Abstract: In one embodiment, the process for treating a gas stream, comprises: introducing a gas stream to a plasma reactor, maintaining a reactor temperature of the plasma reactor at greater than or equal to about 70° C., and reducing the concentration of a gas stream component in the plasma reactor to produce a treated gas stream.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed for monitoring the backpressure produced by a particulate filter of an internal combustion engine. When the backpressure of the engine exceeds a predetermined threshold, indicating that the particulate filter should be serviced soon, an input to the electronic control module (ECM) indicating the intake manifold boost pressure is shunted to ground, thereby giving the ECM a false indication that no boost is being applied to the intake manifold. This will cause the ECM, according to its normal engine management software, to derate the engine performance to a “no air torque setting”, thereby limiting the amount of torque that the vehicle operator can extract from the engine. This decreased performance of the engine provides a very high incentive to the vehicle operator to bring the vehicle in for servicing, at which point the particulate filter can be serviced.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) in the exhaust from a combustion device, such as a reciprocating engine, using a solution containing a NOx reducing agent which is mixed with and atomized by air flow drawn from the combustion intake and injected into the combustion exhaust.

Abstract: A high-pressure metering pump for providing reductant in a single fluid engine exhaust dosing system, comprising: a solenoid for actuating a piston slidably received within an inner bore of a valve housing of the pump, the inner bore having a pressure chamber with an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve; and wherein movement of the piston causes high pressure reductant to be received at an atomizer of the system, the atomizer being disposed in a location to cause a maximum reduction of undesirable pollutant in the combustion gases of an engine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, including a catalyst, and a cooling section provided upstream of the catalyst. The cooling section includes an additional cooling arrangement provided so that in all operating phases of the internal combustion engine with their different exhaust gas mass flow rates, the amount of thermal energy dissipated from the exhaust gas relative to a total amount of thermal energy present in the exhaust gas (relative heat dissipation) is increased in such a way that a maximum temperature reduction is obtained at intermediate values of the exhaust gas mass flow rate.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure wherein a plurality of honeycomb segments (1) each having a large number of through-holes surrounded by partition walls and extending in the axial direction of the segment are bonded at the sides of the honeycomb segments (1) parallel to said axial direction (X) and integrated, the honeycomb structure being characterized in that, in its section perpendicular to said axial direction (X), the shortest distance (L1) from the gravity center of the section to the bonded areas (5) of honeycomb segments in the section is {fraction (1/10)} or less of the largest distance (L2) from the gravity center of the section to the circumference (9) of the section. This honeycomb structure hardly generates cracks caused by the thermal stress appearing therein during the use and is superior in durability.

Abstract: Methods, constructions, and systems for treating engine emissions. An engine having a crankcase includes air intake, blow-by vent, and exhaust port; the crankcase emits blow-by gases through the blow-by vent and produces an exhaust stream through the exhaust port. The blow-by gases are directed through a blow-by filter to produce filtered gases. The filtered gases are directed back into the air intake of the crankcase; and the exhaust stream is treated with a catalyst arrangement. Total emissions of a turbo-charged diesel engine having an engine crankcase and an exhaust tailpipe are reducible. The total emissions includes particulate matter matter emissions from the engine crankcase added to the particulate matter emissions from the exhaust tailpipe.

Abstract: The method of the present invention reduces the emissions of waste oxide gas produced within a thermal oxidizer by the use of a multizone waste thermal oxidizer, comprising at least one primary combustion zone and at least one downstream waste destruction zone. By performing the primary combustion of fuel prior to the destruction of at least a portion of the waste, it has been discovered that NOx emissions from the waste destruction process can be reduced economically and without significant loss of overall waste destruction efficiency.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for purifying exhaust gas exhausted from a diesel internal combustion engine and containing therein harmful substances including particulates, NOx, HC and CO, at least, comprises a removal part for trapping and removing particulates in the exhaust gas, a purification part for purifying NOx, HC and CO through contact, and a heat transfer part for transferring heat generated in the removal part to the purification part.

Abstract: Every mass in motion possess energy. If huge amount of water is in motion, it means that this amount of water possess huge amount of energy. Described method explains how to movement of water (tide or waves) transfer to the movement one object at the one point. From that point is easy to take energy, and use for any purpose.

Abstract: A hydraulic buoyant force engine is composed of a track assembly and several expansion floats. The track assembly contains two track ways forming into V structure. Two transmission chains are equipped at the outer side of each track way to carry the expansion floats. When this apparatus is immersed in a water tank filled with water, the float located at the widely apart portion between the two track ways is expanded to fill with the air such the it floats up and causes the chains to move. As soon as the expanded float approaches the narrowly apart portion between the two track ways, it is squeezed by the track ways to release the air inside and is flattened to sink down along with the movement of chains. By such a continuous motion the mechanical power is produced.

