Abstract: A support structure for a shoe includes a bladder arrangement having at least one (and preferably two) fluid-filled chamber arranged in a heel region of the sole of the shoe. The fluid-filled chamber has outer walls with a pressurized fluid disposed therein. The fluid-filled chamber is configured to be compressively deformed when an external pressure is applied thereto, such as the pressure exerted by a wearer's foot. The support structure also includes at least one pillar disposed in the fluid-filled chamber. The pillars are configured to decrease the amount by which the fluid-filled chamber is compressively deformed when the external pressure is applied thereto, while still permitting the fluid-filled chambers to be deformed sufficiently to provide-adequate protection against the force of impact during use.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a foot orthotic including an orthotic base mechanism for underlying a sole of a foot, a first cushioning mechanism, and a second cushioning mechanism. The orthotic base mechanism has a proximal end for underlying a heel of the foot and a distal end for underlying the forefront of the foot. The first cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the orthotic base mechanism at the proximal end, while the second cushioning mechanism is operatively connected to the distal end of the orthotic base mechanism. Additionally, there is provided a foot orthotic including a first cushioning mechanism and a second cushioning mechanism that are independent of each other. The present invention additionally provides for a method of making the foot orthotic and method of using the foot orthotic disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic shoe offering an easily adjustable support for the wearer's ankle, a means for the wearer to quickly put on and remove the shoe, protection to the wearer's toes and forefoot from impacts to the upper surface of the shoe, and a unique and attractive appearance. The shoe may be constructed from four basic components: a resilient sole, an ankle surrounding section, an instep enclosing section, and a toe section. The ankle surrounding section begins at the after end of the sole portion and extends forward to a point between the forward end and the after end defining an opening through which a wearer's foot is passed. The toe section extends from the forward end of the sole portion backward and runs from the inner edge to the outer edge of the sole portion. The wearer's toes are inserted into the cavity defined by the toe section. The instep enclosing section extends from the toe section to the ankle surrounding section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole comprising an outer sole 1F, 1B, a midsole 2 and a reinforcement device 4 made of a resin plate. The reinforcement device 4 is firmly secured to the underside of an arch portion 2M of the midsole 2. At a medial side 11 and a lateral side 10 of the foot, the reinforcement device 4 is shaped like an arch between separated outer sole parts 1F and 1B. A medial foot portion 43 of the reinforcement device 4 is formed to have a higher hardness than a lateral foot portion 40 of the reinforcement device 4. This allows the reinforcement device 4 to have a greater flexural rigidity in its medial foot portion 43 than in its lateral foot portion 40.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, which includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot shoe, including the bottom and the sides, when that foot sole deforms naturally by flattening under load while walking or running in order to provide a stable support base for the foot and ankle. Deformation sipes such as slits or channels are introduced in horizontal plane of the shoe sole to provide it with flexibility roughly equivalent to that of the foot. The result is a shoe sole that accurately parallels the frontal plane deformation of the foot sole, which creates a stable base that is wide and flat even when tilted sideways in extreme pronation or supination motion. In marked contrast, conventional shoe soles are rigid and become highly unstable when tilted sideways because they are supported only by a thin bottom edge.

Abstract: An inflatable snowshoe. In its deflated state, it can be flattened and rolled, which allows a pair of these snowshoes to be stored inside the cowling of a snowmobile. The snowshoe consists of a web flotation deck that has a tubular shaped air bladder frame. When inflated, the frame and deck take on the properties of a rigid conventional snowshoe. A puncture and abrasion resistant fabric covers the inner membrane that forms the bladder type, tubular air chamber. This air chamber makes up the peripheral frame of the snowshoe and is held to its teardrop shape by the multi-point restraint of the nylon web flotation deck. The nylon web flotation deck distributes the weight of the wearer. The binding attachment and the cross points of the nylon straps that form the deck are affixed with metal rivets, which also act as traction studs.

