Abstract: A hurricane shutter escape mechanism for allowing fast and easy removal of conventional hurricane shutters from a window or door of a structure in the event of an emergency. The device comprises a release member, an anchor, a removable stud for engaging and securing the hurricane shutters, and a spring-actuated panel fastener that includes a leaf spring to engage and hold the removable stud in position. The release member includes a slot having a small aperture to hold the stud in position and a large aperture to release the stud from the anchor. From inside the building, the release member is pushed down to release the hurricane shutters so that the occupants of a structure can escape during an emergency, such as a fire. From outside the building, a rescuer can depress the leaf spring to remove the spring-actuated panel fastener, and thereby, also remove the hurricane shutter panel.

Abstract: A clip for accurately and quickly suspending pairs of spaced parallel grid main tees from superadjacent structural channels. The clip works with a separate drop clip that hooks over and depends from the structural channel. The paired main tee clip has a central body region configured like a conventional grid tee bulb thereby enabling the paired main tee clip to mate with the drop clip in the same way the drop clip mates with a conventional grid tee bulb thereby achieving a system that is cost-effective in manufacture and installation.

Abstract: A selectively reinforced hybrid metal-composite structural element can include a metal element and a composite material. The composite material can be bonded to the metal element by an adhesive layer including a polymer matrix using a radiation curing process, resulting in insubstantial or negligible residual stresses at the bond line between the metal element and the composite element. The structural element also can include a metal closeout cap to provide a barrier from a corrosive atmosphere, and the adhesive layer can encapsulate the composite element to provide a corrosion-resistant barrier between the composite element and the surrounding metal.

Abstract: A method for sealing joints formed by the intersection and/or overlap of roofing membranes is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of applying strips of double sided tape to roofing membranes so as to secure the membranes to one another and to fill voids created at the intersection of the membranes. Securing the membranes using double-sided tape creates a tight seal which prevents the seepage of water and debris into the joint. A roof joint patch kit is also disclosed which comprises a roll of roofing membrane and a plurality of double-sided tape strips.

Abstract: A method of forming a nodular insulation material suitable for installation in a cavity, comprising: propelling fibrous nodules at a substrate, wherein the fibrous nodules are formed from inorganic fibers, wherein the majority of the nodules have a maximum dimension of about one-half inch, and contacting the nodules while the nodules are being propelled, with a solution comprising water and a water soluble binder to produce coated nodules, wherein the coated nodules form an insulation on the substrate.

Abstract: “Bretonstone” technology is used for the production of a dual-layer slab or board-like article. The rear layer is formed from a mix comprising an inorganic granular material in expanded form, in particular consisting of beads of expanded glass, expanded day and the like, a filler in the form of a fine powder, preferably cristobalite, and a hardening resin, in particular epoxy resin or polyester. The first layer, which is intended to form the visible side of the article, comprises the same resin or a resin compatible with that present in said rear layer. A web of continuous glass filaments is arranged between the said two layers. The invention also relates to the article or slab which can be obtained by the abovementioned method.

Abstract: A concrete frame assembly adapted to support an anchor bolt, comprising a frame to retain wet concrete that includes a sidewall that has a major interior side surface. Also, a bracket adapted to receive and retain an anchor bolt is attached to the major interior side surface and positioned to retain an anchor bolt at a point below the top of the side wall.

Abstract: A method of strengthening a roof is disclosed. Preferably, the roof is first cleaned of at least some of any existing roofing materials to expose at least a portion of a roof deck, which is also preferably cleaned. A layer of high viscosity resin may then be rolled or brushed onto the roof deck. Once the roof has been adequately prepared, a plurality of strips of composite material may be provided and saturated with a low-viscosity saturating resin. Each such saturated strip is preferably long enough to fit along an entire first side of the roof, the first such strip hanging partially over the first side of the roof. Each end of the first strip also overhangs the roof. A second saturated strip is then placed generally parallel to and overlapping the first strip. The ends of this second strip likewise overhang two sides of the roof.

