel is comprised of a thin concrete slab, a standard steel stud frame, optional insulation strips to increase its thermal performance for exterior wall applications, and specially engineered rivets or screws that connect the thin concrete slab to the metal frame. The specially engineered rivet has a protruding and shaped head that acts as an anchor when embedded in the hardened concrete slab and has an optional elastic cover in its embedded head to allow slight movement of the concrete slab. The engineered screw with an elastic cover can also be used as the connecting device that allows slight movement of the concrete slab.

Abstract: A roofing sealing system and method is provided. The roofing nail seal is disposed substantially concentrically over a roofing nail. The roofing nail seal includes a body portion with an upper surface and a lower surface. An adhesive is affixed to the lower surface of the body portion for application to a head of the roofing nail.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substrate and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one panel insert and at least one attachment structure facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.

Abstract: A set of extruded interlocking moldings joins together panels of framed glass and/or framed glass doors. A first molding has a channel along an edge of one face and a groove in the opposite face. A second molding has a tongue extending along an edge of one face and a flange along an edge of the opposite face. The channel of the first molding is configured to receive and hold the tongue of the second molding to secure the moldings together as the panels are aligned. The flange of the first molding snaps into the groove of the second molding when the moldings are rotated to a predetermined angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable structure for remote installation and method of constructing same is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of vertical support columns topped with guiding structures. Each guiding structure has a narrow top and flares toward a comparatively wider bottom end. The structures have horizontal members including apertures that interface with the guiding structures as the horizontal members are lowered into place.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A fastener is configured for securing a lath to a surface for, for example, the application of stucco to the surface. The fastener includes a fastener having a head, a shank and a penetrating tip. The head has a diameter and the shank has a diameter less than the head diameter. The stucco fastener has a sealing/spacer assembly having spacer element and a sealing element. The spacer element is formed from a relatively incompressible material and has a diameter greater than the shank diameter. The spacer element has a bore therein having a diameter about equal to the shank diameter. The sealing element is formed from a resilient, water-resistant material and is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the spacer element. When the fastener is driven into the surface, the fastener penetrates the surface to secure the fastener to the surface and a portion of the lath is captured between the head of the fastener and the spacer element to space the lath from the surface.

Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to flat building components including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which is inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for inserting a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the component which extends through the cover plates and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has spreadable engagement elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, a cylinder zone is in contact with the bore wall of the first cover plate, and a wedging zone spreads out engagement elements behind the first cover plate. A part of the anchor is additionally disposed in the second cover plate.

Abstract: A tool for guiding the fastening of building material to structural components is provided. The tool may include a longitudinal member, a lateral member and a positioning tab that, when properly positioned over the building material, provide stable guidance as to the proper placement of building material fasteners. The tool may include measurement markings and a level for added utility.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an object to pole is presented. The apparatus includes an elongate planar section defining a longitudinal direction. The apparatus further includes two extension sections, wherein each extension section extends from an elongate edge of the planar section in a direction perpendicular to the elongate planar section. Each of the extension sections defines a cutout area centered along a longitudinal edge of the extension section, wherein the cutout area is configured to contact a pole. The planar section also defines a plurality holes to be used for affixing the apparatus to the pole and to attach the object to the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved wrapping apparatus for an ice-cream sandwich-making machine comprises an oscillating arm and cam which drives a horizontal slider plate connected to a frame, and a pusher unit connected to an air cylinder; an improved paper feeder system, including separate paper and knife drives, air compression springs, and a paper low sensor; and a hinged exit tray.