Abstract: A combination rake and grubber implement mounted on a work vehicle such as a tractor or bulldozer has four main members: a lower, open or partially-closed multi-toothed rake; an upper rake that can gather, according to design and porosity, various rake products; grubbers that may be deployed, while the vehicle is moving or stationary, anywhere in an arc perpendicular to the rake plane ranging from below the bottom of the rake to above the rake; and a linkage that when actuated by some mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic force, moves the grubbers through their range of motion. In operation the grubbers bring rocks, debris, and severed roots to the surface for simultaneous raking along with undesirable surface rocks, debris, and vegetation. During operation, the vehicle operator may independently control the rake and grubber positions with respect to each other and with respect to the ground without having to dismount.

Abstract: The invention comprises a work vehicle, a boom attached to the vehicle, a tool pivotally attached to the boom, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and an angular velocity sensor for sensing the angular velocity of the tool. A controller is adapted to perform a tool auto-hold function, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by processing the angular velocity data and commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the angular velocity at zero. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam iron with instantaneous vaporization comprising a water container (2), a steam chamber (32), an anti-drip device (80) and a drip device having a rod (4) which moves axially. According to the invention, the total stroke of the axially-moving rod (4) comprises a first stroke which provides the flow of water through the opening (520) of a module (5) that receives the water from the container (2) via the anti-drip device (80) and a second stroke which simultaneously opens a direct passage for the water to flow from the container (2) to the module (5) and moves the module (5) by opening a larger hole for the water to flow from the container to the steam chamber.

Abstract: A universal ironing board cover is provided having two separate and independent anchoring systems for anchoring the ironing board cover to the ironing board and a multifunctional nose pocket. The first independent anchoring system includes an independent drawstring for tensioning the ironing board cover to the ironing board, while the second independent anchoring system includes a plurality of alternative openings in at least two independent straps for engaging the plurality of alternative openings and anchoring the ironing board cover to the ironing board to accommodate a variety of shapes, configurations and mechanical arrangements for the support structure of the ironing board.

Abstract: A control system for an electric motor including an inverter for providing power to the electric motor, a controller for controlling the inverter, a first motor speed control block in the controller injecting a high frequency signal into the electric motor to determine the speed and position of the electric motor, where the first motor speed control block includes a tuned moving average filter to determine the magnitude of high frequency current in the electric motor.

Abstract: Printed multiple tags for marking electro technical and/or electronic elements, include a rigid injection molded plastic plate made of thermoplastic material and including several comb shaped units, each comb shaped unit including interpenetrating teeth which form tags and which are separated by through passing cutting lines separating the interpenetrating teeth and by first non passing-through prefracture lines which facilitate detachment of the tags, second non passing-through prefacture lines to facilitate detachment of the comb shaped units from each other, and the tags being marked with indicia by a thermal transfer printer for rigid plates by a computer system, to form printed tags which are adapted to be placed in supports after being detached from their respective comb shaped unit, with the supports being fitted on electronic elements to be identified.

Abstract: This invention provides a sign image by projecting light through a replaceable pivotable image forming apparatus onto an adjacent surface. The apparatus is contained within a telescoping tube of three locking sections with overlap indicators. The tube is pivotably mounted within a wall or ceiling. The pivotable tube and stencil permits projecting the sign image onto an adjacent inclined surface. The first section has a light source at its outer end and image forming apparatus which provides the sign message. The other two sections each contain a lens for respective image size and focus adjustment by changing the sections overlaps.

Abstract: A device for displaying printed material is configured to be releasably attached to a component of a vehicle to facilitate easy retrieval and/or viewing of the printed material. The device includes a flexible base sheet, a flexible pocket secured to the base sheet or a flexible panel secured to the base sheet to define a pocket, and a releasable fastener connect to the flexible base sheet to allow releasable attachment of the device to a component of a vehicle. The releasable fastener is configured to connect opposite edges of the device together so that the device can be wrapped around a vehicle component and secured thereto by connection of opposite edges of the device.

