Abstract: A steering actuator can be controlled such that the ratio between amount of operation of an operating member and amount of steering of vehicle wheels changes. Movement of the steering actuator is transmitted to the vehicle wheel such that variation in steering angle is generated. A relationship between behavior index value for operating corresponding to change in behavior of the vehicle caused by change in steering angle, target behavior index value for operating corresponding to amount of operation of the operating member, and target operating torque is stored. The target operating torque is calculated from the stored relationship, the determined behavior index value for operating, and the determined target behavior index value for operating. An operating actuator for generating torque which acts upon the operating member is controlled such that the operating torque of the operating member corresponds to the target operating torque.

Abstract: A housing for a loudspeaker is presented, and which includes a plurality of corner units, each of the corner units having a first end and a second end and also has a first inner spline extending therefrom and a second inner spline extending therefrom; and a first outer spline extending therefrom and running generally parallel to the first inner spline and a second outer spline extending therefrom and running generally parallel to the second inner spline, wherein the first inner spline and the first outer spline cooperate to form a first slot sized to receive a top panel or a bottom panel and the second inner spline and the second outer spline cooperate to form a second slot sized to receive a side panel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a power booster pipe suitable for attenuating sound associated with the intake or exhaust of an internal combustion engine and reducing pressure drop associated with movement of gases during operation of the engine. Generally, a diffuser portion is combined with an attenuation portion. One or more tubes of perforated material, such as steel and perforated flutes running the length of the tube increases the surface area of sound attenuating material exposed to combustion gases and the accompanying noise. The perforated flutes and tube can be encircled with sound reducing infill material. A low pressure drop design can be incorporated which includes a gradually increasing diameter tube utilized to route the combustion gases.

Abstract: An isolation mechanism for electrically isolating a control input mechanism of an otherwise substantially conventional boomed apparatus (12), such as, for example, an aerial device, digger derrick, or crane, having a workstation (14) coupled with a movable boom (16), wherein the isolation mechanism allows a worker to control movement of the boom (16) and positioning of the work station (14) while protecting against electrical discharge along substantially any path which includes the control input mechanism. In a first embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of an improved control input mechanism (10), portions of which are constructed of or covered with an electrically non-conducting material. In a second embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of a boom extension (110) constructed of or covered with electrically non-conductive material. In a third embodiment, the improved control input mechanism (10) and the boom extension (110) are combined.

Abstract: A rescue harness for fire rescue personnel, preferably includes:

Abstract: A ladder attachment for supporting items of various sizes upon a ladder step for storage and/or manipulation comprises a bracket for retaining the items and a mechanism for securely mounting on a ladder step. Preferably, the bracket and mounting system are manufactured as a single, integral unit with no moving parts that may be simply and conveniently moved between different ladder steps and work sites. In the preferred apparatus, front and rear panels define an opening for receiving and retaining various items with an approximately V-shaped cross section. To mount the apparatus to a ladder step, a hook adapted to receive and substantially surround a ladder step is preferably lowered over the desired step and made more secure by the weight of the apparatus and/or the load.

Abstract: A tower sleeve for sliding engagement with a tower that defines a tower longitudinal axis includes a main body that defines a body longitudinal axis and a channel longitudinally extending therethrough for slidably and selectively receiving at least part of a longitudinal section of the tower therein with the body axis generally parallel to the tower axis. A closing body connectable to said main body is movable between a first limit position and a second limit position relative to the main body. The closing body at least partially closes off the channel when in the first limit position so as to secure the sleeve in sliding engagement with the tower inside the channel, and opens up the channel when in the second limit position so as to allow the sleeve to engage and disengage from the tower in a direction generally transverse relative to the body axis.

Abstract: A mounting bracket includes at least one support member for supporting an object, at least one receiving member engaged to the at least one support member for receiving a leg and at least one cross member engaged to the at least one support member in which the cross member includes securing structure for receiving a shoulder mechanism and the securing structure permits the shoulder mechanism to be variably adjusted into a plurality of fixed positions. Also, a workbench system includes at least one beam, at least one leg, at least one shoulder mechanism for supporting a movable workpiece and at least one mounting bracket.

