Abstract: A packaging machine for wrapping and enclosing products of various dimensions and consistency in packaging material, such as paper, bags, cans and the like, includes individual processing units, to each of which a drive with a control unit is assigned. Predetermined movement rules, e.g., time-path functions, are processed by the control units. Sensors are included for detecting the operational state, wherein the movement rules of the corresponding drive are scaled when the synchronization between the packaging material and the product to be packaged deviates. The resulting path-time rule is constant and constantly differentiable, so that either the acceleration change in the non-diffentiable points of the speed-time rule is less than a predetermined limiting value, or the resulting speed-time rule is constantly differentiable.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester having a header with a reel and an auger, wherein the reel and the auger provide crop material to an elevator and a foreign object detecting mechanism, wherein the foreign object detecting mechanism includes a foreign object detecting circuit for detecting foreign objects and an object extrusion mechanism operationally connected to be activated by the detecting circuit. The detecting circuit includes a first vibration sensor, a programmable amplifier, a frequency bandpass filter, a variable threshold comparator, and a microprocessor including a pulse rejection network. The microprocessor is electronically connected to control the threshold comparator and the programmable amplifier, and activates the object extrusion mechanism when the pulse rejection network generates an internal signal.

Abstract: This rotary cutting head uses relatively short, individually retained, cutting line filaments. It includes, between its periphery and a central recess, at least one radial passageway of cross section corresponding to twice the cross section of a filament. Each filament passes through the corresponding passageway a first time and is folded through 180° in the recess, in order to pass through the passageway a second time, the 180° folding of the filament forming a lateral swelling which ensures its retention. The two free line portions, resulting from the folding, are of the same length and extend parallel to one another, in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the head, thereby reducing the sound level of the cutting head during operation.

Abstract: A component kit allowing a user to removably attach a gasoline engine weed trimmer to a push-type deck lawnmower allowing a user to activate the weed trimmer during the mowing of a yard to trim areas beside the mower while mowing the yard, eliminating duplicate effort and also to relieve the stress of carrying the weed trimmer, the component kit placing the vertical weight of the weed trimmer on the lawnmower.

Abstract: A crop material feeding and directing system for use with an agricultural implement having a crop pickup which is wider than a crop inlet associated with the agricultural implement. A lower roller member includes a central portion which extends across the crop inlet, and auger sections at its ends located outwardly of the crop inlet. A pair of upper stub augers are located above the end auger sections of the lower roller member. The stub augers and the end auger sections of the lower roller member cooperate to inwardly direct crop material which is supplied by the pickup mechanism to a location outwardly of the crop inlet, and the central portion of the lower roller member functions to move the inwardly directed crop material rearwardly into the crop inlet.

