Abstract: An inner circumference side annular groove is formed in an inner circumference edge part of a golf shoe sole of a synthetic rubber, an outer circumference side annular groove is formed in the radial outside of the annular groove, and an annular packing protrusion is formed between them. An inner circumference side annular rib is provided on the lower face of the base of the friction part, an outer circumference side annular rib is provided in the outer circumference edge part thereof, and the area between them is made an annular packing face. When the friction body is fitted in and held by the holder, the inner circumference side annular rib and the outer circumference side annular rib fit in the inner circumference side annular groove and the outer circumference side annular groove, respectively, and the annular packing protrusion tightly and elastically contacts and presses the annular packing face over the entire circumference.

Abstract: A replaceable excavating tooth point is telescoped onto an adapter nose and releasably retained thereon by an elongated, flat connector member having an untapered side periphery. The connector member longitudinally extends through aligned point and connector openings and blocks forward removal of the point from the adapter nose. A transverse point sidewall abutment surface facing one end of the installed connector member prevents it from moving outwardly through one of the point openings, and a rotatable lock member carried by the other end of the connector member and engageable with a groove in the other point opening releasably prevents the connector member from moving outwardly through the grooved point opening. A detent structure releasably holds the lock member in locking and unlocking orientations in which the lock member is prevented from moving parallel to the length of the connector member.

Abstract: A towel spreader is provided. A trailing corner is clamped to isolate an edge of a towel where the edge is either along a fold in a towel or along an outer extremity of the towel. The towel is then flattened in a single or two layers using motion and gravity while being held along the identified edge. The same or a different trailing corner is then rotated such that a back outer extremity edge of the towel is perpendicular with a direction of movement of a conveyor. By clamping the back edge while continuing to move a downstream conveyor and blow air on the towel, the towel is flattened out. The spread towel is then passed downstream for further processing, such as folding.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar for displaying a monthly calendar by aligning the desired monthly indicia with an appropriate yearly indicia. The calendar is based on a repeating five element pattern representing a four year repeating pattern, which, however, is modified for non-leap year centuries.

Abstract: A photo display device has a mounting bracket containing a rear flat surface to which are permanently attached magnets of suitable strength to allow the device to be magnetically affixed to a smooth metal surface such as the vertical wall or door of a refrigerator. Pivotally attached to the mounting bracket are multiple transparent sleeves each adapted to receive back-to-back photographs, cards, etc. The mounting bracket is such that the user can display and view all of the images merely by pivoting the transparent sleeves.

Abstract: A decorative shade for a video display with a screen has a window with an opening to attach to the video display in front of the screen on the video display, a rolling device mounted inside the window and a blind wound on the rolling device to selectively cover the screen. Wherein, the window can be mounted detachably on the video display or formed integrally on the video display. The blind selectively winds onto or off the rolling device to open or cover the screen. When the blind covers the screen, the decorative shade protects and keeps dust off the video display. Furthermore, the window has a decorative appearance, and a picture on the blind imitates a piece of artwork. Thereby, the video display is changed into an artistic decoration.

Abstract: A portable wordsign arrangement includes a wordsign supporter, a power supply supported by the wordsign supporter, a word character arrangement, which is formed by a plurality of illuminating characters, comprising at least a rope light having an electric connector end electrically connected to the power supply, wherein the rope light is shaped into the illuminating characters for increasing a visibility of the word character arrangement at a low light condition, and a plurality of mounting elements securely mounting the illuminating characters of the word character arrangement on the wordsign supporter. Therefore, the word character arrangement enables the user to customize each of the illuminating characters via the rope light to form as an indication sign.

Abstract: A sign system that is suitable for temporary use. A plurality of frame assemblies are provided which are secured at a desired site. A banner bearing a predetermined image to be displayed is securable to a number of frame assemblies and is erectable to a display position with respect to the frame assemblies. The system may be secured at an outside or inside site for temporary use for an event.

