Abstract: A safety device for use with a toy guns, less-lethal guns (such as non-powdered guns) and lethal guns detects motion of the gun, and causes light emitting diodes or other light sources incorporated into the gun to prominently flash. The flashing light sources alert bystanders in a way that distinguishes lethal firearms from toy guns and less-lethal guns. The flashing diodes can also be activated when the gun is armed, cocked or otherwise ready to be fired. Motion is detected through the use of an electric circuit that includes a spring, an oscillating mass, and a ring adapted to surround the oscillating mass.

Abstract: An integrated or built-in key-operated gun lock having a rotatable swivel arm. The lock is preferably positioned at the fore-end of the pump slide handle so that, when deployed in the locked position, the swivel arm interferes with the forward motion of the slide handle thereby preventing the shotgun trigger from being reset for firing the weapon. This also prevents the shotgun from being locked with an ammunition round chambered. The swivel arm is preferably located between the slide arm and the pump magazine. A stationary ring may be installed on the magazine tube or, depending upon the existing configuration of the shotgun, an existing ring such as the ring commonly used to brace the magazine tube to the gun barrel, may be employed to cooperate with the swivel arm.

Abstract: An accessory mounting rail for a firearm, which enables mounting of firearm accessories to the barrel of the firearm and reduces the potential for parallax error in mounted sights is disclosed herein. The accessory mounting rail is formed from a complementary pair of mounting bracket sides that are hinged together and have an aperture for receiving the barrel of the firearm. The accessory mounting rail is secured to the firearm through the use of a fastener to connect the complementary mounting bracket sides, which have provided upon them accessory rails.

Abstract: A manually movable decoy device adapted for luring animals comprising a tail attachment member, a tail shaft with a pulling arm, a ground shaft, and a decoy attached to the tail attachment member selected from the group consisting of a tail-feather, an animal tail, and a first decoy body. The ground shaft, incorporating a spring mechanism, rotatably supports the tail shaft. A pull line is attached to the pulling arm. After inserting the decoy device into the ground, routing the pull line using guide shafts, and optionally inserting a second decoy body into the ground, the pull line may be pulled to produce a side-to-side motion of the decoy device.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fishing by attaching a hook to a fishing line, attaching the hook to the flexible fishing lure, engaging the hook to a solid rod of the fishing lure, through an egg sack connected to the rod, wherein the egg sack forms an angle between 60 and 90 degrees, wherein the flexible fishing lure has two legs and wherein the rod, first and second legs have substantially identical conical shapes with substantially identical outer diameters, and wherein the egg sack has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 0.01 to 0.05 mm larger than the outer diameter of the rod and the two legs, then casting the lure through various types of cover, placing the lure in the strike zone causing reaction strikes from the fish without entangling the cover while maintaining a natural presentation to the bait, and bouncing the lure multi-directionally through the cover and creating vibration in the water without entangling the hook and the lure in the cover.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure of resilient material having a body portion and a flexible, elongate tail. The tail possesses a curved configuration, being attached to the aft end of the body portion. The tail is thin and essentially flat when the tail is in a curved configuration, but it assumes a relatively straight configuration when the lure is moved through the water. A plurality of tassels are affixed in a spaced relationship along a long edge of the tail, with the tassels being relatively flexible and adapted to move with the tail at the time the tail undertakes a highly desirable undulating motion. The tassels cause the tail to give off vibrations attractive to fish. This lure is ideal for use when fishing for Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, but it is also quite suitable for use with species such as Stripe Bass and Wall Eye.

Abstract: An arrangement for displaying the state of a plurality of animal traps is disclosed. Each trap senses the position of a movable trapping portion such as a trap door or jaw and rf transmits the state of the movable portion. A display unit receives the rf transmissions from the traps and identifies and displays the then current state of each trap. The rf signals may be periodically sent from the traps and/or they may be sent in response to a change in state of the movable portion.

Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.

