Abstract: Pneumatic sensing elements are provided on the leading edges of power operated vehicle doors. If an obstruction is encountered on closing the doors, the sensing elements are compressed to cause a pressure increase which is sensed and is used to open the doors. Each time the doors are opened, operation of the system is tested by applying a gas pressure pulse to the system. The pressure pulse is gradually vented through a fixed orifice. The pressure in the system produced by the pressure pulse is sensed and is applied to a controller which compares the pressure pulse information with information for known pulses for a normally operating system and for system failures caused, for example, either by a leak or by a blockage in the system.

Abstract: An underground gate system for use with driveways and many other applications. The system includes plural posts which are hydraulically raised and lowered to blocking or open positions. In the up position, the posts stand 18-36 inches tall and include decorative lighting for safety and visibility. In the down position, the gate elements are virtually invisible. A particular hydraulic control system is also disclosed. The system is designed to be controlled from an in-car or in-house location.

Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle door cinching apparatus for assisting the final closing motion of a sliding vehicle door includes an electromagnet, a ferrous metal plate, a cinch drive and a controller. The electromagnet mounts on either an outer periphery of a vehicle sliding door or an inner periphery of a vehicle sliding door frame that's shaped to receive the sliding door as the door moves along a final inward cinching portion of a door path to a final closed position within the door frame. The plate is supported on the other of the outer periphery of the door and the inner periphery of the door frame in a position where the plate can magnetically engage the electromagnet when the door is disposed along the final cinching portion of the door path. Whichever of the plate and electromagnet is supported on the inner periphery of the door frame is also supported for lateral movement in a direction generally parallel to the cinching portion of the door path.

Abstract: A window alignment device for use in a door having a recess and a peripheral edge and a window regulator is provided. A window panel is adjacent to the window regulator. The panel has a peripheral edge and a portion adapted to conform to the shape of the door and disposed in the recess of the door. Additionally, a locator member is adjacent to the peripheral edge; the locator member is disposed between the door and the window panel. When the panel is fixedly fastened to the regulator, the locator member is removed to form a predetermined gap between the edge of the window panel and the corresponding seal in the door or the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a snap lock balance shoe and system to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance.

Abstract: A method for producing organically bonded abrasive article includes combining an abrasive grain component and a phenol-based resin component. The combined components are molded and thermally cured in an atmosphere that comprises humidity, wherein the atmosphere contacts the molded components, thereby producing the organically bonded abrasive grain. The abrasive grain optionally can first be combined with an organosilicon compound, to form organosilicon-treated abrasive grain, and then with the phenol-based resin component. In one example, the phenol-based resin is thermally cured in the presence of steam. Abrasive articles produced by the method of the invention generally have improved properties under wet grinding conditions. In one example, an abrasive article produced by the method of the invention includes ammonia in an amount less than about 50 ppm. In another example, an abrasive grinding wheel produced by the method of the invention has a strength retention greater than about 57 percent.

Abstract: An abrasive diamond composite formed from coated diamond particles and a matrix material. The diamonds have a protective coating formed from a refractory material having a composition MCxNy, that prevents corrosive chemical attack of the diamonds by the matrix material. The abrasive diamond composite may further include an infiltrant, such as a braze material. Alternatively, the abrasive diamond composite may include a plurality of coated diamond particles and a braze material filling interstitial spaces between the coated diamond particles. Methods of making such abrasive diamond composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile theater system including a display screen adapted for use with a single automobile. A movable canopy provides a viewing chamber extending between the screen and the automobile. The theater system may be fixed in a stationary position or supported on a mobile platform.

Abstract: The modular supporting structure is intended to support juxtaposed panels in order to form a modular partition wall adapted to subdivide and define a space to be used as office into independent working zones. The modular supporting structure comprises a lower cross member, a plurality of intermediate cross members, an upper cross member and a plurality of upright spacers, each upright spacer connecting a pair of adjacently arranged cross members. Only one joining element is provided for the interconnection of each intermediate cross members to a pair of lower and upper upright spacers, respectively, at their point of concurrence, in order to form a supporting structure consisting of a framework of rectangular elementary cells intended to frame the juxtaposed panels.