Abstract: An interlocking plastic display has a first member formed as a first shot of an injection molding process. The first member includes a submerged grid system which is formed only where necessary to connect otherwise unconnected portions of the top layer or to stabilize the top layer where openings may be relatively large. An array of spacers is formed beneath those portions of the top layer having material therein, to space the top layer from the bottom of the mold used during a second shot of injection molding. No spacers are formed beneath completely spaces of the top layer in which no material is disposed. The arrangement of the spacers provides an open area underneath the top layer, so that the second member may be formed in the second shot and allows the second shot material to flow around the spacers on the bottom of the mold to interlock the two members.

Abstract: A standard picture frame detachably connected to a video monitor of the kind having a digital display to receive and display photographic images that are downloaded from a compatible image source so as to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the monitor to match the surroundings in which the monitor will be stationed. In the assembled relationship, the picture frame is attached to the front of the monitor so as to lie in surrounding engagement with a picture frame mount, whereby the digital display is visible through the central window of the frame. In a first embodiment, a pair of slidable locking latches project outwardly and in opposite direction from the monitor for receipt by the existing peripheral groove formed in the picture frame. In a second embodiment, a pivotal locking latch and a stationary locking tab project outwardly and in opposite directions from the monitor for receipt by the existing peripheral groove in the frame.

Abstract: The forward mounting rail system for fire control and other accessories for attachment to automatic and semi-automatic; weapon providing three additional MIL-STD-1913 mounting rails to supplement the one standard MIL-STD-1913 mounting rail currently used on the M249 SAW. The forward mounting rail system for the 5.56 mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon) consists of a two piece base which attaches directly to the M249 SAW using existing holes in the receiver of the said weapon. The two piece configuration facilitates ease of use and manufacture by reducing the number of parts required to affix the mounting rail on the weapon.

Abstract: A chambering device for a gun includes a shank having a plurality of cutting flutes, a projection extending from one end of the shank, at least one spacer disposed about the projection, and a shaft extending from the shank opposite the projection and adapted to rotate the shank along an interior of the barrel of the gun for enlarging the interior and providing a desired head spacing.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and soil.

Abstract: A sliding door has a sash suspended from a top leg of a frame by having a curved channel extend along this leg and providing the sash with a post that passes through the channel and a roller attached to the post, such that the roller sits on the leg and permits the sash to slide relative to the frame. In closing the door, the sash moves towards the inner portion of the frame and is pressed against a compression gasket that extends about the inner portion of the door in order provide an airtight seal between the sash and the frame. A handle is operatively connected to a dog that is attached to the frame which dog acts on an inner wall of a jamb on the frame in order to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A slim-frame door is guided in a guide rail by a sliding piece. The door includes a hollow section in which a compensating element is displaceably arranged, the compensating element being connected to the sliding piece and being capable of moving in the vertical direction in the hollow section in order to compensate for slopes present between a horizontal edge of the sliding door and the guide rail as the sliding door is moved. At least one end in its direction of movement, the sliding piece has a wedge which prevents the sliding piece from jamming on small objects in the guide rail. A pivoting fitting includes a carrying arm arranged in a carrier section, and a shaft fixed in a horizontal section of the door leaf. The door leaf is pivotably mounted on the carrier section.

Abstract: An automated closure assembly (20) is disclosed for a motor vehicle (10). A lateral linkage is connected to the drive mechanism (25) receiving the rotational force and translates the rotational force of the drive mechanism into a linear force to move the door between the open position and an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The automated closure assembly also includes a secondary linkage that is connected to both the lateral linkage and the drive mechanism. The secondary linkage translates the rotational force into a linear force to move the door between the intermediate position and the open position such that the door is able to move to its open position past the opening within which the lateral linkage extends.

