Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the art of waterfowl decoys and in particular a decoy assembly which incorporates a plurality of waterfowl bodies. The assembly may be readily folded for storage and transport and opened and locked into position for usage. The decoy assembly comprises a central member which is flanked with a pair of secondary members. In usage these secondary members are locked into angular relationship with the central member. The assembly is molded from a high density, closed cell, polymeric material and incorporates integral molded locking means.

Abstract: A water fowl decoy has an outer buoyant layer molded around an inner buoyant core material contained within the outer shell. The outer shell has a bottom opening for receiving a removable keel. The opening has front and rear walls with at least one indentation. The keel has a front edge and a rear edge with at least one detent which matingly engages the corresponding indentations on the front and/or side walls of the opening in the outer shell.

Abstract: A rodenticide dispensing system includes a bait station as the lower part of a garbage container. The bait station has a horizontally disposed bait rod extending along substantially the full length of the front wall of the container. A hinged, lockable door, provides access to the bait rod, which is releasably supported at its ends. A pair of access holes are provided in the sides of the station for entry and exit of rodents. The access holes are located a substantial horizontal distance away from the bait rod to minimize the likelihood of tampering. The bait rod is supported within the bait station at a desired feeding height for rodents. The bait station may also be constructed as a stand alone unit.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end seal (20) to a manufactured seed (22). The method including the steps of positioning a first manufactured seed on a surface (42). The first manufactured seed including a seed coat (24) having an opening (12) and an embryo (30) disposed within the opening. The opening having a location relative to the surface. The method further including prestressing an area (38) of a sheet (50) and positioning the sheet on the first manufactured seed to substantially center the area over the opening, such that the embryo is located below the area. The method also including the step of attaching the sheet to the first manufactured seed to seal the opening.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: In the seedling raising device for an aerial seed cultivation of plants, which is capable of aerially cultivating offspring plants, a specific seedling raising plate of a suspending type, and watering and drainage devices, are set in a cultivating receptacle to increase the number of the offspring plants per a cultivation area; nutrient solution is separately supplied to cultivating units through a drip irrigator such that the respective mother plant cultivating units are separated from one another, thereby reducing the infection rate of blight and preventing one mother plant from being infected by another mother plant, thus improving productivity of the plants and largely increasing the number of the offspring plants.

Abstract: A railroad gate release mechanism which attaches between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement by a vehicle. The railroad gate release mechanism includes a pivotable arm assembly which allows movement of the crossing arm in two directions in response to the impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detented position subsequent to the impingement to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the pivotable arm assembly and attached crossing arm to the normal detented position.

Abstract: A guiding structure for a moving member includes a cam groove provided in a fixed member, a shaft inserted into the cam groove and attached to a moving member, and a collar provided on the shaft to be rotated around the shaft while slidably contacting groove walls of the cam groove. Thus, without applying a lubricant to the shaft and the cam groove, the shaft can be guided with less frictional resistance with respect to the cam groove.

Abstract: A shelf extends inwardly to the gutter trough from the front containment wall of a gutter trough to cooperate with a lip of a cavity structure of a hanger to provide structural stability and optional deflector attachment facility in a rain collection and diversion system. The hanger cavity structure has a containment lip a portion of which extends over a portion of the inwardly extending shelf of the front containment wall to allow functional water bearing capacity of the trough and a lengthened back trough wall to accommodate hanger placement and deflector inclination. The hanger can include deflector-mating cavities that open toward each other to allow compression attachment of the deflector. In a preferred embodiment, the deflector may be attached to a formed trough in which hangers are positioned to allow movement of the trough-deflector combination as a unit from the machine-site to the installation location on the structure. Associated installation methods are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing members to a surface. The apparatus includes a mounting clamp, a mounting adaptor, a panel support member and a fastener. The panel support member and the mounting adaptor are slidably interconnected to one another. The mounting adaptor is fixedly interconnected to the mounting clamps using the fastener. The mounting adaptor may also include an area of reduced strength to permit the controlled failure of the apparatus in response to excess loading. The panel support member may be adapted to receive a panel. When installed on a surface, the apparatus obscures the view of mounting devices or equipment that may also be secured to the surface.

