Abstract: A motor fuel additive composition comprises a mixture of: (a) from about 5 to about 50 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the additive, of a detergent component selected from the group consisting of (i) a reaction product of a substituted hydrocarbon and an amino compound, and (ii) a polybutylamine or polyisobutylamine; and (b) a fuel conditioner component comprising (i) from about 2 to about 50 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the additive, of a polar oxygenated hydrocarbon compound and (ii) from about 2 to about 50 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the additive, of an oxygenated compatibilizing agent. The fuel conditioner component may additionally comprise a hydrophilic separant, an aromatic hydrocarbon, or mixtures thereof. Additionally, in some cases the hydrophilic separant may also act as the compatibilizing agent. The additive may also additionally comprise a carrier oil or fluidizer.

Abstract: To provide a low pollution fuel which is capable of fundamentally solving the problem of exhaust gas discharged from trucks, etc. which use light oil, etc. as their fuel, without depending on the conventional symptomatic measures. The low pollution fuel is obtained by blending an ethylene glycol based compound having a CH2CH2 group in a molecule formula with a liquid hydrocarbon.

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining disease-free seeds of high quality by efficiently controlling a seed borne disease of seeds of vegetable crops, ornamental plants and other herbage, seeds are subjected to a physical or chemical sterilization to reduce a fungal or bacterial amount held by the seeds and then the thus sterilized seeds are treated by an effective microorganism which is antagonistic against a pathogen of the seed borne disease. Controlling effect and fixing property of the effective microorganism can be enhanced by using a plurality of fungal or bacterial strains thereof. Examples of such effective microorganisms include fungi or bacteria belonging to the genus Pantoea or the genus Leclercia which is antagonistic against the pathogen belonging to the genus Xanthomonas.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base and skirt. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The sleeve has a plurality of folds comprising expansion means for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, and portions of the skirt to extend angularly, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A window jamb component assembly mountable in the jambs of a double hung window for cooperative engagement with the sash assemblies thereof. The component assembly includes a longitudinally elongated jamb liner having upper and lower segments comprising a pair of channel guides spaced apart by a profiled web. The profiled web defines sequentially aligned recesses, namely an inner weather stripping recess, a jamb filler recess and an outer weather stripping recess. A jamb filler, held by the jamb filler recess, provides a uniformly clad surface for the jambs to match the appearance of the trim of the double hung window. Frame weather stripping for sealingly engaging the sash assemblies of the double hung window is deployed and held in the inner and outer weather stripping recesses. Such assembly provides a visually pleasing finish for the window jambs, while providing improved cooperation between the window jamb and the sash assemblies.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A slurry for chemical mechanical polishing, which contains polishing particles comprising colloidal particles whose primary particles have a diameter ranging from 5 to 30 nm, wherein the degree of association of the primary particles is 5 or less. This slurry for chemical mechanical polishing makes it possible to minimize the erosion and scratching on the occasion when a conductive material film is subjected to a CMP treatment.

Abstract: An inflatable temporary work shelter. In one embodiment, the shelter has an inflatable framework and a covering material. In a second embodiment the shelter could be formed of inflatable panels. The shelter includes a spine formed between two separate bearing frame members which, on inflation, contact each other. When inflated, for example, from a position beneath a structure such as an aeroplane wing suspending an engine pod by a pylon, the shelter will initially impinge against the engine pod and because the shelter is not fully inflated the spine will open and allow the shelter to continue to rise until fully inflated when the spine will be light on the pylon and the shelter will contain the engine.

Abstract: A wall system capable of rapid and easy transport and storage, wherein the wall panels are locked in place but are capable of easy removal without disturbing the supporting framework, and further, the horizontal members interact with and are capable of being locked to vertical supports of a variety of configurations and yet are replaceable without the necessity of disassembly. The wall panels for the current system may selectively be uniform and decorative or alternatively serve as a support for brackets, shelves or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangment for moving elements (4, 5) of a multi-leaf sliding wall (1) into a parking magazine (6) whereby a storage rail (7) branches in the region of the parking magazine from a guide rail which carries the elements, and whereby each element (4) has a drive assembly (8). The invention is directed thereto that the first element (5) next to the parking magazine (6) in the region of the free end of the guide rail is journalled to be swingable about an axis of rotation and is exclusively guided with its associated drive assembly (8) by the storage rail (7), whereby between the first element (5) and the drive assembly (8) there is disposed a coupling link (10) configured to support a tension to pull and to support a compression to push.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism for a slide-out room including a support rail for mounting under the slide-out room and moving through a guide mounted to the vehicle. The support rail includes a rack which is driven by a pinion gear mounted within the guide. A pair of motors turn the pinion gear to drive the room between the extended and retracted position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism is attached to the vehicle floor and disposed almost entirely within a cavity formed in the room floor. A pair of bevel gears connected to the pinion gear extend from the guide and mate with a corresponding pair of bevel gears driven by the pair of motors. Accordingly, the motors, which cooperate to provide the power needed to move the room, may also be disposed within the room floor.