Abstract: An advertising display system, for use with a portable toilet housing having four walls and four corners connecting the four walls. A bracket assembly is attached vertically along each corner. At least three panel assemblies are each selectively mounted between two of the bracket assemblies such that each panel assembly arcs outward to create a substantially semi-cylindrical configuration by the panel assembly which spans across one of the walls. Each panel assembly includes outer panels and a changeable printed sheet extending therebetween. Each bracket assembly includes a T-bracket which provides a space between the T-bracket and the corner of the portable toilet housing to secure one of the panel assemblies therebetween.

Abstract: A bipod for a light-weight machine gun is disclosed. The bipod has tubular telescoping legs that may be extended and retracted to discreet locking positions. The bipod has a spring-based system that allows a user to fold the bipod either towards or away from the barrel muzzle with one hand, thus giving 180 degrees of travel. The spring system also provides a detent to retain the bipod in the folded or deployed position without additional fasteners or catches. The bipod is attachable to a machine gun with a round yoke that allows the user to pivot the direction of fire and rotate the barrel of the machine gun radially while keeping the bipod firmly planted.

Abstract: A fly cast training device that allows an instructor to take the lead in controlling the casting while the trainee follows along, and to gradually relinquish control to the trainee to instill the proper muscle memory through repetition. The fly cast training device generally comprises a flexible shaft section, a butt section, a spool attached to said butt section, and a multiple-handle assembly attached between the flexible shaft section and the butt section. The handle assembly includes a plurality of handle sections secured together at both ends in a spaced relation by a pair of brackets. The handle assembly may include two or three handles. The flexible shaft section and butt section may be attached centrally of the handles, or a second handle can be attached to in the existing handle of a conventional fly rod and offset there from by brackets.

Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A hook setting trigger mechanism is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The trigger assembly includes an arm that is pivotally movable between extended and retracted positions. The arm is spring loaded to bias the arm toward the retracted position. A sear plate enables the arm to be retained in an intermediate position that is in between the extended and retracted positions, but closer to the extended position. The sear plate is spring loaded to move the sear out of engagement with the arm when the arm is moved beyond the intermediate position toward the extended position such as when a fish bites the hook and pulls on the line.

Abstract: A free standing fishing alarm is provided in which the head or tail member(s) may be threadably attached to the body member, creating a water tight environment for the circuitry and associated components, or removed from the body member to allow service and maintenance of the device. The body member internally houses the circuitry, including batteries, and the lighting and audible signaling means. The body member externally houses a clamp means, a toggle switch, a fastening means, and two opposable ends with threads for receiving the head and tail members so as to provide a unified device. A user can simply attach the device to a fishing rod or a stake, cast the fishing line, place the line within the clamp means, flip the toggle switch “on” and wait for the “big one” to strike.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a wire strand having a connector at a first end thereof for connection to a fishing line, and a fish hook at a second end thereof. A flexible tube is mounted on the strand with a first end disposed proximate the connector, and a second end open and disposed proximate the hook. The tube has a hole in a side thereof spaced from the tube second end, the hole being sized and configured for free inflow of water therethrough and into the tube. A sinker is mounted on the strand and is lodged in the first end of the tube to close off the first end of the tube, such that the tube is open only at the hole and the second end. Upon moving of the tube through water, water enters the hole and turbulently exits the tube second end adjacent the hook.

Abstract: A holder adapted for removable insertion within a pocket for holding a number of artificial fishing lures and accessories in a secure yet readily accessible location. The holder includes: a rectangular front panel of nominal thickness having layer of foam-like material connected thereto for providing a surface upon which fishing lures may be affixed; and a rear panel comprising a double wall, transparent member having an opening to allow for removable placement of sheet material therein, such as a fishing license, instructional material, advertising, etc. The lower edge of the rear panel includes a gripping structure for securing the device inserted within a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A portable enclosure for temporary shelter purposes as a storage building or workshop at remote construction sites comprises a plurality of articulable frames mounted on a towable boom, which may be coupled to a towing tractor, and which has wheels at the other end so that it may be towed. Each of the frames has first to fourth frame members, with a first cylinder mounted between the boom and the first frame member to adjust the tilted disposition of that member with respect to the boom to vertical. The angle between the second and third members is adjusted by a second cylinder. The fourth member also assumes a vertical orientation. Thus, each of the first and fourth frame members of each frame is articulable to a substantially vertical orientation, and they are horizontally distanced one from the other so as to form a storage or workshop space between them.

Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof rafter, to the outside sheathing and underlying top plate. The connector is composed of sheet metal including a base web and top web, connected by an arched saddle. The wide base web has a left and right side with nail holes for fastening to the outside sheathing. The base web holds the sheathing securely to the wall and prevents bowing out and lateral movement. The top web has left and right sides with nail holes for fastening to the widest edges of a rafter preventing uplift, outward thrusting, and twisting. The saddle connects the top web and base web, and forms a cradle for the bottom of the rafter. The angled saddle avoids any demolition of frieze boards or trim on the house, making for effortless installation. The connector is easily installed by a homeowner on existing houses with the saddle clasping the rafter and outside sheathing.

Abstract: A torsion- and bending resistant boom formed of beams running the length of the structure, a set of pierced, transverse flanges arrayed along, and substantially perpendicular to, the length of the structure, a continuous longitudinal member running the length of the structure, piercing the flanges, and several further longitudinal members, outward of the first member. The longitudinal members are welded to the flanges. An elevatable mast assembly raises and lowers the boom, and has a mast and guides formed of hollow tubes, and rollers between the guides and the mast, the rollers transferring torque loading to the guides.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and a second support section are coupled together by a fastening device that provides the apparatus with stability once the apparatus has been installed. A jack is used to raise the foundation of the existing building to a desired height. The apparatus is attached to the foundation of the building from underneath the building or from a location adjacent a side of the building. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.

Abstract: A transition support for flooring material extending between a floor area of a high height and a floor area of a low height, said support being in the shape of a wedge with an attached flat section in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the wedge having a thick end whose thickness is the same as that of the flat section. The transition support is generally unnoticeable by persons walking across it and does not jostle wheeled vehicles crossing the support.

Abstract: A window assembly for garage door panels. The assembly includes an outer frame assembly that overlaps the panel opening to be protected and it is mounted thereon. An inner frame assembly co-axially extends from the outer frame assembly and jointly define a window area. A longitudinal slot along one of the elongated members defining the inner frame assembly permits a user to removably mount a transparent member therein. Ornamental frame assemblies can be optionally mounted over the present invention to enhance the aesthetics of the resulting structure. An alternate embodiment includes a second transparent member positioned within the outer frame assembly through another elongated slot in one of the elongated frame members. Internal channels in the frame members bite into the edges of the transparent members.

Abstract: An entryway system includes an elongated threshold assembly and a pair of plastic jamb boots attached to the ends of the threshold assembly. The jamb boots have flat level upper faces and a pair of jambs having square-cut bottoms are secured to the jamb boots and extend upwardly from the threshold assembly. A head jamb completes a door frame. The jamb boots may be formed with integral drains that receive water from within the threshold cap channel of the threshold assembly and direct it away from the entryway. The plastic jamb boots prevent rotting and eliminate the need to mill the bottoms of jambs with haunches configured to fit the threshold assembly. Plastic mull post boots also are provided for supporting square-cut bottom mull posts in sidelight or double door entryways.

