Abstract: The invention provides a paneling system primarily for elevator cabs, utilizing a plurality of decorative panels each of which is provided with a kerf extending into the panel from at least one edge thereof and a rabbet portion cut into a rear surface from the same edge as contains the kerf. A fitment member has a central web portion, a pair of rearmost flanges extending laterally from one end of the web portion and a pair of second flanges extending laterally from the web portion but spaced from the rearmost flanges. One of the second flanges will have tight fit in a kerf of one panel while a corresponding rearmost flange will fit within the rabbet portion of that panel. A second panel can then be registered with the other rearmost and second flanges of the fitment member, joining or interlocking the two panels together. The web portion can have its outer end flush with the outer surfaces of the panels or projecting therebeyond.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of fabricating trusses. The improved trusses are made from elongated, tubular members forming the chords and/or webs. A metal connector plate is used to connect the chords and webs to form the truss. Further, modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of trusses into truss assemblies. Additionally, other modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of the trusses to the supporting structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides exterior building products, such as roofing and siding, shake, shingles, siding, sheathing, panels, planks, vertical siding, soffit panels, fencing, decking, fascia, comer posts, column comers and trim boards in which a plurality of cementitious layers are provided with an improved interlaminar bond by employing a resinous bond promoter, a rheological agent, mechanical means to distribute fibers in a direction which is perpendicular to the machine direction so as to bridge between layers in the product, or a combination thereof. These techniques help to increase interlaminar bond strength to improve the mechanical properties of the product. When certain resinous bond promoters are used, the additional benefits of water absorption resistance and pigmentation throughout the product can be provided with minimal expense. Improvements in interlaminar bond strength of about 10-46% were observed with a percent elongation improvement of about 7%.

Abstract: A frame assembly is formed of two molded sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly being identical to the other. Each sub-assembly has a perimeter wall having an inner surface facing an opening and an outer surface to face a edge of an aperture in a partition. A first edge of the wall confronts a surface of the window while a flange projects outward from the outer surface of the perimeter wall. A plurality of joining elements are fixed to and project normally from the flange. Each joining element includes an alignment element and a locking surface to engage a similar surface on an aligned joining element of a confronting sub-assembly. The joining elements are arranged in a pattern that permits any two sub-assemblies made in the same mold to be permanently snapped together without the use of any separate fasteners.

Abstract: A mobile de-roofing device operates to remove roofing material from a building. The de-roofing device includes a supporting frame and a plurality of wheels attached to the frame. A mechanical roof cutter is carried by the frame, and adapted for engaging the roofing material and separating the roofing material from a roof of the building. A remote power source is operatively connected to the roof cutter for supplying power from a remote location to actuate the roof cutter.

Abstract: An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.

Abstract: Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste storage chamber and a cartridge arranged in the container and containing a length of flexible tubing for encapsulating waste packages. A retention mechanism is arranged in the container to hold the waste package. A rotation mechanism is provided to cause relative rotation between the cartridge and the retention mechanism in order to form a twist above a waste package when the waste package is being held by the retention mechanism and thereby encapsulate the waste package in the tubing. Encapsulation of the waste package prevents the release of odors from the waste package and thus, the invention provides a convenient and sanitary disposal of the waste packages. A series of encapsulated waste packages is thus created in the container, each package contained within a portion of the tubing and sealed at each end by the twisting process.

Abstract: Film clamp for the lower or stationary jaw of a sealing machine, particularly the lower or stationary jaw of an L-bar sealing machine. Preferably the film clamp is constructed of a thermally conductive material and is configured to effectively dissipate heat. A closed loop feedback system can be used to regulate the applied power to the sealing element in order to maintain its temperature within a predetermined range to help prevent overheating of the film clamp and other jaw components.

