Abstract: An apparatus for framing and hanging a sheet-like display item on a surface includes first and second generally identical elongate members, each member having a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped channel for receiving an edge of the sheet-like display item therein, and a retaining means enabling secure and non-marring retention of the item within the generally U-shaped channel.

Abstract: An identification plate for a pallet container includes a plate body for placement upon a lattice frame of a pallet container. The plate body has an upper edge, which is bent rearwards at a first angle for attachment to an upper horizontal rod of the lattice frame, a lower edge, which is bent rearwards at the first angle for attachment to a lower horizontal rod of the lattice frame, and opposite lateral edges extending between the upper and lower edges and bent rearwards at a second angle which is greater than the first angle. Each of the lateral edges ends at its rear in a rolled edge and is formed with terminal recesses for receiving the upper and lower horizontal rods. The rolled edge is hereby sized to project with its ends in a rod-like manner into the recesses to engage behind the upper and lower horizontal rods.

Abstract: A launching cup has a horseshoe-shaped segment with a right and a left extension, each extension having a hole, and a pin can be inserted through the holes in the extensions to thereby prevent the launching cup from shaking or otherwise falling off the muzzle of the firearm.

Abstract: A rugged, releasably attachable or interchangeable optical alignment system well suited for use as with pistol sights includes a sight body carrying a leaf spring locking member adapted to releasably engage a pistol's indentation. The sight body's leaf spring member is inserted into the pistol in a side opening transverse receiving notch with a pinned end of the leaf spring locking member sliding transversely over the pistol indentation's end wall open segment (at the side of the pistol). The user slides the sight base toward the bore's central axis to its fullest transverse extent, whereupon the leaf spring member's first end abuts the indentation's closed end wall. At this moment, the leaf spring locking member's free distal second end springs down and releasably engages and abuts the indentation's end wall, thus releasably locking the sight base to the pistol.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, combining a portable outrigger holder with a fishing rod holder; so that both can be moved to a plurality of positions in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

Abstract: A sport fishing system having: a rod and reel, including fishing line; at least one fishing lure or natural bait; and a controlled released fish attractant for applying to the fishing lure or natural bait. The system may further include an applicator for applying the controlled released fish attractant to the fishing lure or natural bait. In the preferred embodiment, the controlled release fish attractant includes: an attractant and a substantially hydrophobic, film forming release agent.

Abstract: A support rack is interposed between a first open top container and a second open top container for supporting the second open top container within the first open top container. The support rack includes a base underlying a bottom wall of the second open top container and having a central region and a periphery, and a series of spaced apart support structures joined to the base. Each support structure is provided with a first portion connected to the base and extending along the base from a central region to beyond a periphery. The first portion supports the bottom wall of the second open top container. A second portion diverges upwardly and outwardly from the first portion and a third portion is secured to and extends outwardly from the second portion. The third portion defines a handle supported upon and extended outwardly of the upper edge of the first open top container. The handle is adapted to be easily grasped by one's entire hand.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a pivotally mounted door leaf including an actuator, which is displaceably and/or rotatingly arranged in a housing and connected to the door leaf and which, during displacement/rotation, actuates the door leaf, and a drive motor which is connected to the actuator for providing displacement/rotation thereof.

Abstract: A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed.

Abstract: A plastic insert for concrete structures includes a barrel for receiving a threaded fastener. According to one embodiment, the insert includes a housing at a distal end receiving an internally threaded member for engaging the threaded fastener. The insert includes bar-engaging members at the distal end for contacting concrete-reinforcing bars of the concrete structure. The insert also includes a bar-engaging member at the proximal end including a retainer defining a substantially semi-circular channel for receipt of a U-shaped portion of a bar. According to another embodiment, the insert includes a base at the distal end extending outwardly from the barrel to define an anchoring surface oriented perpendicular to the barrel axis. Longitudinal ribs on the barrel include segments arranged in series. Each segment of the rib extends radially to a distance that decreases with each succeeding segment such that each segment defines a bearing surface.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats or boards arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: Pre-stressed, strip-type tension members are applied to supporting structures, especially concrete supporting structures. To this end, a clamping device is used to pre-stress the tension member at least at one end, at a distance from the surface of the supporting structure, by a temporary clamping element which is fixed to the tension member, and the tension member is then pressed onto the surface by at least one permanent brace. The two temporary clamping elements are removed from the surface once the tension member has been pressed onto the surface.

