Abstract: A ceiling system (100) is disclosed, and illustrated in various embodiments as may be utilized within an architectural interior (102). The ceiling system (100) includes shielding elements (116) supported through the use of parallel and spaced apart rails (118). The rails are suspended through the use of suspension cables (121) to overhead building supports. The shielding elements (116) include coverings (121) of varying translucence for a series of LED lighting modules (122) or other lighting elements. The varying degrees of translucency of the shielding elements (116) provides for adjustment of intensity and diffusion of lighting projecting from the LED lighting modules (122) or other lighting elements.

Abstract: An artificial stone slab having a lining structure is used as an internal framework of the artificial stone slab for reducing the consumption of artificial stone material and the total weight of the artificial stone slab, and thus the artificial stone slab of the invention can greatly lower the construction load when it is used as a construction or decoration material.

Abstract: A set of building blocks are provided for building up to a unique structure using substantially simply designed blocks. The building blocks according to the present invention are classified into a first piece P1 and a second piece P2. The first piece P1 has a groove G provided therein of which two surfaces Ga, Ga are tilted symmetrically from the reference plane H orthogonal to a flat plane S or a plane S? including the flat plane S. The bottom Gb of the groove G extends parallel with the flat plane S. The second piece P2 has at least a corner edge thereof arranged at a right angle, when viewed in the lengthwise direction of the groove G, to engage with the groove G with its one side Af coming substantially in face contact with the grooves G. In particular, the width WS of the flat plane S is greater than the width WG of the groove G along the direction perpendicular to the reference plane H while the flat plane S and the groove G are coincided with each other at the center of the width WS, WG.

Abstract: A sheet material support device that is attachable to studs, joist, beams or other suitable framing components and that facilitates mounting orthogonal junctions of sheet material pieces without need of multiple studs is described. The device includes a fastener-receiving member used to fasten the sheet material to the device and a stud-mounting member orthogonally transecting the fastener-receiving member that is used for mounting the device on the stud. The sheet material support device is made of a pliable plastic material and can be quickly mounted to the studs through the stud-mounting member using an ordinary construction grade staples. Each of two orthogonally oriented sheet materials forming the junction are quickly mounted by being fastened through the stud-mounting member into the stud in one case and into the fastener-receiving member in the other case.

Abstract: A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses.

Abstract: A device for continuously filling and closing composite cardboard/plastic packagings opened on one side comprises a filling area for filling the open packagings and a closing area for closing the open end of the packagings. The individual areas are configured as peripheral functional wheels having recesses arranged on the outside, including a filling wheel and a closing wheel. The individual packagings are arranged in cell cages, which are delivered one after the other to the individual wheels. The cell cages are held in a non-positive fitting manner in the recesses of the wheels by magnets. The invention also relates to a cell cage for transporting said packagings in the device. In order to ensure a gentle transfer of the cell cages by the transfer wheels, transfer wheels having recesses on the outside are provided between the individual wheels for transferring the cell cages and the other wheels.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant having a beverage bottle closing machine with a bearing system to guide a reciprocating shaft in the beverage bottle closing machine. 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: Apparatus including a vacuum chamber housing defining an opening sized and configured to receive, and be placed in sealed relationship with, a planar member having a bottom surface and a top surface. The top surface defines an array of recesses, each being configured to receive one of the objects. The planar member further defines a plurality of fluid passageways extending therethrough, each of the fluid passageways opening in one of the recesses and extending completely through the planar member to a passageway opening in the bottom surface. The apparatus also includes a support member pivotally attached to the vacuum chamber and configured to receive a sheet which forms an array of blister-like chambers for receiving at least some of the objects.

Abstract: In a manufacturing system utilizing a cigarette maker linked to a packer, cigarettes temporarily surplus to requirements are stored in containers, each provided with an opening by way of which it can be filled and emptied. An empty container is picked up from a first magazine stocked with a supply of the empty containers, filled with cigarettes at a loading hopper, and placed in a second magazine lying alongside the first magazine and holding full containers; the transfer movement from the hopper to the second magazine is brought about along a circular path centered on a vertical axis between the magazines, utilizing a rotary mechanism equipped with plates on which the single containers are taken up, filled and carried through the circular trajectory.

