Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for reducing warm-up emissions in the exhaust system of a direct-injection internal-combustion engine. The method includes the steps of adjusting a lean air/fuel mixture for the engine-related combustion; implementing a late injection into the exhaust gas during the exhaust cycle of the internal-combustion engine, so that the exhaust gas contains an essentially stoichiometric air/fuel mixture; and igniting the stoichiometric air/fuel mixture contained in the exhaust gas in the proximity of a catalyst device for heating up the catalyst device.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having an intake system and an exhaust system is disclosed. The exhaust system includes a catalyst, and the intake system includes a throttle valve. The engine is mounted on a vehicle having a brake booster to which an intake pressure at downstream of the throttle valve is introduced. The catalyst temperature rise control in which the intake air amount is increased after starting of the engine and the ignition timing is retarded according to a rotational speed of the engine is performed. When a pressure difference between the detected intake pressure and the atmospheric pressure during the catalyst temperature raising control is less than a predetermined pressure, the increased intake air amount and the retard amount of the ignition timing is gradually decreased.

Abstract: A controller computes an oxygen storage amount of a catalyst based on the characteristics of an exhaust flowing into the catalyst, and controls the air-fuel ratio of an engine so that the oxygen storage amount of the catalyst is a target value. When it is determined that the engine starts from the warmed-up state when the engine starts, the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled to rich until the exhaust flowing out of the catalyst becomes rich. In this way, all the oxygen stored by the catalyst is first released, the NOx purification performance of the catalyst is maintained, and the NOx release amount immediately after engine startup is suppressed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The device has a particulate filter arranged in the exhaust system on which the trapped particulates are oxidized, and a reversing mechanism for reversing the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter. The particulate filter has a trapping wall. The trapping wall has a first trapping surface and a second trapping surface. The reversing mechanism reverses the exhaust gas upstream side and the exhaust gas downstream side of the particulate filter so that the first trapping surface and the second trapping surface are used alternately to trap the particulates. The device can improve the amount of particulates that can be oxidized and removed on the particulate filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vehicle emissions control are disclosed. More particularly, an apparatus and method for insuring that the temperature of a vehicle's exhaust gas stream entering the underfloor catalytic converter during engine operation does not exceed the temperature at which the capability of the multi-functional catalyst in the converter to absorb NOx starts to fall off. A first temperature sensor is provided in the exhaust outlet leading from the exhaust manifold of the engine and a second temperature sensor is provided in the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter contains a multi-functional catalyst such as a three-way conversion catalyst and a NOx trap as well as a NOx sensor at its outlet for sensing when NOx breakthrough is occurring. The sensors transmit their readings to a controller which transmits signal to a proportional valve located in the exhaust outlet downstream of the first temperature sensor.

Abstract: A torque converter including a one-way clutch for supporting a stator radially on a fixed member in such a manner that the stator is rotatable in one direction, and a pair of thrust bearings for supporting the stator axially between a pump impeller and a turbine runner, wherein the diameters of the one-way clutch and both of the thrust bearings are different, and the thrust bearings do not axially overlap at least side bearings of the one-way clutch. With this arrangement, thrust force is not applied to the side bearings, and thus, the side bearings are thinner than conventional side bearings. Accordingly, the area radially inside of the stator in the torque converter is axially shortened.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from underwater fluid flows, comprising at least one fluid formation directing device (10) defining a constricted channel (20) arranged to cause fluid entering it to accelerate. A conduit (30) in fluid communication with a constricted portion of the channel (20) such that fluid is caused to flow in the conduit (30) in response to fluid flow through the channel (20). The conduit (30) can be connected to a fluid drivable engine (40) which can be positioned remotely from the channel (20), the fluid flow through the conduit (30) acting to drive the fluid drivable engine (40).

Abstract: Electronically controllable brake booster with a vacuum chamber and a pressure chamber, which are separated from one another by a moveable wall, a control valve arrangement, which can be actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuating device and via which a pressure difference between the pressure and the vacuum chamber can be set, wherein the control valve arrangement takes up a holding position, a pressure build-up position, a pressure reduction position in accordance with a current generated as correcting variable by an electronic control unit and flowing through the electromagnetic actuating device, a cylinder-piston arrangement, which is connected to the brake booster and comprises a piston, coupled to a brake pedal, of a hydraulic cylinder which has a hydraulic connection leading to a wheel brake, a sensor arrangement for detecting a signal which is correlated with the pressure of the hydraulic cylinder and which reproduces the controlled variable, wherein the electronic control unit establishes a com