Abstract: Prefabricated, light-weight, columnar or rectangular, convertible to fencing or stand-alone columns resemble solid brick and masonry structures built by skilled masons. Modules comprise heavy duty durable plastic liners with corner reinforcements comprising heavy duty square plastic tubing, faced with concrete, mortar and exterior brick and mortar. Modules are erected on concrete footings equipped with (1) raised studs that mate with square plastic tubing and (2) embedded anchor bolts which mate with bottom apertures. Ends of rectangular modules are bolted together and columnar faces. Capitols are of same plastic faced with concrete or mortar and brick veneer. Black plastic tubing simulating wrought iron may be disposed along wall tops. Module inner spaces may be ballast-filled.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling island is constructed of sheet metal panels that since they are assembled without a supporting gridwork can be configured to create substantially any desired free form island shape. Typically, the panels have a pair of generally opposed straight sides and a pair of generally opposed free form sides. The straight sides, ideally, include upstanding flanges that are used to stiffen, interconnect and suspend the panels. Additionally, the flanges can be shaped into hollow sections similar to standard grid tee shapes to enable the use of standard hardware to attach trim strips to the perimeter of the island.

Abstract: In a ceiling grid for a suspended ceiling having 2 ft.×2 ft. openings that support panels, a connection in the grid between a main beam and 4 ft. cross beam is made tighter than a connection in the grid between a 2 ft. cross beam and a 4 ft. cross beam. Both connections use the same connector, but with a different stop position on the connector.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising board shaped floor elements (1) which are provided with edges (2), a lower side (5) and a decorative upper surface (3). The floor elements (1) are intended to be joined by means of separate joining profiles (10). All four edges (2) are provided with one notch-like groove (4) each. The grooves (4) are arranged parallel to its respective edge (2). The joining profiles (10) are provided with lips (11) arranged in pairs. The lips (11) are intended to each be received by one of the grooves (4) so that the floor element (1) with the grooves (4) at the adjacent edges (2) will be guided or fixed vertically via the lips (11) of a joining profile (10). The lips (11) are joined by a middle section (12) of the joining profile (10). The grooves (4) are furthermore provided with an undercut (46) while the lips (11) are provided with hooks (16) that matches the undercut (46) whereby adjacent floor elements (1) will be guided or fixed horizontally via the undercuts (46) and the hooks (16).

Abstract: A block system that includes a block with slanted walls on its edges forming longitudinal grooves to receive cement without introducing separations or spaces between abutting blocks. A base alignment tool is used to guide the blocks of the first row to ensure proper alignment. The base alignment includes a longitudinal extending sheet with spaced apart lateral walls for receiving the blocks inbetween. A row leveling tool is used to keep in alignment two blocks in different contiguous rows and separated. An elongated rigid member interconnects two bracing members attached to separated blocks in contiguous row.

Abstract: A system and related method for protecting a building frame from fire and heat to avoid catastrophic collapse, comprises a plurality of vertical structural members comprising substantially vacant interiors thereof; a plurality of horizontal structural members comprising substantially vacant interiors thereof; a plurality of attachments between ends of the horizontal structural members and side faces of the vertical structural members enabling a coolant to flow between the interiors of the vertical structural members and the interiors of the horizontal structural members; a plurality of coolant pumps for pumping the coolant into the vertical structural members; a plurality of heat release valves for emitting the coolant from the interiors of the vertical structural members and the interiors of the horizontal structural members when a temperature of the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: In an element (40b) for introducing shear forces into a concrete body a loop element (43b) is arranged on a shear force mandrel (41b), which loop element has an arc section (47b) in proximity to the surface of the concrete. When the element (40b) is subjected to a shear force (arrow 53) the arc section (47b) transmits this force to the concrete core inside the arc only through tensile forces in the loop element (43b) or in the arc element (47b). To absorb the resulting moment a second arc element (57b) aligned in the opposite direction is advantageously provided behind the first arc element (47b).

Abstract: The invention relates to window framing systems which seal against exterior surfaces, particularly embossed surfaces. The system is held together with a plurality of screws. The inner component of the frame contains at least one hollow void having a V-shaped strut which provides additional structural support to the inner component and minimizes any dimpling or screw breakthrough due to the use of automatic screwdrivers having a torque which is in excess of the mechanical strength of the inner frame member.

