Abstract: A plurality of elongated flexible members are initially disposed in generally parallel relation over a foraminous support structure upon which a bed of hops to be dried is subsequently placed and through which heated drying air is to be subsequently pumped for passage upwardly through and drying the bed of hops. After the bed of hops has been partially dried and the hops of the bed have settled and become crusted, opposite ends of adjacent elongated members are upwardly displaced from opposite sides of the bed of hops in order that the elongated members may tear upwardly through the crusted bed of hops in the manner of an elongated flexible tear member. After the bed of hops has been torn by the elongated members from opposite sides of the bed, heated drying air may continue to pass upwardly through the bed of hops for the purpose of completing the drying process.

Abstract: The cross-country ski boot (1) has protrusions (4) extending laterally downward over its sole (3), the clear width between said protrusions essentially corresponding to the width of the ski (2) so that the ski (2) is in its operating position embraced by the sole of the boot (1). The cross-country ski boot (1) is secured against being shifted in the longitudinal direction (5) of the ski (2) by a swingable locking member (17) which, when swung in a position pointing to the ski tip, releases the sole protrusion (12) of the cross-country ski boot (1) and, upon having been swung into the operating position, fastens the sole protrusion to the surface of the ski. Thus one single swingable locking element suffices to secure the cross-country ski boot (1) in its position. The boot (1) is laterally guided on the ski (2) by the lateral protrusions (4) of the sole (3). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A golf shoe, having cleats on its underside, which are replaceable after becoming worn down; each cleat including a threaded receptacle, stationarily installed in the shoe sole, and a removable prong unit, that includes a threaded shank engagable in the receptacle, an oppositely extending, tapered prong, and a circular flange having holes therethrough, for receiving nails that hold the prong unit to the shoe sole, so as to prevent the unit from turning.

Abstract: A visualizer presentation device comprising a portfolio having a display cover hingably joined to a storage cover and the storage cover has detachably secured thereto at least one file of hinged transparent sleeves for receiving file cards. The display cover has corner pockets configured so as to receive and index transparent, information carrying graphics in overlaying relationships one with the other. The storage cover has a transparency storage pouch having a transparency receiving opening directed towards the hinge of the portfolio. The transparencies have indicia bearing tabs secured thereto in such a way as to project from the storage pouch and provide ready identification of the graphics contained on the transparencies. Files of hinged transparent sleeves are detachably secured to the storage cover. The visualizer is constructed and configured so as to be equally utilitarian when in an easel configuration and when laying flat.

Abstract: A pair of elongated upper and lower horizontal frame bars are provided together with a pair of upstanding opposite side frame bars. The upstanding opposite side frame bars extend between and loosely end abutting the lower and upper surfaces of the corresponding end portions of the upper and lower frame bars and all of the bars include inner and outer sides with the inner sides having coplanar grooves formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof for receiving the corresponding marginal edges of a poster bound on its edges by the frame bars and with the poster member forming a keying element engaged in the slot of each frame bar and thus keying the bars together, each against lateral displacement relative to the other frame bars transversely of the plane of the associated poster.

Abstract: A Christmas tree display includes a hollow trunk as upright support structure on which in a direction from bottom to top there is mounted an upwardly and outwardly-flared air-diverter element positioned such that upwardly-directed air from a lower fan casing is directed outwardly against pneumatically actuatable motor-elements of ornamental designs, and a portion of air from the motor-driven fan of the fan casing is directed into and upwardly through the hollow trunk to another pneumatically actuatable motor-element of ornamental design, and helical limb-support elements extend laterally from the upright support structure and support leaf-bearing limbs inserted through and supported by the helical portions of the helical limb-support elements, one or more of the limb-support elements or limbs having the pneumatically actuatable motor-elements suspended therefrom and one or more of the motor-elements including an electric light bulb shaded to direct light downwardly and/or upwardly to prevent glare to the obse

Abstract: The cigarette lighter cover is a novelty sleeve for the cigarette lighter which has a tubular body portion with a hollow interior space sized to receive the body of the cigarette lighter of conventional design. One end of the body portion is closed off to form a bottom end of the sleeve. The other end of the body portion is open to receive the cigarette lighter. An image presenting assembly is situated on one side of the sleeve and includes a filmstrip. Opaque portions of this filmstrip have a desired color to provide a portion of an image and a translucent portion has the remaining portion of the image which is caused to appear and disappear. A dark background is situated behind the translucent portion of the filmstrip and a light colored shield is positioned behind the filmstrip and between the filmstrip and the dark background.

