Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole assembly that has a first spring disposed within a vacuity in the heel portion of the assembly, and a second spring disposed within a vacuity in the ball portion of the assembly. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend vertically from the upper to the lower internal boundaries of the vacuities.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe includes an insole, an upper having a bottom open end secured to an insole, and a waterproof but vapor pervious lining sleeve disposed inside the upper. The lining sleeve includes a top open end connected to the top open end of the upper, and a bottom open end extending along an inner surface of the upper and ending at a distance from and above the bottom end of the upper. An adhesive or a waterproof adhesive tape is attached to and bonds together the bottom open end of the lining sleeve and the upper.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoe having a built-in, electronic wear indicator device capable of signaling (a) extent of shoe sole wear, (b) loss of ability to cushion and absorb shock, and (c) a need to replace the shoe. The wear indicator device comprises (a) a sensor and microprocessor which can measure and report the use history of the shoe, (b) a wear indicator display which shows the consumer the current point in the shoe's life cycle and (c) a power source. The wear indicator device is installed between the midsole and outsole during the manufacturing process and is therefore, built-in and unobtrusive to the user.

Abstract: An excavator of the invention comprises an excavating body having an excavating element and a clinometer for detecting an inclination angle of ditch wall in a excavating ditch; a traveling distance recorder for measuring moving distance of said excavator; a calculator for calculating and accumulating the inclination signal for every moving distance of said excavator on the basis of the inclination signal outputted from said clinometer and the moving distance signal outputted from the traveling distance recorder; and a display device for displaying accumulated said inclination signal outputted from said calculator, thereby can excavate the ditch with excellent flatness of the ditch wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic machine which has been specifically designed for ironing trousers free of folds, preferably of a jeans type, or made of elasticized or sports fabrics, which machine comprises a bearing framework rotatably supporting thereon a plurality of operating assemblies for supporting the cloth articles being ironed, each operating assembly being programmable to automatically perform a plurality of different operations, depending on the type of the trouser fabric and their size.

Abstract: A luminaire comprises a relatively thin and flat light-emitting panel (1) having a light-emitting window (2) and, opposite said light-emitting window, a rear wall (3) with opposed edge surfaces (4, 14). At least one of the edge surfaces (4) is light transmitting and associated with a plurality of light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ). Light originating from the light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ) is spread in the panel (1). The invention is characterized in that a plurality of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) is provided in the panel (1) for extracting light from the panel (1) via the light emission window (2). The deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) are clustered so as to form at least one light symbol (27; 28). The configuration of the clusters (17; 18) of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) corresponds to the shape of the light symbol (27; 28).

Abstract: A sign is formed from an indicia donor element and an indicia recipient base element. The recipient base has a first color; and signage indicia is removed therefrom to cause the recipient element to be stencil-like. The donor element has a second color; and signage indicia is removed therefrom and installed into the stencil-like openings in the recipient element, to form the sign having one color of background and a second color of signage integral therein. Preferably, the donor and recipient elements are of the same baseboard material, except for color; and the donor signage is snap fit into the recipient base. The preferred orientation for this sign is vertical, just above floor level. Visual recognition of the signage can be enhanced by phosphorescence or glitter treatment. Tactile signage sensing can be enabled by texture difference between donor and recipient materials.

Abstract: An inexpensive promotional hangar used to attach a neck or wrist strap to a desired item. The promotional hanger includes an elongated body made of a material divided into three sections. The first section extends from one end to approximately the mid-line axis of the body. A second section is formed adjacent to the first section that, during assembly, is folded upward to form an extending narrow tab. Located adjacent to the second section and opposite the first section is a third section. First and second fold lines are aligned transversely on the body, separating the first and second sections, and the second and third sections, respectively, and enabling the second section 30 to bend upward. A third fold line is transversely aligned over the second section, thereby enabling it to be folded in half to form a tab structure.