Abstract: An easily-constructed foundation for an antenna support tower is provided that requires no fabricated support surface at the installation site. The foundation is a radial array of prefabricated buildings connected near their inner corners to each other. In a first embodiment, one leg of a multi-legged tower rests on each building, the buildings transferring forces from the tower to the support surface below the buildings. In a second embodiment, a tapered monopole tower is located in the center of the array of buildings. The monopole tower may rest on a prepared surface or may be supported above the support surface. Support structures, each having a central ring and radially extending arms, are attached at the building connection points, one support structure above the other. The monopole tower is positioned within the central ring, transferring lateral loads through the ring and arms to the buildings, negating the need for a moment base.

Abstract: A new and improved covering that can be used to cover any existing 2″ by 6″ decking of wood. The covering would be preferably made from vinyl and could also be used for picnic tables, docks, or any railing or wood surface that uses 2″ by 6″ pieces of wood.

Abstract: A window sash (3) is mounted on a stationary frame (2) so as to be only rotatable about a horizontal axis but not tiltable using a lower corner bearing (5) such as is also used for turning-tilting fittings, and using an upper hinge bearing (9), which is connected to the sash via a support arm (11). The support arm (11) is sufficiently flexible in the vertical direction in order to be able to follow the vertical adjustment movements of the sash which are carried out at the corner bearing (5). Using a guide part (29a) engaging in the rabbet groove of the sash (3), the support arm (11) is guided vertically and is supported against motions perpendicular to the sash plane.

Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure frame including a frame member having a forward facing channel and at least one power transmission wire located within the forward facing channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration into the external wall construction reliably; and a sealing fixture, an external wall panel, and an external wall constructing method, which are used for the external wall construction.

Abstract: A stucco trim assembly for emplacement onto a corner defined by the juncture of a pair of walls, to permit a foam and/or a stucco material to be controllably applied and adjustably secured to the walls. The assembly comprises an elongated receiving trim member attachable to a corner of the pair of walls, and an elongated inserted frame clip. The clip is adjustably supported in the elongated receiving trim member a spaced distance from the wall.

Abstract: A drywall finishing system where a continuously extruded, elongated semi-rigid member with an inner and outer layer of fibrous material has a groove running end-to-end allowing the piece to assume any angle to match a drywall seam. The groove is held at a fixed angle near 89 degrees (or any other fixed angle) by a break-apart bead running in the groove. The break-apart bead can be glue or extruded plastic or other means that holds the flanges at a rigid angle. If the seam is a right angle, the piece is used without breaking the bead. If the seam is any other angle, the break-apart bead is snapped or cut apart allowing the flanges to assume any angle.

Abstract: A novel structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls comprising of a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein the framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices intended to ease and speed construction. In particular, the present invention is related to providing a means for laying out construction members or framing members at a fixed distance interval from one another. The construction layout stripping of the present invention comprises: first, a pliably, non-elastic elongated base; and second, repeating units disposed on the base, the repeating units having a plurality of pairs of a defining upright thereon at fixed intervals, each pair of uprights defining a partition for receiving a specified size of framing member. The construction layout stripping of the present invention allows construction elements to be built of various sized construction members spaced apart at fixed intervals without the need to measure and mark the spacing, and the present invention also holds those members in place while they are fixedly attached to the construction element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlocking masonry wall block having two spaced lugs or projections and a cooperating recess or channel that enable like-shaped blocks to be stacked in a staggered relation to form straight and serpentine walls that are particularly suited for landscaping applications. In one embodiment, the lugs are located proximal the sides of the block and extend from an upper surface of the block. The channel is formed in a lower surface of the block. In another embodiment, the lugs are located at the rear corners of the block and extend below the lower surface of the block. The recess is formed in the rear end of the block between the lugs. Like-shaped blocks are stacked in a staggered relation so that each block is stacked atop two immediately lower blocks. In each embodiment, the lugs and their cooperating channel or recess define a setback dimension.