Abstract: A cylinder cutting blade for a lawn mower that includes at least two modular cylinder cutting blade sections. Each modular cylinder cutting blade section effectively being a short cylinder cutting blade which are rotationally connected together in succession in such a manner that rotation of one modular cylinder cutting blade section results in rotation of the other modular cylinder cutting blade sections. Each modular cylinder cutting blade section includes a longitudinal axis, a plurality of cutting bars which spiral around the longitudinal axis, a frame to hold the cutting bars in their respective positions, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of each modular cylinder cutting blade section interacts with the locking mechanism of adjacent modular cylinder cutting blade sections to rotatably lock the modular cylinder cutting blade section to the adjacent modular cylinder cutting blade sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gland packing materials made from expansive graphite, gland packing made from expansive graphite made from the materials, and a producing method of gland packing made from expansive graphite; braiding thread is a filamentose with winding or twisting a strip laminated sheet that a bundle of sprit fiber is laminated and unified through an adhesive layer so as to be a reinforcing material, and a cord body is constructed by braiding the braiding thread, then a packing is constructed by pressure forming this cord body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid cabled cord comprising: at least two yarns having different properties, and an unbalanced configuration wherein the hybrid cabled cord has improved tensile strength retention. In a preferred embodiment, one of the two yarns comprises polyethylene terephthalate and the second of at least two yarns comprises polyethylene naphthalate and the coring level is between about 3% to about 15%. The present invention is also directed to a process for making a hybrid cabled cord comprising the steps of: supplying at least two yarns having different properties to a direct cabler, and cabling the at least two yarns using the direct cabler to achieve a hybrid cabled cord having a coring level which is not zero. The present hybrid cabled cord may be used in tire cord for rubber reinforcement in passenger car tires, van tires, light truck tires, or motorcycle tires.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing higher efficiency and good exhaust gas performance. To this end, a fresh-gas is compressed in a first cylinder chamber having a first piston during successive compression strokes and compressed in one of at least two combustion chambers, in which combustion of a mixture consisting of the compressed fresh gas and an at least partially evaporated fuel is started after the combustion chamber has been closed in relation to the first combustion chamber. Subsequently, the combustion chamber is opened relative to a second cylinder chamber and a second piston in the second cylinder chamber is impinged upon by the combustion gases expanding form the combustion chamber to perform a working cycle. After the working cycle has been completed, the exhaust gases are expelled from the second cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket engine and a method for propelling a rocket utilizing a vortex flow field. The flow field includes an outer fluid vortex spiraling toward a closed end of the flow field generating apparatus and an inner fluid vortex substantially concentric with the outer vortex spiraling away from the closed end and toward an outlet opening in which the inner vortex spirals in the same direction as the outer vortex, but in the opposite axial direction. The invention also relates to a rocket propulsion system utilizing the flow field in which the propulsion system includes a combustion chamber with a fuel source and an oxidizer source that deliver the said fuel and said oxidizer to the said outer and inner vortexes in a manner to support a combustion process while flowing along the flow field.

Abstract: A process for operating an exhaust gas treatment device in a gasoline engine which is operated mainly with a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio and is operated with a rich-mix air/fuel ratio when accelerating or under full load. The exhaust gas treatment device contains a three-way converter catalyst and a first lambda probe upstream of the catalyst and a second lambda probe downstream of the catalyst. The air/fuel ratio is controlled by using the signal from the first lambda probe, whereas the signal from the second lambda probe is used to check the first lambda probe (trim control) and to diagnose the function of the catalyst. Trim control with the second lambda probe is enabled only when, in the event of rich exhaust gas, the voltage difference between the probe voltage for the second lambda probe and a set point voltage is not larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling an engine (10) of an automotive vehicle having a catalyst (34) and controller (40) is set forth herein. The controller (40) is configured to determine a first exhaust flow rate and a second exhaust flow rate based on a flow rate of the exhaust gases. The controller is further configured to determine a first temperature (T1) of exhaust gases associated with the first exhaust flow rate based on a steady state temperature and an amount of heat transferred from the exhaust gases associated with the first exhaust flow rate to an exhaust system. The controller is further configured to determine a second temperature of exhaust gases associated with the second exhaust flow rate based on the steady state temperature. The controller is further configured to determine the catalytic converter temperature based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

Abstract: An emission control apparatus for an engine has a plurality of catalysts disposed in series in an exhaust passage. An HC absorbent catalyst is utilized for at least one of the catalysts. An ECU controls an A/F ratio in an upstream side of the HC absorbent catalyst at a target value. The target value is corrected to a leaner value when the HC absorbent catalyst is in a desorbing condition. The leaner value is leaner than the target value during the HC absorbent catalyst is in an absorbing condition or an activated condition. The leaner atmosphere provides sufficient of oxygen to purify desorbed HC from the HC absorbent catalyst itself.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed that accelerates the rise in temperature of a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The system increases the intake air amount after the engine starts and retards the ignition timing according to a rotational speed of the engine. In this control system, a failure of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control is diagnosed according to the engine rotational speed and/or a retard amount of the ignition timing during the execution of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control. The above failure may also be diagnosed according to at least one of the ignition timing and the engine rotational speed when decreasing the intake air amount during the execution of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control. The above failure may also be diagnosed according to a detected catalyst temperature and an estimated catalyst temperature.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction system for engine exhaust injects a solution comprising a source of ammonia, preferably an aqueous urea solution, or other ammonia solution, to preferably evaporate, decompose and hydrolyze to produce ammonia to react with and reduce NOx in the exhaust. An inertial impactor in the housing between the injector and the catalyst is impacted by the solution droplets and holds same until evaporated, decomposed and hydrolyzed to ammonia.