Abstract: A hang tag is disclosed. The hang tag has first and second surfaces, which are preferably planar. A slot is defined between the first and second surfaces. Desirably, the slot extends at least about 0.25 inches in one direction and at least about 1 inch in another direction. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for automatically applying a hang tag to an elongated object (e.g., an electrical cord such as a cord set), with a machine that is suitable for applying a securement strap to an object. The method includes providing a hang tag having a slot therein. The hang tag is aligned with the machine so that when the securement strap is ejected from the machine, it passes through the slot, forms a loop around the elongated object, and is tensioned around the object. As such, the securement strap serves to attach the hang tag to the elongated object in a stationary manner.

Abstract: Collectible, rectangular ticket-type display device having a window in which is mounted a transparency type film frame or multi-frame clip for see-through type viewing. The display device preferably includes security and/or authentication indicia, and is fabricated from archival-quality materials. The ticket is formed from a single folded sheet of heavy paper or plastic material and scored along one edge for a fold to define a front and back panel. The film frame or clip is secured in an envelope or packet of non-bleed, non-yellowing transparent polyester plastic which is mounted to one inner face of the ticket panels. Preferably the ticket window is of sufficient size to exhibit the sprocket holes of the film frame or clip for authenticity. The transparency images may be of a motion picture or performance event such as a concert, sporting or historical event, and may be reproduced from a film positive or negative, or from video tape.

Abstract: A mounting corner having a top piece and a bottom piece that are sealed together along their coextensive outside edges forming a pocket. A portion of the outside edges of the top piece and the bottom piece are rounded for accepting round-cornered memorabilia. An adhesive layer may be disposed on the outside surface of the bottom piece.

Abstract: A simplified and reliable automatic fishing device is disclosed which may be operated in one of a plurality of fishing configurations to produce desired fishing motions to a fishing rod held on the device wherein the device is automatically disengaged from operation when a fish strikes.

Abstract: A glide bait lure includes a body, a substantially horizontal tail, at least one hook, and a line loop. The body has a fish like shape. A tapered area is formed on a top front portion of the body. A substantially horizontal tail extends from a rear of the body. The portion of the body below a horizontal center line is heavier than above the horizontal center line to prevent body roll. The line loop extends from a front of the body for attachment of a fishing line. Preferably, one treble hook is pivotally attached to a bottom of the body. The body is preferably painted to resemble a fish.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hydrocarbon in water emulsion includes the steps of providing a hydrocarbon phase containing inactive natural surfactant; mixing a solid carbon additive with the hydrocarbon phase, the solid additive being selected from the group consisting of coal, coke and mixtures thereof so as to provide a hydrocarbon suspension including the solid carbon additive; and forming an emulsion from the hydrocarbon suspension and an aqueous phase in the presence of a surfactant activating additive so as to activate the inactive natural surfactant and form a hydrocarbon in water emulsion having the solid carbon additive suspended in the hydrocarbon phase. A hydrocarbon in water emulsion is also provided including a hydrocarbon phase, a water phase, a surfactant, and a solid carbon additive suspended in the hydrocarbon phase, the solid carbon additive being selected from the group consisting of coal, coke and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the stability of a solids-stabilized water-in-oil emulsion by pretreating the oil prior to emulsification. The pretreatment step can be accomplished by adding dilute acid to the oil, adding a lignosulfonate additive to the oil, sulfonating the oil, thermally oxidizing the oil, thermally treating the oil in an inert environment, and combinations thereof. The emulsion can be used in enhanced oil recovery methods, including using the emulsion as a drive fluid to displace hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation, and using the emulsion as a barrier fluid for diverting flow of fluids in the formation.

Abstract: A plant container including a receptacle having a top opening for insertion of a plant therein and a top flap for selective folding over the top opening to cover the receptacle. A stack of these containers may be compactly stored in a collapsed flat state and then individual containers expanded upon purchase of plant. The containers may be made from panels having a right triangular shape so that may be mass produced in such a manner that wasted web material is minimized.

