Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor is provided with a precombustion chamber supplied with propellant from separate fuel and oxidizer sources. The propellant can be in the form of gas or liquid and injected substantially tangentially into the head end of the hybrid motor adjacent the oxidizer injector to form a propellant swirl. As the hybrid motor oxidizer is injected into the swirl, it is heated and gasified, and assumes a swirling motion which increases the oxidizer path length and thereby increases the dwell time of the oxidizer. The increased dwell time increases combustion efficiency and permits multiple restarts of the hybrid motor. The propellant may also be a combination of solid and fluid reactants. In one embodiment, the oxidizer injector is extended into the combustion chamber to form a toroidal precombustion chamber which has an annular nozzle adjacent a face of the oxidizer injector.

Abstract: Flow control in pulse detonation engines is accomplished using magnetohydrodynamic principles. The pulse detonation engine includes a tube having an open forward end and an open aft end and a fuel-air inlet formed in the tube at the forward end. An igniter is disposed in the tube at a location intermediate the forward end and the aft end. A magnetohydrodynamic flow control system is located between the igniter and the fuel-air inlet for controlling detonation in the tube forward of the igniter. The magnetohydrodynamic flow control system utilizes magnetic and electric fields forward of the igniter to dissipate or at least reduce the ignition potential of the forward traveling detonation flame front.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor includes a storage tank which stores an oxidizer under relatively low pressure, a turbopump preferably directly coupled to an outlet of the storage tank which pressurizes the oxidizer to a relatively high pressure, a combustion chamber including a solid fuel, and an injector between the turbopump and combustion chamber through which the oxidizer is injected into the combustion chamber. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the turbopump is operated by an expander cycle of a heat exchanger. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger is oxidizer tapped from the storage tank. A barrier is maintained between an oxidizer feed line from the turbopump and the injector until sufficient pressure is created by the turbopump to pump the oxidizer at the requisite pressure into the injector.

Abstract: A flame holder is provided at a head end of a combustion chamber of a hybrid rocket motor. The flame holder includes a high-temperature casing defining a cavity, and a solid propellant within cavity around or near the injector. The propellant may be provided in an annulus within the casing, such that the flame plume from the burning propellant is substantially parallel to the flow of the oxidizer, or may be generally cylindrical within a cylindrical casing such that the flame plume of the burning propellant is substantially perpendicular to the oxidizer flow. The solid propellant is preferably ignited substantially simultaneously with the ignition of the hybrid motor. The burning of the solid propellant prevents the flame from combustion of the fluid oxidizer and solid fuel in the hybrid motor from drifting and thereby stabilizes the flame front.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor includes a storage tank which stores an oxidizer under relatively low pressure, a turbopump preferably directly coupled to an outlet of the storage tank which pressurizes the oxidizer to a relatively high pressure, a combustion chamber including a solid fuel, and an injector between the turbopump and combustion chamber through which the oxidizer is injected into the combustion chamber. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the turbopump is operated by an expander cycle of a heat exchanger. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger is oxidizer tapped from the storage tank. A barrier is maintained between an oxidizer feed line from the turbopump and the injector until sufficient pressure is created by the turbopump to pump the oxidizer at the requisite pressure into the injector.

Abstract: A central turbo ducted fan integrated power plant unit comprises a central turbine having turbine blades and retaining ring, fan duct stator, internal combustion engine, fuel tank. There are provided central turbine blades on the retaining ring. The fan duct stator includes an outer ring, an inner ring, stator guide blades, turbine guide blades and the fixing supports on which the internal combustion engine and fuel tank are fixed. The central turbine is mounted on the fan duct stator and the inner hole or guide hole containing the central turbine blades is communicated with the inner hole of the inner ring. On the front end of the fan duct stator is provided a guide ring with diameter or inner diameter being reduced gradually from the front toward the rear, thereby the volume of air flow to be expelled can be increased and the air stream can be guided to be expelled linearly reward and the disordered air flow can be prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A control method of an engine including at least an HC adsorbing catalyst for adsorbing HC at a low temperature, and emitting adsorbed HC at a high temperature, and a three-way purifying function on the same carrier, and an NOx adsorbing catalyst having an NOx adsorbing function for adsorbing or occluding NOx in oxidizing atmosphere, and emitting NOx in reducing atmosphere, and a three-way purifying function. The engine operated with stoichiometric value or a rich air-fuel when a temperature of the HC adsorbing catalyst and/or a temperature of the NOx adsorbing catalyst is equal to/lower than a predetermined value. The engine is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio when a temperature of the HC adsorbing catalyst and/or a temperature of the NOx adsorbing catalyst is equal to/higher than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, is described; it is equipped with a catalytic converter (12) which may be exposed to nitrogen oxides. A lambda probe (13) is provided for measuring the oxygen concentration downstream from the catalytic converter (12). The nitrogen oxides supplied to the catalytic converter (12) are increased by a controller (18), and the conversion capacity of the catalytic converter (12) is concluded from the increase in oxygen concentration downstream from the catalytic converter (12).