Abstract: A shelter to enclose articles of personal property such as motorcycles, bicycles, lawn and garden equipment, etc. comprising a base frame mounted coextensively in horizontal fashion to the ground, a plurality of u-shaped rib members covered by a suitable covering material which articulate around a novel hinge mechanism and which are essentially equally spaced in spanning relation over the base when in the first, covering, position and which are collapsed upon themselves in stacked relation when in the second, opened, position. A motor and gear assembly may be employed to permit automated operation of the device, or the device may be manually operated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable greenhouse structure comprising a base in the shape of a right-polygonal cylinder having a top and a bottom, wherein the base comprises a plurality of wall panels connected along abutting edges; a hemispherical roof attached to the top of the base, wherein the hemispherical roof has a polygonal hole in the apex thereof; and a polygonal panel having the same shape as the polygonal hole, wherein the polygonal panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the polygonal panel sealably covers the polygonal hole when in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for trimming the eaves of a building consists of enclosing the eaves with a plurality of prefabricated eave trimming elements, each of which can be made from a lightweight thermoplastic material formed in an extrusion process. Each eave trimming element is a panel having a generally trapezoid shape, typically a rectangular shape. The upper portion of the rearward side of the panel can have a notch with a generally vertical surface and a generally horizontal surface. The bottom portion of the rearward side of the panel is typically flat and is disposed substantially parallel to the notch vertical surface.

Abstract: An animal guard with a multitude of rotatable elements that can be securely mounted on a generally vertical or horizontal structure is disclosed. The rotatable elements may be of varying shapes and are designed to provide an unsteady footing for animals attempting to cross the object to continue travel along the structure. In accordance with one embodiment, the animal guard is configured to surround a vertically-extending structure. A series of hollow rotatable elements, or “spinners”, are provided with a hole formed at opposing longitudinal ends. The spinners are bifurcated into two generally equal halves that attach together. A guard plate is mounted to surround the structure and has a series of cross arm brackets which extend through the end holes of the spinners to serve as end axles for rotation and to position the spinners around the circumference of the structure. A support means secures the location of the guard plate and spinners and couples the guard plate to the structure.

Abstract: A temporary gravesite marker for use in identifying a gravesite until a permanent gravestone is available includes a marker tablet which has a generally rectangular solid form with an upper surface to be marked with alphanumeric characters providing information regarding the deceased. The marker tablet is fabricated from a durable material and includes an upper surface and a substantially parallel bottom surface, both of which are substantially flat. The preferred marker tablet has a two-to-one (2:1) aspect ratio and measures 5½ inches by 11 inches with a 1{fraction (1/16)} inch thickness. The density of the material selected, based upon the overall volume, yields a weight for the marker tablet of approximately ten pounds. The alphanumeric characters are inscribed into the upper surface of the marker tablet by means of a prepared stencil and by sandblasting.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a fixed frame and a rotary frame mounted therein. The rotary frame can be unlocked from the fixed frame and rotated relative to the fixed frame about a vertical axis disposed at the center of the rotary frame. The rotary frame can be latched in selected angular positions, or slid horizontally to either the right or the left. The rotary frame can be unlocked from the fixed frame by movement of a single handle.

Abstract: A ceiling support system for a suspended ceiling is provided that includes resilient clamps for attachment to the underside surface of a structural ceiling and inter-engaging ceiling runners that are shaped to be fitted into and be grasped by such clamps. The engagement edge of the runner is shaped to allow the runner to maintain multiple stable positions: a normal, ceiling panel supporting orientation, and a canted orientation for installation of ceiling panels. Runners may be joined end to end with an engagement piece. Cross-runners may be joined to runners with an engagement piece interfitted with a connector plate mounted transversely in the web of a runner.

