Abstract: A method for managing machine operation comprising sensing a plurality of operational variables for a machine during use thereof so as to generate operational data for said variables. The operational data is processed so as to determine features within the operational data which are indicative of a divergence from a desired operational state of the machine. Confidence values associated with said features are determined and used to assess whether the plurality of features and associated confidence values are indicative of a predetermined diagnosis for said machine. A confidence value for said diagnosis is determined based upon the associated feature confidence values and used to generate a signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The invention may be used for engine health monitoring applications and may be used for determining necessary servicing or repair work for the engine.

Abstract: An air return bulkhead for use within refrigerated cargo trailers comprises a pair of substantially coplanar panel members disposed within a vertically oriented plane. A first lower main panel member is fixedly connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, and the second upper secondary panel member, in addition to also being connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, is also removably connected to the first lower main panel member so as to provide repair or maintenance personnel with easy access to the lower region of the refrigeration unit when, for example, repair or maintenance procedures need to be performed upon the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A method for managing machine operation comprising sensing a plurality of operational variables for a machine during use thereof so as to generate operational data for said variables. The operational data is processed so as to determine features within the operational data which are indicative of a divergence from a desired operational state of the machine. Confidence values associated with said features are determined and used to assess whether the plurality of features and associated confidence values are indicative of a predetermined diagnosis for said machine. A confidence value for said diagnosis is determined based upon the associated feature confidence values and used to generate a signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The invention may be used for engine health monitoring applications and may be used for determining necessary servicing or repair work for the engine.

Abstract: A new and improved portable bulkhead for use within, for example, refrigeration containers in order to, for example, divide the interior space of the refrigeration container into a predetermined refrigeration compartment within which a predetermined refrigeration temperature is to be maintained, wherein the new and improved portable bulkhead comprises a central core block fabricated from extruded polystyrene and having oppositely disposed side surface portions, and a pair of vinyl sheets respectively laminated onto the opposite side surface portions of the central core block so as to form, with the central core, a three-piece laminated portable bulkhead. The resulting bulkhead exhibits enhanced stiffness, rigidity, durability, service life expectancy, and does not readily absorb water which renders the same capable of being readily washed-down during cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Abstract: An air return bulkhead for use within refrigerated cargo trailers comprises a pair of substantially coplanar panel members disposed within a vertically oriented plane. A first lower main panel member is fixedly connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, and the second upper secondary panel member, in addition to also being connected to the front wall member of the cargo trailer, is also removably connected to the first lower main panel member so as to provide repair or maintenance personnel with easy access to the lower region of the refrigeration unit when, for example, repair or maintenance procedures need to be performed upon the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A universal fluid flow transitional connector, for use in connection with refrigeration units disposed within refrigerated cargo trailers, has a corner configuration that is adapted to be mounted within the upper front corner region of the refrigerated cargo trailer as defined between the front wall member and the ceiling member of the trailer. In this manner, the connector can fluidically connect the cooled air outlet portion of the refrigeration unit to an air distribution chute member which is attached to and extends axially along the ceiling member of the trailer such that the cooled air, outputted from the refrigeration unit, can be distributed throughout the entire interior cargo space of the refrigerated trailer.

Abstract: Header and chute components of a refrigeration air distribution system have fastener attachment implements disposed thereon such that the header and chute components, or successive chute components, can be easily attached and detached with respect to each other by end-user customer personnel at on-site field locations. In addition, individual or particular header and chute components can be mixed and matched as may be desired, successive chute-components can be attached or detached with respect to each other in order to provide header-chute assemblies of varying length dimensions, and worn or damaged header and chute components may be readily replaced.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal type bulkhead assembly comprises a pair of new and improved thermal type bulkhead members which are adapted to be adjustably positioned with respect to each other in an overlapped mode in the widthwise direction whereby oppositely disposed side edge portions of the pair of bulkhead members can effectively engage the oppositely disposed interior side walls of the refrigerated cargo container, while upper sections of the bulkhead members can flexibly engage the ceiling portion of the refrigerated cargo container. In this manner, the lateral extent or width dimension x of the thermal type bulkhead assembly, as well as the vertical extent or height dimension y of the thermal type bulkhead assembly, can be adjustably varied whereby the thermal type bulkhead assembly of the present invention is effectively universal in structure so as to be capable of being utilized within different refrigerated cargo containers characterized by means of different internal width and height dimensions.

Abstract: A partition system includes partial-width partitions that are independently movable longitudinally in the trailer and independently swung to the ceiling for easy stowing. Each partition is evenly supported by a pair of rails for easy movement without undue loading of the components. One rail extends along the sidewall and another along the center of the trailer for each partition. All of the rails are part of a framework that is supported solely by the sidewalls with no loads placed on the ceiling. A lift assembly includes a lift rope, a pair of pulleys and a grip for holding the lift rope. A first pulley is generally aligned with the center of the partition to avoid substantial side loading on the pulleys during lifting and lowering of the partition. A second pulley guides the lift rope to a sidewall where it is less disruptive to the loading and unloading of goods. The grip is proximate the ceiling and avoids the formation of a taut rope segment along the sidewall.