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine using exhaust gas purification system, and internal combustion engine, the method for operating an internal combustion engine with exhaust gas purification system, in which a rich mode of the internal combustion engine with a rich exhaust gas composition and a lean mode of the internal combustion engine with a lean exhaust gas composition are set alternately, and by the exhaust gas purification system with a rich exhaust gas composition ammonia is synthesized and stored and with a lean exhaust gas composition nitrogen oxides are reduced to form nitrogen by means of the stored ammonia.

Abstract: A bypass for an exhaust system for a utility vehicle, such as a combine, that, when substantially closed, provides maximum noise attenuation for road transport, i.e., relatively high back pressure, and then, when substantially open, would provide a reduced flow restriction, i.e., relatively low back pressure, for full power, field operation. A bypass flow path in an exhaust pipe is located upstream of a primary muffler. A diaphragm can be provided to manipulate a damper which acts to close the exhaust flow to the primary muffler and open the bypass to an exhaust pipe to effectively bypass the primary muffler.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for a combustion engine having an exhaust pipe, and a particle filter located in the exhaust pipe including a membrane which is permeable to gas components generated by a combustion process in the combustion engine but impermeable to soot and ash particles generated by the same combustion process, and also a method for cleaning such a filter.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus is configured to prevent damage to a catalytic converter caused by the occurrence of temperature differences. The engine control apparatus is particularly useful in a catalytic converter having a thin-walled ceramic carrier. The engine control apparatus prohibits cutting of the fuel supply during vehicle deceleration for a prescribed amount of time after operation of either an engine speed limiter component, which cuts the fuel supply when the engine speed exceeds an allowable engine speed, or a vehicle speed limiter component, which cuts the fuel supply when the vehicle speed exceeds an allowable vehicle speed.

Abstract: The tunable resonator is coupled to the engine speed control such that the resonator is set to a different frequency range when the engine speed is changed. The frequency range is changed by opening and closing necks and/or changing the effective volume of the resonator.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable exhaust system and an adjustable insert for an exhaust system. The exhaust system includes a header flange, at least one conduit coupled to the header flange, a collector coupled to the conduit, and an adjustable insert for tuning engine performance.

Abstract: The present invention is an exhaust system having a parallelogram-shaped cross section. The exhaust system includes a header flange for connection to one or more cylinder exhaust ports. The header flange is coupled to one or more conduits. The conduits merge into a collector, which may or may not include a muffler.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator that is capable of substantial actuation but does not require a conventional pump, uses only deflectable membranes and passive valves, or, at most, a minimum of active valves, and, under certain circumstances, may be free to move when the actuator is de-energized, is provided. The actuator utilizes the deflectable membranes to move fluid throughout the actuator. The movement of the fluid actuates a shaft or other suitable device, as required.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir comprises a body defining a variable volume chamber having one end portion movable with the level of fluid in the chamber. A biasing member acting on a traction rod extending from the movable end portion restrains movement thereof under fluid pressure. The fluid pressure in the variable volume chamber advantageously counterbalances the force of reaction in the biasing member.

Abstract: A control device for hydraulically operated hoisting mechanisms used to raise and lower loads includes an electrically controllable throttle valve connected to a return line of the hoisting mechanism, and a pressure scale with at least one blocking position and one control position. The pressure scale operates in conjunction with an unblocking mechanism. When in its normal position, the pressure scale blocks the return line. The pressure scale assumes its control position in lowering of a load as a result of triggering of the unblocking mechanism. In the event of failure of the throttle valve, the pressure scale may be moved to its blocking position by the unblocking mechanism. In the event of failure of the pressure scale, the throttle valve assumes its blocking position. The load retention function is performed by two series-connected closed hydraulic actuators which can be electrically controlled individually.

Abstract: A load-settable rapid lifting jack comprises a switching oil cylinder between a pump oil chamber and an inner oil tank. A little and limited hydraulic oil in the pump oil chamber is utilized to push a switching piston as the hydraulic oil flows into the switching oil cylinder; and a larger amount of hydraulic oil is provided to the inner oil tank of the jack so that the jack lifting spindle is lifted rapidly in a predetermined load. Moreover, when the load is over a rated value, a sequential valve can be opened rapidly so as to restore to a general lifted speed.