Abstract: A product packaging system and method. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a backing member to which a product will be adhereingly disposed thereon. The packaging system is further comprised of an adhering material disposed upon the backing material for adhering the product to the backing member. The packaging system is further comprised of a flexible plastic material for encasing the backing member with the product adhereingly attached thereto. The flexible plastic material is sealable and tear resistant. The present invention is further comprised of a sealing component for sealing the flexible plastic material, such that the product and the backing member to which the product is disposed thereon are packaged. In one embodiment, the backing member is relatively rigid in nature and readily recyclable. In one embodiment, the flexible plastic is adapted to receive marketing communication materials and graphics/artwork.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which cross seals are made substantially parallel to a central axis (60) of fitments (40). The cross seals (68, 82) are substantially parallel to the vertical plane that includes the central axis (60) of the fitment (40), and may comprise at least a section angled toward the fitment (66, 84, 86) to create an angled side.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, or flexible package having a zipper seal mechanism incorporated therein, and method for manufacturing same, constructed with a quick change module modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by inserting a zipper seal mechanism on a first side of the packaging film tube and creating a vertical crease along the tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The zipper seal mechanism is attached to the packaging film prior to sealing the sheet of the packaging film along its longitudinal seam forming a tube comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube. Likewise, the crease is formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling power consumption of a heat chamber such as a shrink tunnel. The system and apparatus of the present invention is modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent equipment usage model in a packaging process. When the shrink wrap sealer has been idle for a predetermined duration, control circuitry in the shrink tunnel forces the tunnel to enter an energy savings mode.

Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The film is delivered to the wrapping station in two plies and subsequently inverted for wrapping around the products. The positions of the wrapping station and film delivery units are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product heights while providing proper film delivery geometry.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wrapping products having different product profiles includes a conveyor (14, 18, 22) driven by a conveyor drive (34) transporting a product (26). A wrapping mechanism (46) includes a drive mechanism (74) moving a wrap support (86) about a wrapping mechanism axis (58) using a rotatable driver (62) and a carrier (78) extending between the driver (62) and the wrap support (86). In one preferred form, a slideable attachment between the driver (62) and the carrier (78) allows extension and retraction of the wrap support (86) according to the product profile of the product (26). In one preferred form, a guide (82) moves in an adjustable cam track (98) made up of multiple segments (102, 106) to define a path (94) of the wrap support (86). The cam track (98) corresponds to the product profile of the product (26) on the platform (30). One of the cam segments (102, 106) is separately removable to allow for adjustment of the cam track (98).

Abstract: A sleeve-type packaging machine system comprises: first (10) second (20) and third (30) article conveyor means, piece wrapping means (40), piece conveyor means (50) with a conveyor belt (51), a first modular unit (T100-G100) for forming and feeding pieces (S1) of packaging material, and a second modular unit (T200-G200) for forming and feeding pieces (S2) of packaging material. -The said two modular units (T100-G100; T200-G200) can assume at least two transverse positions, namely a first position in which the modular unit (T100-G100; T200-G200) is positioned at least transversely at the side of the packaging machine, and a second position, in which the modular unit (T100-G100; T200-G200) is positioned under the packaging machine.