Abstract: A concentric holdown connection joining a held building structural member to a holding building structural member including a holdown connector having at least one upright portion operably connected to the held building structural member and a seat portion. A combination member having a threaded opening therethrough connects the holdown member to a threaded anchor member connected to the holding building structural member. In a preferred form the combination member has a donut-like configuration.

Abstract: The present invention comprises architectural building products or “trim” and methods for making, installing and finishing the same. The architectural trim comprises a rigid urethane having a mesh material and or tabs imbedded within the body of the architectural trim product and extending out from the sides thereof for purposes of aiding in the attachment of the architectural trim product to the surface of a building.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skylight frame design that is adapted to receive at least two panels of glass. The skylight frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first glass panel so that a section of the first glass panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second glass panel so that the second glass panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The skylight frame design of the invention is either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a skylight frame design which directly incorporates one or more panels of glass during molding is provided.

Abstract: A system for removing covers from shipping cassettes that are used to ship computer disk media unlatches the covers and separates them from the cassette in a single fixture position. A movable fork unlatches a top cover from a bottom cover while the cassette is rotated off of the bottom cover. This action unlatches and separates the two covers allowing the removal of the bottom cover from the cassette in one motion. The top cover is then easily lifted off of the bottom cover.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a plurality of vacuum chambers (3a, 3b) each arranged to receive at least one unsealed product package and operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation, each vacuum chamber having a longitudinal direction defined by a direction of travel of the respective product package through the chamber (3a, 3b), each chamber having a heat seal assembly (15) therein which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. An infeed conveyor (17) can be provided with a telescoping portion (17a) which can extend over the heat seal assembly or a part thereof. Each vacuum chamber can have a respective bed (9) and independently moveable hood (11), and the beds (9) can be synchronously vertically moveable. The vacuum packaging machine can be used in combination with a suitable product bagging or wrapping machine.

Abstract: A sanitary refuse collecting and packaging device having a housing unit that can be positioned on or over a waste basket. The housing unit can be configured to have a door and opening for permitting entry of refuse and can include a movement mechanism, material shaft rollers for dispensing replaceable collection pouch material, formation rollers, and a cutting unit. The movement mechanism drives the formation rollers causing the refuse to be enveloped and sealed in the collection pouch material. The cutting unit thereafter severs the sealed pouch, which passes through the housing unit into the waste basket.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: An improved stuffer mechanism for a baler having an array of feeder fingers uniformly spaced across a stuffer feeder table and a centrally located support bearing for the stuffer feeder finger crankshaft that does not disrupt the uniform feeder finger spacing.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of bundle groups, each of said bundle groups having a periphery and comprising a plurality of high strength fibers, at least one low coefficient of friction fiber disposed around at least a portion of the periphery of at least one of the bundle groups.

Abstract: An engine inlet air particulate separator that uses zero mass active flow control devices, and methods of using the same, are provided. The separator has a separator body that has an arcuate portion with a bight region. The separator body may have an angle ? between centerlines in the range from about 115° to about 85°. The separator body separates into a bypass conduit and a primary air conduit, separated from each other by a splitter, downstream from the bight region, which is in fluid communication with the arcuate portion. A zero mass active flow device is in fluid communication with a third region of the separator body which is located proximate a point where the air stream would otherwise have separated from an inner wall of the particle separator.

