Abstract: A split-end hair remover comprising an enclosure having top, bottom and sides, where the top includes a substantially planar screen having upper and lower surfaces that include a plurality of apertures through which one or more split hair ends may project, a motor carried within the enclosure that drives several sets of blades, each set of which is disposed around a center of rotation and where each of the blades of a set has a cutting edge disposed parallel to and proximate the lower surface of the planar screen.

Abstract: A battery-powered carving knife is shown having a housing and a switch, which connects and disconnects a battery to a motor. A drive mechanism including a worm gear together with a cam member causes reciprocation of reciprocating blade mounts to reciprocate back and forth in an out of phase fashion. The motor is positioned forward within the housing in motor receiving section, with the drive shaft of the motor facing rearwardly. The blade mounts are driven by the motor, and reciprocate in a position below the motor. The motor and blade mounts are positioned in front of a handgrip section, thereby improving the ergonomics of the device. Alternatively, the drive shaft can be positioned facing forward.

Abstract: A sharpener for sharpening soft-core pencils, especially those used in the medical or pharmaceutical field, includes a housing; and a shaping componentry, received by the housing, for shaping and sharpening a medical or pharmaceutical pencil. The shaping componentry contains a cleaning agent to thereby disinfect the pencil.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for engraving images on a passport, credit card, identification card, or the like, and has an adaptor for use in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a personal computer, a controller, a vibration-preventing unit, an X axis pulse motor driver, a Y axis pulse motor driver, an X axis pulse motor, a tilt motor driver, a Z axis head motor having a minute ? Y axis driver, a stylus and a vacuum pump. Photographs of faces, addresses, names, autographs, the images for engraving information identifying one's identity, the images from a digital camera, scanner or other information taken from a computer through a network can be automatically and correctly engraved on identification cards such as passports, drivers' licenses, employee certificates or credit cards.

Abstract: An inspection tool for measuring the true of metal door frames uses a plumb bob. The plumb bob is suspended from a holder which may be attached to a door frame by magnets in the body of the holder. The relationship of the holder dimensions models the relationship of the dimensions of a metal door frame. The point indicated by the plumb bob will have the same dimensions from the door frame if the frame is true. If the frame is not true, the point will have different measurements.

Abstract: A measuring system for recording angular and linear absolute values has a scale with a measuring track to create the absolute value that is recorded by a sensor configuration. The scale is composed of at least two segments configured in the same way to record absolute values. The scale has at least one track suitable for determining the absolute value of each segment reached using the sensor configuration. The measuring system contains switches that provide the total absolute value for further processing made up of the absolute value of the segment and the calculated absolute value within the segment. The system is supplied by a main power supply. There is also a switch configuration that switches to auxiliary power when the main power fails and the sensor configuration is only used in this operating mode to determine the absolute value of the particular segment reached.

Abstract: An improved retractable tape measure has, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the features of a standard measure, including a housing with front and rear sides, a boundary edge and a tape opening, a retractable measuring tape positioned within this housing, with the tape having a free end that extends through the housing's opening, plus the improvements yielded by: (a) configuring the housing sides to be tear-drop shaped with a tip end, and (b) locating the tape opening in a portion of the boundary edge proximate the tape's tip end.

Abstract: A footwear construction comprising a flexible and resilient outsole having a front portion with a plurality of depending moguls on the bottom surface thereof. A midsole is positioned over the outsole and has a front portion with a plurality of spaced holes therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the moguls to enable air flow through the midsole when the moguls are deformed by the weight and walking action of the wearer. A footbed is positioned over the midsole and comprises a soft flexible and resilient body member having a plurality of spaced, raised cushioning elements on the upper surface thereof. The footbed has a front portion with a plurality of spaced apertures therethrough which are substantially vertically aligned with some or all of the holes in the midsole to enable air flow through the body member. An upper extends over the footbed and midsole, and is secured to the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a sandal or shoe having an outsole with a socklining on top of and in direct contact with the outsole for directly contacting a user's foot and a cushion having a thickness between approximately ? and 1½ inches, where the cushion is placed between said outsole and said socklining. The sandal or shoe also includes at least one material partially covering a user's foot extending across the socklining for holding the sandal onto a user's foot and a securing mechanism extending from the at least one material through the socklining to the outsole for securing the socklining directly to the outsole.