Abstract: Amusement equipment can be easily installed in a building at low cost. Also, desired amusement equipment can be renewed easily and at low cost. In a building, an amusement facility is provided by installing a container provided therein with amusement equipment. The building is formed with an opening portion for carrying-in-and-out the container therethrough. A container supporting portion for permitting carrying-in-and-out the container is provided in the building. Accordingly, the container is placed on the container supporting portion through the opening portion to install the amusement equipment in the building. Also, by replacing the container in the building, the amusement equipment can be replaced.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for fabricating a skating ring. One such apparatus is a curved element for skating rings which includes a plurality of vertical sup5 ports which are adapted to any curve shape. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs and abutting double-curved shell segments made of several plane-like wood layers which are glued to each other. By being fixed to the support elements and ribs, the shell segments form a skating surface to be ridden on by skaters or the like. The shell segments are pre-shaped as at least one of single- or double-curves such that they can be fixed essentially stress-free onto the support elements and ribs. One method of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing shell segments for curve elements for skating rings. The shell segments include a plurality of plane-like layers of wood.

Abstract: A modified A-frame shell building 10 with a cementitious foundation having a pair of upstanding opposing stub walls 16, 18 that engage and support a plurality of trusses 50 disposed in spaced-apart relation for supporting a roof 58. Each truss comprises a pair of rafter beams with 45° beveled corners at opposing distal ends. The rafter beams 52 rigidly join together at a 90° angle at abutted corners 75 at distal ends 72, which defines a notch 106 that receives a ridge beam 62 extending across the trusses 50. The trusses include a collar beam 56 oppositely beveled at opposing distal ends 83, 85 and connected to the rafter beams 52 intermediate the distal ends 70, 72 of the rafter beams. Base plates 84 attached to the distal end 70 of the rafters 52 receive fasteners to engage the trusses 50 to the stub walls 16, 18. A roof 58 is defined by a deck 92 of tongue and groove boards covered by a insulative panel 93 and roofing materials such as shingles 94.

Abstract: A subdivision system providing alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets, said system comprising, a plurality of traffic circles, each traffic circle having a traffic lane surrounding the traffic circle, a plurality of development circles, each development circle containing one or more buildings, each development circle having an inner parking lane, and an outer traffic lane, surrounding the development circle, the rotational direction of traffic flow around a traffic circle being opposite to the rotational direction of traffic flow around a development circle, wherein certain parts of the traffic lane of each traffic circle overlap certain parts of the traffic lanes of at least two immediately adjacent development circles, and wherein said certain overlapping parts of the traffic lanes of the traffic circles, and the opposite rotational directions of traffic flow around the traffic circles and around the development circles, provide alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets

Abstract: A door guard for protecting a doorframe and including a deflecting member having a vertically-oriented, planar, and horizontally-elongate deflecting surface adapted for being positioned adjacent to a side of a doorframe and projecting outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle thereto for deflecting a colliding object away from the doorframe.

Abstract: A firestop coupling assembly (10, 210 or 310) for allowing the passage of utility members (50 or 52) through a hole in a partition (54 or 56) while preventing the transmission of fire and smoke through the hole. The coupling assembly including a coupling (12, 212 or 312) and a firestop extension (16, 216 or 316). The firestop extension has a housing (18, 218 or 318) with an inner passageway (22, 222 or 322). Intumescent material (28, 228 or 328) is mounted in the inner passageway of the housing. The firestop extension is mounted on the coupling such that the intumescent material extends downward beyond a second end (12B, 212B or 312B) of the coupling. When the coupling assembly is exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands into the inner passageway of the housing of the firestop extension and blocks the second end of the coupling which prevents the transmission of smoke and fire through the coupling assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for detensioning prestressed strand, the hollow apparatus being capable of movement along a pre-tensioned strand, thus enabling the protrusion of the apparatus's separation device into the rear portion of the strand chuck barrel's inner conical surface. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is comprised of an outer housing that includes a first aperture large enough to project over the outer surface of the strand chuck barrel, and a second aperture sized to overlap the housing, thus enabling the positioning of the separation device in close proximity to that of the chuck. The apparatus's attraction member induces separation of the chuck from the strand without manual manipulation, thereby enabling detensioning of the strand.