Abstract: A carrying track for a building, which includes a building including a plurality of floors, a track extending from a lower floor of the building to a floor above the lower floor, the track structurally forming part of the floors and part of an outside surface of the building, wherein the track includes two vertical halves with a gap formed between, the gap being exposed to the outside surface of the building and extending inwards from the outside surface.

Abstract: The bracket of the present invention allows relative vertical movement between perpendicular building components. The bracket includes a first connector plate joined at an edge and aligned with a second connector plate in substantially a right angle to form a right angled juncture. A number of substantially triangular stiffener channels are disposed in the right angled juncture each having a substantially U-shaped cross section. A number of substantially linear stiffener channels are provided in the first connector plate that each extend from a corresponding triangular stiffener channel. The second plate includes a number of elongated slots through which the plate may be connected, with a shoulder screw or the like, to a building component. The slots allow for vertical movement of the building structure without transferring compressive loads to the building component connected to the second plate, such as an exterior curtain wall. The first plate may be connected to structural framing of the building.

Abstract: The railing section includes an integral component defining an upper rail, a lower rail and a series of spindles or balusters or other screening or blocking structure therebetween which forms a structural connection between said rails. These components are interconnected by hollow cavities which can receive a reinforcing material. The railing section is preferrably made by blow molding and the upper and lower rails can receive structural members interior to the rails to improve the strength of the railing section.

Abstract: The sealing of plastic bags filled with a particular product, for example bread, is commonly achieved by folding a length of adhesive tape (1) around the gathered neck (10) of the bag. The adhesive tape (1) is folded such that the ends of the tape stick to each other to form a closed loop. A bag tying machine for sealing bags in this way includes a roll of adhesive tape (1) having spaced portions (3) which are non-adhesive, wherein the tape is wholly coated with adhesive and the non-adhesive portions are portions which have been treated to neutralise the adhesive; a detector (14) for detecting the boundary between the adhesive and non-adhesive portions of the adhesive tape (1); and, cutting means (13) for cutting the adhesive tape (1) into individual ties wherein the cutting means (13) cut the tape (1) at positions according to boundary position data received from the detector (14).

Abstract: A process for packing flexible articles in a flexible bag (10) wherein said flexible bag (10) is sealed at its top panel (11) after introduction of said flexible articles leaving attached at least one flap (12) protruding from said top panel (11) of said flexible bag (10), said flap (12) comprises a grip area (14) and a grip area perimeter (15), characterized in that said flexible bag (10) is pre-made before said introduction of said flexible articles through an area corresponding to said top panel (11), a handle element (13) is shaped from said flap (12), said handle element (13) comprising a handle element perimeter (16).

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for evacuating and sealing a bag (133) made of a sealable material and containing a charge (134) of a comminuted or other flowable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. The bag (133) is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve (12) through which a hollow probe (14) can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members (UJ) close to form an outer temporary seal about an upper region of the bag above an intermediate region of the bag which is also above the level of the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133) where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaw members (LJ) close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag below the upper and intermediate regions and above the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133). With the probe (14) extended through the sleeve (12) into the bag (133), the bag (133) is evacuated through the probe (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag made of a sealable material and containing a comminuted product. The bag is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve through which a hollow probe can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members close to form an outer temporary seal above an intermediate region of the bag above the level of the surface of the charge in the bag where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag above the surface of the charge. With the probe extended through the sleeve into the bag, the bag is evacuated through the probe. After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe, a pair of sealing members close against the intermediate region of the bag in order to form a permanent seal for the bag.

Abstract: A pallet is characterized by having: a loading member made from paper onto which a load is loaded; leg members made from paper which is fixed to the loading member and, as well as supporting the loading member when a load is loaded on the loading member, form an insert body receiving member into which is inserted an insert body used during transportation; and a base member made from paper which is fixed to the opposite side of the leg members to the loading member.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are packed by providing a carrying device that holds one or more semiconductor wafers. The carrying device is inserted into a packing bag and the packing bag is molded using at least a portion of the external form of the carrying device as a guide such that a portion of the packing bag substantially conforms to the portion of the external form of the carrying device. Thus, wafers may be packaged without using a vacuum while still inhibiting contamination from particles and the formation of haze on the surface of the wafers.

