Abstract: The invention relates to baked potatoes and, particularly, to convenient forms of baked potatoes having an optimally-baked flavor and texture which can be simply prepared for serving in any size portion with a minimum of effort. In one preferred form, the product will be in the form of baked potato pieces with the skin attached, preferably having a moisture content of from about 70 to about 75% and flavor and texture profiles characteristic of optimally baked potatoes. A process and an apparatus for preparing the potatoes and a packaged form are also provided. The process calls for freezing a baked potato and subdividing the potato into discrete pieces of a size of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches, preferably by means comprising at least one roller pair comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted blades with cutting edges angularly offset (FIG. 7) or diagonally-opposed, spaced cutting blades (FIG. 7).

Abstract: Described is a torque amplifying device that is of centrifugal or gyroscopic type and has a unidirectional drive or drives. This device is used to control the body of a controlled object, such as an airplane, helicopter, land vehicle, cargo handling mechanism, earth moving machine or maritime device or vehicle. The torque amplifying devices are designed so that they supply a torque (momentum) to the body of the controlled object where it is connected. Thereby, the orientation or weight distribution of the body is controlled. The orientation is achieved without resorting to the physical properties of the surrounding environment (ground, water or air). Thus, it can apply a torque to this body in pitch, roll and/or yaw, so that it achieves the position or weight distribution the control system is calling for. The duration of the torque can be unlimited, until the conditions that produce it are intentionally changed.

Abstract: Potatoes are processed to develop baked and fried flavors and aromas. The are baked to create a number of characteristic baked flavors and textures. When fried, a whole other group of flavors and textures is achieved. To avoid damage to the discrete potato pieces that are prepared in processing and are desired in the final product, the process entails baking potatoes; pressing the potatoes to a predetermined thickness; freezing the potatoes; breaking the potatoes into discrete pieces; drying the discrete pieces to form a skin thereon and preferably lightly brown the surfaces; and freezing and packaging the pieces. Oven heating will be sufficient to provide a browning effect to a light golden to golden brown color and form a skin on the exterior surface of exposed potato pulp, both important to the preparation of the best product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a catalyst for the conversion of CO and/or hydrocarbons in an exhaust stream including a Sn compound selected from the group consisting of a binary composition comprising Sn and Ti, a ternary composition comprising Sn, Ti and Zr, and mixtures of any thereof. In those embodiments, the binary composition may include Sn(X)Ti(y)O2, wherein x+y=1, 0.85>y>0. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the Sn compound includes a ternary composition including Sn(a)Ti(b)Zr(c)O2, wherein a is 0.25, b is 0.25 and c is 0.5. Certain embodiments of this disclosure include a method for the conversion of CO in an exhaust stream, including contacting an exhaust stream containing CO with the catalyst described above containing a Sn compound. In other embodiments, the exhaust stream includes hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF) and a method for filtering particulates from diesel engine exhaust are provided, where the catalyzed diesel particulate filter includes a substrate and a catalyst composition, where the catalyst composition contains at least one first component, at least one second component, and at least one third component, where the first component is at least one first component selected from the group consisting of cerium and a lanthanide and mixtures thereof, the at least one second component is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, manganese and mixtures thereof; and the third component comprises strontium, where the first component, the second component, and the third component are in an oxide form after calcination. The catalyst on the catalyzed diesel particulate filter lowers the temperature at which particulates are removed from the CDPF by oxidizing the particulates on the filter. The catalyzed diesel particulate filter may also include a washcoat.