Abstract: The invention provides an attractive and versatile point of purchase display device comprising a collapsible body member having an open end portion and an end member which includes oppositely facing convex and concave surfaces. The body member, as well as both convex and concave surfaces of the end member, can be suitably inscribed with desired advertising indicia. The end member is adapted to fit over the open end portion of the body member when it is in a non-collapsed position with either its concave or convex surfaces exposed to customer view. When so positioned, the end member rigidly maintains the body member in its non-collapsed position for use.

Abstract: A wire fishing line for deep water trolling comprises a length of stainless steel or Monel wire, with a first tough, substantially non-porous Formvar polyvinyl formal polymer coating layer adherently bonded to the peripheral surface of the wire, and a second, low-friction Nylon linear polyamide coating layer bonded to the peripheral surface of the first coating layer, whereby a polymer-coated wire is achieved which has high lubricity, is capable of smooth closely packed coiling in even helical layers on the spool of a fishing reel, and which is substantially impervious to salt water and fresh water immersion and capable of repeated immersions without significant loss of tensile strength.

Abstract: A low-cost, self-contained and compact sprouting device and a simple method of use of the same. The device comprises a container having a perforated top inset tray, perforated bottom whereon the seeds are washed and sprouted, and a top cover serving as a water storage receptacle when inverted and placed under the container. A disposable cover or wash-away coating seals the openings through the bottom until plant growth is desired.

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus for shifting a gate hingedly mounted on one of its sides so that an opposite side thereof can be moved to a closed position with respect to a stationary structure or to an open position with respect to this stationary structure. The apparatus comprises a shiftable member as for example, a plate which is mounted on the gate and is shiftable with respect to the side being hinged and the side thereof being located proximate the stationary member when in the closed position. A rod mechanism which is preferably comprised of a plurality of rods is operatively connected to a source of power, as for example, an electric motor, and this rod mechanism is also connected to the shiftable plate. When the motor is energized, the rod mechanism causes the gate to shift, either from an open position to a closed position, or otherwise, from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A doorbelt molding used for motor vehicles includes a flanged portion standing close to a window glass and inwardly folded, an extending portion integrally extending from the flanged portion, and an outer weather strip being attached to the extending portion, thereby shortening the distance between the window glass and the outer weather strip as short as possible.

Abstract: Closing arrangement for sliding doors adapted to move between closed and open positions along a lengthwise guide track. The arrangement includes a rotor operatively connected with connecting links connected to the door and arranged to move along the guide track. Brake arrangement is mounted with a drive member mounted in coaxial alignment with the rotor shaft. The closing arrangement is provided with a coupling device which is operatively connected to the rotor shaft and comprises an electromagnetic coupling and a friction coupling mounted on a common shaft. The coupling device prevents an inadvertant backward movement of the open sliding door to its closed position.

Abstract: A cylindrical grinding machine comprising a workholding assembly for holding a workpiece having inner and outer diameters for rotation about its axis, and wheelhead means including first cylindrical grinding wheel assembly means including a grinding wheel for grinding the outer diameter of a cylindrical workpiece held by the workholding assembly, second pivotally mounted cylindrical grinding wheel assembly means for grinding the inner diameter of a cylindrical workpiece held by the workholding assembly, means including a two direction hydraulic motor for pivotally displacing the second cylindrical grinding wheel assembly means from a raised remote position to a grind position for maintaining the second cylindrical grinding wheel assembly means at the grinding position, and means for locating the second cylindrical grinding wheel assembly at a precise axial position as the second cylindrical grinding wheel assembly is pivotally displaced to the grinding position including a key and keyway for matingly engaging

Abstract: The grinding machine comprises a frame, a stationary table for supporting a grinding-wheel carriage, and a bed for supporting a movable table. The workpiece to be ground is mounted between a headstock and a tailstock which are carried by the movable table. The grinding-wheel is fixed on a sleeve which is freely mounted for rotation on a shaft, the two ends of which are rigidly fixed respectively in two supports mounted on the grinding-wheel carriage directly above the carriage slideways.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding the finish of piston rings comprises a grinding sleeve having a plurality of sleeve elements forming a cylindrical hollow member, and an adjuster to move the sleeve elements in unison in the radial direction thereof to maintain for the internal diameter of the cylindrical member substantially equal to the nominal dimension of the piston ring as the grindstones on the sleeve elements are worn down.