Abstract: A corner protector is provided for protecting a corner of an object. The corner protector includes first and second spaced sidewalls. Each sidewall includes an outer edge having a notch formed therein in order to allow sidewalls to flex. A connection element interconnects the first and second sidewalls such that the inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls define an object receiving cavity therebetween. Support shoulders are provided within the object receiving cavity of the corner protector to support the corner of the object when inserted therein.

Abstract: An improved moisture management system for installation over doors and windows in buildings that included exterior, stucco-covered, curtain walls comprising an integrally formed, three sided, elongated track including a base, an upright front wall that includes at its base weep holes for the removal of entrained moisture as well as a longitudinal forward extending finish stop above the weep holes, and an upright rear wall at opposing elongated edges of the base, and, extending angularly downward from the outside of the base, and integrally formed therewith, a drip plate that permits ready drainage of water exiting the moisture management system through the weep holes in the upright front wall. Preferably, elongated striations in the front faces of both the front and rear upright walls as well as holes in the upright front wall above the finish stop provide improved adherence of sealants and adhesives used in the installation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid panel window shutters having both high strength and structural stability. More particularly, an exterior window shutter made of a solid panel of polyvinyl chloride with at least one support member affixed in the panel. The shutter includes a solid panel having front and back surfaces and side edges, support member, impact resistant member and slats having a channel to receive the support member; wherein the support member is embedded between the panel and the slats. Also contemplated by this invention are: a method to manufacture high strength and structurally stable exterior window shutters and a method to protect windows from extreme weather.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete building structure comprises a shrinkage compensating concrete slab having a plurality of deformed reinforcing bars embedded therein, the bars being restricted to a peripheral portion of the slab which surrounds the centroid of the slab devoid of reinforcement and are aligned with the expansive and shrinkage forces to elastically restrain the forces and to thereby act as an internally developed tension ring.

Abstract: An assembly device without visible screws for assembly of two parallel wooden slats comprises an intercalated fixing element engaged in two positioning grooves arranged side by side in the side faces. The fixing element comprises a metal slide having: a base part equipped with an oblong aperture extending longitudinally in the central part for the screw to pass through, two securing wings oriented in opposite directions from one another and designed to press in the grooves when the screw is tightened, and a screw head whose external dimension is greater than the visible second gap which is arranged above the grooves between the upper edges of the two wooden slats.

Abstract: A shingle mounting system includes a plurality of securing strips for detachably securing shingles to a roof surface. Each securing strip includes a base portion, a folding edge, and plural projecting members attached to the base. Each shingle has a line of perforations formed through an upper edge thereof. Shingles are attached to the securing strip by placing the projecting members through the holes in the shingles, and folding the folding edge of the securing strip over the base portion. A roofing kit according to the invention includes shingles, securing strips, and at least two adjustable spacer tools. Each of the tools includes two channeled pieces that are slidably nested one inside another, and which may be locked in relative position via a locknut assembly. The tool operates to measure spaced placement of the next securing strip, eliminating the need to hand measure spacing of each succeeding shingle row.

Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: Roofing brackets include a first leg that can be attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and can be attached to horizontal members of the roof structure and/or to a support surface. A first leg of each bracket is formed with a plurality of preformed patterned holes with a second leg of each bracket being formed with a plurality of different sized holes. The second legs of a first set of brackets being attached to a roofing substrate with the first legs of the first set being attached to lower ends of vertical roofing support members. The first legs of a second set of brackets being attached to upper ends of the vertical support members such that the second legs of the second set of brackets have a desired angular orientation angularly offset with respect to the vertical support members. The second legs of the second set of brackets then being attached to a horizontal roofing support member.

