Abstract: A recreational vehicle is shown having an opening through one of the side walls to access the main room of the recreational vehicle. A slide out room is expandable through the opening, between a retracted and expanded position to increase the living space of the main room when in the expanded position. A ceiling member is positioned between the recreational vehicle and the slide out room to seal the main room when the slide out room is in the fully retracted position. A plurality of mechanisms are disclosed herein which changes the relative position of the ceiling member and a corresponding ceiling surface when the slide out room is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a masonry lawn edging block assembly for a multi-grade landscape setting where the ground level of the lawn is lower than the adjacent areas. The assembly includes a plurality of like-shaped straight blocks, outside cornering blocks and like-shaped inside cornering blocks that create a border between the lawn and the adjacent area. The present invention has an L-shaped cross section that includes a vertically extending wall portion and a horizontally extending base portion. Dowels are used to connect adjacent blocks. A series of like-shaped blocks are connected in an end-to-end, end-to-side and end-to-rear arrangements to form the border. The base of each block includes a platform, and these platforms form a continuous deck upon which a conventional lawnmower can travel to cut the grass along the edging block assembly in an even manner and to the same desired height as the rest of the lawn.

Abstract: A device for protecting lifting inserts having a tubular body during embedding in a concrete component, comprising an elastically deformable element insertable in the axial end of the tubular body of the lifting insert directed toward the outside of the prefabricated component engageable for lifting the prefabricated component. The elastically deformable element occupies an axial portion of the tubular body starting from axial end. The device comprises expansion elements, which act on the elastically deformable element to cause a radial expansion thereof through the elastically deformable element engaging whereby the inside walls of the tubular body to prevent infiltration of concrete through the axial end of the tubular body of the lifting insert.

Abstract: A base for a steel unit comprises a support tube, a bottom plate, a platform and at least one girder. The bottom plate is connected to a lower end of the support tube and is installed with a plurality of retaining holes. The platform is connected to a top end of the support tube; and the platform is installed with locking holes near the four corners. Thereby, at least one girder having an end may be placed on the platform; and one end of the girder is locked to the locking holes of the platform. Therefore, a preferred shock-proof ability is achieved so that the elevated floor having a better shock tolerance and safety of the structure is improved.

Abstract: A sturdy, very low maintenance barrier defines width and height dimensions for use by vehicles such as semi-trucks, and the like, on loading docks. A pair of parallel vertical side members defines an entrance with, and an upper horizontal member connected therebetween, defines a vertical extent. The various members are preferably comprised of rigid metallic pipes covered by resilient polymeric material. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pair of vertical side members onto which there is installed a horizontal member having a length that extends beyond the outermost extent of the side members. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical members extend vertically higher than the vertical extent of the horizontal member. In a further alternative embodiment, the height may be adjusted or the area defined by the vertical and horizontal members entirely restricted to vehicle traffic, preferably through the use of multiple horizontal members spanning the vertical members.

Abstract: This invention relates to window and door assemblies, and particularly to a fastening member for fastening a first frame element of the assembly to a second frame element of the assembly. The fastening member can comprise a base, a first retaining member presented by the base to attach the fastening member to the first frame element, and a second retaining member presented by the base to attach the fastening member to the second frame element. Moreover, at least one of the first and second retaining members is adapted to attach the respective first and second frame element to the fastening member in sliding fit. Further, this invention discloses a method of attaching a first frame element of a window and door assembly to a second frame element of the assembly, particularly where the first frame element and the second frame element have differing rates of expansion and contraction along at least one given direction.

