Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for holding a foot of a wearer and a sole having an outsole plate. Several ground engaging members extends downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction. The outsole plate includes a flex control member composed of a superelastic shape memory material or a nickel-titanium alloy. The flex control member can be coupled to an inside surface, or bottom surface of the outsole plate. The outsole plate may include a rearfoot region, a midfoot region, and a first metatarsal head region, in which the regions generally correspond to the skeletal structure of a human foot. The flex control member extends from a medial side of the rearfoot region through the midfoot region and into the first metatarsal head region of the outsole plate. The ground engaging members may be positioned to extend from the location of the flex control member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe including an upper for receiving a foot and a sole unit with a heel region and forefoot region, wherein an additional weight is arranged in at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole unit to stabilize the foot against at least one torque acting on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an article of footwear or other article of clothing in which designs containing phosphors are located on the article is the path of ultraviolet radiation emitted from one or more black light LEDs causing the designs to glow.

Abstract: A sludge harvester for removing a concentrated nutrient sludge from a sludge pond includes a frame, one or more wheels or skids attached to the frame, means for gently breaking up at least a portion of the sludge layer adjacent to a dilute layer, and means for capturing at least a portion of the broken up sludge layer. The organic sludge product recovered by the harvester has a higher nutrient concentration as compared to alternative methods because of minimized mixing of the sludge and dilute layers during collection of the organic sludge product. The organic sludge product captured by the harvester can be applied directly to agricultural land or used in the production of a certifiable organic or other fertilizer.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening the cuff of an item of clothing on a device for pressing the item of clothing includes a base plate and a swing-action mechanism. The swing-action mechanism is fastened on the base plate and its pivot pin runs parallel to the ends of the cuff that is to be clamped in.

Abstract: An iron for use while ironing clothes and other fabrics. The iron is a standard iron with a light attached to the front end of the iron, with the light shining downward and forward while the iron is a downward position and is in use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steam iron comprising a water reservoir (1), a hydraulic circuit (3) connecting the reservoir (1) to an electrically heated vaporization chamber (23), the circuit including in series an anti-drip valve (4), and an adjustable drip element (5) capable, in a self-cleaning position, of opening allowing a free passageway and supplying water to said chamber. The invention is characterized in that the drip element comprises means for opening or maintaining open the anti-drip valve (4), when it is in the self-cleaning position.

Abstract: A trim cap for a sign cabinet such as a channel letter includes an elongated formable band along with a pressure activated adhesive layer that is connected to the band. The adhesive layer is conformable to facilitate adherence of the trim cap to the edge of a sign face of the light cabinet. Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises a pressure activated adhesive and a foam layer that includes a plurality of polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: A lighting system for a sign consists of a bracket to be attached to the top of a flat sign, the bracket including a surface supporting a battery, a solar battery charging cell and a circuit connecting the battery to an LED lamp directed to illuminate the message on the sign. A second embodiment includes a box-type sign with a housing having a light-transmitting top panel, a message on both side panels, light-transmitting ends, and either one or two mirrors supported on the bottom angled to reflect light against the messages. A support bracket includes straps extending part way across the top panel carrying solar panels, batteries, and a circuit are located under the straps and one or more LED lamps are connected to the circuit and arranged to be powered when the ambient light becomes too low to properly illuminate the message or messages.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying a visual image includes a device having an inflatable main body and a base portion. The main body is formed from tubular members which define a predetermined shape when inflated, providing at least one display face for displaying a visual image. The base portion stabilizes the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label or a business form label combination in which the labels have been created by applying multiple zones or coatings. The zones or coatings can have differing thicknesses, coat weight or may use a variety of adhesives. The label is intended for a variety of different industries such as business, marketing, advertising, retail, wholesale, industrial, personal, and the like and more particularly the label is suitable for use in contaminated or difficult to label applications.

