Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material which may be disposed on the tubular sleeve, or on the pot of the potted plant, and a plant package produced by the method.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a flower pot, and method of use thereof, the sleeve generally having a hexagonal shape and which can be connected via a securing element to a pot disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for supporting the sleeve from a support device or for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: A plant cover is formed from a flower pot cover and a base. The base has a plurality of expansion elements extending thereabout wherein each expansion element includes one or more areas of excess material shaped in the form of a pleat which extends generally from the lower end to near the upper end of the base. The base may be disposed over an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot cover such that an inner peripheral surface of the base is adjacent to and in contacting engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot cover. The expansion elements permit the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of the flower pot cover disposed about the pot, thereby forming the plant cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: An isolating plate for a flowerpot for storing water and supplying water with predetermined amount comprises an isolating plate, a groove seat having a spacer, a water control means, a water control chamber, a water supply groove, and an auxiliary water storage chamber. In one application, the auxiliary water storage chamber is an auxiliary water storage basin. By the isolating plate; the isolating plate and the auxiliary water storage basin are placed in the flowerpot. In another application, the auxiliary water storage chamber is formed by a space between the isolating plate and a bottom of the flowerpot. Thereby, by the structure of the isolating plate, the water in the flowerpot is controllable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to create a substantially pure hydrogen product stream before any subsequent purification steps. The apparatus provides a generally enclosed reaction vessel so as to reduce any extraneous exhaust materials from escaping. In addition, the apparatus includes a primary and a secondary reaction chamber which are generally held at equivalent or equal pressures while at substantially different temperatures. In addition, a reaction aid or cooperator is used to increase the production of the hydrogen product stream and to also increase the purity of the hydrogen product stream. The method includes using a two chamber apparatus along with the reaction cooperator to increase the hydrogen production and purity and recycling the reaction cooperator.

Abstract: There is provided a reforming apparatus which shows high efficiency and excellent operation-starting performance, in spite of its compact body and simple structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting fuel and air into reformate with a reformer (10) which has a reaction space (12), a nozzle (14) for supplying a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space (12), and a fuel feed (16) for supplying fuel to the nozzle (14). As claimed in the invention it is provided that in the air inlet area (18) of the nozzle (14) there are air guidance means (40) which impart a swirl to the inflowing air.

Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus has a motor, a door latch and a power generation mechanism. When the voltage of the battery is below a level needed to drive the electric actuator, a predetermined manipulation of the power generation mechanism generates the power needed to drive the motor. Therefore, when the voltage of a battery that supplies electric power to the electric actuator is below a level needed to drive the electric actuator, the door opens.

Abstract: A slatted closure, such as a shutter or bi-fold door, comprising a plurality of slats to cover the interior of the closure, two slat retainers to hold the slats in a prefabricated assembly, two vertical stiles and at least two horizontal rails, with each vertical stile having a channel formed along one side edge of the stile to receive and hold the prefabricated assembly of slats and slat retainers and the horizontal rails. The slats can either be fixed in place or movable to allow opening and closing of the slats.

Abstract: A homogeneous fixed abrasive polishing article, or pad, including a matrix of a cured resin coated soft filler material having at least one working surface and an abrasive uniformly distributed throughout the filler material. A method for manufacturing the polishing pad includes the steps of mixing a binder, solvent and filler material together; drying the resin coated filler material; grinding the resin coated filler material; sieving the resin coated filler material; mixing an abrasive material with the resin coated filler material; sieving the abrasive material and the resin coated filler material thereby creating a powder material; transferring the powder material to a mold to form a working surface for the polishing pad; compressing the powder material; and curing the powder material. Alternatively, the abrasive may be mixed with the binder, solvent and filler material in the first step instead of later in the process.

