Abstract: A Replacement Window Installation and Flashing System consisting mainly of an Interior Jam Liner and an Exterior Cap. The Interior Jam Liner is of an elongated extruded shape; it is designed for installation around the perimeter of a window opening that has been prepared by collapsing and removing the original window frame. After being cut to the desired length the Interior Jam Liner is installed on all 4 sides of the window opening so that a vertical member on the Interior Jam Liner is positioned in the area that was previously occupied by the original windows nailing fin. An opposed vertical member at the back of the Interior Jam Liner forms a stop with which to set a new replacement window against. After the new replacement window is positioned against this stop and fastened into place, the Exterior Cap, also an elongated extruded shape, is cut to length, assembled as a rectangle, and mated with the Interior Jam Liner by a male-female self-securing connection.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a board (6) having a lower surface (2) in which arcuate grooves (3) are formed. Grooves (3) are arranged in a grid, having points of intersection (5). Each groove (3) extends from one edge of the board to the opposite edge of the board. The grooves serve to enable the passage of electrical wire which might be used for telephones, computers, hi-fi systems or other applications. The system makes such cabling unobtrusive and is particularly suitable where access to an under floor area is limited or non-existent.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for improving the connection between a building panel and a foundation. The improved connection is made possible by a unique form assembly that includes a trough assembly and a novel means for adequately supporting the trough assembly while the concrete is poured. The trough assembly creates a trough, which is an elongated hollow notch at the top of the foundation that resembles the shape of the trough assembly. Thus, the trough assembly is designed such that its width is approximately equal to the width of the building panel. The trough assembly also includes an angle iron affixed to the top of its sides. The trough assembly provides the building panel an elongated hollow groove having angle irons on each side. The prefabricated panel is therefor affixed to the angle irons. Placing the prefabricated panel in the foundation in such a manner and affixing it to the angle irons provides the panel with improved lateral and horizontal support.

Abstract: A corner assembly for covering a junction between adjacent walls includes first and second members, each formed from an extruded composite material comprising wood fiber and polyethylene resin. The first member includes a tongue extending from one end thereof. The second member includes a groove formed in one side thereof, such that when the tongue is received within the groove, the first side of the first member and the first end of the second member are disposed generally coplanar.

Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including a side panel, a spaced-apart sheet such as plywood, and concrete disposed therebetween. The concrete is poured into a cavity formed between the side panel and the sheet and allowed to substantially cure, after which time the sheet can remain as part of the structure or be removed and used again in forming another concrete structure. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A building panel constructed of a gypsum-cement-catalyst formulation molded in layers and including a rigid stud framework. The layers include surface layers, a fire resistant layer and an insulating layer, as well as reinforcement and building paper. A modified panel is molded in layers with structural strength provided by a grid providing spaced apart wire panels.

Abstract: An external wall construction includes a building framework of a building and a bearing wall constituted with a plurality of ceramic type external wall panels to be fixed to the building framework. The external wall panels are formed by backing resin sheets on rearward surfaces thereof. Waterproof tapes are interposed between the external wall panels and the building framework.

Abstract: A measurement indicia scheme applied to a main runner of a suspended grid structure to establish a correct border distance of the main runner and between an associated wall angle and interconnecting cross runners. The main runner defines, in cross section, a tile support lip, a web extending from the support lip, and a plurality of elongated channels being formed through first and second opposite faces of the web at axially spaced apart intervals and between a first end and a second end. The measurement indicia scheme is applied to the main runner and extends from at least one of the first and second ends of the runner. The indicia scheme coincides with the placement and location of at least a first of the elongated channels positioned relative the selected and main runner end. The indicia scheme further establishes a defined distance from a second and succeeding elongated channel positioned along the main runner.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a siding unit which is adapted for installation. An exemplary embodiment of the siding unit has at least 1.5 courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably comprised of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (34) that is embodied at a side edge (3); a tongue (32) that is embodied at a side edge (4); a depression (35) that is embodied in the groove (34) and has an interlocking surface (17); an interlocking element (33) that is embodied at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (27); and fitting surfaces (12, 22), which are embodied in the groove (34) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (17, 27). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that the groove (34) has fitting surfaces (14, 15), which extend parallel to the top side (5), in the region of the groove bottom (7), and the tongue (32) has fitting surfaces (24, 25), which extend parallel to the top side (9), in the region of the end surface (8), with the fitting surfaces (14, 24; 15, 25) resting against one another in the interlocked state of the connection.