Abstract: A valuable securing tote bag assembly and method includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. Each of the bottom and peripheral walls is flexible. The peripheral wall has an upper edge that forms a plurality of outer flaps. An inner flap is attached to inner surface of the peripheral wall and is divides the housing into an upper portion and a lower portion. A fastener is removably extendable through the outer flaps so that the outer flaps are secured together to define a closed position of the housing. The lower portion of the housing is filled with sand and valuables are positioned in the upper portion of the housing. The outer flaps are then secured together with the fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing packs (23) from at least two partial packs (25, 26) to form one groups of packs (21, 22) each of especially cuboid (cigarette) packs (20), a one-piece blank (24) being folded along (embossed) fold lines (46, 47) around the groups of packs (21, 22) in such a way that mutually facing inner walls (27) of the partial packs (25, 26) are folded in between the groups of packs (21, 22) in a V shape. According to the invention, the substantially flat blank (24) is conveyed along a blank path (36) and, during the transport, is at least partially upset in such a way that the inner walls (27) are folded in a V shape along fold lines (46) arranged transversely with respect to the transport direction. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plurality of objects, the method including the steps of placing the plurality of objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the recesses being sized and configured to receive one of the plurality of objects, sweeping at least some of the plurality of objects across the top surface to ensure that each ofthe recesses has received a respective one of the objects, removing all of any excess number of the plurality of objects from the top surface, and placing in contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the top surface a sheet which forms an array of blister-like chambers for receiving at least a portion of the plurality of objects, the array of recesses ofthe top surface being substantially aligned with and opening into the blister-like chambers of the sheet, and transferring each of the objects to be transferred from its respective recess to a corresponding blister-like chamber of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved grip belt drive system for use in sealing machines used to wrap articles in thermoplastic film. Briefly, a timing belt is used in place of the traditional flat or V belt. The presence of teeth on the pulleys, coupled with the use of a timing belt eliminates the possibility of slippage between the belt and the pulleys. To protect the system in the case of a film jam or misplaced article, a torque-limiting mechanism is included, which disengages the drive system if there is excessive counterforce. Furthermore, the outer surface of timing belt contains a pattern, which when mated with a second belt having the same or a complementary pattern, meshes in such a way so that the two belts are positively locked in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A system for packaging resin bonded molded abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one resin bonded abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.

Abstract: In a manufacturing system utilizing a cigarette maker linked to a packer, cigarettes temporarily surplus to requirements are stored in containers, each provided with an opening by way of which it can be filled and emptied. A full container is picked up by a first pivoting arm from a magazine and overturned above a bearing surface advancing along a feed direction parallel to this same surface, so as to direct the opening downwards and allow the cigarettes to drop onto the surface. During the step of unloading the cigarettes, the container rests on a hopper and is traversed from a first station toward a second station along a direction parallel and opposite to the feed direction of the bearing surface, so that the cigarettes can be released more quickly from the container. After being emptied, the container is picked up from the second station by a second pivoting arm and put into a magazine with other empty containers.

Abstract: A low cost animal health diagnostic, performance and evaluation apparatus and method includes one or more sensors measuring the gait of the animal (such as a horse), signals associated with the impact of each limb on the ground and physical movement during all phases of the horse's gait. A controller unit receives the data from the sensor(s), analyzes the data and generates an indication or diagnostic data regarding the animal. Said diagnostics are designed for quick and reliable field acquisition.

Abstract: A apparatus to free a bull rider from a bucking bull when he is hung in his bull rope and can not free himself with a safety latch with a fluorescent strap attached to the release handle, attaches to any brand of bull rope, and a release responsive to the pulling of the fluorescent strap to release the safety latch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust emission control apparatus for an internal combustion engine and a process for operating it. The exhaust emission control has a particulate filter for filtering particulate matter from the exhaust of the internal combustion engine, at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the exhaust, an evaluation unit for evaluating the detected temperature, particularly with regard to a particulate mass burned during a regeneration operation of the particulate filter. The temperature sensor is positioned inside the particulate filter.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a vibrating member disposed adjacent to a dust filter, and first and second vibration motor assemblies disposed longitudinally and transversely on the vibrating member, respectively, to cause the vibrating member to vibrate in several directions. Each of the vibration motor assemblies has a case fixed to the vibrating member, a vibrating motor disposed within the case, and a cover to close the case. The vibration motor includes a stator fitted to a sheet member within the case, a rotor rotatably disposed within the stator, and an eccentric shaft connected to the rotor to generate vibration via an eccentric rotation of the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: In an air filter system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fresh air line with an air inlet, a filter housing with an upper housing half and lower housing half, a filter element disposed in the filter housing, a clean air outlet opening with an adjoining clean air line opening into the intake system of the internal combustion engine, and means for damping intake noise, the means for damping the intake noise is configured and arranged in such a way that, on the other hand, the intake noise is absorbed by joint patch damping and, on the other hand, the intake noise is damped by a change in impedance, in particular by a jump in impedance.