Abstract: An engine has a lubrication system that lubricates the engine with lubricant. The lubrication system incorporates a lubrication pump that periodically pressurizes the lubricant toward the engine. An engine speed sensor and a throttle valve position sensor are provided to sense an engine speed and a throttle valve position (i.e., engine load), respectively. A control device controls the lubrication pump. The control device determines a frequency of the periodic pressurization based upon signals from the sensors. The control device sets a pressurizing time of the lubrication pump to a period of time shorter than the maximum period of time that can be set for the lubrication pump at the determined frequency, when the signals from the sensors indicate that the engine speed is less than a preset engine speed and the engine load is less than a preset engine load.

Abstract: A lubricant supply system for an engine includes an oil pump activated by an engine having a crank system and a valve system, a main passage connected to the oil pump for supplying a lubricant to the engine, a crank system passage branched from the main passage for supplying the lubricant to the crank system, a valve system passage branched from the main passage for supplying the lubricant to the valve system, an oil pressure relief valve disposed in the crank system passage, and an oil pressure detecting type orifice valve disposed in the valve system passage.

Abstract: Low-lifting floor conveyor truck, in which in a driving unit a driving wheel as well as a driving motor for the driving wheel are mounted and a steering appliance for the driving wheel, which is rotatable around a vertical axis, and at least one lifting cylinder are disposed, and in which further two parallel load arms are attached on a load unit, each of which being provided on the front end with one load wheel which on its part is beared in a rocker arm, the lifting cylinder acting upon the load unit and a linkage transmission is disposed between the driving unit and the rocker arm, which according to a lifting path of the lifting unit adjusts the rocker arm in height with respect to the load arms, and by doing this the load wheels also, a bearing component being linked to the upper end of the lifting cylinder, which is connected with the load unit via a screwed connection, the screwed connection in its detached state allowing for a limited relative displacement of bearing component and load unit.

Abstract: Novel residential elevators, and novel methods of installing and using residential elevators. A residential elevator of the invention typically includes guide rail structure, a car, lift apparatus, and cables connecting the lift apparatus to the car. The guide rail structure is mounted to the building. The car is mounted to the guide rail structure. The car has a range of upward and downward movement, along a path of travel between an upper limit and a lower limit. The lift apparatus lifts and lowers the car, and is mounted to the guide rail structure, at a location such that the lift apparatus is above the top of the car when the car is at the upper limit. Preferably, the cables extend directly from the car or car frame to the lift apparatus without passing over or around any sheave or around any other direction-changing structure.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly is provided. The wheelchair lift assembly is adapted to be disposed in a cavity located below a lower surface when in a stowed position. The wheelchair lift assembly includes a lift platform and a lifting mechanism coupled to the lift platform for reciprocating the lift platform between a lowered position, wherein the lift platform is substantially coplanar with the lower surface, and a raised position, wherein the lift platform is substantially coplanar with an upper surface. The wheelchair lift assembly also includes a lift platform barrier coupled to one end of the lift platform and a lift platform barrier actuating assembly coupled to the lift platform barrier.

Abstract: An elevator signal transmission system includes a monitor camera and an interphone equipped with a camera each being arranged inside an elevator cage, a power source line for supplying driving power to the cage, and a transmitter/receiver provided to the cage and connecting the monitor camera and the interphone equipped with the camera to the power source line wherein the transmitter/receiver causes power source line to transmit transmission signals from the monitor camera and from the interphone equipped with the camera and supplies reception signals received from the power source line to the interphone equipped with the camera.

Abstract: A tower for selectively supporting an elevator thereon includes an elongated structure that slidably supports the elevator therealong. The elongated structure defines a structure axis and includes at least two generally opposed first and second longitudinal structure sidewalls. Generally elongated first and second elevator retaining guides releasably secure to the first and second structure sidewalls, respectively, for guiding and retaining the elevator along the elongated structure. The first and second retaining guides extend generally radially outwardly from the elongated structure.