Abstract: A masonry block having indentations and rounded and recessed portions to facilitate the bundling and transport of a bundle of the masonry blocks using convention bundling straps. A bundle of masonry blocks is formed such that on the top row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing upward, and on the bottom row of the bundle the indentations of the masonry blocks are facing the ground. The masonry blocks are also positioned such that the external edges of the rows of the bundle comprise rounded and recessed portions of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A support for holding a fluid-impervious barrier and/or keyway form in position during the pouring of concrete is provided. The support carries the barrier and a pair of spaced legs for attachment to a corresponding pair of stable mounting points, such as reinforcement members, bars or the like. The support is positioned such that the barrier is at least partially covered by concrete during the pouring of a first member, such as a slab or footing, and then the remainder is covered when a second concrete member, such as a wall, is poured atop the first member. By placing a plurality of spaced supports at selected intervals, an elongated barrier may be reliably held in place during pouring. One or more forms may also be carried by the support during the pouring of the first concrete member for defining a keyway, either alone or in conjunction with the fluid-impervious barrier. Most preferably, each keyway form is held in place by a separate wing carried on each support.

Abstract: A device to inexpensively repair a wooden post that has rotted or failed. The device comprises a plate which has a plurality of holes drilled or punched in it for attaching above ground level to a side of a wooden post and at least two rods depending out and down from the face of the plate. At least one of the rods depends near the top of the plate and at least one of the rods depends near the bottom of the plate. This location of the rods allows them to work cooperatively in tension-compression to counteract a moment tending to overturn the post. The rods extend into a hole dug in the soil adjacent to the existing post footing. After the fence has been aligned as desired, the hole is filled with concrete surrounding the rods.

Abstract: A draft block joist system for preventing an airflow circulation therethrough. The system comprises a first and second elongated I-beams each having continuous upper and lower flange sections with a panel member disposed therebetween. The upper and lower flange sections of the first elongated I-beam are respectively connected with the upper and lower flange sections of the second elongated I-beam. An air gap is formed between the panel members of the first and second elongated I-beams thereby. By forming the air gap, an insulation member is removably insertable therein for preventing the airflow circulation therethrough.

Abstract: Packaging method and apparatus using multiple packaging material are improved so that multiple packaging filled with goods and sealed may be separated easily to each goods filling section. The multiple packaging material (40, 50) has plural goods filling sections connected in series via adjacent side edge portion (42, 52, 53) between each of the goods filling sections. Goods to be packaged are filled in the multiple packaging material at goods filling portion (12). Multiple packaging so filled with the goods is covered and sealed with sheet coming from master roll (16). The multiple packaging is made separable at the adjacent side edge portion. Overlapped portion of outer peripheral edge portion (41, 51) of the multiple packaging material and the sheet is first sealed at sealing portion (14) and then the adjacent side edge portion is sealed with the sheet at longitudinal sealing portion (21).

Abstract: A straw application machine for automatically applying drinking straws, wrapped in protective cover, to beverage containers at very high speeds. The machine comprises a guide roller which presses each straw of a web of parallel straws into a slotted straw drum. A blade cutting drum separates the straws as it rotates in close association and synchronization with the slotted straw drum. A strip of sticky tape runs along the back of the web of parallel straws and a protective cover is removed from the tape exposing an adhesive prior to passing underneath the right side of the guide roller. After the straws are cut from the web, an ejector bar applies each straw to a beverage package where it is retained by the adhesive tape or glue. Multiple servo motors control the operating speed of the machine. Alternate embodiments for the slotted straw drum include a drum center having rubber ends with slots for holding a larger straw, and a drum center having end plates with inserts for holding straws.