Abstract: A method for producing a package using a traysealer is provided, wherein the package includes a container, at least two sealing films and a plurality of products, of which a first product is located in the container and a second product between two sealing films. The first product is moved into the container upstream of a sealing station, the second product is moved onto a first sealing film before the container, the sealing film and the products are supplied together with a second sealing film, which is located above the first sealing film, to the sealing station. The first sealing film moves above and spaced apart from the container and the first product until the sealing station is reached. In the sealing station the container, the first sealing film and the second sealing film are subsequently sealed to one another.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill, and seal packaging system may comprise a source of flexible thermoplastic packaging material, a tubular folder, a product dispenser of the tubular folder, and a side sealer. The source of flexible packaging material in an elongated thin flat strip of material may comprise successive flat package blanks as integral longitudinally contiguous sections. The tubular folder may be adapted to receive a strip material and progressively forms in passage to a depending and upwardly open tubular configuration, with opposite longitudinal edge portions of the material being progressively juxtaposed in a passage so as to extend in vertical and parallel directions. The product dispenser of the tubular folder for discharging measured quantities of materials may be through a fill tube extending downward into an interior of the depending tube of packaging material through an upwardly open end.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for packaging and conveying components that uses a heat-formed bearing strip provided with cells. The cells preferably all have the same standard size, and the components are maintained in place in the cells using a filler material that can be configured at will. The disclosure also relates to a component supply device including such a device, and to a method for implementing such a device.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: A method and a device for screw capping vessels, in particular bottles, by measuring the power consumption of a linear drive system for lifting and lowering the closing head in a pick phase for picking up the respective closing cap and/or in a screw phase for screwing on the closing cap being, and by comparing that measured power consumption with at least one characteristic value of the power consumption to detect an imminent or occurred incorrect closure. In this manner, vessels can be closed at a low error rate and possibly incorrectly closed vessels can be discharged from a continuous product stream at a low error rate.

Abstract: Computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting using actuators for operating barrier doors, pushers, and locks.

Abstract: A dust collector system including a plurality of air filters that are at least partially self-cleaning via a pulsed air system. The dust collector system presents a self-aligning, tool-free assembly for providing the pulsed air. The pulsed air system comprises an air distribution assembly including an air distribution manifold having a plurality of purge pipes and a frame for supporting at least some of the purge pipes, wherein at least two or more of the purge pipes are coupled together in a generally unitary assembly; and a positioning assembly for selectively positioning and removably locking the air distribution manifold in either of a service position or an operational position.

Abstract: An air filter cartridge has Z-media and a gasket arrangement with a perimeter gasket member against the downstream flow face and a side gasket member adjacent to at least a partial extension of a first side panel. The side gasket member includes no portion against second, third, and fourth side panels of the air filter cartridge. The air filter cartridge can be used in a dust collector having a tubesheet and a frame arrangement extending from the tubesheet. The perimeter gasket member seals against the frame arrangement and the side gasket member seals against the tubesheet. A method of servicing includes orienting the air filter cartridge against a guide ramp and moving the filter cartridge until the side gasket member is engaged against the tubesheet sealing surface.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering fluids includes a housing having a base and a cover having guide structure for assembly. The guide structure may also provide gasket retention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas particulate filter made of sintered metal for removing particulates contained in the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine, particularly of a diesel internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas particulate filter is made of a filter material having at least one metal support (1), which has openings (O). The openings (O) are bounded by segments (S), which are tilted in respect to the outer surface planes of the support (1). The openings (O) are filled with sinter metal powder. The support (1) consists of an expanded metal, and the sections delimitating the openings (O) of the support (1) are joined to one another with a material bond forming nodes (K). The sintered metal powder filling of the openings (O) is arranged in a substantially flush manner with the outside surfaces of the support (1).

Abstract: A suspension system for an unloading conveyor of an agricultural harvester vehicle, has a first support configured to hold the unloading conveyor in a vertical unloading position; a second support configured to hold the unloading conveyor in a horizontal unloading position; a control circuit coupled to the first and second supports, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively engage at least one gas charged hydraulic accumulator to one of the first support and the second support to thereby spring-load the unloading conveyor in the vertical or the horizontal direction (or both).