Abstract: An adjustable automatic positioning hinge for a glass door has a doorframe bracket, a body, a spindle, a U-shaped male bracket and a U-shaped female bracket. The U-shaped male bracket and the U-shaped female bracket face and are attached to each other. The body is attached to the doorframe bracket, the U-shaped male bracket, the U-shaped female bracket and the spindle pivot relative to the body. A glass door is clamped between the U-shaped male bracket and the U-shaped female bracket. A spindle anchor hole is formed in central protrusion on the male bracket. The spindle has a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole radially formed in the spindle at an obtuse angle and setscrews screwed through the central protrusion into the first threaded hole and the second threaded hole hold and can be used to adjust the spindle.

Abstract: A double or single hung window assembly includes a rectangular main frame formed by a pair of vertical jamb members rigidly connected by a horizontal sill member and a horizontal head member, and each of the members comprises an extrusion of rigid plastics material. The frame members have outer walls for the rough window opening and laterally spaced inner sloping walls, and the inner and outer walls mate at mitered welded corner joints. The jamb members also have inner channel walls for receiving sliding hardware for at least one sash frame formed of extrusions of rigid plastics material. The inner sloping wall of the sill member has an upwardly projecting integral rib which cooperates with a downwardly projecting stop member or rib on the bottom of the sash frame to limit deflection of the sash frame under high negative windloads.

Abstract: A device for protecting a gutter wherein the gutter has a generally C-shaped portion extending from a front wall thereof, the guard member having an elongated configuration with a generally planar central portion and first and second longitudinally extending sides on either side of the generally planar central portion, a plurality of apertures extending through the generally planar central portion, a first side of the guard member having an upwardly extending portion designed to fit within the recess, and a second side of the guard member having an upwardly extending wall designed to abut the rear wall of the gutter. The device and eaves trough may be secured by placing a fastening member through the rear upper wall of the eaves through and a second side of the guard member.

Abstract: The Improved Aseismic System of the present invention isolates a structure from seismic forces, and wind forces and seismic forces combined. During an earthquake the structure will slide on seismic filters, while gas dampeners act as shock absorbers to absorb the tremors and keep the structure from impacting its foundation. Fluid flow control assemblies control the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action ram assemblies and the gas dampeners. Seismic filters provide a frictionless base for the structure support pillars to isolate them from the foundation and any forces which would otherwise be transmitted from the foundation to the structure's support pillars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure. The buckling restrained brace of the present invention is accomplished by a buckling restrained brace 1 wherein a steel-made center axial member 3 is passed through a buckling-constraining concrete member 2 reinforced with a steel member 6, and an adhesion-preventive film 4 is provided to the interface between the steel-made center axial member and buckling-constraining concrete 5, the adhesion-preventive film showing a secant modulus in the thickness direction of at least 0.

Abstract: A temporary stairway rail support for erecting a temporary stairway rail for use and safety during the construction phase of the building, the temporary stairway rail support having planar base member in contact with a portion of the stair tread, an L-shaped open stringer/riser engaging portion formed of two planar adjacent, depending side walls having formed therein a nosing/tread edge engaging portion which is C-shaped in cross section and engages the lower face of the nosing, the outer edge of the nosing and a portion of the tread at the corner of a step above an open stringer, and a tubular upright member secured to the upper surface of the planar base member portion, said tubular upright member dimensioned to support a temporary newel post or temporary baluster upon which a temporary hand rail can be secured.

Abstract: A glass pane with plastic bordering for fixed side and rear windows as well as moonroofs of a vehicle. The glass pane comprises a groove formed in the plastic bordering adapted to receive a resilient sealing profile. The plastic bordering with the sealing profile press fit in the groove is adapted to secure the glass pane within a chassis of a vehicle as well as provide weather sealing. The contour of the plastic bordering is adapted to accurately locate and self-center the glass pane within a receiving chassis.