Abstract: A military ribbon method and apparatus includes a transparent panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A strap has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the bottom edge of the panel. A fastener is adapted for attaching the second end to the front side of the panel. The back side of the panel is placed in abutment with a front surface of a plurality of military ribbons so that the military ribbons are covered by and viewable through the panel. The strap is extended around a rear surface of the military ribbons and the second end of the strap is releasably attached to the front side of the panel so that the panel is secured to the military ribbons.

Abstract: A roller sear/hammer interface for a firearm. The sear has a roller rotatably mounted between two side plates forming a portion of the sear body. As the trigger is moved, a linkage connecting the trigger and sear causes the sear to pivot rearward such that the roller engages a notched surface formed in the hammer. This rolling action releases the hammer to strike a firing pin to fire a round of ammunition. When the trigger is released, the sear roller rolls downward into an engaged and locked position within the notch formed in the hammer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to lock a dust cover in a firearm housing are disclosed. An example firearm disclosed herein comprises a housing constructed substantially from non-magnetic material and defining an opening; a dust cover to cover the opening in the housing, the dust cover being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; and a magnetic lock to secure the dust cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A firearm sighting system includes a rear sight unit having a plurality of separate sight elements adaptable for “zeroing” the same gun with different ammunition. In preferred embodiments, a rear sight unit comprises windage and elevation adjustments for each of two sight elements, so that multiple ammunition types having different trajectories may be fired accurately from a single firearm after zeroing-in one of the plurality of sight elements for each of the different ammunition types. Preferably, the separate sight elements may be connected to each other or to a common pivot arm or movable bracket so that moving one sight element into the sight path automatically removes the other from the line of vision. Elevation adjustments may be done in various ways, for example, by sliding sight elements out along an arm or bracket, or by changing an angle of the arm or bracket relative to the firearm.

Abstract: A chummer chops up bait and expels the chopped up bait into the water wherein the chummer has a housing with an opening for receiving the bait. A motor has a shaft extending through the housing and has at least one cutting blade for chopping the bait gravitationally falling through the housing. An impeller blade is attached to the shaft, the impeller blade drawing water into the housing, wherein the water is mixed with the chopped up bait and the mixture subsequently expelled from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for pest control. The subject invention provides pesticidal compositions that contain one or more compounds that interact with organic solute transporter/ligand-gated ion channel multifunction polypeptides in the pest, and/or alter amino acid metabolic pathways, and/or alter ionic homeostasis in the pest. Upon exposure to a target pest, these compositions either compromise pest growth and/or cause the death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the subject invention contain one or more amino acids and/or amino acid analogs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the methods of the subject invention involve exposing a pest to a composition that comprises methionine or leucine, or an analog thereof.

Abstract: An insect trapping apparatus and associated method attracts insects, such as mosquitos, by emitting a carbon dioxide gas as an insect attractant and producing a heat signature from the insect trap characteristic of a warm blooded animal and a blue light of a wavelength that attracts insects into the insect trap. The carbon dioxide gas is exhausted together with moisture through a vertically extending exhaust tube to minimize cooling of the carbon dioxide gas and minimize condensation of moisture while attracting insects through an inflow channel of an insect trap to trap the insects therein.

Abstract: An hydroponic/aeroponic agricultural unit that involves sealing the plants in a highly water saturated environment which more closely recreates the feel of natural rainwater. Also, this invention features the ability of quickly changing from a small housing into a larger housing by varying the diameter of a drum so that a small drum can act as a nursery for seedlings. Once the seedlings have turned into plants, the drum is made larger. The plurality of planks making up the drum can be positioned close to the lamp when they are small and farther away when larger. A simple yet reliable system allows for the rotation of the drum.

Abstract: Lumber having stud locator markings spaced along lengths thereof. The marked lumber assists in layout and assembly of a frame wall comprising bottom plate, top plate, and a plurality of studs extending between the bottom and top plates at one or more of a limited number of regularly-spaced pre-determined stud spacings along the plates. Respective pieces of the lumber are useful in the bottom and/or top plates. Stud locator markings define positions for placement, on the respective plate, of stud ends to be mounted against the respective bottom or top plate. Stud locator markings indicate where front and back surfaces of the studs intersect the respective plate. The stud markings are spaced along the bottom and top plates at one or more of the pre-determined stud spacings. Each stud marking comprises marking material affixed directly to the respective piece of lumber. Preferred spacings for stud markings are about 8 inches, optionally 16 or 24 inches.

