Abstract: A novel pool deck structure channel located beneath a swimming pool deck surface is disclosed that incorporates both a drainage device and a pool safety fence support structure. The unique channel design eliminate the need to have separate support holes drilled in a pool deck surface that can be a safety hazard when not in use, cause functional problems due to dirt and debris, and are not otherwise aesthetically pleasing. The unique channel design includes an elongated trough extending beneath the pool deck surface for supporting a drainage device, a plurality of holes in the trough, and a plurality of inserts within the holes that extend into the trough in order to support pool safety fence support posts.

Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing adjacent, parallel boards to a transverse structure, including a top plate having flanges to fit into slots cut into the sides of boards, a center hole in the top plate to accommodate a screw or nail, and top and bottom tabs to provide uniform spacing and to support the fastener during attachment to the support structure.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds. In another embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing a compound of the type which will contribute to corrosion resistance either through chloride ion sequestering or creating barriers around metal structural elements with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: An automotive window trim molding for fixed glass windows is formed from a flexible polymeric material and has a channel section for receiving an edge of a fixed glass window. A double-sided adhesive foam tape is provided on an interior wall of the channel section to bond the molding to a glass panel received within the channel.

Abstract: A container and spout assembly apparatus for assembling a plurality of flexible containers with corresponding spouts. The container and spout assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of assembly stations, a container introduction station, a spout introduction station and a container removal station. Each of the plurality of assembly stations is substantially rotatably positioned about a general axis of rotation. In addition, each of the plurality of assembly stations includes a container manipulating assembly, a spout grasping and positioning member and a joining assembly. The container manipulating member is capable of retaining and manipulating a flexible container. The spout grasping and positioning member is capable of relatively positioning a spout in a desired position relative to a flexible container upon at least one of manipulation and retention thereof by the container manipulating assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for slicing food products and for conveying portions of a plurality of imbricated or stacked slices of the product, comprising a slicing device and an additional processing unit arranged below the slicing device, especially a packaging machine, in addition to a transfer device which is arranged between the slicing device and the processing unit whereby portions are transferred to the transfer device from the slicing machine and from there said portions are transported to the packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a product support with at least one substantially horizontally extending support area for at least one respective portion which is to be transported.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: Methods of producing a laminated package with an opening which is sealed by a tear-off strip or a pouring element as well as a corresponding laminated package are described. To be able to produce a laminated package with such a closure inexpensively, the following steps are provided in the method punching out an opening in a packaging material, coating the packaging material at least in the area of the opening, creating a package sheathing from the coated packaging material, conveying the package sheathing to a filling machine or to an equipment unit from the filling machine, and attaching a tear-open strip to the opening in the package sheathing in the filling machine or in the equipment unit upstream from the filling machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.

Abstract: An automated reclosable packaging manufacturing equipment for applying zipper tape to bag making film, especially as part of a form-fill-seal process, and a method of joining a zipper flange of a zipper assembly to bag making film without “seal-through” of the zipper flanges. The method comprises the steps of: (a) pressing a web of bag making film and first and second zipper flanges of a zipper assembly together along the length of the latter, with the first zipper flange sandwiched between and in contact with the web of bag making film and the second zipper flange; and (b) during step (a), causing heat to be conducted through the web of bag making film into the first zipper flange. The amount of heat conducted through the web of bag making film must be sufficient to seal the web of bag making film to the first zipper flange without sealing the first zipper flange to the second zipper flange.

Abstract: A method of roll packing a variety of compressible materials is provided which prevents the rotatable mandrel about which the materials are rolled from radially collapsing. The method further provides for easy removal of the roll packed material without tearing or telescoping of the material. One embodiment of the present invention provides for wrapping a corrugated material around the rotatable mandrel prior to the compressible material being wrapped around the mandrel. In another embodiment, roll-packing material is laminated prior to being wound upon the mandrel before the compressible material is wrapped around the mandrel.