Abstract: An engine has a chamber (3) accommodating a rotor (5) providing shaft power from the expansion in the chamber (3) of a refrigerated or compressed drive fluid admitted to the chamber (3). A heat-exchange liquid is also admitted to the chamber (3). The heat-exchange liquid gives up heat energy to the expanding drive fluid in the chamber (3), and the cooled heat-exchange fluid is withdrawn from the chamber by a return pipe (16), passed through a heat exchanger (20) to raise its temperature to ambient <and then reintroduced into the chamber (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a steam boiler/combuster and gasifier that uses a primary dirty fuel, such as waste materials, or high-polluting fossil fuels, and a secondary low-polluting fuel, such as biomass fuels for co-generation of electricity while reducing harmful emissions. The primary fuel is burned in the combuster to create steam in the steam boiler. The steam turns a steam turbine thereby powering a first generator. The dirty exhaust from the combuster is scrubbed by a gasifier. The secondary fuel and oxygen are added to the dirty exhaust in the gasifier creating gas and ash. The gas powers an engine that turns a second generator and releases a cleaner exhaust.

Abstract: A nozzle extension including flange elements of C/SiC is able to be manufactured relatively simply and provides sufficient physical properties. The carbon-fiber structure of the nozzle extension is wound, and a flange for fastening the nozzle extension to the nozzle outlet of the combustion chamber is integrated in the nozzle extension by a continuous fiber flow of the wound carbon-fiber structure. The foregoing may be intended for use in rocket propulsion units.

Abstract: The actuator assembly comprises a master actuator and at least one slave actuator having a cylinder containing a piston defining two chambers in the cylinder. A first chamber of the slave actuator is connected to an outlet of a directional control valve which is connected to a hydraulic control circuit and to a control member whose position determines the pressure in the first chamber of the slave actuator. A displacement of the piston of the master actuator its transferred to the control member of the control valve associated with the slave actuator by means of a mechanical transmission such as a flexible linear rolling bearing. Thus, the displacement of the piston of the slave actuator is servo-controlled to the displacement of the piston of the master actuator by controlling the position of the control member of the control valve associated with the slave actuator.

Abstract: A piping guides exhaust gas of a gas turbine to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The piping is provided at an outlet of the exhaust gas and is branched into two at a branch portion upstream of the HRSG, with one connected to a high-pressure superheater provided in the HRSG and the other connected to a regenerator. The exhaust gas supplied to the high-pressure superheater superheats saturated steam generated by a high-pressure evaporator in the HRSG. The exhaust gas supplied to the regenerator is heat-exchanged with the combustion air generated by a compressor in the gas turbine. The exhaust gas having been heat-exchanged is supplied to between the high-pressure superheater and the high-pressure evaporator via another piping extending between the regenerator and the HRSG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling multilevel entities such as atoms, ions or molecules as well as entities with no apparent internal structure. Cooling is achieved by coherent scattering, where the frequency of the emitted radiation exceeds the frequency of the illumination radiation. Such coherent scattering is achieved by placing the entities in a resonator containing in which the cavity length and mirror coating are selected to support a resonant radiation. The entities are illuminated with an illumination radiation whose energy is lower than that of the resonant radiation supported by the resonator by a certain detuning energy selected such that coherent scattering of resonant radiation from the entities at a higher frequency than that of the illumination radiation is promoted by the resonator. As a result of the coherent scattering energy is carried away from the entities and they are cooled.

Abstract: Offshore facilities and methods are provided to enable the mooring of a ship carrying a liquefied gas to an offshore structure with one or more decks upon which are located (i) regasification facilities; (ii) single point mooring means for mooring a ship that is carrying a liquefied gas; (iii) means for offloading said liquefied gas into said regasification facilities; and (iv) means for transferring gas from said regasification facilities to a gas transport pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid cooling system for machine components of production machines of the tobacco-processing industry. The object of the described cooling system is to improve the conveyance of liquid, both in terms of structure and function. This object is accomplished by dividing the liquid cooling system, which is embodied as a closed system, into at least two liquid loops (13, 17). The advantage that can be attained with the new liquid cooling system is that the liquid loops can be adapted to one another such that the temperature and output of the consumers match. The pipe cross-sections and pumps can therefore be kept small.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular apparatus and methods for active heat exchange involving continuous atomization of chilled or heated fluid droplets, droplets projection, and formation of fluid film on a large surface for reciprocal two way heat transfer with circulating air. A closed, pleated, corrugated, thin-wall, heat conductive chamber (1) provides the large surface for formation of fluid film and separation between fluid and air offering short and rapid heat conductive path between fluid and air. An axial blower (11) integrated with the heat exchanger module provides re-circulation of air where the heat exchanger module (28) is situated. The modular heat exchanger (28) or multiple of which is integrated with other components such as a refrigeration unit (37), a heating element (25), and a central fluid reservoir (23) in which fluid is pre-chilled or preheated in the application of air conditioning and heating.