Abstract: A supersonic combustion apparatus and method for using the same including a fixed geometric nozzle having a converging area, throat, and a diverging area, at least one fuel injection means and at least one flame stabilization means located in the divergent area, and an exit plane adjacent and downstream to the diverging area, where an initial first injection/flame stabilization means is located in the diverging area and the exit plane Mach is varied by heat addition in the diverging area by at least one more fuel injection means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for a convergent divergent exhaust nozzle in a bypass turbojet comprising an afterburn chamber surrounded by an annular passage through which circulates a stream of cooling air, a convergent divergent axisymmetric nozzle arranged downstream of said afterburn chamber, each circle of flaps comprising alternately a plurality of controlled flaps, and a plurality of follower flaps, a circle of cold flaps arranged radially outside said nozzle and hinged at their upstream end to a conical shell linked to the downstream part of the casing.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine that includes providing a first fan assembly configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, rotatably coupling a second fan assembly to the first fan assembly, wherein the second fan assembly is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction, coupling a first shaft to the first fan assembly and to a first turbine rotor that is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction, coupling a second shaft coupled to the second fan assembly and to a second turbine rotor that is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction, and coupling a lubrication system to the gas turbine engine such that a lubrication fluid is channeled through the first shaft to lubricate at least one of the first and second fan assemblies.

Abstract: Methods for extracting and compressing an inert gas from an exhaust gas of an engine relate to providing an inert gas processing system including a multi-stage gas compressor to receive the exhaust gas from an exhaust gas processing system, a cooling and extraction system to receive the exhaust gas from each stage of the multi-stage gas compressor and remove liquids from the exhaust gas, and a controller to monitor operation of the inert gas processing system. The methods include processing the exhaust gas before each stage of the multi-stage gas compressor to clarify the inert gas in the exhaust gas, processing the exhaust gas after each stage of the multi-stage gas compressor to clarify the inert gas in the exhaust gas and compressing the inert gas processed for export from the inert gas processing system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine capable of reforming and recycling a portion of fuel included in exhaust gas from a combustion chamber includes an exhaust passage where exhaust gas from the combustion chamber flows; a reformer that has a reforming reaction chamber including a fuel reforming catalyst; a branch passage that branches from the exhaust passage at a branch portion provided upstream from the reformer, and directs exhaust gas to the reforming reaction chamber; and a secondary air supplier and an exhaust purification catalyst serving as fuel removal means, which are provided downstream from the branch portion.

Abstract: A device for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The device includes a particulate filter arranged in the exhaust system, which carries a catalyst for absorbing and reducing NOx. The catalyst absorbs NOx when the air-fuel ratio in the surrounding atmosphere thereof is lean and releases the absorbed NOx to purify NOx by reduction when the air-fuel ratio is stoichiometric or rich. The device further includes a catalytic apparatus for purifying NOx arranged in the exhaust system upstream of the particulate filter, which has an oxidation function.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of ash, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The filter apparatus is disconnected from the exhaust system of a motor vehicle. The filter apparatus is reversed and reconnected to the motor vehicle's exhaust system in a configuration opposite to which the filter apparatus was originally connected. The engine is started and allowed to run at a high idle and no load engine speed to blow ash from the diesel particulate filter into the exit tubing. The ash is then collected in an ash collector.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation system. A turbine section of a turbocharger is coupled to an exhaust manifold of the engine. A compressor section has an output coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is coupled to an output of the turbine section. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes a particulate filter having: a housing of an outer wall and an inner wall; a particulate filtering section disposed within the inner wall of the housing; and a channel formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. The channel created by the outer wall includes: an inlet disposed downstream of the filtering section for receiving a portion of exhaust gasses exiting the filtering section, and an outlet coupled to the input of the compressor section of the turbine for transporting the exhaust gasses received by the inlet of the channel to an input of the compressor section.

Abstract: A machine member driven by a hydraulic actuator may oscillate, or wag, when the hydraulic actuator decelerates or stops. The degree of oscillation is a function of the machine member's ability to track a deceleration command, which ability varies with changes in the position of the machine member and the load force acting thereon. To reduce the oscillation, a command that controls operation of the hydraulic actuator is filtered using a filter function that changes with the machine member's load. The load force exerted on the hydraulic actuator which in turn can be designated by fluid pressure that results from the hydraulic actuator. Preferably, the frequency of the filter function is varied inversely with the magnitude of the actuator load force.