Abstract: The invention provides a removable and reusable door frame guard for a door frame comprising a door jamb, door stop and trim molding attached to a plaster wall. The guard comprises an elongated member having a substantially planar web with depending parallel side panels normal to the planar web. One or both of the side panels terminate with two right angled flanges adaptable for a gripping action with the trim molding and plaster wall. For the hinge side, one side panel has a width about equal to the width of the door stop and about terminates at the jamb, and this narrow panel is adaptable to abut the side of the door stop, as well as the jamb along the marginal edge, thereby providing a gripping action at this side of the guard. Thus, when the guard component is installed over the door frame, the elongated member is adaptable to at least partially engage the door jamb and abut the door stop, and at least one side of the guard is adaptable to grip the trim molding.

Abstract: A threaded collar is rotatably, axially extended to the inner surface of an opening in a wall for receiving a window, from a collar that is fixedly mounted in the window's jamb, and the rotatable collar is fastened to the inner surface by a screw that extends axially through the rotatable collar.

Abstract: A modular system of construction of loft apartment buildings. This type of unit is in high demand in many metropolitan areas, and the modular nature of the inventive buildings allows them to be produced quickly and at low cost. In addition, the invention provides a novel system for interconnecting apartments quickly during construction, providing further cost savings. A mix of apartment types, including handicapped-accessible apartments, may be placed in each building, with the proportions of different apartment types being tailored to the needs of the local market and the constraints of local building codes. The apartment modules may be sized to permit convenient shipping of modules within the constraints of overland shipping regulations.

Abstract: A corner assembly for concrete form panels has a pair of rigid members. Each member has a bend therein to form a selected dihedral angle. Each member has horizontal slots formed therein and receiver plates which are received in the slots and extend through the concrete panel forms. The receiver plates are connected by a bridge member. The members are spaced apart by a selected distance and a removable bridge is disposed between the pair of rigid members. At least one concrete panel form is juxtapositioned to and connected to each of the rigid members. One of the rigid members is disposed exteriorly of the at least one concrete panel form. Concrete is disposed interiorly of the at least one concrete panel form. The corner assembly is adjustable to provide support for the corner of the construction.

Abstract: A decorative door molding includes an elongated panel having a contoured top surface. The contoured top surface has at least a first and second raised portion extending along the top surface. The first and second raised portions have a first and a second predetermined height and form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights. A decorative door is also provided that includes a generally rectangular frame and an interior panel connected to the frame. The frame includes at least one panel having the contoured surface. The contoured surface has first and second raised portions having first and second predetermined heights. The first and second raised portions form a recessed portion. A raised decorative portion is formed on at least a portion of the recessed portion and has a height that is less than the smaller of the first and second predetermined heights.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: A hollow flanged joist comprises a center web section and top and bottom flange sections containing hollow channels. The center web section has two parallel vertical webs and at least one horizontal web extending perpendicularly between the vertical webs. The top and bottom flange sections each extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each end of the center web section and consist of a horizontal end web, two vertical side webs extending inwardly from the far ends of the end web, two horizontal inner webs extending between the inner ends of the side webs and center vertical webs, and, optionally, a number of vertical support webs extending between the end web and the outermost center horizontal web or the inner webs. Preferably, the hollow flanged joist is made from moisture resistant materials and is dimensioned comparably to wooden joists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.

Abstract: A capital to be placed upon a hollow column having a non-uniform cross section with a maximum inner dimension and a minimum inner dimension. The capital has an ornamental upper portion attached to a neck. The neck possesses a maximum outer cross-sectional dimension which is intermediate in size between the maximum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by the neck and the minimum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by said neck. The neck also has a minimum outer cross-sectional dimension smaller than the minimum inner cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the column intended to be occupied by said neck.