Abstract: A brake system for use in power equipment is disclosed. The brake system has a brake arm that pivots at one end and has a brake pad at the other end. The brake arm is connected to a spring which, when the brake system is engaged, the spring causes the brake arm to pivot upwards and the brake pad comes into contact with a rotating member, for example a pulley, that may be attached to a lawn mower blade. The combination of the spring pivoting the brake arm upwards as well as the rotation of the pulley towards the brake arm causes the pulley to cease rotating, bringing the rotating member to a stop. The operator of the power equipment may have a lever or other apparatus to cause the brake arm to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for use in powered lawn equipment is disclosed. The wheel hub assembly has a receiving member which is coupled to an intermediate shaft having an intermediate gear. The intermediate gear is coupled to an output shaft having an output gear. The output shaft is connected to an output hub; the intermediate shaft gear meshes with the output gear such that when the receiving pulley is rotated in one direction, the output hub rotates in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The lawn-care maintenance apparatus is compatible with a conventional power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rotary blade that can be readily attachable to and detachable from a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Also, the lawn-care maintenance apparatus comprises fastener elements for securing the rotary blade onto a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The edger blade when attached to the drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower is driven by the power system of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The rotary blade is offset from the center of the axis of the drive wheel of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Another embodiment of the lawn-care maintenance apparatus is a permanent edger attachment that is capped when the edging is not needed, this extending the life of the edger blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel spun, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multifilament yarn characterized in that said yarn comprises individual monofilaments having a coefficient of variation of their linear density, hereafter CVintra, of less than 30%, wherein the CVintra of a monofilament was determined from linear density values corresponding to a number of 20 representative lengths randomly extracted by cutting from said monofilament and using Formula 1 wherein ?i is the linear density of any one of the representative lengths extracted from the monofilament under investigation and Formula 1A is the averaged linear density over the n=20 measured linear densities of said n=20 representative lengths. The invention also relates to a gel spun UHMWPE multifilament yarn characterized in that the yarn has a coefficient of variation in linear density between the monofilaments comprising said yarn, hereafter CVinter, of less than 50%.

Abstract: A propulsion engine (100) for an aircraft, the propulsion engine comprising: one or more fans (110, 120); driving means (132) arranged to drive the one or more fans; and power transfer means (134) connected to the one or more fans and arranged to selectively transfer a variable amount of power to or from the one or more fans so as to control the rotational speed of the one or more fans.

Abstract: A cooling system for an open rotor gas turbine engine is provided. The system comprises an engine exhaust, and a row of open rotor propeller blades located rearwardly of the exhaust such that hot exhaust gases impinge on the propeller blades. Each blade has an internal cooling network through which cooling air flows to cool the blade in respect of the hot exhaust gases. Each blade also has one or more intakes which provide cooling air to the cooling network. The or each intake is located radially outwardly of the position of impingement of the hot exhaust gas on the blade.

Abstract: In order to provide a flying object with an engine comprising a combustion chamber with a combustion space and a nozzle with a nozzle space following the combustion chamber, the transition between combustion chamber and nozzle lying in a plane in which a cross-section of the combustion space converges, in which thrust control in terms of magnitude and/or thrust vector can be carried out in a simple manner, it is provided that a centre body adapted to have combustion products flowing around it is at least partially arranged in the nozzle space, outside of the combustion space, and at least three jet vanes are arranged at the centre body.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inlet air filter assembly for use with a turbine engine system. The method includes coupling an inlet hood to an air filter enclosure, such that an airflow path is defined between the inlet hood and the air filter enclosure. A pre-filter is coupled to the inlet hood, such that the pre-filter is positioned within the airflow path. A filter bypass assembly is coupled to the pre-filter for moving the pre-filter from an operating position to a bypass position during operation of the turbine engine system.

Abstract: A ramjet engine (3, 4, 5), flying at Mach 3 has 64% efficiency, and at Mach 4 has 76% efficiency. Ramjet engines are currently only used for supersonic flight and have not been used as stationary engines with mechanical output. The present invention, in addition to subsonic flight, can be operated as a stationary engine, and can expand the use of the ramjet engine for mechanical output in vehicles, power plants, and in generator sets for large buildings, homes, and industry. The present invention provides the means to use ramjet engines as stationary engines by building nearly adiabatic compressors (1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15) and expanders (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) capable of (de-)compression ratios up to about 92:1 to supply the high energy gas/air required by ramjet engines, and shows how to replace de Laval nozzles with sonic converters (49, 50, 51) that convert supersonic to subsonic flow and sonic convertors (45, 46, 47) that convert subsonic to supersonic flow without having choke areas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device (1) for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has a housing (2), which has a jacket (4) and at least one bottom (7) on the end side. A simplified variant arises if at least one such bottom (7) is designed as a spherical or spherical segment-shaped hood. The hood (8) has a connection opening (9), and a connecting branch (10, 11) is attached to the hood (8) in the area of the connection opening (9).

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes a nitrogen oxide (NOx) monitoring module and a regeneration control module. The NOx monitoring module monitors first and second NOx levels in an exhaust stream produced by an engine, wherein the first NOx level is measured between first and second portions of a substrate of a NOx adsorber, wherein the second NOx level is measured upstream from the first portion of the substrate, and wherein the first portion of the substrate is upstream from the second portion of the substrate. The regeneration control module initiates a regeneration cycle of the NOx adsorber when the first NOx level is greater than a predetermined percentage of the second NOx level, wherein the regeneration cycle includes injecting hydrocarbons (HC) into the exhaust stream at a location upstream from the NOx adsorber.

