Abstract: Described herein is a crown molding jig, with a flat body, a device for attaching the upper end of the body to a wall, and a shelf, substantially perpendicular to the body, on which crown molding may be rested while a person installs the molding at the juncture of the wall and a ceiling. The jig may have an angled extension that when struck disengages the jig from the wall. A method using the jig to install crown molding is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide clip blow-off pulses of pressurized gas to clip dies using pressurized gas diverted from an onboard knife, gate and/or punch cylinder/valve during a reset or idle period of a clipping cycle and may be particularly suitable for rotating platform systems with circumferentially spaced apart respective clipper stations. Packaging systems include at least one clipper assembly with at least one pulse valve in communication with a pressurized gas (e.g., air) supply configured to generate a respective clip blow-off pulse of pressurized gas across a clip die.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a capsule provided with a shell containing a filtering element suitable for receiving a product for preparing a beverage or the like includes a superimposing assembly for applying a film of filtering material to at least one shell with a cavity in order to cover an opening of the cavity. The shell is moved along a first advancement direction and the apparatus further includes a locking assembly to lock the film to the shell, and a first stretching device included in a first stretching station for heating and stretching a portion of the film facing the cavity in order to obtain a filtering element.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid or semi-liquid emulsion cleaning, waxing, and restoring product with applicability to painted motor vehicles. The emulsion removes bugs, tar and paint from other vehicles, etc. and is safe for paint, plastic, chrome and wheels. The emulsion is prepared using a unique sequence of mixing steps that result in a complete emulsification of ingredients that heretofore have been difficult or impossible to effectively combine. The emulsion may be provided in liquid or paste form or in microfiber cloths, or disposable towelettes, and other such carriers infused with the emulsion. The carrier is moistened with the emulsion and packaged in sealed individual packages. In other embodiments, multiple emulsion-soaked towels or towelettes may be packaged in reclosable cylinders from which individual towels may be extracted and the cylinder reclosed. These pre-soaked towelettes may be used to easily clean and wax vehicles or other similar surfaces.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-stage printing teaches a 3D printer in combination with one or more additional dispensing nozzles. One or more additional dispensing nozzles are combined with the 3D for filling cavities with other compounds such as foam, sterilizing parts by spraying printed mold with disinfectant or antibacterial treatments, and embedding parts or other materials such as paper, fiberglass, or carbon fiber within the printing layers for additional strength and changing mold properties of a final product. In other embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in combination with a robotic packaging mechanism for bagging sterilized parts for shipment.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to transform an initial packaging consisting of a flexible material such as roll film and sealed by at least two welded joints with a liquid substance inside, into a packaging having a cubic shape with at least three faces. The method and installation using a machine comprise the following steps: 1—the initial packaging is blocked and immobilised by means of subjection clamps which maintain a constant pressure at all times, towards the inside of the initial packaging, but with regulatable damping; 2—an impact clamp (6) hits any of the perimeter lateral side or sides of the initial packaging head-on, so that the packaging inflates, thereby taking on the cubic shape, and the flaps are created; and 3—the flaps are then sealed and cut. The most significant advantages of the invention are that very small cubic packagings can be produced, and at the same time the logistical costs are reduced as a result of the absence of flaps.