Abstract: An anchorless wheel bumper block is used as a stop in a parking facility. The block includes a base with a bottom surface, a top with an upper surface, and a side extending around a perimeter of the block and between the bottom and upper surfaces. The bottom surface rests on a ground surface and the block is in contact with and unattached to the ground surface in an in-use position. The bottom surface is disposed in a first plane and has a length. The upper surface is disposed in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. A distance between the bottom and upper surfaces defines a height of the block. The length is substantially greater than the height of the block. The block remains substantially in the in-use position when a wheeled unit contacts the block.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly, wherein the actuator portion of the brake assembly is no longer provided as part of the brake assembly but instead as part of the aircraft landing gear. Accordingly, the actuator portion or individual actuators assemblies are designated as Line Replacement Units (LRUs), which are replaceable independently of other brake components, e.g., the torque tube and heat sink, which then comprise the brake assembly designated as a separate LRU. This new arrangement is particularly suited to electro-mechanically actuated brakes, where actuator maintenance intervals will typically be more closely related to landing gear maintenance intervals than to brake maintenance (i.e., hydraulic actuator and/or heat sink maintenance). The invention also provides for more effective and desirable mounting of one or more electromechanical actuators wherein reactionary loads are transferred in compression as opposed to in tension through mounting bolts or other removable fasteners.

Abstract: In a disc brake, an anti-squeal shim plate is disposed between the backing plate of each pad and a corresponding press member which presses the pad toward a disc rotor. The press member presses the pad against the disc rotor via the anti-squeal shim plate in order to generate braking force. A plurality of dimples are provided on the anti-squeal shim plate in order to limit to a specific area a press contact area between the backing plate and the press member during braking with very small pressing force.

Abstract: A staple for assisting in the coupling of a shim to a first side surface of a backing plate in a brake assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the staple comprises a head section; a body section coupled to the head section, the body section having a concavity so as to form a recessed region therein; and a leg member, shaped for permitting a portion of the material comprising the backing plate to be displaced towards and into the recessed region as the leg member is piercing the first side surface of, and progressing into, the backing plate; and wherein upon insertion of the body section into the backing plate, the concavity of the body section causes the displaced material to fill the recessed region; whereby a shim mounted onto the first side of the backing plate and secured thereto at least in part by the head section is inhibited from movement on and separation from the first surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A vibration damping system 8 wherein the system 8 comprises a magnetism generating medium 12 and a magnetism energy dissipating medium 16 whereby, in use, vibration of the magnetism generating medium 12 generates a magnetic field, the magnetism generating medium 12 and the magnetism energy dissipating medium 16 being so disposed with respect to each other that the magnetic field is then dissipated by the magnetism energy dissipating medium 16 thereby damping the vibrations of the magnetism generating medium 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping apparatus for moving furniture parts, for example doors, flaps or drawers. Such a damping apparatus of a compact construction which avoids a possible springing back movement of the furniture parts is provided in accordance with the invention in that the damping apparatus has at least two damping stages each having a cylinder having a piston longitudinally displaceable therein which exert a damping action of different strengths.

Abstract: A self-pumping, hydropneumatic suspension strut unit with an internal level control for a vehicle includes a low pressure chamber and a high pressure chamber for storing a damping medium under pressure. The high pressure chamber includes a gas cushion for displacing the damping medium therefrom when the damping medium is under less than a predetermined pressure. A working cylinder has a piston that defines a first volume of the working cylinder in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. A piston rod is axially displaceable in inward and outward relative to the working cylinder. A pumping rod is axially mounted at one end in the working cylinder and a regulating bore is disposed at a first location of the pumping rod. The bore is closed when the first location is received in the piston rod and places the low pressure chamber in two-way fluid communication with the first volume when the regulating bore is open.