Abstract: A sander with an improved adapter having spring-loaded clips for releasably locking the sander to the adapter and a second pair of clips for overlaying a piece of sandpaper over the lower surface of the adapter for releasable engagement thereto.

Abstract: The axial position of the fiber is controlled in three grinding or polishing stages. The fiber (72) is first ground flush with the guide (120) in which it is housed. The fiber end and face of the guide are then ground flat and square. The fiber is thereafter polished to its optical quality and required length. The tool for accomplishing these steps includes a retainer (74) which holds the fiber optic ferrule (70) and its optical fiber (72) therein at a tool surface (16). This tool surface is protected by a guard (18) from being too rapidly ground away while the fiber and fiber/guide combination are ground flush with the surface. The surface and its retailed guide and fiber are then moved to an unprotected position (FIG. 3) so that the surface and the fiber within its ferrule may be polished on a suitable polishing wheel or similar device.

Abstract: A grinding fixture provides for grinding a pair of oppositely positioned complementary ball engaging meridian race grooves in the external surface of the inner race member of a constant velocity universal joint, wherein the race grooves are characterized by offset centers. The fixture, adapted to receive and contain the inner race member for grinding, is engageable with, and rotatable between, headstock and tailstock members of a grinding machine. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture incorporates a slide assembly which is reciprocated between two offset parallel centerlines during grinding of a race member contained within the fixture.

Abstract: The improved grinder of this invention is provided with a non-circular peripheral surface encompassing an output shaft. The non-circular peripheral surface is arranged to receive a mating hole in a grinder wheel guard. The grinder wheel guard is positioned on the grinder by means of a threaded fastener or the like and is sufficiently large to house an appropriate grinder wheel. The arrangement between the non-circular peripheral surface on the grinder and the mating hole in the grinder wheel guard provides a means for transferring any load imposed on the grinder wheel guard directly into the body or housing of the grinder.

Abstract: A wet blasting machine having a slurry reclaiming tank and a clear liquid tank, both located at the lower part of the blasting chamber. An abrasive particle reservoir is located adjacent the blasting chamber and above the reclaiming tank. The inside of the reservoir is separated by a perforated plate into an abrasive particle chamber and a liquid chamber. The lower part of the separating plate defines an outlet for the abrasive particles. A blasting gun is positioned inside the blasting chamber, and a high pressure pump supplies clear liquid to the gun. A slurry-inducing pipe passes through the outlet of the abrasive particle chamber and has one end thereof opening into the liquid chamber, and the other end thereof connected to the blasting gun. A slurry pump supplies the mixture in the reclaiming tank to a liquid-solid separating device wherein the separated liquid is sent to the clear liquid tank and the separated particles are sent to the abrasive particle chamber.

Abstract: A panel of a predetermined geometric shape for use in the construction of buildings and enclosures. The panel is a cast or molded component having a base portion which forms an interior or exterior wall surface for the structure with which is integrally molded a flange extending entirely around the periphery of the base member. The flange is positioned at a 90.degree. angle to the base member or is slightly angled to permit convenient assembly on a flange-to-flange basis with adjacent panels. Optionally, reinforcing ribs and a central boss are integrally formed into and raised from the base portion. Panels, when molded in a triangular configuration, are particularly suited for construction of geodesic domes. Apertures are provided extending through the flanges to permit fasteners to be passed between them and to thereby secure flanges of adjacent panels together.

Abstract: A building structure whose frame, consisting of prefabricated parts or pieces, is formed by a number of elements in the form of slabs (floor or ceiling elements) arranged one above the other and connected to one another by support columns at the corners of the elements, with tubular sections transmitting both the weight of the elements to the columns and the forces exerted by columns aligned with each other, and a steel structure for use in such a building structure.

Abstract: A wall framing bracket for retaining alignment of a floor plate and framing stud of a stud wall at the floor level of a passageway through that stud wall. The framing bracket is of generally U-shaped configuration, the bracket's longitudinal axis being aligned with a floor plate's longitudinal axis to embrace the floor plate and a framing stud during use. The bracket is connected directly to the floor by flanges that flare outwardly from the bracket's bottom edge.

