Abstract: Illuminated message displays improve improving traffic safety by notifying drivers of the turning characteristics of semi trailers. Lamps mounted on the front of a circuit board and controlled by a microprocessor display a pattern of messages to warn motorists of the need to not be adjacent to a semi trailer when it makes a right hand turn, to notify motorists when a right hand turn is imminent, and to thank motorists for their cooperation. A wire connects the microprocessor and circuit board to the taillights of a semi trailer so that they are powered when the taillights are turned on. Circuit board holders releasably attach the circuit board to the rear door of a semi trailer. A pair of brackets with end caps are attached to the bottom of the rear bumper of a semi trailer to hold the circuit board and plates safely out of the way when the rear door of the semi trailer is opened.

Abstract: A framing system suitable for framing artwork, drawings, pictures and the like and mounting the framed work on a surface includes at least one frame member that cooperates with a plurality of mounting elements to surround the work with the frame member(s) and mount the resultant framed work to a mounting surface. The frame member(s) include a plurality of frame member portions that will be oriented toward the mounting surface when the framed work is mounted onto the surface. Each mounting element comprises magnetic material and adhesive material. The magnetic material and corresponding frame member portion provides magnetic coupling between the mounting element and the corresponding frame member portion that is used to releasably affix the frame members and the work to the mounting elements. The adhesive material is used to mount the resulting framed work to the surface by an adhesive bond between the mounting elements and the surface.

Abstract: An album page for displaying articles, such as photographs, includes an intermediate, preferably opaque, sheet and a pair of outer sheets made from a transparent plastic material. Die cuts are provided in the immediate sheet at a plurality of locations, and the two outer sheets are adhered to one another at the locations defined by the die cuts. The preferred album page does not use adhesives to bond either outer sheet to the intermediate sheet, and the die cut/seal areas are arranged to permit display of rectangular objects in either horizontal or vertical positions. The invention features an arrangement, which insures that horizontally displayed objects are supported on both sides of the bottom edge thereof to enhance the overall aesthetics of the filled page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and ejecting ignition devices into a muzzle-loading firearm. A magazine contains a plurality of ignition devices, which are sequentially loaded from the magazine onto the breech plug of the firearm by a sliding bolt or other loading assembly. After firing, the loading assembly is actuated to extract and eject the spent ignition device and load a new ignition device onto the breech plug.

Abstract: Safety devices for use with a handheld firearm are disclosed. The safety devices include a lever that can be pivoted into the travel path of the hammer of the firearm to preclude the hammer from striking a firing pin. In an example, the lever is connected to the trigger such that the safety device is released when the trigger is pulled. In another example, the lever protrudes into the magazine shaft of the firearm such that the safety device is only released when a magazine is inserted into the shaft.

Abstract: A gun loading device comprising a base member having a socket to receive the muzzle of a firearm to be loaded with a charge of powder and/or a bullet, a storage cylinder provided with a plurality of bores in a circular pattern which receive such charges and is rotatable about a fixed axis attached to the base member, an upper inlet member having an opening through which a plunger is perpendicularly slideable to push, sequentially, the charges of powder in the bores through a discharge opening in the base member, and multiple posts connecting the base and inlet members together, in a non-twistable configuration, with the cylinder being rotatable therebetween. Quick-releasable latch members preferably are used to secure the connecting member respectively to the base and inlet members, as well as render the elements readily disassembled for cleaning, and the preferred material from which the components of the device are formed is synthetic resin, such as “LEXAN” or A.B.F.

Abstract: A protective container for a fishing rod with a reel mounted on a handle portion of the rod. The container includes a rigid elongate tube having an inner surface defining a cavity adapted to receive the fishing rod; and a flexible housing attached to the tube adjacent one end that is adapted to enclose the reel and the handle portion of the rod on which the reel is mounted. That housing includes opposite wall portions having side wall parts each adapted to lie along and across a different side of the reel and handle portion of the rod, which wall portions include peripheral parts extending toward each other from the peripheries of the side wall parts that can be releasably attached together so that opposed inner surfaces of the wall portions define a cavity that can receive the reel and the handle portion of the rod on which it is mounted. The wall portions can be separated to allow the rod and reel to be placed in or removed from the container.