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 form-fill-seal device for forming bags from a web-shaped foil material, filling them with products and subsequently sealing them, the device comprising a foil supply station having means for holding a roll of foil web, a form shoulder for transforming the foil web into a foil tube and a station placed between the supply station and the form shoulder for applying a zipper strip transverse to the foil web for each bag to be made, the foil web following a first transport track between the supply station and the application station and a second transport track between the application station and the form shoulder, respectively, the device comprising a driver for continuously driving the foil web, the device further comprising a buffer former for forming a buffer length of foil web, which buffer former comprises a first foil web diverter and a second foil diverter, which engage onto the first and second track of the foil web respectively, and are connected to each other for simultaneous but opposite movement by

Abstract: A rigid of smoking articles is made to have improved shelf life and to be resealable. A barrier material is sealed around the rigid pack. The rigid pack has a potential or actual access aperture extending from a top face into a major face. The barrier material has a line of severance or weakening defining a flap, which is in register with the potential or actual access aperture. Over the flap is a layer which overlaps it on each severable side with a portion having permanently-tacky adhesive. A non-adhered pull tab is preferably provided on the layer. To open the pack the user lifts the flap and if necessary the access aperture. After removal of a smoking article the gap in the barrier layer is reclosed and released by the repositioning of the adhesive layer, carrying with it the flap of barrier material. A machine for assembling the pack is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension that follows a line of feed; placing a first wrapping on the group of products to form a package that holds the products together; expelling the package thus obtained along the feed line; turning the package through an angle of 90°; placing over the first wrapping a second stretch film wrapping on the package thus obtained, the second wrapping having at least one narrowed strap-like segment surrounding a part of the package. The invention also relates to an apparatus that implements this method and the package obtained using the method.

Abstract: A stack of sheet-type objects are bundled while supported on a support plate. A banding strip is guided in a channel formed in the plate. The support plate can be pushed through a shaft that is formed by a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tongue is displaceable between an extended position, in which it separates the channel from the surface of the supporting plate, and a withdrawn position in which the channel is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate. A spring is used to hold the banding strip in contact with an underside of the stack of sheet-type objects.

Abstract: A vertical pouch forming, filling and sealing machine and method for making pouches and filling same with a liquid content in the range of about 5 to 20 liters, is described. As a pouch is being filled with a liquid it descends into a support cage to restrain the pouch from ballooning out and prevents the weight of the liquid in the filled pouch from tensioning the film in the hot horizontal seal zone of the horizontal sealer. The support cage compensates for loss of surface tension of the film in the hot horizontal seal zone during the horizontal sealing cycle. The cage also has a gate section to discharge the filled pouch by gravity after the horizontal sealing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping products with plastic film includes: a ring-shaped element supporting a carriage; a drive mechanism for moving the ring-shaped element relative to the group of products; and, a motor for driving the carriage. The carriage mounts a roll of film and a pre-stretching unit that includes a pair of rollers and a transmission and control roller that swings towards and away from the products and is designed to start or stop film feed according to its position relative to the products. The drive mechanism for the pre-stretching unit includes a kinematic chain including the motor and a drive take-off track. An engage/release unit is connected to and controlled by the transmission roller and designed to transmit drive from the take-off track to the pre-stretching rollers according to the position of the transmission roller.

Abstract: A position control for a crop pickup device which is mounted for vertical movement relative to an agricultural harvester. A measuring device is provided for determining the distance from the crop pickup device to the ground, wherein the position of the crop pickup device relative to the ground is adjustable by one control device as a function of the measured ground distance. The distance to the ground is determined by the measuring device at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel. As a result, advantageously the inclination of the ground can be determined and used for optimized control of ground simulation of the crop pickup device. Additionally, the cutting angle can be adapted automatically to the slope of the ground, to avoid crop losses and impede damage to the grain header.

Abstract: In an electric lawn mower, a rechargeable battery and an electric motor activatable by the battery are mounted in a machine body section, and a cutter blade is provided within a cutter housing and rotatable via the electric motor to cut grass. Cover member collectively covers the battery and electric motor. The cover member is shaped to progressively slant upward in a front-to-rear direction of the machine body section, and the cover member has an opening formed in its lower front end portion and an air vent formed in its rear end portion to thereby permit ventilation from the opening to the air vent such that the battery and electric motor can be cooled by air flows.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a vehicle body, and a grass-cutting unit for cutting grass into long grass strips that move into a grass-shredding device, within which the long grass strips are shredded. Shredded grass drops from the grass-shredding device onto the lawn so as to serve as humus.