Abstract: Methods of forming a thermoformed recloseable flat package for a pill-like product are provided. A first enclosure portion having a closing member is first operably engaged with a second enclosure portion so as to form an enclosure for containing the product therein. One or more components of a locking mechanism are then formed, following formation of the enclosure, wherein the locking mechanism generally comprises a first component operably engaging the closing member and a cooperable second component operably engaging the second enclosure portion. The components of the locking mechanism are further configured to be separable so as to allow separation thereabout of the closing member from the second enclosure portion to thereby define the recloseable package capable of selectively allowing the product to be extracted from the enclosure.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine includes an operation mode selector for selecting a counting mode for counting coins or a wrapping mode for wrapping coins, a coin passage, a first coin sensor provided in the coin passage for detecting physical properties of coins, a second coin sensor provided in the coin passage downstream of the first coin sensor for detecting physical properties of coins different from those to be detected by the first coin sensor, a first coin sorter provided in the coin passage downstream of the second coin sensor for sorting, a second coin sorter provided in the coin passage downstream of the second coin sensor for sorting coins, a third coin sorter provided in the coin passage downstream of the second coin sensor for sorting coins, and a discriminator for discriminating, based on the physical properties detected by the first coin sensor and the second coin sensor, whether or not a coin is acceptable, the denomination of the coin and whether or not the denomination of the coin coincides with th

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine includes a discriminator for discriminating whether or not a coin is acceptable, a denomination of the coin when the coin is acceptable and whether or not the denomination of the coin coincides with that specified and counting coins of the specified denomination, a coin stacking device for stacking coins of the denomination to be wrapped, a reference stacked coin height data memory for storing reference stacked coin height data for each denomination of coins stacked by the coin stacking device, and a coin number discrepancy detecting device including a comparator for comparing a height of stacked coins and the reference stacked coin height data for each denomination stored in the reference stacked coin height data memory, the discriminator being made responsive to inclusion in coins of the specified denomination of new issue coins and past issue circulating coins for discriminating whether each coin is a new issue coin or a past issue circulating coin, and the coin number and discrepan

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having at least one working station which has a lower and/or an upper tool, being vertically movable on lifting tables and the lifting table having

Abstract: A filtering device includes a bag member formed of a mesh member and having side edges, and a connecting port to be connected to a suction port of a pump. The connecting port is positioned at one of the side edges of the bag member. A shape holder for holding a shape of the bag member may be provided inside the bag member.

Abstract: A gas filter, a process for producing a gas filter and the use of the gas filter are claimed. The filtration of gases, in particular of gases which are contaminated by solids, e.g. automobile exhaust gases, is difficult since the solids which have been filtered out block the filter over the course of time. The gas filter of the invention can be used over relatively long periods of time since it is regenerable.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a front wheel suspension system as well as a rear wheel suspension system. The front wheel suspension system includes upper and lower suspension struts that are pivotably connected between a main frame of the lawn mower and a longitudinal suspension strut that is connected to a front wheel. A spring is connected between an extension of the upper suspension strut and a front transverse member of the main frame. The rear wheel suspension system includes upper and lower links that are pivotably connected between vertical struts that are connected between upper and lower frame members of the main frame and a motor mount. A spring is connected between a spring bracket extending from the upper frame member and either the motor mount or a motor mounted in the motor mount. In order to prevent scalping while turning, a floating cutter deck is suspended from the front and rear wheel suspension systems rather than from the main frame or chassis of the mower.

Abstract: In a housing structure for a lawn mower, a rear scroll guide member is provided adjacent and along the width of an entrance of a cut-grass discharge passage, and this rear scroll guide member has upper and lower flanges together defining a channel-shaped concave portion for insertion and retention therein of a front end portion of a bottom plate that closes the bottom of the cut-grass discharge passage. Back plate is provided adjacent and along the width of an exit of the cut-grass discharge passage, and this back plate has a locking hole. The bottom plate has, on its rear end portion, a projection for fitting engagement with the locking hole of the back plate. Thus, the bottom plate is secured to the body of the housing with the front end portion inserted in the concave portion of the rear scroll guide member and the projection on the rear end portion fitted in the locking hole of the back plate.

Abstract: In open-end spinning and in coordination with predetermined operating phases, a yarn suction pipe 3 by means of which a yarn F extending from a bobbin 121 is to be received temporarily is brought successively into different operating planes Ea, Eb in which the yarn suction pipe 3 is imparted a defined operational movement in function of the operating planes Ea, Eb occupied and in coordination with the current operating phase. The operating positions 3b, 3c of the yarn suction pipe 3 that can be moved into at least two operating planes Ea, Eb are defined in such manner that when the yarn suction pipe 3 is in its operating position 3b, 3c in a first operating plane Ea, a yarn F extending from the bobbin 121 pressing on winding roller 120 to the yarn suction pipe 3 crosses the traversing range of the yarn traversing guide 126 but is outside the traversing range of this yarn traversing guide 126 when the yarn suction pipe 3 assumes its operating position 3A in an additional operating plane Eb.

