Abstract: A system and method of moving a meniscus from a first surface to a second surface includes forming a meniscus between a head and a first surface. The meniscus can be moved from the first surface to an adjacent second surface, the adjacent second surface being parallel to the first surface. The system and method of moving the meniscus can also be used to move the meniscus along an edge of a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control method of a clothes drier capable of preventing a laundry damage due to an over-drying and capable of decreasing a power dissipation, and an apparatus thereof. The control method of a clothes drier comprises the steps of: dividing a section that clothes dryness degree values varied as the clothes are dried are generated into a plurality of dryness degree detection sections; detecting the dryness degree values in the plurality of dryness degree detection sections according to a preset sampling rate or the number of samples; detecting a representative value of the detected dryness degree values; and drying the clothes with a preset heating value corresponding to the detected dryness degree representative value.

Abstract: A shoe upper, having an upper outer material (13) with a lower outer material end region (19) located in a lower upper end region, an upper lining material, which is arranged on the inner side of the upper outer material (13), incorporates a waterproof functional layer and has a lower lining material end region (21), the lining material end region (21) having a lining edge that is not covered by the upper outer material (13), and a connecting band (17), which extends in the peripheral direction of the upper end region and is joined on a first longitudinal side (23) to the outer material end region (19) but not to the end region (21) of the lining material, and is joined on a second longitudinal side to the end region (21) of the lining material but not to the end region (19) of the outer material, wherein at points of curvature of the lower periphery of the upper end region the connecting band (17) extends in an arc corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with the two longitudinal sides of the connect

Abstract: A shoe sole having at least one midsole or outer surface portion that is concavely rounded relative to a space inside the shoe adapted to receive an intended wearer's foot. The sole includes a midsole and an outer sole. The midsole extends up the side of the sole to a vertical height above the vertical height of a lowest point of the inner midsole surface. The midsole includes a portion of greatest thickness in a side portion that is greater than a thickness of a second midsole portion located in a middle sole portion of the shoe sole. The combination of the midsole height and thickness with the concavely rounded surface portion together provide improved stability of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper and a sole including a member having a top wall with a lower surface. The member has a bottom wall with an upper surface. The bottom wall has at least two portions approximately planer with each other, parallel with the ground, and separated by a gap therebetween. The top wall and the bottom wall each are connected at a closed end by a curved wall proximate the mid-foot region of the shoe. The top, bottom, and curved walls are integral. The top and bottom walls are spaced a distance from each other so that during the wearer's gait cycle when the shoe is in contact with the ground the predetermined distance is reduced. The sole includes at least one element positioned between the top wall and the bottom wall. The element has an interior sidewall. A void is located beneath the lower surface of the top wall and above the upper surface of the bottom wall and defined at least in part by the interior sidewall of the element.

Abstract: A shoe and boot protecting assembly includes a foot portion with a top wall. A front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall are each integrally attached to and extend downwardly from the top wall. An ankle portion includes a forward wall that has a lower edge, and upper edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The lower edge is integrally attached a back edge of the top wall. A first lateral wall is attached to the first lateral edge and is orientated parallel with the first side wall. A second lateral wall is attached to the second lateral edge and is orientated parallel with the second side wall. Each of a plurality of couplers is attached to the ankle and foot portions. The couplers are adapted for releasably securing the foot and ankle portions on a foot covering.

Abstract: The invention provides shoes for the elderly and disabled that are easy to put on and remove, that fit comfortably, and that are fashionable. This invention is a shoe with a slide fastener that zips open horizontally along the edge of the upper, with the upper being detachable along the edge of the outsole from the outside of the ankle to the base of the big toe, and with a slide fastener that is attached horizontally along the edges of the upper and the outsole from the base of the big toe to the outside of the ankle. Fastening tapes A and C (hook strips) are attached at the pull-tab of the slide fastener and the edge of upper, respectively, and second fastening tape (loop strip) is attached at the quarter in line with the other hook strips. A composite of polychloroprene rubber foam glued together with synthetic fabric is used as material for the upper. An ornamental design made of the same material as the upper, but in different color and texture, is attached to the upper.

Abstract: A universal control adapter system allows any commercial or custom snowplow controller to be quickly and easily attached and detached from any commercial or custom snowplow blade. A first adapter connects the snowplow driver's controller to a first universal controller. A second adapter connects the snowplow to a second universal connector, where the second universal connector is configured to removably mate with the first universal connector. The first universal connector and second universal connector are color coded or otherwise configured to ensure proper mating. In this manner, skilled snowplow drivers can quickly and easily transfer their controllers to different vehicles rather than learning different controls for various snowplow manufacturers.

