Abstract: A shelter is manufactured at a first location then transported to the installation location on a transport device.

Abstract: An enclosure constructed of vinyl foam filled blow-molded panels. These panels are structured with tongue and groove connections built in to provide quick interlock one to another without the need for tools in assembly or disassembly. The construction characteristics provide panels that are rigid, strong, insulated, sound deadened with high flotation qualities. The enclosure is transportable by towing the assembled structure on a built-in sled bottom or dissembling the panels, stacking them and transporting them in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ridge hood (10) made of metal which comprises at least one arch (21, 22, 23) extending across the longitudinal direction. At least one arch (21, 22, 23) is provided with at least one hole (31, 32).

Abstract: A ridge or wall plate end assembly for a hipped roof is disclosed in which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof are connected to the ridge or wall plate end by connectors which are angularly adjustable to allow for the correction of pitch mismatches. Also disclosed is the coupling of an eaves beam forming part of the roof of a building structure, such as a conservatory, to the underlying building side wall by means of an intermediate connector thereby allowing eaves beam designs with a closed cross section to be readily fitted. The eaves beam and connector are coupled together in such a way as to avoid the need for a separate device such as a screw to render them captive to one another in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aseismatic support unit, and more particularly to an aseismatic support unit capable of being easily and fitly in-situ assembled to become an aseismatic system. The aseismatic support unit is mounted between a base and a loaded article, comprising a lower support member, an upper support member and a plurality of aseismatic units mounted therebetween. Each of the aseismatic units includes a lower carry member having an upward carry surface, an upper carry member having a downward carry surface and a support roller mounted therebetween. When an earthquake happens, shakes are transmitted from the base. Then, the aseismatic support unit of the present invention diminishes the extent of the shakes of the load article placed over the upper support member and thus prevent the loaded article from overturn and damage as a result of the earthquake.

Abstract: A drainage channel for embedding in a surface is disclosed. In order to ensure reliable run-off of the water even in the region remote from the outlet, the inclination of the conduit base relative to the top edge is increased in this region compared with the region close to the outlet. The channel is preferably composed of a plurality of channel bodies. In order to permit simple installation of the channel, the outer base of each channel body preferably runs parallel to its top edge.

Abstract: A loose-lay floor tile which has on a back face a nonskid backing material obtained by solidifying a paste sol containing a plasticizer and one of polyvinyl chloride, copolymers of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate and mixtures of polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl acetate. Drawbacks of conventional acrylic mechanically foamed materials such as water absorption, resistance to water, resistance to alkali and strength of a foamed material are improved.

Abstract: The modular deck structure has an open frame with interconnected crisscross framing members defining a plurality of polygonal cells (14). Each of the cells has a top, a bottom and an inner wall (20) delimiting an opening. The inner wall has a sloping portion (26) for draining water out of the open frame. The modular deck structure also has a plurality of flagstones (24) with side edges (23). Each of the flagstones is sized and shaped to adjustably fit within a respective one of the cells. The modular deck structure may also have conforming means for conforming the side edges of the flagstone to the sloping portion of the respective cells, thereby allowing each of the flagstones to sit properly on said sloping portion of the cell.

Abstract: A fire-resistant door jamb system may incorporate wood components, intumescent material and a flexible bracket system for installing a doorjamb system in a wall.

Abstract: A screen frame assembly (20) for a door or a window includes a frame (22), a screen cloth (24), and a light curable adhesive (LCA) (26). The LCA (26) cures upon exposure to light energy (43). The frame (22) defines an opening (30) and the screen cloth (24) covers the opening (30). The LCA (26) is disposed between the frame (22) and the screen cloth (24) to adhere the screen cloth (24) to the frame (22) once the LCA (26) has been cured.

Abstract: An insulating glazing panel including at least two glass panes separated by a gas space. A spacer serves to keep the two glass panes apart and having at least one approximately flat strip fitted at least partly around the perimeter of the glazing panel and fixed by adhesive bonding using a fastener. The strip is fitted substantially toward the interior of the panel set back with respect to at least one end face of a glass pane and is adhesively bonded against at least one internal face of a glass pane.

