Abstract: This allows for modular floating gardens that can be fabricated into forms chosen by the end user to be aesthetically pleasing even before planting has matured. Because composite floating gardens created from these modules can be large, their form can be pleasing from a distance. Because these are significant structures, they can be incorporated into a process to improve water quality.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A raising device for displacing car windows includes a guide provided with rollers and a glider slidable by the guide and powered with a cable because of a motor. At least the guide, the rollers and the cable are symmetrical with regard to an axis provided perpendicularly at the middle point of the guide, in such a way that these elements may be a portion of raising devices for car windows on both sides of the car. The guide further incorporates, at its opposite ends, end-of-run catches for the glider, which serves also as lodging for the sheath's terminal through the inside of which runs the cable.

Abstract: An adjustable tension gate bracket for application to fencing panels, specifically gate panel, applied to the frame components of the gate panel with diagonally adjustable interlocking and engaging upper and lower members for adjusting the swing and pitch of the gate panel, providing a stable support for the opening end of the gate.

Abstract: A gate roller apparatus for a slidable gate construction includes a shaft, a rotatable roller having a grooved periphery mounted on the shaft, and a hollow guard housing surrounding the roller, except on one side of the housing which is open. The housing has inner and outer side walls and two opposite end walls. A guard member is movably mounted on the housing adjacent at least one of the end walls and has a cavity formed in one end thereof sized to receive a portion of an elongate guiding frame of the gate. During use of the apparatus, the guiding frame moves in the grooved periphery of the roller and extends through the cavity. The guard member can be biased so as to slidingly engage an adjacent side of the guiding frame and thereby prevent inadvertent contact of fingers or clothing with the roller.

Abstract: A weather strip for a sliding type rear door is applied to a car which is unfurnished with a center pillar, and is furnished with a front door turnable about hinges provided at the front end thereof and with a sliding rear door which slides back and forth. The weather strip is attached to the front end of the rear door and includes a tapered lip portion extending toward the front door. The tapered lip portion is formed on a molded portion of the weather strip formed at the upper end portion thereof. The tapered portion elastically contacts an opening seal attached to a roof side of a car body and a weather strip attached to a rear end of the front door when the rear door is closed. A guide portion is formed at the lower half of the lip portion. The guide portion is thicker than the lip portion, and it contacts the opening seal and the front door weather strip immediately before the tip end of the tapered lip portion contacts the opening seal and the front door weather strip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic door systems related to a fail safe method of controlling an automatic door operating system. One aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an electric motor of an automatic door system, the motor being operatively connected to a door panel to enable the motor to perform a door moving operation wherein the motor moves the door panel between the open and closed positions thereof using an electric power signal delivered to the motor from an electric power supply. Another aspect of the present invention provides a machine readable medium encoded with a plurality of machine executable instruction sequences for performing a method for controlling an electric motor of an automatic door system. Another aspect of the invention provides a control system for an automatic door system, the automatic door system including a door panel mounted for movement during a door moving operation between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A box gutter connector is in the form of a trough having first and second limbs for connection to gutters, one limb being for connection to a box gutter and having its outer surface shaped to aid spread and keying of adhesive/sealant between the connector and the box gutter.

Abstract: A facia border for covering the periphery of a structure between the roof and a soffit includes mounting clips attached at periodic peripheral locations for attaching coil facia trim at detented positions.

Abstract: A tile flooring system composed of modular interlocking tiles. Each modular interlocking tile is adapted to be coupled to another modular interlocking tile. Each tile includes a body having a playing surface, two male interlocking sides, and two female interlocking sides. Each also tile includes an interlocking mechanism coupled to the male interlocking sides and the female interlocking sides. The interlocking mechanism is adapted to allow the modular interlocking tile to be connected to the another modular interlocking tile in a staggered fashion.

Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.

Abstract: A post and beam furniture system having a plurality of horizontally-extending beams having a longitudinally-extending T-shaped first channel and a longitudinally, T-shaped second channel, and a plurality of vertical posts each having a lower portion thereof adapted to be abuttingly supported on a floor surface of an office space, and an upper portion thereof adapted to be connected with the horizontally-extending beams, and a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. The channels of the beams and posts receiving a plurality of connectors and accessories, including a multiple bracket post and beam connectors, a T-nut connector, and T-connector, an infill panel, a horizontally-extending two-part wire manager, a vertically extending wire manager, a vertically adjustable worksurface, a transactional surface, a swivel support for supporting a post thereon, and a universal utility hook.

