Abstract: An improved plastic blow-molded panel structure is shown and described that is lightweight and provides superior resistance to sagging, warping and creeping under high stress loads, especially when used in a horizontal position. The disclosed panel structure includes a combination of transverse or lateral beams extending from the second panel towards the first panel and, in certain embodiments, a plurality of transverse ribs disposed within the lateral beams. The disclosed shelving units may be fabricated from conventional blow-molding processes.

Abstract: A support module interconnects with other support modules to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining first and second cutouts. Each cutout has an arc shape so that when modules are assembled, the cutouts of different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. Each cutout has a first peripheral arc portion and a concentric second arc portion larger than the first portion. The first portion provides an aperture of a first diameter, and upon removal of the first portion, the second portion provides an aperture of a larger second diameter. The frame having connection elements that to connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The module may include a separately formed arcuate insert fastened to the cutout to provide a smaller aperture.

Abstract: A two-piece fastener plate and fastener assembly and method of securing a roof membrane to a roof deck wherein the fastener is reinforced with concentric dome-shaped ribs separated by concentric depressions or dimples. The concentric depressions or dimples are provided with multiple triple or quadruple barbs for gripping the roof membrane when the fastener secures the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite anchor, which consists of an anchor rod (1) anchorable by means of a compound mass in a hole (12) drilled in a building component (13), the anchor rod comprising several cone-like segments (3a, 3b, 3c) widening towards the insertion end (4) and spaced from one another by cylindrical portions (6a, 6b). The length of the cylindrical portions (6a, 6b) is 0.5 times to 2.0 times the length of the cone-like segment (3a, 3b) adjoining the respective portion in the direction of the insertion end (4). This produces a stable mortar shell (14) after the compound mass has hardened, which causes high withdrawal values as a consequence of the cone-like segments (3a, 3b, 3c) settling into the hardened mortar shell (14) following widening of the drilled hole as a result of cracks forming. The composite anchor is therefore especially suitable for anchoring in zones subject to tensile forces.

Abstract: A fire and smoke block for use with a barrier penetrating member is formed by a rigid collar which is fittable over a lockable on the penetrating member and a collar lining which is make from intumescent material which rapidly expands when subjected to fire heat.

Abstract: A jointing compound or plaster for construction elements, particularly paper-faced plasterboards. This plaster includes, in percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of plaster 50 to 85% of a mineral filler; 1 to 20% of an organic binder dispersible in an aqueous phase; 1 to 15% of a silicate-based agent other than the mineral filler; 0.2 to 5% of a hydrophobic agent which is a silicone derivative; 0.05 to 5% of polyvinyl alcohol; and water to make up to 100%. A method of producing a work such as a partition, a wall covering ox a ceiling is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: There is now provided a beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles or other beverage containers with a liquid beverage filling material and an arrangement for dividing and separating of a stream of beverage bottles or other beverage containers, which arrangement reduces noise, wear and toppling of containers.

Abstract: Various processes and relevant devices for causing polymer films, which are extensible with the help of the devices disclosed in Patent Application WO No. 98/32668 of Jan. 23, 1998 and in its applications, to adhere to the edges of openings of plastic or PET or even metal containers, by releasing electrostatic charges opposite in sign to those of containers and/or the polymer films to be applied thereto. P.S.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in the extraction of bottles or the like from cartons travelling in a stream on a conveyor, each carton having a bottom wall and associated side walls. The device has a saw blade adapted to extend across the conveyor to cut the associated side walls just above the base which is thereby severed. The saw blade is vertically adjustable so as to accommodate cartons having bases of different thickness' and thereby ensure avoidance of damage to the bottles sitting on said bottom wall. A sensor positioned upstream of said blade determines the vertical position required for each passing carton and transmits a signal which results in the blade being positioned as required.

Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of packing a liquid coating material for building use, which comprises hermetically packing the coating material in one or more flexible inner packs; putting and packing in the resulting inner packs in one solid outer container together. According to this method, the outer container can be recycled after its content was drawn out, and also the amount of the packing material wastes is minimized. Furthermore, this method is suitable for use in a mass packing manner and thus highly economical, and also is an environment-friendly method.

