Abstract: A method for processing envelopes including the steps of providing a plurality of generally aligned envelopes and compressing the plurality of envelopes together. The method further includes the step of placing a band around the compressed envelopes such that the band retains the plurality of envelopes in a state of compression.

Abstract: A chute assembly to be positioned between a weigher and a former of a packaging machine. The chute assembly includes a timing gate device including a plurality of timing gates that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher to the former. The gates are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.

Abstract: In a station of a boxing machine, for withdrawing and erecting flat folded tubular blanks into boxes, a blank withdrawing rocker arm strips out a flat folded blank from a magazine and places it onto a operating member situated below and associated to an auxiliary conveying line. The auxiliary conveying line extends along a close loop path. Gripping suction cups associated to the operating member engage the lower side of the blank. An erecting arm with a shaped flap makes edge-resting sides of the blank rotate synchronously, about respective articulation lines adjoining to a lower side, until a corresponding box is erected. A shaped guide engages with the carriage and moves the box laterally with respect to the auxiliary conveying line, to insert the box into a corresponding seat on a box conveying line situated beside the auxiliary conveying line.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing film tube which can be filled with liquid, viscous or granular filling material, from a film strip, is provided wherein the apparatus comprises a filling tube which can be connected to a filling machine, a device for transforming the film strip into a film tube, a sealing device for sealing longitudinal edges of the film strip, an advance drive means for the film tube and a measuring device for determining the amount of film tube delivered by the sealing device. The measuring device includes a first sensor which detects the length of the film tube delivered by the sealing device to the film tube supply and a second sensor which detects the length of the film tube drawn off the film tube supply.

Abstract: A horse blanket has a back portion and side portions that extend down from the back portion. A neck opening is located between a neck end of the back portion and a chest area. A fleece portion lines an edge of the neck opening, with the fleece portion located so as to be aligned with the mane of a horse wearing the blanket. The fleece portion is removably coupled to the neck opening edge. This allows the fleece portion to be removed from the blanket and cleaned separately from the blanket and also allows the replacement of the fleece portion when worn or soiled.

Abstract: A spur system including a body having arms adapted to extend on either side of a heel of a footwear, such as a boot. A nib is pivotally coupled to the body, and selectively moveable between an activated and an unactivated position.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A reinforced grass catcher may be positioned adjacent a cutting unit of a grass mower, the reinforced grass catcher having a pair of sides, an upper panel and a lower panel, an opening between the upper panel and lower panel facing the cutting unit, and at least one retaining structure integrally formed with the lower panel adjacent the opening. The reinforcing member may be inserted through the retaining structure or structures. Each retaining structure may be a channel, passage, opening, cavity, groove, hollow, notch, slot, hole, indentation, tunnel, port, aperture or recess that is integral with the lower panel. The reinforcing member resists or limits warping or bending of the grass catcher at or near the opening. The reinforcing member prevents loss of grass clippings through a gap between the grass catcher and cutting unit.

Abstract: A curved arm coupled to a rotating shaft in a sensor for detecting the height of an apparatus, such as used in agriculture, traveling over the ground is comprised entirely of a high strength, lightweight, flexible and resilient elastomeric material such as thermoplastic polyurethane. An upper end of the sensor arm is attached to the shaft, while a lower portion of the arm engages the soil and undergoes vertical displacement as it traverses irregular terrain. The height of the apparatus above the soil is measured in terms of the rotational displacement of the shaft. The strength, flexibility and resiliency of the sensor arm allows it to withstand large applied forces. As the arm traverses the soil and engages various obstructions such as ruts, terraces, rocks, roots, etc., it undergoes deflection (in all directions), twisting, compression and stretching, yet assumes its original configuration, size and shape to provide accurate height measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyester bicomponent core spun yarn comprising a sheath of at least one hard fiber and having an English cotton count of from about 5 to about 60 and a core of bicomponent polyester filament. The invention further includes a fabric substantially free of grin-through of the bicomponent polyester filament.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicomponent staple fiber comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) wherein the bicomponent fiber has a substantially oval cross-section shape having an aspect ratio A:B of about 2:1 to about 5:1 wherein A is a fiber cross-section major axis length and B is a fiber cross-section minor axis length, a polymer interface substantially perpendicular to the major axis, a cross-section configuration selected from the group consisting of side-by-side and eccentric sheath-core, a tenacity at 10% elongation of about 1.1 cN/dtex to about 3.5 cN/dtex, a free-fiber length retention of about 40% to about 85%, and a tow crimp development value of about 30 to 55%, and a spun yarn comprising the bicomponent staple fiber.