Abstract: A method for making a tower for a wind generator made up of a plurality of cylindrical segments, a plurality of transition rings with at least one being frustro-conical, a plurality of L-shaped flanges and a T-shaped flange.

Abstract: A roof scaffolding system includes a support assembly disposed on one inclined surface of a roof extending to a peak of the roof and attached to an opposite inclined surface of the roof near the peak thereof, a roof jack resting on the one inclined surface of the roof astraddle and connected to the support assembly, a valley support assembly disposed on a valley of the roof along one side of the one inclined surface and extending to the peak of the roof and attached to the opposite inclined surface of the roof near the peak thereof, and a valley jack astraddle the valley of the roof and valley support assembly and anchored to the valley support assembly. The roof and valley jacks are spaced apart so as to support a flat board extending therebetween.

Abstract: A wall board adjustment structure includes at least two brackets respectively fixedly fastened to the wall of a building at different elevations and aligned vertically in a line, the brackets each having a base panel fixedly fastened to the wall of the building, a support panel perpendicularly extended from the base panel, and a plurality of flanges perpendicularly upwardly extended from a top side of the support panel and defining a plurality of coupling grooves; a ribbed frame coupled to the brackets and disposed in parallel to the wall of the building, the ribbed frame having a flat base, back coupling means disposed a back side of the flat base, and front coupling means disposed at a front side of the flat base; at least two hanging plates respectively coupled between the back coupling means of the ribbed frame and the brackets to hold the ribbed frame in parallel to the wall of the building, the hanging plates each having a first hook flange hooked in one coupling groove of one bracket, and a second hook

Abstract: A packaging sealer printer employing a bag sealing mechanism in a printer assembly. The sealer printer transports a web of bags past a printing head and to a filling station and sealer assembly. The bags are sequentially indexed during the transporting operation. At the printing head, information regarding the content and/or recipient of the bag is printed on the bag. The same information is displayed on a video screen when the bag is indexed to the filling station and sealer assembly for filling by the operator. The bag is then sealed by a pressure bar pinching the bag against a spring plate and heater bar. A transfer printing tape is interposed between printing head and the bag to be printed. A low voltage sensing finger rides upon the web of bags and is operative to sense the presence of uniformly positioned apertures along the web of bags to assure and maintain proper registration of the bags with the printing head and filling and sealing stations during operation.

Abstract: A pallet includes a loading member made from paper onto which a load is loaded; leg members made from paper which are 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. A load is loaded onto the loading member of this type of pallet and is intermediately packaged with intermediate packaging material in a process including a load loading step for loading the load onto the loading member; and a fastening step for fastening the intermediate packaging material with which the load was intermediately packaged in the intermediate packaging step to the loading member.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing packaging (12) with good barrier properties against passage of water vapor and gases is such that recesses are shape-formed in a film-shaped material (22) to act as containers (26) to accommodate contents. After cutting the shape-formed film into individual units of packaging (12), these are coated in vacuum with materials exhibiting the desired barrier properties. A device for carrying out the process comprises a shaping station (14) for shape-forming the containers (26) from the film-shaped material (22), a cutting station (16) for cutting the packaging (12) out of the shape-formed, film-shaped material (22), and a vacuum-coating station (18) for coating the packaging (12). The process and the device make it possible to manufacture e.g. light-transparent blister packs within a packaging line, whereby the good barrier properties against passage of water vapor and gases can be achieved using relatively cost-favorable starting materials.

Abstract: On a continuously operating cigarette packing machine, a group of cigarettes is transferred from a pocket—integral with an endless conveyor having at least one substantially straight portion—to a first seat—carried on an input wheel of a wrapping line and movable with respect to the input wheel—by transferring the group axially from the pocket to a second seat, which is fed by an intermediate wheel along a portion of the endless conveyor and is movable with respect to the intermediate wheel; and by then orienting the first and second seats with respect to the respective wheels so that one of the first and second seats penetrates the other for a given time.