Abstract: Trellis structure including a frame body and a roof. The frame body is composed of multiple upright columns, press beams and support rods. The roof is composed of a ridge beam, multiple press beams and multiple support rods. The press beam is a hollow beam having an opening on one side. By means of multiple fixing members and bolts, the press beams are fixedly connected with the columns and the ridge beam to form a pattern of a house. The other side of the press beam is formed with a recessed insertion section. In cooperation with a press bar and a clamping plate, a light shading mesh is fixed around the frame body and on the top face of the roof to form a trellis with shading effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to an Air handling unit casing in which the circulated air is thermally conditioned and prevents the change of the thermal condition of the circulated air due to air leakage and thermal bridge. It has a modular structure which can be disassembled in the case of the necessity and is constructed from panels (1) which are made of an inner skin (15), an outer skin (16) and insulation material (9) therebetween, doors (2) and door frames (3). The embodiment of the panels (1) does not allow the direct contact of the inner and outer skin and reduces the thermal bridge and air leakage through the unit by employing gaskets (8,11,17), plastic bushing (18) and heat barrier slits (28). The panels (1) can be joined to each other side by side or perpendicularly.

Abstract: A building structure formed of at least one saddle element defining a plurality of edges and rigid structural elements extending along the edges of each of the at least one saddle element, the rigid structural elements being characterized in that they lie along diagonals of sides of a rectangular parallelepiped forming part of a modular array of rectangular parallelepiped geometrical structures underlying the at least one saddle element and may include octet-like beams or octet-like trusses Multiple saddle elements, either of a similar type or of varying types, may be combined into a wide variety of possible structures Saddle elements can be a tensioned membrane element or any other suitable material

Abstract: An arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The interfacing angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. An additional stop cut may be formed at opposite ends of the arched jamb member, for bearing against inner stop faces of the upright jamb members.

Abstract: A window frame including a pair of frame halves having integral fasteners for interconnecting the frame halves. The fasteners include integral cooperating alignment pins and receivers for aligning the fasteners and hence the frame halves.

Abstract: Sealed frameless multiple glazing units comprising at least three panes of glass wherein the air spaces within the unit are hermetically sealed one from the other are believed to be new. The units preferably comprise a fixing assembly wherein the boss is formed from two interlocking parts. The two part boss facilitates the assembly of the units and serves to support the weight of the unit.

Abstract: A system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.

Abstract: A system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.

Abstract: The box-assembly device (100) includes a first locking part (10) and a second locking part (20). The first locking part (10) is open at two faces thereof, thus being fitted over an edge of a panel (P) around a comer of a box. The second locking part (20) is integrated with an end of the first locking part (10) into a single body, and is open at two faces thereof, thus being fitted over an edge of another panel (P) around the comer of the box. The first and second locking parts (10, 20) are open in the same direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.

Abstract: A party wall system for installation between adjacent units of a multi-unit residential dwelling comprises at least one party wall panel having a foam core, at least one structural stud partially embedded in a first face of the core and at least one structural stud partially embedded in a second face of the core, and a concrete member covering the second face of the core. A fire-resistant sheet is affixed to the structural stud in the first face of the core. The fire-resistant sheet is spaced from the first face and defines a first sound channel therebetween. A spacer is affixed to the structural stud in the second face of the core and exterior of the concrete member. A fire-resistant sheet is affixed to the spacer, and the fire-resistant sheet is thereby spaced from the concrete member and defines a sound channel therebetween.

Abstract: A composite deck assembly includes a baseplate and a top plate secured to the baseplate. The baseplate is formed from a first composite matrix comprising strands of reinforcing fibers oriented in first direction and a polymer resin. The baseplate includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of laterally extending open channels disposed between the ribs. The top plate is formed from a second composite matrix of reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin, and is secured, optionally releasably, to the baseplate so as to generally enclose at least a portion of the channels. All the reinforcing fibers in the baseplate may be limited to being either the strands oriented in the first direction or matted reinforcing fibers having a random orientation. At least one of the base section and the top plate may be translucent. The open channel configuration simplifies manufacture and lowers cost.