Abstract: A corner post application system comprises a conveyor subsystem and an enveloping machine adapted to envelope the plurality of units with a material. The system further includes a swing arm, an applicator arm coupled to the swing arm and adapted to move linearly, a corner post gripper coupled to the applicator arm, and a controller. The controller rotates the swing arm about a vertical axis until a corner post held by the corner post gripper is aligned with adjacent sides that define a corner of the load. The controller thereafter stops rotation of the swing arm and moves the applicator arm linearly toward the corner of the load until the corner post held by the corner post gripper contacts the adjacent sides of the load. A sensor may be included for detecting a corner of the load, with the controller aligning the corner post based on detection by the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the production of plastics material liquid containers (10) with a conveying device (2) which conveys the plastics material containers (10) along a pre-set conveying path (P), with a shaping device (4) which shapes plastics material pre-forms into the plastics material containers (10), with a first filling device (12) which is arranged downstream of the shaping device (4) along the conveying path and which fills the plastics material containers (10) with a liquid, and with a cooling device (8) which is arranged between the shaping device (4) and the first filling device (12) and which cools at least one area of the wall of the plastics material containers (10) by acting upon it with a flowable medium. According to the invention the cooling device (8) has a second filling device (8) which fills a liquid into the container, which liquid is used for cooling a base area (10a) of the plastics material container (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods for prescription drug packaging are described. In some embodiments, a determination that a member of a pharmacy benefit plan has had a plurality of prescription drugs that have previously been filled is made. An adjudication request for a prescription drug prescribed for the member is received. The adjudication request is based on a fulfillment request to fill the prescription drug. A determination that a blister packaging criterion has been met may be made based on a drug type of the prescription drug and a determination that the member has had the plurality of prescription drugs that have previously been filled. A blister fill instruction is transmitted based on receipt of the adjudication request and a determination that the blister packaging criterion has been met, wherein the blister fill instruction reflects that a pharmacy is to fill the prescription drug utilizing blister packaging. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus inserts documents into envelopes and includes a document insert station and a document conveyor that conveys documents to be inserted within envelopes to the document insert station. Each envelope has an envelope opening and a flap to close the opening and defines a hinge line. An envelope feeder feeds envelopes upside down on the hinge line with the flap up into the document insert station and angled from the document conveyor. An insert plate is positioned at the document insert station that receives a document conveyed from the document conveyor and includes orifices though which air is blown onto the envelope fed into the document insert station to open the envelope and receive a document conveyed from the document conveyor.

Abstract: A vacuum filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects, as well as a related system and method, are described. The filling assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a manifold which receives suction, such as from a vacuum supply. A valve is used to control the suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release configuration. The filling assembly also has a plurality of prongs which are in fluid engagement with the manifold so that the objects are retained at the end of the prongs when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the objects can be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the release configuration.

Abstract: A bag tying apparatus and method for easy dispensing and packing. The bag tying apparatus comprises a base with a pair of horizontal parallel bag support arms having free outer ends cantilevered from a pair of vertical supports. The bag tying apparatus further comprises a pivotable bag tie support and loading arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the loading arm is attached with the first vertical rod by a supporting means, a second end of the loading arm having a terminal end having a cut-out therein to retain a handle of a bag, and a plurality of stacked bag ties positioned coaxially. The terminal end having a cut-out therein of the bag tie support and loading arm is configured to receive the handle portion of the bags and permit the bag tie to be manually moved down over the terminal end having a cut-out therein and handle portion so as to close and fasten the open top ends of the bag. The bag ties have promotional material printed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cooking material dispensing system and dispensing method. The dispensing method comprises the following steps: setting a material bag (9) clamping station in a position near a cooking pot opening but outside the range of the pot opening, and clamping the material bag (9) containing a cooking material at the material bag (9) clamping station; confining the material bag (9), such that the material bag (9) is kept in a clamped state to control the deformation thereof during the dispensing procedure; flipping and/or tipping the material bag (9), and when in a position near the cooking pot opening, dispensing the cooking material in the material bag (9) into the cooking pot; and once the cooking material has been dispensed, shifting the material bag (9) from the range of the cooking pot opening and releasing the clamping of the material bag (9).

Abstract: A packaging machine for packs of containers including a horizontal conveying means for the containers grouped as packs, a means for supplying flat paperboard sheets at the bottom side of the containers, wherein the containers are transported in a standing manner on the paperboard sheet, a means for folding upward front and back, in the transport direction, edge portions of the paperboard sheet, each of which extends beyond the footprint of the pack, at least two opposing lateral guide elements for folding upward lateral edges of the paperboard sheet extending laterally beyond the footprint of the grouped containers, wherein at least portions of the guide elements exert a defined pressing force on the upward-folded edges of the paperboard sheet and the side faces of the pack, and an adhesive is provided with edge portions of the lateral edges overlapping with front and/or back edges of the paperboard sheet.