Abstract: A hydraulic brake device for a vehicle includes a master cylinder having a master piston and an auxiliary piston for assisting the actuation of the master piston. The vehicle hydraulic brake device also includes a first valve mechanism for hydraulically closing a first pressure transmitting chamber when the actuation of the master piston is assisted by an assisting device, a second valve mechanism for hydraulically closing a second pressure transmitting chamber after the pressure in the first pressure transmitting chamber reaches a predetermined value, and for hydraulically connecting the second pressure transmitting chamber with the first pressure transmitting chamber when the master piston is not actuated by the assisting device.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator 10 contains a tapered piston 30 that is first propelled through a chamber 18 upon actuator 10 operation. A narrower portion 38 of the piston 30 initially enters an annular retainer 40 having an annulus 42. The diameter or cross-sectional area of the annulus 42 is about equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of portion 38. As the diameter of the tapered piston 30 increases over the length passing through retainer 40, to a diameter greater than that of annulus 42, the piston 30 is then wedged or fixedly received within the annular retainer 40, thereby preventing retraction of piston 30 once a load is exerted thereon.

Abstract: This invention proposes innovative techniques of NOx reduction in boiler operation through an adaptation of staged combustion in combustion boilers. In preferred processes, air is fed into an air separation unit, and a nitrogen-enriched stream is combined with air to produce a nitrogen-enriched first stage air stream, and at least a portion of an oxygen-enriched stream is mixed with air to produce an oxygen-enriched second stage air stream. A reduction in NOx and increase in efficiency is promoted by the inventive processes and systems.

Abstract: A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valves, ignition source and fuel source. The mode for each expansible chamber device is computed and independently selected by the microcontroller and the combination of modes at any instant is switched to optimize engine operation for the operating conditions at that instant.

Abstract: An effusion cooled transition duct for transferring hot gases from a combustor to a turbine is disclosed. The transition duct includes a panel assembly with a generally cylindrical inlet end and a generally rectangular exit end with an increased first and second radius of curvature, a generally cylindrical inlet sleeve, and a generally rectangular end frame. Cooling of the transition duct is accomplished by a plurality of holes angled towards the end frame of the transition duct and drilled at an acute angle relative to the outer wall of the transition duct. Effusion cooling geometry, including coverage area, hole size, and surface angle will be optimized in the transition duct to tailor the temperature levels and gradients in order to minimize thermally induced stresses. The combination of the increase in radii of curvature of the panel assembly with the effusion cooling holes reduces component stresses and increases component life.

Abstract: A bypass air injection scheme for a combustor of a gas turbine. Combustor includes a body with an inner liner and a casing enclosing the body with a passageway defined therebetween. A predetermined amount of the compressor discharge air passing through the passageway is extracted through a manifold. A conduit feeds the extracted air into an injection manifold having a plurality of injection tubes for injecting the extracted air into the combustor bypassing the reactor. The injection tubes and the injection manifold are disposed in a substantially common axial plane.

Abstract: A device for controlling fuel pressure and delivery as necessary for the operation of the servovalves of an aircraft engine is disposed downstream of a fuel injector feed unit of the engine. The device comprises a chamber maintained at the servovalve feed pressure by the movement of a closure member to vary the opening of a port of the chamber. The closure member moves under the action of opposing forces comprising inter alia a force in the opening direction proportional to the servovalve feed pressure. An equilibrium position of the closure member is a function of pressure resulting from the engine speed. An injector delivery control loop is therefore isolated from a servovalve pressure and delivery control loop.

Abstract: In a combustion chamber arrangement, especially an annular combustion chamber arrangement for a gas turbine, one or more burners has, at its mouth, a deflecting device by which a combustion chamber arrangement is deflected. This achieves the effect of acoustic detuning, whereby the formation of a combustion oscillation is suppressed.

Abstract: An object is to improve the operational reliability of a gas turbine by suppressing thermal stress and thermal deformation acting on the rotor of the gas turbine. The gas turbine has a rotor shaft constructed by arranging, in an axial direction in turn, a plurality of discs each having a plurality of combustion gas-driven moving blades annularly arranged on the peripheral portion and spacers arranged between the discs, and is characterized in that gap portions are formed between a region, on the rotor shaft center portion side, of the above-mentioned discs facing the spacers and spacers adjacent thereto, contact surfaces are formed both of which contact on both a region, on the rotor peripheral side, of the above-mentioned discs facing the spacers and adjacent spacers thereto, and a third flow path leading fluid to the above-mentioned gap portions is provided.