Abstract: A double-T-beam for the construction of a combination sheet pile wall from numerous elements that can be driven into the ground, such as beams, sheet piles, etc., whereby the double-T-beam exhibits in its cross-section two T-bars, and one connecting web that connects said T-bars and forms the T-down-stroke. The free longitudinal edges of the double-T-beam, which are located on one side of the connecting web in one plane parallel to the connecting web, are designed as analogous connecting elements of the type round claw or round knob for directly connecting additional sheet pile wall elements with corresponding connecting elements.

Abstract: A wooden deck is formed by a structural sandwich plate member with a wooden layer applied to one surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to securing devices, including securing devices for earthquake-resistant securing of an equipment cabinet, which is adapted to accommodate electronic/electric equipment, onto a concrete floor (6). The securing device comprises an assembly plate (1) and at least one spacer plate (2) adapted to bear against the concrete floor for positioning of the assembly plate a distance above the concrete floor. The assembly plate and the spacer plates include common through holes for securing the assembly plate and the spacer plates to the concrete floor by anchor bolts (7), as well as common threaded holes (5) for securing of the cabinet onto the securing device by securing bolts (13). The invention also relates to a method for earthquake-resistant securing of an equipment cabinet.

Abstract: A polymeric void-board is placed between adjacent horizontal layers of bricks to maintain an opening in a lower of the layers. The void-board is fabricated from a first relatively thin planar element having first and second surfaces having a plurality of parallel ribs extending from and generally transverse to the first surface and a second relatively thin planar element having first and second surfaces having a plurality of parallel ribs extending from and generally transverse to the first surface. The first and second elements are joined to one another with the ribs of the first element engaging and joined to the second element.

Abstract: A viewport including substantially aligned openings disposed in inner and outer panels for a door or wall is provided. A pane assembly configured to permit viewing therethrough is provided, the pane assembly being secured into position between the inner and outer panels in alignment with the openings. An injected insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer panels and around the pane assembly to substantially fill an open space between the inner and outer panels, the insulating material being configured and disposed to maintain the secured position of the pane assembly.

Abstract: A clip closure system for closing clips, each clip having a base section and first and second legs extending from opposite ends thereof, is described. The clip closure system has a rail configured to hold the clips; first and second jaws which are rotatably connected to the rail; a connector; first and second arms, the first arm being connected to the first jaw and to the connector, the second arm being connected to the second jaw and to the connector; an actuator configured to move the connector such that the first jaw rotates relative to the rail to contact and bend the first leg of the clip toward the base section of the clip, and such that the second jaw rotates relative to the rail to contact and bend the second leg of the clip toward the base section of the clip.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having an inspection apparatus for inspecting bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A bag packaging method by which a mouth portion of a thin plastic-made bag filled with articles can be sealed without creases is provided. While a bag 4 filled with articles is conveyed by a blade conveyor 6, at position opposed to a sirocco fan 13, air is blown from the sirocco fan 13 toward a mouth of the bag so that the mouth portion of the bag 4 is opened. Two mouth spreader bars 20 are moved to position in front of the bag 4 so opened. The mouth spreader bars 20 having an interval between them narrowed are inserted into the bag 4. Then, the mouth spreader bars 20 have the interval widened and are retracted. Thereby, the mouth portion is spread flat. Narrowing and widening of the mouth spreader bars 20 are done by cam followers 24 engaging with different cams while moving forward and backward. The mouth portion of the bag 4 spread flat is pinched and sealed by a sealer without generation of creases and folded and bound by a binder 60.

Abstract: A method for the production of a packaging for a CD-like storage medium, by means of a lower die, with a recess and an upper die with a working stamp corresponding to the recess. A card of deep-drawable material is placed between the upper and lower die and an elastic body is placed between the card and the lower die or between the card and the upper die.

Abstract: The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a clearance member that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. The clearance member can take many forms such as a textured portion on the second sidewall that includes evacuation passages which provide air in the internal volume access to the valve element, a permeable element covering the valve element, and a rigid or compressible structure that spaces the second sidewall from the valve element.