Abstract: A DC-motor (46) actuates a highly-reduced reduction gear of an actuating drive for a flap or valve in order to regulate a gas or liquid volume flow, particularly for heating/ventilation/climatization, or fire or room protection. Current flow in the stator coils (A, B, C) is commutated in a program-controlled manner without integrated position sensors. Algorithms enable counting rotations of rotor (54) of the DC-motor (46). Problems related to the principle of motor rotation speed at low rpm are prevented. The DC-motor (46) includes a stator (44) having three stator coils (A, B, C) which extend over 3n stator poles (52), and an annular-shaped permanent magnet rotor (54) having 2m permanent magnet segments with alternating polarity (N, S), a coaxial cup-shaped external rotor (110) and a coaxial drive shaft (108), whereby n and m are whole multiplication factor numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) and are different from each other.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to advance pipe elements (18) for constructing an elongate structure in a soft, stony, rocky, and/or monolithic ground. Said aim is achieved by determining the force of advancement (40), the eccentricity (52) thereof in relation to the neutral axis (N), and/or the direction of advancement (28) with the aid of a pressing device (24) and extension elements (44) which are filled with fluid and are disposed on the face of the joints (70) of the tubing (14). The fluid pressure (p) is measured in at least one portion of the extension elements (44) which extends along the entire length of the tubing (14), and/or the deformation is measured in some of the joints (70). The force of advancement (40) and the eccentricity (52) are calculated from said parameters, and the values are stored and/or are compared to stored standard values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for redirecting fluid flow in a plenum provides flow performance (quality), structural, and economic advantages by using an array of flat blades that is mounted at an angle with respect to the inlet (upstream) fluid flow, such that the blades are tilted with respect to that flow and correspondingly redirect the flow in a desired direction. The apparatus, also referred to as a “GSG” or “graduated straightening grid,” has a range of applications, and offers a number of performance, structural, and economic advantages in large-scale applications. As a particular, but non-limiting example, one or more embodiments of the flow-redirecting apparatus taught herein are configured for use in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems where catalytic reactors are used for scrubbing industrial flue gases.

Abstract: An anti-twist device retains an actuating motor (10), which is placed in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner onto the projecting driveshaft (22) of a pivotable shut-off flap (62) of a gas transport tube (34), in particular of an HVAC tube or flue gas tube for a building, in a longitudinally moveable manner. Arranged at an adjustable axial distance (a) from the driveshaft (22) is at least one clamp (36) which secures the actuating motor (10). The parallel limbs (46) of the preferably substantially U-shaped clamp (36) are of resilient design, wherein in each case one end-side, inwardly projecting latching lug (48) is formed for holding down the actuating motor (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fast-hydratable konjac composition and a process of modifying regular konjac. The invention further discloses the formulation of a synergistic composition with modified konjac and other supporting agents. The resulted product is readily hydrated in water to form a stable, highly viscous gel and solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing emissions of particulates from diesel engines. Exhaust is passed through a diesel particulate filter having at least two stages comprised of (a) a catalyst section having a platinum group metal catalyst on contact surfaces within the catalyst section and (b) a filter section comprised of passages effective to remove particulates from a moving stream of combustion gases generated by combusting the fuel in the engine and holding them therein to permit their oxidation. Carbon removal is enhanced by utilizing levels of platinum group metal composition, cerium compositions, fuels and/or optional chemical enhancers to generate NO2 in the catalyst section in amounts sufficient to form cerium nitrates in the filter section. The cerium oxide is associated with and maintains dispersion of the platinum in the filter section, and the cerium nitrates are available at the surface and within the soot particles to provide enhanced soot oxidation at a lower balance point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for controlling airflow (A) in a ventilation pipe (12) comprising one or several air throttle (32) which are synchronously actuated and prevent air flowing (A) in the air pipe in the closed position thereof. The ventilation pipe (12) is provided with a longitudinally extending fixing bar (16) which is arranged on a symmetry plane and provided with the pivot bearing (30) of an axis (28) for driving the air throttle(s) (32) and means (50, 52) for transmitting a force and/or torque to the drive axis (28) connected to the air throttle(s) (32). Said fixing bar (16) provided with different air throttles (12) is usable for the ventilation pipes having different cross sections and forms, an angle (?), preferably, ranging from 15° to 90°, with a longitudinal axis (L) or with a wall (18) of said ventilation pipe (12).

Abstract: A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (?) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction.