Abstract: A turbine rotor includes a plurality of moving blades having cooling paths through which a refrigerant flows inside, a plurality of wheels having the moving blades mounted in the outer periphery thereof and at least one spacer member installed between the wheels. The spacer member has a plurality of flow paths through which a refrigerant flows after cooling the moving blades. The plurality of flow paths have flow paths interconnecting to the cooling paths in the moving blades on a first wheel adjacent the spacer member and interconnecting to a space formed on a side wall surface with which a second wheel adjacent the spacer member and the spacer member are in contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling an electric motor is provided. The enclosure is adapted to house the internal components of an electric motor and protect the internal components of the electric motor from an external environment. The enclosure can be the actual shell of an electric motor or a separate housing. A thermoelectric cooling device is disposed between the interior of the enclosure and the external environment. An electric current is delivered to the thermoelectric cooling device to facilitate the transfer of heat from the enclosure interior to the external environment, thereby cooling the enclosure interior.

Abstract: An improved dewar design that accelerates the manufacturing process of a dewar. In a preferred embodiment, the dewar includes an evacuation port that may be larger in size by a factor of ten over the size of evacuation ports of conventional dewars. The oversized evacuation port, however, does not result in an increase in the overall size or profile of the dewar. The dewar is evacuated and hermetically sealed using an re-usable evacuation tool.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerating unit using ammonia as a refrigerant, which uses a lubricant that is excellent in the compatibility with an ammonia refrigerant as well as in the lubricity and the stability.

Abstract: An air conditioning/cooling system employs an elastic medium such as, for example, a rubber band, instead of the working fluid gases typically used in conventional air conditioners. The system is thus benign and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A refrigerating unit capable of optimum operation with respect to load by finely changing the operating capacity in response to changes in load, and offering energy saving effects. The refrigerating unit has a scroll type inverter-driven compressor and scroll type constant-speed compressors; a pressure sensor installed on the suction side; a circuit for starting the inverter-driven compressor first; and a circuit for deciding the driving frequency of the compressor and the number of constant-speed compressors to operate, based on a suction pressure value detected by the pressure sensor after the compressor was started.

Abstract: A multi-stage compression refrigeration apparatus (10) includes a compressor having a first stage low-pressure compression means (32) and a second stage high-pressure compression means (34), a condenser (1), a first decompression means (3), an intercooler (6), a second decompression means (7), and an evaporator (8). The refrigerant discharged from the condenser (1) is diverted into first and second parts, with the first part passed to the intercooler (6) via the first decompression means (3) while the second part is passed to the evaporator (8) via the second decompressor (7). The refrigerant passed to the second decompressor (7) undergoes heat exchange with the intercooler (6). The refrigerant discharged from the evaporator (8) is fed to the low-pressure compression means (32). The refrigerant discharged from the intercooler (6) is fed to the high-pressure compression means (34) together with the refrigerant discharged from the low-pressure compression means.

Abstract: The high side pressure of a vapor compression system is selected to optimize the coefficient of performance by measuring the heat sink inlet temperature with a temperature sensor. For any heat sink inlet temperature, a single optimal high side pressure is selected which optimizes the coefficient of performance. The optimal high side pressure for each heat sink inlet temperature is preset into a control and is based on data obtained by previous testing. A pressure sensor continually measures the high side pressure. If the high side pressure is not at the optimal value, the expansion device setting is adjusted to alter the high side pressure to the optimal value.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The air conditioning system includes a casing, an evaporator, a heater core at a rear side of the evaporator, and a mixing area for mixing a first air bypassing the heater core with a second air flowing through the heater core. The system further includes a partition plate for guiding the second air to the mixing area after the second air flows through the heater core, a foot passage, a defrosting passage, a vent outlet, and a defrosting outlet. The system still further includes a temperature controlling damper for controlling rates of the first air and the second air after the first and second airs flows through the evaporator so as to attain a predetermined final temperature of the air which is discharged into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes a vent damper, a foot damper and a defrosting damper.

Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner which has a container for holding an air cooling medium, a lid for the container and a plurality of outlets in the lid which permit flexible conduits to connected to the output from the lid. In addition, a cart is disclosed for transporting the air conditioner which will keep the top and bottom of the container parallel in order to keep any liquid from melting ice from spilling.

Abstract: A system and method of supplying temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations that uses an air amplifier to control the flow rate of cooling air through a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger removes heat from a flow of compressed air supplied to the air conditioning unit and supplies cooled compressed air at a predetermined temperature. The flow of the cooled compressed air is controlled by using the air amplifier.