Abstract: A variable flow reducing valve and distribution system is disclosed for compressed air injection engines operating on mono or dual energy with dual or triple supply mode and comprising a high pressure compressed air tank and a buffer capacity. The system can control the stroke of an engine piston and stop the piston at the dead centre. Moreover, the air supply in the buffer capacity and to the cylinders is controlled by pilot valves. A cam for the pilot valves is positioned directly on the flanges of a crankshaft and drives the rocker arm rods to pivot rocker arms around corresponding mobile shafts that can move between two ends of the rocker arms, thereby controlling lifting of the pilot valves according to the movement of the rocker arm rods.

Abstract: A controlled piston (20, 62, 102) having a first end (24, 64, 104) mounted in a controlled piston sleeve (22) and a spool (16) movably mounted in a spool sleeve (18), a first fluid passage (40, 66, 108) from the spool (16) to the controlled piston first end (24, 64, 104), the position of the spool (16) affecting a position of the controlled piston (20, 62, 102), an FFV (42, 68, 110) in an FFV sleeve (44, 70, 112) in the first fluid passage (40, 66, 108) having a first end section (46, 74, 116), a second end section (48, 78, 120) and a central section (50, 82, 126) having a third diameter less than the diameters of the first and second sections, the FFV (42, 68, 110) being shiftable between a first position blocking the first fluid passage (40, 66, 108) and a second position allowing fluid flow past the central section (50, 82, 126) to the controlled piston (20, 62, 102), and a second fluid passage (56, 88, 134) from the spool (16) to the FFV first end section (46, 74, 116).

Abstract: A hydraulic service module is provided for a hydraulic fluid system, which includes a fluid reservoir for storing an appropriate amount of a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic service module comprises an outer casing defining an enclosure therewithin including an air chamber in fluid communication with an ambient air. The hydraulic service module houses one or more fluid pressure accumulators mounted within the enclosure and a heat exchanger provided for cooling the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The heart of a heat engine is a reciprocating expansion chamber, which converts heat from a hot fluid into mechanical work. The expansion chamber utilizes a refrigerant in a liquid state as an input, and heats and expands the refrigerant to move pistons and generate work. A high pressure injector injects the liquid refrigerant into the chamber under enough pressure to keep it in a liquid state until it is desirable to have it expand into a gas. A hot fluid is the heat source for the expansion chamber and cold fluid is an output. Another output is the refrigerant, now a hot, low pressure gas. A compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, forming a hot, high pressure gas, and a condenser generates liquid refrigerant and provides it to the pressure injector.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprises a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel mounted to a turbocharger shaft. An electric induction motor is provided for assisting rotation of the compressor wheel in predetermined circumstances. The motor comprises a fixed stator having motor field coils which generate a rotating magnetic field when energised by an AC control signal which induces eddy current flow in a rotor to generate a rotor magnetic field which in turn interacts with the stator magnetic field producing torque in the rotor.

Abstract: A solar-powered power generation system and an associated method are provided. The system includes at least one trough solar absorption device for heating a heat transfer fluid to a first temperature, and at least one tower solar absorption device for further heating the transfer fluid to a second temperature. Thus, the generation system can efficiently heat the transfer fluid to high temperatures. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used, e.g., to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: The present invention features a fluid flow regulator that functions to significantly influence fluid flow across the surface of an object, as well as to significantly effect the performance of the object subjected to the fluid. The fluid flow regulator comprises a pressure recovery drop that induces a sudden drop in pressure at an optimal pressure recovery point on said surface, such that a sub-atmospheric barrier is created that serves as a cushion between the molecules in the fluid and the molecules at the object's surface.

Abstract: Method for preventing coking of liquid hydrocarbon fuel in a liquid fuel supply system of a gaseous fuel/liquid fuel combustion turbine comprises injecting nitrogen gas into the liquid fuel supply system to displace a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon fuel adjacent the combustion turbine and separate remaining liquid hydrocarbon fuel in the liquid fuel supply system from the combustion turbine.

Abstract: A power generating system having a liquid natural gas (LNG) vaporization circuit and an energy generating circuit. The LNG vaporization circuit includes a heat exchange assembly and a heating tower connected to the heat exchange assembly. The LNG vaporization circuit also includes a LNG vessel connected to the heat exchange assembly. The energy generating circuit includes a gas turbine connected to the heating tower along with a first electrical generator connect to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A mounting assembly (10) for mounting a gas turbine engine on an aircraft. The assembly (10) comprising four equispaced hydraulic piston and cylinder thrust links (16) connecting between the engine fan case (12) and the air intake (14), which intake (14) is mounted to the airframe.