Abstract: A fish catching system includes a decapod-shaped fishing lure with a body and a tail having an aperture therethrough. The fish catching system further includes a hook securable to a fishing line. The hook passes through the aperture and engages the body of the lure such that the fishing line resides through the aperture. Alternatively, the fishing line passes through the aperture and secures to the hook, which then engages the body of the lure.

Abstract: A portable electrical mouse trap that has a housing in the shape of a cat to which a handle is attached. An interior cavity of the mouse trap contains a primary motion sensor near its entrance, a retractable primary gate, a reservoir of a fragrance that smells like fresh cheese, a secondary motion sensor near an entrance to the collection chamber, a retractable secondary gate and a vacuum source. The primary motion sensor and secondary motion sensor detect the presence of a mouse inside the interior cavity. The primary gate automatically opens when activated by the primary motion sensor and the secondary gate automatically opens when activated by the secondary motion sensor. A vacuum tube connects the vacuum source and collection chamber. The vacuum source sucks the mouse fully into the collection chamber and thereby suffocates it. A speaker informs a user when the collection chamber is full.

Abstract: A sealant for sealing around electrical conductors and/or conduits extending through an opening in a pad into a transformer housing. The sealant includes an insecticide dispersed throughout the sealant to kill the ants or insects attempting to enter the transformer housing through the pad opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for producing container plants in a covered raised-based environment.

Abstract: A connection structure for side bracket of door/window Venetian blind comprises a pair of Venetian door/window units, two decoration connection boards, an upper and a lower frames mounted onto the top and bottom edges of both Venetian door/window units respectively, and a stop plate fixed to the middle of a preset frame for location of both door/window units thereof in closing manner. Each Venetian door/window unit has a plurality of pivot couplers equidistantly disposed at one side thereof to be pivotally registered with coupling holes disposed at a stepwise pivot face of each decoration connection board. The other side of each decoration connection board has a front decoration face with various kinds of patterns disposed thereon, and a rear adjustment section via which the door/window Venetian blind thereof can be adjusted to preset frames of a wide range.

Abstract: A louver braking mechanism for use in shutters, used to hold the louvers in place against the moment arm resulting from the weight of the tilt bar urging the louvers to close. The disclosed mechanisms provide a frictional resistance to the louver pivotal movement, which must be overcome by the user in order to reposition the louvers. In a preferred embodiment, the frictional resistance increases as the louver begins to pivot.

Abstract: A sliding element system with at least one sliding element (2), at least one supporting element (4) extending in a displacement direction, and with at least one sliding element fitting (6,8) displaceable along the supporting element (4) and holding the sliding element (2). The sliding element (2) is formed at least partially of a transparent material and includes at least two transparent conducting current paths (10,12) which invisibly supply power to a power consumer (14) such as an illumination device, of the sliding element (2), and the transparent conducting current paths (10,12) are adapted to be supplied with power via the at least one sliding element fitting (6, 8).

Abstract: A trim piece for use with siding. The trim piece includes a proximal end portion that is adapted to engage a support structure such as a clip. A cover piece extends from the proximal end portion. When used as top course molding, the cover piece may cover the nailing hem of an underlying piece of siding. A distal end portion of the cover piece may be comprised of a flexible plastic material in order to account for the slop of the siding.

Abstract: Protective shrouds for temporarily protecting window assemblies, bathroom fixtures, and diverse prefabricated modules used in construction. The shrouds are fabricated from translucent plastic sheet material of polypropylene or polyethylene. A lower open port is selectively blocked by a foldable ventilation panel held in a deployed state by magnets. Rear mounted adhesive strips affix the shroud to the window. Top and side strips are bifurcated to enable rapid adjustments in height and length. When the tear away strips are removed, the exposed adhesive surface is pressed upon the target structure. Slight dimensional adjustments are made by pinching the sheet together, forming creases aligned with strip bifurcations, to gather material and shorten the shroud length or width. During subsequent dry-walling, shroud edges are captivated by wall board segments. Afterwards, the exposed junction between covered shroud and adjacent sheet rock portions is cut, and the shroud is torn away and discarded.