Abstract: A threshold assembly includes a unitary compression molded plastic composite body formed to define and upwardly open threshold cap channel, jamb boots at its ends, and a support substrate outboard of said channel. An extruded aluminum sill plate is snapped into place on the plastic body and a vertically adjustable threshold cap is disposed in said upwardly open channel. Drain channels may be formed in the plastic body to direct water outwardly and away from the threshold assembly. The plastic body forms a stable foundation that will not rot, swell, or rack in the presence of moisture and assembly of the assembly is greatly simplified as compared to traditional threshold assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preserving a subglass of a driving room of a heavy equipment which is installed in an inner side surface of an entrance door of a driving room for safely preserving a subglass when the subglass which is detachably installed in a lower portion of a front surface of a driving room of a heavy equipment is separated based on a working environment.

Abstract: An anchoring device not accessible from one of its sides can be produced by making a cavity (11) of a particular shape and using tendons (4), each of which has an end portion (41) of adapted shape. The cavity may be made in different ways, especially by concreting an anchor member (1) having an opening (12) at one end, the anchor member and the cavity it contains each having an adapted shape. After the anchor member has been concreted and the tendons inserted in the cavity, the cavity is filled with an embedding mortar in order to block the ends of the tendons therein.

Abstract: A prefabricatd three-sided corner for dry wall and plaster construction possesses the shape of the interior of a trigonal pyramid with orthogonal sides from which triangular shaped panels are missing. The prefabricated corner preferably is made of high impact polystyrene with a semi-smooth surface, and has a thickness of 0.025 inches.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved weight bearing elements and methods relating to same. Some such elements are contemplated as having a web, and a chord connected to the web, the chord perimeter having a cross-sectional shape of a closed multi-sided figure having at least 5 sides, at least two of which are substantially parallel to the web. Some members may have chords which have a pentagonal cross sectional shape, and/or may include load transferring members or end-caps. Other elements may comprise a stiffened rim band having die cut tabs and stiffening ribs. Some such elements comprise pairs of die cut tabs positioned along the length of the member at intervals which are a fraction of the distance used in standard joist positioning. Other elements comprise one or more pairs of die cut tabs positioned directly opposite each other such that one tab is adjacent the top of the rim band while the corresponding tab is adjacent the bottom of the rim band.

Abstract: A suspended concrete flooring system (100) comprising a plurality of spaced-apart load-bearing members (110) or supporting walls that support a plurality of joists (122) having opposing sides and arranged substantially at right-angles to the load-bearing members. The joists have a support shelf (127) running the length of each opposing side for the purpose of supporting a plurality of fiber cement corrugated sheets (130) that span the space between the joists. A shrinkage control mesh (140) is arranged atop the corrugated sheets and is oriented generally in the direction of the load-bearing members and the joists. A thin layer of concrete (150) is formed over the corrugated sheets and the shrinkage control mesh, to form a flat, horizontal floor surface (151). The load-bearing members and the joists are made of strong, lightweight materials, such as steel.

Abstract: A decorative strip for automotive bodies, and more particularly, for steering wheel rings is formed of a thin vinyl substrate with an adhesive coating on one surface and a decorative design on the other. The surface with the decorative design is covered with a coat made of a clear resin. The strip has a generally arcuate shape so that it fits easily on the steering wheel ring thereby improving its esthetic look. Moreover the strip is elastic so that it can be bent as at is applied to the steering wheel thereby conforming naturally to its radius of curvature and forming a smooth and continuous cover without any ridges or other irregularities. In some instances the strip is formed of several parallel sections to allow the strip to adapt better to the curvature of the wheel ring. The sections may have linear lateral edges or the edges may be serrated to form interlocking profiles as the sections are abutted against each other.

Abstract: An insulation sheet for insulating a wall, floor, ceiling or roof cavity is flexible, compressible and resilient and has lateral edges extending the length of the sheet. The lateral edges of the sheet are formed with contours along the lengths of the lateral edges, which with the flexibility, compressibility and resilience of the insulation sheet, increase the effective width of the sheet, relative to a conventional insulation sheet of the same length, width, thickness and density with straight lateral edges extending perpendicular between the major surfaces of the conventional sheet, with no or substantially no increase in the amount of insulation material forming the sheet relative to the insulation material used in the conventional insulation sheet.