Abstract: An improved electrical generation system utilizing environmentally hazardous waste oils as a combustible fuel. More particularly, a system to generate electrical power using a Stirling-cycle engine driving an electrical generator. The Stirling-cycle engine is powered by the heat energy produced by a waste-oil-fired furnace. The system is of a co-generation type, producing electricity and a combination of space heating and hot water.

Abstract: Thermoacoustic devices are disclosed wherein, for some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output. In an example embodiment, the combustion zone and the regenerator are thermally insulated from other components within the thermoacoustic device.

Abstract: An EGR system (1) for an internal combustion engine E provided with a first EGR passage (10) for recirculating EGR gas to the downstream side of a compressor from the upstream side of a turbine (2a) of a turbo-charger (2) is provided with a second EGR passage (20) for recirculating EGR gas from the downstream side of the turbine (2a) to the upstream side of the EGR gas, and provided also with a DPF (21) in the second EGR passage (20), while the exhaust gas flow in the first EGR passage (10) and the second EGR passage (20) is controlled based on the exhaust gas temperature detected by an exhaust gas temperature sensor (32) arranged in the exhaust gas passage (3).

Abstract: A control device for a turbocharger with an electric motor includes a turbocharger which is provided along with an internal combustion engine and supercharges air taken in the internal combustion engine using a compressor; an electric motor which can increase a supercharging pressure by running the compressor of the turbocharger; and a controller. The controller calculates a base amount of electric power to be supplied to the electric motor based on a target supercharging pressure and an actual supercharging pressure, decides an amount of electric power to be supplied to the electric motor, controls the electric motor based on the decided amount of electric power to be supplied, and sets the amount of electric power to be supplied to a maximum amount of electric power regardless of the calculated base amount of electric power when high supercharging responsiveness by the turbocharger is required.

Abstract: A thermosiphon which can be manufactured easily at low costs, having excellent resistance to pressure, without the circulation of a working fluid being hindered. A condenser 3 includes a condensing section 4 composed of extruded members in which a plurality of fine pores 7 are formed, a branching section 5 provided on an upstream side of the fine pores 7 to supply a gaseous working fluid returned from a gas pipe 12 into each of the fine pores 7, and a collecting section 6 provided on a downstream side of the fine pores 7 to collect the working fluid condensed inside the fine pores 7 and then supply the same into a liquid pipe 9. The gas pipe 12 is connected to an upper portion of the branching section 5 and the liquid pipe 9 is connected to a lower portion of the collecting section 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead-in structure for coupling of a turbo generator in a circulating process of a circulating medium. The turbo generator includes a turbine and a generator as well as possibly also a feed pump enclosed in a common casing structure. The casing structure also includes at least a first duct for hot, steam-like circulating medium entering the turbine, a second duct for circulating medium exiting the turbine, and a third duct for cooled liquid circulating medium, which, for example, enters the feed pump. The third duct includes an annular channel that is placed, preferably concentrically, around the second duct, which includes an annular channel. The first duct includes an annular channel that is placed, preferably concentrically, between the second duct and the annular channel of the third duct.

Abstract: A vehicle control system capable of precisely estimating an auxiliary machine motive power without increasing a processing load of an engine control means. An engine ECU 13 is provided with a first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16, and an auxiliary machine ECU 15 is provided with a second auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 17 having higher estimation precision than that of the first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16. Torque estimated values Tcomp1 and Tcomp2 for an auxiliary machine 14 are obtained respectively by the first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16 and the second auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 17, and control of an engine 11 is performed based on these torque estimated values Tcomp1 and Tcomp2.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor inlet diffuser assembly has at least one diverging annular wall including a flowpath surface bounding a diffuser flowpath. An annular blowing slot is axially located along the annular wall and an annular blowing air flowpath leads to and is in fluid communication with the blowing slot. An annular array of scoops disposed in the diffuser flowpath downstream of the blowing slot have upstream facing openings and are in fluid communication with the blowing air flowpath. The annular scoops are supported on hollow struts. Each of the hollow struts has at least one radially extending flow passage for directing blowing air from the scoop to the blowing air flowpath. The blowing slot opens in a downstream direction with respect to the diffuser flowpath. A row of blowing air compressor blades disposed across the blowing air flowpath may be used to pump up the pressure of the blowing air.