Abstract: A self-cleaning flooring system is provided that includes at least one module. The module comprises a drain pan, a plurality of discharge ports, and at least one side wall. The drain may have a ramp and a drain outlet. The ramp may slope downward towards the drain outlet. The discharge ports may be disposed about a periphery of the drain pan and may be directed towards the drain outlet to direct flushing fluid towards the drain outlet. The side wall may circumscribe a portion of the periphery of the drain pan and include a hollow passage and at least one fluid inlet. The fluid inlet may be in fluid communication with the hollow passage for delivering flushing fluid to the discharge ports.

Abstract: A metal building stud having at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the stud web yielding a stud with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted web presents a reduced web area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer. Slots and supplemental flanges may also be provided in the stud primary flanges.

Abstract: Provided is a strengthening device to increase the strength of a grout layer. In the strengthening device, clamp members are interconnected and clamped to surround a grout layer on a concrete base, on which an upper structure is installed, so as to increase the strength of the grout layer. Connection members are provided to edges of the clamp members to connect the clamp members. Fastening means is fastened between the connection members in order to enable the clamp members to clamp the grout layer. This strengthening device acts as a mold to facilitate easy construction when grout is placed, and surrounds the grout layer to increase the strength of the grout layer after grout is cured, thereby effectively preventing and minimizing failure of the grout layer caused by loads transferred from an upper structure such as a column member or a bridge bearing.

Abstract: Materials used in the construction of patios and sidewalks make use of poured concrete, asphalt, stamped at the time of construction, or require the use of preformed interlocking bricks. The Playstone. Paver uses high-density polyethylene formed in the shape of bricks to create an environmentally friendly, yet durable surface, impervious to the elements and easily installed by the DIY and requiring very little, if any annual maintenance after installation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a first panel comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a height lower than of the second portion; a second panel facing the first panel; a spacer disposed between the first panel and the second panel and contacting the first portion of the first panel; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.

Abstract: A building block includes a partially hollow cubic body, each side of which includes a square frame portion having a predetermined thickness, and a cross-shaped rib portion having a thickness twice as large as the thickness of the frame portion. The cross-shaped rib portions cooperate to divide a space behind each frame portion into four squared cavities. At least one side of the cubic body is provided at two diagonally opposite cavities with two centered round connecting posts projected from that side by a predetermined distance, and each of the round connecting posts has an outer diameter equal to a length of each side of the squared cavity. Any two laterally or diagonally disposed building blocks could be firmly connected to each other by inserting the round connecting posts of a third building block into two diagonally opposite cavities separately on the two laterally or diagonally disposed building blocks.

Abstract: A structural connector for a manufacturing assembly includes a body portion sized to be substantially fitted into an open end of a first hollow structural component of a manufacturing assembly. The structural connector includes at least one flexible cantilevered ear portion which is sized to engage with a corresponding lateral opening provided in the first hollow structural component. Once seated, the connector accepts at least one fastener extending laterally through a second structural component which is fitted orthogonally, relative to the open end of the first structural component, permitting interconnection between the second structural component and the first structural component.

Abstract: A resilient brace (7) has first and second attachment portions (9, 11) formed at either end and a resilient portion (13) located therebetween, the resilient portion comprising a plurality of planar sections (15) orientated in a corrugated manner. The attachment portions lie on the same plane on which a stress axis is also located. The planar sections (15) are angled relative to one another and to the attachment portions so that each planar section (15) extends laterally of the stress axis.