Abstract: an adjustable protective platform for supporting, for example, potted plants includes a plurality of multi-legged links. Each link includes a pair of linkage legs angled with respect to each other at an acute angle. Each linkage leg includes a plurality of projections extending from the upper and lower surfaces and at least two transverse slots cut into the upper surface, extending from the outer side to the inner side, and angled at least partially towards the origin end of the opposite linkage leg. The slots in each linkage leg are symmetrical with respect to the slots in the opposite linkage leg. Therefore, the links are coupled together by arranging the links in an alternating up and down (one link facing up and the next facing down) fashion forming an outer enclosed loop, and further, by engaging a slot in a linkage leg of an upward facing link with a slot in an immediately adjacent linkage leg of an adjacent downwardly facing link.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, the sleeve having a base with side and bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 32 comprises a first heat exchanger 40 for allowing heat to be exchanged between water and a reformed gas from a reforming reactor, a second heat exchanger 50 for spraying and vaporizing water in the reformed gas from the first heat exchanger 40, and a third heat exchanger 60 for vaporizing unvaporized or precipitated water. The reformed gas from the reforming reactor is cooled by the heating and vaporizing of water, and is mixed with the vaporized water and fed as mixed gas to a water gas shift reactor. The processes of cooling the reformed gas, heating and vaporizing of the water, and mixing the reformed gas and steam are completed in the heat exchanger 32, making it possible to design a smaller, simpler, and more efficient apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a vaporizing device, a vapor mixing device and a reforming device. The vaporizing device produces a vapor by vaporizing at least a portion of a first one of a hydrocarbon fuel and water, without mixing with a second one of the hydrocarbon fuel and the water, so as to produce a vapor gas containing the vapor and air. The vapor mixing device receives the vapor gas from the vaporizing device, and creates a vapor mixture by spraying at least a portion of at least one of the hydrocarbon fuel and the water, which was not vaporized by the vaporizing device, toward the supplied vapor gas. Thr reforming device receives the vapor mixture from the vapor mixing device and reforms the hydrocarbon fuel to a reformate gas containing hydrogen.

Abstract: An automatic door reciprocating system (20) is disclosed. The automatic reciprocating system is adapted for use with a wheelchair lift (152) designed to be stowed in a lower compartment of a vehicle (24). The vehicle includes a floor and a sliding door (22) where the sliding door is slidable between open and closed positions. The wheelchair lift includes a platform that is movable between an upper position, where the platform is substantially coplanar with the floor, and a lower position. The automatic door reciprocating system includes a reciprocating assembly (26) for automatically reciprocating the sliding door between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A jamb protection system that may be installed to jambs to reduce damage to the jamb or injury to persons working around jambs. Force absorbing and disseminating elements help to spread and transmit forces applied to the jamb protection system.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing slurry comprising an oxidizing agent, a complexing agent, an abrasive, and an optional surfactant, as well as a method for using the chemical mechanical polishing slurry to remove copper alloy, titanium, titanium nitride, tantalum and tantalum nitride containing layers from a substrate. The slurry does not include a separate film-forming agent.

Abstract: Fine abrasive powders can be made more free-flowing and better adapted to UP deposition in the production of coated abrasives by the control of the volume resistivity of the powder to a level that is not greater than 1014 ohms.cm by incorporation of a silica powder.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing that can limit scratches of a specific size to a specific number, even with interlayer insulating films with small elastic moduli (silsesquioxane, fluorine-containing SiO2, polyimide-based resins, and the like.). When using the aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing of an interlayer insulating film with an elastic modulus of no greater than 20 GPa as measured by the nanoindentation method, the number of scratches with a maximum length of 1 &mgr;m or greater is an average of no more than 5 per unit area of 0.01 mm of the polishing surface. An aqueous dispersion for CMP or an aqueous dispersion for interlayer insulating film CMP according to another aspect of the invention contains a scratch inhibitor agent and an abrasive. The scratch inhibitor may be biphenol, bipyridyl, 2-vinylpyridine, salicylaldoxime, o-phenylenediamine, catechol, 7-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3,4-triazaindolizine, and the like.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for polishing a magnetic disk substrate that is used as a storage device for a computer or the like, and is capable of producing a magnetic disk substrate polished with high precision suitable for use in combination with a magnetic head that floats at a low level. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing the composition for polishing the magnetic disk substrate. A polishing composition includes alkali metal ions, abrasive grains, a carboxylic acid, an oxidizing agent, and an anti-gelling agent contained in an aqueous medium. In a method of the present invention for preparing a polishing composition, a pH value of an aqueous medium, in which abrasive grains, a carboxylic acid, an oxidizing agent, and an anti-gelling agent are contained, is adjusted to a range of about 1 to about 5 by the addition of alkali metal hydroxide to the aqueous medium.