Abstract: An atmosphere learning device performs atmosphere learning upon an output value from an oxygen concentration sensor based on the output value from the sensor when an exhaust passage is in an atmospheric state. The device includes a stop request determination device, an opening-closing valve control device, and a learning execution device. The stop request determination device is for determining whether an operation stop request of an engine has been made. The opening-closing valve control device is for controlling an opening-closing valve into a predetermined valve-opening state when it is determined by the determination device that the operation stop request has been made. The learning execution device is for executing the atmosphere learning after control of the opening-closing valve into the predetermined valve-opening state by the control device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel ratio includes a reductant injection system configured to dispense reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream upstream of a selective catalytic reduction device. The reductant injection system includes a reductant delivery system fluidly coupled to a reductant dispensing device that is configured to dispense the reductant. A method for monitoring the reductant injection system includes commanding the reductant dispensing device to dispense reductant at a prescribed reductant flowrate, controlling the reductant delivery system to a preferred operating state, monitoring operation of the reductant delivery system and estimating a reductant flowrate as a function of the monitored operation of the reductant delivery system, and diagnosing operation of the reductant injection system as a function of the prescribed reductant flowrate and the estimated reductant flowrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring an emission device coupled to an engine. In one example approach, the method comprises: following a deceleration fuel shut-off duration, indicating degradation of the emission device based on an amount of rich products required to cause a sensor to become richer than a threshold. The amount of rich products required may be correlated to an amount of oxygen stored in the emission device. The indication of emission device degradation may be further based on air mass and temperature during delivery of the required rich products.

Abstract: In an emission control system, an absorbent in exhaust-emission passage absorbs a particular component in the emission with a temperature thereof being lower than a first temperature, and desorbs therefrom the absorbed particular component with the temperature thereof being equal to or higher than the first temperature. A catalyst in the exhaust-emission passage converts the particular component desorbed from the absorbent into another component with a temperature thereof being equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature. A heat recovery device is disposed in the exhaust-emission passage upstream of the absorbent and recovers heat from the exhaust emission by heat exchange between a heat-transfer medium and the exhaust emission. An adjusting unit adjusts an amount of heat to be recovered by the heat recovery device to thereby adjust a temperature state of the exhaust emission.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine exhaust purification apparatus includes a filter configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas, a selective catalytic reduction converter provided downstream of the filter to reduce nitrogen oxide contained, an oxidation catalyst converter with an adsorption function provided upstream of the converter to temporarily adsorb the nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas, a burner configured to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the filter, the selective catalytic reduction converter, and the oxidation catalyst converter to set the temperature of the filter to at least a predetermined recovery temperature, thus recovering the filter, and an ECU configured to inhibit the burner from being started when the burner is otherwise to be started but if the selective catalytic reduction converter has not been activated.

Abstract: A device and method for catalytic reduction of NOx in gaseous products of combustion by directing the products of combustion through a particulate filter (32) and then into a mixing zone (28) through separate flow passages (34, 36) at respective velocities greater than that at which products of combustion leave the filter, by causing an injector (38) to introduce urea solution through a nozzle (40) aimed toward the mixing zone along a slant direction (42) to, and across, flow entering the mixing zone through a first (34) of the separate flow passages and ultimately toward a far wall (44) of the mixing zone relative to the nozzle while directing exhaust flow entering the mixing zone through a second (36) of the separate flow passages to enter the mixing zone between the first flow passage and far wall, and by directing flow leaving the mixing zone through an SCR catalyst (48).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a selective reduction type NOx catalyst located in an exhaust passage and being capable of purifying NOx with ammonia, an oxidation catalyst located downstream of the selective reduction type NOx catalyst, an upstream sensor located between the selective reduction type NOx catalyst and the oxidation catalyst and having ability to detect both ammonia and NOx, a downstream sensor located downstream of the oxidation catalyst and having ability to detect both ammonia and NOx, and determining means for determining a component passing through the selective reduction type NOx catalyst, based upon a relation between output of the upstream sensor and output of the downstream sensor.