Abstract: A hollow core composite wood product comprising four elongated pieces of lumber, at least two of which are waney pieces of lumber. The elongated pieces are profiled to remove both longitudinally extending edges on one side thereof such that each of said elongated pieces has longitudinally extending indented portions on one side. The indented portions are shaped so as to be complementary to and engageable with the indented portions of adjacent pieces. The pieces are positioned adjacent to one another such that the indented portions are engaged with one another and the pieces together define a longitudinally extending cavity in the center of the hollow core composite wood product. The indented portions of said first pieces are bonded to the indented portions of said second pieces by an adhesive. The indented portions are shaped such that adjacent pieces fit into a self-aligning, interlocking engagement, preventing lateral movement of the pieces relative to one another.

Abstract: When stacking stackable items (10) in layers (8) on pallets (12), intermediate layers (2) of paper/cardboard/film are often used for preventing loss of the items during transport. Even though the intermediate layers ensure to a large extent that items do not fall off the pallet, it cannot be entirely prevented that some of the stacked items fall off because the stacked items are sliding on the intermediate layers. Special intermediate layers (2) are known, having a surface coated with non-skid coating (28) which highly counteracts the unwanted sliding of the items in the layers (8) stacked on a pallet. However, the laying of intermediate layers with non-skid surfaces constitutes a problem as the individual pieces of intermediate layer will adhere to each other when the surfaces of the pieces are provided with non-skid coating.

Abstract: A sealing and packaging device in which, simultaneously when a sealing base frame lifted upwards from a lower region towards a flange on the perimeter edge of a tray mounted on a desk plate makes contact with the flange, a touching base provided on a frame of the sealing base frame makes contact with the lower surface of the deck plate, and the tray is pushed upwards towards a cover film by means of the deck plate and sealing base frame, the cover film being welded to the flange of the tray. By means of the upward movement of the tray caused by the sealing base frame and deck plate, breaking of the tray is prevented by the deck plate on which the tray is mounted, even when the tensile pressure of the film or the reaction of urethane rubber members act respectively on the packaged item in the tray.

Abstract: Large cylindrical bales of hay, straw, or other forage or fodder are usually wrapped with a filament-type product, typically twine, or a sheet-type product, typically netwrap material, after a bale has reached a predetermined size. A method and apparatus are disclosed that permits the bale to continue to form during part of the wrapping process. A delay occurs between the initiation of the wrapping step and the alarm for the operator to stop the forward movement of the baler. By inserting the wrap material to an entry throat of the baler, new crop material may be added to the bale while the leading edge of the wrap material travels around the bale. The operator is notified only when the feed of additional crop material needs to be stopped for the wrapping operation to conclude. The present invention is applicable to the use of sheet or filament wrapping materials for binding round bales.

Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A method of individually wrapping digital tampons having a withdrawal string attached thereto is disclosed. The method includes a multiplicity of transporting devices for transporting digital tampons in a machine direction and for holding withdrawal strings attached to the tampons such that the withdrawal strings do not interfere with the subsequent wrapping operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a first transfer unit instead of a stationary chute. The first drive unit drives the first transfer unit and is controlled to maintain a bag ejection interval or bag posture. Thus, variation of the bag-to-bag pitch and bag posture even in a high-speed operation with an improved bag-forming capacity is prevented.

Abstract: A flexible pouch is provided which has panels (3, 5). A transparent strip (13) is provided on one of the panels and a translucent filter (13a) on the other. The panels are heat sealed together to close the pouch and the integrity of the heat seal is determined by shining ultraviolet light through the clear strip and inspecting the translucent filter (13a) so that imperfections in the seal can be identified. Pouches are packaged into containers (25) which include slots (50) and the full containers are stacked for transport through the plant for further processing in a retort, cooler or the like. This enables a large number of pouches to be easily transported through the plant for further processing after they have been filled and heat sealed. The heat sealing line may include a vision system, or the vision system may be a stand-alone item for inspecting the seal to determine the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A cyclone vacuum cleaner including a plurality of cyclone chambers arranged in a group. The cyclone chambers are configured such that frequency characteristics of noises generated from respective cyclone chambers are different from each other.