Abstract: An inflatable inner sole for footwear has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. This embodiment has an additional upper chamber formed by heat sealing (welding) an outer layer of thermoplastic on top of an inflatable enclosure. The outer layer is preferably bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit free air/fluid flow from pressure points area to the area of least resistance and greatest need. Air pressure of the lower chamber can be adjusted according to a wearer's weight and activities. The upper chamber also has a built-in air pump and relief valve, preferably with lesser air pressure that can be adjusted according to the wearers foot problems or for final comfort tuning. The outer layer may be a laminated material of thermoplastic film, foam and fabric.

Abstract: A one-piece molded orthotic insert having a shape for controlling and directing the motions of the foot. The insert has a unitary body that is formed of a rigid, resiliently flexible, substantially noncompressible material, so that the insert will flex with the shoe but will not compress or deform, so that a correct shape is maintained through the gait cycle. The insert includes a raised arch portion that is supported by a plurality of underlying, vertical ribs. The ribs are spaced apart and free from connection with one another, so that the lower edges of the ribs are able to spread as the insert flexes along its lengthwise axis, so that the insert flexes generally uniformly when walking and without distortion of its shape. The layer of material overlying the ribs has a thickness generally similar to that in the reset of the body, and the ribs also have a generally similar thickness, facilitating manufacture by injection molding.

Abstract: A footwear with interchangeable components that includes, an interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper, an interchangeable mid-sole chassis, an interchangeable mid-sole foot bed interlocker, and an interchangeable lug-treading. The interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper is removably mounted to the interchangeable mid-sole foot chassis and interlocked with an interchangeable mid-sole interlocker so that interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper can be readily changed by user according to user preference. The interchangeable mid-sole chassis is removably mounted to the interchangeable mid-sole foot bed w/upper and interlocked by the interchangeable mid-sole foot bed interlocker and interchangeable lug-treading so that the interchangeable mid-sole chassis can be readily changed by user according to user preference.

Abstract: A method for the contactless scanning of a track bed profile extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the track, comprises the steps of simultaneously effectuating the scanning and a measurement of any deviation from a desired track level at a location of the scanning, recording the scanned track bed profile, and calculating an amount of ballast required for raising the track to the desired track level and for uniformly distributing the ballast in the track bed in dependence on the measured track level deviation and the recorded scanned track bed profile.

Abstract: A connector pin assembly is disposed within an opening in an adapter nose, with opposite ends of a rotatable pin portion of the assembly extending outwardly beyond opposite sides of the adapter nose in axially fixed orientations relative thereto, and is used to captively and releasably retain a replaceable excavating tooth point on the nose. The configuration of the opposite pin ends permits the overall pin assembly to remain in the adapter nose during removal of the point and replacement thereof, with the pin being rotatable between a release orientation in which its ends permit removal of a point from the nose, or installation of a point on the nose, and a locking orientation in which the opposite pin ends block removal of the point from the adapter nose.

Abstract: Provided is an embroidery frame clip which can effectively prevent itself, without marring operability of fitting it to an embroidery frame, from slipping off the frame, when the tension of an embroidering cloth is increased as stitching goes on. The embroidery frame clip is designed to hold an embroidering cloth a in tension over a rectangular embroidery frame 1 by clipping the cloth a between a rail 2 formed on an upper surface of the embroidery frame circumferentially along the inner rim thereof and the clip fitted on the rail 2. The clip has a clip main body 6 to be fitted on the rail 2 and auxiliary members 7 attached to the clip main body 6, for preventing the clip main body 6 from deforming to open as stitching of the embroidering cloth goes on.