Abstract: A bagging apparatus, particularly for granular and/or powdery products, of the type adapted to vacuum-package granular and/or powdery products in bags, comprising at least one compaction chamber for the bag, in which at least one of the walls is movable and is adapted to apply a pressure to a surface of the bag, so as to expel therefrom the contained air and/or gases and compact the product, and at least one bell, which is provided with at least one filter probe, which is connected to air and/or gas suction elements and is adapted to produce vacuum inside the bag, the bell being associated with elements for bidirectional translational motion from an inactive retracted position to a suction position, in which the bell is at least partially inserted in a mouth of the bag so as to adhere perimetrically to an internal surface of the bag, elements being further provided for heat-sealing the mouth in the portion arranged in contact with the bell, the sealing elements being adapted to provide a final closure of the

Abstract: A system for automatically forming several parallel rows of disk-like objects on a conveyor into stacks and packing those stacks into boxes is disclosed along with a method of operating the system. The system includes a stacker receiving the disk-like objects as they fall of the conveyor, a buffer receiving stacks from the stacker in groups of a first number, a transfer device for removing the stacks from the buffer in groups of a second number, and a packer for packing the stacks into boxes. The second number can be less than, greater than, or equal to the first number.

Abstract: A packing method and system are disclosed which system includes a first platform having a product support surface for supporting a product and a second platform for supporting a box into which the product is to be packed. After a box is received on and secured to the second platform, the second platform is rotated so that the open top of the box faces the first platform and moved toward the first platform until the box substantially surrounds the product on the product support surface. The first and second platforms are then rotated simultaneously so that the product is transferred from the product support to the box, and the full box is discharged to a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A bag packaging method by which a mouth portion of a thin plastic-made bag filled with articles can be sealed without creases is provided. A bag 4 filled with sliced bread 1 is conveyed by a blade conveyor 6. A mouth portion of the bag 4 is led between upper and lower two conveyor belts 20, 21. While a suction force acting on upper and lower sides of the mouth portion is applied from vacuum chambers 23, 24 through the conveyor belts 20, 21, air is blown from a sirocco fan 13 toward a mouth of the bag 4 so that the mouth portion of the bag 4 is opened. Two mouth spreader bars 30 having an interval between their distal ends narrowed are inserted into the bag 4 so opened. Then, the mouth spreader bars 30 have the interval widened to thereby spread the mouth portion flat. The mouth portion of the bag 4 spread flat is pinched and sealed by a sealer 50 without generation of creases.

Abstract: The present invention automatically and continuously packs women's sanitary products, paper diapers, and the like in a sealed manner and is installed in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public. When a trash is put in, film pull-out rollers (50), (60) are rotated by a motor (70) and films (31), (41) are pulled out from film feed rollers (30), (40). When passing between film pull-out rollers (50), (60), the trash is sealingly packed between the two films (31), (41). Therefore, since the trash can be automatically packed in a sealed manner and a clean state is maintained, the present invention is suitable for installation in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public.

Abstract: A cover foil is sealed to a foil formed with an array of blisters by a drive roller centered on an axis and having a generally cylindrical outer surface formed with an array of outwardly open recesses complementary to the array of blisters. The outer surface is annularly continuous and formed of an at least limitedly elastically deformable material. The roller further is formed inward of the outer surface with at least one pressurizable chamber. The blister foil engages the drive roller with the blisters fitting into the recesses. A sealing roller presses a cover foil radially against the blister foil on the drive roller and thereby seals the cover foil to the blister foil between the blisters. A source of compressed air is connected to the drive roller for pressurizing the chamber and thereby changing a circumference of the drive-roller outer surface and an angular spacing between the recesses.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically delivering placed and oriented pieces of meat to a netter for wrapping and netting is described, in which the placement and orientation of the meat pieces remains unchanged from initial placement until final wrapping and netting. The apparatus is a conveyor having a series of compartments in which the meat is placed and oriented. The conveyor is situated below the level of the breech of the feed tube to the netter, so that a compartment carried on said conveyor will be precisely aligned with the opening to the feed tube. A ram pushes the meat pieces out of the compartment and into the feed tube, without changing the placement or orientation of the meat pieces relative to each other. The netter wraps the meat pieces in a collagen film and encases the wrapped meat in a net for further processing.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for machines for filling bags (1) with bulk material (2), comprising at least one station (F) for forming the bag (1), at least one station (R) for filling the bag with the material (2), provided with fixed bag gripping means (112,112a), at least one station (S) for sealing the mouth (1a) of the bag and at least one apparatus for transporting the bags from one station to the other station (F,R,S) in a feeding direction (X-X), said apparatus comprising two pairs of the arms (510,1510) which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the direction (X-X) of feeding of the bag and each carry respective pairs of means (514) for gripping the sides (1c) of the bag (1), said pairs of arms (510,1510) being formed by levers (511,1511) which are kinematically connected together in a pantograph arrangement, said first pair of levers (511) being able to travel along a curved trajectory (T) from a point (T1) where the gripping means (514) are situated at a maximum relative distance to a point (T2)