Abstract: A door frame which is for mounting pre-hung doors in door openings of an existing structure and which includes an extruded metal door frame, a wooden frame for support of the extruded metal frame, fasteners which attach the wooden support frame to the extruded metal door frame and are used for attaching the metal frame at a door opening, and a molded cover which is secured to the extruded metal frame and conceals the fasteners attaching the metal frame to the door opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wood log unit, which in at least one end zone includes a portion with full cross-section while the portion inside thereof constitutes of at least one part with half a cross-section. The transition between the portion with full cross-section and the portion inside thereof consists of a recess, in which the portion with full cross-section fits and of a plane surface, which in principle is one quarter of the cross-sectional area for the full cross-section and extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the unit.

Abstract: The house or structure comprises a tubular metal supporting frame; and a first and a second structural members carried on selected portions thereof. The second member is slidable along the frame to form a gravity-controlled locking engagement therewith and also to allow the first member to be placed in position thereby instantly completing the assembly of the structure.

Abstract: A vacuum package sealer apparatus comprising an operation lever thereon carrying a heat plate for sealing an opening portion of a yieldable bag, a retention lever thereon carrying an elastomeric member for retaining the bag opening portion in a closed state, a conduit member having an opening at the distal end and a soft, porous cap member mounted on said distal end opening for evacuating the interior of said bag, a base plate having platen plate means and a pivot shaft positioned thereon, said operation lever, said retention lever and said conduit member being mounted around said pivot shaft for turning movement thereabout, said elastomeric member being in closer proximity to said pivot shaft than said heat plate, said distal end of said conduit member being positioned between said elastomeric member and said heat plate, a spring being interposed between said operation lever and said retention lever, whereby a first exertion of turning force to said operation lever causes said conduit member to be held initi

Abstract: A packing machine has a main rotor (104) carrying hollow mandrels (141) to which foil and paper blanks are fed by respective feed units (160, 170) and folding/tucking devices to produce a packet with one end closed on each mandrel successively. Groups of cigarettes are fed to the mandrels from a twin-delivery hopper (110, 111, 112) the two deliveries (111, 112) of the hopper serving alternate pockets (121) of a single conveyor drum (102) which carries the groups towards the main rotor (104), a transfer drum (103) taking adjacent groups two at a time from the conveyor drum (102) to the rotor (104) and compressing each group during transfer. Each packet is removed from its mandrel (by pushing the cigarettes against the closed end of the packet) into a further drum (105) on which the second end of the packet is closed and adhesive securing folds of the packet completes its drying. The packet is then discharged through a stamper unit (106).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the heat-sealing of surfaces of articles, in particular for the sealing of closing flaps of a wrapper of a cuboid pack, in conjunction with a packaging machine, the packs being conveyed one above the other or side by side and transversely movable sealing jaws being provided which can be moved cyclically towards the surfaces to be sealed. Especially, the invention relates to the processing of cigarette packs. On the one hand, this can concern the outer wrapper of such a pack, consisting of regenerated cellulose film or of another heat-weldable packaging material. However, the cigarette pack concerned can also consist entirely of a (multi-ply) sealable film.

Abstract: A photographic film packing apparatus cuts film segments from a web of photographic film, partially overlaps the segments in a shingled manner, and conveys the segments in partially overlapping relationship into an insertion opening of a package, such as a customer order envelope. The apparatus advances the web a selected distance past a knife location, at which a knife assembly is located. The knife assembly severs a film segment from the web. The movement of the film segment is then reversed to cause a trailing edge of the film segment to be deflected downward out of the path of the leading edge of the web. The web is then advanced while the segment is maintained stationary until the web has overlapped the segment by a predetermined amount. The web and the film segment are then conveyed together toward the insertion opening until a desired cut location on the web is aligned with the knife location. The knife assembly then cuts another film segment from the web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of handling bottles utilizing a special rectangular, closed bottom, carton and divider combination. The divider has a depth less than the distance from the base to the top of the carton, and has partition members defining a plurality of partitioned spaces, including at least one main partition extending fully between two opposed side walls of the carton. The main partition has two projecting fingers, one at each end of the main partition, and the said opposed side walls of the carton have two pairs of apertures located so that the partition fingers will mate with a first pair of apertures when the divider is in a first position, and with a second pair when the divider is in a second position.