Abstract: A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Abstract: A filter device having a filter element arranged in a filter housing that can be sealed by a housing lid with a sealing ring. The medium to be filtered is supplied to the filter element through an inlet opening in the filter housing. On the filtered side of the filter element, the filtered medium is discharged through an outlet opening in the filter housing. The housing lid is constructed in two parts and includes an inner lid and an outer lid. The inner lid can be inserted into a housing opening, with the sealing ring arranged between the inner lid and the wall of the housing opening. The outer lid covers the housing opening and is connected with the wall of the housing opening by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A grease filter made from metal, in particular, for use in commercial kitchens and in household vapor extractor hoods has impact filter elements with a first row of elongate profiles disposed at distances from one another and with a second row of profiles disposed at distances from one another, the profile rows being at a distance from one another and being offset relative to one another such that the profiles of the second row match with the distances between the first row. A knitted fabric filter or an expanded mesh grid is disposed between the first and second rows of profiles. The profiles have a sound-absorbing material, in particular, sound-absorbing mats, on a side facing away from the air flow. By virtue of this configuration, a high grease efficiency is achieved, there is excellent protection against flame puncture, and noise protection measures can be implemented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner filter which is detachably mounted into a dust collecting chamber of a main body of the vacuum cleaner and which filters dust contained in the air sucked into an air inlet of the dust collecting chamber, said filter comprising: a cylindrical filter body having a plurality of open parts and an external screw section on the outer periphery of the upper part thereof; a porous filter paper for covering the open parts; and a cover having a through hole fitting with the air inlet and an internal screw section corresponding to the external screw section. Since the cover is screwed to be tightly fastened to the filter body, it is possible to secure a complete closing of the filter body with the cover even when the filter is used for a long time.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composite filter for filtering a stream of ambient air comprising at least one non-prebonded upstream tier and one non-prebonded downstream tier, wherein the ratio of absolute pore volume of upstream tier to downstream tier RAPV>2, and the absolute projected fiber coverage of upstream tier and of downstream tier APFC>95%.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for utilizing recirculated exhaust gas in semiconductor manufacturing systems, in a manner substantially reducing the effluent burden on the exhaust treatment system and infrastructure of the semiconductor process facility.

Abstract: An automotive air filter including natural fiber filter media region, having piteous, absorbent, wickable natural fibers, a synthetic fiber filter media region including, absorbent spunbond polyester filters. The natural fiber region receives an influent fluid stream containing particles, trapping some particles. The manufactured fiber region removes residual particles, producing a filtered effluent stream. The fluid stream passes unimpaired through the fiber pores. Two structural mesh layers sandwich natural and manufactured fiber regions. Oil is disposed in the oleophilic cotton mesh. Fiber regions have layers disposed in gradient density arrangement.

Abstract: A method for removing a liquid from a gas, comprises passing the gas and the liquid through a network of fibers containing at least one fiber in which a temperature gradient has been induced along at least a portion of the length of the fiber, thereby permitting droplets of the liquid to be captured by the at least one fiber, and wherein the temperature gradient causes migration of the droplets. A method of preventing the fouling of a coalescence filter is also disclosed. The method comprises inducing a temperature gradient along at least a portion of a length of at least one fiber within the filter, wherein the temperature gradient causes migration of liquid droplets captured by the fiber. A coalescence filter medium comprising at least one fiber in which a temperature gradient has been induced along at least a portion of the length of the fiber is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lawn mower device having a drive configured to rotate a shaft in a first and second direction. A drive wheel is coupled to the shaft and is coupled to a driven wheel by a drive belt. A tensioning system is shown coupled to the drive belt. The tensioning system has a first idler plate configured to bias a first idler pulley against the drive belt when the drive is rotating the shaft in the first direction and a second idler plate configured to bias a second idler plate against the drive belt when the drive is rotating the shaft in a second direction. A brake mechanism is further coupled to the tensioning system. The brake mechanism is configured to resist the rotation of the driven wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mowing blades, which in one embodiment, include a one-piece member having a drive mechanism coupling section, a deformation section and a cutting section. When the mowing blades receive a particular load from an obstructing object, the deformation section deforms, dissipates energy and reduces damage to drive mechanisms of mowing machines.

Abstract: A lawnmower having a deck with an internal combustion engine attached to the upper surface of the deck and a muffler located below the deck. The engine includes a crankshaft having an output end drivingly connected to a mower blade. The muffler is located about the output end of the crankshaft. A shroud substantially encases the engine with air inlets formed therein. Cooling air is drawn into the shroud through the inlets and flows around the engine to cool the engine. The cooling air flows below the lawnmower deck to cool the muffler and mix with the exhaust gas exiting the muffler to cool the expelled gas and the overall temperature of the engine.