Abstract: A flooring system for floors exhibiting surface movement, and/or for cushioning hard floors, which includes an epoxy or polyurethane primer, a two-component ambient temperature cured polyurethane membrane substrate base atop the primer of a urethane grade castor oil, polyether based polyol, a tin catalyst and a thickening agent, along with a polymeric isocyanate activator, and a polyurethane or polyurea, aromatic or aliphatic coating atop the substrate base, in providing a very tough, but flexibly soft non-cracking overlay which moves with the floor.

Abstract: A washer door or lid as defined by a tempered glass panel bordered by an open frame-like encapsulation of one-piece injection molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material. The latter material is preferably acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate polymer blended with mica glass beads at a ratio of substantially 70%-30% to 90%-10% by weight, but preferably 80%-20% by weight. Further specifics of the washer lid include a relatively thick inner periphery of the encapsulation which securely grips and reinforces an outer peripheral edge of the tempered glass panel, a rigid outer peripheral skirt, an indiscrete handle, a reinforced hand corder for a switch actuator and opposite rear corners carrying hinges for securing the washer lid to an associated washer opening.

Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination with other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.

Abstract: Suspended ceiling systems having seismic clips for holding ceiling panel down so as to prevent the panel from becoming dislodged during a seismic event are provided. The seismic clip generally includes at least one wing ending in a bent foot. The wing is attached to a tab that has a catch projecting therefrom. The tab and catch act to fasten the seismic clip to a grid and the wing contacts the upper surface of a panel so as to inhibit upward movement of the panel. A safety clip is also provided that is attached to a ceiling panel and that engages a portion of the ceiling grid when the ceiling panel is dislodged and falls from its predetermined position within the ceiling system.

Abstract: Flooring material including floor boards (1) with an essentially square, rectangular or rhomboidal shape. The floor boards (1) are provided with edges (2), a horizontal lower side (5) and a horizontal decorative upper surface (3). The floor boards (1) are provided with lower joining lips (10) at two adjacent edges (2) while the two remaining edges (2) are provided with upper joining lips (20). The lower joining lips (10) are provided essentially vertical lower lip surfaces (11) arranged parallel to the closest edge (2). The lower lip surfaces (11) are intended to interact with mainly vertical upper lip surfaces (21) arranged on the upper joining lips (20). Two joined adjacent floor boards (1) are hereby locked together in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A case packing and case flap separation apparatus is disclosed for packing articles into cases and closing the cases. The cases typically have first and second major and minor flaps interconnected by tab-locks and held in folded positions adjacent vertical ends and sides of the cases. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a radial transport path adapted to transport successive cases through an article insertion section, first and second tab slitting sections, and a case exit section. Tab slitters are associated with the first and second slitting sections adapted to sever the tab-locks so that the major and minor flaps can be separated. First and second flap guides are associated with the first and second slitting section adapted to engage and elevate the separated major flaps away from the vertical walls after the tab-locks have been severed.

Abstract: A filler device sub-assembly having a manipulator for manipulating a cap of a container comprising a first and second cap gripper arm and a member for controllably manipulating the cap gripper arms. The controllable manipulating member comprising an inner cam assembly, an outer cam assembly and a follower. The outer cam assembly extends at least partially about the inner cam assembly. One of the inner and outer cam assemblies coupled to the first and second cap gripper arms. The follower is associated with the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly. Movement of the lifter shaft imparts movement of the follower and relative movement of the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly, to in turn, longitudinally and rotatably move the cap gripper arms from a first position proximate to a container to a second position distally spaced from a container.