Abstract: One-way chain for an aircraft tie-down, as well as a method of making one-way chain. The method preferably includes the steps of providing an unmodified welded chain having a plurality of welded links; feeding the unmodified chain into an automated shaping machine constructed and arranged to shape the welded links in separate shaping events; and individually shaping the welded links to form shaped links in a series of separate shaping events that shape the respective welded links so that a first width of a forward end of the respective shaped link is narrower than a second width of the greatest planar width of a rearward end of the respective shaped link; such that the forward end is sized to fit into a link receiving receptacle of a screw-type binder mechanism and the rearward end will not fit into the link receiving receptacle.

Abstract: For reducing the friction of forces during the movement of an energy routing device (7), it is suggested that at least one movable central appliance (16) be arranged between the carrying side (15) and the returning side (9), and that the central appliance be in an effective connection with the carrying side, so that during the effective connection, the central appliance is moved solely by the carrying unit.

Abstract: Shoes having wear indicators are mounted on inner circumferential sides of side link plates of link frame bodies. The link frame bodies are interconnected longitudinally to form a cable protection and guide device. During operation, the device folds back upon itself such that the shoes of some of the link frame bodies slidingly engage the shoes of other link frame bodies. The indicator may be a groove, may employ a two color resin, may be a metal plate and may be positioned and sized to provide caution and limit indications as desired.

Abstract: A clean room chain comprises link bodies each having an elastic link which includes a polygonal connector and an elastic piece connected to the polygonal connector, a polygonal recess formed in a center of the link body opens to a lead-in path, the polygonal connector protrudes on a side of the recess opposite the lead-in path, the polygonal connector of one of the link bodies is fittingly inserted through the lead-in pass into the polygonal recess of another corresponding one of the link bodies. First and second connector units connect a parallel adjacent pair of the link bodies where the first connector unit connects each upper end of the pair of the link bodies and the second connector unit connects each lower end of the pair of the link bodies.

Abstract: A transition duct (40) for a gas turbine engine (10) incorporating a combination of cooling structures that provide active cooling in selected regions of the duct while avoiding cooling of highly stressed regions of the duct. In one embodiment, a panel (74) formed as part of the transition duct includes some subsurface cooling holes (92) that extend under a central portion of a stiffening rib (90) attached to the panel and some subsurface cooling holes (94) that have a truncated length so as to avoid extending under a rib end (45). Effusion cooling holes (88) used to cool a side subpanel (48) of the panel may have a distribution that reduces to zero approaching a double bend region (48) of the panel. An upstream subpanel (76) of the panel may be actively cooled only when the panel is located on an extrados of the transition duct.

Abstract: A device for reducing the jet noise of a turbomachine, the turbomachine having a longitudinal axis and a substantially cylindrical nozzle extending along the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine, having a downstream end for mixing the flows of gas inside and outside the nozzle, the device comprising a plurality of corrugations disposed to extend the downstream end of the nozzle, and a plurality of notches disposed between pairs of successive corrugations in the plurality of corrugations, and the plurality of corrugations and the plurality of notches are symmetrical relative to at least one axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the turbomachine so as to generate a dual counter-rotating effect between the gas flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus of operating a drive system comprising an engine and an exhaust gas purification unit containing a catalyst, where the engine emits an exhaust gas having an exhaust gas temperature and the catalyst has a catalytic activity for the purification of the exhaust gas. In the method, an aging-induced decrease in the catalytic activity of the catalyst is compensated at least part of the time by increasing the exhaust gas temperature of the engine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system has a first accumulation quantity estimation device that estimates an accumulation quantity of exhaust particulate matters collected by a diesel particulate filter (DPF) based on a flowing state of exhaust gas and a second accumulation quantity estimation device that estimates the accumulation quantity based on an operating state of an engine. The first estimation device is employed only when a flow rate of the exhaust gas is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the engine is in a steady operating state. Otherwise, the second estimation device is employed. The exhaust gas flow rate is increased if the estimation by the second estimation device continues for a long time. Thus, an opportunity to perform the accumulation quantity estimation with the first estimation device is increased, and accumulation accuracy is improved.