Abstract: The discharge chute opening and closing apparatus for lawn mowers comprises a vertical bar fixedly attached to a pivot bar, rotatably mounted between first and second pivot stanchions; a pivot arm fixedly attached to said pivot bar at a first end and engaged with a cam pin at a second end; a cam plate comprising a cam pin and a drive pin, rotatably attached to a third pivot stanchion; a lift plate rotatably attached to the third pivot stanchion and fixedly attached to a chute door being operably engaged by the cam and drive pins; a second lift plate fixedly attached to a fourth pivot stanchion further comprising a spring attachment; a spring attached at a first end to the spring attachment of the lift plate and attached at a second end to a spring mounting bracket wherein the spring assists in maintaining the position of the chute door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a work object in movement relative thereto by transmitting electrical energy along a course along which the handling is to be performed sensing the position of the electrical energy transmitted along the course and moving a handling assembly relative to the positioned sensed to perform the handling of the work object.

Abstract: A large round baler is provided with a crop take-up arrangement as well as a knife shaft ahead of the inlet of a baling chamber which carries knives that cooperate with blades of a first rotor to cut crop material into pieces before the first rotor delivers the crop directly into the baling chamber. A second rotor is provided between the take-up rotor and the first rotor shaft for narrowing the crop flow from that of the crop take-up arrangement to that of the first rotor. All of the rotors perform an overshot conveying that requires a relatively low drive energy and guarantees a continuous flow of the crop into the chamber.

Abstract: A bifold rake for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material includes a rear trolley (22) to which a pair of rake arms (30) are pivotably mounted, and a drawbar (44) extending forwardly from the rear trolley and adapted for interconnection with a two vehicle such as a tractor. Each rake arms (30) carries a series of rake members (32). An opening and closing mechanism (105) is interconnected between the drawbar and the rake arms, and includes front (110) and rear (106) operating arms located on each side of the drawbar and pivotably interconnected with each other and with one of the rake arms. The inner end of each front and rear operating arm is pivotably interconnected with a slidable arrangement associated with the drawbar. In one form, the slidable arrangement is a sleeve (102) that is slidably mounted to the drawbar for axial movement.

Abstract: A drive-capable support or traction member and a method for the production thereof. The support or traction member has at least one layer of strands of synthetic fiber material and an outer casing encasing the strands. A lubricant is selectively incorporated in the support or traction member so that the strands are lubricated for movement relative to one another with a coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A rope apparatus includes two ropes of synthetic fiber strands arranged for taking up force applied in a lengthwise direction. The ropes are arranged a predetermined distance apart and are fixed by a rope sheathing forming a fixed link running in the lengthwise direction between the two ropes. The rope apparatus also has at least one reinforcement element for the mechanical reinforcement of the rope sheathing.

Abstract: A security chain including a plurality of links interconnected. Each link includes a central member having first and second ends. The central member is formed by a hollow elongated tube with openings at the first and second ends. The hollow elongated tube has a generally circular cross section. First and second connector members are each welded across a separate one of the openings providing a high strength security chain suitable for anti-theft applications. Additional types of security chains are disclosed herein.

Abstract: To provide a cable and/or the like supporting and guiding device, by which a cable and/or the like can be easily incorporated into a chain and damage of the cable and/or the like and an accident of break in a cable can be minimized. A cable and/or the like supporting and guiding device comprises a chain (CH), a cable and/or the like (CB) disposed along the chain, and a support (20), which intersects the chain to support the cable and/or the like disposed on the chain. The support is composed of a material, which is flexed in the longitudinal direction of the cable and/or the like. In a curved section of the chain, when force is applied to the cable and/or the like, the support is flexed or bent in a direction of an action of force to ensure a length of the cable and/or the like, which is required for bending.

