Abstract: What is described is a structural part comprising a mounting surface (M) for mounting the mounting surface to an attachment surface, wherein means for adhesive-bonding the mounting surface (M) with the attachment surface are provided, in order to glue the structural part to the attachment surface, and wherein spacers are provided on the mounting surface (M), said spacers causing a predetermined gap (S) between the mounting surface (M) and the attachment surface when attaching the structural part to the attachment surface and being removable and/or deformable by pressing the structural part onto the attachment surface.

Abstract: A dehumidification apparatus including an outer tubular container (2) closed at its ends, a first (5) and a second (9) transverse grids located inside the tubular container (2), one grid element being spaced from the other and from a respective adjacent end of the tubular container (2) and delimiting a receiving space therewith, a mass of molecular sieves (MS) located in the receiving space, heating elements (19) in the tubular container (2), and first and second openings (4, 16) for communication of the interior of the container with the outside, characterised in that it comprises an inner tubular jacket (6) extending from at least the first grid (5) for a distance greater than that between the first (5) and the second (9) grid, thereby shaping the receiving space for the sieves (8) as an annular gap and providing a projecting section (6a) extending from the second grid (9); and an annular partition (17) between the outer container (2) and the inner jacket (6) at the projecting section (6a) of the inner jack

Abstract: A knock-down type dryer assembly for prosthesis liners includes a housing mounted on a base member and a prosthesis liner support detachably mounted to the housing. The prosthesis liner support comprises a cross-member detachably coupled to an arm member and includes adjustable side wing portions that allow a user to adjust for the size of a particular prosthesis liner. When activated, an electrical fan in the housing draws ambient air into the housing and directs it up through the prosthesis liner where it circulates before exiting the liner. An anti-microbial lamp within the housing can be utilized to help rid the prosthesis liner of harmful bacteria. The manner in which the liner support is assembled, and the manner in which the liner support detachably connects to the housing, allows a user to easily assemble and disassemble the liner dryer and encourages proper cleaning/drying of the prosthesis liner before use.

Abstract: A continuous gravity flow apparatus for heating and/or drying of particulate material is vertically disposed and is provided with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The apparatus includes a flow passage for the particulate material which is defined between an outer housing and an inner housing. Each of the outer and inner housing defines perforated wall sections allowing for the flow of hot gas through the wall of one housing, into contact with the particulate material, and then out through the wall of the other housing. Manifolds are associated with the outer and inner housings to provide for uniform flow of the gas through the material. The perforated wall sections are positioned and designed to enhance particle-to-particle movement of the material to thereby avoid particle sticking and bridging problems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying unit for washing machines that is capable of fully drying the wet laundry using hot wind. A condensing duct and a drying duct are connected to a tub to circulate air in the tub. Between the drying duct and the condensing duct is disposed a drying fan. To the condensing duct is attached air cooling device for condensing air in the condensing duct by means of cool air. In the drying duct is mounted a drying heater for heating air in the drying duct to change the air into hot wind. During the drying operation of the washing machine, the air passing through the condensing duct is condensed by air, which is an unlimited resource. Consequently, consumption of energy and resources is minimized during the drying operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: An overshoe that covers a shoe or boot for isolating the mud, dirt, grass, debris, or contaminated fluid on the shoe or boot from clean surfaces. The article has a front upright and a rear upright with built-in retaining protrusions that grab and hold onto the shoe or boot when it is inserted inside the article. A base with a fabric liner absorbs mud and liquid. The bottom of the base is provides traction and prevents slippage. The base also has a tab for easy removal of the overshoe from the shoe or boot.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: An earthmoving device is suspended from a floating body provided with a hull. To that end, suspension elements for suspending the earthmoving device in a movable manner along the outside of the hull are provided, for the purpose of carrying out operations on the water bed. In this way the floating body can be refloated after running aground, or can be brought ashore.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to a plow guide for a chain-pulled plow for use in underground mining operations, with plow guide troughs 20 and 50 having multiple parts and being connectable to one another by means of coupling elements so as to be tension-proof and angularly movable. Each plow guide trough has a center piece 21 and 51 with superposed chain guide channels 10C, 10B, 10D, to both sides of which center piece an end piece, 22,23 and 52,53 is joined by welding, which end piece is a single-piece casting with superposed chain channel sections that are separated by a sliding spacer piece that is cast on. To make available a high-performance Gleithobel system with a high tool life, cast-on holding pockets 24,25 and 54, 55—which are open on the working face side—for toggle connections with toggles 1 as coupling organs are disposed on end pieces 22,23 and 52, 53. (FIG.