Abstract: A drive and actuating system for an envelope-filling station in which enclosures or sets of enclosures are fed, by a driven conveyor, to a push-in station in which a push-in arrangement, which has a pivot drive, receives the enclosures or sets of enclosures and pushes them into envelopes, which are held ready in an open state. The envelopes are then delivered into a position opposite the push-in station, from oriented transversely to the push-in direction, by an envelope-conveying arrangement. Further, a multiplicity of functions of the individual parts of the envelope-filling station can be forcibly synchronized in an adjustable manner and a comparatively straightforward and clear construction of the overall drive and actuating system is produced.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling sheet-like articles, in particular an envelope-filling station, an overload-prevention means is incorporated in the connection between a drive mechanism and an actuating arrangement for push-in fingers, which are guided over a base plate, in that the drive mechanism has a crankshaft, a crank and a connecting rod, which is routed from said crank to an auxiliary drive lever, in that the auxiliary drive lever is mounted on the same shaft as a drive lever of the actuating arrangement, coaxially with respect to said drive lever and such that it can be pivoted relative to the same, and in that spring means clamp the auxiliary drive lever and the drive lever together on a pivot stop, which is provided between said levers, such that the levers cannot separate during the operating stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus reminds a saddled and bridled horse to maintain tension on a calf rope during a rodeo calf roping event. The apparatus contains: (a) a ratcheting rope pulley with a release; (b) a means for attaching the pulley to a saddle; (c) a rope passing through the pulley with the first end of the rope exiting the pulley in the freely rotating direction and the second end of the rope exiting the pulley in the non-rotating direction; (d) an elastic cord having a first end attached to the second end of the rope; (e) a means for attaching the second end of the cord to a calf rope; and (f) a means for attaching the cord-calf rope attachment to a bit of a bridle.

Abstract: The active system for the wide area suppression of a ground vortex generated by the engine of an aircraft includes an actuator assembly in fluid communication with a fluid source; and, at least one nozzle assembly, including at least one movable nozzle. The movable nozzle is in fluid communication with the actuator assembly for receiving fluid from the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly controls the motion of the movable nozzle, wherein fluid is injected over a desired region relative to an inlet of the engine to disrupt the flow structure of a ground vortex, thus mitigating ground vortex ingestion. This ensures the operational health of the engine during airplane maneuvering on the ground.

Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine includes a low pressure turbine having a low pressure turbine flowpath and low pressure inner and outer shaft turbines with counter rotatable low pressure inner and outer shaft turbine rotors, respectively. The low pressure inner and outer shaft turbine rotors include low pressure first and second turbine blade rows disposed across the turbine flowpath which are drivingly connected to first and second fan blade rows by low pressure inner and outer shafts, respectively. At least one row of low pressure variable vanes is operably disposed across the low pressure turbine flowpath between the low pressure inner and outer shaft turbines. The low pressure first turbine blade rows of the low pressure inner shaft turbine may be in tandem with or interdigitated with the second turbine blade rows of the low pressure outer shaft turbines.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine assembly includes a high pressure spool having a high pressure turbine drivingly connected to a high pressure compressor by a high pressure shaft which is rotatable about an engine centerline. A low pressure turbine has counter rotatable low pressure inner and outer shaft turbines drivingly connected to coaxial low pressure inner and outer shafts respectively which are at least in part rotatably disposed co-axial with and radially inwardly of the high pressure spool. The low pressure inner shaft turbine is drivingly connected to a forward fan blade row by the low pressure inner shaft. The low pressure outer shaft turbine is drivingly connected to a aft fan blade row by the low pressure outer shaft. A single direction of rotation booster is drivenly connected to the low pressure outer shaft and axially located aft and downstream of the aft fan blade row.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine assembly includes a high pressure spool having a high pressure turbine drivingly connected to a high pressure compressor by a high pressure shaft which is rotatable about an engine centerline. A low pressure turbine has counter rotatable low pressure inner and outer shaft turbines with a row of low pressure variable vanes disposed therebetween and drivingly connected to coaxial low pressure inner and outer shafts respectively which are located radially inwardly of the high pressure spool. The low pressure inner and outer shaft turbines are drivingly connected to a forward and aft fan blade rows by the low pressure inner and outer shafts. A single direction of rotation booster is drivenly connected to the low pressure outer shaft and axially located aft and downstream of the aft fan blade row.