Abstract: A system support assembly comprises a pair of substantially parallel footer forms, insulated concrete forms, footer form base saddles, a poly form saddle assembly and first and second vertical stabilizers. The footer form base saddle may be generally u-shaped and is driven into the ground forming two substantially parallel areas. Each footer form is placed within the row formed by the footer form base saddles such that a cavity is defined therebetween which will ultimately form the footer of the foundation. The poly form saddle assemble comprises a poly form saddle and fasteners. The poly form saddle may also be generally u-shaped and is placed over both footer forms, thus straddling the same. The poly form saddle may then be secured with corresponding fasteners. The insulated concrete forms are placed side by side and are stacked upward, such that a wall is formed. A first poly form vertical stabilizer is placed over the wall and operatively connected to the footer form base saddle.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: There is provided a hip, ridge, or rake shingle, which includes a shingle panel and at least one rigid back member. The shingle panel has a substantially planar lower surface. The at least one rigid back member has a length substantially the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel. The rigid back member is attached to the substantially planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The rigid back member includes a step in thickness in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the substantially planar lower surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid back member. In addition, the thickness of the rigid back member at the high level of the step is greater than the thickness of the rigid back member at one of its ends. There is also provided an asphaltic adhesive including from about 62% to about 99% by weight of an asphalt cement; from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of a first thermoplastic having a glass-transition temperature in the range from about 190° F.

Abstract: A modular surface assembly includes a plurality of panels, each panel having a planar top surface, a double-wall skirt extending around the perimeter of the planar surface and defining a narrow gap between the two walls of the skirt. Collinear first holes extend through the skirt at a first location along the skirt and collinear second holes extend through the skirt at a second location along the skirt spaced from the first location. A first connector extends through the first holes and into the gap of one panel for connecting the one panel to an adjacent similar panel at the first location, and a second connector extends through the second holes and into the gap of the one panel for connecting that panel to the adjacent panel at the second location. Various connector designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A construction element having a card like structure and which can be used to build three dimensional structures, the construction element having upper and lower marginal edges, side marginal edges, first and second upper tabs, first and second lower tabs, and a upper recess formed in an upper marginal edge and a lower recess formed in a lower marginal edge, the lower recesses being designed to receive the lower tabs and upper recesses being designed to receive the upper tabs.

Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.

Abstract: There is provided a metal chord member for use in a building system which chord member is formed of two or more interlocked generally U-shaped chord tubes. The chord tubes are interlocked by means of the provision of a plurality of equisized, equispaced, longitudinal ribs formed along the length of the depending side arms of the U-shaped chord tubes defining elongated recesses therebetween, the ribs on one of the chord tubes being adapted to interlock into and mate with the recesses defined between ribs on the adjacent chord tube and vice versa.

Abstract: A joist hanger used to attach a joist to a support member or header designed to minimize the noise caused by the rubbing of the members of the connection, during loading. The joist hanger includes a seat and a pair of side walls extending upwardly in spaced relationship therefrom to receive the end portion of an joist. The bottom of the joist rests on the seat, and the side faces of the joist extend upwardly therefrom in spaced relationship from the side walls of the hanger. Inwardly projecting guides formed in the side walls of the hanger, hold the joist at selected points, maintaining the spaced relationship between the sides walls of the hanger and the side faces of the joist. The inwardly projecting guides can be formed with embossed portions connected to the side walls of the joist. The joist hanger is also formed with back flanges and top flanges that are relatively narrow compared to the back flanges.

Abstract: An anchoring device for prefabricated concrete components comprises an anchoring insert, for embedding in the concrete body of a prefabricated component and has a slot in one of its portions, a connecting element provided with a head insertable through the slot and movable to engage or disengage the face of the anchoring insert lying opposite with respect to the insertion face by rotation, of the head and elements for locking rotation of the head in the engagement condition. The locking elements allow sliding of the connecting element, with the head engaged, along the slot with respect to the anchoring insert.