Abstract: Rectangular floor panels fit together to define a raised floor capable of accommodating wires/cables in a space within a building. Orthogonally arranged wireways are defined in a molded plastic portion that provides passageways between these wireways, and support post or pillars receive a composite top panel. The plastic panel portion has removable segments to accommodate outlet device brackets made accessible through openings in the top panel. One version has a recessed center portion of the plastic panel that can be fitted with an insert to define a central wireway channel, or to receive a centrally located floor box and hinged access door. Another version has a somewhat larger recessed center cavity with a smaller removable segment that can be left in place to better support the top panel when left in place. Removal of this center support/segment allows access to the wireways for the wires/cables in the orthogonally arranged wireways.

Abstract: A device for protection of property against high winds comprising a flexible material of predetermined strength and stretch characteristics, and in the form of a panel or several panels, utilized to protect the side of a structure including its windows and doors from the strong winds and debris impacts occurring during a hurricane. The device is anchored in a manner to space it out from the area being protected according to formula provided, and can safely dissipate substantial impacting energy. The preferred embodiment attaches to an overhanging eave and the ground below protecting in addition to the windows and doors, plantings, outdoor furniture, decorative shutters, downspouts, and such as are enclosed behind the barrier. Several methods of storage and deployment of said curtain are described including rolling, sliding, and converting to awning. The barrier has the added feature of acting as a tie down in certain applications.

Abstract: A base plate assembly and method of forming a base plate assembly for use with a wall panel structure that is pleasing in appearance, simple in construction, and easy to install. The base plate assembly is generally u-shaped with top and bottom flanges. Prongs are associated with the top flange that snap into slots on each side of the base of adjacent vertical members that hold wall panels. Slots are located in the bottom flange of the base plate assembly and fit over vertical tabs on each side of spaced supports that enable the height of the vertical members to be adjusted. Pivoting the base plate assembly upward about the vertical tabs allows the prongs to be inserted and locked in the corresponding slots in each side of the base of the adjacent spaced vertical members thereby forming a volume in which electrical wiring, including electrical outlets, may be located.

Abstract: A non-deformable laminated trim molding is provided to form watertight sealing between laminated panel members such as a counter top and a wall. The trim molding is laminated prior to installation so that the color of the laminated trim molding is related to the color of the laminated counter top. The trim molding includes a part to fit between panel members such as between a counter top and a wall or between a counter top and a back splash. A sealant layer between the laminated panel member and the laminated trim molding prevents water or other liquids from penetrating through to the substrate of the counter top, which is usually wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to flat and/or elongated building components (1, 2), preferably wooden, and a structure connecting these components (1, 2) in accordance with the groove and tongue principle. Two legs (3, 4) forming a groove (5) branch off from a front face of one of the components (1), and a tongue (6) branching off from a front face of the other component (2) can be inserted into the groove (5). Locking elements (7, 8) hold the components (1, 2) in an assembled position. In accordance with the invention, the locking elements are configured as triangular projections (7) and cavities (8) in facing or adjacent surfaces of the groove and/or tongue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plastic flooring that is assembled by concave portions and convex portions. The plastic flooring provides space between the concave portions and convex portions. The space absorbs the heat expansion of the plastic flooring such that the deformation of the plastic flooring is prevented. Also, the space stores an adhesive on a bottom floor such that crevices between the plastic flooring are prevented.

Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.

Abstract: A device which covers an underlying structural member, which protects both the underlying and overlaying structural members from rotting and/or corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture, such as water, ice, snow, fluids, etc. The device includes a base, mounted between the overlaying and underlying structural members, and a pair of flanges extending outwardly therefrom. The device further includes a plurality of moisture removal features which assist in the removal of moisture located between the overlaying and underlying structural members. The moisture removal features may be formed in parallel with the edge of the flanges, or at a desired angle therefrom.

Abstract: A building member forming apparatus having panels and a conversion corner bracket. The panels are typically dimensioned in metric units. The conversion corner bracket can include a leg having a predetermined width and a body configured to chamfer a building member. The conversion corner bracket is securable to the panels to form an orifice. When the orifice receives a construction material, the building member can be formed. By using the panels and the conversion corner bracket, the building member that has been formed within the orifice is chamfered and possesses standard U.S. customary units. The conversion corner creates a chamfer upon the building member and permits dimensioned panels with one set of units to form a building member with another set of units. The leg and the body are not symmetrical and include bores or apertures that align with bores or apertures in the building member forming apparatus.