Abstract: This invention refers to a labyrinth seal for a gas turbine engine incorporating from upstream to downstream ends, a high pressure compressor with a rotor, a diffuser and a fixed wall element forming at least one part of the internal envelope of the combustion chamber said seal comprising a stator part mounted on the wall element by virtue of an attaching part with flanges and supporting an annular wearing part said wearing part working jointly with a rotor element provided with at least one circumferential tooth integral with rotor of the compressor to form the labyrinth seal. It is characterized by the fact that at least one of the flanges of said attaching means is heavy enough to harmonize the rate of dilatation of the stator part with respect to the dilatation rate of the rotor element during engine accelerations. In conformity with another characteristic, ventilation orifices are arranged in the wall element.

Abstract: A system and method includes a vapor compression circuit having a source of waste heat. A thermoelectric device is positioned in heat-transfer relation to the source of waste heat and generates an electric current that powers a load.

Abstract: Active cooling technologies such as thermoelectrics can be used to introduce thermal “gain” into a cooling system and, when employed in combination with forced flow liquid metal cooling loops, can provide an attractive solution for cooling high heat flux density devices and/or components. In such configurations, it can be advantageous to configure fluid flows to provide heat transfer between hot-side and cold-side flows. For example, it can be desirable to substantially equilibrate temperature of liquid metal flows entering hot-side and cold-side paths. In this way, thermal differential (?T) across individual thermoelectric elements can be reduced, thereby improving efficiency of the thermoelectric. Various suitable recuperator designs are described including designs that provide heat exchange with and without mixture of respective flows.

Abstract: A multi-stage cryocooler includes a concentric second-stage pulse tube expander in which a pulse tube is located within a second-stage regenerator. In one embodiment, an inner wall of the regenerator also functions as an outer wall of the pulse tube. In another embodiment, there is an annular gap between an inner wall of the regenerator and an outer wall of the pulse tube. The gap may be maintained at a low pressure, approaching a vacuum, by placing the gap in fluid communication with an environment around the cryocooler, such as the low-pressure environment of space. The integrated second-stage structure, with the pulse tube within the annular regenerator, provides several potential advantages over prior multi-stage cryocooler systems.

Abstract: To provide a cooling method of a superconducting cable line wherein moistures contained in the cable in the superconducting cable line after laid is removed before cooling, so that solidification of the moistures can be prevented from clogging of piping including a coolant flow channel and a return pipe. There is provided an inert gas generating vessel so that before the coolant is flown into the superconducting cable line 15, the inert gas is blown into the cable line from an inflow pipe 23 connected with a supply pipe 19? and is discharged from a discharge pipe 22 together with the gas. The inert gas is preheated by a heater 3 before feeding it into the cable line. The discharge pipe 22 connected with a discharge side B of the return pipe 19 is provided with a moisture measuring instrument 20 to measure a moisture content of the discharged gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pallet assembly which facilitates direct cooling of the wafer carrier. In one embodiment, the pallet assembly comprises a frame which holds at least one carrier of a component. The pallet assembly further comprises a tray which is operable for being mechanically coupled with the frame. The tray comprises at least one discreet region which corresponds with the carrier when the tray is coupled with the frame. In embodiments of the present invention, the discreet region comprises at least one hole extending through the tray for permitting a coolant medium to dissipate heat from the carrier.

Abstract: There is provided a protecting method capable of simply and firmly protecting a required face of an article such that the required face of the article is not damaged or contaminated and capable of extremely simply carrying out a protecting step and a protection releasing step.

Abstract: A refrigerated unit is well suited for storing fruits and vegetables. A household-sized refrigerated unit includes a storage space for retaining fruits and vegetables. The temperature within the storage space is controllable within a range of approximately 40-65 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity level within the storage space is regulated to prevent unnecessary desiccation of the fruit and vegetables, and to prevent excessive condensation. The unit is provided with a mechanism for regulating the level of ethylene gas within the storage space to either retard or accelerate ripening, as desired.