Abstract: A movable spray-painting stand includes a worktable provided with four casters and having a wind-exhausting device and a filtering device assembled thereon. The wind-exhausting device has an air inlet communicating with the wind outlet of the filtering device. A separating device is provided in front of the wind inlet of the filtering device to form a spray painting space. A collapsible work frame is pivotally assembled with the work table and positioned under the separating device, able to be positioned in the spray painting space after articles to be spray painted are placed on its upper plate. The spray painting stand can be moved around freely, and the exhaust and the odor of paint produced during spray painting can be filtered by the filtering device, conforming to environmental protection and ensuring workers' health.

Abstract: A compressor including a shroud for at least partially encompassing a component included in a compressor. A recess suitable for accepting at least two differently sized air filters having a similar geometric shaped is formed in the shroud. The compressor/filter system may utilize commonly available air filters which are designed for an unrelated device, but which are suitable for the purpose of filtering air for compressors. A fluid connection may extend between the enclosure forming the recess in the shroud and an inlet included in a compressor pump for pressuring air to a higher pressure. A securing mechanism, such as a panel door, may be implemented for securing an individual air filter in the path of air being drawn into the fluid connection for pressurization by the pump.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system for use during filling of a tank installation with a volatile liquid. The tank has a fill-pipe for the introduction of the liquid into the tank wherein the exit to which fill-pipe is normally below the liquid level in the tank. The vapor recovery system includes a reduced cross-sectional area region of the fill-pipe and a duct extending from that region through the side wall of the fill-pipe into the ullage space above the liquid level in the tank. The system further has a valve assembly associated with the duct which valve assembly normally closes off the duct, but which valve assembly is opened by flow of liquid along the fill-pipe into the tank, such that vapor in the tank may be drawn along the duct from the ullage space by the reduced static pressure in the region of reduced cross-sectional area of the fill-pipe. A method of recovering vapor using such a system is also described.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a collection chamber located along an intended path through which air current and detritus is conveyed, said collection chamber being provided with a collection zone in which said detritus is receivable, wherein said collection chamber is provided with a compacting device movable across said collection zone for compacting said detritus.

Abstract: A trimmer blade assembly comprising a blade within a housing is provided. The housing includes a wall for propelling cut vegetation away from the blade assembly. The blade assembly may also include a ridge on the housing for further propulsion of cut vegetation away from the trimmer blade. The present blade cuts vegetation more efficiently since cut vegetation will generally be propelled away from the blade by the perpendicular wall and ridge.

Abstract: A damping spring assembly particularly but not exclusively useful for damping the motion of rake wheels in agricultural wheel rakes. The damping spring includes a pair of extended U-bolts and a coil compression spring. The extended U-bolts are connected to spring holder bushings which bear on the ends of the coil compression spring. As the coil compression spring is compressed, a constrained resilient damping rod located within the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts is likewise compressed in length and expands in diameter to bear against the extended shafts of the extended U-bolts, thus providing a damping action to prevent snapping back of the damping spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to make a splice in a laid rope construction comprising at least two strands, wherein: a) one end of a first rope end is split in a first and a second part comprising respectively a first and a second number of strands, the first number of strands being at most one more than the second number of strands; b) the first part is tucked from one side into an opening in a second rope, such that the opening has a first number of strands of the second rope on one side and a second number of strands on the other side, where the first and second number differ at most by one; c) the second part is tucked from the other side into the opening in the second rope; and d) step b) and c) are repeated at least 3 respectively at least 3+1 times, whereby the respective openings in the second rope are separated such that the first and the second part have crossed over at least all the strands of the second rope once and the first and second part leave the second rope at respective last openings.