Abstract: An air purifier designed to allow dust collected on a surface of a dust filter therein to be conveniently and rapidly removed from the dust filter without separating the dust filter from the air purifier unit. The air purifier includes a vibrating member equipped adjacent to the dust filter, and a vibration motor assembly equipped to the vibrating member to remove dust attached to the dust filter through vibratory motion. The dust filter is equipped at an angle within the housing for the air purifier such that an upper end of the dust filter is closer to a front side of the housing than a lower end of the dust filter. The air purifier may further include a tray equipped below the dust filter to collect the dust that drops from the dust filter when the dust filter is vibrated by vibration of the vibrating member. The tray has a rear plate extending towards the lower end of the dust filter to prevent the dust collected in the tray from being scattered and then reattached to the dust filter.

Abstract: A pedal powered mower having a frame with a gear assembly to allow manual operation of the mower. Attached to the frame is a blade assembly that when actuated cuts grass. The gear and blade assembly are operably connected by at least one chain such that when the gear assembly is actuated the blade assembly will cause the blade to rotate. On the frame is a motor that is connected to the gear assembly, blade assembly, or chain to assist in the operation of the bicycle.

Abstract: A combination propulsion and control handle for a work machine, including an elongate control stalk having a mounting end, an opposite free end, and an internal cavity in connection with an opening in the free end, and a hand grip disposed in overlaying relation to the free end, the hand grip including at least one input device in a position so as to be operable by a finger of a hand grasping the hand grip for causing a change of state of the input device, the at least one input device including at least one elongate conductive element extending therefrom through the opening and the internal cavity of the control stalk, the hand grip being mounted so as to allow simultaneous limited rotation thereof about the control stalk and rotation of the elongate conductive element within the stalk, for allowing varying the positioning of an operator's hand, without twisting of the conductive elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit travels along a vertical plane inside the harvester during processing, followed by a single turn for output. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a straight path before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine experiences fewer drops than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a blower and/or suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting cranberries, the method including moving frame-mounted transverse dislodging rods through cranberry plants with each rod moving at the speed of the frame, thereby to dislodge cranberries from the cranberry plants. The apparatus includes a plurality of dislodging rods secured below the frame, the dislodging rods positioned substantially parallel to the field surface and generally perpendicular to the direction of movement whereby each dislodging rod is moved through the cranberry plants at the speed of the frame to dislodge the cranberries from the plants. Certain preferred embodiments use follower assemblies to configure an array of dislodging rods in an advantageous arrangement. In highly preferred embodiments, the mounted dislodging rods are such that the rods under load deflect in a plane substantially parallel to the field surface. The apparatus may include resiliently flexible dislodging rods.

Abstract: A belt pickup header for an agricultural harvesting machine includes a frame having opposite ends, a belt pickup carried by the frame, and a pair of suspension arms carrying the belt pickup. Each suspension arm is pivotally coupled with a respective frame end. A pair of compression springs are each positioned between a respective suspension arm and corresponding frame end. Each spring vertically supports a respective suspension arm. A pair of fluid shocks are each interconnected between a respective suspension arm and corresponding frame end. Each fluid shock damps movement of the corresponding suspension arm.

Abstract: A rake comprises a variable-length handle, a rake head, a handle locking mechanism and a strap. The rake head is attached to a first end of the variable-length handle and the strap is attached to a second end of the variable-length handle. The variable-length handle includes a first segment and a second segment movably engaged with the first segment for enabling an overall length of the variable-length handle to be adjustable. The handle locking mechanism is engaged between the first segment and the second segment and is configured for selectively preventing relative movement between the first segment and the second segment. The rake head is selectively detachable from the variable-length handle.