Abstract: An interconnected double hull construction for the basement of a building. The double hull construction includes a plurality of interior wall boards attached to the interior face of the foundation walls in a manner adapted to provide communication between air passageways located behind the wall boards and the ambient air within the basement. A plurality of secondary floor slabs are placed over the primary floor slab. A plurality of spacer members located between the primary floor slab and the secondary floor slabs are adapted to provide a plurality of interconnecting passageways. An air exhaust system is adapted to draw ambient air from within the basement through the air passageways and/or through the plurality of interconnecting passageways and exhaust the air from the structure. Sump pump means are provided for gathering water from within the basement and exhausting the water from the building.

Abstract: A cargo carrier includes a plurality of laterally extending and longitudinally spaced-apart cross members, a plurality of longitudinally extending decking extrusions supported on the cross members and forming a cargo deck, and retainers securing the decking extrusions to the cross members. The retainers limit or substantially prevent vertical relative movement between the decking extrusions and the cross members. The retainers permit longitudinal relative movement between the decking extrusions and the cross members and at least one end of the decking extrusions is provided with a gap so that the decking extrusions can move in the longitudinal direction to reduce shear stress at the decking connections due to deflection of the decking extrusions, thermal expansion and contraction of the decking extrusions, and the like.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a corrosion-protected tension member includes an anchor body, which is provided with bores for the passage of the tension elements. Sealing discs, which can be compressed by means of a pressure plate and threaded bolts, are provided on a face of the anchor body and lie opposite a downstream face. A perforated disc, which is enclosed by two supporting discs, is located downstream of the sealing discs and the pressure plate. The perforated disc acts as a spacer for the tension elements and is fixed between lugs that are opposite an anchor tube and that is connected to the anchor body. The locking of the perforated disc enables the position of the tension elements to remain parallel, even when the sealing discs are compressed to activate the seal. If individual tension elements have to be replaced, the loosening of the threaded bolts allows the sealing discs to “breathe” and to return to their original position.

Abstract: An improved acoustical damping wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminar structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more constraining layers, such as metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminar structure; and one or more constraining layers are fabricated between the gypsum exterior. The resulting structure improves the attenuation of sound transmitted through the structure.

Abstract: A device that is useful for applying pre-threaded closures onto threaded containers with improved sensitivity. The device allows for the adjustment of the torque that is required for capping containers such that variable sizes and variable types of containers can be capped.

Abstract: A method of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a consumer includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a smooth surface such that the encasement includes a substantially smooth planar face. The pressing of the encasement occurs after vacuum-sealing of the diaper.

Abstract: A diaper is packed by being vacuum-sealed within a vacuum chamber. The method includes: (a) disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within an interior space defined by a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement within a chamber, the chamber for creating a vacuum state and sealing the encasement disposed within the chamber; (b) creating a vacuum state within the chamber and the interior space defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement within the chamber such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and (d) pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface to flatten a face of the diaper.

Abstract: In a mailing machine where an envelope feeder is used to feed envelopes one at a time into a mail inserter and an insert feeder is used to move insert material into the envelope in the mail inserter for mail insertion, a suction cup assembly having two suction cups is used to keep the throat of the envelope in the mail inserter open. Each suction cup is movably mounted on an air actuated holder so as to allow the suction cup to move up and down to open the envelope throat. The suction cup assembly is movably mounted on a mounting stand in the mail feeder at a pivot so that the suction assembly can be rotated at the pivot so as to deflect the suction cups further away from the insert feeder if a jam involving the insert material or the envelope occurs.