Abstract: An oil hydraulic cylinder configured to allow an object to be smoothly and continuously lifted without being clatteringly swayed and unnecessarily rotated by the oil hydraulic while supply of the oil hydraulic remains uninterrupted when an adjusting lever is manipulated for lifting and lowering operations, the cylinder comprising: a cap part protrusively formed thereon with a compression unit for forcibly generating oil pressure, an operation unit fixedly connected to an object for lifting, stopping and lowering the object and an adjusting unit for controlling the lifting, stopping and lowering of the object; a body part connected inside a body case to the compression unit, the operation unit and the adjusting unit and formed with a plurality of cylinders and pistons for carrying out an oil pressing operation; a base part coupled underneath the body part and formed therein with a predetermined flow route; an oil control part for controlling oil flowing in an oil route formed inside the base part; and a manipu

Abstract: A master cylinder device for a brake comprise a master cylinder body having a cylinder bore, a reserve tank provided integrally with the master cylinder body so as to have a fluid reserving portion for feeding hydraulic fluid for the brake, a fluid passing port provided in the fluid reserving portion of the reserve tank, the fluid passing port having an opening area smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of the fluid reserving portion, and a communicating passage connecting the fluid passing port to the cylinder bore, wherein the reserve tank is provided on an upper end of the master cylinder device such that a longitudinal direction of the reserve tank is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the master cylinder body.

Abstract: A collapsible bag construction includes a telescoping handle mounted on a bracket with a portion of the bracket extending along the bottom edge of the collapsible bag and cooperative with a supplemental or auxiliary rigid bottom panel that may be removed to permit the collapsible bag to be folded for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the clutches in an automatic vehicle transmission includes a series of electric motors attached to the transmission housing, each of which has a motor shaft with a gear attached to it. A torque-to-thrust mechanism is driven by the driving gear and includes a thrust element that imparts a linear force to the apply plate of a clutch. Also included is a sensing system that allows for sensitive control of the torque-to-thrust mechanism which facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly has a clutch housing, at least one first friction plate, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the clutch housing and can be displaced in the axial direction therein, and a second friction plate, which bears the clutch housing. At least one driver disk is arranged axially adjacent to the first and second friction plates and has friction linings on both sides, which interact with the friction plates, and a spring which can apply a compressive force for actuation of the clutch to the at least one first friction plate. At least one of the friction plates is made at least in part from a metal matrix and at least one nonmetallic foreign phase included in the matrix, which together form a metal matrix composite material. In a further aspect of the invention, the clutch housing is likewise formed from a metal matrix composite material.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a motor vehicle includes a retainer assembly having an upper and lower portion separable by a separating member. The separable member causes the retainer assembly to contract in response to movement toward a released position. Contracting the retainer assembly in the release position provides for additional clearance between the friction discs and flywheel without a corresponding increase in the length of travel of the retainer assembly. The guide member is stationary relative to the retainer assembly and cooperates with the separating member to cause the retainer assembly to expand and contract during movement to engage and disengage the clutch. Additional movement of the retainer assembly increases clearance to between the flywheel and friction discs without corresponding increase in retainer assembly travel to minimize clutch drag.

Abstract: A bearing release assembly includes a release bearing housing actuated by a release fork to move axially along a rotating shaft. The release bearing housing moves a release sleeve axially along the rotating shaft to disengage clutch levers in response to pivotal movement of a release fork. The release sleeve includes an oil-impregnated powdered metal insert in sliding contact with the rotating shaft. The oil-impregnated powdered metal insert is self-lubricating to eliminate the need for periodic maintenance and lubrication of the release sleeve simplifying operation and maintenance of a clutch assembly.

Abstract: A variable inertia flywheel and clutch assembly having a primary flywheel mass rotationally fixed to an engine crankshaft and a secondary flywheel mass selectively engageable with a clutch disc, which is rotationally fixed to a transmission input shaft. A radial spring assembly is coupled between the primary mass and the secondary mass, as well as a latching assembly that can latch to selectively prevent relative rotation between the primary mass and the secondary mass. Preferably, the latching assembly is also employed as a variable damper between the primary mass and the secondary mass when the latching assembly is not latched.