Abstract: A decoration correction method for a form-and-seal unit (1) for producing sealed packages of a pourable food product from a tube (2) of packaging material fed along a feed path, and having two pairs of jaws (7) movable along the feed path and opened and closed so as to travel, cyclically and alternately with each other, along a form-and-seal portion along which the pairs of jaws (7) are closed and travel integrally with the tube, and along a repositioning portion along which the pairs of jaws open and move with respect to the tube (2). To make a decoration correction, a nominal trajectory (P) of the jaws (7) is modified along the repositioning portion on the basis of a position error of the tube (2) with respect to a nominal position. A first solution provides for correcting the travel of the jaws by selectively modifying the amplitude of the trajectory; and a second solution provides for correcting the phase of the jaw trajectory.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing a group of cartons of cigarettes using a flat tubular package, whereby a top wall of the flat tubular package is engaged by suction by a gripping head, which is then moved to feed the flat tubular package to a seat which engages a bottom wall of the flat tubular package by suction; a relative rotation movement is then produced between the seat and the gripping head to convert the tubular package from the flat configuration to an open configuration; the group of cartons of cigarettes is pushed inside the open tubular package; the gripping head releases the top wall of the open tubular package; and the seat is moved to feed the tubular package to a closing station where the tubular package is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing filled bags (1). Such a device is arranged in view of high filling frequencies in an installation for filling bags such that a first belt conveyor (2) is provided which acts in the closure area of the bags (1) wherein the first belt conveyor (2) is assigned to a single conveyor (3) for transporting the bags (1) and the outlet of the first belt conveyor (2) is assigned to the inlet of a heat-sealing station (4).

Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns includes a vacuum turntable comprising a perforated plate which is driven by a belt extending around the periphery of the vacuum turntable and actuated by a motor. A first transfer apparatus includes a pusher plate which moves groups of wrapped bakery products onto the vacuum turntable and which retracts to facilitate the formation of a subsequent group of wrapped bakery products as a previous group is being transferred to the vacuum turntable. A second transfer apparatus includes a pusher plate which moves assembled patterns of wrapped bakery products from the vacuum turntable into bakery trays and which is retractable to the facilitate the assembly of a subsequent pattern of wrapped bakery products as a previous pattern is being transferred to a bakery tray.

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

Abstract: A bag presenter for moving a bag from a bag supply toward a packaging machine filling station, the bag presenter comprising: a bag supply holding area, a gripper for holding a bag in the filling station and a bag handler for moving the bag from the holding area toward the gripper, the bag handler including a bag feeder and a bag conveyor, the bag feeder being operable to pull a bag from a bottom of the bag supply holding area and to pass the bag to the bag conveyor. The bag handler can include a bag opening mechanism and a means for maintaining the bag in an open configuration, once the bag has been opened. The bag presenter is useful for handling non-wicketed bags and can be used to convert a packaging machine from reliance on wicketed bags to use of non-wicketed bags.

Abstract: A humane horse headgear is disclosed having one or more portions, encircling and conforming to a horse's head, constructed, in whole or in part, of a resilient material, preferably exhibiting elastic properties, softness and conformability to the horse's head at one or more pressure points on the horse's head. A contoured crown piece and a curb device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Cinch having a fastening strap and an elongated cushion either permanently or releasably attached to one another. The elongated cushion preferably has a resilient edge along at least the front of the body of the elongated cushion and around the ends of the body of the elongated cushion. Optionally, the edge has a discontinuity at each end of the body, and along the front of the body. When the edge is also along the rear of the body of the elongated cushion, the edge also optionally contains a discontinuity along such rear. The fastening strap preferably comprises a unitary belt having one or more fastening devices at each end. The fastening strap and the elongated cushion can either be generally linear or have a triangular shape. The generally linear version of the elongated cushion preferably symmetrical, having a resilient edge on the front, the rear, and around each end.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (1) for separating impurities entrained in a gas stream (2), in which the centrifugal separator (1) includes at least one rotatable separating member and a turbine wheel (4) for driving the separating member (3).