Abstract: A stirrup for riding an animal comprising: a first portion adapted to rest against an animal to be ridden; and a second portion adapted to support a rider's foot. The safety stirrup further comprises biasing means adapted to bias the safety stirrup from an open configuration towards a closed configuration.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes: a filter pad including fibers selected from wool fibers, wood-based viscose fibers, and cellulose-based synthetic fibers, the fibers configured to absorb grease particulates; a baffle-type filter; and a support bracket configured to support the filter pad. The support bracket includes: a clip portion that is substantially u-shaped; an attachment portion including a mounting hole formed in a surface thereof; and a support portion arranged between the clip portion and the attachment portion, the support portion configured to support the disposable filter thereon. The filter assembly includes a hanging bracket configured to support the filter pad therein, the hanging bracket including a front wall, an attachment wall including a mounting hole formed in a surface thereof, and a top wall arranged between the front wall and attachment wall. The support bracket and the hanging bracket are configured to mount the filter assembly to an exhaust hood.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a filter system with an internal support structure. An embodiment of the filter system includes a header frame, a support structure having at least one arm, and a filter unit having at least one pocket. The support structure extends between the header frame and the filter unit. In addition, the support structure is coupled to the filter unit by inserting the at least one arm of the support structure into the at least one pocket of the filter unit.

Abstract: The purified air discharge device comprises a push hood (2) comprising an air flow discharge surface (23) discharging a uniform purified air flow. The push hood (2) is provided with a lateral air discharger (28) for creating a purified air flow that collides against a surrounding wall that is formed as the push hood (2) is installed and that is situated close along the circumferential direction of the air flow discharge surface (23) of the push hood (2).

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator includes flow director guidance structure directing and guiding flow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet along a flow path from upstream to downstream. The flow director guidance structure may include a flow controller controlling and directing flow.

Abstract: Vane type mist eliminator segments are arranged in a plurality of tiers at separate vertically spaced locations in a tower, typically of the upright, cylindrical type, with the eliminator at each tier covering only a portion of the cross section of the tower. The eliminator segment(s) in each tier are laterally displaced in the tower from the adjacent vertically spaced eliminator segments to form a staggered configuration for the segments. Each mist eliminator preferably extends over 50-70% of the cross-sectional area of the tower to leave an open flow passage in the tier; the staggering of the segments and the associated flow passages defines an upward tortuous or zig-zag open flow path for vapors ascending the tower through the open flow passages when the eliminator segment(s) become fouled in use.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a centripetal air or gas cleaning apparatus for removing particulates from air or gas. The apparatus comprises an inlet, housing, impeller, a clean air outlet, and a particulate outlet. The housing has an inner conical surface. The impeller's rotation creates negative pressure towards the inlet that intakes particulate-pervaded air or gas into the housing. The rotation also induces an accelerating force that throws the particulate-pervaded air or gas against the outer walls of the housing. Here, the particulates separate from the air or gas, penetrate a high-pressure zone, and are ejected through the particulate outlet located in the high-pressure zone. The air or gas, having less inertia, deflects away from the high-pressure zone where it is then subjected to a centripetal force that drives the air or gas towards the center of the housing behind the impeller where it is ejected through the clean air outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a nonwoven fabric (1), in particular a filter medium or air filler medium consisting of a nonwoven, in a melt-spinning method comprising the following steps: Melting a raw material, spraying the raw material from at least one spinning die (6) and capturing the raw material on a support layer (12) such that the nonwoven fabric (1) is formed. The support layer (12) has structures, so that spacers (2) are formed in the nonwoven fabric (1).

Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting material entrained in a fluid stream includes a filter element having a tubular filter and an end cap providing a flow conduit which extends between first and second conduit openings communicating with the internal void of the tubular filter. A housing for the filter element has inlet and outlet ports for the fluid stream, a housing bowl in which the tubular filter is located, and a housing head which provides at least one of the ports as a docking port for the first conduit opening.

Abstract: The invention proposes an autonomous robot, such as an autonomous lawn mower, comprises at least one camera for obtaining at least one input image, a communication interface for transmitting the input image and receiving a remote control instruction, a control unit for controlling an operation of the autonomous robot, and wherein the control unit is adapted to control the operation at the autonomous robot in response to the received remote control instruction.