Abstract: An actuator drive unit in which either of two types of actuators and a drive direction thereof (either forward direction or backward direction) are corresponded to respective four pistons. When one of the four pistons in one of four displacement signal generating units generates a displacement signal, the actuator corresponding to the piston generating the displacement signal is driven in a corresponding drive direction, by an amount of drive corresponding to the displacement signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining EGR flow in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining specific heat of the exhaust gas based on current engine operating conditions and determining EGR flow rate based on the determined specific heat and a signal provided by a sensor. In one embodiment, a species tracking model is used to determine the amount of various species within the exhaust gas which may include oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water, for example, to determine the current specific heat, which is compared to a reference specific heat for the sensor, the difference being used to adjust the sensor value and determine the EGR mass flow rate. The species tracking model uses a simplified combustion model to estimate the amount of each specie in the exhaust gas based on various engine operating parameters, such as fuel, air/fuel ratio, and turbo boost, for example.

Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a turbine having a low pressure region of minimum static pressure. A compressor has a high pressure region of maximum dynamic pressure. A conduit fluidly interconnects the high pressure region with the low pressure region. A valve is associated with the conduit for opening and closing the conduit. Compressed air or a fuel/air mixture may be bled from the compressor to the turbine over a wider arrange of operating conditions, even at low load operating conditions.

Abstract: A liquefied gas evaporating device supplies liquefied petroleum gas to a marine engine, wherein the device includes a box that includes a heating body incorporating an evaporating chamber and a thermal chamber which are contiguous and separated by a common wall. The thermal chamber hot sea water coming out of a cooling circuit of an engine to flow therethrough via an accelerating pump mounted on an evacuation pipe of the cooling circuit. The heating body is made of a material that resists corrosive action of sea water.

Abstract: A method for enhancing natural convection and for converting lower temperature dissipated heat to other useful energy and apparatus therefor. Heat energy is transferred to a medium contained with a channel, and natural convection of the medium is utilized to transfer kinetic energy to another type of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system incorporates a contactor for counter current direct heat exchange between a non-condensible gas and a liquid, typically hot water. The water is from a heat source available at the site such as a solar source, a geothermal source, an industrial plant or the like. Hot mainly saturated gas exits from the contactor and drives a motor, typically a turbine. The turbine drive a work consuming device, normally an electric generator. A condenser/separator downstream from the turbine condenses the water vapor and separates the non-condensible gas from the liquid. The liquid from the condenser is preferably recycled or may be discarded.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the recuperator of a microturbine system in a vertical position above a turbine. The apparatus including a plurality of spring supports supporting the recuperator while simultaneously allowing thermal expansion of the turbine with a minimum amount of force being applied thereto. Thermal expansion of the turbine causes it to lift the recuperator while simultaneously decompressing the springs an amount equal to the amount of thermal expansion experienced by the turbine.

Abstract: This invention relates to air breathing engines, such as ramjets, scramjets and internal combustion, and more particularly to an active combustion control device for a combustor. In more particularity, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that applies active combustion control technology to advanced propulsion devices and closed-loop fuel injection at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability frequency of the combustor. The problem of limited actuator frequency response is addressed by injecting fuel pulses at sub-harmonic frequencies of the instability. The fuel may be liquid, solid or gas. To achieve this desired result, a closed loop controller is designed to determine sub-harmonic frequencies using a divider to divide the instability frequency of a combustor, yielding a fraction of the harmonic frequency.

Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for freezer defrost, which are particularly suited for an automated system, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware of an embedded controller and operate the freezer defrost cycle at temperature lows for increased efficiency. An application of the freezer defrost method and apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling system controller controls the capacity of a variable capacity compressor based upon the temperature of a housing being cooled, the suction pressure of the compressor or both of these criteria. The cooling system controller is capable of controlling either single-evaporator or multiple-evaporator refrigeration systems. The multiple-evaporator systems can have evaporators of similar temperatures or of mixed temperatures. The controller also allows the use of one or more condenser fans that are operated in a lead/lag fashion to control the cooling capability of the system.

Abstract: A method for refrigeration system control according to the invention includes identifying a lead circuit having a lowest temperature set point from a plurality of circuits, wherein each circuit includes at least one refrigeration case. The suction pressure set point for a compressor rack is initialized based upon the identified lead circuit, and a change in suction pressure set point is determined based on measured parameters from the lead circuit. The suction pressure set point is updated based upon the change in suction pressure set point. A first valve position for a first electronic evaporator pressure regulator associated with a first refrigeration circuit is determined based on the determined change in suction pressure set point, which is based upon the measured parameters from the lead circuit. A second valve position for a second electronic evaporation pressure regulator associated with a second refrigeration circuit is based upon a second measured parameter.

Abstract: An ice making machine in which upon starting of an ice making operation, a water level detecting switch starts measurement, and a water-supply-stop time T1 is compared with a reference time T2. When the water-supply-stop time T1 is not longer than the reference time T2, it is determined that the ice making machine is an excessive-ice-making state, and control is performed so as to reduce the RPM of a fan motor for cooling a condenser.

Abstract: A separate-type air conditioner that can reduce the effect of voltage fluctuations in a commercial power supply (12) on a compressor (11), reduce material costs while maintaining vibrations of an outdoor unit (2) at low levels, and improve working efficiency during an assembly operation. The outdoor unit (2) includes a voltage correction circuit (14) to keep an output voltage to the compressor (11) constant (optimum) irrespective of the voltage fluctuations in the commercial power supply (12).

Abstract: A temperature controller 51 is disclosed, which comprises a temperature control element 53 disposed on the bottom of a case 52, a light-waveguide element 11 and a metal plate 55 intervening between the elements 53 and 11. The metal groove 55 has a groove, in which a temperature sensor 36 is buried together with a highly heat conductive material. The detected temperature output of the temperature sensor 36 is inputted to a temperature control circuit 58 for controlling the temperature of the temperature control element 53. The temperature sensor 36 inclusive of its lead lines are buried in the metal plate 55 such as to cover a long distance. Thus, the temperature control is less subject to the influence of the ambient temperature and can thus be made with high accuracy.

Abstract: This invention relates to enthalpy wheels and systems containing enthalpy wheels. The enthalpy wheel subasssembly includes a first plate, a cap, a compliance element between the first plate and the cap and a pressure producing element between the fist plate and the cap.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage lid for a container to heat or cool the container contents. The lid includes a first panel having an attachment element located around a periphery thereof, with the attachment element being adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element. A second panel is offset from the first panel, and has a peripheral edge connected to the first panel to form a compartment generally coextensive with the second panel. A thermal energy storage material located in the compartment.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A direct-fired generator for an absorption chiller includes an inner shell, in which combustion occurs, and an outer shell. The inner shell supports a tube bundle through which a first portion an absorption solution is conveyed. Combustion products makes a single pass across the tube bundle within the inner shell. Such construction minimizes the number of potential leak paths and facilitates leak testing of the generator at an intermediate stage of assembly. A flow distributor apportions solution flow to the tube bundle and to a second solution flow path which bypasses the tube bundle but which is likewise heated by the combustion occurring within the inner shell. The two solution flow paths converge after the solution flowing therethrough has been heated by the combustion occurring in the inner shell. A vapor separator disentrains solution in liquid form from vaporized solution before the vapor exits the generator.