Abstract: A kit releasably attachable to a wall includes a plurality of elongated members, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener. The plurality of members are releasably attachable to the wall with the at least one hook-and-loop fastener to define at least one frame. For example, the kit may be elongated members for framing a door or a window. The kit may also include at least one panel to be framed such as a raised panel, a cork board, a chalkboard, and a presentation board. At least one resilient shim may be positionable between the wall and a rear portion of the at least one panel. In another embodiment, the kit includes an upper rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of stiles, a plurality of raised panels, and at least one hook-and-loop fastener for releasably attaching the rails to the wall.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apertured frame secured to a substrate and having a slotted arrangement adapted to receive and secure properly shaped tiles.

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

Abstract: A cover assembly includes an elongated resilient cover for bridging a gap between horizontal structural members. The upper face surface of the resilient cover has spaced apart ribs extending transverse to the flow of traffic and an opposite surface formed with load bearing edge portions engaged for support with opposite lateral margins to the expansion joint. Between the load bearing edge portions the cover supports at least one rigid metal plate. In one embodiment, a central plate bridges the gap between two structural members and the at least two additional plates serve to urge the opposite lateral edges of the cover into supporting engagement with structural members. The cover has a thickness and sufficient elasticity to elastically deform for establishing supporting contact between the marginal support areas and underlying horizontal structural members.

Abstract: A sealing element for the recessed seat of an expansion joint in a concrete structure having an elastomeric profile (20) formed by two longitudinal lateral flanges (21) to be fixed to the end edges of the concrete structure (11), and a central portion (22) formed by walls depending from said flanges and converging to a central area to be fitted inside the seat (12), and shaped to support the hydrostatic pressure upstream of the concrete structure (10). A flexible duct (30) is installed inside the seat (12) below the central portion central area and provided with radial bores (31) opened to the inside of the seat to allow the selective feeding of precatalyzed polymeric resin to the inside of the seat (12), after the elastomeric profile (20) has been mounted and affixed to the concrete structure (10). The tube can be separate from the profile, attached to the central area, or the central area can have a W shape and the tube be within the lower portion of the W.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: The reinforcing holder against vibrations has the vibration-proof performance further enhanced as compared with prior art so that a wooden building is not broken down even if strong vibrations are loaded by an earthquake, a typhoon or the like. The reinforcing holder against vibrations 1 comprises an L-shaped base member 2 formed by bending a plate and formed with curved and projecting parts 5a and 5b which are curved inward in intermediate parts of both piece parts 2a and 2b, a reinforcing member 3 formed by bending a plate and placed in contact with a bent part of the L-shaped base member 2, and absorbing members 4 formed of rubber material which has excellent elastic characteristics and water resistance and stopped at a plurality of locations of the L-shaped base member 2. When the reinforcing member 3 is placed in contact with the L-shaped base member 2, a clearance 10 is formed between a bent corner part 3c of the reinforcing member 3 and a bent corner part 2c of the L-shaped member 2.

Abstract: A straight roll formed beam for a curved suspended ceiling capable of being formed into a curve at the job site. The straight beam has cutouts that leave a segment of the bulb of the beam in place to give the straight beam rigidity after it is roll formed from metal strip. In the field, the bulb segment at a cutout is cut to permit the beam to be bent into a faceted curve. The bend at the cutout is fixed by a splice plate.

Abstract: A roof transition assembly for a roof deck having a corrugated sheet and a rigid sheet wherein a base component is positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck and has two legs. The first leg secures the base component to the corrugated sheet, and the second leg extends from the first leg, generally parallel to a free edge of the roof deck. The second leg includes an anchoring surface. An upper component positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck has a connector portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is secured to the roof deck, and the connector portion extends from the anchor portion and overlays and is secured to the anchoring surface of the base component, thus anchoring the base component and upper component to the roof deck.