Abstract: A packaging device, particularly for foodstuffs or technical materials, comprising a bell-shaped vacuum chamber. A single-folded film can be placed in the vacuum chamber and the foodstuff can be inserted from the open longitudinal side of the film. Inside the bell-shaped vacuum chamber there is also provided a first transverse thermal bonding bar, which is laterally adjacent to a cutting blade, and a second thermal bonding bar, both bars being L-shaped. At least one nozzle for introducing gas is furthermore provided so as to face the longitudinal or transverse open side of the single-folded film.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a premium package on an exterior panel of a cereal or foodstuff box includes a supply or stacking station, a cereal compressing station, a premium inserting station, a cover applying and sealing station and a conveyor assembly which moves the boxes horizontally from one station to the next. The boxes are stacked in the stacking station positioned over the conveyor assembly and removed serially and individually by transverse members of the conveyor assembly. The compressing station includes a synchronous plunger which engages a previously formed opening or cut out in the box and ensures a suitable space within the box for the premium package. The premium package which is sealed by a first layer of transparent material is installed in the cut out either manually or by a synchronous loader. The sealing station applies a second, larger adhesive, preferably transparent cover over the premium package which secures it to the box.

Abstract: In a method for packaging objects a means for generating a foil hood 6 and several gripping means 8 for gripping and tenting said foil hood 6 are provided for. Said foil hood 6 is pulled onto several bow-like frame sections 8a and bow supports 8b and is tented such that said tented opening said foil hood 6 is larger than the object to be packed, wherein said foil hood 6 is pulled over said object with a certain extension transverse to the plane of the tented opening of said foil hood. Subsequently, said foil hood 6 is pulled over said gap 15. Thereby, an increased resistance occurs during pulling-off. The vertical stretch is improved. Simultaneously, said foil is particularly safely held when creating the understretch during the pulling-over end phase.

Abstract: A packaging line for periodicals, magazines and similar printed products comprises at least four of the following functional components a first strapping device for the longitudinal or cross-strapping of the stack of products arriving from a compensating stacker or the like, a top sheet feeder, a film wrapping device for wrapping the stack of products with a packaging film and for welding the packaging film on two opposing sides of the stack of products, a second strapping device for the longitudinal strapping of the stack of products, a welding device for welding the sides of the packaging film which have remained unwelded in the film wrapping device, and a third strapping device for cross-strapping the stack of products.

Abstract: A film delivery system for use with plastic film wrapping apparatus for wrapping prestretched plastic film around a palletized load or article disposed at a wrapping station comprises a brake hub or pulley upon which a roll of plastic film material is mounted, and a single dancer or idler roller mounted for linear reciprocating movement upon a mounting plate and around which the plastic film material is routed from the roll of plastic film material to the load or article being wrapped. A brake band is disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the brake hub, and one end of the brake band is connected to a brake arm, while the other end of the brake band is connected to a brake adjustment spring. The brake arm is also connected to the single dancer or idler roller such that depending upon the linear disposition of the single dancer or idler roller during a plastic film wrapping operation, different braking or tension forces are impressed upon the brake hub and the plastic wrapping film material.

Abstract: A portable film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member and a film roll carriage movably mounted upon the vertical mast member. A lift cable connects the film roll carriage to a lift cable drum which is rotatably connected to a lift sprocket through a clutch mechanism, wherein the lift sprocket is rotatably connected to a drive wheel engaged with a floor surface over which the portable system is movable. When the clutch mechanism operatively connects the lift cable drum to the lift sprocket, the lift cable drum is rotated so as to wind the lift cable thereon and thereby continuously elevate the film roll carriage whereby spiral wrapping is achieved. When the clutch mechanism disconnects the lift cable drum from the lift sprocket, the lift cable is no longer wound upon the lift cable drum whereby the film roll carriage is maintained at a particular elevation so as to achieve concentric reinforcing wrapping.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip clutches having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated right-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.

Abstract: A four wheel drive working vehicle such as a front mower has a dual one-way clutch mechanism interlocked to right and left dirigible wheels. When the vehicle makes a turn in forward or backward running, the clutch mechanism breaks drive transmission only to an outer one of the dirigible wheels.