Abstract: Exhaust passage control valve 10 may comprise housing 30, valve member 20, and helical torsion spring 40. Housing 30 has an exhaust passage. Exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine flows through the exhaust passage of the housing 30. Valve member 20 opens and closes the exhaust passage of the housing. Helical torsion spring 40 may be disposed at the opposite side of the valve member from the housing side thereof. Helical torsion spring 40 comprises a coil part wherein spring wires have been wound in a coil shape, and arms formed at both ends of the coil part. The coil part may be disposed at approximately the center of the valve member. When the arms bend with respect to the coil part, the counter-force of this bending energizes the valve member towards a closing side. The spring mounting member may be arranged and constructed to adjust a position in which the spring mounting member is mounted on the housing such that a rotation angle of the arms can be changed.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission on a tractor is operated by a microcontroller providing current commands to the hydrostatic transmission pump, and manual controls that provide signals to the microcontroller so the current commands cause the hydrostatic transmission to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. In the first or automatic mode the swash plate position may be continuously variable based on the position of a foot pedal. In the second or gear mode the swash plate may be moved to any of a plurality of discrete positions based on the position of a manually operable switch.

Abstract: A WEC system embodying the invention includes a column and shell, arranged to move relative to each other, and a lever-like apparatus having an input end and an output end and an intermediate point, between the two ends, the intermediate point being rotatably connected to the column. The input end is connected to the shell and moves at the same velocity and in the same direction as the shell. The output end moves in the opposite direction and at a rate which is a multiple of the shell velocity. The multiple being a function of the ratio of the length of the intermediate point to the output and input ends. In systems embodying the invention, one of two components (a PMA or an ICA) of a linear electric generator may be attached to the shell and the other of the two components may be attached to the output end of the lever-like apparatus to produce high relative velocity between the two components resulting in higher amplitude and higher frequency output voltages.

Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the pressure between work-space and crankcase in a pressurized engine, such as a Stirling engine. The device consists of a two-way valve connected between the work-space and the crankcase. The valve is connected to the work-space with a passageway including a constriction to provide an mean pressure for monitoring purposes. The valve connects the work-space and crankcase allowing the pressure to equalize when the mean pressure of the work-space exceeds the crankcase pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement (K) comprising a low-temperature circuit (NK) for cooling charge air (13) that is fed to a motor (8) in a motor vehicle equipped with a turbocharger. According to the invention, the charge air (13) is compressed in two stages in a first low-pressure turbocharger (1) and a second high-pressure turbocharger (2). To cool the charge air (13) a first cooler (3) is provided downstream of the low-pressure turbocharger (1) and upstream of the high-pressure turbocharger (2) and a second cooler (4) is provided downstream of the high-pressure turbocharger (2) and upstream of the motor (8). The invention also relates to a method for operating a circuit arrangement (K) of this type.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a first and a second exhaust gas turbocharger, which are installed in a common carrier housing, two exhaust gas turbochargers are arranged so that the two charger axes are at an angle to each other which is in the range of 55-100° and lie in the same plane. As a result, the two exhaust gas streams can be brought together with low turbulence even though the manifold is short, and a more compact set of external dimensions can be obtained for the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A self-contained, line-mounted, automatic device for reducing and preventing ice deposits on a suspended line, such as a suspended overhead power line.

Abstract: An inseparable assembly includes a body having a first surface and a second surface. The body includes an oxide-based ceramic matrix composite material having a first predetermined ductility. The assembly further includes a crack extending through the body between the first surface and the second surface, and a patch bonded to at least one of the first surface and the second surface overlapping at least a portion of an edge of the crack. The patch includes a second material having a second predetermined ductility that is greater than the first ductility.

Abstract: A power generating system (20) includes a generator (22) and a combustion turbine (24) for driving the generator (22). The combustion turbine (24) may have a combustion turbine air inlet (30) for receiving an inlet airflow (25). The power generating system (20) may include an evaporative water cooler (26) or fogging evaporative system (26?) for cooling inlet airflow (25), and an inlet airflow temperature sensor (28) proximate or within the combustion turbine air inlet (30). The inlet airflow temperature sensor (28) may sense a drybulb temperature of the inlet airflow (25) proximate the air inlet (30). A controller (47?) is provided for controlling the cooling of inlet airflow (25) across transient load conditions of the power generating system (20?). This control may be based upon the sensed drybulb temperature used to calculate an approach temperature with respect to the inlet airflow (25?) that is compared to an approach temperature setpoint based on load.