Abstract: Various skylight connectors are disclosed. A sheet is integrally formed with tabs along opposed axial edges of the sheet, and the sheet can be bent into a tubular configuration with the tabs along one edge engaging tab holes along the other edge and vice-versa to hold the sheet in the tubular configuration. Also, a skylight dome fastener adaptor includes a hollow body, and ribs are formed on the outer surface to engage a hole in a skylight dome to impede rotation of the body in the hole when a fastener is disposed in the adaptor and threadably engaged with a dome flashing. Additionally, various quick connect zip ties and clips are disclosed for quickly and easily engaging components of a skylight assembly.

Abstract: Various skylight connectors are disclosed. A sheet is integrally formed with tabs along opposed axial edges of the sheet, and the sheet can be bent into a tubular configuration with the tabs along one edge engaging tab holes along the other edge and vice-versa to hold the sheet in the tubular configuration. Also, a skylight dome fastener adaptor includes a hollow body, and ribs are formed on the outer surface to engage a hole in a skylight dome to impede rotation of the body in the hole when a fastener is disposed in the adaptor and threadably engaged with a dome flashing. Additionally, various quick connect zip ties and clips are disclosed for quickly and easily engaging components of a skylight assembly.

Abstract: Various skylight connectors are disclosed. A sheet is integrally formed with tabs along opposed axial edges of the sheet, and the sheet can be bent into a tubular configuration with the tabs along one edge engaging tab holes along the other edge and vice-versa to hold the sheet in the tubular configuration. Also, a skylight dome fastener adaptor includes a hollow body, and ribs are formed on the outer surface to engage a hole in a skylight dome to impede rotation of the body in the hole when a fastener is disposed in the adaptor and threadably engaged with a dome flashing. Additionally, various quick connect zip ties and clips are disclosed for quickly and easily engaging components of a skylight assembly.

Abstract: Moisture and condensation barriers for protecting wood from damage in building structures (particularly but not necessarily in flooring systems) include a liquid rubberized coating material coated onto some of the wood or a barrier sheet having a petroleum-based tar layer.

Abstract: Siding panels and intermediate articles of their manufacture are provided. The siding panels include a central portion including an aesthetic pattern and a pair of lateral edge portions which are molded while the polymeric material is still hot or molten. One exemplary aesthetic pattern provided is a cedar shake siding pattern. Adjacent cedar shake shingle impressions have substantially the same lengths, but a plurality of bottom edges of the individual shingle impressions are beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths.

Abstract: A stay-in-place composite form provides a strong and durable concrete structure. The form includes a composite shell having an inner wall surface defining an enclosure into which concrete may be poured and allowed to harden. The composite shell may be made of one or several layers of fabric having a resin matrix impregnated therein. The concrete hardens to form a concrete core within the enclosure and a liner is affixed to the inner wall surface of the composite shell to protect the composite shell from alkalinity in the concrete core. The liner includes at least one sheet of a water-impermeable material to protect the concrete core from water and other corrosive elements. The fabric layers are selected such that the fibers elongate as the concrete is poured into the enclosure due to a weight of the concrete and partially shrink back to compensate for shrinkage of the concrete as the concrete dries to form the concrete core.