Abstract: A two-way ball valve (10) for liquid and/or gas flowing media, essentially comprises a valve fitting (12) made up of two connected housing parts (22, 28), in which a ball (18) with a drilling (20) for the media flow and an operating shaft (68) running perpendicular to the drilling (20) is mounted such as to be able to rotate. Furthermore, sealing shells (40, 42) are arranged to both sides of the ball (18) respectively, coaxial to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve fitting (12), which enclose the ball (18) and completely fill the dead volume (38) between the valve fitting (12) and the ball (18). Said sealing half-shells (40, 42) have a front opening for the operating shaft (38) in the axial direction (L), corresponding to the cross section of the drilling (20) in the ball (18). The sealing half-shells (40, 42) only contact the ball (18) in the region of the front openings thereof, between which a narrow sickle-shaped annular gap is formed.

Abstract: Heavy oil emulsions, comprising decant oils and No. 6, No. 5 and No. 4 oils, and water are stabilized by adding certain saccharide-based esters. Preferably, the saccharide-based esters are naturally-occurring saccharide esters such as gallotannins, saponin, red gum, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for suppressing vibrations (18) in an installation comprising an actuator (14) for actuating a flap (12) or a valve (70) used for metering a gas or liquid volume flow (16), especially in the area of HVAC, fire protection, or smoke protection. Vibrations (18) of the flap (12) or valve (70) caused by an unfavorable or wrong adjustment or configuration of the controller and/or by disruptive influences are detected and dampened or suppressed by means of an algorithm (1) that is stored in a microprocessor (49). Said algorithm is preferably based on the components recognition of vibrations (46), adaptive filtering (48), and recognition of sudden load variations (50).

Abstract: A slag and corrosion control process is described. The process entails: identifying the location of at least one slagging problem area in a boiler; introducing a slag control chemical comprising magnesium oxide or hydroxide into combustion gases in a location identified as having a slagging problem; identifying the location of at least one corrosion problem area in a boiler; and introducing a corrosion control chemical comprising a sulfate salt, bisulfite salt, sulfuric acid, or sulfur into combustion gases in a location identified as having a corrosion problem. In operation, these slag deposits will be sufficiently friable to be removed by relatively moderate application of physical energy, thus saving time and reducing any damage to the tubes by the cleaning process. The slag deposits are less voluminous and less in weight and are removed quickly. It is an advantage of the invention that slag can be removed with little or no shut down of a boiler.

Abstract: A preferred apparatus arrangement utilizes the enthalpy of the flue gas, which can be supplemented if need be, to convert urea (30) into ammonia for SCR. Urea (30), which decomposes at temperatures above 140 .degree. C., is injected (32) into a flue gas stream split off (28) after a heat exchanger (22), such as a primary superheater or an economizer. Ideally, the side stream would gasify the urea without need for further heating; but, when heat is required it is far less than would be needed to heat either the entire effluent (23) or the urea (30). This side stream, typically less than 3% of the flue gas, provides the required temperature and residence time for complete decomposition of urea (30). A cyclonic separator can be used to remove particulates and completely mix the reagent and flue gas. This stream can then be directed to an injection grid (37) ahead of SCR using a blower (36).

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and apparatus for selective catalytic reduction of NOx. The process is enabled by bypassing a heat exchanger section, such as an economizer, of the boiler in advance of an SCR unit at low load conditions to enable NOx reduction even at low loads using urea instead of ammonia. In a preferred form, under high load conditions, the bypass can be almost fully closed and the economizer can be operated normally without excessively cooling the combustion gases, using only a portion of bypassed gases which are hot enough to decompose the urea into its active components including ammonia.

Abstract: A flow setting assembly is provided to permit field adjustment of an electronically actuated flow control valve, particularly a pressure independent characterized control valve (PICCV). In a preferred form, flow can be field adjusted by using a hex tool. Therefore, the maximum flow can be increased or decreased within the valve's adjustable flow range. As with all high close-off valves that employ a ball in their design, the ball passes well into the seat when rotated to the actuator's zero-degree position. Therefore, there is an amount of travel within the first degrees of ball rotation that passes back over this seat. The flow setting assembly eliminates this excess rotation (12°) resulting in a closed position that is offset to improve control resolution and system accuracy. This offset continues to allow the high close-off rating of 200 PSI. MFT actuators electronically adjust to and maintain the 2-10 Volt control signal at the reduced angle, as well as the 100 second running time and feedback signal.