Abstract: An adjustable hook and chain is disclosed for lashing cargo and handling loads such as a dumpster or trailer. In one aspect of the invention, the adjustable chain comprises an adjustable hook attached to an elongated flexible member such as a chain, cable, or rope. In another aspect of the invention, the adjustable hook comprises a female shank with a hollow bore comprising a first shank thread; a male longitudinal member adapted to fit the female shank, wherein the male member comprises an upper region with a first male thread that complements the first shank thread, and a lower region; and a hook attached to the lower region of the male member. In another aspect of the invention, a turning member is used to rotate the female shank or male member without rotating the hook or elongated flexible member.

Abstract: A fuel metering unit in a turbomachine is connected between a high pressure pump which draws fuel from a fuel tank and a plurality of fuel injectors disposed in a combustion chamber of the turbomachine, the unit comprises a meter which receives the fuel for injection from a regulator valve at a pressure P1 and delivers it at a pressure P2 to said plurality of injectors via a stop valve, said regulator valve serving to recirculate fuel back to said high pressure pump as a function of the pressure difference between pressures taken directly from the terminals of the meter and injected into two end inlets of the regulator valve.

Abstract: The annular recuperator for use with a microturbine includes an involuted shaped inner member with a portion thereof being corrugated and an involuted shaped outer member also with a portion thereof being corrugated and spaced therefrom to define a cell. The end portions of both the inner and outer members is planar and define a header for admitting and discharging the fluid flowing in the cell. The edges of the inner and outer members are sealed and an inlet and outlet are fluidly connected to the respective headers. The cells are circumferentially mounted side by side and abut each other but leaving sufficient space for another medium to flow through the space and be place in indirect heat exchange with the fluid flowing in the cell.

Abstract: A jet engine assembly having a jet engine and an unsteady flow ejector. The unsteady flow ejector segregates the exhaust flow from the jet engine into a plurality of rotating high velocity, low density jets and a plurality of rotating low pressure voids. The low pressure voids are employed to entrain at least a portion of a secondary flow of air which is mixed with the jets to produce a mixed flow having a relatively higher flow rate and a relatively lower velocity than the exhaust flow. A method for attenuating the noise that is produced by the exhaust flow of a jet engine is also provided.

Abstract: A heat shield for an internal combustion engine exhaust system for supporting a first heat shield plate and a second heat shield plate on a U-shaped exhaust pipe extending from an exhaust port of an engine, via a support member such as band members, and heat shield plate attachment fixtures. The first heat shield plate covers all around a curved section of the U-shaped exhaust pipe in the vicinity of the exhaust port. The second heat shield plate covers an upper part of a straight section of the U-shaped exhaust pipe and extends rearwardly from the curved section. Further, since the exhaust pipe is formed as one piece, the first heat shield plate may be formed as a simple two-part structure using the band members. With this configuration, an effective heat shielding effect can be exhibited, and cost can be reduced.

Abstract: Internal combustion (“IC”) engine system for high fuel conversion efficiency and low exhaust emissions, particularly although not exclusively with gaseous fuels. An IC engine operates at approximately stoichiometric (&lgr;=1) air/fuel mass ratios. A higher-than-normal compression ratio for typical stoichiometric operation is possible for the engine, due to the introduction of an inert (i.e., not chemically reactive in the combustion process) gas into the air/fuel mixture. The inert gas slows the combustion rate to avoid uncontrolled combustion rates and engine “knock.” The elevated compression ratio yields higher fuel conversion efficiency. Stoichiometric air/fuel ratio permits catalytic processing of the exhaust gas stream to reduce CO, NOx, and HC emissions via a combination of non-selective catalytic reduction process.

Abstract: A method of treating exhaust gases from a gasoline engine after cold-start using an exhaust gas aftertreatment system comprises adsorbing unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) from the engine exhaust gas with an HC trap, supplying heated ambient air to the exhaust gas stream downstream of the HC trap when the temperature of the HC trap is sufficient that trapped HC are desorbed therefrom and passing the air-enriched gas stream over a three-way catalyst (TWC). An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for a gasoline-fuelled engine (1) for performing the method according to the invention comprises a HC trap (5), a downstream secondary air injection point (8), means for supplying heated ambient air to the secondary air injection point (9), a TWC (7) downstream of the point of secondary air injection, and means in use for operating the heated air supply means when the temperature of the HC trap is sufficient that HC trapped thereon are desorbed therefrom.