Abstract: An iron including an additive reservoir and a device for spreading the additive onto an article. The reservoir contains at least one additive packaged in the form of microcapsules in suspension in a liquid, the microcapsules having membranes made of a material that is chemically compatible with the materials of the device used for spreading the additive.

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

Abstract: Communicating a message using a self-contained communications device includes affixing a customized visual message to the communications device, recording a customized audio message to store on the communications device, storing the customized audio message on the communications device; and playing the customized audio message stored on the communications device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional mobile construction is fabricated as a two dimensional object and thereafter expanded into a three dimensional configuration suited for suspension as a mobile. Cut lines in a web defines elements linked in a contiguous arrangement, and the elements are moved out of the plane of the web to create the three dimensional display.

Abstract: A card assembly for selectively displaying photos or the like, which is normally in a folded state such that at least one of the photos or the like is then hidden from view, but which upon being unfolded into an open state will permit the normally hidden photo or the like to then be visibly displayed.

Abstract: A reminder card having a printed message is printed directly on the mailing envelope on the rear lower portion of the envelope and is perforated for easy removal. The reminder card is slipped into a window pocket on the front face of the envelope to display the reminder message. A base for forming the envelope into an upstanding display is formed by bending a flap on the bottom rear of the envelope upward into an arc and adhering the flap to a gummed flange formed from the outer edge of the sealing flap of the envelope to create a triangular shaped display capable of remaining upright. A magnetic strip glued to the envelope allows the envelope to be secured to a vertical ferrous surface.

Abstract: A paintball marker comprises a main body 10, a barrel 12 defining a firing axis X-X, and a grip frame assembly including a frame 26 and a trigger 22 pivotably mounted in the frame 26. The trigger has an upper finger engaging portion 50 and a lower finger engaging portion 52 so that it can be operated by two fingers 54, 56. The lower finger engaging portion 52 is curved round so that its finger engaging surface 66 ends in a horizontal part 68. The pivot axis of the trigger is adjustable between a number of positions, one of which is offset to the rear of the finger engaging portions 50, 52 so that the trigger can be operated by pulling downwards on the horizontal part 68 of the finger engaging surface 66.

Abstract: A pesticide injection system for exterminating insects is provided. The pesticide injection system comprises an applicator; an insert and a plug frictionally engagable with a wall. The applicator includes a pliable bottle for receiving a powder pesticide and a nozzle with an end cap for displacing insulation so the powder pesticide can be injected onto a blind space behind a wall suspected of harboring insects without the powder pesticide contacting the insulation. The means for sealing the nozzle to prevent the powder pesticide from spilling into a living space during use is one of an “O” ring and a ribbed seal. The insert has a plurality of fins engaging a locking tab on the plug. The means for preventing back flow is a check valve. The means for selectively covering a first end of a tube on the plug is one of a door and a cap.

Abstract: A barrier mount system is disclosed which opens and closes a barrier such as a gate or garage door in response to user generated commands. Obstruction detection apparatus is provided for safety of operator. When an obstruction is sensed, the barrier movement system is inhibited from responding to user generated commands until a predetermined event occurs. The event may be passage of a predetermined amount of time or barrier movement of a particular amount.

Abstract: A control apparatus rotates a drive motor reversely to reverse the moving direction of a roof glass when movement of the roof glass is obstructed by a foreign matter caught between the roof glass and a frame while the roof glass is moving toward the closing position, sets a home position of the roof glass by setting the count number to a predetermined value with the roof glass placed in a predetermined position. The control apparatus performs setting of the home position again when a reverse action of the roof glass has been carried out, because of catching of the foreign matter in the roof glass, a number of times equal to or greater than a specified number. An abnormality detecting device detects an abnormality in which the reverse action of the roof glass is not carried out within a specified time period. When the abnormality is detected, the control apparatus avoids setting the home position again.

Abstract: A manway lift device comprises two hinge assemblies, each hinge assembly comprising a first hinge member, a second hinge member, a smooth bore bushing, an internally threaded bushing and an adjustable biasing assembly. At least one of the bushings of each hinge assembly including a first end protruding beyond an exterior face of the first hinge member of the hinge assembly and including a second end having dogs disposed thereon, the dogs engaged in dog holes disposed through the second hinge member of the hinge assembly. The smooth bore bushing of each hinge assembly receiving a bolt through the internal bore thereof, the bolt threaded received in the internally threaded bore of the threaded bushing of the hinge assembly. The bolts rigidly affix the bushings to the hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly connected to a manway cover and a manway collar. The biasing assemblies biasing the manway cover toward an open position with respect to the manway collar.