Abstract: A multi-rotor blower fan assembly for a cotton picker utilizes a plurality of separate fan enclosures each containing a fan for supplying an individual air flow to a picker unit of the picker, the fans being mounted on a common shaft for rotation therewith, with a unitary removable or openable cover or hood covering access openings of the fan enclosures. One or more of the fan assemblies can be mounted on the picker, for instance, on an existing platform on the picker chassis just rearward of the operator cab, in end-to-end relation, and rotatably driven using a common drive.

Abstract: A cutting device including a gearbox of an upper part, a lower part, and a front piece, the front piece having a thickness greater than the thickness of the upper part. At least one guide bearing is connected to the gearbox by assembly elements. At least one cutting member is connected to the gearbox by the guide bearing, the cutting member being driven in rotation during work about an upwardly directed axis. And, at least one assembly element is anchored in the front piece of increased thickness, attachment of the guide bearing being thus improved.

Abstract: A machine for collecting and pressing a crop to roll-shaped bales has a crop collecting device and a bale-forming device defining a winding chamber arranged downstream of the crop collecting device. At least a first and a second stationary deflection devices are provided, wherein the bale-forming device is guided about the first and second stationary deflection devices. Stationary guides are positioned between the first and second stationary deflection guides. The bale-forming device, during a first bale-forming phase, travels along a spatially determined movement path and is supported on the stationary guides. The bale-forming device is lifted off the stationary guides during a second bale-forming phase. For compressing a bale to be formed after reaching a preset bale diameter, the bale-forming device exerts on the bale to be formed in a compression phase a compression force in a direction from the exterior to the interior of the bale.

Abstract: A machine for collecting and pressing a crop to roll-shaped bales has a crop collecting device and a bale-forming device with a winding chamber arranged downstream of the crop collecting device. The bale-forming device is guided about first and second stationary deflection devices. Guides are positioned between the first and second stationary deflection guides. During a first bale-forming phase, the bale-forming device travels along a spatially determined movement path on the guides. During a subsequent bale-forming phase, the bale-forming device is transferred to additional movement paths that are independent of the guides and are determined by the diameter of the bale. The maximum bale diameter is selectable by moveable control devices. After the bale reaches the selected maximum diameter, the bale-forming device initiates a compression phase and exerts a compression force on the bale from the exterior to the interior of the bale.

Abstract: A baler having an inlet area for receiving netwrap wherein it is a short distance between the drum roller and the closest belt roller. The netwrap guide at bottom of baler includes a feed pan having flexible net guides that are narrower than the bale forming belts. This netwrap guide has supporting cross members underneath it but there are no cross members in close vicinity to the lower belt roller to keep excess crop from accumulating there. There is also a netwrap guide at front of the baler for feeding netwrap material into contact with the periphery of a formed bale, including a guide positioned generally above the pickup for directing crop material previously inserted into the bale formation chamber and the netwrap material away from the pickup. The baler also has a novel netwrap feeding and cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A channel plate for an open-end rotor spinning device for closing a rotor housing charged with underpressure in which a spinning rotor rotates, having a channel plate tower extending into the spinning rotor, in whose shell face the outlet opening of a fiber guide channel is arranged and in whose front side a yarn draw-off nozzle can be fixed. A concavely arched transition surface adjoins a cylindrical part of the shell face, and the channel plate tower has a diameter at the height of the rotor edge of the spinning rotor such that an annular gap of maximally 2 mm width between the spinning rotor and the channel plate tower results during spinning. At most one half of the outlet opening of the fiber guide channel is arranged in the area of the cylindrical shell face, and the remaining part in the arched transition surface. The wall area of the outlet opening remotest from the front side is at a distance to the center longitudinal axis of the channel plate at least 0.

Abstract: A method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine includes determining the current air-fuel ratio and comparing the current air-fuel ratio to a lean limit air-fuel ratio. Transitions from lean stratified engine operation to rich homogenous engine operation are delayed until the current air-fuel ratio reaches the lean limit air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprising a plasma reactor containing at least one of a H2O adsorbent and a HC adsorbent; and a NOx adsorbent located downstream of said plasma reactor. Further, the present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprising a plasma reactor containing at least one of a H2O adsorbent and a HC adsorbent, and a NOx adsorbent. Still further, the present invention relates to a method using the present apparatus. According to the present apparatus, by generating plasma in the plasma reactor, H2O trapped on the H2O adsorbent is activated to be a strong oxidant such as OH radical and O radical, and HC trapped on the HC adsorbent is activated to be radicals, lower HCs, etc.