Abstract: In a method for requesting a repair of a refrigerator through the Internet and a system therefor, and particularly in a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same, a failure of a refrigerator can be quickly and accurately repaired although a user can not recognize the failure of the refrigerator by setting a self-checkup function of a refrigerator, comparing failure relation data sensed by various sensing means to preset reference data stored in a database and transmitting a compared result to a service center or a serviceman through the Internet.

Abstract: A bypass passage is provided between a discharge pipe and a suction pipe of a compressor being a component of an auger type refrigeration circuit, for allowing a hot gas on the high-pressure side of the circuit to recirculate back to the low-pressure side. An electromagnetic valve is disposed on the bypass passage, and an ammeter is provided to a geared motor that drives an auger, which detects an overcurrent value indicative of an overload acting on the geared motor. In response to detection of an overcurrent value by the ammeter, the electromagnetic valve operates to allow a hot gas on the high-pressure side to be supplied to the low-pressure side through the bypass passage.

Abstract: A method and system for executing a hot gas heating cycle in a mobile refrigeration unit includes diverting a flow of hot gas by bypassing a condenser into a receiver and restricting the flow, thereby raising a discharge pressure and temperature of the unit. The discharge pressure of the unit is monitored, and the restriction is regulated when the discharge pressure reaches a predetermined pressure. A combination of small and large orifice hot gas valves is used, or optionally a hot gas stepper valve. A solenoid valve or an evaporator expansion valve is optionally used to meter refrigerant into the heat loop.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle uses a hybrid compressor (4) including a first compression mechanism driven by a first drive source (2) and a second compression mechanism driven by a second drive source (5), and a single discharge port connected to the first and the second compression mechanisms. The operation of the hybrid compressor is controlled by a controller (15) in accordance with a control mode. The controller has a first operation mode in which the first compression mechanism alone is driven, a second operation mode in which the second compression mechanism alone is driven, a third operation mode in which the first and the second compression mechanisms are simultaneously driven, and a fourth operation mode in which the first and the second compression mechanisms are simultaneously stopped. Depending upon various conditions, the controller selects, as the control mode, one of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth operation modes.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus, an air conditioning case has an upstream portion defining an air intake port through which air flows into the upstream portion substantially parallel to a core surface of a heat exchanger. The air intake port has a vertical dimension H1 that is smaller than a vertical dimension H2 of the core surface. The upstream portion has an air flow direction changing portion protruding inside of the upstream portion at a position opposite to the core surface above the air intake port. The air flow direction changing portion defines a clearance between the core surface and itself. A part of the air turned upward and further turned substantially parallel to the core surface strikes the air flow direction changing portion and flows toward the core surface through the clearance.

Abstract: A dehumidifying apparatus capable of continuously supplying dry air having an absolute humidity of 4 g/kgDA or lower is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing low temperature refrigeration systems is provided. In one embodiment, an access tunnel is provided and a heater, an access door, a vacuum insulation panel, a thermal break, a sealing gasket that mates with a sealing surface together or in part(s) helps to prevent condensation from forming on the exterior of the freezer.

Abstract: A service device connects to a service port of a pressurized system. The device includes a valve opening member for opening a valve within the port. The device can attach to a service unit for servicing the pressurized system. The system can be an air conditioning or refrigeration system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporative cooling device including a stand-alone housing which is unconnected to any other structure. The housing is multi-sided and evaporative pads are placed inside the opening of each of the multi sides. An electric centrifugal blower is placed inside the housing to draw air through all of the evaporative pads and to discharge the same in a vertical direction through an opening in the top cover.

Abstract: A self-contained juice dispensing station (10) is provided for use with a mixer (190). The station (10) includes a liner (20) having a cavity (21). A plurality of containers holding the liquid concentrate or juice are positioned in the cavity (21) on trays (25). A mixer housing (70) is operatively connected to the liner (20) and has a cavity (77) for positioning a mixer (190). An ice bin is removably connected to the station (10). A plurality of pumps (90-93) are positioned in the station for pumping the liquid, thereby forming a self-contained ice cube/juice/mixer station.