Abstract: A human baby identification system including identification bracelets for attachment to the wrist or ankle of a baby, each of the identification bracelets including a pocket portion for receipt of an identification card, an identification number imprinted on the bracelets, a flexible fastening strap connected to the pocket portion having a plurality of ratchet teeth thereon, a sleeve for enclosing a portion of the strap, and a hollow latch assembly for receiving and securing the flexible fastening strap around the wrist or ankle of the baby, the latch assembly having a locking cam which engages the ratchet teeth to enable the fastening strap to be moved in one direction only to tighten the fastening to prevent the fastening strap from being loosened on the baby.

Abstract: A method of selecting color of tile grout providing at least one partially transparent card having a first color band thereon, placing the card over an array of tiles with the color band generally overlying the grout and visually comparing the first color band and the tile color to facilitate selecting a grout color. A second color band oriented angularly with respect to the first band may be employed so as to provide a pair of color bands overlying the intersecting grout areas. Corresponding sets of cards are disclosed.

Abstract: A sign unit includes a translucent holder unit which has a solar-powered lighting unit supported thereon. A container is mounted on one side of the holder unit and is adapted to contain printed information. Anchor stakes support the holder unit.

Abstract: A hinged sign face assembly is provided for use on a standard sign box. The assembly may be retrofitted on an existing sign box to facilitate access to fluorescent light tubes and other components inside the sign box. The assembly pivots the face of a sign box to an open position to allow interior components to be accessed without the need for disassembling the sign box frame. The assembly includes a hinge adapter that mounts to a standard sign box. The hinge adapter is operable with commercially available components to convert a rigid standard sign box to a hinged sign box. The assembly may also include a hinge connector secured with the sign face that may be connected to the adapter in a hinged manner without fasteners. The hinge connector supports the sign face and cooperates with the adapter to allow the sign face to pivot on the sign box.

Abstract: A sign holder for attachment to a merchandise display shelf including a sign-receiving element and a mounting element in the form of an inverted, J-shaped, member with an elongated mounting panel and a short reverted portion at its upper end. The mounting panel may be engaged in the pocket of a label holder carried by said merchandise display shelf. Alternatively, the mounting panel may be engaged directly in a C-channel carried by a front lip on the merchandise display shelf or the front of a label holder having sign-receiving channels defined on the front face of its cover member. The reverted portion of the mounting element is connected to the sign-receiving element by a resilient connector such as a bead of flexible material to permit slight movement of the sign-receiving element in the event it is impacted when merchandise is placed on, or removed from, a lower shelf.

Abstract: A combination picture retaining and item storing device that has an integrally formed plastic structure. The structure includes at least two sidewalls that extend from a base. At least one of the sidewalls has a hole formed through the sidewall. A storage area is disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls. A separate picture retaining member having a translucent planar body including first and second parallel portions are joined at a radius. The first and second parallel portions allow for retention of a picture in a gap formed by the opposing portions. Retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole positions the picture retaining member within the periphery of the hole and allows for easy removal of the picture retaining member.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: An outdoor planter system with a central opening through which a plant may grow. The planter portion surrounding the central opening is inwardly and downwardly sloped, generally impervious to liquid and light, and thereby directs liquid to the central opening while simultaneously preventing undesirable growth of weeds and the like about a central plant. The outer perimeter of the planter has several keyways for removably attachment of a planter cover. The keyways are also adapted to receive plant growing or animal protection cages.

Abstract: Vehicle window pane (16) has an arcuately curved vertical section having a single or same radius of curvature (R1) and a curved lateral section having a single radius of curvature (R2) or a compound radius of curvature. The single radius of curvature (R1) in the curved vertical section and the single radius of curvature (R2) and the compound radius of curvature in the curved lateral section are chosen to differ from each other. The vehicle window pane (16) constitutes a bidirectionally curved pane, which is neither a spherically curved pane (because the radii of curvature in the vertical and lateral sections are not equal to each other) nor a cylindrically curved pane (because both of the radii of curvature in the vertical and lateral sections are not infinite). With this arrangement, the vehicle window pane can significantly improve an aesthetic appeal of a motor vehicle employing the window pane.