Abstract: A steady-state detonation combustor and a steady-state detonation wave generating method, in which a stabilized detonation wave can be generated by generating a hypersonic and unburned premixed gas. An rich premixed gas whose gas fuel is rich is combusted in a rich premixed gas combustion chamber (11) to generate a fist high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, while at the same time, a lean premixed gas whose oxygen is rich is combusted in a lean premixed gas combustion chamber (12) to generate a second high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, and subsequently, after each high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas is accelerated to hypersonic speed and at the same time mixed together through an interpenetrating nozzle (40), a premixed gas obtained by the mixture and containing the gas fuel and the oxygen which are unreacted is impinged on a steady-state detonation stabilizer (60), so that a stabilized detonation wave is generated.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a combustor for a gas turbine engine, wherein the combustor includes a swirler assembly. The method comprises machining material to form a domeplate, positioning a sealplate including an overhanging portion against the domeplate, securing the sealplate in position relative to the domeplate with a welding process, and welding the swirler assembly to the domeplate.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for multi-temperature and single-temperature applications combines a refrigeration circuit and a single-phase fluid heat-transfer circuit in heat-conducting contact through a thermoelectric device. A vapor compression cycle provides a first stage of cooling and the thermoelectric device in conjunction with the heat-transfer circuit provides the second stage of cooling. Polarity of the thermoelectric device can be reversed to provide a defrost function for the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A cryogenic system includes a space formed between a cooling stage of a cryocooler unit and an element to be cooled, and a thermal joint placed in the space, wherein the thermal joint is composed of a substance that has a melting point higher than the cooling temperature of the element to be cooled and that is in a liquid or gaseous state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The cryogenic system can achieve reproducible and excellent thermal contact at a cooling stage without applying a large mechanical stress to a cryocooler unit structure.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a vessel containing a cryogenic fluid at a first pressure and a first temperature, a first heat exchanger coupled to the vessel for receiving the cryogenic fluid and cooling the cryogenic fluid to a second temperature, a first pump coupled to the first heat exchanger for pressurizing the cryogenic fluid to a second pressure, a second pump for pressurizing the cryogenic fluid to a third pressure, a second heat exchanger coupled to the second pump for cooling the cryogenic fluid to a third temperature, and a nozzle coupled to the second heat exchanger for delivering a jet of the cryogenic fluid toward a target.

Abstract: A charging system for charging a refrigeration system of a vehicle includes a controller, a refrigerant source, at least one line fluidly connecting the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system; a control valve disposed to control flow of the refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the refrigeration system, and an efficiency sensor for measuring the efficiency of the refrigeration system. The controller operates to cause the charging system to input into the refrigeration system a predetermined amount of refrigerant less than a recommended refrigerant charge amount; measure a baseline efficiency of the refrigeration system, input a supplemental amount of refrigerant into the refrigeration system, measure an adjusted efficiency of the refrigeration system, and compare the measured adjusted efficiency to the baseline efficiency using the controller.

Abstract: A commercial ice making machine having an electronic monitoring device which captures the operating status and production history of the ice machine. The ice production history of the machine is communicated via telephony and/or the Internet on a regular recurring basis to a remote computer. The production history is used to generate invoices to the user of the ice machine, so that the user is charged based on his or her actual ice consumption. Failure of the ice machine is detected by the monitoring device and communicated immediately to a service company so that the ice machine can be repaired before the end user realizes the machine has failed.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a heat exchanger with evaporative and non-evaporative sections. The method includes the following steps: providing desired values of temperature or pressure; comparing present values of temperature or pressure to the desired values of temperature and pressure; and manipulating an air flowrate to the heat exchanger and load to the evaporative heat exchanger to optimize total energy and water costs while maintaining an outlet fluid at the desired temperature or pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of a fan during which the power of the fan is determined from the characteristic curves of the fan motor, the operating parameters of the cooling system and the reference variables which are predefined in the form of temperature levels. The various temperature levels which are to be set have different associated characteristic curves for actuating the fan motor. If the reference variable for the control changes, this also means a change in the characteristic curves for actuating the fan motor. In order to prevent the fan motor from whining, the operation of the fan motor is kept constant for a settable minimum waiting time when the reference variable for the control of the fan changes.

Abstract: A water heater is provided by a refrigerant cycle, in which the gas cooler is utilized to heat the water. A drain is incorporated into a water circuit for draining all of the water outwardly of the circuit when the system is shut down. In a preferred embodiment, a water outlet of the gas cooler is at the vertically lowermost portion of the water circuit. A drain valve is placed in this vertically lowermost location such that the water can be easily drained.