Abstract: A bio-degradable plant growth composition consisting essentially of coal particulate, sodium molybdate, linear alcohol alkoxylate, magnesium sulphate, sand or other filler and water.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device generally has a base, a plurality of mutually parallel directing channels, and a plurality of spikes extending from the base. The channels are preferably disposed in rows so they are not only mutually parallel, but also coplanar. The spikes are inserted into the channels, and then at least some of them are bent out so that the top ends of at least some of the various spikes are oriented at least 5 degrees out of parallel with respect to each other. The resulting spikes are therefore “fanned out,” and tend to prevent birds from landing in the immediate vicinity of the device. The bottom of the spikes are fixed into the base in some manner, preferably using a second bend and then crushing portions of the base adjacent to the bent sections to maintain the spike in places.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel of the type for connecting within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the repective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal. The light transmitting panel is formed so as to substantially match the configuration and the strength characteristics of the roofing system into which it is installed.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction having a plurality of leg members arranged in generally parallel spaced relationship to each other, a beam integrally formed with the plurality of leg members and extending transversely across the leg members, a first plate affixed to one side of the plurality of leg members and a second plate affixed to an opposite side of the plurality of leg members. Each of the plates has a generally flat bottom surface. A clip is provided on the plates for fixedly attaching the plates to respective feet of the leg members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of strong/tight packaging an object in order to prepare it for shipping. Initially, a substrate is applied to an object to create a smooth surface adapted to receive a sprayable plastic thereon. Then, the sprayable plastic is sprayed onto the substrate and the object to encapsulate the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping loads of goods and materials in a wrapping material such as a plastics film, including placing at least two battens in a spaced substantially parallel orientation on one surface of the load using a pick and place unit, partially wrapping the load with the wrapping material by rotating the load relative to a dispenser for the wrapping material and/or rotating the dispenser around the load, at a first wrapping station, to envelop the battens in the wrapping material and to hold the battens in place on the surface of the load, the battens being spaced apart to support the load and being adapted to receive therebetween the forks of a fork-lift truck for transporting the load. Preferably, the wrapping material overlaps the ends of the battens to hold the battens in position. The load is then turned through about 90° from the first wrapping station to a second wrapping station where the wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A hydrophobic, compressible, resilient filler for keeping pills from movement in a container during handling is provided in the form of a tube that is cut to a desired length and axially compressed in horizontal orientation. The tube is compressed and inserted through the neck portion of the container and allowed to expand to become entrapped within the container so as to apply pressure to keep the pills from movement or damage. An apparatus and method is disclosed for extending a desired length of filler in flattened tubular form from a large supply, to cut the length of tube from the supply, to reconfigure the cross-sectional shape of the filler tube, to axially compress the rounded tube, and to insert the axially compressed filler into a container that is aligned with the insertion ram.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a case housing a product and a lid made of material that transmits a laser beam are fixed to each other with a bonding member interposed between them, and thereafter, a laser beam is focused onto the bonding member through the lid so that the bonding member is melted. By doing so, the case and the lid are welded together via the bonding member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing packages with opening arrangements and of the type which has a hole prepared in the package wall through which the package is intended to be emptied of its contents. A web of paper or paperboard is coated on its one side with liquid tight coating of plastic and, on its other side, with a metal foil which serves as oxygen gas barrier and which is bonded to the paper or paperboard layer by an adjacent adhesive layer. The coated web or packaging blank is thereafter transported further to a packing and filling machine where the web is provided with emptying-preparatory holes before being reformed into finished packages in a conventional manner.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device, an arrangement and a method for opening or separating two closely joined sheets of flexible material, e.g. sheet pieces and folded pieces of film or paper, by applying vacuum on the opposite outer sides of these joined sheets. Typically, the case is opening different packing wrappers or large bags or envelopes, which are to be opened for receiving inserts, e.g. diverse advertisement prints, and which are to be handled with great reliability and rather large capacity, e.g. 5,000 to 25,000 pcs. per hour.