Abstract: A reinforcing method of a concrete structure comprising coating or impregnating a surface portion of the concrete structure with a composition containing (a) a quaternary ammonium silicate in an amount of 5 to 30 parts, in which SiO2 is contained in an amount of 10% to 45% by weight, and (b) water in an amount of 95 to 70 parts, on a solid basis, wherein (a)+(b)=100 parts by weight, thereby improving waterproofness, preventing neutralization, inhibiting chlorine ion permeation, improving resistance to freezing and thawing, increasing mechanical strength, and improving a deterioration prevention effect, durability and resistance to natural staining. A reinforced concrete structure obtained by the reinforcing method is also provided.

Abstract: Invention is a synergistic whole comprised of processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, in this example autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams, resulting in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: Generating a printstream in a computer that is preferably remote from the one or more inserter systems. Once generated, the printstream is transmitted preferably to a high speed, high volume, printer for producing the printed documents to be included in the mail pieces, such as billing statements. The printed documents are then delivered to the one or more inserter systems, which are to be used as the input sheets in the one or more inserter systems. The print stream is also provided to a workstation computer coupled to the one or more inserter systems. This workstation interpolates the printstream in order to generate a reprint database containing electronic files corresponding to each of the printed documents. Also coupled to the workstation is a local printer, which may be used to generate documents, for re-processing purposes, from data received from the reprint database.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing an information-based indicia program (IBIP) address and postage in a document inserter mailing system is disclosed wherein a third-party word processing software with mail merge capabilities generates text and a matching address is used as the input for a client application in high-volume document processing and mail systems without programmatically altering the word processing program to accommodate the printing subsystem. Addresses are validated and corrected in the printing subsystems prior to creation of the indicia image and address image to be printed on the mailpiece. One or more documents are inserted into the corresponding address matched envelope, which is sealed and has appropriate postage affixed prior to placement in the delivery stream.

Abstract: An airbag folding apparatus includes a folding tube, a folder support apparatus, and a plunger mechanism. The folding of an airbag utilizing the folding apparatus comprises the following steps. A vehicle airbag is attached to the plunger mechanism and the airbag is lowered into the folding tube. The plunger mechanism is introduced into the folding tube after the airbag is completely inside the folding tube. The plunger mechanism is forcibly lowered into the folding tube causing the airbag to be compressed or folded. The plunger mechanism remains exterior to the airbag throughout the folding process. The plunger mechanism is then detached and a fold retention sheet is wrapped around the folded airbag.

Abstract: A portable packaging device for manually forming individually packaging articles within a closed tubular sheet, preferably a tubular film. The article to be packaged is inserted into and enclosed within the length of tubular sheet, and separated from the remaining length of tubular sheet to form the closed individually packaged article. The portable packaging device is convenient, portable, lightweight and easily maintained. A thermoplastic, vapor-impermeable tubular film having adhesive on one surface can provide an airtight seal that is especially effective when the device is used to package waste-containing disposable adsorbent articles, such as soiled diapers, for disposal.

Abstract: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification filter capable of suppressing the generation of an excessive pressure loss due to the particulates deposited is disclosed. At least a part of a multiplicity of cells (10) surrounded by partitioning walls (11) of the honeycombed exhaust gas purification filter (1) have plugs (2, 3) on one of the two end portions thereof. At least a part of the cells to be arranged on the downstream side in the fluid path are partial plugs (3) having openings (30) allowing the fluid to flow therethrough. The pressure loss caused when the fluid entering the cells (10) passes through the partitioning walls (11) is smaller than the pressure loss caused when the exhaust gas passes through the partial plugs (3).