Abstract: An engine for converting thermal energy to kinetic energy is provided. The engine includes a body of fluid having a first zone and a second zone, a thermal energy source thermally connected to the first zone for providing thermal energy thereto, and a thermal energy sink thermally connected to the second zone for removing thermal energy therefrom such that the first zone has a temperature greater than the second zone. The engine further includes a movable loop, which extends between the first zone and the second zone, and a plurality of containers which are positioned in the body of fluid and attached to the loop such that the loop and the containers move conjointly between the first zone and the second zone. Each of the containers expands to a first volume when it is in one of the first and second zones, and contracts to a second volume when it is in the other one of the first and second zones.

Abstract: A thermally-activated material assembly transformable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition including an actuator material that, in response to being heated and cooled above/below an actuation temperature, causes the actuator element to actuate from a non-actuated shape to an actuated shape, and vice versa, respectively. The assembly also includes a drive mechanism connected to the actuator element and a phase-change material (PCM) associated with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism causes the PCM to either (i) directly engage the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the non-actuated condition and to be disengaged from the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the actuated condition or (ii) directly engage the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the actuated condition and to be disengaged from the actuator element when the actuator assembly is in the non-actuated condition.

Abstract: A diesel or diesel-like internal combustion engine drivably connected to a variable internal compression ratio supercharger that supplies varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load requirements of the engine. The supercharger has a pair of rotors concurrently driven by the engine to move air to the engine. A slide assembly associated with screw rotors is movable with a controller relative to the rotors to bypass air to atmosphere and regulate the amount of air and pressure of the air compressed by the screw rotors to the engine to increase the engine's efficiency.

Abstract: In an explosion protection for gas a turbine which includes a turbine wheel and a turbine housing surrounding the turbine wheel, wherein the explosion protection comprises a multi-layer structure of material of a high rupture strength, the explosion protection is in the form of an essentially closed pot including a bottom section and a sash extending fully around the bottom section for accommodating the turbine housing.

Abstract: A high order of thermal efficiency is achieved in a steam engine or expander having a piston clearance that approximates zero together with a negligible amount of compression, such that pressure in the clearance volume approximates ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric or condenser pressure as the case may be at the end of the piston return stroke when the clearance is essentially zero. These two provisions working together simultaneously provide a method and apparatus which constitute a new engine apparatus and Rankine operating cycle that can be referred to as “zero clearance with zero compression”. The invention also provides an improved steam admission valve assembly that can be operated either automatically responsive to piston movement or by means of a cam shaft and cam or electrically by means of a solenoid that provides an intermittent magnetic field for operating one or more valves.

Abstract: A combustor apparatus is provided, comprising a mixing arrangement for mixing a carbonaceous fuel with enriched oxygen and a working fluid to form a fuel mixture. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by a porous perimetric transpiration member, at least partially surrounded by a pressure containment member. The combustion chamber has longitudinally spaced apart inlet and outlet portions. The fuel mixture is received by the inlet portion for combustion within the combustion chamber at a combustion temperature to form a combustion product. The combustion chamber further directs the combustion product longitudinally toward the outlet portion.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of phase change material to store, transfer and convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to thermal energy transfer and energy conversion are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to a containment vessel having a heat receiving region and a heat transfer region such that a plurality of phase change materials are disposed therein and a sequence of solid, liquid and vapor phases are used to transfer heat from a source to a heat receiver of a power conversion unit.

Abstract: The rankine cycle system includes an evaporator coupled to a heat source and configured to circulate a working fluid in heat exchange relationship with a hot fluid from the heat source so as to heat the working fluid and vaporize the working fluid. An expander is coupled to the evaporator and configured to expand the vaporized working fluid from the evaporator. The exemplary expander is operable at variable speed. A condenser is coupled to the expander and configured to condense the vaporized working fluid from the expander. A pump is coupled to the condenser and configured to feed the condensed working fluid from the condenser to the evaporator.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle includes a body member having an upstream wall opposing a downstream wall, and an internal wall disposed between the upstream wall and the downstream wall, a first chamber partially defined by the an inner surface of the upstream wall and a surface of the internal wall, a second chamber partially defined by an inner surface of the downstream wall and a surface of the internal wall a first gas inlet communicative with the first chamber operative to emit a first gas into the first chamber, a second gas inlet communicative with the second chamber operative to emit a second gas into the second chamber, and a plurality of mixing tubes, each of the mixing tubes having a tube inner surface, a tube outer surface, a first inlet communicative with an aperture in the upstream wall operative to receive a third gas.