Abstract: A device for tensioning web, such as a plastics web dispensed from a shuttle in a wrapping machine, is disclosed. The wrapping machine usually includes an endless track positioned about an object to be wrapped and the shuttle travels on the endless track, dispensing the web as it goes. The rate at which web is dispensed varies as the shuttle progresses around the track and is dependent upon the shape of the track and the shape of the object to be wrapped. The web tensioning device attempts to maintain a constant tension in the web and includes a pair of rollers covered with resilient material. The rollers are urged together to form a nip with the resilient covering of the rollers compressed in the nip. The web is fed between the nip of the rollers.

Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus includes a vertically mounted spool for dispensing a roll of centerfold plastic film with the fold in the upper position. A pair of vertical metering rollers are mounted adjacent to the spool for advancing the film from the spool. An adjustable generally inverted-V-shaped film inverted is mounted downstream from the metering rollers. A sealing and severing system is located beneath the film invertor and a trim spool is located beneath the sealing and severing system. The film invertor turns the film inside out, relocating the fold from the horizontal axis to the vertical axis. The film invertor also causes the open end of the folded film to be accessible from either above or the side. The film invertor is adjustable by raising and lowering the apex of the inverted-V which relocates the horizontal location of the fold in the film. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the film invertor is made from flexible wire and the free ends of the wire are attached to a takeup shaft.

Abstract: A combination including, preferably, alternate tunnel extensions for a bagging machine, the extensions alternately fitted to a primary tunnel with quick-release fasteners. One of the extensions for filling a determined bag size and the other extension for filling a larger size bag. A bag support provided on the other extension for increasing the dimensional support for the bag to accommodate the larger bag size.

Abstract: A caveson which may be used with horses is disclosed in which the caveson allows for limited movement of the horse's mouth during breaking and training of the horse and thereafter. The caveson has a noseband constructed at least in part of a resilient material, allowing enough movement of the horse's mouth to prevent pain or discomfort while exerting progressive and constant pressure on the horse's nose when the horse opens its mouth or crosses its jaws, ensuring that the trainer or rider will maintain control and communication with the horse through the bit. The noseband together with an adjustable jaw strap form a circular segment that fits around the horse's nose and is maintained in position on the horse's head by a headstall which is connected at opposite ends to the circular segment and which is configured to run behind the horse's ears.

Abstract: A quick release designed as a safety tool for heelers participating in the sport of team roping. During the history of team roping numerous heelers have cut off fingers and hands, when wrapping the rope around the horn of their saddle in an effort to pull the rope tight around the steer's hind legs. This quick release was designed to eliminate the daily (wrapping the rope around the horn) process. The quick release strap is wrapped around the saddle horn and buckled into place. The end of the rope is placed in the loop of the quick release. After the steer is roped, the heeler pulls on the release and the rope is freed. Thus eliminating any chance of fingers or hands being caught between the rope and the horn. For added safety, the rope can be release wither it is tight or loose.

Abstract: An integrated combine reel drive system for an agricultural vehicle such as a combine harvester, the drive system having the features of a single integrated hydraulic circuit for activating multiple hydraulic devices carried by the agricultural vehicle. The integrated circuit includes a header circuit, wherein the header circuit includes a steering circuit, an implement circuit, and a reel circuit. The header circuit includes two valve stacks for operating multiple hydraulic devices which enables the integrated circuit to drive the multiple hydraulic devices using manageable hydraulic pressures. Specifically, the integrated hydraulic circuit activates a hydraulic power steering mechanism, a hydraulic header adjusting apparatus and other hydraulic devices associated with the header, a hydraulic drive for the reel, and a hydraulic positioning mechanism for the reel of an agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: A crop harvester header includes a plurality of intake and mowing drums mounted in side-by-side relationship to each other across the width of the header. Located to the rear of the intake and mowing drums for receiving crop delivered to the rear by them are a pair of slope conveyor drums respectively located on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane of the header and at opposite sides of an inlet passage leading to feed rolls for introducing the crop into a chopper drum of the harvester.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner is provided with a crop deflector mounted at the end of an outlet guide element through the medium of a pair of slots provided in each of the opposite sides of the guide element and overlapping slots provided in slot-carriers in the form of flanges provided at opposite sides of a planar section of the deflector, with releasable fasteners securing the deflector in a desired one of an infinite number of possible positions permitted by the slot and fastener arrangement.