Abstract: A catalyst state detector for detecting a state of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which is capable of accurately detecting the state, including deterioration, of an HC adsorbent contained in the exhaust gas purifying catalyst for adsorbing hydrocarbons in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, and can be manufactured at a low cost. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst is arranged at an intermediate portion of an exhaust pipe, and the HC adsorbent is capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture in exhaust gases. The catalyst state detector comprises a downstream humidity sensor arranged at a location downstream of the HC adsorbent in the exhaust pipe for detecting a humidity of the exhaust gases, and an adsorbent state detecting unit (ECU) for detecting the state of the HC adsorbent in accordance with the result of detection made by the downstream humidity sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a “lean-burn” internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing NOx when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, determines a performance impact, such as a fuel-economy benefit, of operating the engine at a selected lean or rich operating condition. The method and apparatus then enable the selected operating condition as long as such enabled operation provides further performance benefits.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into a NOx absorber catalyst is compulsorily changed from a lean side to a rich side to release NOx absorbed by the NOx absorber catalyst. The Nox is reduced at the same time. If temperature of the NOx absorber catalyst is lower than a first predetermined temperature T1, temporaral change of the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to the rich side for the purpose of releasing and reducing NOx is inhibited, and if temperature of the NOx absorber catalyst is higher than the first predetermined temperature T1 and lower than a second predetermined temperature T2, at the time of changing temporarily the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to the rich side for the purpose of releasing and reducing NOx, timing of changing the air-fuel ratio and the set air-fuel ratio are changed depending on the temperature of the NOx absorber catalyst.

Abstract: This system for helping to regenerate a catalyzed particulate filter arranged in a motor vehicle diesel engine exhaust line, said filter (4) being positioned downstream of an oxidation catalyzt (3) on the output side of the engine (1), is characterized in that it has a gas bypass circuit (5) parallel to the terminals of the catalyzer (3) and fitted with means (6) for controlling the circulation of gases therein and in the catalyzer, in order, at the point when the regeneration of the particulate filter (4) is triggered, to divert a proportion of the gases laden with unburned hydrocarbons into the particulate filter (4) without passing via the catalyzer (3), so as to speed up the regeneration of the particulate filter.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device having a deposit amount detecting section for detecting a deposit amount correlation value Qpm of the particulate matter captured by a diesel particulate filter, a temperature detecting section for detecting a temperature correlation value Tdpf of the particulate filter, and a correction section for correcting the target idle rotating speed Ni to the higher rotating speed to suppress overheating of the diesel particulate filter in accordance with detection results of the deposit amount detecting section and the temperature detecting section.

Abstract: A connection of the exhaust emission control device, to which a collecting portion of an exhaust manifold extending rearwards and downwards from a rear face of a cylinder block is connected, is eccentric toward an engine block by a distance with respect to an axis of a cylindrical main casing. Therefore, the exhaust manifold can be located as close as possible to a rear face of the engine block to ensure that travel wind is difficult to collide with the exhaust manifold, thereby preventing a drop in temperature of an exhaust gas to early raise the temperature of the exhaust emission control device. Moreover, since the exhaust manifold is disposed closer to the rear face of the engine block, a collision stroke permitting the retraction of the engine upon frontal collision can be expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating vibration of an appendage of a work vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder, first and second valve assemblies, and a control element. The hydraulic cylinder is coupled between a first portion of the work vehicle and the appendage and includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a piston. The first and second valve assemblies respectively govern whether hydraulic fluid is provided from a pump to, or to a tank from, the first and second chambers. The control element automatically causes a status of the second valve assembly to repeatedly alternate with time so that the vibration occurs at the piston and is in turn provided to the appendage.