Abstract: An air purifying device is provided for removing airborne particles. The device includes a housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A fan is positioned within the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet and expelling air through the air outlet. A filter assembly is positioned within the housing between the air inlet and the fan. The filter assembly includes a frame and a filter element mounted to the frame. The device also includes a hanger and an elongate hanger support that removably extends within the hanger. Either the hanger or the elongate hanger support is coupled to the frame while the other is coupled to the housing. The hanger can include a channel or a pair of opposed legs configured to form a gap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter medium that has a PF value that exceeds 32, the PF value calculated from the pressure loss and the collection efficiency of the filter medium according to the following formula:

Abstract: A composite porous media for either gas or liquid flow is strong and efficient, and can readily be formed in or into a wide range of different shapes and configurations. In particular, the porous media is a composite of a metal, aerogel or ceramic foam (i.e., a reticulated inter-cellular structure in which the interior cells are interconnected to provide a multiplicity of pores passing through the volume of the structure, the walls of the cells themselves being substantially continuous and non-porous, and the volume of the cells relative to that of the material forming the cell walls being such that the overall density of the intercellular structure is less than about 30 percent theoretical density) the through pores of which are impregnated with a sintered powder or aerogel. The thickness, density, porosity and porous characteristics of the final composite porous media can be varied to conform with what is demanded by the intended use.

Abstract: A filter medium for use in particulate filtering applications is disclosed. The filter medium is formed from a substrate capable of retaining the desired physical structure of the filter medium under the conditions of the filtering application, including temperature. A polyimide based stiffening agent adapted for treating the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: A mower including support for an operator in a standing position during use thereof. Specifically, the mower includes a support against which an operator may lean when operating the mower in the standing position. Additionally, the support includes a portion capable of being straddled and then sat upon by the operator. This capability allows the operator to relieve at least some of the pressure applied to his/her body during extended periods of standing on the platform.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a conditioning element (23) for a treatment device intended to accelerate the drying of forage. For this purpose, the conditioning element (23) comprises an active part (26) intended to work the forage, and a first connecting part (27) intended to connect, in a pivoting manner about a connecting axis (28), said element (23) to a support.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely pulverizing lawn debris has a central drive shaft with a clutch driven by a gasoline or electrical power source. Lawn debris is drawn into a suction chamber by a fan impeller blade mounted on the central drive shaft. The fan impeller blade initiates pulverization of the debris. A grinding blade with a plurality of blade elements is mounted on the central drive shaft below the fan impeller blade and effects additional pulverization of the debris. A clutch is mounted next on the drive shaft followed by a distributing plate with a plurality of inclined apertures for dispensing a high velocity stream of the pulverized debris uniformly over a lawn from the rotating distributing plate. When the clutch is disengaged the distributing plate rotation is stopped and the finely pulverized garden debris is collected in a side collection chamber and is periodically emptied through a bottom discharge gate.

Abstract: A deck assembly for a self-propelled, walk-behind rotary lawn rotary mower is provided. The deck assembly is configurable for either front or rear wheel drive and includes a deck defining a cutting chamber which may house a cutting member. The cutting chamber is bound at least in part by a rear enclosure member. The deck assembly also includes a side discharge port having a side discharge port door. A rear discharge port located on a rear portion of the deck is also provided. Preferably, a duct of substantially rectangular cross section extends through the rear enclosure member between the cutting chamber and the rear discharge port. In one embodiment, the duct has a first, uppermost surface and a second, lowermost surface, wherein the first, uppermost surface and the second, lowermost surface both form substantially horizontal planes.

Abstract: An object of a production device and production method for carbon fibers of the present invention is to certainly obtain a connecting portion having a high process passing property with a simple mechanism so as to achieve a continuous operation and improve a firing process operability for achieving a low cost.