Abstract: A method of applying a slider to a fastener-carrying web of plastic film. The fastener includes interlockable profiles and fins depending from the respective profiles. One of the fins is attached to the web of plastic film such that the profiles are immediately adjacent to the web. The fastener is folded away from the web about the attached fin such that the profiles and proximate portions of the fins are oriented at an angle, preferably about 90 degrees, relative the web. Because the profiles and proximate fin portions are oriented at an angle relative to the web, they can be easily accessed and controlled for applying the slider to the profiles and performing other fastener-related operations.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grasping and advancing adjacent layers of thermoplastic film through the side sealing mechanism of a packaging machine includes a plurality of belts which travel about two sets of cooperating pulleys. Each pulley has two circumferential belt grooves defined within it, each belt groove being functionally adapted to allow the travel of a belt along it. A first line of travel is defined along a path which is parallel with the line of travel for articles moving along the wrapping machine. The second line of travel diverges away at a slight angle. The belts are truncated V-belts, the “truncated V” portion of the belts being disposed outwardly of the pulleys. Each set of pulleys is offset such that the belts cooperate in tooth-meshing fashion. A tail pulley of each set is mounted in an offset cam fashion and is spring loaded to apply tension to the belts. Disposed between the belt paths is a hot wire assembly having a similarly longitudinally diverging hot wire.

Abstract: A method and device for treating plastic film, according to which method plastic film web used as packaging material is wrapped around the object to be packaged. According to the method, the plastic film layers are seamed together and the plastic film web is cut off by heating the seaming point and cutting-off point by means of a heat radiator. Heat-absorbent counterpieces are preferably placed at both the seaming point and the cutting-off point, the said counterpieces being heated through the plastic layers. When the counterpieces absorb heat from the heating radiator, they heat up and at the same time heat the plastic films to be seamed and cut off. In the most advantageous embodiment, the infrared heat radiator is placed inside a tubular gripping counterpiece, which gripping counterpiece comprises slots through which the heat radiation is able to pass to the counterpieces.

Abstract: A sack made of thermoplastic plastic that has been provided with gussets is closed after being filled in that the open side of the sack is pulled tight and provided with a crosswise seal. In order to be able to produce the crosswise seal even when the region to be sealed is contaminated, the lateral regions of the crosswise seal are formed on the region of the sack, which is still lying flat, including the gussets and extending to the transitional region by a first sealing sequence, preferably by a thermal sealing process. After the sack has been filled, the middle region of the crosswise seal is produced by a second sealing sequence, preferably an ultrasound sealing process.

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a conveyor belt having a carrying surface for carrying an article to be packaged by a package film and an end sealing device including spaced upper and lower sealing blocks between which the article passes. A recessed chamber is formed in the carrying surface by extending the conveyor belt around specially arranged rollers. The end sealing device includes a machine frame slidably supported on rails. A driving system includes a motor and a reciprocating mechanism having an adjustable stroke coupling the machine frame to the motor. The rollers of the recessed chamber are attached to the machine frame to be movable therewith. The upper and lower sealing blocks are movably supported on the machine frame by upright posts with the lower sealing block accommodated in the chamber of the conveyor. Racks extend from the upper and lower sealing blocks with a toothed wheel matingly interposed therebetween for mechanically coupling the sealing blocks together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning a packing material tube (1) with a treatment station in a packaging machine in which a tube (1) with a circular cross-section is produced from a strip of printed packaging material having embossed lines. Said tube is closed by longitudinally sealing it, filled and shaped in a cross-sealing unit (12) and divided into cuboid packages. The unit (12) is provided with an adjustable lift of stroke so that it intermittently convey the tube (1). It is also provided on diametrical sides with a folding flap (16) that can be pivoted about an axis (15). For feeling the position mark, a sensor is arranged. The aim of the invention is to facilitate a faster termination of the initial phase when the packaging machine is put into operation while at the same time producing less cuttings and to prevent the paper tube from being damaged. To this end, a folding finger (19) is arranged upstream of every folding flap (16).

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a releasable stop pin is engageable within a particular one of the mast member apertures so as to lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevation when concentric reinforcing wrapping of an article is desired, and is disengageable from the apertures so as to permit the film roll carriage to continuously elevate for spiral wrapping of the article.