Abstract: A heat exchange portion is configured by arranging a condenser for air conditioning, an EV radiator, and a FC radiator in one plane substantially perpendicular to a direction in which a fuel cell vehicle moves, at a front portion of the fuel cell vehicle, in order of an operating temperature, from an upper position to a lower position. A fan is provided behind the heat exchange portion such that a center thereof is closer to the condenser than to the FC radiator. In addition, a fan shroud is provided, in which plural ram pressure holes are formed in a portion which covers the FC radiator.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler has a housing mounted within the roof space of a pitched roof with the housing inlet, which mounts evaporative cooling pads, lying at or adjacent to the plane of the roof. This construction avoids the unsightly protrusion normally associated with roof-mounted evaporative coolers.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for an HVAC case includes a drain tube extending from the HVAC case and defining an outlet. A receiving portion extends from a docking station and is adapted to accept the drain tube in an assembled position. A first compressible material is disposed between the receiving portion and the docking station. The receiving portion is operable to deflect into the first compressible material upon slidable communication of the drain tube along a surface of the neck. A second compressible material is disposed between the drain tube and the receiving portion. The second compressible material is adapted to compress between the drain tube and the receiving portion in the assembled position.

Abstract: A charging system for charging a refrigeration system of a vehicle includes a refrigerant source, a coupler, a line, and a control valve. The coupler is adapted for connection to a connection point on the refrigeration system. The line fluidly connects the refrigerant source to the coupler, and the control valve is disposed proximate the coupler to control flow of the refrigerant from the line through the coupler and into the refrigeration system. The control valve may be integral with the coupler. A scale is used to measure an amount of refrigerant being discharged from the coupler, and a controller is connected to the scale and the control valve. Actuation of the control valve is controlled by the controller based upon an initial weight and a measured weight of the refrigerant source from the scale.

Abstract: The compressor head, internal and/or external discriminator, and manifold design in general utilize ball valves on the suction and discharge of a cylinder head in the recovery of refrigerant liquid and/or vapor. The device facilitates the flashing of liquid refrigerant pumped to the compressor which, in turn, assists to cool the compressor head. The flashing of liquid refrigerant to vapor also deters liquid transfer into the compressor enhancing performance thereof. The vapor passages within the discriminator, cylinder head and/or manifold are sized for receipt of spring actuated ball's to open and/or close the vapor passages during suction and/or discharge of refrigerant vapor or liquid by the compressor.

Abstract: A universal direct current brushless air conditioning system preferably includes a blower unit and a compressor unit. The blower unit preferably includes an evaporator, at least one inlet fan, at least one outlet vent, a direct current controller, a thermostatic expansion valve and a mounting enclosure. The compressor unit preferably includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one exhaust fan and a mounting enclosure. The compressor includes a motor. Significantly, the inlet fans, the at least one exhaust cooling fan and the compressor motor are a DC brushless type for drawing less electrical power. The blower unit and compressor unit are connected to each other through any suitable tubing and wires. A reverse valve is preferably included to allow the universal direct current brushless air conditioning system to be used as a heat pump to output heat.

Abstract: A cryogenic shipping and storage container, with an on-board cooling unit in the form of a bunker for holding solid refrigerant. The unit can be configured for different sizes, and to refrigerate rather than freeze product.

Abstract: A device for freezing and/or refrigerating articles, in which at least one cold gas generating device is provided in a refrigeration room and at least one fan is provided for distributing the cold gas in the refrigeration room. The fan is connected to a drive motor. In order not to damage the drive motor when cleaning the refrigeration room, the drive motor is accommodated in a motor room which is separate from the refrigeration room.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the environment of cargo through lateral ventilation. The method provides for a controlled fluid to be supplied into a cargo compartment having a lateral portion, the fluid being supplied through a vent in a supply-conduit adjacent the lateral portion. In practice, this result can be achieved by building a structure that encloses a cargo compartment having a lateral portion, running a supply-conduit adjacent the lateral portion, connecting the supply-conduit to receive a controlled fluid from outside the cargo compartment, and conducting the fluid into the cargo compartment through a vent in the supply-conduit. On mixing with the environment within the cargo compartment, the fluid will influence components of the environment, for example the humidity and the temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating an oil from a refrigerant has a housing, an inlet conduit for receiving a refrigerant/oil mixture, a separator medium, a refrigerant outlet conduit, and an oil outlet conduit. The inlet conduit has an inlet external to the housing and an outlet within the housing and provides means for limiting external sounds transmitted by the housing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing reflux to a refluxed heavies removal column of a LNG facility. The apparatus comprises stacked vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers and an economizer disposed between the heat exchangers. The reflux stream originates from the methane-rich refrigerant of the methane refrigeration cycle. The liquid reflux stream generated by cooling the methane-rich stream in the vertical heat exchangers via indirect heat exchange with an upstream refrigerant.