Abstract: A refrigeration system has a compressor which incorporates fluid injection into one or more of the fluid pockets. A source of fluid for injection into the pockets is attached directly to the shell of the compressor to eliminate the need for having fluid piping between the source of fluid and the compressor. The source of fluid can be a flash tank which increases the capacity and efficiency of the system or the source of fluid can be a heat exchanger which also increases the capability and efficiency of the system.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing LNG and GTL products is provided comprising cooling natural gas in at least one cooling step so as to provide a cooled natural gas stream; processing the cooled natural gas stream in at least two expansion/separation cycles, each expansion/separation cycle comprising the Substeps of (a) isentropically or isenthalpically expanding at least a portion of the cooled natural gas steam for producing a natural gas vapor component and a LNG component, (b) separating at least a portion of the natural gas vapor component from the LNG component, and (c) repeating substeps (a) through (b) wherein at least a portion of the LNG component from the previous expansion/separation cycle is directed to each successive Substep (a) and wherein the final LNG product is the LNG component after the final separating step and is substantially liquid at substantially atmospheric pressure; and converting at least a portion of one or more of the expansion/separation cycle natural gas vapor components in

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating energy, which consists in conveying to an air separation apparatus (5) air from a compressor (1) coupled to an expansion machine (3). A nitrogen-enriched gaseous flow (11) containing between 3 and 18% of oxygen is conveyed to a combustion chamber (19) with a combustible flow (17) and the combustion gases (33) are expanded in the expansion machine. Optionally air from an auxiliary compressor (21) can be conveyed to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A stringless connector for a strand of beads includes a two-piece interlocking assembly, each piece provided with an eyelet for connection to eyelets of connectors for adjacent beads. The eyelet of one member defines a pair of legs that are inserted into one end of the bore in a bead, one of the legs having locking tooth projecting toward the other leg. The other member has a straight shank extending into the bore from its eyelet, the end of the shank provided with a second locking tooth which enters the slot between the legs of the first member, overrides the tooth thereon and interlocks therewith.

Abstract: A jewelry article includes a coded message.

Abstract: Methods of using carnival beads to create twisted bead structures. A plurality of primary bead strands and shorter Prep pieces are twisted together in order to create quaternary structures having particular three-dimensional configurations. The structures can be interlocked together to form larger structures. The twisted beads can be coated with a protective coating.

Abstract: A process for making jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets or the like with different colors on at least two of their visible faces such that a person can choose which face of the jewelry to display when it is worn. The process has two phases. In a first phase, at least two noble metal bands having different colors are placed with one long edge adjacent one another and coupled by welding. In a second phase, the welded bands are bent and welded along the free ends of the joined band to form a closed pipe having multiple colors around its circumference. The pipe is sectioned into multiple hollow links which are mounted and fixed on a flexible core to make a changeable jewelry having different appearances on two or more sides.

Abstract: Polarizing glass articles and methods of manufacturing polarizing glass articles are disclosed. The method involves forming a polarizing layer on the surface of the glass article by ion-exchanging silver or copper into the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing fused silica members having high internal transmission are disclosed. The apparatus and methods are capable of producing fused silica having internal transmission of at least 99.65%/cm at 193 nm.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an optical fiber having a core portion for waveguiding lights, and a plurality of holes arranged around the core portion, the optical fiber is manufactured by puncturing the holes in a glass rod that is to become the optical fiber, by using an ultrasonic drill, and then drawing the glass rod with the holes to form the optical fiber.

Abstract: A fixing carrier for manufacturing a coupler for optical fibers. The fixing carrier has a plate. Two reels for rolling optical fibers are detachably mounted at two ends of the plate respectively. Two clamps for fastening optical fibers are mounted on the plate and adjacent the reels respectively. A plurality of seats is mounted on the plate and adjacent the reels respectively. A plurality of optical fiber adapters is mounted in the seats respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning loose-fill insulation including an elongated tubular cylinder having a plurality of internal blades positioned in a helical configuration. Large nodules of glass fibrous material pass through the conditioning cylinder and are combed into smaller, more uniform sizes, thus allowing a more uniform additive application further downstream in the manufacturing process. The addition of a tangential airflow to the conditioning cylinder facilitates the combing process by adding a tangential force to move the nodules down the cylinder.