Abstract: A sturdy yet easy to assemble and disassemble T-shaped apparatus for ganging together a plurality of individually powered trail-behind mowers for towing by a tractor mower or other type all-terrain vehicle in cutting grass or similar vegetation. This design includes a tractor drawbar pivotally attached to a vehicle for towing having a pivot pin connected thereto at an opposite end to the vehicle, a center drawbar centrally attached to the tractor drawbar by a pivot hinge for connection with the pivot pin, and which is pivotally attached on either end by a left and a right mower drawbar attachment. The center drawbar also having a rear hitch centrally connected, as by welding, on an opposite side to the pivot hinge to pull additional mowers. The design features at least three pivot points to allow an even cut by a plurality of trail-behind mowers on bumpy, uneven terrain.

Abstract: An overshot rotary conveyor includes a plurality of sets of flat tines welded to a cylindrical shaft at respective locations spaced across the shaft, each tine including a curved leading edge. Located on the opposite sides of each flat tine and having forward ends received about the cylindrical shaft is a stripper including upper and lower halves. The lower half is shaped to provide a clearance zone below flat planar sides of the upper half, and to provide a stripper edge at each side which is at the front of the clearance zone and acts to push crop carried over by the adjacent tine into the clearance zone where the crop drops away. Located ahead of the stripper edges at the opposite sides of the lower stripper half in the vicinity of the cylindrical shaft is a notch having the purpose engaging, and deflecting away from the conveyor shaft, any crop that may be carried past the stripper edge by the conveyor tine.

Abstract: An attachment for a garden rake includes a transversely curved hoe-like blade cut from twelve inch diameter polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe. The blade has a transverse circumferential dimension greater than the length of the teeth of the rake and a length greater than the length of the rake head bar. The blade is removably attached to the teeth of the rake by compatibly curved washers, also cut from the same plastic pipe, such that the teeth are sandwiched between the blade and the washers, the assembly being held in place by bolts and wing nuts.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making twisted electrical cable, such as 600 volt secondary distribution cable, and the twisted cable product are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first plurality of stationary payoff reels each wound with a length of bare wire conductor. The conductors are simultaneously payed off the reels to a pay out accumulator for accumulating a portion of the conductors during replacement of spent pay out reels. At least one extrusion process arranged downstream of the accumulator applies a plastic insulation material to a respective conductor as it passes through its respective extrusion process. A cooling and/or curing trough through which water is flowed cools and/or cures the plastic insulation. A take-up accumulator arranged downstream of the cooling and/or curing trough accumulates a portion of each insulated conductor during changeover of the take-up reel arranged downstream of the take-up accumulator.

Abstract: A process for improving the uniformity of yarn finish application on the individual filaments of a rapidly advancing synthetic continuous monofilament, bonded multi-filament, multi-filament hosiery, textile, technical and industrial yarns includes imparting a pneumatic false twist to the advancing yarn having a wet finish thereon while the yarn is under a tension allowing the rapid opening and closing of the multi-filament yarn but preventing texturing or coherency from increasing by commingling of the yarn filaments in the false twister. A nozzle has a reduced friction and can either be used as a stand-alone air bearing or to apply finish within the nozzle. A plurality of finish delivery orifices open into the chamber in a low pressure zone inside the nozzle, and wherein the exact same or slightly greater pressure that is used for the compressed air supplied to the air delivery orifices is used to actuate the finish supplied to the plurality of the finish delivery orifices.

Abstract: A chain (CA) comprises a plurality of link units (10), each including a pair of link plates (11) and a connection member (12) placed between the link plates (11) at one end of each link unit (10). The link plates (11) of one link unit (10) are connected end to end with the link plates (11) of another link unit (10) by a connecting pin (13) in such a way that the link units (10) are angularly displaced by 90 degrees from one link unit (10) to another as viewed along an extending direction of the chain (CA), whereby the successive link units (10) of the chain (CA) can be alternately bent in two different directions. The chain (CA) thus constructed can be bent and run in desired directions.

Abstract: A system for continuously removing alkali metal contaminants from liquid fuel supplied to a combustor of a gas turbine comprising a source of fuel; means for supplying the fuel to the gas turbine; a prefilter downstream of the source and upstream of the gas turbine for removing solid particulates from the liquid fuel; and a coalescer located downstream of the prefilter and upstream of the gas turbine for separating water containing alkali metals from the liquid fuel.