Abstract: A rotary mower cutting deck has a downwardly opening space and rear discharge opening across a rear end thereof. Three cutting blades are located within the space with a center blade and a first side blade rotating in one direction and a second side blade counter-rotating in the opposite direction. A front flow control baffle has a first, rearwardly facing V-shaped apex located between the unidirectional blades and a second, rearwardly facing V-shaped apex between the center blade and the counter-rotating side blade. A first V-shaped flow deflector is mounted to the first apex with the first flow deflector pointing downwardly to cause many grass clippings from the first side blade to be directed to the rear discharge opening without passing to the center blade.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a harvester head assembly. The harvester head assembly includes an apparatus having a body. A forward end of the apparatus includes a barrier flange extending therefrom and forming a barrier surface that operates to block harvested crops from dropping off the forward end of the bonnet. Additionally, the barrier flange includes a kickback portion. The kickback portion operates to deflect harvested crops toward the rearward direction to further avoid loss of harvested crops out the forward end of the harvester head assembly.

Abstract: An automobile shaped lawn mower cover is described. Embodiments of the present invention include an automobile shaped lawn mower cover having one or more openings and at least one hinged panel. The automobile shaped cover can generally be aesthetically pleasing and can be implemented as a functional cover for a rotary lawn mower. Embodiments of the automobile shaped cover can include a plurality of automobile designs spanning all major car manufacturers. Typically, the automobile shaped cover can be adapted to work with existing lawn mowers.

Abstract: A bale forming apparatus and a bale forming method for forming cylindrical bales of material are provided. An intake device conveys material through an outlet into a bale forming chamber which is surrounded by a bale forming mechanism and which is situated adjacent to the outlet. A front housing part and a rear housing part are adapted for being connected with each other to form a bale forming housing. The rear housing part together with a bale on a bale carrying member can be pivoted with respect to the front housing part around an angle of at least 90 degrees. The rear housing part can be pivoted from a bale receiving position into a bale ejecting position where the bale is ejected.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A spliced rope apparatus and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The apparatus has a first rope including a first plurality of strands and a second rope including a second plurality of strands. The apparatus also has a splice connecting the ropes and defined by the first and second pluralities of strands. The splice has a spiral section including a first pair having strands of the first plurality of strands that are positioned proximate each other. The first pair extends helically and the strands of the first pair together pass under a plurality of picks defined by the second plurality of strands and together pass over a remainder of the second plurality of strands. The splice also has a tuck section in which at least some of the first plurality of strands extend longitudinally to pass under and over sequential picks defined by the second plurality of strands.

Abstract: A rope is provided with a plurality of interlocked figure-eight knots formed of either cotton or nylon. The figure-eight knots will jam under strain. Advantageously, they are more easily undone. Further, the rope is easy to store in a trunk of an automobile.

Abstract: A frictional false twister is disclosed. The twister has a plurality of rotating friction plates located between the nip of the front rollers and the yarn guide. The friction plates are staggeringly arranged for rubbing a twisted yarn. The spinning direction of the twisted yarn is opposite to the rotating direction of the friction plates. Through the action of the frictional false twister, the twist of the yarn between the false twisting device to the front nip can be increased, shortening the twisting triangle height, and increasing the spinning strength. As the yarn and the outer surface of the friction plate make relative sliding and rubbing, the friction damping force correspondingly reduces the spinning tension in the twisting triangle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain (1) for guiding hoses, cables and the like, comprising a number of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and are formed by mutually parallel link plates (11, 12) and cross members (21) connecting the lateral link plates, said link plates being linked to form parallel strands of link plates. The lateral link plates can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis that is common to two respectively adjacent lateral link plates. The energy guiding chain (1) can be displaced in such a way that it forms a loop having an upper strand, a lower strand, and a deflection zone connecting said two strands, thus defining an inner face and an outer face of the chain links in relation to the loop. The upper strand lies on the lower strand under at least partial contact of the inner faces of chain links.

Abstract: A microscale energy cogeneration system includes at least a micro/nano-turbine set for converting fuel into mechanical energy, and a generator for converting mechanical energy produced by said micro/nano-turbine into electrical energy in the range of 1 to 5 kWh. The system further includes an exhaust passage downstream from said micro/nano-turbine delivering high temperature exhaust air from said micro/nano-turbine. At least one heat exchanger receives high temperature exhaust air from said exhaust passage for heat transfer. Said heat exchanger may be used to heat water and/or air of a house. A water heating system may be coupled to the heat exchanger for convening tap water into hot water and/or cool heating air into hot air. The portable micro/nano-turbine set may be scaled up by interconnecting several units at the same time and/or interconnecting different units of different users for balancing out the energy demand of those users.