Abstract: A cast-in-place pass through firestop device for providing a passage in a partition through which wires, cables, pipes, and the like are run includes a housing having a riser portion with frangible connections that define removable bands that can be readily removed by a user to adjust the height of the device in accordance with the thickness of the partition into which the device is installed. The removable bands include pull tabs that provide grasping means to facilitate removal of the bands by a user along a frangible connection. The housing also includes a base portion including a recess with ribs for maintaining firestop material in spaced relation from the base portion sidewall. A flame retardant char forming material, which works in combination with the firestop material to provide a fire, smoke, and water barrier, may also be provided adjacent the firestop material.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable display system which includes plural, hollow, plastic panels having uniquely contoured corners. The panels may be of flat or curved configuration. Most of the plastic panels are fabricated to present smooth front and rear faces. However, some panels are made with at least one slotted face for supporting shelves therein. Straight plastic connector components are designed to accept the corners of the panels, thereby connecting the panels in a manner to form a display area. Hinged plastic connectors are provided so that adjacent panels may be arranged at angles ranging from ninety to one hundred eighty degrees.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing a concrete structural member comprises a panel oriented longitudinally and at least one frame assembly module. The module is formed with several rod members and with a reinforcement member defines a retention cell having a generally vertically oriented opening for receiving a vertical reinforcement member. An additional rod member can be employed in abutment with an interior surface of the panel. The panel body can hold a connector, such as a mushroom shaped connector, which can be used for mounting the module and also be used in conjunction with a bracer to join two panels and their associated modules together. Adjacent abutting panels can have overlapping reinforcement members, which can be inclined or have angled end portions. Each panel can have associated with it a plurality of retention cells arranged, transversely, longitudinally and vertically. The reinforcement system can be used as part of formwork used in constructing a structural member, or used with conventional formwork.

Abstract: As extruded from a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, a drywall-trimming strip has a central portion, which has a bullnose region and two planar regions, one at each side of the bullnose portion. Further, the drywall-trimming strip has two lateral flanges, each of which is joined unitarily to the bullnose portion by a stepped junction. The bullnose region has an exterior radius of 0.350 inch approximately. Each planar region has a width of 0.217 inch approximately, as measured in a plane normal to an axis defined by the bullnose region. Each junction has a measurement of 0.095 approximately, as measured between a plane defined by the exterior surface of the bullnose portion and a plane defined by the interior surface of the flange at such junction. Having a thickness of 0.055 inch approximately, the strip is adapted to fit along an elongate corner defined by two drywall panels, each of which has a thickness not less than 0.

Abstract: A floor tile structure, provided that a surface layer and a bottom layer are attached respectively on the upper and the lower surfaces of the soft double-sided adhesive tape with pressure sensitivity, wherein the surface layer is possibly made of ceramic, rock, metal or other hard material and the periphery is a smooth cross-section; and, the bottom layer is a hard adhesive layer, wherein the continuous periphery is concave relative to the periphery and the other opposite continuous periphery is complementarily convex; further, the concave periphery is buried in the inner edge of the periphery of the surface layer and the convex periphery is protruded to the outer edge of the periphery of the surface layer; as for the two floor tiles with the above-mentioned structure, with the adhesive layer in the convex site on the bottom layer being attached with the concave periphery on the bottom layer of the other floor tile, the tiles can be laterally apposed to pave on the working floor.

Abstract: A cushion block for using in a build-up surface formed by strips is disclosed to have two male coupling devices at one end, two female coupling devices at an opposite end corresponding to the male coupling devices, a retaining device protruded from one side thereof and adapted to secure the strip to the corresponding side of the cushion block, and a deformable body connected between the male coupling devices and the female coupling device. The male and female coupling devices are so made such that multiple cushion blocks are connectable in a line in a linking direction by engaging the male coupling devices of one cushion block into the female coupling devices of another. The deformable body is deformable in the linking direction to compensate expansion of the strips due to absorption of moisture.

Abstract: An insulative building wall structure including parallel channel-bearing track and load plate structures with a plurality of spaced apart posts extending perpendicularly there between and a plurality of respective foam panels disposed between the posts. The panels are provided with a plurality of vertical slits such that width adjustment thereof can be accomplished on-site by removing an appropriate number of slitted strips from a panel. Each panel is maintained such that a void is formed between respective interior edges of the channels and the interior surfaces of the foam panels. A wall surface panel is secured to respective interior outer edges of the track and load plate structures to create an insulative dead air space, corresponding to the above-described void, between the interior surface of each foam panel and the wall surface panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a back blocking device comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and a first and second side. The first side of the elongated member has a first outer surface and a second outer surface that converge at the longitudinal axis. The first side has first raised portions and first recessed portions. The second side has a first inner surface and a second inner surface converging at the longitudinal axis, and second raised and recessed portions inverse to the first raised and recessed portions on the first side. First and second pieces of wallboard are positioned on either the first or second raised portions on either the first side or the second side and converge for attachment to the first or second side of the elongated member substantially near the longitudinal axis to form a butt joint.