Abstract: A screw includes a head and a shank, and includes a coolant passage which has an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The cooling pasage does not pass axially through the entire head and shank. By avoiding a coolant flow which passes axially through the entire screw, especially effective utilization of a coolant is achieved, in particular by coolant which also flows on the outer surface of the screw.

Abstract: A Stirling refrigerator has an outer yoke assembly (11) provided as an outer yoke constituting a linear motor (16) and has a piston-support-spring support member (14A) and a displacer-support-spring support member (14B) that are supported by the outer yoke assembly (11) for fixing a piston support spring (5) and a displacer support spring (6) respectively. By the above-described structure, it is achieved to facilitate handling, in assembly of mass production, of a bobbin/coil and an outer yoke of an outer yoke body constituting the linear motor and reduce the size of the outer shape of a casing.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting a pressurized methane-rich vapor at a first pressure to a predetermined second pressure higher than the first pressure. A pressurized liquid rich in methane is passed to an eductor to provide the motive energy for driving the eductor. The methane-rich vapor is passed to the eductor and mixed with the liquid.

Abstract: An adsorbent for regenerator systems, to a heat utilization system and a regenerator system that comprise the adsorbent, and to a ferroaluminophosphate and a method for production thereof. More precisely, the invention relates to an adsorbent favorable for regenerator systems, which efficiently utilizes the heat source obtainable from cars and the like to thereby realize efficient regenerator systems, to a regenerator system that comprises the adsorbent, to a ferroaluminophosphate to be the adsorbent favorable for regenerator systems, and to a method for production thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigerant material exhibits sufficiently great magnetocaloric effect at or near room temperature. The magnetic refrigerant material has an NiAs type hexagonal structure in a ferromagnetic phase. The magnetic refrigerant material includes a first element Mn, a second element As and a third element to substitute for a portion of the second element, and exhibits a magnetic phase transition in a temperature range from about 230 K to less than about 318 K.

Abstract: There are disclosed an automatic ice maker and its operating method. A pair of ice making chambers are longitudinally arranged to face each other across a cooling tube. A plurality of ice making compartments are defined in each ice making chamber. On the open side of the ice making chamber, water trays for opening/closing the ice making chamber are arranged in parallel to be laterally moved. The water tray is moved between an ice making position for closing the ice making chamber and an open position for opening the ice making chamber by an opening/closing device. When a deicing operation is carried out, the water tray is laterally moved to the open position while ice cubes are frozen thereto to remove the ice cubes from the ice making compartments, and the cubes are deiced from the water tray in this open position.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A dual evaporator air conditioning system and method for use therewith to cool air in front and rear portions of a cabin of a vehicle. The dual evaporator air conditioning system includes primary and auxiliary HVAC units having primary and auxiliary evaporators, respectively to cool the air in the front and rear portions of the cabin. A heat exchanger near the auxiliary evaporator warms the refrigerant in the auxiliary evaporator to maintain a minimum temperature of the refrigerant in the auxiliary evaporator. The heat exchanger warms the refrigerant in the auxiliary evaporator to prevent accumulation of liquid refrigerant and lubricating oil in the auxiliary evaporator when the auxiliary HVAC unit is in the non-cooling mode while the primary HVAC unit is in the cooling mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner and method of controlling the same. The air conditioner includes a compressor having a capacity variable according to a duty control signal. The duty control signal controls the compressor to undergo a loading time for maintaining a loading state in a cycle and an unloading time for maintaining an unloading state in a cycle. The air conditioner further includes a control unit for determining the loading time and the unloading time according to the variation of a total required cooling capacity to generate the duty control signal even before a corresponding cycle is over, if the total required cooling capacity has been varied in a corresponding cycle while the compressor is operated, and controlling the compressor according to the duty control signal.

Abstract: A heating, venting, and air conditioning system utilizes a reformer to provide supplemental heat to a passenger compartment and to improve start-up emissions of an engine of a vehicle or power system. A pump circulates a fluid through the engine and throughout the system. A radiator and heater core transfer heat from the fluid. A first circuit cools the fluid upon circulation through the radiator after circulation through the engine to cool the engine, and a second circuit heats the passenger compartment and cools the fluid upon circulation through the heater core after circulation through the engine to cool the engine. The reformer, which converts a hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel into a reformate, generates heat. A third circuit, defined between the reformer and the pump and interconnected with the heater core, provides the supplemental heat from the reformer to the passenger compartment through the heater core and also to the engine.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus 1 for a vehicle according to the present invention comprises an air supply duct 6 for supplying air and a vent 40 communicating with the air supply duct 6 for blowing the air into a compartment of the vehicle. The direction of the air blown from the vent 40 is adjustable. The air supply duct 6 includes a branch chamber 14, 16 for reducing flow speed of the air flowing through the air supply duct 6 so that the speed-reduced air in the branch chamber 14, 16 is blown from the vent 40.