Abstract: An integrated gear shift selector switch assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a park position switch and a brake transmission shift interlock switch combined in a unitized housing as an integrated structure. The park position switch has a movable component that moves within the housing between a park and non-park position corresponding to a movement of a gear shift selector lever from a park to at least one non-park position. The brake transmission shift interlock switch also has a movable component supported by the switch housing for movement in to and out of selective locking engagement with the movable component of the park position switch to selectively unlock and lock the gear shift selector lever in the park position.

Abstract: A system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles each having a downwardly oriented primary edge, laterally diverting the flat articles in the serial input stream alternately between a pair of separate paths, impeding horizontal movement of each flat article in each separate path, accelerating each flat article with impeded horizontal movement in the direction of its primary edge, and delivering substantially horizontally oriented flat articles from each separate path.

Abstract: A conveyor for and method of transporting workpieces along a path having a straight portion and a curved portion are provided. Workpieces during certain operations must be maintained a minimum distance apart during transportion. The workpieces, on the curved portion of the conveyor path, are moved outside the conveyor path to enable them to travel greater distances and maintain a minimum spacing without the necessity of spacing them an extra distance apart on the straight portions of the conveyor path. This enables a larger number of workpieces to be handled on a given conveyor or enables a shorter conveyor to be employed for a given number of workpieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor pan (150) for underground face and gate conveyors, with a bottom run (102) and a top run (103) for the guidance of a scraper of a scraper chain, with a frame work construction (101) which has side walls (110) comprising cast parts firmly joined to each other, with an intermediate flange (111) and an upper moulded flange lug (112) extending outwards from it and a lower moulded flange arm (113) as well as a moulded foot flange (120) extending inwards and bordering the bottom run partly to the side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor pan (50) for underground face and gate conveyors, with a bottom pan (2) and a top pan (3) for the guidance of scrapers of a scrapper chain, the conveyor pan (50) having a welded frame construction (1) comprising side walls firmly fixed to one another with a conveyor base (8) and a means (60) of joining the conveyor pans. In accordance with the present invention the side walls comprise mirror image single part rolled profiles (10) with a constant profile form over the length of the conveyor pan (50), whereby the rolled profile (10) includes a base arm (11) and a top arm (12) both angled outwards as well as an extended intermediate arm (13) joining these, which is provided with an offset (14), onto which intermediate arm (13) on its inside at least one step (17) is formed for the support and welding on of at least one of the intermediate plates (40A) stiffening the frame construction (1).

Abstract: The conveyor pan according to the present invention has a framework construction (1) having the bottom run (2) and an interchangeably constructed exchangeable tray (4) forming the top run (3), which can be lifted out, vertically supported on the framework (1) the framework construction (1) of the conveyor pan (50) has two roiled U-profiles forming the side walls of the conveyor pan, each of which has a vertically extending intermediate arm (11), an upper, outwards facing flange arm (12) and, lower outwards facing flange arm (13). The identically constructed but mirror imaged iron U-profiles (10), i.e.

Abstract: A roller conveyor with rotating rollers for transporting goods with a belt for driving the rollers arranged under the rollers, whereby the belt is aligned substantially vertical, is characterized in that on the upper edge of the belt, in contact with the rollers, a continuous profile element is arranged, and that the profile element is designed wider than the belt and projects over the latter on both sides.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting objects is provided. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of body members. Also included in the conveyor belt are a plurality of surface platform members that are disposed at one side of the body members. An outside surface of the surface platform member is sloped from a first location of higher elevation to a second location of lower elevation. A rail member is located on the surface platform member and is proximate to the second point of lower elevation. The surface platform member is adapted to support an object that is transported by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A grinding tool includes a handle with a grinding wheel connected thereto and driven by a driving device. An opening is defined in the handle and a switch device is received in the opening with which a cover is engaged. A recess is defined in an outer periphery of the cover and a hole is defined through the cover. A pushing member is slidably engaged with the recess and a stepped protrusion extending from an underside of a first end of the pushing member is engaged with an inner periphery of the hole. A gap is defined between a second end of the pushing member and a surface defining the recess. An activation member is connected to the sliding member via the hole and has a convex contacting the switch device. A spring is connected between the cover and the activation member. The activation member shuts off the switch device when the sliding member is pulled by the spring by pushing the second end of the pushing member.