Abstract: An internal building pressure apparatus includes, in a building with walls and more than floor, at least one pressure sensor on at least more than one floor. A connection is provided for connecting pressure sensors and an analysis device is connected to the pressure sensors for receiving input from the pressure sensors and for providing sensor data output. According to another embodiment, a controller may be included either alone or in combination with the analysis device.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A mounting bracket attaches implements and other devices to the top surface of an inclined raised seam roof structure. The mounting bracket is formed with a body portion defining a wide cavity between opposing side walls to accommodate a variety of different sizes and shapes of raised seam configurations. A pair of opposing clamping jaws are disposed within the body cavity. One clamping jaw is fixed to a side of the body member, while the other clamping jaw is movably mounted to a threaded fastener that advances the movable clamping jaw toward the fixed clamping jaw and grip a raised seam structure therebetween. The body portion has a wedge-shaped receptacle on the top surface to mount devices such as a snow guard, which can be locked into place on the mounting bracket by a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A polyethylene resin comprising from 35 to 49 wt. % of a first polyethylene fraction of high molecular weight and from 51 to 65 wt. % of a second polyethylene fraction of low molecular weight, the first polyethylene having a density of up to 0.930 g/cm3, and an HLMI of less than 0.6 g/10 min and the second polyethylene fraction comprising a high density polyethylene having a density of at least 0.969 g/cm3 and an MI2 of greater than 10 g/10 min, and the polyethylene resin, having a density of greater than 0.946 g/cm3, an HLMI of from 1 to 100 g/10 min, a dynamical viscosity, measured at 0.01 radians/second, greater than 200,000 Pa·s and a ratio of the dynamical viscosities measured at, respectively 0.01 and 1 radians/second greater than 8.

Abstract: A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A tubular chase bounds a passageway and is at least partially disposed and upwardly extends within the chamber of the storage structure. A transfer pipe includes a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.

Abstract: A vent for a roof, said vent 2 includes a box 4, shaped to be a somewhat vertical chimney, in order to maximize an upward hot air flow out of the vent. The box has an upper rim and the rim has sides. A translucent hatch extends beyond the rim to provide overhangs of several inches and thereby provide rain protection at the rim when the hatch is open. A hinge allows lifting the hatch at all sides of the rim, to allow a breeze from any direction to venturi air from the chimney, without creating an air-scoop that would cause a downdraft, which downdraft would counteract the upward hot air flow. Above a preset temperature, a heat-actuated lifter lifts the hatch. The lifter increases the lift distance at higher temperatures, and decreases the lift distance at lower temperatures. The lifter closes the hatch below the pre-set temperature. The translucent hatch admits light, and inside surfaces of the box transmit that light by reflection to a space below.

Abstract: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.

Abstract: A floor support assembly including first and second subfloors is disclosed. The first subfloor is supported over a substrate by a plurality of pads. Each pad is housed in a corresponding recess formed in the first subfloor. Each recess includes a ridge that is in contact only with its respective pad when the floor is in a lightly loaded position. In a more aggressively athletically loaded state, the pad contacts the ridge and a portion of the top of the recess. In a non-athletic fully loaded state, the first subfloor plate near the load rests on the substrate. The second subfloor is located above the first subfloor and is supported by the first subfloor. A method of installing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved interior wall construction that provides both sound attenuating and fire resistant properties. The improved wall construction eliminates the need for conventional vertical studs by including at least one rigid interior structural panel comprised of compressed straw. A compressed straw panel is situated in a substantially layered configuration with conventional non-woven insulation, at least one air space and a gypsum board sheet on each face. Connection between the compressed straw panel and at least one gypsum board sheet is comprised semi-flexible substantially Z-shaped resilient channel members. The Z-shaped channel members and compressed straw panel each being capable of partially attenuating sound energy passed therethrough.

Abstract: A hand-held void forming device, including a handle having two handle elements moveable relative to each other; and a void forming portion having two void forming elements moveable relative to each other, the void forming portion being operatively connected to the handle whereby movement of the handle elements relative to each other moves the void forming elements relative to each other.

Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

Abstract: A multi-purpose structure, especially useful as a greenhouse or other plant-protective structure, comprising; (a) a framework comprising a plurality of vertical supports, said vertical supports being arranged in rows that extend the entire width of the structure, wherein each of said rows contains at least two vertical supports having substantially the same height, said framework further comprising a plurality of connecting members that connect the vertical supports in a row to one another at junction points located at the tops of said supports; the framework further comprises a plurality of permanent cross strips extending perpendicularly to said connecting members; (b) at least one flexible sheet adapted to be weaved through said connecting members and extending the entire length of the framework so as to form at least a part of a roof of said framework.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.

Abstract: Column/I-beam interconnect structure including an attaching plate joined to an I-beam end. This plate possesses, along its lateral margins, angularly oriented upper and lower through-passages, each characterized with a reception axis, and designed to receive, along that axis, portions of a hex nut-and-bolt set which is used to clamp together two adjacent, angularly related attaching plates. The socket portions, or outer chambers, of the through-passages are formed with spaced and generally parallel-planar upper and lower surfaces which act in these socket portions to restrain a received hex nut against rotation about its own rotational assembly axis which, in the socket portion, is coincident with the socket portion's reception axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric panel system and method for production and use thereof, enabling the rapid construction of a building foundation wall or other structure and in particular a below-grade foundation. The polymeric foundation system includes polymeric wall panels and other components suitable for withstanding lateral and end compression loads. The walls include two parallel faces separated by a series of webs or ribs, where the webs and faces of the wall panels may be formed of a similar polymer material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The wall panels and/or other components may be extruded so as to enable the rapid production of sections of wall panels, where the panels may be cut to length and then affixed to adjacent panels to form a foundation wall. The method of affixing adjacent panels may include welding, gluing or other techniques and may be performed on the job site or in a pre-fabrication facility.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A method of making a metal snow guard is disclosed. The snow guard has a solid layer of soldering material on its base to be heated and melted with application of heat to the upper side of the snow guard to solder the base to an underlying metal roof. The soldering material may be applied as spaced spots or projections providing a rough surface on the underside of the snow guard. The amount of solder and/or flux in the solid layer is limited so that the solder and/or flux does not flow outwardly from the snow guard and run down the metal roof thereby damaging or marring the metal roof surface. The snow guards may be formed of a few pieces of sheet metal. The projections of soldering material may be formed by forcing a paste of solder and flux through spaced holes in a plate or screen onto the base.

Abstract: A guardrail system for a pitched roof of a building including a plurality of pitched roof members includes a plurality of end post supports that may be installed from ground level. Each of the end post supports may include a U-shaped body having a first segment for removably fastening to an end of a respective roof member, and having a second segment extending outwardly from the respective roof member with a gap therebetween defined by the U-shape. The end post supports may also include a post receiver connected to an upper end of the second segment of the U-shaped body, and a stabilizer carried by the U-shaped body for extending against an adjacent wall portion below the pitched roof. The guardrail system may further include a respective post carried by the post receiver of each end post support, and rail members to be connected between adjacent end posts.

Abstract: A wall covering and method of installation using corner moldings formed with a plurality of tiers of simulated building elements and a plurality of panels each formed with a plurality of rows of simulated building elements. The corner molding includes flanges along opposite sides formed with both (1) elongated fastener-receiving apertures for receiving fasteners which permit adjustable positioning and alignment of the tiers of building elements of the corner molding with rows of building elements of a panel to be mounted adjacent thereto and (2) circular apertures for receiving fasteners that precisely secure and retain the corner moldings in mounted position with the building elements of the corner molding and adjacent panel in predetermined aligned relation.

Abstract: Replacement lock levers and related methods are disclosed which accommodate adjustment to acceptable tolerances of the force applied to cans being filled by the platform lift cylinder assemblies of the automatic beverage filling machine, due to an eccentricity of the replacement lock levers.

Abstract: The system for packaging a flexible web (2) that is layered in a zigzag loops comprises the following for simplifying the handling and packaging processes: a layering device (1) for forming a tier consisting of a web (2) that is layered in zigzag loops; a transfer device (26) for directly or indirectly transferring the looped web tier to a packaging container; and a memory-programmable control device for components of the system.