Abstract: Wall covering panels of the invention are fabricated from a corrugated cardboard material that is treated with a fire retardant. The panel may include scored edges that ease installation. In one embodiment, the panels are folded accordion-style so that the user may cut lengths as needed. A scoring tool is provided to score lines on the panels. Another embodiment includes two corrugation layers. In another embodiment, the panel includes an interior corrugation layer that is secured by an adhesive to liner boards. Each liner board is adhered to an aluminum layer. Each liner board may be treated with a fire proof treating on its outer surface. The treated boards and aluminum layers make the panel resistant to fire.

Abstract: In a sound-deadened wall comprising wooden studs, each of which has a front edge and a back edge, a front wall panel is fastened to the front edges of the studs and a back wall panel is fastened to the back edges of the studs. Further, front spacers are positioned along the front edge of each stud, between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the front edge of said stud and the front wall panel, and back spacers are positioned along the back edge of each stud, between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel, so as to define air gaps between the back edge of said stud and the back wall panel. Each wall panel has two expansive surfaces and the associated spacers are defined by elastomeric strips adhering to such wall panel, on the expansive face to face the associated edges of the studs, before such wall panel is fastened to the associated edges of the studs.

Abstract: A below ground wall anchoring and straightening device including a horizontally disposed elongate rod member and an earth anchor secured to one end of the rod member. An elongate wall brace plate is attached intermediate its ends to the other end of the rod member and a wall brace plate extends upright in its direction of elongation and this elongate plate is secured at its bottom end to a base portion of the wall structure to be straightened. The rod member includes a fastener for engaging the rod member and thereby pressing the elongate plate against the wall to anchor and straighten the wall.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: A process for insulating and sealing roofing comprises coating the substrate (2) with a liquid or viscous composition (3) that is based on modified bitumen or a bitumen/polyurethane mixture by covering rough spots (4) and by filling the hollows or emergent cavities (4′) that are present on the surface of the substrate (2), then applying the insulating layer (1) or individual elements that are intended to form the insulating layer (1) on the coated surface of the substrate (2) before the previously applied coating layer (3) solidifies, whereby the coating layer (3) forms, after drying or polymerization, a water-vapor barrier and an agent for adhesion of insulating layer (1) to the attachment substrate (2), and, finally, applying to insulating layer (1) a sealing coating (6).

Abstract: A system for removing a plastic wrapper from a package using a device including a horizontal panel having a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. An abrasive sheet is secured to the planar upper surface of the horizontal panel. The package is rubbed against the abrasive sheet to tear and break the plastic wrapping so that it can be removed from the package.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a supply of a package film and a wrapping/sealing section into which products to be packaged are conveyed. A package film tension adjusting device is arranged between the supply of the package film and the wrapping/sealing section for routing the package film to the wrapping/sealing section and for adjusting the tension of the package film supplied to the wrapping/sealing section. The package film tension adjusting device includes a chassis inside which two rails are fixed. Two slide blocks are movably supported on the rails and are movable toward/away from the wrapping/sealing section along the rails. A conveyor is supported on the slide blocks for conveying the products into the wrapping/sealing section. Film routing members are attached to the conveyor for routing the package film toward the wrapping/sealing section.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the shape of the pot, thereby providing a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a bulk article wherein a strip of wrapping material is initially positioned onto an article such that extending ends of the wrapping material strip extend from away from an edge of the article, each end having a different length. The article is rotated to cause the ends of the strip to cover an uncovered side of the article with a fin-like section extending therefrom away from the article which can be sealed without contacting the article. The fin-like section is cooled and folded onto the top of the article so as to form an axial seam. Lateral ends of the wrapping material strip are then sealed to complete the hermetic sealing process.

Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and a device for stacking and packing groups of infusion bags, especially for making tea, whereby in continuous production infusion bags arranged one after another in a series in a strand are separated, their speed of movement is reduced and they are put in a position suitable for making a stack, whereby the infusion bags are arranged one after another in such a way that they at least partly overlap in their subsequent direction of movement

Abstract: A feminine hygiene disposal unit for sanitary receipt and disposal of used sanitary products. The unit has a disposal bag dispenser, at least one disposal bag, a receptacle, and a liner for the receptacle. This liner having a lid flap having an opening therethrough, this lid flap being supported through use of a pair of sandwiching flanges for sandwiching the lid flap in a generally horizontal orientation. 1 INVENTOR: Kristin M.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a redundant dual stop pin assembly is engageable within particular ones of the mast member apertures so as to incrementally lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevations along the mast member such that safe controlled movement of the film roll carriage along the mast member is achieved.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering fluids includes a filter housing, a filter element and an attaching device for attaching the filter element to the housing. The filter element is attachable to the filter housing using a bayonet lock.