Abstract: A web position matching system for matching marks provided on a web of packaging material with a pitch corresponding to the length of one container, to a reference position comprises sensor means for detecting the displacement of the mark from the reference position, setting means for setting a usual amount of feed obtained by adding a predetermined amount of advance to a predetermined reference amount of feed corresponding to the length of one container when the displacement detected by the sensor means is smaller than a predetermined allowable displacement or setting a corrected amount of feed obtained by subtracting a predetermined amount of delay from the reference amount of feed when the detected displacement are not smaller than the allowable displacement, and means for correcting the usual amount of feed and the corrected amount of feed based on a pattern of frequencies with which the usual amount of feed and the corrected amount of feed are set by the setting means.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the mixing of foam precursors in foam-in-bag precursor systems, to thereby enhance the quality of the resulting foam. The apparatus comprises a heated chamber for storing bags containing the precursors in separate compartments, an opening for dispensing the heated bags, and mechanical agitators for externally agitating the bag containing the separated foam-forming precursors to mix the precursors and form foam. Also, a foam cushion packaging precursor is disclosed and comprises such a heated bag.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an item group in a container, includes a first conveyor carrying the items; a second conveyor; and a plurality of container carriers mounted on the second conveyor. Each container carrier has a support for holding and positioning a container such that a container bottom and a container side wall are oriented obliquely to the advancing direction of the second conveyor. A pickup device lifts an item from the first conveyor, transports it to the second conveyor and deposits it into a container positioned by a container carrier. A control device controls the motions of the pickup device to selectively deposit items in a flat-lying orientation on the container bottom or on the container side wall. After uprighting the containers subsequent to their charging with items, each item is either in a flat-lying orientation or in an edge-wise standing orientation with respect to the container bottom.

Abstract: IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKING MACHINES OF PRODUCTS IN MESH BAGS WITH HANDLE that include: a tubular mesh feeder, a set of rollers in quincunxes, a frame with another set of rollers resting, respectively, on the former, feeders of two bands, plates with springs between both bands, parts shaping folds on the free parts of the mesh, rollers that pull the tubular mesh with its two bands welded and means that close the bottom and cut the top of each bag, feeder rollers of a band and means for transversally cutting it to obtain a strip, turning means that fold the strip in “U”, means for inserting the strip in the upper part of the bag and means for welding this set.

Abstract: In a vehicle, it is known to have an air filter as part of an air intake system in vehicle's engine compartment. The air filter consists of a shape with a front narrow opening and a broader base. In the present invention, a new air filter is designed to provide an increased velocity of air passing through it. This new filter has firstly, a three dimensional conical device at the front opening of the filter, and secondly, a shield made of a low heat conductive material which surrounds the air filter and is mounted on a clamp at the bottom of the air filter.

Abstract: A walk-through portal or other enclosure is provided for at least one of detection of a predetermined substance on a subject and decontamination of a subject from a predetermined substance, the subject being either a person or, for other type of enclosure, an object, such as a suitcase. The walk-through portal defines an examination zone and can be substantially open on at least one side, to permit a subject readily to enter and to exit the examination zone. A closure closes off the examination zone from the exterior. An inlet into the examination zone and an outlet from the examination zone permit air or other gas to flow through it, and this is pumped by a pump, so as to entrain at least one of vapours and particulates from such substance. At least part of the exhaust through the outlet can be passed to an analyzer, such as an IMS, to detect substances of interest.

Abstract: A modular air circulation and filtration unit, which can be conveniently installed in any conventional drop ceiling, as well as, other types of ceilings is disclosed. The circulation and filtration unit includes a housing, an electric rotary blade fan assembly, and one or more air filters. The sealed housing is shaped and dimensioned to approximate the panel space of a conventional drop ceiling or the joist spacing of conventional joist ceilings. The housing can also be modified to mount directly to the ceiling sheathing. The housing includes a flat base and an arcuate top which enclose the fan and filters. The housing also includes a hinged outlet vent and one or more hinged inlet vents, which support and provide access to the air filters. The fan assembly is mounted inside the housing interior with one or more fan cowlings isolating the fan blades from the inlet vents.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of efficiently separating and eliminating dust and dirt is provided. The vacuum cleaner including a body having open and closed spaces divided by a partition, a suction brush connecting port formed on the upper side of the body and interconnected with the open space, an interconnecting hole formed on the partition for interconnecting the open and closed spaces, a motor mounted in the closed space of the body for generating a suction force, and a dirt collecting unit detachably mounted in the open space of the body for centrifugally separating dirt and dust contained in the air sucked in through the suction brush connecting port by the motor.