Abstract: A heat resistant sewing thread is described having a) a core formed of at least one strand of a yarn having an elongation of at least 3%; b) at least one bottom cover wrapped around the core in a first direction at a rate sufficient to provide substantially complete coverage of the core by the bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover has an elongation of less than 1% and is made of a high-tenacity yarn; c) at least one outer cover wrapped around the at least one bottom cover, wherein the outer cover is wrapped in a second direction opposite to a direction of a cover layer on which the outer cover is directly wrapped, at a rate sufficient to provide substantially complete cover of the cover layer on which the outer cover is directly wrapped; d) at least one bonding agent; and e) a lubricant; wherein the composite heat resistant sewing thread remains intact when subjected to temperatures exceeding 1,000° C., and its use in preparing heat and/or fire resistant mattresses, pillows, items of apparel and other items.

Abstract: A cut-resistant knitted fabric comprising a para-aramid yarn knitted with a composite yarn to provide the fabric with a sandwich knit structure. The composite yarn is comprised of a reinforcing filament, a polyolefin filament and a polyester filament. The fabric preferably comprises 10 to 90% of the para-aramid yarn, which is preferably poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide yarn. A method for producing such a cut-resistant fabric is also described. This combination of yarns and sandwich knit structure provides a relatively light and flexible with a cut resistance and anti-slash performance equivalent to current protective garment fabrics produced using woven fabrics that are two to three times heavier.

Abstract: A textile thread having a core and a sheath surrounding the core. The core, formed of high-tenacity synthetic organic endless fibers, is tightly wound by slit film tapes made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the S-direction and the Z-direction, or vice versa, and the slit film tapes forms a sheath.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having first and second side surfaces of the chassis; an ink sheet cartridge detachably disposed between the first and second side surfaces of the chassis; a take-up reel engaging the take-up bobbin; and a feed reel engaging the feed bobbin. The ink sheet cartridge includes a casing, a take-up bobbin and a feed bobbin disposed within the casing, first and second compression coil springs respectively coupled to circumferences of portions of the take-up bobbin and the feed bobbin so as to bias the take-up bobbin and the feed bobbin in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the take-up reel and the feed reel engages the corresponding one of the take-up bobbin and the feed bobbin without a biasing member being disposed between the first surface of the chassis and the corresponding one of the take-up bobbin and the feed bobbin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulsed detonation engine. According to the invention, the transversal base (3) or the flame tube (2) is mounted in such a way that it can move in relation to said tube in order to be able to assume two boundary positions, first position corresponding to the detonation phase of the combustible charge in the combustion chamber (5) of the tube, and a second position corresponding to the phase wherein the combustible charge is supplied to said chamber. At least one supply opening (7) for the combustible charge is provided in the lateral wall (4) of the tube, said opening being closed and separated from the combustion chamber (5) when the mobile base (3) assumes the first position thereof, and communicating with the chamber (5) in a fluidic manner when the mobile base (3) assumes the second position thereof.

Abstract: As taught herein the present system is used for complete combustion and elimination of all pollutants from any diesel operated engine or the like, respectively. The system is very simple to construct and is adaptable for numerous applications of choice. The main components include a micro-controller for control of the system components and an elongated combustion chamber that is internally partitioned by flow conditions thus forming individual chambers therein. The system is completely self-contained and no additional power source is required other than the actual diesel engine's power means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic device with internal heat exchange that among other things can be used for vehicles with an internal combustion engine or for stationary engines where there is a certain amount of unburned gas components in the exhaust that can be converted in the catalyst. By the invention it is obtained that the maximum temperature in the catalyst is always nearly constant whatever the inlet temperature. Hereby, the catalyst can be designed to work at a very specific temperature, by which it is possible, partly to ensure a better and safer burnout of the unburned components, and partly to save expenses for catalyst materials. The exhaust gas is guided through the catalyst by at least three passage sections that have a mutual internal heat exchange. In the main reaction passage section there are catalytic materials of one or several kinds, in which the gas can react, and in which the gases heat exchange with the succeeding main heat transfer passage section passage.