Abstract: Methods and configurations for improved propane recovery plant employ an absorber column, and a deethanizer column with an overhead condenser that produces a reflux condensate. The reflux condensate is recycled to both the absorber column and the deethanizer column, and a third recycling loop feeds propane from the absorber column into the deethanizer column in a gaseous form. The overhead condenser employs cold reject gas from the absorber and/or propane as a refrigerant, and preferred deethanizer columns include an integral water removal contactor.

Abstract: A method for cryogenic air separation wherein at least a portion of the feed air to the cryogenic air separation plant is partially condensed and the resulting two-phase feed air stream is turboexpanded to produce refrigeration and a resulting two-phase feed air stream, which has a liquid portion less than that of the input two-phase feed air stream to the turboexpander, prior to being passed into the cryogenic air separation plant.

Abstract: An interchangeable and rotatable jewelry display for beads or ornaments. The invention provides a stable changing and retaining mechanism. Also, a method for displaying and rotating interchangeable ornaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing successive spherical glass articles, in each of which is accommodated a three-dimensional object of figuring, which method comprises the following steps, to be performed in a suitable sequence, of: (a) providing a container with a mass of molten glass, which container comprises a discharge opening through which liquid glass can be delivered; (b) providing thermally resistant figurines; (c) wholly enclosing successively at least one figurine by molten glass by feeding molten glass thereto from at least two sides; (d) portioning the molten glass before or after step (c) such that molten glass masses are formed, in each of which a figurine is embedded; and (e) modelling these masses to a spherical form by substantially omnidirectional rolling for a time with simultaneous cooling so that the glass solidifies.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises a transfer mechanism (7) which is attached to the free ends of two parallel piston rods (13, 14). The associated piston-cylinder units (15, 16) are attached to a support structure (17) and can be pivoted therewith in a reciprocating manner about a vertical axis (18) by an angle of approximately 105° between a dead plate (3) and a conveyor belt (5). Compressed air nozzles (11) for the purpose of producing negative pressure in corners (10) of the transfer mechanism (7) are supplied with compressed air from a first advance chamber (22) by way of a supply duct (12) of the transfer mechanism (7) and one (13) of the piston rods and the associated piston (21). This is performed by way of a first directional control valve (29) from a first compressed air source (31) of relatively low pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for annealing an optical waveguide, including an optical fiber or large-diameter waveguide structure, having along some length an induced refractive index difference that decays over time and so causes drift in the wavelength of reflected light when broadband light is inserted into the optical waveguide. The method uses an assumed decay formula for the induced refractive index difference indicating how the induced refractive index difference decays over time, the assumed decay formula having parameters that depend on temperature. The method includes the steps of: determining the (temperature dependent) parameters in the assumed decay formula for both an operating temperature and an annealing temperature, the annealing temperature being higher than the operating temperature, by fitting the observed decay over a measuring time at the two temperatures; and determining an anneal time at the annealing temperature based on a maximum allowed drift at the operating temperature.

Abstract: A takedown unit includes a set of takedown rollers arranged around tubular fabric hanging downward from a needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine. The takedown rollers rotate to draw down the hanging tubular fabric, and a floating guide mechanism is within and encircled by the hanging tubular fabric, so that the low-friction guide mechanism interacts with the high-friction takedown rollers to facilitate the drawing down of the fabric. A set of cams extends at least partially around the hanging fabric, and the cams and the takedown rollers are mounted to allow relative rotation therebetween, with the relative rotation being around the hanging fabric. Actuators are positioned for interacting with the cams in response to the relative rotation, so that the cams actuate the actuators which in turn rotate the takedown rollers.

Abstract: A hasp enclosure for protecting an eye of a hasp and receiving a lock. The hasp enclosure includes a cover having an opening which extends into an interior, eye receiving chamber. An aperture is defined through the cover which intersects the interior, eye receiving chamber in a location which is aligned with the eye so that the lock can be be inserted through the aperture in the cover and the eye. The cover may be a separate piece or may be connected to the hasp face plate over the hasp eye receiving slot.