Abstract: A handheld iron for pressing or creasing an article of fabric without the use of an ironing board. The handheld iron having a housing, a platform, and an actuator for displacing the platform with respect to the housing. The housing further includes a heating surface and the platform further includes a platform surface. The heating surface and the platform surface are in substantially parallel planes at all times, including when the platform is displaced with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A charm display apparatus and method of charm display capable of continuously retrieving charms or hearts from a hopper and blowing or moving the charms into a transparent outer display tube whereby a levitating effect is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the art of the present invention allows a person to retrieve a charm between the display tube and the hopper as it flutters in the turbulent air of the tube under gravitational force. Also in a preferred embodiment, a unique venturi flow generator assembly is utilized to move the charms from the hopper into the outer display tube.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting jarring, acceleration or other application of force to a firearm, and/or movement of the firearm into an undesired orientation, which includes a sensor array mounted to a firearm. The sensor array detects the excessive acceleration and/or movement of the firearm into certain orientations and generates a sensor signal indicative of a fault condition. In response, a control system blocks or interrupts the firing sequence of the firearm to prevent inadvertent discharge of a round of ammunition by the firearm.

Abstract: A rotatable cantilevered gun rest (10) capable of being mounted upon a fixed support such as a wall in a hunting blind. The gun rest (10) can be rotated 180° to allow for sighting along any horizontal angle with respect to the wall. A proximal yoke (50) and a distal yoke (70) are used to support the gun. The distal yoke (70) is vertically adjustable to provide variable vertical sighting angles.

Abstract: An adjustable front sight includes a carrier with a spiral sighting blade mounted for rotation within a base attached directly or indirectly to a barrel. A progression of sight lands is formed along a peripheral surface of the spiral sighting blade. Rotation of the carrier in opposite directions moves different sight lands into a sighting position at varying heights above the barrel for making elevation adjustments.

Abstract: A machine that quickly lays a cover over a freshly seeded area and at the same time anchors the cover to the ground. The cover helps prevent moisture from escaping from the ground and holds the seeds in place during watering the area, during heavy rains and/or during wind storms. The ground cover is a blanket in the form of a ribbon of considerable length that is rolled onto a spindle and may consist of straw or the like or the equivalent thereof retained between a pair of porous sheet, mesh or netting members or suitably attached or adhering to single sheet of the same and which preferably is biodegradable. The ribbon is payed out from the spindle as the machine traverses the area to be covered. Apparatus on the machine anchors the laid in place ribbon to the ground as it is placed on the ground by driving pins through the ribbon into the ground and/or by forming and pressing a “V” shape formation in the ribbon an adjustably variable selected depth into the ground.

Abstract: A clip device is used in a kit, system and method for supporting plants during growth. The clip includes an elongated beam portion with clamp portions on each end. The clamp portions are made of a stiff, resilient material, and each includes a stationary jaw and a flexing jaw that define a bay sized to engage an elongated pole so that a pair of poles may be interconnected in spaced apart relation. The beam portion can be reinforced with flanges and/or gussets. The clamp portions may have cylindrical sidewalls and be in a C-shaped configuration. As a kit, a plurality of clip devices and a plurality of poles are provided in order to create a framework to support a plant. The method contemplates erecting poles at the vertices of a regular geometric polygon and releasably interconnecting them with these clip devices.

Abstract: A seed tape (1) includes successively arranged germinating units (2a, 2b, 2c) made of a planar material. These germinating units are coherent or secured to a carrier strip (3) of at least one layer of biodegradable material. Each germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) is intended to be bedded out in the ground (12) or a growth substrate and includes a mixture of carrier (7), at least one additive (9) and optionally adjuvants (8) in addition to one or more seeds (6). The additive or additives (9) include water-absorbing materials, such as superabsorbing polymers. Each germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) is provided with at least one narrow zone (5) of water-repellent material across its surface adjacent or at least up to the upper edge of said unit. The material of the narrow zone penetrates the planar material of the germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) throughout the entire thickness thereof.

Abstract: A method for in-season macro and micronutrient application based on predicted yield potential, coefficient of variation, and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of an area to fertilize; determining the coefficient of variation of NDVI over a plot; determining a predicted crop yield for the area without additional nutrient; determining an attainable crop yield for the area with additional nutrient; determining the nutrient requirement for the area as the difference between the nutrient removal at the attainable yield minus the nutrient removal at the predicted yield, adjusted by the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the particular crop as indicated by the coefficient of variation.