Abstract: A core-in-sheath type composite stretch yarn, having excellent stretchability and soft hand and capable of beinig dyed in dark colors, comprises a core portion constituted from a elastic yarn formed from at least one elastic fiber and having an ultimate elongation of 70% or more and a sheath portion formed from a non-elastic yarn comprising a plurality of non-elastic fibers having an ultimate elongation of 70% or more and surrounding around the core portion, and is useful for producing a woven or knitted stretch fabric having a high stretch percentage and capable of being dyed in dark colors.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine assembly. The method comprises providing at least one propelling gas turbine engine that includes a core engine including at least one turbine. The method also comprises coupling an auxiliary engine to the propelling gas turbine engine such that during operation of the propelling gas turbine engine, at least a portion of the airflow entering the propelling gas turbine engine is extracted from the propelling gas turbine engine upstream from the core engine turbine, and channeled to the auxiliary engine for generating power.

Abstract: A convergent-divergent rocket nozzle is formed by joining two coaxially aligned conical sections at a throat plane, each diverging outward from the throat plane. Coolant channels formed in the wall of the nozzle are arranged in spirals around the nozzle axis. Preferably, the conical sections are formed from platelet laminates rolled into conical form with a single spiral seam, and at least one of the conical sections is a composite of two or more component conical sections separately formed and then joined in a nested arrangement with the seams not superimposed. A further preferred construction is one in which the convergent end of one conical section is split radially into strips that are then spread apart to serve as bonding surfaces to bond to the other conical section.

Abstract: To decrease the content of a particulate material contained in an exhaust gas from a diesel engine or the like, the content of the particulate material is continuously decreased by generating plasma in the exhaust gas containing the particulate material to thereby produce a plurality of O(1D) radicals and subsequently produce a plurality of per-hydroxide excited species, and oxidizing the particulate material by the per-hydroxide excited species.

Abstract: A computer controlled diagnostic system is described that monitors catalyst activity of an upstream catalyst using a sensor located downstream of a downstream catalyst. In this way, a system configuration is achieved that allows for diagnosis as well as improved air-fuel ratio control.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling lean and rich operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap. In one example, the termination of the lean air-fuel mixture is based on an oxygen storage capacity of the NOx trap. In another example, the level and duration of rich air-fuel ratio purging operation is also controlled based on the oxygen storage capacity of the NOx trap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a secondary air stream in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle having control units (39, 40) for evaluating the actuating signals and sensor signals of the engine control and for regulating the secondary air stream (21). The position of the accelerator pedal (45) of the motor vehicle is included as a sensor variable to be used by the control unit (39) for regulating the secondary air stream (21).

Abstract: There is provided an exhaust gas treatment system for removing nitrogen oxide and sulfur trioxide in exhaust gas by using a catalyst characterized in that a SO3 reducing catalyst on the upstream side and a denitrifying catalyst on the downstream side are arranged in series with respect to the flow direction of exhaust gas. Also, there is provided an exhaust gas treatment method characterized by including a SO3 reducing process for reducing SO3 using a SO3 reducing catalyst on the upstream side and a denitrifying process for removing nitrogen oxides using a denitrifying catalyst on the downstream side with respect to the flow direction of exhaust gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of hydraulic module for actuating at least one hydraulic control element with a hydraulic pump in a housing, with an electric motor fastened to a first housing side for driving the pump, with a tank located on a second housing side opposite the first side for a hydraulic fluid, e.g. hydraulic oil, with flow channels produced in the housing produced preferably by bore holes for the hydraulic fluid to supply this fluid from the tank to a pump chamber, for transmitting the hydraulic fluid conveyed by the pump to a pressure connection located on the housing, for connection of the at least one actuating element and for returning the hydraulic fluid from the pressure connection into the tank.

Abstract: A failure detection device for a hydraulic motor of the present invention comprises a hydraulic pump 3 that is driven by a prime mover 2; a hydraulic motor 1 that is driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 3; an abnormality detection device 35 that detects an abnormal operation of the hydraulic motor 1; and a warning device 30, 39, 40 that issues a warning when the abnormal operation of the hydraulic motor 1 is detected by the abnormality detection device 35.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic pressurization system, in particular for application to pressurization devices operating in accordance with the high hydrostatic pressure principle.