Abstract: A key top member for a push button switch structure capable of facilitating change and modification of a design while eliminating deformation and misregistration of a display section, being accommodated to a variety of data, being increased in design properties and visibility, and being reduced in manufacturing cost. An upper resin sheet made of thermoplastic resin and having display sections such as a letter, a symbol, a pattern or the like printed thereon is formed with projections having configurations conforming to outer configurations of key top elements. The projections are each securely provided therein with a filler member made of photo-setting resin directly or through an adhesive.

Abstract: A key switch able to provide a clicking sensation via a simplified structure is disclosed. The key switch includes a key to be pressed down, a linkage assembly having first and second linking members with arms connected to outer ends thereof, and a bow-shaped elastic object connected between the arms of the first and second linking members, which is lowered by pressure of the key and is raised together with the key by release of a pressure acting on the key, the first and second linking members including a coupling recess and a coupling protrusion at inner end thereof and hinge protrusions at side surfaces thereof, the coupling recess and protrusion being engaged with each other to constitute a linkage rotating shaft, a frame including hinge hooks engaged with the hinge protrusions of the first and second linking members, and an FPC placed on the frame to recognize a key-input operation by contact with the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A scissors-like linkage structure for use in a key switch includes a first arm having a pivot and a second arm. The second arm has a slot with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is larger in diameter than the second portion. The pivot selectively moves to the first portion and the second portion. When the pivot moves to the second portion to engage with the second portion, the first arm is rotatably connected to the second arm in a connection configuration. When the pivot moves to the first portion, the first arm and the second arm are in a semi-connection configuration. A method for assembling the scissors-like linkage structure includes the step of forming the scissors-like linkage structure to position the pivot in the first portion of the slot in one injection mode. Then, the pivot moves to the second portion of the slot to engage with a wall of the second portion of the slot.

Abstract: A push switch includes a case made of insulating resin including a plate-like portion shaped substantially like a plate, a first fixed contact exposed at a first surface of the plate-like portion of the case, a second fixed contact exposed at the first surface of the plate-like portion of the case, and a movable contact which electrically connects and disconnects the first fixed contact to the second fixed contact. A first metal member including the first fixed contact further includes a first terminal exposed outside the case, and a first middle portion exposed at a second surface of the plate-like portion of the case, the first middle portion connecting the first fixed contact to the first terminal. A second metal member including the second fixed contact further includes a second terminal exposed outside the case, and a second middle portion for connecting the second fixed contact to the second terminal.

Abstract: A cracking furnace for the pyrolysis heating of an organic feedstock includes a heating section and at least one convection section. In one embodiment the furnace includes first and second convection sections positioned along opposite sides of the heating section. The openings for admitting flue gas to the convection sections can be at the top or the bottom of the heating section. In another embodiment the furnace includes a plurality of passageways for the communication of flue gas from the heating section to the convection section. The passageways can be positioned at the top or the bottom of the heating section. The passageways provide a more even flow of flue gas through the heating section by preventing recirculation of the flue gas within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for process control in a distillation column are disclosed. The method allows undesirable interactions among control parameters to be minimized, and results in improved process control and operational stability. Process control of a liquid assisted nitrogen generator using the improved method is disclosed as an illustrative example.

Abstract: A process is described for preventing plugging of distillation equipment when the distillable liquid comprises a mixture of different liquids containing a dissolved substance tending to precipitate from the distillate. An adjuvant is provided to the mixture to be distilled, which adjuvant forms a composition with the dissolved substance that, if isolated, melts at a lower temperature than the distillation temperature.

Abstract: A method of and system for flushing one or more cells or components thereof in a particle-based electrochemical power source is provided. Reaction solution is delivered to and withdrawn from the one or more cells when the electrochemical power source is in a standby mode of operation.