Abstract: An air-outlet mode selecting device includes first and second rotary doors. Each of the first and second rotary doors has rotary shafts separated from each other in an axial direction of the rotary shafts, an outer peripheral door surface that is provided at a position separated radial outward from the center line of the rotary shafts and is turned with the rotary shafts, and left and right side plates for connecting both ends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface and the rotary shafts. One of the first and second rotary doors opens and closes a specified opening among three openings and other rotary door opens and closes the remaining two openings among the three openings. Accordingly, door operation force and air flow resistance can be effectively reduced, and the size of the air-outlet mode selecting device can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a main blower and a sub-blower for blowing air into a passenger compartment. A heat exchange unit for performing a heat exchange with air blown by the main blower is disposed in a case, and the case is provided with a front air passage and a rear air passage. A rear air duct through which air in the rear air passage is introduced to a rear area in the passenger compartment is connected to the case, so that an air flow resistance in the rear air passage becomes larger as compared with the air flow resistance in the front air passage. Further, the sub-blower is disposed integrally with the case for blowing air in the rear air passage to the rear area in the passenger compartment. Accordingly, it can effectively prevent a shortage of an air conditioning capacity in the rear area of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: The present invention is an air conditioner that is built into or hung from a ceiling and which employs a cross fin type of heat exchanger, in which the effective length of the heat exchanger is increased without increasing the size of the casing of the indoor unit.

Abstract: An actively cooled system includes a heat generating device and at least one heat transfer device. The heat transfer device includes a refrigerant loop including a compressor for providing a superheated vapor state from a vapor stream, a condenser comprising a membrane coupled to an actuator, the condenser including a condensing surface for condensing the superheated vapor into a plurality of droplets, and an evaporator for receiving the droplets. An expansion structure is interposed between the condenser and the evaporator, wherein the membrane ejects the plurality of droplets toward the evaporator during refrigerant cycle intervals when the expansion structure is open. At least a portion of the heat generating device is in thermal contact with the evaporator.

Abstract: A split ice making and delivery system which includes a condenser and compressor sub-assembly which compresses and condenses refrigerant and a compact remote ice making sub-assembly. The remote ice making assembly may be integrated with an ice storage bin. The system further includes a refrigerant delivery sub-assembly coupled to the condenser and compressor sub-assembly and the remote ice making sub-assembly for delivering therebetween the refrigerant. The refrigerant delivery sub-assembly has a length sufficient to reach a upper level of a marine vessel, a remote room, or remote location to reach the remote ice making sub-assembly remote from the condenser and compressor sub-assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioner having a heat exchanger, such as an evaporator, for example, with a reservoir for a cold storage medium.

Abstract: A compact cosmetic case, including a carrying case and a refrigerable device, for refrigerated storage and transportation of heat-sensitive cosmetics. The cosmetic case includes a narrow cavity that is defined by two attached non-absorbent protective panels, each panel including an insulating material to decrease heat transfer between the outside ambient air and the cavity of the carrying case, where the cosmetics are stored. The arrangement of the cosmetic case keeps cosmetics in close proximity to the refrigerable device and the non-absorbent panels, thereby decreasing the void space within the cavity. The cosmetic case includes a divider that efficiently organizes the cosmetics and the refrigerable devices within the cavity of the carrying case of the cosmetic case.

Abstract: A temperature control medicine carrying case having an insulated housing, a plurality of interior compartments, an interior pouch, a cooling mechanism and a fastening mechanism, e.g., a zipper closure. The interior surface of the insulated housing comprises two separate portions that are separated along a central axis. The interior pouch is located on a first portion of the interior surface of the insulated housing. The interior pouch is adapted to receive the cooling mechanism. At least one of the interior compartments is located on the exterior surface of the interior pouch and is adapted to receive a container of medicine. A plurality of interior compartments is located on the second portion of the interior surface. These compartments are adapted to receive medical devices that are used for administration of the medicine.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: In a refrigerating apparatus (1) having application-side heat exchangers (41, 45, 51) for a plurality of systems for air-conditioning, for cold-storage/freezing and the like and a four-way switch valve (3C) and a plurality of check valves (7) on suction sides of compression mechanisms (2D, 2E) and formed from three compressors (2A, 2B, 2C) to allow the operation states to be switched, the number of compressors (2A, 2B, 2C) used at air-conditioning side and cold-storage/freezing side is limited to two at maximum, thereby achieving a simple circuit configuration in which the number of the check valves (7) to be provided in the suction sides of the compression mechanisms (2D, 2E) is reduced to one or two, suppressing the occurrence of chattering noise in check valves (7) and, also, preventing an ability from reducing due to a suction-side pressure loss.