Abstract: There is described a packaging machine (1) for producing sealed aseptic packages (2) of a pourable food product from a tube (3) of packaging material fed along a vertical path (A) and filled continuously with the food product. The machine (1) has gripping means (13, 14) for gripping the tube (3) at equally spaced cross sections (15); and sealing means (23, 24; 34, 35) for sealing the packaging material of the tube (3) along the cross sections (15), and in turn having a first and a second sealing device (23, 24; 34, 35) forming part of respective distinct, successive units (10, 20) of the machine (1). The first sealing device (23, 24) interacts with the cross sections (15) of the tube (3) for a time (T1) shorter than the time (T) required to achieve complete sealing of the cross sections (15), but sufficient to form respective temporary aseptic transverse sealing bands (25); and the second sealing device (34, 35) interacts with said temporary sealing bands (25) to seal them completely. (FIGS.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilizing the movement of containers on a conveyor and indexing the movement of the containers with respect to the movement of the conveyor. The stabilization minimizes the problem of the containers tipping over or pushing too hard against each other. Indexing the movement of the containers with respect to the movement of the conveyor allows the position of the containers to be known on the conveyor.

Abstract: In a processing station for a mail processing machine, a housing is formed by parallel housing side parts, standing opposite each other at a distance corresponding to the width of the conveying track of the mail processing machine, a housing part connecting these across the conveying track and a supporting partition fixed to the connecting housing part, situated in a vertical median plane relative, to the distance between the housing side parts and parallel to the housing side parts, and restricted to a prismatic or cylindrical space above a level at a distance from the surface of the conveying track. The supporting partition serves to support bearings for axles and shafts of an actuating apparatus arranged in the processing station in question, in such a manner that the space immediately above the conveying track surface is kept free of drive members and control members for the actuating apparatus in order to enable large-format inserts or sets of inserts to be passed through the processing station.

Abstract: A support bar has an upper end and a lower end. A motor housing is coupled to the lower end of the support bar. The motor has a rotatable drive shaft and a pair of wires. The wires extend from the drive shaft. The wires are rotatable in a primary plane parallel with a plane of the grass to be mowed. The wires alternately are rotatable in a secondary plane. A deck is coupled to the housing and the deck. A flap and a pair of hinges couple the housing to an adjacent portion of the deck. A pair of riding wheels is coupled to the deck and adapted to ride on a top surface of grass when edging soil. A pair of guard wheels is coupled to the deck and adapted to ride on a side face of soil when edging soil.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a frame, a motor connected to the frame, a driver's seat located on the frame, a cutting blade connected to the motor, a deck located above the cutting blade and vertically movably mounted to the frame, and a draft rod connected between the deck and a portion of the frame. The draft rod is movably connected between the deck and the portion of the frame to limit upward vertical movement of the deck relative to the frame to a predetermined upper stop location.

Abstract: A drive system for a crop processing device and for a crop transport device of a forage harvester, can be operated at least in a first operational mode and in a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the crop processing device is driven by a first drive power supplying device, and at least part of the drive power is made available to the crop transport device by a second drive power supplying device. The second drive power supplying device is a reversible, variable speed device and is solely coupled to the crop processing device when the drive system is in a second operational mode. In order to prevent a movement of the crop transport device in the second operational mode, in which, e.g., the crop processing device can be worked with a sharpening device, a stop device is suggested that stops the crop transport device in the second operational mode.

Abstract: The device consists of a replaceable windguard tine for a windguard assembly on an agricultural round baler. The windguard tine comprises a first tine portion parallel to a second tine portion. A support region connects the first tine portion and second tine portion. The windguard pipe has a series of tine apertures through which the first and second tine portions are inserted. The support region is bound to the windguard pipe by using a clip. The clip has a tine catch and a pipe release to allow for easy removal and installation of the windguard tine.

Abstract: A yard waste collection bag for providing a user with a biodegradable bag that would be attached to a yard machine discharge chute. The yard waste collection bag includes a main bag member having a perimeter wall that extends between a first and second end. The first end is open. The first end is designed for engaging an output of yard maintenance equipment. The second end is closed such that the second and the perimeter wall form a bag for collecting yard waste discharged from the yard maintenance equipment. At least one elongate member is coupled to the second end of the main bag member. The elongate member is for facilitating holding and transporting the main bag member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus removably attachable to a rotary lawn mower for collecting grass, leaves, and debris in a disposable collection bag, such as a plastic garbage bag.