Abstract: Automatic machinery, particularly suited for the loading of pre-cut, individual microfilm strips into the storage channels of microfilm jackets, includes a feed roll shaft intermediate of insertion chute means and a loading pedestal carrying the jacket. Respective feed rolls overlie corresponding delivery ends of chutes and the jacket edges leading to channel openings. A film strip is first inserted into a chute and is in registry with the jacket edge. Then, the pedestal is raised upward to press the film between the lower surface of the corresponding feed roll and the jacket edge, whereupon the feed roll is activated to drive the strip into the channel.

Abstract: A ganged mower frame of the type which is intended to be towed by a vehicle. The frame includes a center cross bar, a right hand cross bar and a left hand cross bar. The right and left hand cross bars are each pivotally connected to the opposite ends of the center cross bar for rotation about horizontal axes. A tow bar is provided having a pivotal connection at its forward end for attachment to a towing vehicle and an attachment at its rear for rigid connection to the center cross bar. A pair of forwardly extending mower support arms are provided with each support arm being pivotally mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on the center cross bar near the ends thereof. A mower mounting bracket is attached to the forward end of each forwardly extending mower support arm with each bracket attached to its arm for rotation about the longitudinal axis of its arm.

Abstract: A mowing device comprises behind its cutting members a swath former, consisting of a worm rotor conveying the cut crop transversely to the travelling direction of the mowing device, in order to surely convey the cut crop irrespective whether the volume of the cut crop is small or great, the worm rotor rotates in such a sense that its front moves upwardly.

Abstract: A crop divider attachment for a harvester which includes a fixed upright divider extending forwardly from the conventional divider wall at the sides of a transverse frame. A lightweight snout 18 projects forwardly from the fixed divider and has side surfaces which overlap it. The snout 18 is pivotally connected at the forward end of the fixed divider adjacent to the ground surface. It swings beneath a fixed chimney on the stationary divider with minimum physical clearance in which crops might become engaged. Side deflectors shift the disentangled crop toward the center of the header. The snout floats freely, and its downward movement is limited by a flexible length of chain.

Abstract: A combined header is equipped with crop divider assemblies operable to direct crops into the path of movement of the header. Each divider assembly has two longitudinally aligned sections that are adjustable relative to each other to vary the length of the divider assembly. A plurality of plant guide rods extend from the forward section of the divider assembly in an upwardly and inwardly direction. The innermost rod terminates in a flexible terminal portion. Separate adjustable mount assemblies support the divider assemblies ahead of opposite ends of the reel of the header.

Abstract: A machine for rolling hay into cylindrical bales includes a mobile main frame with a rearwardly and upwardly swingable gate structure that raises to permit the discharge of a formed bale. An axially transverse finger type pickup is mounted on the lower end of the gate structure and raises the windrowed crop material as the machine advances to initially roll the crop material along the ground in advance of the pickup. A rear conveyor formed by a plurality of side by side belts trained around a roller on the axis of the pickup and another transverse roller above the pickup has an upwardly moving inner or forward run that engages the rear of the bale, the conveyor being swingable rearwardly to accommodate increasing bale size. A second belt type conveyor includes an axially transverse lower roller forwardly of the pickup and spaced above the ground so that the crop material passes beneath the forward conveyor.

Abstract: A raking machine has at least one circular tined rake member that is rotatable about an upwardly and forwardly inclined axis of rotation. The tines are pivotably mounted on the outer perimeter of the rake member to turn about horizontal pivot axes. Preferably, the diameter of the rake member is defined by the path described by the tips of the tines in operation and is 2 to 3.3 meters. During operation, the tines, viewed in plan are directed outwardly from the perimeter and rearwardly with respect to the direction of rotation so that with travelling speeds over the ground between 6 and 12 kms/hour and when the member is driven at a speed of rotation of 80 rev/min., the tine at the front of the rake member at any moment extends at an angle of about 45.degree. to 90.degree.