Abstract: A powder paint reclamation collector includes an upper chamber for collecting powder paint particles from a paint booth and a lower chamber that receives the particles from the upper chamber. A vacuum line communicates with the lower chamber retrieving the particles from the collector and transferring the particles to a reclamation system. An air chamber receives pressurized air from an air supply and communicates with the lower chamber through a porous plate. Air bleeds through the porous plate into lower and upper chambers for fluidizing the paint particles. The porous plate and an air chamber floor angle downward from the lower chamber towards the vacuum line to improve the flow of fluidized paint particles into the vacuum line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven metal fabric for various uses, such as a filter used for purification of exhaust gas from automobiles or semiconductor manufacturing gas, a catalyst carrier of fuel cell, and so forth, in which the corrosion resistance is improved without compromising the property in terms of pressure loss. The nonwoven metal fabric of the present invention is formed with the metal fibers wherein the relation of the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side and the fiber diameter Db at the central part of the thickness direction is expressed as the equation Da≧1.5×Db and the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side is not less than 15 &mgr;m and not more than 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A grass-cutting machine comprising an internal combustion engine, and clutch means for selectively connecting the engine to at least one driven element of the machine, characterized by means for operating the clutch means using a partial vacuum generated in the induction flow path of the engine. The partial vacuum may be used alternatively or in addition to effect other control functions of the machine.

Abstract: A bush cutting machine including an automatic braking mechanism having a brake drum formed integrally with a clutch case which houses a centrifugal clutch. When the number of rotations of a clutch drum decreases, at least two braking members press against the brake drum, whereby the clutch drum stops rotating, and a cutting blade also stops rotating automatically.

Abstract: A belly mower is provided for attachment to a vehicle of the ATV type. The mower includes a mower deck having a horizontal mounting plate and a depending skirt with a plurality of blades each mounted on a vertical shaft at spaced positions across the deck. The deck is shaped arranged such that it can be located behind the two front wheels of the vehicle and in front of the two rear wheel of the vehicle. The deck includes a rearwardly extending mounting arm for attachment of the deck to a rear hitch of the vehicle such that forward movement of the vehicle moves the deck forwards and maintains the deck between the front and rear wheels. The deck is also connected to the vehicle to prevent side to side movement of the deck.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment for a weed trimmer using string or blades, the wheeled attachment being adjustable along the shaft of the weed trimmer, thus to adjust the height of the trimmer. There is a centered bump wheel beneath the cutter head of the trimmer. Other embodiments employ a single wheel for the attachment assembly to a trimmer's shaft. A weed trimmer has a motor attached in-line on a shaft having a median projecting handle and a terminal handle.

Abstract: A large round baler includes an expansible baling chamber having an inlet at a forward location thereof and defined in part by a lower run of a flexible, endless component arrangement of an upper conveyor, and by an upper run of a flexible, endless component arrangement of a bottom conveyor. In each of two embodiments, the bottom conveyor includes a moveable roller which operates to selectively deflect the upper run of the bottom conveyor so that it cooperates with a lower run of the upper conveyor so as define a baling chamber having a cross section conducive to starting a bale core at the beginning of the baling process and moveable to a discharge position for allowing a completed bale to roll onto the ground. In the second embodiment, the upper conveyor also includes a moveable roller operates to yieldably resist expansion of the lower run of the upper conveyor.

Abstract: To provide a type of link plate for a silent chain characterized by the fact that the link plate can be differentiated by appearance from the other link plates. The link plate has a pair of teeth, each of which has an inside flank surface, an outside flank surface and a tooth tip part that connects them, with the outside flank surface and the back side part connected to each other by a shoulder part. For the tooth tip part, a portion is cut off on the side toward the outside flank surface to form a cut portion, and, on the shoulder part, a bump portion is formed projecting outward. By means of the cut portion and the bump portion, it is possible to differentiate the link plate from other link plates different from it with respect to one or several properties, such as plate thickness, material, heat treatment, hardness and finish processing of pin holes.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustion device comprises a plurality of combustion devices. Each combustion device has an inner cylinder and a tail cylinder in a vehicle chamber. An acoustic sleeve is provided between each inner cylinder and a corresponding outer cylinder in the vehicle chamber. An acoustic coupling effect with a vehicle chamber can be reduced.