Abstract: A crop pick-up arrangement and height gauge arrangement is proposed in which, on the one hand, a skid shoe and on the other hand, a wheel are attached to a pivot arm assembly and can be pivoted about a horizontal transverse axis located between the skid shoe and the wheel. The skid shoe extends under the crop pick-up arrangement and therefore does not increase its width. Crop pick-up arrangements and height gauge arrangements may be used on various kinds of agricultural machines for lifting crop into the machines for further processing or transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain assembly method for joining a single or multiple link-plate chain having alternating, uncranked outer and inner chain links using prefabricated inner chain links in particular comprising two parallel link plates and parallel hollow pins connecting the latter. This assembly method is to be simplified as compared with production methods used hitherto for link plate chains.

Abstract: A control system and methodology for a gas turbine having multiple fuel valves for multiple combustion chambers involves tuning the fuel values to associated combustion chambers to optimize nitrous oxide emissions; dynamic pressure, and variation in fuel/air ratio. Further, fine tuning of the fuel values is then used to maintain dynamic pressure oscillations, nitrous oxide emissions or variation in fuel/air ratio within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system that includes one or more power drive units operable to supply a drive force. The power drive unit includes a motor and at least two output sections, each operably coupled to transmit the drive force to the thrust reverser movable components. Each of the output sections is operable to decouple the motor from associated thrust reverser movable components upon a torque magnitude being reached in the output section. A deadband coupler is provided to couple the first and second output sections together a time period after the torque magnitude is reached in one of the output sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the post-treatment of exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the following are provided: a hydrolysis unit (10) and a metering device (15) connected to it via a hydrogen line (17) for the metered addition of hydrogen to the untreated exhaust gas (A) and/or to the exhaust gas treated by means of an oxidation catalytic converter (3), and a control/regulating unit (18) that is functionally connected to the hydrolysis unit (10) and the metering device (15) in order to control or regulate the production of hydrogen in the hydrolysis unit (10) and the metering device (15) as a function of certain operating states of the internal combustion engine (1) and registered parameters of the exhaust-gas system (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An exhaust-gas purification installation for purifying exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust-gas catalytic converter which is arranged in an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine and a catalytic fuel reformer for generating a hydrogen-containing reformer gas which can be fed to the exhaust pipe on an entry side of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter. It is possible for a hydrocarbon-containing fuel, which can be used to operate the internal combustion engine, to be fed to the fuel reformer in order to generate the reformer gas. An exhaust-gas heater can heat the exhaust-gas part-stream which is fed to the fuel reformer. In a method according to the invention, an exhaust-gas part-stream which is removed from the exhaust pipe is heated and fed to the fuel reformer.

Abstract: An engine diagnostic system for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap with a sensor coupled downstream of the trap. The sensor provides two output signals, one indicative of an air-fuel ratio and the second indicative of a NOx concentration. Construction of the sensor insists that proper indication of NOx concentration is dependent upon proper operation of the first output signal. Degradation of the NOx concentration signal is determined when the first output signal has degraded.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which mitigates deleterious poisoning of a catalytic converter or exhaust gas oxygen sensor by phosphorus containing species.

Abstract: A method and system for freeze protecting liquid NOx reductants, preferably used in vehicle applications, wherein a liquid NOx reductant, carried onboard a vehicle exposed to cold weather conditions, is heated by existing thermal energy generated by fuel compression. The heated fuel heats a potentially frozen reductant and the liquid reductant is supplied to an exhaust gas pipe in front of a catalyst for reducing NOx on the surface of the catalyst and catalytically converted into environmentally safe nitrogen and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying a gas flow, the method comprising spraying of water mist into the gas flow by utilizing at least one spray nozzle thereby causing a negative pressure in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle for sucking the gas flow into the sprayed spray. The method provides a simple and inexpensive method for purifying gases, such as exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. The invention further relates to an apparatus for implementing the method. The apparatus comprises a support structure (3) to which at least one spray nozzle (4) is arranged, the operation of the spray nozzle producing a suction that creates a negative pressure in the immediate vicinity of the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Hydraulic oil supplied from pumps (12),(13) to an attachment actuator (60) is controlled by attachment control valves (27),(28). Hydraulic oil supplied from pumps (12),(13) to other actuators (52),(54),(56),(58) is controlled by other control valves (21) through (26). Control conditions for operating the attachment actuator (60) alone and control conditions for operating the attachment actuator (60) simultaneously with any of the other actuators (52),(54),(56),(58) are discriminated by the pilot pressure sensors (32),(34),(36),(38). Control characteristics of the attachment control valves (27),(28) are controlled by a controller (43) based on the discriminated control conditions.