Abstract: A form-fill sealing machine (1) for manufacturing resealable packages (W) includes a tearable line forming device (30) that serves to form tearable lines (104) in a film (F). A labeling device (40) serves to stick re-stickable labels (103) onto the film in positions to cover respective tearable lines. A tube forming device (60) serves to form the film into a tubular film (T). A first sealing device (80) serves to seal lapped edges of the tubular film so as to form a lengthwise sealed portion (111). A second sealing device (90) serves to seal the tubular film in a crosswise direction, so that crosswise sealed portions (109) are formed on the tubular film. Each tearable line is positioned between two adjacent crosswise sealed portions and adjacent to one of two adjacent crosswise sealed portions.

Abstract: A discharge and transfer apparatus for adjacent separated, objects, such as logs of interfolded sheets discharged from an interfolder, and for supplying the logs of sheets sequentially to downstream processing equipment, such as a packaging or wrapping mechanism for applying packaging or wrapping material about each log of sheets. The discharge and transfer apparatus includes an advancing mechanism for moving the logs of sheets in a forward direction at a location downstream of the discharge area of the interfolder, and a guide mechanism, such as a series of curved guide rails, which are operable to position the logs such that the logs are moved in a generally vertical direction toward a transfer area by operation of the advancement mechanism.

Abstract: A log packaging apparatus for packaging logs using a turret or a shuttle. The turret or shuttle can be used in conjunction with a wrap conveyor. The turret system can include a rotatable turret with at least one clamp movable into different positions in the apparatus, a log station at which logs are received, and a log ejector for ejecting logs from the log station into clamps of the turret. Logs can be ejected from the log station, through wrap material, and into the turret clamps. In other embodiments, a wrap conveyor inserts wrap material between a shuttle and a log station at which logs are received. Logs in such embodiments can pass from the log station to the shuttle through the wrap material.

Abstract: A palletizing mechanism (PP, WB, HB1-1, HB-2) supplies a pallet and a length of wrapping paper for receiving successive rows of bags until a full pallet load is prepared. The palletizing apparatus can be mated to the bagger apparatus, and operated synchronously therewith under the management of a common programmable controller. The palletizer apparatus receives each stick of can ends in a predetermined orientation, and maintains the orientation vis-a-vis all sticks in a pallet load. The sticks are placed sequentially into a row of predetermined number of sticks, then that row is loaded onto the top of a layer of wrapping, the first row being supported on a suitable empty pallet, then the wrap is passed over the last placed row. This operation proceeds with the wrap supply following a to-and-fromotion until the desired number of rows is automatically built up on a pallet.

Abstract: An inline formed package having an envelope and insert material, is formed from a single repeat of a printed web both of which are crossfolded simultaneously, approximately along the half repeat line, and the area of the insert material is greater than half the area of the repeat.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an object with a stretchable foil hood has a pair of gathering fingers engageable upwardly into the foil hood, two gathering wheels outside the foil hood, rotatable about gathering-wheel axes, and engageable with the hood, and respective counter rolls inside the foil hood, aligned with the gathering wheels to pinch the foil hood, and rotatable about counter-roll axes below the respective gathering-wheel axes. The gathering wheel are rotated while in contact with the foil to form the foil into downwardly and outwardly extending folds.

Abstract: A mail inserter for inserting a mail into an envelope having a flap and a throat, including: an envelope entry; an envelope carrier, provided downstream of the envelope entry; an envelope retainer, provided at the downstream of the envelope carrier; a mail entry, for advancing the mail into the mail inserter; a mail carrier, provided downstream of the mail entry; a sealer, provided downstream of the envelope retainer; wherein the envelope entry, envelope carrier, envelope retainer and sealer jointly form an envelope path, and the mail entry and, the mail carrier jointly form a mail path that merges into the envelope path after the mail carrier.