Abstract: A fuel/air mixing apparatus, such as a main swirler assembly (400) comprising a sleeve (410), provides for additional air entry around the perimeter of a bore (440) through which passes a fuel/air mixture. The additional air reduces or eliminates flashback during operation of a gas turbine comprising the assembly (400). In some embodiments, a plurality of gaps (464) exists between spaced apart tabs (462) along a downstream end (460) of the sleeve (410). During gas turbine operation, air flows through both a flashback annulus (411) and the gaps (464). In other embodiments, a plurality of holes are placed upstream and in line with the tabs (1004) to supplement the air flow through gaps (1006). In yet other embodiments, rows (1102) of holes (1104) are provided to supplement the airflow. Downstream ends (460,1218) may interface with a downstream-oriented lip (460) or with an upstream-oriented lip (1224). The interfacing may comprise a fit effective to damp vibration and to increase the natural frequency.

Abstract: water treatment and pressurization system for the adiabatic cooling of comburent air destined for plants using gas turbines (15), run by measuring, control and regulation units, comprising a lifting and pressurizing station (16) of vaporization water at a varying flow-rate for a maximum operating pressure, preferably up to 120 bar, associated with a series of nozzles (20) situated on nozzle-holder ramps (12) downstream of which there is at least one housing unit (44) for humidity and temperature probes (52-55). The lifting station (16) comprises at least two pumps (22) with relative auxiliaries devices connected to nozzle-holder collectors (39).

Abstract: This invention relates to a speed monitor apparatus for monitoring speed and acceleration of rotating turbine equipment (turbomachinery) and for operating an overspeed trip to shut down the equipment in the event that the speed or acceleration exceed predetermined thresholds. The invention provides a speed monitor module wherein the speed monitor module may be may be plugged in to the same chassis as a module which is controlling the speed of the turbine, and wherein the turbine speed monitor is arranged to receive configuration parameters relating to the overspeed threshold and the overacceleration threshold only when the turbine is operating at a speed lower than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a vehicle electrical packaging unit that includes an inverter for a vehicle drive motor, a DC-DC converter for a vehicle control power source, and an electrical power converter for driving the electrical accessories, and cools them by heat exchange with cooling air. The cooling apparatus includes a first heat radiating plate for the inverter, a second heat radiating plate for the DC-DC converter, a third heat radiating plate for the electrical power converter, and connecting members that respectively connect the first heat radiating plate to the second heat radiating plate and the first heat radiating plate to the third heat radiating plate. Heat radiating fins of the first to third heat radiating plates are enclosed by the first heat radiating plate, second heat radiating plate, the third heat radiating plate, and the connecting members to form an air passage through which the cooling air passes.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a core engine, a fan assembly for pressurizing air, a core stream duct, an inner bypass duct, and an outer bypass duct is provided. The method includes channeling a first portion of air discharged from the fan assembly through the core gas turbine engine, channeling a second portion of the air discharged from the fan assembly through the inner bypass duct such that the second portion of air bypasses the core gas turbine engine, mixing the core gas turbine engine exhaust air and the second portion of air, channeling the mixed air through a core engine nozzle, and channeling a third portion of the air discharged from the fan assembly through a bypass nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust orienting nozzle, shaped in such a way as to divide a principal propulsion gas flow coming from at least one gas generator into a first flow and a second flow for an ejection in a first half-nozzle and in a second half-nozzle and comprising at least one of following two piloting means: a means of dividing the principal flow into each of the two half-nozzles, and a means of orienting the thrust vector produced by each of the two half-nozzles. The invention applies in particular to the yaw control of an aircraft without a vertical tail unit.

Abstract: A tailcone mixer for an engine, as well as a jet engine assembly, an airplane, and methods of repairing, improving operation, and retrofitting an engine. The tailcone mixer may include a main body and a plurality of lobes. The main body may include a wider forward end and a more narrow rear end and a mid-portion extending between the forward end and the rear end. The forward end is structured and arranged for attachment to an inner duct case. The rear end is closed, and the mid-portion has a first sloping contour from the forward end to the rear end. The lobes are rigidly secured to the mid-portion. Each of the lobes has an inner section and an outer section that extend from a forward section, with the forward section being adjacent the mid-portion of the main body and the inner section extending from the forward section towards the rear end of the main body while substantially following the first sloping contour of the mid-portion of the main body.