Abstract: A slotted spool valve for a speed control apparatus offering rapid response to prevent speed searching and cogging at low speed settings. Round port spool valve arrangements are replaced with a valve arrangement having rectangular-shaped ports. Response of the rectangular-shaped ports provides for rapid and sufficient fluid flow or bypass with less movement of a control shaft than that required for use with round port spool valve arrangements.

Abstract: A stirling engine with variable stroke can change output power in the same rotating speed. By an adjuster, it changes the contact position of the piston connecting rods and the swash plate to cause the connecting rods have different track on the swash plate. Then there will produce different distance to change the stroke of the piston of the engine. It changes the torque to control the output power.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbine, particularly for a supercharger turbocompressor of an internal combustion engine, comprising an outer housing forming a spiral inlet channel for an operating fluid, a rotor supported in a rotary manner in the housing, and an annular vaned nozzle of variable geometry interposed radially between the channel and the rotor and comprising a control member moving axially in order to control of the flow of the operating fluid from the channel to the rotor, the control member being formed as an annular piston of a fluid actuator actuated directly by means of a control pressure.

Abstract: The bypass valve system of a turbo-charged engine includes a compressor coupled between an air intake and a cylinder. The system also includes a bypass valve coupled in a bypass passage between an intake manifold and the air intake. The bypass valve is configured to selectively open and close the bypass passage in response to a change in pressure downstream of the compressor. A throttle position sensor is configured to generate an electric signal that is proportional to a degree of opening of a throttle valve. Also, an electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to output an activating signal when a sudden closure of the throttle valve is detected based on the electric signal. Finally, a solenoid valve is configured to supply pressure downstream of the compressor to the bypass valve when it receives the activating signal.

Abstract: In order to control an actual temperature of a vapor generated by en evaporator (3) for heating water by an exhaust gas from an engine (1) to a target vapor temperature by varying the amount of water supplied from a supplied-water amount control injector (7), a control unit (11) controls the amount of water supplied in a feedforward manner in accordance to an engine rotational speed and an intake negative pressure and controls the amount of water supplied in a feedback manner based on a difference between the actual vapor temperature and the target vapor temperature. It is possible to control the actual temperature of the vapor generated by the evaporator (3) to the target vapor temperature with a high accuracy even in a transient state of the engine (1) by correcting a feedforward control value using at least one of a fuel-cut control signal, an ignition-retarding control signal, an EGR control signal and an air fuel ratio control signal which are parameters indicating a burned state of the engine (1).