Abstract: A windowed sash of the type having a window pane supported in a window sash. The window sash includes of elongated profiled polymeric members interconnected by weld seams at joints therebetween. The window sash is adapted to be mounted in a frame. Holes are provided in contact with the weld seams interconnecting the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members for distributing, at least partially, stress sustained by the window pane and the window sash when subjected to shocks, so as to prevent at least one of the weld seams, the elongated profiled polymeric extruded members and the window pane from cracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filling apparatus establishing positional coincidence between creases preformed in a packaging material and actual creases to thereby improve the appearance of a packaging container. A light source irradiates a portion of the outer circumferential surface of a packaging material tube which includes an overlap. A sensor receives light emitted from the light source and reflected from the outer circumferential surface of the tube. The overlap is detected as a peak in the sensor output. Light reflected from an edge portion of the packaging material exhibits greater intensity and is seen as a peak in the sensor output indicating position of the overlap.

Abstract: A machine for producing a packaging filler material employing inflated pouches or cells fabricated from a tubular supply of plastic-like material having a top and bottom integral fold so that a pair of sheets are defined with their opposing inner surfaces establishing a compartment. Sealed strips, which are spaced apart in parallel relationship, define the sides of each pouch compartment. The machine includes a first work station having a source of tubular material that is introduced to a second or cutter station for severing the top fold of the tubular material followed by introduction to a third or inflation station where a source of pressurized fluid is fed to the pouch compartment. A sealing station follows the inflation station where the top opening to the pouch is closed such as by heat sealing. Idler rollers smoothly conduct the material past each of the respective work stations in a serial fashion and provide a gap for effecting inflation.

Abstract: A machine for producing so-called strip packs includes: a station for feeding products to a packaging group, situated in cascade, which places and seals each of the products in relative heat-welded pockets, arranged on a continuous band; an operating station, situated in cascade with respect to the packaging group, equipped with: means for printing and/or applying codified data and/or information on each pocket; feeling detecting means for verifying the presence of corresponding products inside each pocket; pre-cutting groups for transversal precutting of the continuous band; cutting groups for longitudinal and transversal cutting of the continuous band; a compensation magazine, interposed between the packaging group and the operating station, and aimed at allowing, at least partial, accumulation of the continuous band. The continuous band is moved stepwise.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting spouts into bags comprising a plurality of spout holding member disposed at equal intervals on the circumference of a continuously-rotating rotating table; and a pair of holding members which position and hold both side edges of bags, bag bottom receiving stands that support the lower ends of the bags, and suction plates which open the mouths of the bags with suction. The holding members hold side edges of supplied bags, the bag bottom receiving stand is raised to move the mouths of the bags to the suction plates, and the mouths of the bags are opened by suction by the suction plates. Then, the holding members, bag bottom receiving stand and suction plates are raised, and bags are fitted over the spouts and raised to the upper end of the sealing portion of the spouts. Afterward, the bags and spouts are temporarily sealed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling sheet-like articles, in particular in an envelope-filling station, in which a carrier (9) provided with push-in fingers (11) is moved back and forth by means of an actuating arrangement (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32) in order for articles which are conveyed up by means of a conveying path (2) to be received from the conveying path and handled in the conveying direction, improved adaptation of the handling speed of the push-in fingers (11) to the conveying speed of the conveying path (2) is achieved in that a drive mechanism (21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32) of the actuating arrangement contains a crank drive, on the crankshaft (28) of which there is fastened an elliptical two-belt pulley (29) which is coupled, via a toothed belt (31) to a continuously driven, round belt pulley (32).

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension following a line of feed; winding a stretch film unrolled from a first roll around a plurality of stretching rods positioned inside a film wrapping area and along the product group line of feed; forming a first tubular portion of stretch film; stretching the portion of film by moving the plurality of stretching rods to create an access area, whose transversal dimension is larger than the front, for a single group of products moving along the feed line; releasing the film portion to allow the portion to shrink and thus wrap over the group of products and thus wrapping it; expelling the wrapped package thus obtained onto the feed line.

Abstract: A method for attaching a reclosable zipper strip (40) onto a sheet of thermoplastic film material (32) in the production of packages includes an apparatus (10) which has two guide plates (12, 14) that define a guide space (16). The apparatus (10) includes a pair of hole punches (26), one on either side of the guide space (16), and;a knife (24) which severs lengths of the zipper strip (40) in the guide space. The hole punches (26) and the cutting knife (24) are separated from one another by a distance equal to the length of the zipper strip (40) being attached to the sheet (32). The hole punches remove the flanges (54, 56, 58) from a preselected amount of the zipper strip (40) upstream of the knife (24).