Abstract: A sealing assembly (10) for sealing flexible packaging materials comprising: a sealing mechanism for sealing the packaging material; and a spreading mechanism for spreading the packaging material to be sealed prior to sealing, the spreading mechanism including at least two pair of opposed spreading members (15a, 15b), each pair having opposing converging contact edges (17a, 17b) which engage either side of the packaging material during spreading; wherein the spreading members are mounted for relative movement between a first open orientation and a second closed orientation such that, as the spreading members travel from said first to said second orientation, the contact edges initially contact the packaging material at convergent ends of the contact edges and then proceed to contact the packaging material along the length of the contact edges to divergent ends thereof, and wherein subsequently or simultaneously the spreading members engage the packaging material between the contact edges and travel transverse

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for guiding a mail piece traversing a mailing machine. A multi-ski guide can include an inner ski with one or more contact bumps positioned to engage a mail piece prior to its edge encountering a stripper blade. The multi-ski guide can be attached to a take away idler shaft located just prior to the stripping blade. A spring can provide a normal force holding the multi-ski guide down onto the top of the stripping blade. The multi-ski guide can contact the stripping blade with a contact bump. In addition, one or more inner skis can include mail piece guiding contact bumps. Idler segments can be interspersed between the skis included in the multi-ski guide such that the idler segments can guide and straighten a mail piece approaching the stripper blade.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: Apparatus and a packaging machine comprising apparatus for placing packaging material in a pre-determined position relative to an array of articles for example bottles to be packaged, comprising a conveyor for conveying an array of articles, feed means for feeding the packaging material from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the articles. The feed means accelerates the packaging material to a sufficient velocity relative to the velocity of the articles such that the packaging material is placed in the pre-determined position whilst continuous forward motion of the articles is maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: An aligning device and method for feeding products into an automatic packaging machine, in particular products (13, 13′, 13″) of any thickness or size whatsoever, that are fed by at least one sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″) to a conveyor system (11) equipped with a plurality of pushers (12), positioned at a certain distance one behind the other with a step distance that can be set in advance, the products (13, 13′, 13″) being stacked one on top of the other and transferred to the packaging area in a sheet of wrapping film or paper, wherein the device is positioned downstream of the at least one sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″) and foresees at least one engaging element (16) that is brought into contact with the front end of the fed product as it travels forward, aligning said product with its respective pusher (12) and moving away from the product to permit its travel towards the packaging area, or towards a further sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″).

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a continuous elongated article, such as a continuous stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs of wrapping material, and a wrapping section for applying the continuous pair of webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web of wrapping material, and a source of wrapping material, such as a supply roll, is located at each web supply station. The web supply section includes a splicing mechanism for each pair of web supply stations, for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll of wrapping material with the leading end of a web from a fresh supply roll of wrapping material, to provide a continuous web of wrapping material to the wrapping section. The web supply section includes a festoon-type web storage mechanism in which the web downstream of the splicing mechanism is trained about a series of rollers in a serpentine path.

Abstract: A product packaging system for receiving a series of products from one or more product transport lines. The products are loaded into a series of carriers and transported through a downstream inserter unit. Inserter assemblies moving in timed relation with the movement of the carriers through the inserter unit engage and urge the products out carriers and into a carton for packaging.

Abstract: A modular rotational assembly is providing having an upper plate and at least one radiant energy source. The modular rotational assembly may have at least two radiant energy sources. The modular rotational assembly may also include at least one reflective cup, wherein the radiant energy source is located within the reflective cup. The modular rotational assembly may also include a web cutter. The web cutter may include at least one cutting member and at least one wheel assembly.

Abstract: An oil separator for oil-flooded rotary vane vacuum pumps has a filter housing (10) and a plurality of filter cartridges (14) disposed therein through which the pumping medium flows. The filter cartridges (14) are each inserted through a respective opening (16) in an outer housing wall (12) of the filter housing (10) and are secured to the housing wall (12) so as to be detachable and tight with respect to media.