Abstract: A harvesting header for a self-propelled harvesting machine comprising a center portion and two side portions. The center portion and both side portions are provided with forwardly extending crop processing arrangements. A transversely extending auger is located behind the crop processing arrangements. The crop processing arrangements can be moved between an operating position and a transport position by pivoting them about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis. In this transport position the center of gravity of the harvesting header is moved rearwardly towards the harvesting machine. The side crop processing arrangements can be pivoted about forwardly extending pivot axes to reduce the width of the harvesting header in its transport position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for making a hybrid cord which may be used. The process combines and twists at least three yarns together where one of the yarns is different. The different yarn maybe of a different size (denier), or made from a different polymer, or both. The hybrid cord may be used in tires, hoses, v-belts, and conveyor belts, for example. The apparatus is a modified direct cabler machine in which at least two yarns from a creel are combined and twisted about a third yarn issuing from a spindle pot. It is contemplated that the different yarn is preferably one of the yarns on the creel. Various tensioners are employed to tightly wrap or twist the yarns together (generally at a rate of from about 5-12 turns per linear inch of the yarn issuing from the spindle pot), and to wind the cord on a bobbin.

Abstract: A reformer which may be included in a process plant, comprises a reactor chamber having a combustion chamber, to which fuel and combustion air are supplied. The exhaust gas from the combustion chamber may have a very high temperature, for example 650° C. The combustion chamber supplies heat energy to the reactor chamber in which a heat treatment of gas can take place. The process plant comprises at least one gas turbine. In order to reduce the consumption of energy, the exhaust gas discharge outlet of the gas turbine is through a channel, directly or indirectly, in fluid communication with the combustion air inlet of said combustion chamber, so that turbine exhaust gas preheated to a substantial temperature, e.g. 350-450° C., is blown through said channel, etc., through the overpressure of the turbine exhaust gas, e.g. of up to 0.5 bar, without the need for a fan, to the intake of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A system for treating exhaust gases including NO, nitrogen and particulate matter comprises: a catalyst for generating NO2 from the NO; a plasma generator for generating at least one of: (1) NO2 from the NO or nitrogen or both; and (2) ozone; and a filter for trapping a desired proportion of the particulate matter which is combusted with at least one of NO2 or ozone. Methods for increasing levels of NO2 in an exhaust system to combust trapped particulate matter involve oxidising NO to NO2 over an oxidation catalyst at an optimum temperature range and using a plasma generator to generate NO2 from NO or N2. Reducing exhaust gas emissions is achieved by trapping the particulate matter and combusting it by reaction with NO2.

Abstract: Oxides of nitrogen are adsorbed onto the surfaces of gas passages (68) in a bed (57, 100) that has relative rotation with respect to a gas inlet distributor (76, 101). The manifold has a baffle (85) or ribs (121, 122) that causes constantly flowing engine exhaust (53) to enter the gas passages over a large portion of a revolution of the adsorption bed or the distributor, and causes constantly flowing regeneration gas (54) to thereafter pass through those passages during a small portion of each revolution. The passages may be formed by planar (66a) or helical (66b) radial walls (66), a serpentine wall (70), a monolith (126), or a honeycomb (127). Either the distributor (101) or the bed (57) may be rotated to distribute the gases.