Abstract: A boiler installation supporting frame structure supported by a supporting structural body and a gas turbine frame base are constituted integrally, and a gas turbine device is disposed at upper portion of the integrated type frame structure and at the lower portion thereof a boiler installation is disposed in a three dimensional structure. Thereby, through the three dimensional arrangement of the gas turbine device and the boiler installation, the power generation installation can be disposed in a limited space.

Abstract: A fuel injection system in a turbomachine, the system comprising a high pressure pump for pressurizing the fuel coming from a fuel tank to a high pressure P1, a plurality of fuel injectors disposed in a combustion chamber of the turbomachine, and a metering unit interposed between said high pressure pump and said plurality of injectors to control the rate at which fuel flows into the injectors from the high pressure pump, wherein said metering unit comprises a pressurization valve piloted to occupy two pressure levels by means of a metering valve fed with fuel from said high pressure pump. A solenoid stop valve for acting on the pressurization valve is also provided to interrupt the feed of fuel to the injectors.

Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine having an initiator tube fueled with an enhanced fuel mixture is configured in fluid communication with a detonation chamber via a divergent inflow transition section. The divergent inflow transition section has a diverging contoured shape having a rate of divergence continuously dependent upon the diameter of the tube, the critical diameter of the enhanced fuel mixture within the tube and the cross-sectional area of the detonation chamber. The inflow transition section, which may have a stair-step configuration, includes a plurality of fuel and/or air ports to permit the fuel and air to be injected through the transition section and into the detonation chamber.

Abstract: A rocket engine (10) generates a flow of hot propulsion fluid through a nozzle (14N) for generating propulsive thrust along a thrust vector 8. One or more hybrid exhaust gas generators (36,38) have their exhausts (44,54) through the side of the nozzle. Each gas generator includes a fuel grain (46,56) and a source of oxidizer (16,40,50). The fuel grain produces exhaust gas only when oxidizer is provided. The fuel grain is kept hot by either or both (a) direct radiation or conduction from the hot propulsion fluid, or (b) by a trickle of oxidizer. The fuel grain can thus react quickly to a substantial flow of oxidizer. When the thrust vector is to be modified, the appropriate one of the hybrid gas generators receives a flow of oxidizer, and the resulting exhaust gas is injected through the side of the nozzle to disrupt the flow of propulsion fluid and modify the thrust vector.

Abstract: A diesel engine equipped with an exhaust gas particulate filter includes a control system that reduces exhaust gas smoke emissions normally resulting from an extended period of engine idling. The control method periodically raises the exhaust gas temperature in order to purge the particulate filter of water and hydrocarbons that build up during extended engine idling and cause exhaust smoke. A timer records the elapsed period during which the engine remains at idle and the exhaust temperature is below a threshold level. When the recorded time period exceeds a preselected value, the filter is purged by elevating the exhaust gas temperature to a level sufficient to oxidize the gaseous hydrocarbons and evaporate any water that may have accumulated in the filter.

Abstract: There is provided a control device for controlling an engine operation such that the engine is operated at a predetermined fuel consumption in accordance with a requested output. The engine comprises an electric motor and an exhaust gas purification catalyst. When an air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas should be made rich to restore an ability of purification of the catalyst, the device controls the motor operation such that the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is made rich while the engine output is caused to be decreased and the shortage of the engine output relative to the requested output is supplemented by the motor output to totally output the requested output.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine estimates an oxygen storage amount of a catalyst based on a record of an oxygen storage amount, and controls an air-fuel ratio based on the estimated oxygen storage amount. The catalyst is divided into multiple sections in a flow direction of an exhaust gas, the oxygen storage amount in a specified section is estimated according to a behavior of an exhaust gas on upstream and downstream sides of the respective specified sections, and the air-fuel ratio is controlled based on the estimated oxygen storage amount in the specified section.