Abstract: Mechanical work for electric power generation is obtained from thermal energy in a plant arranged for introduction of solar energy, available intermittently, by reflecting and concentrating solar radiation to directly heat a flow medium such as the exhaust gas from a combustion turbine directed into a steam generating boiler/evaporator. Steam generators and staged turbines recover and extract energy optimally at particular temperature, pressure and flow parameters in a closed thermodynamic cycle. Solar energy that is available intermittently is injected into the cycle to elevate the energy of the flow medium, in particular to produce supercritical steam. A steam turbine optimized for expanding supercritical steam is deployed during periods of available solar radiation by a controllable clutch and other switching and valve arrangements. The exhaust from the supercritical steam turbine can be coupled to downstream staged turbines optimized for successively lower pressures and higher flow rates.

Abstract: One of the objects of the invention is to provide a water-saving type advanced humid air gas turbine system (AHAT) that can decrease the amount of makeup water to be supplied from the outside, by reducing the amount of water consumed when the gas turbine system is starting up, shut down, or subjected to load rejection. The AHAT includes a gas turbine system; a heat recovery steam generator for generating steam by use of exhaust gas from a turbine; a water recovery system for recovering moisture contained in the exhaust gas; a first steam system for supplying steam, coming from the heat recovery steam generator, to a compressed air header; and a second steam system for supplying steam, coming from the heat recovery steam generator, to the heat recovery steam generator or the water recovery system. The gas turbine system includes a compressor, the compressed air header for generating humidified combustion air, a combustor for generating combustion gas, and the turbine.

Abstract: Magnetically shielded miniature Hall thrusters are disclosed that use a unique magnetic field topology that prevents the magnetic field lines from intersecting the discharge channel walls in the acceleration region of the thruster. Instead, the lines of force originating from both the inner and outer pole pieces curve around the downstream edges of the discharge channel and follow the channel walls towards the anode. This unique field topology results in low electron temperature at the discharge channel walls while eliminating strong electric field components that would otherwise lead to high erosion rates and power deposition from ion acceleration into the channel walls.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine may include a plurality of flap trains in the exhaust stream of the gas turbine engine. The flap trains are operable to selectively control three separate flow paths of gas that traverse the engine. A first stream of is the core airflow. The second stream of air is peeled off of the first stream to form a low pressure fan bypass air stream. The third stream of air traverses along the engine casing and is passed over a flap assembly to aid in cooling. The flaps are operable converge/diverge to control the multiple streams of air.

Abstract: A projecting part is formed on an inner circumferential wall surface of a nacelle so that the projecting part projects inward in a diametral direction and extends from a front edge of each of circumferentially-oriented side faces of a bottom pylon. The shape of the projecting part seen from an inner side of the diametral direction is a streamline shape extending in parallel with an engine shaft direction. An apex part at the center of the projecting part is positioned on a rear edge of the bottom pylon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the decomposition of ammonium dinitramide-based liquid monopropellants into hot, combustible gases for combustion in a combustion chamber, and a rocket engine or thruster comprising such reactor, which reactor further comprises an inner reactor housing accommodating a heat bed and a catalyst bed, and separating the heat bed and catalyst bed from contact with the inner surface of the reactor housing.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting exhaust reductant injector degradation based on an exhaust NOx sensor are disclosed. In one example, degradation of the reductant injector is indicated when an actual NOx sensor output differs from an expected NOx sensor output by more than a threshold amount under engine off conditions.