Abstract: An engine comprising an enclosure having an open top surface and an interior volume partially filled with a fluid in both vapor and liquid phase and a biased diaphragm covering the open top surface of the enclosure. The biased diaphragm is movable between a concave and a convex states, thereby enabling instantaneous changing of the interior volume between a first lesser volume and a second greater volume respectively. A thrust tube extends laterally from the enclosure providing fluid communication between the interior volume and an external body of the fluid. A heater causes the fluid in the enclosure to produce a greater volume of the vapor phase. A thermal sensor enables the fluid to be heated and cooled cyclically thereby causing inflow and outflow of the fluid driving a thruster or a turbine.

Abstract: A Stirling engine which utilizes an inner and outer dual shell pressure containment system surrounding the high pressure and temperature engine components. The space between the shells is filled with a pressure backup gas and an insulation material with the backup gas being in communications with the working fluid. The backup gas and insulation provide a time varying pressure field, driven by the pressure variations in the Stirling engine working fluid, which cancels the pressure differential on the heat transfer tubing and allows an averaging of pressures during each cycle of engine operation. In one embodiment the backup gas is placed inside the inner shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic system, in particular for motor vehicles, including a master cylinder having a housing, a piston which is axially movably disposed therein, which bounds a pressure chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid, and which, upon actuation of the master cylinder, is axially moved by a piston rod acting upon the piston, thereby pressurizing the hydraulic fluid; further including a slave cylinder and a pressure-medium line connecting the cylinders; the master cylinder having an adapter for detachable connection to the pressure-medium line. The objective of improving the connection between the pressure-medium line and the adapter is achieved in that the adapter includes a sleeve made of a metal.

Abstract: In the disclosed secondary air supply system, an on-off valve (13) is driven by the discharge pressure of an air pump (12). A diaphragm chamber (44) is arranged in the neighborhood of a discharge outlet (54), and a part of the discharge air flows directly into the diaphragm chamber (44). Thus, the on-off valve (13) is positively operated even at high places with low atmospheric pressure and has a fast open/close response. As an electromagnetic actuator is not used to drive the on-off valve (13), the voltage supplied to the air pump (12) (DC motor (29)) does not drop inconveniently, and at the same time, the cost is reduced. Further, the number of the lead wires (65) is reduced.

Abstract: A supercharger arrangement for an engine assembly 10 is disclosed, the arrangement including first and second superchargers 22A, 22B that are mounted on the engine assembly by means of separate first and second mounting members 46, 48 respectively. Each mounting member defines an integrated supercharger lubrication conduit 62A, 62B, 64A, 64B and the present invention is characterized in that the superchargers 22A, 22B are of substantially identical construction and are separable from the first and second mounting members 46, 48.

Abstract: An improved torch igniter for use in devices such as thrust augmenters, gas turbine engines, ramjets, combined-cycle engines and industrial burners. The torch igniter includes a housing with a combustion chamber. Fuel and oxidizer are delivered into the combustion chamber and ignited by an electronic ignition source, such as a plasma jet igniter or a spark igniter, so that an upstream recirculation zone and a downstream recirculation zone are created. The upstream recirculation zone stabilizes and pilots combustion within the combustion chamber, while the downstream recirculation zone augments the combustion event. Byproducts of the combustion event within the torch igniter provide a high mass flux with high thermal energy and strong ignition source radicals that are discharged through a neck portion of the housing and are thereafter employed to initiate a primary combustion event in a primary combustor.

Abstract: A method enables a gas turbine engine including a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly coupled in axial flow communication downstream from the first rotor assembly to be assembled. The method comprises coupling an upstream end of an extension duct to an outlet of the first rotor assembly, wherein the extension duct includes a plurality of panels coupled circumferentially, and coupling a downstream end of the extension duct to an inlet of the second rotor assembly using at least one fish mouth seal.