Abstract: A rotating filter screen assembly is provided for filtering debris from cooling and combustion air provided to an engine system having an engine fan adapted to draw air through the filter screen assembly. The filter screen assembly includes a rotating filter screen having an upstream side and a downstream side. The filter screen is adapted to collect debris on the upstream side from air passing through the filter screen. A stationary cleaning chamber is mounted in the filter screen assembly and has an open face adjacent the upstream side of the filter screen. A vacuum source is connected to the cleaning chamber and is adapted to remove collected debris from the upstream side of the filter screen as the filter screen rotates relative to the cleaning chamber. An aerodynamic baffle plate is offset from the downstream side of the filter screen to divert air flow toward the downstream side of the filter screen so as to create an area of high pressure air at the open face of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A manually moveable filter shaker for a drum-style vacuum cleaner with a drum lid and a filter bag mounted below the drum lid. The filter shaker includes a shaker handle operable from outside of the drum lid and extending through an elastically deformable pressure-tight through-hole in the drum lid and into the filter bag having a contoured bottom. The shaker handle extends to the bottom of the filter bag. Guide template control the manual movement of the shaker handles such that the shaker handle shakes the filter bag loosening accumulated debris.

Abstract: A gas liquid separator adapted to be inserted into a conduit is disclosed. The gas-liquid separator includes downward sloping vanes and optionally, one or more return channels. The vanes may have an opening along the length thereof, and a bottom lip to channel accumulated liquid to the conduit wall or to sloped return channels. If the conduit is not sloped such that the captured droplets are returned to the originating vessel, sloped return channel/channels are used to return the captured droplets to the vessel from which the gas stream originated. With a central return channel, the vanes can be attached directly to the channel with the resulting assembly having a fishbone shape. When a central return channel is not used, the vanes can be attached to a central plate or spine with the resulting spine-vanes assembly again having a fishbone shape. The separation enhancers can be used in a variety of conduit configurations.

Abstract: A filter element includes a first, outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior; a second, inner tuber construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior; the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior and being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media; and the second open filter interior defines an unfiltered fluid channel. A plastic inner liner is within the first open filter interior to support the first construction of filter media. A plastic outer liner is within the first open filter interior to support the second construction of filter media. A filtered fluid channel is defined between the inner liner and the outer liner. A brace arrangement is between the first and second tubular constructions. The brace arrangement can include a spring, a plurality of gussets, or a solid spacer.

Abstract: An air filter insert including at least one filter element (2; 4; 11) and a seal (3; 7) extending along outer edges of one side of the filter insert (2; 4; 11) and via which the filter insert is sealingly seated against housing sections (5, 6) of a surrounding filter housing. The filter insert (2; 4; 11) is configured such that the air can easily flow into or out of the structural space on the one side of the filter element with a minimum pressure drop. The filter insert (11) may be at least partially covered on the inflow and/or discharge side by a semi-permeable component (12), which at least partially equalizes the pressure distribution in the air stream.

Abstract: A self-supporting pleated filter, and an apparatus and method for fabricating such a filter, are provided, through use of a conveyor having a plurality of spaced apart flites operatively joined to one another in such a manner that spacing between the flights is selectively adjustable. The conveyor is incorporated into a pleat spacer, according to the invention, so that the pleat spacing of a pleat pack of the filter may be conveniently varied, during manufacture of the filter, to provide a desired pleat spacing, and to also provide a desired fit between the periphery of the pleat pack and a frame, of the filter, which is attached to the pleat pack.