Abstract: Collector for the liquid phase of the working medium of an air conditioning system has a first and second connecting pipe (4, 5) provided for connection into the circuit of an air conditioning system. One of the connecting pipes (5) continues in a guide tube (6) which is guided through the interior of the container (3) of the collector (1). Part of the guide tube (6) runs through the bottom region (7) of the container, which is provided for vertical arrangement, and has at least one opening (9) for recycling collected oil and the liquid phase of the working medium into the working medium circulating through the air conditioning system. In order to separate the liquid phase of the working medium of the air conditioning system, a cyclone-like separating device (10) is provided, the separating device having a cyclone chamber (11) and a central outflow connecting pipe (15) forming an overflow.

Abstract: A manufactured dry ice product containing ozone entrapped or absorbed on said dry ice. The dry ice product can be used to chill and preserve food products and provides the added benefit of ozonation of the food product to kill bacteria. Novel processes for ozonating liquid and solid CO2 are provided.

Abstract: Controlling the production of a liquefied natural gas (31) comprises measuring the temperature (50) and the flow rate (55) of the liquefied natural gas (31); maintaining the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant (60a) at an operator manipulated set point (80), and determining the flow rate of the light mixed refrigerant (86) from (i) the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant (80) and (ii) an operator manipulated set point for the ratio of the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant to the flow rate of the light mixed refrigerant (81); determining a dependent set point (91) for the ratio of the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas to the flow rate of the heavy mixed refrigerant such that the temperature (50) of the liquefied natural gas is maintained at an operator manipulated set point (90); determining a dependent set point (95) for the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas (95) from (i) the dependent set point (91) for the ratio of the flow rate of the liquefied natural gas product stream to the f

Abstract: A Jewelry and timepiece protection and storage device which provides selective added decorative and/or non-decorative functional enhancements to horological and non-horological jewelry items having band, chain, strap, lanyard or similar holding entity and which when such jewelry items are worn they at least in part surround a body part such as the wrist, arm, ankle, neck, head, waist. The enhancements are electronic or mechanical. Decorative functional enhancements may be non-electronic and/or electronic visual display capabilities allowing selective viewing of selective interchangeable pictures, photos, artwork replicas and other graphic material. Changeability of the jewelry piece apparent shape and/or size is possible, and there can be a light emitting device.

Abstract: A jewelry apparatus preferably for use with a navel piercing jewelry stud having at least one removable retainer end, the jewelry apparatus having a first arm portion and a second arm portion spaced from said first arm portion by a recess, wherein the first and second arm portions form a loop adapted to fit around the stud, the jewelry apparatus further including a stop portion cooperating with at least one of the arms to close said recess to retain the stud.

Abstract: An earring assembly is described including an earring and an accessory. The earring includes a fastening mechanism and an ornamental portion. The accessory is removably attached with the earring and is configured to corresponding mate with the ornamental portion to enhance and compliment the ornamental appearance of the earring. The accessory is readily removed and replaced by a system of posts that engage catches and lock the accessory in position with the earring. The back of the ornamental portion has posts that mate with notches defined in the catches positioned on the accessory. The ornamental portion also includes a lip. The accessory further includes biasing means augmenting the system of posts and catches to ensure the secure positioning of the accessory against the lip of the ornamental portion of the earring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing sheets of glass having two faces (F1, F2), at least one of the faces (F1) presents high surface quality. Preferably both of the faces (F1, F2) present high surface quality. The invention also describes an apparatus suitable for implementing the method for producing the sheets of glass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating an optical fiber block, in which a cover formed from glass is bonded onto a substrate, the top of which is provided with one or more grooves. The method comprising the steps of: heating the cover to a predetermined temperature; and applying an electric field so that electrostatic attraction is generated in the interface of the cover and the substrate in the state in which the heated cover is being seated on the top of the substrate, thereby bonding the cover and the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a modular control system for a glass forming machine. The glass forming machine control system comprises one central control unit (20) and one machine control unit (22), which are connected via a high-speed data bus (32). The machine control unit (22) is spread out to a plurality of peripheral control units (24, . . . , 30) via a plurality of high-speed data buses (34, . . . , 40). The machine control unit (22) is adapted to distribute control signals received from the central control unit (20) to the peripheral control units (24, . . . , 30) in real time.