Abstract: An overhang falsework for supporting a debris shield on an outward side of an I-beam used in an overhead frame structure comprises an elongated base member extending in a longitudinal direction transverse to the I-beam between an inner end and an outer end wherein said outer end is on the outward side of the I-beam. The falsework further includes a clamp connected to the member between the inner and outer ends for selectively securing the falsework to the I-beam in an installed condition on the I-beam. The base member has a multi-component construction including a metal component extending between the inner and outer ends and a non-metal or wooden component extending at least partially between the inner and outer ends which is secured to the metal component. The non-metal or wooden layer provides a medium for nailing or screwing a horizontal panel portion or base sheet of the debris shield to the falsework, and the metal layer provides support.

Abstract: The invention provides energy-saving housing wherein the indoor temperature condition can be made comfortable throughout the year by a small amount of energy by suppressing loads on cooling and heating devices, and high airtightness and high heat insulation performance can be maintained for a long period of time so that durability is excellent. The energy-saving housing includes wall parts provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material and heat insulators made from an organic foamed material, a ceiling part provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material, heat insulators made from an organic foamed material at the ceiling part or roof part, and a floor heating device provided at least at the floor part of the lower floor, and has an equivalent clearance area of from 0.3 cm2/m2 to 0.6 cm2/m2.

Abstract: A water diverter that diverts water flow from under siding or external fascia on a building to the environment in regions adjacent a portal, such as a window, door or vent. The water diverter includes a first wall, a base joined with the first wall, and an outer wall joined with the base. In an upper portion the first wall, base and outer wall form a collector that collects water flowing along a building wall or the portal structure. In a lower region, the first wall, base and outer wall cooperate to define the channel. The base may be angled or curved outwardly from the building wall to divert water away from the building wall and into the channel. Preferably, the upper portion is disposed under siding, and the lower portion is disposed on the exterior of the siding so that water travels from under the siding to the environment, downwardly along the portal structure.

Abstract: A system for supporting a door frame, and in particular a metal door frame, during build-up of a wall about the door frame. Vertical alignment devices allow for placement of the door frame in a plumb configuration with respect to the floor and allows for fine adjustment through use of turnbuckle devices. A horizontal spreader device, also having longitudinal adjustment, provides lateral support to the door frame to reduce inward bowing of the sides of the door frame towards one another during build-up of the wall. Also, a header support device serves to maintain a parallel relationship between the header of the door frame and the threshold by compensating for sagging in the header, and also uses a longitudinal adjustment device.

Abstract: A universal access port includes a specific size opening that is formed through a wall of a conditioning enclosure and located at a specific distance from a floor or mounting surface. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used. When not in use, the universal access port is covered with a sealing panel. Insertable devices may be efficiently inserted and removed from the universal access port. A perimeter of the insertable device is sized to be sealable inserted into the universal access port. Each insertable device preferably seals with an exterior and interior wall of the conditioning enclosure. Some insertable devices include fixturing devices, windows, manual manipulation devices, junction devices, hinged access doors, wire access devices, temperature modifying devices or air circulation devices.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: An interlocking rectangular sheet of simulated shakes for lock-up assembly upon a structure in an upwardly directed fashion having a thermo-formed base sheet with an exposure surface and a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface terminates in a cross-sectionally “U” shaped, clipping member. The top surface has a plurality of punched key portions, certain of which having apertured, flanged, assemblies thereon. All of the key portions allow for receiving securing members for attachment of the sheet to the structure, including the flanged portions. The apertured, flanged assemblies and the clipping members cooperate positively to interconnect in the upwardly directed fashion to provide, when secured to the structure by the securing members, a substantial inability to be removed or displaced by weather conditions. The flanged assemblies have an extended “S” shaped configuration.

Abstract: A sinusoidal structural member having a dual component flange is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the flange (both upper and lower) is comprised of at least two components. These two components can be produced by dividing the flange lengthwise; where the division plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the web, when observing a standard flange-web relationship; and the geometry of the division border substantially matches the sinusoidal geometry of the web. The two resulting flange components substantially complement one another; wherein the sine peak of one component fits within the sine valley of its corresponding component, leaving a gap sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the web to be interposed. The sinusoidal web, substantially matching the division pattern of the flange components, is compressively sandwiched between the flange components, with sufficient compression to bring the sinusoidal web within dimensional compliance.