Abstract: A header of a crop harvester is equipped with a plurality of side-by-side arranged intake and mowing drums, including two adjacent intake and mowing drums at one side of a crop outlet of the header, which rotate such that the one closest the outlet rotates to deliver crop first inward and then to the rear directly into a conveying channel located at the rear of the closest intake and mowing drum, while the other drum rotates to deliver crop first outward and then to the rear. A second crop conveying channel is located for receiving the crop harvested by the outer intake and mowing drums and for keeping this crop separate from that harvested by the inner intake and mowing drum until the separate streams merge at the crop outlet after being elevated there by a slope conveyor provided for lifting the crop from the working height of intake and cutting drums to the crop outlet, which is at a height above the working height.

Abstract: A cut-resistant, machine knittable, composite yarn that utilizes a yarn or fiber strand or component of normal strength (no greater than 10 grams per denier tenacity) liquid crystal polymer, to provide a composite yarn of comparable high cut-resistance to composite yarns of similar construction that utilize high strength synthetic yarn or fiber. Also protective articles of apparel knitted from such yarn, specifically a cut-resistant protective glove.

Abstract: A rotor shaft of an open-end spinning rotor is provided with a peg-like shaft end having a reduced diameter. The shaft end has a front-end supporting surface which can be arranged to a step bearing, said supporting surface being provided with a wear-resistant insert. The reduced diameter of the peg-like shaft end is at least 0.68 times the diameter of the rotor shaft. In addition, the reduced diameter of the shaft end measures at least 0.82 times the length of the peg-like shaft end.

Abstract: A non-annular, hollow chain link is provided with a gap and is capable of being intertwined to form a jewelry rope chain. The gap faces the widest dimension of the link, and faceting surfaces are preferably disposed adjacent the gap. When compared with an annular, prior art link having a diameter that is equivalent to the widest dimension of the non-annular link, the faceting surfaces present a greater faceting surface area than the faceting surfaces of such annular, prior art link. Thus, a faceted rope chain formed from such hollow, non-annular chain links will have a greater faceting presence and appearance than an equivalent rope chain formed from annular chain links.

Abstract: A segmented exhaust nozzle for attenuating noise from a turbofan jet engine without adversely impacting the operability or operability limit related performance of the engine. The exhaust nozzle includes spaced apart fan nozzle inner and outer walls which form an annular exhaust gas flow path therebetween. The fan nozzle outer wall is segmented at the downstream end. The outer wall curves inwardly towards the inner wall and then turns back away from the inner wall to form an arcuate protrusion that extends into the exhaust gas flow path forming an aerodynamic throat. Through the segmented portion of the nozzle, the outer wall then continues to curve away from the inner wall before again curving back towards the inner wall at a nozzle exit station. The nozzle exit effective area is approximately equal in cross sectional area to a conventional exhaust nozzle exit area.

Abstract: A method for predicting oxygen capacity of an LNT during storage phase of such LNT and the amount of NOx stored in the LNT during purge phase thereof as a function of the time history of an output signal produced by an exhaust gas sensor disposed downstream of the LNT. Oxygen storage capacity of the (LNT) is estimated by integrating output signal over time to determine the amount of oxygen stored in the LNT as function of time.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of an internal combustion engine has an EGR cooler in an EGR passage connecting an exhaust manifold with an intake manifold. The EGR cooler cools EGR gas recirculated through the EGR passage. Cooling performance detecting means included in an electronic control unit (ECU) determines that cooling performance of the EGR cooler is degraded when intake pressure measured by an intake pressure sensor is lower than a normal intake pressure by at least a predetermined value. When the degradation of the cooling performance is detected, cooling performance regeneration controlling means included in the ECU increases the temperature inside the EGR cooler by heating the exhaust gas to eliminate soot or unburned hydrocarbon by oxidization. Thus, the cooling performance of the EGR cooler is regenerated.