Abstract: An equestrian stirrup insert for enhancing the stability and traction of the stirrup foot plate. In this regard, the present invention provides for a traction enhancing insert assembly that is installed into the foot plate of stirrups. The insert is formed from milled aluminum. The milled aluminum plate provides a durable surface that has greatly improved wear characteristics. The assembly includes a top traction surface that is placed onto the foot plate of the stirrup. A mounting plate is placed beneath the stirrup and connected to the underside of the traction surface using fasteners. Since the insert is rigidly fixed to the stirrup using fasteners, the insert is prevented sliding in the stirrup. In this manner, the rigid relation ship between the insert and the foot plate of the stirrup allows for enhanced force transfer from the rider's foot into the stirrup with a greatly reduced potential for the insert to slip relative to the stirrup.

Abstract: A lawn mower powered apparatus has a base rollable over a surface, and the base has a top surface for receiving a lawn mower. The apparatus is provided with a rotating shaft operably connected to the base, and a blade coupler coupled to the rotating shaft. The blade coupler has a plurality of upstanding drive pins, each drive pin being independently movable between a raised position and a lowered position. Drive pins in the raised position project above the top surface of the base to engage the leading edge of the blade of a rotating lawn mower.

Abstract: An airboat having aquatic vegetation shredder includes an airboat having a buoyant hull and an aquatic vegetation shredding assembly supported on the hull. The airboat is driven by a propulsion assembly including a propeller that revolves in the air. These features cooperatively provide a low draft vessel that is capable of relatively higher forward speeds than other aquatic vegetation shredders and particularly effective in shallow water environments. Various alternative configurations of the shredding assembly are disclosed including upright and fore-and-aft shaft orientations for the cutting assembly and a drum and knife cutting assembly.

Abstract: A system for propelling a combine over the ground and driving other components of the combine includes an engine driving a transmission via a hydrostatic drive system. A microprocessor stores a work table and a road table for controlling engine speed. A gear selector operates a switch to select one of the tables and a throttle control operates switches to select a speed value from the selected table. When working a field, the work table is selected so that the engine runs at speeds in a range suitable for driving the other components. For transport of the combine the road table is selected so that the engine may run at a speed higher than speeds suitable for driving the other components. For a given setting of the throttle control, the engine is controlled to run at either a first or second speed depending on the setting of the gear select lever.

Abstract: A draper header for a combine harvester includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. An auger is located between the discharge rollers with a front edge of the flight forward of the rear end of the discharge rollers to feed the material inwardly and underneath the auger to the inlet of the feeder house. A pan is located underneath the auger and is mounted on a common structure with the feed draper for common pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis.

Abstract: A over-the-row single sided harvester harvests a row crop from a first side of a row while simultaneously collecting crop from the “off side” side of the same row.

Abstract: A hay rake includes a crosswise member having a right section and a left section. A first rake arm has a front end and a back end, the first rake arm being pivotably mounted at its back end to the right section of the crosswise member so as to be moveable between an open position and a closed position. A second rake arm has a front end and a back end, the second rake arm being pivotably mounted at its back end to the left section of the crosswise member so as to be moveable between an open position and a closed position. A plurality of rotatable rake wheels are mounted on each of the first and second rake arms. The hay rake also includes first and a second actuators. The first actuator has a first section connected to the right section of the crosswise member and a second section connected to the first rake arm. The second actuator has a first section connected to the left section of the crosswise member and a second section connected to the second rake arm.

Abstract: A method and device for restarting a spinning operation at work stations (2) of an open-end spinning machine (1) after replacement of a cheese (8) with an empty tube by a traveling service unit (16) comprising an auxiliary yarn supply device (21). Each work station comprises a yarn spinning device (3) and a cheese winding device (4) with a creel (9). The auxiliary yarn supply device (21) delivers a starting portion of an auxiliary yarn (24) to a suction nozzle (14), which transfers the auxiliary yarn (24) to a spinning start member (20), after which the suction nozzle (14) pivots to re-take the auxiliary yarn (24) between the supply device (21) and the spinning start member (20) and removes the auxiliary yarn (24) after restarting the spinning operation, whereupon the yarn (7) is brought to the creel (9) of the work station (2).