Abstract: An accumulator having an improved baffle connection and a related method of interlocking an outlet tube and baffle within annular grooves of a passage of an enclosure to prevent blow by of liquid refrigerant fluid past the baffle connection. The baffle includes a cylindrical extension having a mounting passage through which an outlet tube extends. The cylindrical extension and outlet tube extend into the passage of the enclosure and are engaged within one or more of the annular grooves of the enclosure to interlock the baffle and outlet tube to the enclosure. The enclosure preferably includes a puck having the passage therethrough, where the puck is inserted into a canister and then welded thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioner for a motor vehicle having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows. The circuit includes a heat exchanger (1) through which the refrigerant circulates. A second internal refrigerant circuit exists in the heat exchanger (1) and operates when the first refrigerant circuit is at a standstill.

Abstract: A process for recovering a first component and/or a second component from a multicomponent feed gas mixture containing the first component and the second component includes multiple steps. The first step is to pass the feed gas mixture through a membrane separation unit, thereby separating the feed gas mixture into a first stream enriched in the first component and a second stream lean in the first component. The second step is to cool the first stream. The third step is to expand the cooled first stream in a work extraction device, thereby generating a refrigeration supply for the process.

Abstract: In an integrated process an air separation unit A receives compressed air from the compressor S of a blast furnace B and the compressor K of a gas turbine C. Nitrogen enriched air N from the air separation unit is sent to the gas turbine and oxygen enriched air O from the air separation unit is sent to the blast furnace.

Abstract: A method and system for producing nitrogen and/or oxygen by air separation. The system includes at least one high pressure column, at least one low pressure column, and a reboiler-condenser. The method includes generating a high pressure nitrogen stream from the high pressure column and using energy from the high pressure nitrogen stream to provide nitrogen reflux to the high pressure column.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system having a main heat exchanger for processing feed air, said heat exchanger having a reversing heat exchanger function in an upward feed airflow countercurrent section and having a desuperheating function in a downward feed air flow cocurrent section.

Abstract: A method to obtain a gaseous product by the low temperature fractionation of air includes supplying a first, purified and cooled stream of air to a high-pressure column. At least one liquid stream from the high-pressure column is passed into a low-pressure column. A product stream in the liquid state is drawn off from the low-pressure column and is brought to an elevated pressure. The product stream is then evaporated in an indirect heat exchange with a second purified stream of air. The second stream of air, which is condensed at least partly during the indirect heat exchange, is expanded at least partly in a work-producing manner. The second stream of air subsequently is passed into the low-pressure column. The pressure of the second stream of air at the outlet of the work-expansion is lower than the operating pressure in the sump of the high-pressure column. The work-expansion of the second stream of air is carried out in a single step.

Abstract: Ear jewelry, comprising in combination, a first decorative wire extending in a looping direction to conform generally to the looping periphery of a human ear, decorative ornamentation structure carried by and spaced along the wire, and support structure connected to the wire at at least one of two looping spaced locations along the wire, the support structure including at least one attachment connectible to the ear.

Abstract: A bezel setting for a ring or other jewelry item is provided. The bezel setting is mounted along the jewelry item and includes a first bezel element and a facing second bezel element for defining an opening therebetween in which a jewelry stone is received. The bezel elements are movable with respect to one another in order to be able to selectively adjust the distance between the bezel elements, and thus the size of the opening. As a result, the bezel setting can accommodate jewelry stones of varying size.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for a ring having a hinge and shaped to encompass a finger or other member of an individual as well as a system and method for using the apparatus. The apparatus may have two arc sections. Each arc section may have a cavity located at an end of the arc sections. One of the cavities may have a male portion. The apparatus may also have an ornament. The ornament may have a female portion sized to receive the male portion. The male portion and cavities may support the ornament when the ring is in a closed state. One arc section may be positioned towards a second arc section at the hinge.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for vitrifying nuclear waste comprises a tunable microwave cavity connected by a first wave guide to a source of microwave energy; cooling coils for cooling the exterior of the cavity; a hopper for loading particulate fusible material to the interior of the cavity; within the cavity a crucible made of melted and re-solidified fusible particulate material; an exit-chamber connected by a second waveguide to a second microwave source; and a pipe for supplying argon gas to the exit chamber so that a plasma torch can be generated. The separating of the crucible form the cavity walls by unmelted material gives significant advantages in case of cleaning and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a discharge tube, including heating a quartz tube by irradiation and closing it shut, is presented, in which variation of the heating temperature of the quartz tube can be reduced. Laser light is irradiated on a portion of the quartz tube, and in the step of sealing the portion of the quartz tube onto which laser light has been irradiated, the laser light is scanned while oscillating back and forth. The intensity of the laser light is controlled such that the intensity of the laser light when the size of a displacement of the laser light is maximal is smaller than the intensity of the laser light when the size of the displacement of the laser light is minimal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp that can achieve stable luminous characteristics and discharge characteristics and also does not suffer from cracks in the interconnected portion of the glass tubes while handling or lighting the fluorescent lamp is provided. Interconnecting portions located in the vicinity of open end portions of glass tubes that are positioned adjacent to each other are heated respectively from inside to form a welding portion, and then, the glass tubes are thrust against each other and thinned by conducting a preliminary tapping of the welding portion from inside using hammers. Next, the welding portion is opened by conducting a main tapping to form an interconnected portion, and end portions in the vicinity of the interconnected portion are closed by heating and melting, and then the end portions are molded.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping a selected end region and the opening at a selected end of a hollow cylindrical glass tube includes a support member for holding and rotating the tube in a controlled manner and a heat source for supplying sufficient heat to the selected end region of the tube to place it in a malleable state. The apparatus also includes an actuatable mechanical holding means for holding a multi piece mold and for selectively applying the mold to the selected end region of the tube, when the tube is rendered malleable, for shaping the selected end region of the tube including its rim and for controlling the inner diameter of the tube throughout its end region. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a temperature sensor for controlling the operation of the mechanical holding means and the action of the heat source and a micro-controller for automatically activating the application and retraction of the mold.