Abstract: A rotary hydroponic plant-growing machine comprising a cylindrical structure for holding plant-growing containers, a base for rotatably supporting the cylindrical structure, means for rotating the cylindrical structure on the base, a light inside the cylindrical structure and means for watering the plants in the containers as the cylindrical structure rotates. The cylindrical structure comprises a circumferential surface which defines a plurality of longitudinal slots adapted to receive one or more of the containers, and longitudinal channels adjacent to the longitudinal slots adapted to slidingly engage an outwardly-extending flange on the container and hold the container in the slot.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an elongate, hollow sleeve, an elongate yielding core extending substantially through the length of the sleeve, and a buckling constraining element between the yielding core and the inner surface of the hollow sleeve and spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core, leaving a gap therebetween. The buckling constraining element may be spaced apart from and, thus, the gap may exist between two or more surfaces of the yielding core. Additionally, an inner sleeve, or liner, may be positioned between the buckling constraining element and the yielding core, with the liner being spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core. The buckling restrained brace is useful in absorbing loads, such as seismically induced loads, that are exerted upon a steel frame.

Abstract: A post tensioned wall includes accessible clamping plates at the ends of selected tensioning rods. Each post of a fence section is welded to a corresponding clamping plate to mechanically attach the post to the tensioning rod extending from a footing or foundation and through the wall.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: A roofing element comprises a structural box of concrete and an insulating layer extending inside the structural box.

Abstract: A tongue and groove cladding panel is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow post anchoring device. The anchoring device includes a mounting plate for mounting onto a base and equipped with upwardly extending legs designed to mate onto the internal cornered recession of the hollow post. The legs include inwardly bent indentations which when biased outwardly with a biasing plate will wedge the legs firmly against the cornered recesses and anchor the hollow post onto a suitable base, such as a porch.

Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products (P) comprises a production line (L) defined by a series of operating stations (50, 9, 10, 14, 11, 12, 13) where filter bags (1) made from a continuous flattened tube (2) of filter paper are formed, filled with respective doses of infusion product (P) and subjected to successive cuts and closing seals (SL, ST, SC).

Abstract: A simplification of the drive for an inserting station for envelope-filling machines is achieved by a carrier on which inserting fingers for inserting material for envelopes into opened envelopes held ready next to a base plate are articulated having the form of a carriage which is horizontally displaceable, transversely in relation to the conveying direction of an enclosure-collating path charging the base plate with enclosures or sets of enclosures, on pushing-guiding paths freely spanning the base plate, the carriage being coupled by means of a link connected to it in an articulated manner to a rocking lever, which is fastened on a rocking shaft which is mounted on the machine frame at a specific distance above the base plate and the carriage, is parallel to the conveying direction of the enclosure-collating path and forms in particular part of a rocking drive shaft, on which the gripping arms of the enclosure and discharge stations lined up along the enclosure-collating path are fastened.

Abstract: A vacuum release assist system for a document insertion station is described. The vacuum suction cup system is used for opening an envelope. The vacuum release assist system ensures that the suction cup is timely released during the removal of the envelope from the insertion station. In one configuration, a solenoid actuator is used to push away the envelope from the suction cup. In another configuration, a blow-off valve is used to introduce positive air pressure to timely release the suction cup.

Abstract: A forage conditioner for conditioning cut crop material from a forage harvester includes a fixed bottom fluted roller carried in end housings and a top fluted roller which is pivotally mounted on the housings by a linkage pivotal relative to the housing about an axis lying in a plane at right angles to the roller axes so that the top roller is liftable from crushing position against the bias of a spring extending along the top roller. Rotation of the bottom roller is transferred to the top roller through a gear train which includes two idler gears each mounted on a respective arm with the arms constrained to move symmetrically relative to the rollers by intermeshing teeth on the arms so as to control the angular timing of the rollers to ensure accurate intermeshing of the flutes.

Abstract: A process for making a high-strength spun yarn begins by feeding one or more tows of substantially uncrimped continuous filaments of high-modulus material having a tensile modulus exceeding about 20×106 psi through a high-speed stretch-breaking apparatus operating at low total draft ratio (preferably about 2.0) to break the filaments into high-modulus staple fibers having an average length in the range of about 5 to 6 inches. The tows advantageously are heavy, for example, having a denier of about 25,000 to about 500,000. Following the stretch-breaking step, the staple fibers are collected in sliver cans, and the staple fibers are advanced from the sliver cans to a spinning machine, where the fibers are spun into yarn. An important aspect of the invention is that no intermediate processes are performed between the stretch-breaking and spinning processes, which minimizes disruption of the alignment of and damage to the staple fibers.