Abstract: Self-supporting pleated fluid filter medium and method of making the same wherein the filter medium and accompanying flow-through border frame are of coated thermobondable materials, which are heat bonded together.

Abstract: A filter medium includes at least one first fiber made from a first polymer selected for the chemical and high temperature stability properties needed for a particular operation and at least one second fiber made from a second polymer having a relatively higher glass transition temperature than the first polymer. The filter medium has a higher glass transition temperature than the first fiber, allowing the filtering media to withstand the temperature requirements of the operation, while retaining the chemical resistance of the first fiber. This is particularly useful for pleated filters that are highly temperature dependent, and in industrial baghouse operations where temperatures often exceed the operating range of the first polymers. A method for making the filter medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. In some embodiments, a neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. In one embodiment, an OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: The cotton harvester includes a cotton picker housing having at least one plant lifter defining a plant row channel extending back into the housing to a plant compressor sheet. A picker rotor is mounted in the cotton picker housing adjacent to the plant row channel and traverse to the plant compressor sheet. A doffer in the housing near the picker rotor removes picked cotton from the picker rotor and moves the picked cotton to an outlet at the rear of the cotton picker housing. A power unit includes an internal combustion engine mounted on the housing including a rotatable output selectably connectable in rotatably driving relation to the picker rotor and the doffer for imparting rotation thereto. The power unit can also selectably drive at least one wheel of the harvester for moving it over the ground at a speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the picker rotor.

Abstract: A machine for mowing stalk-type crops includes a crop conveyor wheel mounted for rotation about an approximately vertical axis and provided with recesses that are distributed over its circumference and designed as receptacles for plant stalks. A stationary shield is fixed directly above the conveyor wheel and includes an outer region located above an outer portion of the conveyor wheel just inwardly of the recesses of the surface of the conveyor wheel. In order to improve the crop transport and to prevent the loss of corn cobs, the shield is provided with an arcuate cutout located between the outer region and an inner region of the shield, the cutout having an open end located adjacent to the crop flow received by the machine.

Abstract: A cut-resistant yarn formed of a multifilament yarn, each filament of a polyester material having ceramic platelets embedded to provide a yarn having cut resistance, and the yarn having a friction-textured false twist inserted therein to provide a surface exhibiting comfort characteristics rendering the yarn suitable for use in apparel. An embodiment of the method of forming a cut-resistant yarn according to the invention includes the steps of providing a multifilament yarn. The filament is a polyester material having ceramic platelets embedded to provide a yarn having cut-resistance. False twist by the friction-texturing method is inserted to provide a surface exhibiting comfort characteristics rendering the yarn suitable for use in apparel.

Abstract: A wear resistant chain, which smoothly articulates and slides for a long period of time without generating unusual wear elongation even if used together with an extremely deteriorated lubricating oil having a high degree of oxidation, has both ends of a bushing are force-fit into bushing holes of a pair of inner plates respectively and both ends of a connecting pin which is rotatably mounted into the bushing are force-fit into pin holes of a pair of outer plates disposed on both of the outer sides of the pair of inner plates. The bushing uses the base material of one steel selected from an austenite stainless steel, a martensite stainless steel, a precipitation-hardening steel, a high-carbon chromium bearing steel and an alloy tool steel each subjected to heat curing.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of fuel to a gas turbine engine is operable in at least two modes. In a first mode, the flow rate of fuel supplied from a fuel source to the combustors of the turbine engine is controlled by modulating the position of a metering valve. A controller determines the controllability of the metering valve and, if it is determined to be non-controllable, then the system is operated in the second mode. In the second mode, the flow rate of fuel supplied to the combustors is controlled by modulating the position of a bypass valve.

Abstract: A method is provided for using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to drive a turbine (20′) in a turbopump fed rocket engine (12′). The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving fuel into a fuel rich pre-burner (50); (b) receiving high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide into the pre-burner (50); (c) converting the fuel and hydrogen peroxide into a fuel rich gas; and (d) passing the fuel rich gas through a turbine (20′), thereby using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to drive the turbine. Thus, by utiliizing a fuel rich pre-burner (50) that operates at a very low mixture ratio, the drive gas for a turbine (20′) can be maintained at moderate temperature levels.