Abstract: A quick hitch arrangement for attaching the rear portion of an implement, such as a mower deck, to the frame of a lawn and garden tractor includes a lifting arm having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a forked second end. The forked second end has a pair of vertically spaced upper and lower fingers defining a longitudinal slot therebetween that slidably receives a substantially horizontal pin attached to the rear draft tower of the implement. The arrangement provides a method of hitching the implement to the tractor in which the user does not have to lift the implement manually or with the use of equipment other than the tractor itself.

Abstract: A shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A blade cutting apparatus for a rotary lawn mower. The blade cutting apparatus is defined by a plurality of blades projecting radially outward from a central hub. Each blade is defined by a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being defined by a first edge and a second edge and the second portion being defined by a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and third edges are each sharpened for enabling each blade to cut grass in two separate locations along the length of each strand of grass. Each blade is further defined by an elongated slot formed therein between the first portion and the second portion for allowing cut grass and debris to pass through each blade.

Abstract: A rotary cutting deck has a rear grass discharge outlet formed by a cut-away portion of the peripheral wall of the cutting chamber located in one or more rear quadrants of the cutting chamber. An annular grass discharge channel is formed between an inner concentric shroud and the peripheral wall of the cutting chamber with the rear grass discharge outlet opening into this channel. A grass deflecting ramp is located within the grass discharge channel with a front end of the ramp located in advance of the entrance to the rear grass discharge outlet and a rear end of the ramp located in one of the rear quadrants of the cutting chamber to be adjacent some portion of the rear discharge outlet. The grass deflecting ramp progressively lowers between its front and rear ends to deflect grass clippings generally downwardly towards the rear discharge outlet. The ramp can have a downwardly extending divider vane to promote more even side-to-side distribution of the grass clippings.

Abstract: A novel and superior lariat and lariat rope body for calf and steer roping having a core of monofilaments in the center around which three or more strands of twisted monofilament yarns are wound tightly to form the rope. A novel method of making lariat rope bodies and apparatus used are also disclosed. The rope body has a core in at least about 68 percent of the length of the rope body beginning with the honda end.

Abstract: Procedure to obtain the diamond effect on a precious metal chain with hollow links, that includes the following phases: Advancing step by step of a semi-manufactured product chain made of hollow links, by means of a cold moulding station; At each stop, in the moulding station, carrying out in logical correspondence the descent towards a matched mould, of at least one core and at least one mould, in which the core can be moved perpendicularly through the mould, placed inside each individual link of the corresponding segment of chain, disposing the perimeter surface in contact with the interior perimeter of each link; Lowering the mould with simultaneous deformation and disposition of each link; Partially raising the core, with the mould and matched mould remaining in closed position; and ending the ascension of the core until extraction of the corresponding link, with ascension towards the top part of the mould for a successive cycle that must be carried out on the segment of successive links.

Abstract: A sump evacuation system for a gas turbine facilitates reducing oil leakage from bearing assembly sumps in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The engine includes at least one bearing assembly housed within a sump pressurization cavity. The sump evacuation system includes a sump pressurization cavity, a sump oil cavity, an air/oil separator, and an air pump. The bearing assembly and the sump oil cavity are coupled in flow communication with the sump pressurization cavity, and the air/oil separator is coupled in flow communication with the sump oil cavity. Furthermore, the air pump is coupled in flow communication with the air/oil separator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for injecting water into a turbine engine are described. In one embodiment, water injection apparatus is provided for injecting water into the gas flow through the engine, e.g., at a high pressure and/or low pressure compressor inlet. The water injection apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles arranged so that water injected into the gas flow by the nozzles results in substantially uniformly reducing the temperature of the gas flow at the high pressure compressor outlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for injecting water into a turbine engine are described. In one embodiment, water injection apparatus is provided for injecting water into the gas flow through the engine, e.g., at a high pressure and/or low pressure compressor inlet. The water injection apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles arranged so that water injected into the gas flow by the nozzles results in substantially uniformly reducing the temperature of the gas flow at the high pressure compressor outlet.

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. 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 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.