Abstract: A multi-spindle double twist twisting machine having a spindle frame in the form of a support plate that serves as a self-supporting sub-frame mountable alternatively in either a vertical or horizontal spindle machine and on which a plurality of spindle assembly mounting means are supported in two staggered rows. The support plate has side flanges to facilitate forming an enclosure around spindle assembly whorls and a belt drive assembly. A separator wall is mounted on the support plate between the rows of spindle assemblies and has ballooning yarn guides mounted thereon and extending over the spindle assemblies. The wall is extendable to adjust for yarn package sizes and operating conditions. The support plate may be formed in two portions with adjacent flanges for attaching the portions together and the wall may have an attaching flange for positioning between the adjacent flanges of the support plate portions to form an integral independent sub-frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to provide a novel false twisted slub yarn by combining a core yarn and an effect yarn in a fluid tangling zone. The linear velocity of the core and effect yarns is alternately raised and lowered to allow slubs to be produced in the combined yarn in an air jet apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to filament yarns made from synthetic polymers and having false-twist texture, comprising a core filament group and a sheath filament group wrapped around and partially covering the core. The sheath filament group comprises at least two filament groups 4 and 5 with different cross-sections, the smaller component of the sheath filament group including fibrils with the coarsest denier, and the larger component of the sheath filament group containing fibrils with the finer fibril denier, the finer fibrils in the filament group having a lesser fibril denier than the fibrils 3 of the core group 1.

Abstract: An improved means is disclosed for detachably retaining the link of a chain to be temporarily engaged by a chain-grappling "claw" type hook. The retaining means comprises a resilient member at least partially over-reaching the "pocket" portion of the hook into which the link of the engaged chain is temporarily captured; and is so constructed and arranged as to release the engaged chain link only when intended by the user, and with improved facility and ease of operation by the user.

Abstract: Load responsive system controls to vary output flow control of a system pump to control the pressure differential, acting across a control orifice positioned between system pump and a fluid motor. The system controls permit variation in the level of pressure differential in response to an external control signal, while this pressure differential is maintained constant at each controlled level.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for driving the displacer of a crank-type Stirling engine at the same frequency but out of phase with the power piston of the engine. A biasing means is linked to the displacer for applying a biasing force which urges the displacer in one direction of its reciprocation. A flexible band is secured to the displacer for applying a force opposite to the biasing force. The other end of the band is secured to an anchor which is mounted on another part of the apparatus. The band extends slideably across at least one and preferably two bearing surfaces intermediate its secured ends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a free piston Stirling engine in which a structure for aiding in the lubrication of the engine is provided. The piston of the Stirling engine is provided with turbine surfaces, such as blades. Working fluid entering the cylinder chamber applies a spin torque to the piston thereby causing the piston to spin and entrain gas about its perimeter for hydrodynamic gas lubrication.

Abstract: A number of hot gas engine units each having a plurality of pistons working upon two parallel crank shafts may form an assemblage of relative short axial length by axially connecting one crank shaft of each unit to a crank shaft of another unit and locating the other crank shaft of each unit at alternating sides of the axially connected crank shafts.

Abstract: A master cylinder apparatus of a type of wherein a master cylinder which is in communication through a connecting port with an oil reservoir on its upper side. A piston is provided having at its front and rear surfaces respective elastic cups, whereby the piston may be pushed to advance against the action of a spring on its front side by a push rod. The piston comprises a front main piston and a rear subsidiary piston connected thereto, and is further defined by an axially extending return port communicating between front and rear oil chambers and with a check valve interposed in the return port arranged to be closed by the action of a releasable spring supported by a stopper at the rear surface, during advance motion of the piston.

Abstract: The brake booster comprises two booster units in a tandem arrangement each having a movable wall. A stationary partition is provided between the two movable walls. In order to increase the axial stiffness of the booster casing, the partition is provided with bolt projections extending in both directions therefrom and are rigidly connected to the appropriate end walls of the casing. The ends of the bolt projections at the end walls form anchor means for connecting the booster to a master brake cylinder and to a supporting surface of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for feedwater heating in an industrial steam turbine. Process steam for industrial purposes is extracted from at least one stage of a multistage turbine. An expansion of a portion of process steam is provided to decrease the steam pressure to a lower pressure level than that of the lowest process steam network. The further expanded steam is used for heating the feedwater which consists of recirculated condensate and makeup water. The portion of the process steam is preferably expanded in a further turbine stage connected downstream from the last turbine stage of the multistage turbine from which process steam is extracted. At least one further feedheater with lower pressure is also provided to receive the expanded portion of the steam.