Abstract: A steam injection manifold assembly is mounted to a crop pick-up assembly and is provided with an elongate manifold disposed lengthwise of the pick-up assembly. A plurality of steam injection tubes are releasably mounted to the manifold to receive steam exiting through respective steam outlet openings provided in the manifold. In one embodiment the injection tubes are shaped similarly to tine stripper bands of the pick-up, and in another embodiment the injection tubes define the stripper bands of the pick-up.

Abstract: A direct-fired steam generator used for supplying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during baling is controlled so as to produce a desired constant steam temperature output by collecting data from which the heat output of the steam generator can be calculated and using this calculation together with the difference between the actual steam temperature and the desired steam temperature to control the amount of process water sent to the steam generator in order to correct any error in steam temperature. Steam temperature is measured in either one of the steam injection manifolds or in an injection tube coupled to an injection manifold so as to be close to the point of application of the steam to the crop.

Abstract: A baler is equipped with a crop re-hydration system including a steam injection manifold mounted for discharging steam onto a windrow of crop as the windrow is being fed into the baler. The steam injection manifold has a steam discharge orifice arrangement which can be adjusted to vary the discharge width. A flexible duct guides discharged steam to the crop windrow.

Abstract: A steam generator is controlled for applying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during the baling process so as to raise the temperature of the crop being treated with steam by an amount which is within a desired range known to result in bales of crop of good quality.

Abstract: Components of a crop re-hydration system are advantageously carried on free space of a large square baler. Specifically, a direct-fired steam generator is mounted at a rear location on the baler so as not to transfer heat to a hydraulic fluid supply tank located at a forward location on the baler. Further, the combustion chamber of the steam generator is coupled to a forwardly extending main steam conduit having a length sufficient for ensuring that the water injected into the combustion chamber is thoroughly mixed with hot combustion gases and changed to steam prior to reaching a steam distribution manifold located at a forward end of the baler. A combustion air intake filter is positioned in a relatively clean zone at an elevated location at the rear of the baler. Water tanks are mounted closely adjacent ground wheel axles of the baler so that the weight of the water does not unduly load the baler frame.

Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.

Abstract: Many variables in processes such as those using turbocompressors and turbines must be limited or constrained. Limit control loops are provided for the purpose of limiting these variables. By using a combination of closed loop and open loop limit control schemes, excursions into unfavorable operation can be more effectively avoided. Transition between open loop and closed loop may be enhanced by testing the direction and magnitude of the rate at which the limit variable is changing. If the rate of change indicates recovery is imminent, control is passed back to the closed loop limit control function.

Abstract: A multi-stage radial flow compressor and turbine includes a rotor having a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades radially outward from the first plurality. A stator has a plurality of blades radially positioned between the two sets of rotor blades. The stator also includes a plurality of combustors positioned radially outward from the stators. The rotor also has turbine blades radially outward from the combustors which are driven by the combusted gas.

Abstract: Several methods of increasing the thrust and energy efficiency of charged particle jet engines operating in a gaseous or liquid medium have been developed. We identify the three main components of charged particle thrust generation and provide means to take maximum advantage of each. We also describe several methods to reduce the energy associated with the generation of charged particles and to minimize the number of charged particles needed to further increase energy efficiency. In addition to the methods used to increase thrust and energy efficiency, we have also developed several methods of efficiently controlling the amount and direction of thrust. Finally, we show many uses of these charged particle jet engines and ways to control them.

Abstract: In a mechanical apparatus having a diesel engine including a combustion chamber, an intake valve for passing air into the combustion chamber, and an exhaust valve for passing exhaust from the chamber, the mechanical apparatus also having an aftertreatment device configured to treat emissions from the diesel engine, a method of operating the engine is disclosed, wherein the method includes performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber with a first quantity of fuel, determining a temperature of the aftertreatment device, and if the temperature of the aftertreatment device is equal to or below a preselected temperature threshold, then performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber with a second, greater quantity of fuel and varying at least one of an intake valve timing and an exhaust valve timing relative to a default valve timing to cause at least one of a compression loss and a pumping loss.