Abstract: Apparatus used in connection with a flyer bow. The bow has a longitudinal recess, at least one wear insert in the recess, at least one guide in the recess, and a stop to keep the wear inserts and guides in the recess. The recess has an inner transverse dimension that is larger than an outer transverse dimension. The wear inserts and guides have a engagement portions that fit within the recess and restrain them from significant radial movement. A stop, detachably affixed to the flyer bow, restrains them from longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical opening roller unit of an open-end spinning device includes a unitary ring body having card clothing formed of at least one helical groove formed in the ring body, at least one helical ridge between courses of the groove, and saw teeth defined by transverse cuts on the ridge. The roller unit also includes an integrated annular collar that is at least codiametric with the teeth in order to protect the teeth. An integral transition area between the card clothing and the annular collars eliminates the problem of a tooth gap.

Abstract: A device for compressing and feeding to a microturbine power generator a high humidity fuel gas such as biogas, which cools the high humidity fuel gas condensed by the compressor using an air-cooling type fin-tube radiator, condenses and liquefies the moisture, then removes it by a moisture-removing means such as a gas/liquid separator or adsorption type moisture-removing tank, which requires only enough power to drive a cooling fan, which heats the fuel gas from which the majority of the moisture has been removed in a heat exchanger utilizing the heat of compression generated in the compressor, then feeds it to piping leading to the microturbine power generator, and which is free from the residual moisture liquefying and freezing even if the fuel gas is cooled in the piping.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket engine and a method for propelling a rocket utilizing a vortex flow field. The flow field includes an outer fluid vortex spiraling toward a closed end of the flow field generating apparatus and an inner fluid vortex substantially concentric with the outer vortex spiraling away from the closed end and toward an outlet opening in which the inner vortex spirals in the same direction as the outer vortex, but in the opposite axial direction. The invention also relates to a rocket propulsion system utilizing the flow field in which the propulsion system includes a combustion chamber with a fuel source and an oxidizer source that deliver the said fuel and said oxidizer to the said outer and inner vortexes in a manner to support a combustion process while flowing along the flow field.

Abstract: An electronic control device and method for determining the fuel quantity at which a burner is operated whose exhaust gas mixes with the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in an exhaust-gas system in front of a catalytic converter, in which a first oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine is measured spatially before the mixing of the exhaust gas of the burner with the exhaust gas of the combustion engine, a second oxygen concentration in the intermixed exhaust gas is measured, and the fuel quantity at which the burner is operated is determined on the basis of processing the first oxygen concentration and the second oxygen concentration.

Abstract: An exhaust control system for a cylinder fuel injection engine having a cylinder injection injectors directly injecting a fuel into combustion chambers and a catalytic converter provided in an exhaust passage from said combustion chambers for purifying an exhaust gas, such that the air/fuel ratio in the combustion chambers is periodically made richer for quickening activation of catalytic converter.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) in the exhaust from a combustion device, such as a reciprocating engine, using a solution containing a NOx reducing agent which is mixed with and atomized by air flow drawn from the combustion intake and injected into the combustion exhaust.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust gas purifying device includes a first continuous regeneration type diesel particulate filter in the exhaust gas passage, a by-path by-passing a portion of the exhaust gas passage upstream of the first continuous regeneration type diesel particulate filter, a second continuous regeneration type diesel particulate filter in the by-path, a change-over valve in the exhaust gas passage between the ends of by-path, an exhaust gas temperature-elevating mechanism, an exhaust gas temperature region detecting mechanism, and a control mechanism for controlling the exhaust gas temperature-elevating mechanism and the change-over valve based on the exhaust gas temperature region.

Abstract: A system and method for regenerating particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters and NOx catalysts for a vehicle having a compression ignition engine. An engine control module controls engine operation and regeneration functions. The engine preferably includes an integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly. A load bank heater is provided in the exhaust system that is activated to directly heat exhaust gases raising the temperature thereof and approaching the temperatures required for regeneration and desulfation. Activation of the heater applies a load through the integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly that increases the load on the engine and in turn further increases the temperature of the exhaust to levels required for regeneration and desulfation.

Abstract: In an operating method for internal combustion engines which operate with exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems, in particular diesel internal combustion engines, a plurality of operating programs are used. The first of these programs, as an initial stage, works on the basis of automatic regeneration. The second of these programs provides measures which assist regeneration, for example by increasing the exhaust-gas temperature, in the event of conditions which are unfavourable for regeneration, for example on account of unfavourable driving cycles. The third of these programs has the purpose of reactivating the damaged components in the event of non-irreversible damage to the components of the exhaust-gas system.