Abstract: An SOx trap catalyst (11) able to trap SOx contained in exhaust gas is arranged in an engine exhaust passage upstream of an NOx storing catalyst (12). When the SOx trap rate by the SOx trap catalyst (11) falls, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the SOx trap catalyst (11) is maintained lean and in that state the SOx trap catalyst (11) is raised in temperature. The SOx trapped at that time diffuses inside the SOx trap catalyst (11), whereby the SOx trap rate is restored.

Abstract: A system is described for improving engine and vehicle performance by considering the effects of exhaust conditions on catalyst particle growth. Specifically, engine operation is adjusted to reduce operating in such conditions, and a diagnostic routine is described for determining the effects of any operation that can cause such particle growth. Further, routines are described for controlling various vehicle conditions, such as deceleration fuel shut-off, to reduce effects of the particle growth on emission performance.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for generating H2 and CO in an O2 containing gas stream. The invention also provides devices and methods for removal of NOX from an O2 containing gas stream, particularly the oxygen-rich exhaust stream from a lean-burning engine, such as a diesel engine. The invention includes a fuel processor that efficiently converts added hydrocarbon fuel to a reducing mixture of H2 and CO. The added fuel may be a portion of the onboard fuel on a vehicle. The H2 and CO are incorporated into the exhaust stream and reacted over a selective lean NOX catalyst to convert NOX to N2. thereby providing an efficient means of NOX emission control.

Abstract: A method and a system for regenerating, in particular desulfating, storage catalysts in the cleaning of exhaust gas from internal combustion engines. During the regeneration phase the combustion is controlled, initially inside the engine, by a control unit in such a way that the air ratio ? in the exhaust gas is lowered to a first value ?1, and subsequently a feed device for the reducing agent is controlled by the control unit in such a way that the air ratio ? is set at a second, lower value ?2<1. This ensures that the temperatures occurring at the entry side of the storage catalyst are sufficient for effective desulfation without damaging the storage catalyst.

Abstract: A torque compensation method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine determines a desired torque in accordance with driver demands, cruise control settings or idle control. An estimate of torque loss attributable to stratified to homogeneous transitioning to effect the regeneration is determined and a compensating control torque to the engine is provided in an amount sufficient to compensate for the estimated decrease in engine torque to thereby maintain the desired torque level during the lean NOx trap regeneration.

Abstract: When a forced regeneration is restarted after interrupting the forced regeneration, and in at least any one of cases where the collecting quantity area (Rpj) detected by the collecting quantity area detection means (32C) is in another collecting quantity area having a collecting quantity larger than that of the collecting quantity area (Rpi) immediately after interruption, or where the travel distance area (Rmj) detected by the travel distance area detection means (33C) is in another travel distance area, having a travel distance larger than that of the travel distance area (Rmi) immediately after interruption, the forced regeneration is performed from the start, and in other case, the forced regeneration is performed for the remained period of time of the previous forced regeneration, continuing to the previous forced regeneration.

Abstract: Hydraulic lifting device for battery-operated industrial trucks, with at least one hydraulic lifting cylinder, a hydraulic pump working as a pump in the load lifting operation mode, supplying the lifting cylinder with pressure medium and working as a motor in the operation mode of lowering the load, driven by the pressure medium that is displaced by the lifting cylinder, an electric machine coupled to the hydraulic pump, working as an electric motor in the load lifting mode and working as a generator in the mode of lowering the load, a rotation speed control device for the electric machine, the electric machine being controllable in its speed by the rotation speed control device, depending upon the actuation of a set-point transmitter, a lifting valve arrangement in a lifting branch leading to the lifting cylinder, a lowering branch between the lifting cylinder and a connection between a check valve and an entry of the hydraulic pump, a volume flow delimiter in the lowering branch, a bypass valve arrangement