Abstract: A device and method for turning and relaxing compressed springs in pocket sections of a spring pocket row is provided. The device comprises a push rod having a lower limb and a connection rod. A first linear drive pivots the push rod about a vertical axis and the second linear drive raises and lowers the push rod. During a working stroke the first linear drive pivots the push rod so at least one compressed spring is seized and displaced in a pocket section. The push rod is returned to its original position before the spring pocket row is advanced. The process is then repeated.

Abstract: In the production and packaging of cigarettes, the procedure for carrying out a product changeover is such that the entire production and packaging installation is largely emptied. In the region of a film packer (16) and of a following multipacker (17), subassemblies for producing web connections (splice) are controlled such that a last cigarette pack of the old configuration is assigned to a last cigarette multipack (24) and this is then separated out.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting an engine comprises a frame and an internal combustion engine operatively mounted to the frame. A control member is operatively connected to the frame, wherein the control member has an activated position and a deactivated position. The control member adapted to complete an engine circuit when in the activated position. An energy storage medium is operatively associated with the engine such that release of energy stored in the energy storage medium turns the engine and facilitates its starting. A starting assembly is utilized to release the stored energy in the energy storage medium. As such, an operator must utilize two separate and distinct actions, activating the control member and activating the starting assembly, to restart the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a grass discharge passage extending rearward from a housing 11. A grass receptacle is removably mounted to the discharge passage via a receptacle mounted portion. A shutter is provided at a passage opening of the grass discharge passage facing the housing. The shutter is rotatably provided within the housing to adjust the degree of opening of the passage opening. The lawn mower is switched between a bagging mode, a mulching mode and an intermediate mode by the opening control with the shutter.

Abstract: The independent torsioning unit consists of two different units: the case frame and the programming and control unit. The case frame houses the spindle axis, the electrical motor, the drive belt, the yarn guide, the vertical deflection roller, the horizontal deflection pulley and the impulse reader. The programming and control unit consists of a processor, the programming keyboard and a frequency converter that supplies and controls the motor. The independent torsioning unit is used as an auxiliary feeding machine that enhances the performance of any type of main processing machine.

Abstract: A fuel flow dividing ecology valve conveys fuel from a fuel source to at least a secondary gas turbine engine intake manifold during engine operation and withdraws fuel therefrom upon cessation of engine operation. The valve includes a flow dividing valve portion having an inlet coupled to the fuel source and an outlet coupled to the secondary manifold. The valve also includes an ecology valve portion controlled by the fuel pressure differential between the fuel source and the flow restricting inlet. The ecology valve portion includes a housing with a movable piston disposed therein. The piston defines, in conjunction with the housing, a variable volume chamber for withdrawing fuel from the engine intake manifolds. When the engine is de-energized, the piston moves from a first position toward a second position thereby purging the manifolds of fuel.

Abstract: A gas turbine power generator with ultra high efficiency, the generator being an assembly of electric motor-generator machines and counter rotating turbine configurations used in combination with a combustor having cogeneration of steam for combined cycle operation of select turbine configurations.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system supplies fuel to a turbogenerator or to another heat engine. A fuel delivery system according to the present disclosure may include a fuel compressor, a fuel control valve, and a fuel flow controller. A fuel delivery system may have multiple modes of control permitting independent and simultaneous control by the compressor and the fuel valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

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

Abstract: Flow control in pulse detonation engines is accomplished using magnetohydrodynamic principles. The pulse detonation engine includes a tube having an open forward end and an open aft end and a fuel-air inlet formed in the tube at the forward end. An igniter is disposed in the tube at a location intermediate the forward end and the aft end. A magnetohydrodynamic flow control system is located between the igniter and the fuel-air inlet for controlling detonation in the tube forward of the igniter. The magnetohydrodynamic flow control system utilizes magnetic and electric fields forward of the igniter to dissipate or at least reduce the ignition potential of the forward traveling detonation flame front.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes coaxial inner and outer conduits. The inner conduit has a main outlet at an aft end thereof, and a row of radial apertures spaced upstream from the outlet. The outer conduit has an auxiliary outlet at an aft end thereof, and surrounds the inner conduit over the apertures to form a bypass channel terminating at the auxiliary outlet. A plurality of flaps are hinged at upstream ends thereof to selectively cover and uncover corresponding ones of the apertures and selectively bypass a portion of exhaust flow from the inner conduit through the outer conduit in confluent streams from both the main and auxiliary outlets.