Abstract: The invention is relative to opening devices for spinning machines, especially open-end spinning machines, that are provided with clothing wires or rings for separating fibers of a supplied sliver. The opening device is characterized in that the clothing wires are pre-bent in accordance with the geometry of a carrier ring, or the clothing rings have the desired geometry of the finished part, and that the particular workpiece surfaces have an at least two-coating construction in which an outer coating is a hard-substance coating. The hard-substance coating consists entirely or partially of especially hard hard-substance components and rests on a substrate layer located underneath it.

Abstract: A method for operating an aircraft engine facilitates preventing ice accumulation on the aircraft engine. The method comprises coupling a semi-permeable membrane to the engine adjacent an outer surface of the engine, coupling a fluid reservoir to the aircraft engine in flow communication with the semi-permeable membrane, and supplying fluid from the fluid reservoir to the semi-permeable membrane to facilitate preventing ice accumulation on the aircraft engine outer surface.

Abstract: The gas turbines of the present invention have multiple combustion chambers, and within each chamber are multiple fuel nozzles. Each nozzle has its own fuel control valve to control the fuel flowing to the nozzles. To minimize the pressure drop through the fuel control valves, multiple manifolds are employed. Each manifold supplies at least one fuel nozzle in multiple combustion chambers with fuel. The fuel control valves are mounted on the manifolds such that the weight of the fuel control valves and nozzles are carried by the manifolds, not the multiple combustion chambers. A plurality of thermocouples for measuring exhaust gas from said multiple combustion chambers are employed to sense gas exhaust temperature. In carrying out the methods of the present invention for tuning a gas turbine, it is essential to note that the most efficient gas turbine is one which has the least nitrous oxides, the least amount of unburned hydrocarbons, and the least amount of carbon monoxide for a specified energy output.

Abstract: A system for detecting spark in an igniter for a gas turbine engine. An igniter generates a plasma, or spark, somewhat similar to an automotive spark plug. In the invention, an inductive pick-up is positioned adjacent the igniter, to detect current pulses in the igniter, to thereby infer the presence of spark. The signal produced is small, and requires amplification. However, the environment is hot, often exceeding 400 degrees F. The invention utilizes an amplifier composed of passive components, in the form of an RLC circuit.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a core engine, and providing a flade system including a flade stream augmentor positioned within a flade duct. The method also includes channeling airflow through the core engine to produce engine thrust, channeling airflow through the flade duct to produce engine thrust, and igniting a portion of the airflow channeled through the flade duct using the flade stream augmentor to increase the amount of thrust produced by the flade system.

Abstract: A controller for cylinder cut-off for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine including a partially operable cylinder that can be cutoff by a cut-off cylinder mechanism provided therewith and a full operating cylinder that is not cut off, the controller for cylinder cut-off including a partially operable cylinder side catalyst temperature estimating section, a full operating cylinder side catalyst temperature estimating section, and a cylinder cut-off authorization determining section for determining whether to authorize or prohibit a cut-off of the partially operable cylinder based on a partially operable cylinder side catalyst temperature estimated by the partially operable cylinder side catalyst temperature estimating section: and a full operating cylinder side catalyst temperature estimated by the full operating cylinder side catalyst temperature estimating section.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of reducing NOx contaminant in an exhaust stream includes: introducing diesel fuel and an oxidant to a reformer to produce a reformer effluent comprising hydrogen and nitrogen, introducing the reformer effluent to a non-thermal plasma reactor to produce ammonia, and introducing an exhaust stream and the ammonia to a SCR catalyst, whereby the NOx contaminant reacts with the ammonia.

Abstract: The combustion process is carried out in presence of a primary catalyst coating which is treated when required by means of cerium/europium compound in presence of water vapor and advantageously in presence of a refractory material, such as a clay, a hydrated clay.

Abstract: A submersible power plant 10 comprises a submersible enclosure 12 having at least one intake valve 16 for admitting water at high pressure from the surrounding sea into and air space in the enclosure. An air shaft from the air space 96 is in communication with the atmosphere for maintaining the air space at approximately one atmosphere. A pump for evacuating water collected in the enclosure includes a buoy 62 responsive to ocean swells. A piston shaft 58 connected to the buoy reciprocates in the center bore 60 of a vertical column 52 extending upward from the bottom of the enclosure. As the piston shaft rises inflow valves 72 admit water in the enclosure into a valve housing 70 in communication with the center bore. As the piston shaft falls water is discharged from the valve housing into the sea through a discharge valve 80 in the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a hydromachine with a commutation device and with expanding and contracting pressure chambers passed by fluid and formed by displacement arrangements. With the method and the hydromachine, it is endeavoured to control a displacement in the hydromachine to keep pressure fluctuations small. For this purpose, the hydromachine has a group of devices, comprising a commutation device and at least two displacement devices, at least two of the devices being adjusted in relation to each other.