Abstract: This invention provides a clutch engagement detecting apparatus, which can accurately detect the state of engagement of a clutch using a helical spline engagement structure, and a single-shaft combined plant having it, and is constructed as follows: If the difference between the detected value of the rotational speed of a gas turbine and the detected value of the rotational speed of a steam turbine is not more than a detection error by the time a predetermined time elapses after load is charged into the steam turbine, it is determined that the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A catalytic section of a combustor is formed from a spaced tandem array of corrugated panels. The exterior top and bottom surfaces of the panels are coated with a catalyst and the space between panels defines a passage for a fuel-rich/air mixture. The interior of the corrugated panels define cooling air passages for maintaining the catalyst and substrate on which it is formed, at acceptable temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the fuel supply of an aero gas turbine installed in an aircraft and to a fuel supply system. In order to avoid negative effects by out-gassed air in the fuel lines, the invention provides for an increased flow rate of the fuel in the fuel lines and for a fuel return line (6) for the return of excess fuel to the tank.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor, in particular for an aircraft engine, has at least one chamber, through which combustion gas flows in use, and which is defined by a lateral wall with channeling for feeding cooling air into the chamber and cooling the lateral wall; part of the channeling is defined by at least one double wall for guiding a relative stream of cooling air into the chamber in a tangential direction with respect to the lateral wall.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes inner and outer liners with a row 112, 114 of dilution air holes penetrating through each liner. The row 114 of holes in the outer liner comprise at least a set of large size, major outer holes 116 and may also include a set of smaller size minor outer holes 118 circumferentially intermediate neighboring pairs of the major outer holes. The row 112 of holes in the inner liner include dilution air holes circumferentially offset from the major outer holes and may also include a set of minor holes 122 circumferentially intermediate major inner holes 120. The major and minor holes admit respective major and minor jets of dilution air into the combustor. The unique distribution of major and minor holes and the corresponding major and minor dilution air jets helps to minimize NOx emissions and regulates the spatial temperature profile of the exhaust gases discharged from the combustor.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system provides for closed loop mass flow control of fuel between a metering valve and a pump, such as a variable delivery pump. Changes in pressure across the metering valve are monitored and pump operation is altered in response thereto. A thermal controller monitors fuel temperature and recirculates a portion of the fuel flow through a heat exchanger. The fuel delivery system can be provided as original equipment or as a retrofit.

Abstract: In a method for increasing the power output of a combined-cycle power station, comprising at least one gas turbo group, at least one heat recovery steam generator and at least one steam turbo group, with the gas turbo group comprising at least one compressor, at least one combustion chamber and at least one gas turbine, the heat recovery steam generator having at least one pressure stage and the steam turbo group comprising at least one steam turbine, in which combined-cycle power station air is compressed in a compressor, is then supplied as combustion air to a combustion chamber, the hot gas which is produced there is passed to a gas turbine, and the exhaust gas from the gas turbine is used in a heat recovery steam generator to produce steam for a steam turbo group, an immediate and rapid increase in the power output is achieved, and an additional power output from the combined-cycle power station is maintained in safe operating conditions, in that an supplemental firing is arranged to provide additional he

Abstract: A method of engine starting in a gas turbine engine comprises rotating the engine to provide an air flow into a combustor of the engine and injecting fuel into the combustor at a varying rate until the engine is lighted-off. The varying rate of the fuel flow is a function of time and is represented by a curve having at least one high frequency with respect to a light-off time, representing instant changes of the rate for intersecting a light-off zone while reducing a quantity of fuel injected into the combustor. After the light-off occurrence fuel is continuously injected into the combustor to accelerate the engine to a self-sustaining operation condition. This method of the present invention is adapted to find light-off points under various temperature and altitude conditions, thereby advantageously providing a rapid light-off, particularly under cold weather conditions.

Abstract: A method for gas turbine light-off that utilizes a fixed or secondary fuel line that provides a substantially constant flow of fuel to the combustor primarily upon light-off.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an insulated combustion chamber having a fuel mixture inlet and a spark plug nearby the inlet. A series of baffles is configured within the combustion chamber to absorb a shockwave caused by ignition of fuel mixture by the spark plug. A turbine receives reduced-pressure combustion gases from an exhaust-side of the baffles and there is a power takeoff at the turbine.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus has a storage vessel for storing a liquefied gas and an evaporated gas produced by evaporation of the liquefied gas, a cooling head cooled by the evaporated gas to approximately a boiling temperature of the liquefied gas, piping for conveying the evaporated gas from the storage vessel to the cooling head, and a gas collection port provided at one end portion of the piping above a liquid level of the liquefied gas for collecting only the evaporated gas from the storage vessel. Thus, contamination of a gas line, needle valve, or the like, can be avoided. In addition, a liquid level sensor may be provided in the storage vessel for sensing the liquid level of the liquefied gas, so that the gas collection port may be vertically moved within the storage vessel to collect cooled gas close to the liquid level.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.