Abstract: A pressurizer for pressurizing a fluid includes: a pressurant entrance configured for the introduction of a pressurant; a fluid entrance configured for the introduction of the fluid; a fluid exit configured for the expulsion of the fluid; and at least one transfer chamber movable in a cycle with respect to at least one of the pressurant entrance, the fluid entrance, and the fluid exit, where the pressurizer is configured so that for a portion of a cycle the pressurant exerts a force on the fluid inside the transfer chamber, and where the transfer chamber is configured to receive the pressurant via the pressurant entrance, receive the fluid via the fluid entrance, and expel the fluid via the fluid exit by the force exerted by the pressurant upon the fluid inside the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A ducted fan integrated power plant unit having a propeller with a central blade wheel comprises a ducted fan stator, which stator includes an outer ring having the central air intake guide ring, an inner ring; stator guide blades connecting the outer ring and the inner ring and a fixing support, a propeller, which includes main blades, a retaining ring, the later has central conical blades, between which guide openings are formed, and an engine and a fuel tank etc. When they are mounted together, the inner ring opening of the stator can be communicated with the guide openings, thereby the air flow volume is increased and air stream can be also guided to be exhausted towards the rear by these openings, at the same time the crankcase of the engine can be effectively cooled and the power and propulsion of engine can be increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. To do so, the invented system estimates an amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The amount of oxidants stored is estimated by determining an amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons being produced by the engine. Based thereon, a change in oxidant storage in the catalyst is calculated. The estimate of the amount of oxidants that are available for storage by the catalyst or that are needed to oxidize hydrocarbons is adjusted based on a feedback parameter.

Abstract: A direct injection internal combustion engine includes catalysts for purifying exhaust gases, the catalysts being disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine. A control device controls the engine so as to warm up or activate the catalysts. The control device includes a first control part for controlling the engine with an air-fuel ratio of the engine being set at a value in proximity to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, an ignition timing being set at a point after a top dead center and a fuel injection timing being set within a compression stroke, and a second control part for controlling the engine with an air-fuel ratio of the engine being set at a value in proximity to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, with an ignition timing being set before a top dead center and a fuel injection timing being set within a compression stroke after the first control part controls the engine. The controlling operation performed by the first control part enables stable after-burning and raises the exhaust temperature.

Abstract: At the start of operation of an internal-combustion engine (S10,S12,S14), an exhaust flow is restrained (to raise the exhaust pressure) (S18), secondary air is supplied (S20), and the combustion air-fuel ratio (A/F) is set within the range of rich air-fuel ratios (S16, S22).

Abstract: An occluded oxygen quantity in a catalyst is estimated when fuel cut is executed. Then, upon return from the fuel cut, a target air-fuel ratio is set to significantly richer value. When it is detected on the basis of an output of an oxygen sensor that oxygen occluded by an upstream-side catalyst has been consumed, the target air-fuel ratio is switched to slightly richer value. Lastly, when the occluded oxygen quantity has become 0, a return is made to a normal air-fuel ratio feedback control. It is possible to consume the oxygen occluded by the catalyst quickly, and simultaneously it is possible to diminish emission released to the atmosphere even if an estimated value of the occluded oxygen quantity is deviated from an actual value.

Abstract: Gases produced by a combustion engine, e.g. crankcase gases, are conducted through a separation chamber formed and surrounded by a centrifugal rotor, by means of which the gases are caused to rotate, so that particles suspended in the gases are separated by means of centrifugal force. The centrifugal rotor is caused to rotate by means of a pressure fluid that is generated by means of the combustion engine.

Abstract: Muffling structure for pneumatic tool, which is mounted at an opening of an exhaust end of gas exhaust passage of the pneumatic tool. The muffling structure includes a cock body having a body section. One end face of the body section is recessed to form a receptacle communicating with the gas exhaust passage of the pneumatic tool. At least one through hole is formed through a close end of the receptacle to the other end face of the body section to communicate the receptacle with outer side of the pneumatic tool. The muffling structure further includes at least one muffling fiber body plugged in the receptacle. The muffling fiber body is formed with multiple fine voids for the gas to pass through the muffling fiber body.