Abstract: A device for estimating a temperature of an exhaust pipe of an engine includes: a first obtaining section for obtaining a first heat amount that the exhaust pipe receives per unit time from exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine; a second obtaining section for obtaining a second heat amount that the exhaust pipe releases per the unit time to external air; and a temperature estimater estimating the temperature of the exhaust pipe based on the obtained first amount and the obtained second amount. The first obtaining section obtains the first amount based on an exhaust gas speed related value related to a speed of a flow of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas processing method and an exhaust gas processing system for controlling the spatial density distribution of particulate matter in exhaust gas by utilizing corona discharge in exhaust gas containing floating particulate matter such as diesel engine exhaust gas to form a relatively particulate matter-rich area and a relatively particulate matter-lean area, and diving exhaust gas particulates to the former and the latter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine can quickly recover the exhaust gas purification ability of an exhaust gas purification device by increasing opportunities to release the SOx occluded in the exhaust gas purification device. In the exhaust gas purification system having the exhaust gas purification device having the property of occluding the SOx in the exhaust gas emitted from the internal combustion engine and collecting particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas, when the load of the internal combustion engine falls within a load range in which SOx poisoning recovery control can be executed, during the time when the particulate matter is oxidized and removed by collection ability regeneration control (S105), the collection ability regeneration control is interrupted and the SOx poisoning recovery control is executed (S106, S107).

Abstract: A post injection control system for regulating diesel particulate regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with a diesel engine includes a mass airflow sensor that generates a mass airflow signal. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of exhaust and generates an exhaust temperature signal. And a control module commands post injection at a post injection value determined from the mass airflow signal and at a post injection rate determined from the exhaust temperature signal.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and system for regeneration of a catalyst. The system includes an engine that creates an exhaust stream and a fuel supply adapted to supply a fuel stream to the engine. A reactor includes a catalyst and is in fluid communication with the engine to receive the exhaust stream. A sensor senses a system parameter and produces a signal corresponding to the system parameter. A controller receives the signal and directs at least a portion of the exhaust stream or at least a portion of the fuel stream to the catalyst to control a regeneration operation based on a value of the system parameter sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An exhaust emission purifying apparatus for an engine having: a reduction catalytic converter disposed in an exhaust system of the engine, for reductively purifying nitrogen oxides in the exhaust emission with a reducing agent; an injection nozzle for injection-supplying the reducing agent to an exhaust upstream side of the reduction catalytic converter in an exhaust pipe of the exhaust system; and a reducing agent supply device supplying the reducing agent to the injection nozzle, in which a recess portion is formed on an inner wall on a lower portion of the exhaust pipe, by concaving a site to which at least the reducing agent injection-supplied from the injection nozzle is attached, and also, a bottom wall of the recess portion is made detachable.

Abstract: A particulate trap regeneration system is provided. The system may include a particulate trap configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine. The system may also include a regeneration device configured to reduce an amount of particulate matter in the particulate trap. The system may further include a controller configured to activate the regeneration device in response to the first to occur of at least three trigger conditions.