Abstract: The specification describes ceram-glass compositions useful for electro-optic devices. The compositions have active ferroelectric ingredients in a tellurium oxide host. Proper processing of the ceram-glass produces highly transparent material with desirable ferroelectric properties. The ceram-glass materials can be used for electro-optic devices in both bulk and thin film applications.

Abstract: An optical fiber for maximizing residual mechanical stress and an optical fiber grating fabricating method using the optical fiber are provided. The optical fiber includes a core formed of silica, for propagating light, and a cladding formed of boron-doped silica, surrounding the core. Alternatively, the optical fiber includes a core formed of phosphorous-doped silica and a cladding formed of silica, surrounding the core.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine with a frame (1) having a plurality of feet (2, 3, 4), a needle carrier (7), a cam box ring and a take-down and/or winding-up device (14) mounted in the frame (1), wherein at least one of the feet (3, 4) is adjustable for altering the machine width.

Abstract: A sinker device comprises a sinker jack 50 which can be freely advanced and retracted with respect to a needle bed gap 4 and a sinker 30 supported on an upper surface of the sinker jack formed as a supporting surface in a freely swingable manner. The sinker 30 and the sinker jack 50 have sliding contact surfaces sidably contactable with each other which are each formed at a front side thereof with respect to a swinging pivot point. When the sinker jack 50 is advanced toward the needle bed gap 4 to move relative to the sinker 30, the sinker 30 takes the swinging attitude controlled by the sliding contact relation between the respective sliding contact surfaces of the sinker and the sinker jack, so that the sinker 30 is controllably swung to at least a knitted loop pushing level, a knitted loop releasing level and a stitch forming level.

Abstract: A first knitting member 5 has a fork portion 38 extending forwardly formed in an upper portion of a side wall(s) of the first knitting member at an accommodation groove forming portion 33 thereof where the accommodation groove 32 for accommodating the second knitting member 7 is formed, while also the second knitting member 7 has a guiding portion 55 formed to be curved outwardly so that its upper surface can confront a lower surface of the fork portion 38 formed on the side wall(s) of the first knitting member 5, so that while the second knitting member 7 is moved relative to the first knitting member 5, the guiding portion 55 of the second knitting member 7 is guided into a space formed under the fork portion 38 of the first knitting member 5 and supported by the fork portion 38 during at least part of the relative movement.

Abstract: A set of handcuffs having an improved locking mechanism. The critical element of the locking mechanism is the utilization of a locking gear set that replaces the conventional pawl. The teeth in the locking arm are matched to the locking gear set and are always in constant and full contact with the locking gear set. This invention also uses a cam/cylinder locking device that controls the movement of the locking gear set. In the normal cam position the locking gear set will only turn in one direction, thus enabling the locking arm to close. In the second cam position the locking gear set will not turn in either direction. The cam can be rotated, through the use of a cylindrical key, in either directions. Rotation in one direction will select one of two locking positions. Rotation of the cylindrical key in the opposite direction will free locking gear set to rotate in the opposite direction thus disengaging the locking arm.