Abstract: A method of constructing building module and resulting building module are provided, the building module including a building floor panel oriented substantially horizontally; a number of exterior wall panels having exterior wall panel faces and exterior wall panel ends, the exterior wall panels being positioned upright and end to end on the floor panel to form an enclosure; a number of wall panels having wall panel connection plates having a plate connection structure and having a plate anchor structure embedded in exterior wall panel faces at exterior side wall panel ends, the plate connection structure registering with and being immediately adjacent and welded to wall panel connection plates of adjacent exterior wall panels; and at least one roof panel having roof panel faces and roof panel ends and resting on top of a number of the exterior wall panels and having roof connection plates with plate connection structures registering with and being immediately adjacent and welded to plate connection structures

Abstract: The invention includes a method for constructing buildings using non-wood construction products and buildings constructed from such non-wood construction products. The invention further includes a method and apparatus for manufacturing high-performance fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (HPFRCC) products and the use of such products as replacements for conventional wood lumber construction products. The products of the invention have the necessary strength, durability, nailability, and sawability for direct substitution for dimensional wood lumber in wood-frame construction applications. The invention also includes externally reinforced retaining wall systems that include stackable blocks formed of fiber-reinforced cellular concrete.

Abstract: Knitted netting is applied to products in a machine. A chute receives products serially through a receiving end, as from a conveyor, and discharges them serially into netting preferably rucked on the chute. As each product arrives at the product receiver, voiders operate to form a rope section of the netting behind the product, at the chute's discharge end. The clipper also clips the netting, to complete the netting of the product, and clips to create the starting end of the next netted product. A netting handle former operates to loop the rope section behind the product, before clipping, to form a looped handle for a product in the rope section of the netting. The netting that is clipped behind the products is the netting formed into the loops, and thus, the clips that are put on by the clipper secure the loops in their size and condition.

Abstract: A method for processing a food product involves transporting the food product through a plurality of stations including a loading station, a pasteurization station, and a closing station. The surface of the food product is pasteurized by convectively transferring heat from the pasteurizing medium to the surface of the food product at a rate such that the surface heat transfer coefficient becomes sufficiently higher than the food product conductance coefficient that the surface temperature of the food product is substantially instantaneously elevated above temperatures which are instantly lethal to microbes which may be present. Preferably, steam is condensed on the food product surface in dropwise condensation, and the onset of film condensation is retarded by removing condensate film from such surface.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The apparatus includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom where it is collected for use.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

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

Abstract: A method for monitoring and diagnosing the combustion dynamics of a gas turbine engine system includes mounting at least one sensor on an external surface of at least one combustor can, receiving a signal from the sensor mounted to the combustor can, validating an accuracy of the signal from the sensors, determining the combustion dynamics of the can based on the received signals, and generating an indication when a combustion dynamic threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A fan thrust reverser includes a nacelle having radially outer and inner skins. An outer door is disposed in the outer skin, and mounted to the nacelle at a hinge joint. A toggle link is pivotally joined between the outer door and the nacelle for latching stowed the outer door in the nacelle. An actuator is provided for rotating the outer door about the hinge joint for deploying the door outwardly from the nacelle and toggling off the toggle link, and stowing inwardly the outer door upon reverse rotation thereof and toggling on the toggle link to latch the door stowed in the nacelle.