Abstract: An architecture shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators is presented called Segmented Binary Control (SBC). Instead of controlling the phase transition of the entire SMA wire as a single plant, we divide the SMA wire into many segments, each of which is controlled separately as an ON-OFF finite-state process. SBC produces a displacement as the addition of small displacements generated by the individual segments. Furthermore, the segmented architecture of SMA wires is extended to a multi-axis actuator array by arranging them in a two-dimensional array, so that the multi-axis control may be streamlined and coordinated. Moreover, the 2-D segmentation can be so designed that coordinated gross motion as well as independent fine movements may be generated with minimum complexity and minimum control loops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating engine and a working fluid inlet system therefore. The engine includes at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston therein and a variable volume expansion chamber capable of receiving a working fluid via an inlet valve. The inlet system includes a pilot valve having an open condition and a closed condition. In the open condition, the secondary fluid passes therethrough to act on the inlet valve. The system also includes an actuating means for controlling the condition of the pilot valve. The inlet valve is adapted to open in response to the action of the secondary fluid. The engine may also include exhaust means, possibly by porting in the piston and a cylinder wall. The working fluid may be used as the secondary fluid.

Abstract: Two spool gas turbine engines are often used to drive variable speed loads, such as an electric generator, or the fan/propeller of aircraft engines. The gas turbine engine must be designed to withstand transient speed and temperature conditions which are encountered when sudden changes to the load on the generator, fan, or propeller occur. By adding a relatively small motor/generator to the gas generator spool of the gas turbine engine, the compressor speed and airflow can be quickly adjusted to compensate for external load changes. This reduces the severity and duration of the transient conditions, resulting in decreased operation and reliability problems such as overspeed, compressor surge, and high turbine temperature. The motor/generator may also be used as an engine starting device.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor has a combustion chamber into which fuel and air are supplied, wherein the fuel and the air are supplied into said combustion chamber as a plurality of coaxial jets.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in an engine, such as a scramjet engine, having a movable element, such as inlet cowl flap, is provided. The movable element has an outboard structural member which requires thermal protection. The seal assembly includes a sealing element and a support block for thermally isolating the outboard structural member and for supporting the sealing element. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element comprises a rope seal having a tadpole construction.

Abstract: A power generation system comprising a liquid-cooled electrolyzer operable to produce a supply of hydrogen from water is provided. The power generation system may also comprise a steam turbine and a steam production device operable to produce a supply of steam to the steam turbine. The power generation system may also comprise a system operable to provide cooling liquid to the liquid-cooled electrolyzer and to couple heated cooling liquid from the liquid-cooled electrolyzer to the steam production device.

Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for a bottom freezer refrigerator positioned on a refrigerator compartment door. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can have below 0° C. air provided to maintain the ice maker and ice cube storage bin below 0° C. Supply and return ducts can convey below 0° C. air to the ice maker and ice cube storage bin. The supply and return ducts can lead from the bottom freezer compartment or from an evaporator compartment. The ice maker and ice cube storage bin can be located in insulated sub-compartment to allow normal refrigerator compartment temperatures to be maintained in the above freezing refrigerator compartment.

Abstract: There is provided a system for pumping thermal energy. The system includes (a) a heater for heating a liquid, (b) a gas-liquid contactor for adding vapor from the liquid to a process gas to produce a vapor-containing gas, and (c) a membrane permeator for removing the vapor from the vapor-containing gas and for providing a resultant vapor. The system transfers a quantity of thermal energy from the heater to the resultant vapor.

Abstract: An actuator for controlling the position of a damper. It is an adjustable damper actuator that can actuate a damper to have positions that are other than fully open and fully closed. The actuator has adjustable stops for attaining a partially closed or partially open damper as the operator wants. This actuator is useful for zone heating and air-conditioning as well as for providing a continuous supply of make-up air at low flow rates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mathematical approach to detect faults by reconciling known data driven techniques with a physical understanding of the HVAC system and providing a direct linkage between model parameters and physical system quantities to arrive at classification rules that are easy to interpret, calibrate and implement. The fault modes of interest are low system refrigerant charge and air filter plugging. System data from standard sensors is analyzed under no-fault and full-fault conditions. The data is screened to uncover patterns though which the faults of interest manifest in sensor data and the patterns are analyzed and combined with available physical system information to develop an underlying principle that links failures to measured sensor responses. These principles are then translated into online algorithms for failure detection.