Abstract: A further improved compact reversing flow catalytic converter with protection from overheating includes an improved valve unit which directs exhaust gases through a container filled with catalytic material to permit a bypass of catalytic material when a temperature of the material exceeds a predetermined threshold. The container defines a U-shaped gas passage that communicates with two chambers at the top of the container. The improved valve unit is mounted to the top of the container and includes two container chamber extension cavities, an improved intake cavity and an improved exhaust cavity. The improved valve unit includes an improved valve flapper and two conjoined valve walls each wall with two openings therethrough. The improved valve flapper rotates around normal central axis between a first, a second and third positions.

Abstract: In a mechanical apparatus having a diesel engine including a combustion chamber, the mechanical apparatus also having an aftertreatment device configured to treat emissions from the diesel engine and an intake valve for passing air into the combustion chamber, a method of operating the engine is disclosed, wherein the method includes performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber at a first intake valve closure timing, determining a temperature of the aftertreatment device, and if the temperature of the aftertreatment device is equal to or below a preselected temperature threshold, then performing at least one combustion in the combustion chamber at a second intake valve closure timing to thereby increase the temperature of exhaust emitted by the diesel engine.

Abstract: Raw diesel fuel is reformed to produce partially oxygenated hydrocarbons in the liquid fuel by use of a nonthermal plasma reactor. The reformed diesel fuel is formed by passing a stream of air plasma bubbles through a liquid volume of diesel fuel to strip low molecular weight hydrocarbons from the fuel, while partially oxygenating an abundance of them as a reformate for addition to the exhaust. This reformed diesel fuel is introduced as a sidestream into the exhaust of a diesel engine or other lean-burn power plants as reactants for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Fresh fuel is added to the liquid volume as diesel reformate is stripped from it, and a portion of the stripped fuel is withdrawn from the liquid volume.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an emission abatement device and a ratio oscillator. The emission abatement device comprises a NOx trap and a particulate trap. The ratio oscillator is configured to oscillate a ratio of the oxygen content and regenerative agent content of a flow advanced to the emission abatement device so as to alternately partially regenerate the NOx trap and the particulate trap for a plurality of cycles. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for intermittently delivering fluid. An injector intermittently delivers a first quantity of fluid over a first time interval. In one embodiment, the injector is passively cooled. In a certain embodiment, the injector delivers the first quantity of fluid responsive to a fluid flow measurement of a flow meter. An orifice diverts the first quantity of fluid from a primary fluid supply system over a second time interval without decreasing the supply of fluid to a primary load within a flow rate range while the fluid pressure remains within a pressure range. An accumulator accumulates at the least the first quantity of fluid as a fluid charge with positive energy.

Abstract: A particulate filter 8 is disposed in an exhaust passage 7 of an internal combustion engine 1, and a reduction catalyst 9 is disposed downstream of the particulate filter 8. A bypass passage 12 for bypassing the reduction catalyst 9 and a flow path switching valve 13 which switches a flow path for the exhaust gas which has passed through the particulate filter 8 between the exhaust passage 7 and the bypass passage 12 are disposed. A control unit 301 controls the flow path switching valve 13 in association with a temperature Texh of the exhaust gas which has passed through the particulate filter 8.

Abstract: There is provided an air supply apparatus for an engine comprising a plurality of exhaust pipes and catalysts arranged in the exhaust pipes, respectively, the apparatus comprising devices for supplying air into the interior of the corresponding exhaust pipes upstream of the corresponding catalysts, respectively.

Abstract: A catalytic converter-incorporated exhaust system is provided, which includes an exhaust tube through which exhaust gases emitted from an engine flow, and a muffler fluidly connected with a downstream end of the exhaust tube. This muffler includes a muffler casing having a plurality of expansion chambers defined therein, an exhaust introducing passage for introducing the exhaust gases from the exhaust tube into the expansion chambers in succession, two catalytic converters mounted in an downstream portion of the exhaust introducing passage and operable to substantially purify the exhaust gases, and an exhaust composition detecting sensor disposed outside the muffler casing in the exhaust introducing passage.