Abstract: A semi-closed combined cycle power system 100 is provided which can also convert an open combined cycle gas turbine 10 into a non-polluting zero emissions power system. The prior art open combined cycle gas turbine 10 includes a compressor 20 which compresses air A′ and combusts the air A′ with a fuel, such as natural gas. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust E′ which is expanded through the turbine 40. The turbine 40 drives the compressor 20 and outputs power. The exhaust E′ exits the turbine 40 and then can optionally be routed through a heat recovery steam generator 50 to function as a combined cycle. According to this invention, the exhaust E′ is not emitted into the atmosphere, but rather is routed to a divider 110. The divider 110 includes two outlets for the exhaust E′ including a return duct 120 and a separation duct 130 which both receive a portion of the exhaust E′.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas turbine generator plant in which, by forming auxiliary equipment, comprising a starter, a lubricating oil device, a control oil device, and a lubricating oil main tank, into a unit, this may be disposed within a building in a unitary manner with a generator and a gas turbine unit.

Abstract: The startup time or the output gradient of a gas turbine plant during startup are limited by the maximum permissible temperature gradient. The increase in the fuel mass flow supplied, if appropriate in combination with the combustion-air mass flow supplied, is consequently also limited. In order to accelerate the startup and to increase the output gradient during startup, then, an additional working medium, for example water or steam, increasing the mass flow flowing through the turbine is supplied at the same time as the fuel mass flow and/or combustion-air mass flow. The output gradient is therefore increased with the maximum permissible temperature gradient remaining the same, so that a required output is reached more rapidly.

Abstract: A ventilation scheme for a rotary machine supported on pedestals within an enclosure having a roof, end walls and side walls with the machine arranged parallel to the side walls, includes ventilation air inlets located in a first end wall of the enclosure; a barrier wall located within the enclosure, proximate the first end wall to thereby create a plenum chamber. The barrier wall is constructed to provide a substantially annular gap between the barrier wall and a casing of the turbine to thereby direct ventilation air axially along the turbine; one or more ventilation air outlets located proximate a second, opposite end wall on the roof of the enclosure. In addition, one or more fans are provided for pulling ventilating air into said plenum chamber via the ventilation air inlets.

Abstract: A micro-colloid thruster system may be fabricated using micro electromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication techniques. A beam of charged droplets may be extracted from an emitter tip in an emitter array by an extractor electrode and accelerated by an accelerator electrode to produce thrust. The micro-colloid thruster system may be used as the main propulsion system for microspacecraft and for precision maneuvers in larger spacecraft.

Abstract: The blanking-cap system (16) includes a glass blanking cap (15) and a destruction device (17) which comprises a projectile (18) capable of destroying the blanking cap (15), and a controllable projection means (19), which is capable of projecting the said projectile (18) and which is arranged outside the conduit (7) while being oriented in such a way as to be able to project the said projectile (18) onto the said blanking cap (15).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a corresponding system for catalytic aftertreatment of the exhaust gas of an internal-combustion engine. Two spatially separate catalyst devices are provided in the exhaust gas system. The first of these catalyst devices is arranged in a position close to the engine, and the second catalyst device is arranged in a position away from the engine. An exothermal reaction is caused to take place during warm-up for heating the second catalyst device.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: A direct injection internal combustion engine includes catalysts for purifying exhaust gases, the catalysts being disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine. A control device controls the engine so as to warm up or activate the catalysts. The control device includes a first control part for controlling the engine with an air-fuel ratio of the engine being set at a value in proximity to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, an ignition timing being set at a point after a top dead center and a fuel injection timing being set within a compression stroke, and a second control part for controlling the engine with an air-fuel ratio of the engine being set at a value in proximity to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, with an ignition timing being set before a top dead center and a fuel injection timing being set within a compression stroke after the first control part controls the engine. The controlling operation performed by the first control part enables stable after-burning and raises the exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A first catalyst 21 which stores or releases oxygen according to an air-fuel ratio, and a second catalyst 22 which traps or releases NOx according to the air-fuel ratio, are provided in an exhaust passage 9 of an engine 1. A controller 6 temporarily shifts the air-fuel ratio of the engine 1 to rich when it is determined that the NOx trap catalyst second catalyst 22 is released. At this time, the controller 6 increases a reducing agent supply amount due to the rich shift to be larger, the larger the oxygen amount stored by the two catalysts 21, 22. In this way, the air-fuel ratio in the second catalyst 22 is maintained at a target stoichiometric or rich air-fuel ratio.