Abstract: An oil supply system for a gas turbine comprises an oil feeding device, a water feeding device and a blow-off device, The oil feeding device comprises a fuel distributor connected to an oil supply line and delivering oil through primary and secondary oil conduits and to the combustion chambers of the turbine. The water feeding device comprises a water supply line connected to a distributor delivering primary and secondary water through conduits to the combustion chambers. The blow-off device comprises an air supply line split into two supply branch lines, two closed circular pipes connected to the supply branch lines by connection valves, and primary and secondary air conduits connected to the closed circular pipes for delivering air to the nozzles of the combustion chamber. To ensure a gentle oil firing operation of the gas turbine meeting the requirement of low emission values, the oil and water feeding devices comprise a secondary distributor connected to the oil and water, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel control system for an engine, laving a pup operable to supply an output flow of fuel, engine fuel flow regulation means operable to regulate the pump output flow, and pump control means operable to vary an output rate of the pump according to an operational condition of the engine fuel flow regulation means.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more jet engine thrust reversers includes a motor, a position sensing device, and a controller circuit. The motor is coupled to one or more jet engine thrust reverser moveable components for moving the one or more thrust reverser moveable components to at least a stowed position. The position sensing device is operable to sense at least when the one or more thrust reverser moveable components attain a predetermined position relative to the stowed position. The controller circuit has an output coupled to the motor so the motor rotates at a variable speed in response to a position sensing device that senses when the predetermined position is attained. The system controls the stowage operation of the jet engine thrust reversers such that structural damage is avoided, and/or a limit cycle condition is prevented, and/or engagement of stow locks is assured.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a variable valve mechanism is capable of altering opening and closing timings and opening amounts of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. A fuel injection valve supplies fuel either directly or indirectly to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A forcible valve closing mechanism controls the variable valve mechanism such that at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve is placed in a closed state when the fuel injection valve is prohibited from operating. New gas is prevented from flowing from the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to the intake system thereof when fuel injection control is prohibited.

Abstract: An on-board reductant delivery assembly 407 for an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine powered motor vehicle is provided. In a preferred embodiment the system includes a nozzle 410 for atomizing delivery of reductant into the exhaust line. A transfer tube 418 is connected with the nozzle 410 for delivering the reductant. A housing 422 having an outlet is connected with the transfer tube 418 opposite the nozzle 410. The housing 422 has a front end forming a mixing chamber 496 and a main body with inlets 426, 456 for pressurized air and reductant. An electrically powered fluid metering pump 476 having exposed coils 508 is cooled by air which is delivered to said housing 422 through the pressurized air inlet 456. The fluid metering device 476 has an inlet connected with the housing reductant inlet.

Abstract: An actuator lock switching valve 50 is provided which communicates a drain line 52 and a pilot line 53 with each other when the valve 50 is in a position C, and which communicates pilot lines 51, 53 with each other when it is shifted to a position D. The pilot line 51 is connected to a delivery line 7 of a hydraulic pump 10, and the pilot line 53 is connected to pressure receiving sections 28a, 28b provided at ends of the pressure compensating valves 21a, 21b on the side acting in the closing direction. The actuator lock switching valve 50 has a pressure receiving section 55 connected to the output side of a pilot lock switching valve 43, and is switched over in interlock with shifting of the switching valve 43.

Abstract: A device for controlling a hydraulic pump having a swash plate controlled by a trunnion arm, including a control arm attached to the trunnion arm. The pump is mounted in a housing that may include a symmetric end cap. A stud is mounted in the pump housing and extends parallel to the trunnion arm. A control structure is attached to the stud engages and controls the control arm.

Abstract: An improved compact design for a hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor mounted on a center section in a housing, wherein the pump and motor are mounted at generally right angles to one another, and the longitudinal axis of the output motor shaft is located between the longitudinal axis of the pump input shaft and the longitudinal axis of the output axles.

Abstract: A multi-channel thermal regenerator for a heat engine comprising a coiled annulus of thin high-temperature sheet material coiled so that individual coils are in spaced substantially parallel arrangement in an annular configuration. In one embodiment the sheet material is approximately 0.002 inch thick stainless steel embossed in a rectangular array with approximately 0.008 inch high protruding dimples that space the coils. In another embodiment the sheet material is carbon having a plurality of fibers oriented generally circumferentially around the coiled annulus providing a higher thermal conductivity in a direction along the fibers. A ceramic string is woven between the coils radially across the annulus at a plurality of locations around the annulus to space the coils. The coiled annulus is preferably contained in a cartridge having a substantially open cage base with a plurality of bars that space the end of the coiled annulus from adjacent engine structure.