Abstract: There is provided an air filter element which is used by fitting a central opening in its end plate on a cylindrical portion projecting into a casing, wherein the air filter element has a novel seal construction (end plate). An end plate (10) closing the end surface of a hollow cylindrical filter portion (2) includes a soft inner peripheral seal portion (11) capable of sticking to the outer surface of a cylindrical member (33) and a rigid closure portion (13) which is disposed on the outer periphery side of the inner peripheral seal portion and in which the end surface of the filter portion is embedded, the end plate being of composite construction in which the inner peripheral seal portion (11) and the closure portion (13) are integrally molded. On the outer periphery side of the inner peripheral seal portion (11), a groove (12) axially extending from an end surface (10a) of the end plate is formed along the opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a honeycomb structure usable as a filter for trapping/collecting particulates included in an exhaust gas; and the structure can remove ashes deposited inside without requiring any special mechanism or apparatus or without being detached from the exhaust system. The structure includes: a plurality of through channels 9 extending to the axial direction of the honeycomb structure, porous partition walls 7 separating through channels one another, and plugging portions 11 plugging predetermined through channels 9a at one end and the rest of through channels 9b at other end opposite to the plugged end of the predetermined through channels, wherein a through-hole is formed in at least a part of the plugging portion, and its diameter is 0.2 mm or more, but not more than a value which is smaller between 1 mm and 75% of a diameter of an inscribed circle of the through channel.

Abstract: A conjugated yarn is provided which is capable of preventing a high-tenacity fiber used therein from being ruptured during a weaving or knitting process. The conjugated yarn includes: core yarns each having a high-tenacity fiber and a reinforcing fiber positioned parallel with the high-tenacity fiber for reinforcing the high-tenacity fiber; and a tying yarn bundling the core yarns. Also provided is a fiber reinforced plastic of which the strength and safety are improved by the use of the conjugated yarn.

Abstract: A burner apparatus relating to the present invention comprises a burner apparatus including a plurality of combustion channels (A1, A2) in which fuel (G) is supplied to air (A) communicated therein and the resultant fuel-air mixture is supplied to a combusting section (15) to be combusted therein. Each combustion channel (A1, A2) includes a supplying portion (5, 7) for supplying the fuel. A supplying passage (6) is provided between the respective combustion channels (A1, A2), the passage (6) being configured for receiving a portion of the fuel (G) supplied through the supplying portion (7) to the one fuel combustion channel (A2) and then supplying this to the supplying portion of the next-stage combustion channel (A1) only when the flow amount of the fuel from the supplying portion (7) is above a predetermined critical flow amount.

Abstract: A fuel system of a staged combustion engine comprising primary and secondary burners, the fuel system comprising; a metering valve arrangement for regulating fuel flow from a pump to the engine, a pressure raising shut off valve arrangement for controlling the supply of metered fuel to primary and secondary delivery lines for communication with the primary and secondary burners respectively, wherein the pressure raising shut off valve arrangement is operable between an open position in which fuel flow is permitted to both the primary and the secondary burners, and a closed position in which fuel flow through the pressure raising valve arrangement to the primary and secondary burners is prevented, and, a start valve means provided with by-pass flow means which is operable to permit an initial bypass flow of fuel to the primary burners upon engine start-up when the pressure raising shut of valve arrangement is in the closed position.

Abstract: Combustion turbines and other types of turbines, whether axial or radial flow, have significant amounts of kinetic energy left in the exhaust gas (working fluid) after the working fluid has been fully expanded to atmosphere. This invention eliminates the exhaust loss typical to both impulse and reaction stages by using externally and rotating nozzles attached to the periphery of the turbine wheel. These nozzles are perpendicular and circumferential to the turbine's centerline. The external rotating nozzles turn the wheel by the production of thrust that create a rotating torque on the turbine's centerline. By controlling the turbine's wheel translational speed to equal the working fluid velocity exiting the nozzle, the exhaust gas (exit) loss is eliminated. In addition, other losses associated with conventional stationary nozzles turbines such as cosine losses, clearance losses and potential “stall” are eliminated.

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.