Abstract: A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: Inlet air (15) humidified in an air bubbling (or other) humidifier (35) that receives water from a tank (36) is sent to a hydrogen generator (27) along with vaporized (23) diesel fuel (22) to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide (28) for either (a) mixing with the mainstream of exhaust (18) fed to a catalytic converter (30) or (b) regenerating a pair of NOx adsorption traps (38, 39), thereby reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx), to provide system exhaust (32) which may have less than 0.40 grams/bhp/hr of NOx and 0.28 grams/bhp/hr of non-methane hydrocarbons. In other embodiments, unhumidified air mixed with fuel feeds a homogeneous non-catalytic partial oxidizer (27) to provide the required hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas cleaning device for an engine comprises an HC-adsorbing catalytic converter disposed in an exhaust passage, the HC-adsorbing catalytic converter including an HC-adsorbing material which adsorbs HC contained in exhaust gas at low temperatures and releases adsorbed HC as the temperature increases, an oxygen storage material which occludes oxygen when the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas is high and releases occluded oxygen as the oxygen concentration drops, and a three-way catalys metal layer which oxidizes HC released from the HC-adsorbing material, and an oxygen concentration controller which controls the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas on the upstream side of the HC-adsorbing catalytic converter in such a manner that oxygen is released from the oxygen storage material when the engine is in an operating condition in which HC is released from the HC-adsorbing material.

Abstract: When a NOx-releasing unit is operated to change an air-fuel ratio to a rich side to thereby establish a low-oxygen-concentration atmosphere of an exhaust gas such that NOx is released from a NOx catalyst, a reducer-supplying unit additionally supplies a reducer during an operating period of the NOx-releasing unit for reducing NOx released into an exhaust path such that release of NOx balances with reduction of NOx, thereby reducing NOx released from the NOx catalyst and thus suppressing worsening of an exhaust gas performance.

Abstract: A plurality of hydraulic actuators are connected by valve assemblies to fluid supply and return conduits. Desired operating velocities are specified for the hydraulic actuators and used to define the amounts of fluid flow required by each actuator to move at the respective velocity. Provide the requisite flow amounts, fluid at related pressures must be provided at the different hydraulic actuators. In order for those pressures to occur, a pump has to furnish fluid at a greater pressure to allow for supply conduit losses. A process is provided for determining the pressure that the pump must provide to satisfy the greatest pressure that is necessary for the desired operation of all the hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a discharge amount of a hydraulic pump to an actuator irrespective of a load pressure of the actuator even when an engine operates at a low speed has a variable displacement hydraulic pump connected with the engine; an actuator connected with the hydraulic pump; a center-bypass directional switching valve in a flow path between the hydraulic pump and the actuator for controlling start, stop and directional switching of the actuator during a switching operation; a pilot signal generating means in a down stream side of the center bypass for controlling the discharge amount of the hydraulic pump; and a discharge amount adjusting valve in a supply path of the actuator of the directional switching valve for controlling a discharge amount of hydraulic fluid to the actuator.

Abstract: A wastegate valve for a turbocharger that is separate from the turbocharger has an actuator mounted to a valve housing. The valve housing has a passage therethrough and a swing valve that opens and closes the passage. The swing valve has a pivot point that lies outside the path of the exhaust gases. The passage has a recess therein that receives a portion of the swing valve in its open position to improve the flow of exhaust gases through the passage. In an internal combustion engine system, the wastegate valve forms part of a bypass conduit that redirects a portion of the exhaust gases from an engine away from and past the turbocharger.

Abstract: A steam engine has a fluid container, a heating device and a cooling device provided at the fluid container for heating and cooling working fluid filled in the fluid container, so that a part of the working fluid is heated and vaporized to move the liquid-phase working fluid in one direction. When the vaporized steam is cooled and liquidized, the pressure of the working fluid in the fluid container is decreased, to thereby move the liquid-phase working fluid in the backward direction. Kinetic energy is thereby generated by using the back and forth movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to ventilating the confluence sheet of an afterburner chamber of an aviation turbomachine, including, upstream from the afterburner chamber: a diffuser defined by a confluence sheet disposed inside a casing, said casing and said confluence sheet defining between them an annular channel for a cold secondary flow, upstream fuel injectors being disposed at the inlet to said diffuser and flame-catchers being disposed downstream from said upstream injectors, said confluence sheet presenting, between the radial plane containing said upstream injectors and the radial plane situated at the rear ends of said flame-catchers two bends so as to flare downstream in order to slow down the primary flow F1 downstream from said upstream injectors.