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 unit for packing products, wherein a feed line, for supplying a strip of packing material, feeds the strip with a given movement to a cutting device for cutting the strip into a succession of sheets of packing material, and then to a feed station for feeding each sheet to a packing wheel moving with a further movement through the feed station; and wherein a compensating roller, having a compensating store, is interposed between the cutting device and the feed station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, horizontal process for making water-reactive pouches, involving the steps of: a) continuously feeding a first water-soluble film onto a horizontal portion of an continuously and rotatably moving endless surface, which comprises a plurality of moulds, or onto a non-horizontal portion thereof and continuously moving the film to said horizontal portion; b) forming from the film on the horizontal portion of the continuously moving surface, and in the moulds on the surface, a continuously moving, horizontally positioned web of open pouches; c) filling the continuously moving, horizontally positioned web of open pouches with a product, to obtain a horizontally positioned web of open, filled pouches; d) closing the web of open pouches, to obtain closed pouches, preferably by feeding a closing material onto the horizontally positioned web of open, filed pouches, to obtain closed pouches; and preferably sealing the closed pouches and whereby step d) and preferably step

Abstract: A portable vacuum device for extracting fluid in a container having an opening includes a handheld housing, a fluid extracting nozzle, a vacuum device and a sensor switch. The fluid extracting nozzle has a vacuum pressure corresponding to an interior pressure of the container, extended towards the handheld housing for communicating with the opening of the container. The vacuum device is supported in the handheld housing to generate a vacuum effect within the fluid extracting nozzle. The sensor switch includes a movable conductive member driven with respect to the vacuum pressure of the fluid extracting nozzle and a control member normally positioned spaced apart from the movable conductive member to allow the vacuum device to be operated, wherein when the vacuum pressure drops below a predetermined threshold pressure, the movable conductive member is driven to electrically contact with the control member to deactivate the vacuum device.

Abstract: A device for treating forage, intended to accelerate the drying and comprising a rotor which is rotated about an axis and includes a support and at least one conditioning element. The conditioning element includes at least one active part which is used to work the forage, a first connecting part which is used to connect the conditioning element to the support via a first connection, and a second connection which connects the conditioning element to the support if the first connection breaks.

Abstract: A mower blade includes a mid-section, two sharpened, end sections, and a blade longitudinal axis. The mid-section includes a circular, central hole having a relatively large diameter and being centered on the blade longitudinal axis and first and second slots centered on the blade longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second slots are positioned on opposite sides of the central hole. The mid-section also includes first and second circular, side holes positioned off the blade longitudinal axis and on opposite sides of the central hole. Each of the first and second side holes have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the central hole. The diameter of the central hole is larger than the width of each of the first and second slots.

Abstract: A controlled failure rope and method of making the same. The controlled failure rope comprises first and second portions. The first portion is formed of a first material having a first set of tension failure characteristics. The second portion is formed of a second material having a second set of tension failure characteristics. The first and second sets of tension failure characteristics differ such that, when the rope is subjected to tension loads above a tension threshold, the first portion of the rope begins to fail before the second portion of the rope, therefore providing a prior indication of possible rope failure before the rope becomes completed separated.

Abstract: A ply-twisted yarn useful in cut resistant fabrics is made by providing a first multifilament yarn of continuous organic filaments having a tensile strength of at least 4 grams per denier and having a twist in a first direction of from 0.5 to 10 turns per inch; providing a second yarn comprising 1 to 5 continuous inorganic filament(s); and ply-twisting the first yarn and the second yarn about each other 2 to 15 turns per inch in a second direction opposite to that of the twist in the first yarn to form a ply-twisted yarn having an overall effective twist of +/?5 turns per inch.

Abstract: A turbofan nacelle includes forward and aft cowls adjoining at a joint, and including an exhaust duct having a main outlet for discharging exhaust. A variable nozzle surrounds the exhaust duct and includes a secondary outlet around the main outlet. A thrust reverser bridges the forward and aft cowls upstream from the variable nozzle. The variable nozzle is inductively powered and controlled across the closed joint, and is uncoupled inductively from the forward cowl when the joint is open.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for operating a nitrogen oxide storage-type catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, in which the nitrogen oxides which have been produced by the internal combustion engine are stored in the storage catalytic converter in the first operating phase (lean phase) as a storage phase for a specific storage time, and in which, after expiration of the storage time at a specific switching instant for a specific discharge time, switching to the second operating phase as the discharge phase takes place, in which the nitrogen oxides which were stored during the storage time are discharged from the storage catalytic converter, the switching instant in the storage phase being determined as a function of the nitrogen oxide slip as the difference between the nitrogen oxide mass flow which has flowed into the storage catalytic converter and the nitrogen oxide mass flow which has flowed out of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter, each