Abstract: Various systems and method for detecting exhaust NOx sensor degradation are disclosed. In one example, degradation of the NOx sensor is indicated responsive to reductant injection in an exhaust passage under engine off conditions. For example, degradation of the NOx sensor is indicated when an actual NOx sensor output differs from an expected NOx sensor output by more than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A previous-stage oxidation catalyst device, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) device, a turbine of a turbocharger, a previous-stage NOx selective reduction catalyst device, and a subsequent-stage NOx selective reduction catalyst device in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine in this order from an exhaust port side. An ammonia-based solution feeder is on an inlet side or outlet side of the DPF device. The previous-stage NOx selective reduction catalyst device is a rare earth composite oxide catalyst, and the subsequent-stage NOx selective reduction catalyst device is a zeolite catalyst. The NOx removal rate is improved in wide ranges from low to high temperatures and to high flow rates, and the temperature of the DPF device is kept high to increase the time and frequency of continuous regeneration, thereby reducing the frequency of forced regeneration and an amount of discharge of CO2 during the forced regeneration.

Abstract: A catalyst protection device includes: a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and purifying exhaust gas; a bed temperature acquisition unit acquiring a current bed temperature of the catalyst; a base increase value calculation unit calculating a base increase value that is a base value of an increase value of a fuel injection amount injected by a fuel injection valve included in the internal combustion engine in order to cool the catalyst when the current bed temperature exceeds a predetermined determination value; a compensator acquiring a corrected increase value by correcting the base increase value using a reduction coefficient that is calculated by incorporating a value of a target bed temperature set to a value strictly lower than the determination value; and an injection amount increasing unit selecting any one of the base increase value and the corrected increase value.

Abstract: A method for determining if an injector (10) is in a blocked state, the injector including a coil of resistance R and of inductance L, passed through by a power supply current of maximum intensity (Imax), and powered by a voltage E, the method includes: controlling the opening of the injector, measuring the intensity I passing through a measurement resistance r as a function of time t, determining a necessary duration ? to reach a predetermined intensity value (Ipred), lower than the maximum intensity (Imax), computing the inductance L as a function of the necessary duration, if L?Lth, then the injector is blocked in the closed position, otherwise if L<Lth, the injector is blocked in the open position, with Lth being a threshold value of the inductance.

Abstract: A reductant delivery system is provided for delivery of reductant to an engine exhaust aftertreatment system that is heated during cold temperature conditions. A heat exchange fluid flows through a heat exchange circuit that provides a flow path from the heat source to the doser, from the doser to the reductant storage tank, and from the reductant storage tank to the heat source. A control valve controls the flow of the heat exchange fluid in the heat exchange circuit so that at least one heat exchange cycle includes a circulation period that increases the temperature of the reductant in the doser and storage tank and a termination period where circulation is stopped until reductant temperature in the doser reaches a lower limit.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus includes: a reduction catalyst converter that reduces and purifies nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas; a tank that stores a liquid reducing agent or precursor thereof; and an injection nozzle that injects the liquid reducing agent or precursor thereof stored in the tank on an exhaust gas upstream side of the reduction catalyst converter. Some of the exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust pipe is diverted to the tank by a bypass pipe, to cause an exchange of heat between the diverted exhaust gas and the liquid reducing agent or precursor thereof stored in the tank, thereby thawing the liquid reducing agent or precursor thereof frozen in the tank.

Abstract: A method for protecting an exhaust aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine from deterioration by selectively diverting exhaust gasses from the engine away from a component of the exhaust aftertreatment system includes assessing a status of an operating condition associated with a physical condition of the component of the internal combustion engine. The status of the operating condition is compared with a threshold value that corresponds with deterioration of the physical condition of the component. A valve upstream of the component is moved to a first position to open a bypass fluid path directing exhaust gasses around the component when the status of the operating condition meets the threshold value to reduce deterioration of the component. The valve is moved to a second position to close the bypass fluid path thereby directing exhaust gasses to the component when the status of the operating condition does not meet the threshold.

Abstract: An exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, controls an exhaust operation of the internal combustion engine (200) provided with an exhaust gas purification catalyst (216) in an exhaust passage (215). The exhaust gas control apparatus for the internal combustion engine is provided with a warming-up device configured to warm up the exhaust gas purification catalyst; and an oxygen supplying device (220, 221) configured to supply oxygen to the exhaust gas purification catalyst after the end of the warm-up. This makes it possible to preferably desorb sulfur adsorbed to the exhaust gas purification catalyst during warm-up. It is therefore possible to suppress a reduction in purification ability of the exhaust gas purification catalyst due to sulfur coating.