Abstract: A method for spinning fibers onto the free ends of the two threads of a yarn that is produced during an integrated spinning and twisting process and a two-for-one spinning and twisting apparatus for performing the method are provided. The method includes gripping a twisted yarn, separating two threads of the twisted yarn in a manner such that the twist which was originally present in each individual thread prior to the doubling of the thread with the other thread returns to the now separated thread portion, and forming a thread loop of each separated thread portion. Each thread loop is clamped and respective portions of the two branches of the thread loop extend to a spinning rotor and the spindle hollow axle. Spinning is commenced in coordination with winding and the thread loop is dissolved as the now joined thread is drawn into the spindle hollow axle.

Abstract: The subassembly comprises:

Abstract: In a method for operating a combination power plant (15) with at least two power plant units (16A, . . . , 16D), each of which comprises a water/steam cycle, an accelerated start-up is achieved in a simple manner by removing a heat-transporting fluid from another operating power plant unit and using it for the preheating and/or maintaining of the heat of individual components of the water/steam cycle in one of the power plant units (16A, . . . , 16D).

Abstract: Lean premixed combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel and air is combined with lean direct injection of hydrocarbon fuel and carrier fluid such as air or inert gas or a mixture of air and inert gas into a combustor downstream of the premixed reaction zone in order to achieve extremely low levels of emissions of oxides of nitrogen at the high combustor exit temperatures required by advanced heavy duty industrial gas turbines. One or more premixing fuel nozzles are used to supply a lean mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and air to the main or primary reaction zone of a gas turbine combustor. This lean fuel/air mixture has an adiabatic flame temperature below the temperature that would result in substantial thermal NOx formation. After this low temperature reaction has been completed.

Abstract: A waste-heat gas driven cogeneration having a micro gas turbine, driving portions including high-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively and operated by heat exchange between waste-heat gas generated from the turbine and a cooling heat medium, and cold-heat generating portions including low-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively to absorb and release hydrogen into/from the containers to generate cold heat and supply the cold heat.

Abstract: Fuel gas is saturated with water heated with a heat recovery steam generator heat source. The heat source is preferably a water heating section downstream of the lower pressure evaporator to provide better temperature matching between the hot and cold heat exchange streams in that portion of the heat recovery steam generator. The increased gas mass flow due to the addition of moisture results in increased power output from the gas and steam turbines. Fuel gas saturation is followed by superheating the fuel, preferably with bottom cycle heat sources, resulting in a larger thermal efficiency gain compared to current fuel heating methods. There is a gain in power output compared to no fuel heating, even when heating the fuel to above the LP steam temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production of a transverse thrust in a flying object in which a defined quantity of a monergol propellent substance is introduced into a propulsion unit, which is arranged transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the flying object to produce a thrust transverse to the longitudinal axis of the flying object. The propulsion unit has a combustion chamber, a supersonic nozzle connected to the combustion chamber and a source of heat to combust the propellant substance and produce the desired thrust for a prescribed time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the TPM level of a diesel engine exhaust stream by providing a suitable oxidation catalyst into the exhaust train. The oxidation catalyst may be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating on the inner surface of the exhaust train, particularly the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes prior to the turbocharger. Alternatively, when the exhaust train includes a turbocharger, the catalyst can be in a separate monolithic unit between the engine and the turbocharger. The system may also include an improved diesel oxidation catalyst unit having a metal monolithic substrate. The oxidation catalyst can also be incorporated into a thermal insulative coating inside the cylinders, particularly on non-rubbing surfaces such as The invention also includes the use of a protective mullite top coat on the thermal coating. A further embodiment is the use of a stainless steel bond coat to bind the thermal coating to a metallic substrate, particularly an aluminum substrate.