Abstract: An integrated cooling system for a turbocharger, suitable for an internal combustion engine. A cooling air shroud includes a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet. A flow inducer is associated with the cooling air outlet to draw air into the cooling air shroud, and pass the cooling air in heat exchange relationship with compressed air flowing through the turbocharger.

Abstract: A passive engine exhaust flow restriction arrangement includes a fixed geometry flow restriction mechanism disposed in line with an exhaust conduit. In one embodiment, the flow restriction mechanism is disposed upstream of a turbocharger turbine, and in an alternate embodiment it is disposed downstream of the turbine. In either case, the flow restriction mechanism defines a fixed cross sectional flow area therethrough that is less than the cross sectional flow area of the exhaust conduit. Preferably, the cross sectional flow area of the flow restriction mechanism is sized to optimize one, or both, of turbine efficiency and engine fuel economy.

Abstract: An exhaust gas regenerator/particulate capture system is provided with a first particulate trap and a second particulate trap. A regenerator valve is provided having a valve member, an EGR inlet port, and a purge air outlet port. The valve member is operable between a first position and a second position. When the valve member is in the first position, the EGR inlet port is connected in fluid communication with the first particulate trap and the purge air outlet port is connected in fluid communication with the second particulate trap. When the valve member is in the second position, the EGR inlet port is connected in fluid communication with the second particulate trap and the purge air outlet port is connected in fluid communication with the first particulate trap.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gasifier for converting biomass material, low grade coal, etc., to combustible gases and producing heat, an internal combustion engine coupled to a generator for burning the combustible gases and driving said generator which produces power. The internal combustion engine rejects heat and produces hot exhaust gases. A vaporizer containing an organic fluid is responsive to the hot exhaust gases for vaporizing the organic fluid and producing vaporized organic fluid which is supplied to an organic vapor turbine coupled to a generator. The turbine expands the vaporized organic fluid driving the generator and producing expanded vaporized organic fluid which is condensed in a condenser. The condensate produced by the condenser is returned to the vaporizer. At least some of the heat rejected by the internal combustion engine is transferred the condensate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a condenser of the type having a housing inside of which is disposed a bundle of water tubes, a steam inlet for steam to flow inside the housing for contacting the tube bundle for cooling, and having a stagnant air zone during operation wherein any air in-leakage preferentially collects and condensate in the air zone becomes subcooled. A trough is placed beneath the stagnant air zone for collecting subcooled condensate from the stagnant air zone. Collected subcooled condensate is transported in the trough in a pipe to said steam inlet. The transported condensate is injected with an injector for contacting with steam entering the condenser, whereby the injected condensate is heated by the steam for expelling dissolved oxygen in the injected condensate. Advantageously, the condenser is fitted with an array of temperature sensors at the stagnant air zone for determination of its presence and/or size.

Abstract: A combustor liner is provided on its backside cooling surface with a braze alloy coating and cooling enhancement material, preferably metallic particles to enhance the heat transfer between the liner and the cooling medium. The surface area of the backside coated area is increased substantially by the coating and particles in relation to the uncoated surface areas. Consequently, the life of the liner is extended.

Abstract: A gas turbine which is capable of operating in more than one pressure mode. The gas turbine, which may include a single fixed spool, multiple fixed spools, or a combination of fixed spool(s) and a free turbine, can operate in a positive pressure mode, a transatmospheric mode, or a subatmospheric mode. Valving is provided to control the particular pressure mode of operation in response to system requirements and to switch between pressure modes as required.

Abstract: A land based gas turbine plant includes a turbine compressor, a turbine section, and a combustor between the compressor and the turbine section. A heat recovery boiler incorporating at least one heat exchange section is arranged to receive exhaust gas from the turbine section, the heat recovery boiler receiving water passed in heat exchange relationship with the exhaust gas to produce steam. An external compressor supplies augmenting combustion air that is mixed with the steam produced in the heat recovery boiler to produce a mixture of steam and air that is injected into the combustor.