Abstract: A compact disk casing includes a base and a cover which is pivotally connected to the base. A locking plate is inserted from a side of the casing and is retained by a bridge member on the base so as to limit the cover from being opened. A locking member is located on a top surface of the base and the locking plate has two flexible matching members which are engaged with two engaging members of the locking member. A key can be inserted from an underside of the base to shift the two matching members to allow the locking plate to be pulled from the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antitheft type of disk container and an associated unlocking tool. The disk container comprises a container body having a disk space and a locking space defined therein, a cover plate hinged to the container body to open and close the disk and locking spaces, and a lock plate to be inserted in the locking space. The unlocking tool has a magnet installed therein. The container body and cover plate are provided with engagement portions in the form of projection or recess, and the lock plate is provided with counter engagement portions in the form of recess or projection, thereby preventing the cover plate from opening by making the engagement portions of the container body and cover plate engage with the counter engagement portions of the lock plate when the cover plate closes the container body with the lock plate inserted in the locking space.

Abstract: A lock with a cam action joined to a cylindrical assembly with a front portion adapted to being inserted into a computer chassis security slot. The cylindrical assembly front portion is comprised of two fixed prongs and a lever each terminating in a hook. The lever is pivotally attached to the cylindrical assembly and is pivoted within the security slot by the cam action of the lock.

Abstract: A lock for a door (10) comprising a casing (11), a bolt (55) operable to extend from or retract into the casing, a pivoted operating handle (36) operable at one side of the door movable from a rest position to an operating position to retract the bolt, the interior of the casing having a lug (21) through which a screw (27) passes into engagement in a tapped hole (23) in a fixing plate (12a) which is secured to said one side of the door, thereby indirectly securing the casing to the door. A screwdriver blade (27a) can be inserted through an opening (34, 35) in the casing to access the screw (27) when the handle is in its operating position, such access being prevented when the handle is in its rest position, by said handle blocking said opening, the handle being lockable in its rest position from said one side of the wing.

Abstract: An improved structure of electric lock disclosed herein employs only one electromagnetic coil and a DC power source formed of 4 3A-type dry battery unit for operating the lock instead of using two coils and an AC large power source along with a clumsy conductor layout, and a skilful arrangement of mutual positions between the driven rod and the extended portion of the actuated rod can produce an amplified driving torque effect from this minimized DC power source. Besides, the key function is controlled by a coded chip attached thereon to identify the visitor.

Abstract: A lock core device of an anti-theft tumbler pin type includes a housing defining a lock core hole, a plurality of first tumbler pin holes, at least one side tumbler pin hole, and a transverse hole, a lock core rotatably mounted in the housing and defining a plurality of second tumbler pin holes which are moved by the lock core to align with the first tumbler pin holes and to align with the side tumbler pin hole, a plurality of tumbler pin sets each slidably mounted in the first tumbler pin hole and each including a top tumbler pin and a bottom tumbler pin movable in the second tumbler pin hole, at least one block pin slidably mounted in the side tumbler pin hole and rested on a peripheral wall of the lock core or inserted into the second tumbler pin hole, and a control tumbler pin set slidably mounted in the transverse hole and including a transverse tumbler pin rested on the block pin.

Abstract: A device allowing engagement of a conventional keyed deadbolt lock tumbler assembly without use of a key is provided. The device is assembled around the tumbler assembly and is fitted into a standard:door lock cut-out. The device includes a rotatable ring extending substantially around the periphery of the device. At rest the rotatable ring is biased in an original starting position. Upon overcoming the bias, the rotatable ring is moved to a second engaging position. Upon release of the rotatable ring the ring is biased back to the original position, while at the same time the deadbolt remains engaged. The biasing back of the device prevents the lock from binding or jamming.