Abstract: This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus to retard the spark time. As a result, the catalyst heats up quickly during the cold start. The retard spark control method of the present invention uses a closed loop to adjust the engine retard limit during an engine cold start to retard the engine spark as much as possible without engine misfire and with minimum partial burn. The increased exhaust temperature heats up the catalyst more quickly than conventional open loop approaches, which as a result, reduces hydrocarbon emissions. The closed loop retard spark control using ionization current feedback consists of four major components or functions, an error and gain generator, a proportional and integration control processing block, a default spark timing processor, and an adaptive learning apparatus.

Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.

Abstract: A method for controlling torque in an internal combustion engine to cause an increase in temperature in an exhaust aftertreatment device is disclosed. One group cylinders feed exhaust gases to one exhaust aftertreatment device and another group of cylinders feed exhaust gases to another exhaust aftertreatment device. By operating the groups of cylinders at different operating conditions, the desired temperature in one of the exhaust aftertreatment devices can be achieved while also providing driver demanded torque.

Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of a catalyst to remove emissions from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The method includes measuring an upstream time history of a signal produced by an exhaust gas oxygen sensor upstream of the converter and a time history of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor disposed downstream of the converter. The time histories vary between a lean air-fuel ratio signal level and a rich air-fuel ratio signal level. A time delay is determined between the upstream time history and the downstream time history during transitions in such time histories from the lean air-fuel ratio signal level to the rich air-fuel ratio signal level. The determined time delay is compared with a reference time delay to determine the efficiency of the converter. The converter is determined to be ineffective if the converter as been determined to be potentially ineffective and the time delay is determined to be less than the reference time delay.

Abstract: A method for improving NOx conversion efficiency of a NOx-reducing catalyst by determining an accurate amount of reductant required is presented. The method includes calculating an initial reductant injection amount based on a steady state amount of NOx in the engine feedgas and adjusting the initial amount to compensate for transient NOx emissions. The compensation is initiated in response to an engine transient, such as impending acceleration or deceleration. This method further results in improved vehicle fuel economy.

Abstract: A method for improving NOx conversion efficiency of a NOx-reducing catalyst by determining an accurate amount of reductant required is presented. The method includes calculating an initial reductant injection amount based on a steady state amount of NOx in the engine feedgas and adjusting the initial amount to compensate for transient NOx emissions. The compensation is initiated in response to an engine transient, such as impending acceleration or deceleration. This method further results in improved vehicle fuel economy.

Abstract: An apparatus for posttreatment of exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, using a reducing agent to be introduced into the exhaust gases, in particular a urea or a urea-and-water solution, having a mixing chamber, and a mixing chamber itself, are proposed, into which mixing chamber stored reducing agent, via a reducing agent line, and compressed air via a compressed air line can be introduced to create a reducing agent-air mixture, and means for preventing a reverse flow of reducing agent or reducing agent-air mixture from the mixing chamber into the compressed air line are provided which have a spring-loaded (112, 114) sealing hose (110). This arrangement assures secure sealing off of an attachable compressed air system from the corrosive reducing agent.

Abstract: A device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, comprising a device for purifying the particulates in the exhaust gas and a device for purifying NOX in the exhaust gas integrally or separately in the exhaust system, is provided. At least two reducing material supply means for supplying the reducing material to the device for purifying the particulates and the device for purifying NOX are arranged in the exhaust system. When the device for purifying the particulates or the device for purifying NOX requires a small amount of reducing material, one of the two reducing material supply means supplies the required amount of reducing material to the exhaust system. When the device for purifying the particulates or the device for purifying NOX requires a large amount of reducing material, both of the two reducing material supply means supply the required amount of reducing material to the exhaust system.