Abstract: An integrated NOx after-treatment system for an internal combustion engine includes (a) a fuel supply subsystem for supplying an inlet fuel stream to the engine fuel intake, (b) an air supply subsystem for supplying an inlet oxygen-containing air stream to the engine air intake, (c) a fuel processor to which a fuel stream having substantially the same composition of the engine inlet fuel stream is directed, the fuel processor converting the fuel stream directed to the fuel processor to an outlet stream comprising H2 and CO, (d) an adsorbent bed subsystem that cycles between an adsorbent state in which constituents from the engine exhaust stream are adsorbed and a desorption state in which the constituents are desorbed and converted to at least one of SO2 and an environmentally-benign component selected from the group consisting of N2, H2O and CO2, and (e) a recirculation stream for directing at least some of the fuel processor output stream to the engine air intake.

Abstract: In a device for keeping a valve controlled flow passage for supplying a reduction agent to a catalytic converter in an exhaust system of a diesel engine, wherein the reduction agent is gaseous above a certain temperature but solid below this temperature, the valve being a control valve for dosing the flow of the gaseous reduction agent and including a valve seat and a movable valve control surface, the valve surface is formed by a controllable element which can be energized selectively to be cooled or heated so that, with the valve closed and the valve surface cooled to form a condenser element gaseous reduction agent in the flow passage is solidified at the valve surface but, with the valve surface heated is readily again decomposed so as to become gaseous. As the cooling of the valve surface forms adjacent the cooled valve surface a cold trap the resolidifed reduction agent precursor formed at the valve surface where it can easily be again decomposed by the heating of the valve surface.

Abstract: There is provided a device for supplying secondary air, which comprises a secondary air passage for supplying secondary air, to an exhaust passage of an engine, upstream of an exhaust purification device provided in the exhaust passage, a pump provided in the secondary air passage for supplying a secondary air, a battery used for driving the pump, at least one opening-closing device for opening and closing the secondary air passage, and a pressure sensor provided between the pump and the opening-closing device for detecting a pressure in the secondary air passage. A malfunction of at least one of the pump and the opening-closing device is detected on the basis of at least one of the pressures detected when the secondary air passage is opens and when the secondary air passage is closed.

Abstract: An exhaust gas throttle valve disposed in the exhaust system of an engine, wherein the center axis of rotation of a valve shaft 5 is set at a position deviated from the center axis of the exhaust gas passage, and two recessed portions 11 are symmetrically formed in the circumferential portion of a valve body 4 by cutting the surface thereof. The positions where the recessed portions 11 are formed are on the side of the center axis of the exhaust gas passage beyond the center axis 12 of rotation, and at where the peripheral portion of the valve body 4 faces the edge portions 9 where insertion holes 8 for the valve shaft 5 are opened in the exhaust gas passage. At these positions, the distance is a minimum between the peripheral portion of the valve body 4 and the edge portions 9. The recessed portions 11 work to increase the gap relative to the edge portions 9 at that positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for processing exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine. The disclosed system and method can be particularly suitable to the diesel engine that usually operates in a lean burn condition without the occurrence of a periodic high-load condition in view of its combustion characteristics. According to the system and method, an exhaust composition containing soot particles and gaseous components are processed to remove the soot particles and to reduce the amount of NOx compounds. The soot particles are first filtered with a filter that passes gaseous components of the composition and collecting the soot particles. The collected soot particles are oxidized in the presence of a light-activated redox catalyst to turn to smaller molecules that can pass through the filter. The NOx compounds are temporarily adsorbed by an adsorber and reduced in the presence of a light-activated redox catalyst to turn to N2.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying apparatus for a diesel engine having a diesel particulate filter provided in an exhaust pipe, a pressure loss at the filter is detected. An accumulated amount of diesel particulates in the filter is calculated based on the pressure loss and a map for a relationship between the pressure loss and the accumulated amount. A compulsory re-generating operation is carried out when the calculated accumulated amount reaches at a predetermined threshold value, which is decreased to a smaller value depending on a combustion amount of the diesel particulates which are combusted and removed from the filter as a natural re-generating operation.