Abstract: A regeneration assembly includes a first portion including a combustion chamber connected to a combustor head. The regeneration assembly also includes a second portion including a housing. The first portion is removably connectable to the second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for reducing NOx emissions comprising a fuel tank in fluid communication with a fuel converter, wherein the fuel converter is located down stream of the fuel tank and wherein the fuel converter comprises a catalyst composition that is operative to continuously convert heavy hydrocarbon molecules having 9 or more carbon atoms per molecule into light hydrocarbon molecules having 8 or less carbon atoms per molecule; a selective catalytic reduction catalyst reactor in fluid communication with the fuel converter and located downstream of the fuel converter; and an engine in fluid communication with the fuel tank and the selective catalytic reduction catalyst reactor, wherein the engine is located downstream of the fuel tank and upstream of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst reactor.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust device for an internal combustion engine with direct injection comprises an intake and exhaust valve (11) with a stem (13), a head (12), and a seat (24) facing a combustion chamber (CC) of the engine (M), an intake duct (42) for the intake of air into the combustion chamber (CC), and an exhaust duct (38, 57) for the discharge of the exhaust gases, the exhaust duct (38, 57) being connected to the intake duct (42) upstream of the valve seat (24). The exhaust duct (38, 57) is arranged so as to be coaxial with the valve (11) and the intake duct (42) extends radially. The connection between the intake duct and the exhaust duct (38, 57) is in the vicinity of the seat (24) of the valve (11) so that the exhaust gas-flow conveyed through the connection has a radial velocity component directed towards the valve stem (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic motor unit comprising a hydraulic motor (1?) which is connected to two working lines (3, 4). The swiveling angle (?) of the hydraulic motor (1?) is adjusted by means of an adjusting unit (7) which is provided with a regulating piston (8) comprising two piston surfaces (9, 10). The regulation pressure acting on a first piston surface (10) in a regulation pressure chamber (12) can be adjusted by means of a control valve (13). Said control valve (13) adjusting the regulation pressure is movable between two final positions. The pressure of a working line (3, 4) is applied to a first measuring surface (23) of the control valve (13) adjusting the regulation pressure while a second, opposite measuring surface (25) of said control valve (13) is impinged upon by a control pressure piston (34) at a force that depends on the control pressure only once a threshold value of a pipe (28, 18?) supplying control pressure has been exceeded.

Abstract: An energy transfer device comprises a cylinder connected to a reservoir containing water. First and second pistons are connected to each other by a fixed connecting rod and the pistons are mounted in the cylinder. A pocket is associated with one of the first and second pistons and the first and second pistons are positioned in a first position so that the pocket receives a buoyant object. The pistons are moved to a second position so as to release the buoyant object into the reservoir, the movement of the buoyant object rising to the surface of the water contained in the reservoir providing a driving force.

Abstract: A method and system for temperature and boost control of engine intake air by use of an active conditioner control unit, which regulates relative amounts of electric current to at least one active conditioning device and an electrically driven booster motor. In one preferred embodiment it controls valves which optimally direct the path of airflow through a plurality of thermal conditioner storage chambers in response to signals from engine load level, temperature, and other sensors in order to optimally provide temperature conditioned air to the engine. This embodiment of the invention features immediate and efficient provision of conditioned and pressurized airflow to an internal combustion engine and removes parasitic power drains during low demand situations. This invention enhances cold start performance and operation with a pre-start thermal conditioner with warming capabilities. System increases flexibility for stationary operation and traffic restraints by supplementing heat sink transfers.

Abstract: An air induction system for an engine is disclosed. The air induction system has a compressor operable to compress air directed into the engine, a bypass valve, and a throttle valve. The bypass valve may be disposed between the compressor and the engine and may have a valve element movable to selectively divert a portion of the compressed air away from the engine in response to a desired air-to-fuel ratio of the engine. The throttle valve may be disposed between the bypass valve and the engine and may have a valve element movable to selectively restrict the flow of compressed air into the engine in response to a desired air-to-fuel ratio of the engine. The movements of the valve elements of the bypass and throttle valves may be substantially sequential.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a first piston; a second piston; a first cylinder in which the first piston reciprocates; a second cylinder in which the second piston reciprocates; and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a heater that is independently shiftable with respect to at least one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and has one end portion arranged at a side of the first cylinder and receiving heat from heat medium, a regenerator that is arranged at a side of another end portion of the heater, and a cooler that has one end portion arranged at a side of the regenerator and another end portion arranged at a side of the second cylinder.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant and an operation method of the nuclear power plant, which can uprate plant power without greatly modifying the construction of plant equipment, while keeping a core's pressure loss characteristic, a safety margin, and a design margin in the transient state substantially the same as those before the power uprate. Thermal power in a second operation cycle of a nuclear reactor is uprated from thermal power in a first operation cycle preceding the second operation cycle at least one operation cycle. A proportion of steam extracted from a steam system and introduced to a feedwater heater, which is in particular extracted from an intermediate point and an outlet of a high pressure turbine, with respect to a flow rate of main steam is reduced in the second operation cycle from that in the first operation cycle such that temperature of feedwater discharged from the feedwater heater lowers in the range of 1° C. to 40° C. in the second operation cycle.