Abstract: To provide a plunger type master cylinder capable of reducing invalid stroke and preventing residual pressure without impairing durability of a seal ling (70). A piston (91) of the master cylinder has a recess (93) at its outer peripheral surface and a relief port (900) in its recess (93). The seal ring (70) has a seal coupling part (70s) on the inner periphery of the distal end part of an inner peripheral lip (701). The seal coupling part (70s) is located at the opening of the relief portion (900) on the piston (91) side when the brake is in a non-operating position. The distance between said seal coupling part (70s) and said relief port (900) is short. The seal ring (70) additionally has first and second projection parts (7006, 7002) on the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral lip (701). By this, a flow passage for working fluid can be obtained on the inner periphery side of the inner peripheral lip (701).

Abstract: A power unit for a vehicle, such as an automobile, includes an internal combustion engine 1 as a prime mover for the vehicle, a generator 3, and a Stirling engine 4 for driving the generator 3. The Stirling engine 4 uses the exhaust gas discharged by the internal combustion engine 1 as a high-temperature heat source. Power generated by the generator 3 is supplied to an electric motor 2 for driving auxiliary machines 7, 8 and 9, and to a battery 5 for supplying power to the electric motor 2. The engine speed of the Stirling engine 4 is controlled through the control of the load on the generator 3 by a field regulator 15. An optimum engine speed of the Stirling engine 4 is determined such that the brake horsepower of the Stirling engine 4 increases to a maximum or substantially maximum brake horsepower.

Abstract: A steam-generating drive system is disclosed. The steam-generating drive system includes an internal combustion engine having an exhaust outlet chamber. A steam reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the exhaust outlet chamber for receiving exhaust gases from the exhaust outlet chamber. A water injector is provided in fluid communication with the steam reservoir for injecting water into the steam reservoir such that high-pressure steam is generated in the steam reservoir.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine pre-diffuser 40 is generally annular, including radially inner and radially outer walls 40 and 42 and a generally cylindrical midline 48 defined between the walls. The pre-diffuser 40 includes a central member 46 which forces air flowing through the pre-diffuser 40 to separate, initially to be directed away from the midline 48 before subsequently being allowed to diffuse back towards the midline 48. The majority of the diffusion takes place on the walls of the central member and is thus in an inner region of the annulus of air ejected from the pre-diffuser to pass to the combustor. Any boundary losses therefore do not significantly effect air at the extremities of this annulus, this air being destined for the annuli of the combustor and requiring relatively high energy levels.

Abstract: A high temperature gas turbine component for use in the gas flow path that also is a specular optical reflector. A thin layer of a high temperature reflector is applied to the gas flow path of the component, that is, the surface of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. A thin layer of the high temperature reflector the is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The high temperature reflector can be applied to any surface aft of the compressor, such as on a centerbody.

Abstract: A method for combustion in a combustor in a gas turbine including: fueling the center fuel nozzle with a fuel-rich mixture of gaseous fuel and air and fueling the outer fuel nozzles with a fuel-lean mixture of fuel and air; igniting the fuel-rich mixture injected by the center fuel nozzle while the fuel-lean mixture injected by the outer combustors is insufficient to sustain ignition; stabilizing a flame on the center fuel nozzle using the bluff body and while the outer fuel nozzles inject the fuel-lean mixture; staging fuel to the outer nozzles by increasing a fuel ratio of the fuel-lean mixture, and after the outer nozzles sustain ignition, reducing fuel applied to the center nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method for four-way valves of a multiple heat pump. In the control method, if even at least one of four-way valves of respective outdoor units is not switched to a desired mode upon switching of all of the four-way valves to the desired mode, the other four-way valves, switched to the desired mode, is switched to an opposite direction of the desired mode, and then all of the four-way valves are switched again to the desired mode, thereby simply and rapidly correcting switching error of the four-way valves, resulting in normal operation of the multiple heat pump.