Abstract: An actuator is part of a hydraulic circuit branch that has a first electrohydraulic proportional valve connecting the actuator to a supply line containing pressurized fluid and a second electrohydraulic proportional valve connecting the actuator to a tank return line. A method for operating the valves includes requesting a desired velocity for the hydraulic actuator and sensing a parameter which varies with changes of a force on the actuator. The desired velocity and the parameter are used to derive an equivalent flow coefficient which characterizes fluid flow in the hydraulic circuit. From the equivalent flow coefficient, first and second valve flow coefficient are derived and then employed to activate each of the first and second electrohydraulic proportional valves. The coefficients may characterize either conductance or restriction in the respective part of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A power-steering pump for a motor vehicle is used to pump fluid to an additional fluid-driven device such as a hydraulic motor of a ventilation fan. The pump has a flow-regulating valve and an injector device, where a jet of excess fluid streaming off the flow-regulating valve generates a suction effect that pulls return fluid from a suction pipe or a reservoir tank into the intake area of the pump. A fluid stream returning from the additional fluid-driven device enters the intake area through one or more fluid return channels that are separate from the injector channel.

Abstract: A pair of substantially mirror image, zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxles (HZTs) that may be joined to form an integrated, zero-turn, hydrostatic transaxle. The control arm and brake mechanism associated with the HZTs can be mounted on either the inboard or outboard side of the HZT casing. In one embodiment, an integrated, inboard brake mechanism is provided for the joined HZTs.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a pump and a motor, each of which is an axial piston engine utilizing a swashplate design. The pump and the motor are located coaxially one behind the other and are connected to each other. To expand the range of possible uses of the hydrostatic transmission and retain its compact size, the motor has a hollow output shaft, through which a power take-off shaft driven by a drive shaft of the pump is routed. The swashplate of the pump and the swashplate of the motor can be located on opposite ends of the hydrostatic transmission. Axially between the cylinder drum of the pump and the cylinder drum of the motor there is a common control base mount which is provided with supply channels.

Abstract: A brake system having a master cylinder with a center port compensation valve wherein a head on a stem for caging a return spring moves within a poppet assembly as a direct function of the compression of the return spring during the development of pressurized fluid that is supplied to wheel brake to effect a brake application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation device for an electrohydraulic brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type which is configured as a tandem master cylinder with a first and a second piston that are respectively biased by a resetting spring in opposition to the actuating direction. The resetting spring associated with the first piston is additionally used as a travel simulator spring which determines the pedal characteristics, and a valve device is provided which closes or opens a hydraulic connection between a pressure chamber accommodating the travel simulator spring and a pressure fluid supply reservoir.

Abstract: Hydraulic master cylinder for a motor vehicle braking circuit, comprising means for concealing the dead travel of the primary (16) and secondary (44) pistons, these concealing means consisting of additional valve shutters (80) borne by the valve shutters (26, 56) that shut off the axial passages (22, 58) formed in the primary (16) and secondary (44) pistons, these additional valve shutters allowing the pressure in the primary (18) and secondary (52) chambers to increase right from the start of movement of said pistons over their dead travels.

Abstract: An engine operated machine system includes an engine, a working machine driven by the engine, and a waste-heat recovery unit for recovering the waste heat of the engine, each being accommodated in a box-shaped case. The case is provided with a partition wall which partitions the inside of the case into working-machine accommodating and electrical-equipment accommodating chambers, and which has a draft bore connecting the working-machine accommodating chamber to the electrical-equipment accommodating chamber.

Abstract: Objects of the invention is to make a fuel for generating power unnecessary, to generate no carbon dioxide (CO2) by generating power without burning substance, and to make it possible to supply a hot water at the same time of generating power. A solar heat utilization stirling engine power generation plant is constituted by a Fresnel lens (1) for collecting a solar heat, a quartz glass light guiding fiber (3) for guiding a heat source collected by the Fresnel lens (1) and having a temperature between about 600° C. and about 2000° C. to a predetermined place, a stirling engine (4) driven by the heat source from the light guiding fiber (3), and a power generator (5) driven by the stirling engine (4).

Abstract: A flow control device for a combustor is provided in which the flow control device comprises a shroud having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is coupled to the combustor. The shroud is disposed to receive a primary fluid and disposed to direct the primary fluid into the combustor. In addition, the shroud further comprises a plurality of ports disposed therein wherein the ports are oriented to extract a portion of a flow from a flow path of the primary fluid so as to control a flow rate of the primary fluid through the shroud.

Abstract: An injector of a two-headed combustion chamber of a turbomachine has a first feed tube which is connected to an annular injection piece for discharging primary fuel into the combustion chamber. It also has a second feed tube surrounding the first feed tube and connected to a cylindrical endpiece for discharging secondary fuel into said combustion chamber. This endpiece has an annular channel of diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second feed tube and that extends over its entire length. A third tube is provided that surrounds the second tube and that is connected to a tubular separation element which is inserted in the annular channel of the cylindrical endpiece so as to form two annular spaces in which a cooling fluid can flow over 360° all the way to the end of the injector.

Abstract: A support assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor including an inner liner and an inner casing spaced therefrom, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The support assembly includes an annular inner support cone located adjacent an aft end of said inner liner, an annular nozzle support connected to the inner support cone, and a plurality of support members connected at a first end to a forward end of the inner liner and connected at a second end to the inner support cone.

Abstract: In a gas turbine having a combustion chamber (6) and a first row of guide vanes (3) arranged on the outflow side of the combustion chamber (6), a plurality of temperature sensors (8) for measuring temperature value, and a plurality of means (7;71,72,73,74,75,76) for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber (6), which means can be controlled on the basis of the temperature values, the temperature sensors (8) are spectrometers, are designed to measure a combustion-gas temperature and are arranged so as to measure a gas temperature which prevails immediately in front of the first row of guide vanes (3).

Abstract: There is provided a low-emission, staged-combustion power generation system and associated method for generating power. The power generation system and method combust a carbonaceous fuel with an oxidizing fluid, both of which are substantially free of nitrogen and sulfur, to generate power, for example, in the form of electricity, without the formation of nitrous oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). Efficiency is enhanced using a multi-staged combustion, in which the carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted before passing through a first power take-off device and subsequently reheated and passed through one or more additional power take-off devices. Additionally, exhaust gases from one or more of the power take-off devices can be extracted and processed to provide quantities of useful products such as hydrogen and methanol.

Abstract: An inlet air flow temperature sensor 28 includes a hollow body 32 connected in fluid communication with an inlet air flow 25 a temperature sensing device 34 carried by the hollow body. The hollow body 32 includes interior portions that define a tortuous path of air flow P. The tortuous path of air flow 49 reduces water accumulation on the temperature sensing device 34. The inlet air flow temperature sensor 28 may be used to sense temperature of an inlet air flow 25 associated with an evaporatively cooled combustion turbine 24 that has a combustion turbine air inlet 30 to receive the inlet air flow 25. The evaporatively cooled combustion turbine may, in turn, be used to drive an electrical generator 22.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor 30 includes a frame 32 and catalyst support plate assemblies 34 carried by the frame. A catalyst support plate assembly 34 includes a pair of opposing plates 36A, 36B, at least one having ridges 38A, 38B that define passageways 40 between the pair of opposing plates. A catalyst 44 is carried by the catalyst support plate assemblies 34. Both of the opposing plates 36A, 36B may have ridges 38A, 38B with valleys 42A, 42B between adjacent ridges. A pair of opposing plates 36A, 36B may be aligned and connected at opposing ridges 38A, 38B so that opposing valleys 42A, 42B define air passageways having predetermined shapes. The catalyst support plate assemblies 34 may be arranged in back-to-back relation so that adjacent pairs of catalyst support plate assemblies 34 define fuel/air passageways 46. Adjacent pairs of catalyst support plate assemblies 34 may be offset from one another to define a nested configuration.