Abstract: A lawn mower is provided. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes an improved deck lift system and/or an improved brake pump lock-out system. In certain example embodiments, a deck lift system may lift/lower the cutter deck, engine deck, engine, and handle control assembly together at the same time.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a center portion mounted on two spring arms and two separate wings pivotally connected to the center portion. The wings are connected to the center portion by interconnecting linkages which transfer weight from the wings to the spring arms each including a balance beam arranged to balance the lifting force from the spring arm with the downward forces from the center portion and wing such that the downward force on a skid plate of each portion on the ground varies automatically as the total downward force is varied. The balance beams apply force to the linkages by a compression member to reduce forces. The movement caused by floating of the header and the change of angle of the header are compensated at the balance beam to ensure that the force to the wings is reduced as the requirement caused by changes in geometry reduces.

Abstract: A mower comprising: a cutting blade housing; rotating cutting blades; and a front baffle plate disposed forwardly of a rotation zone of each of the rotating cutting blades; wherein the front baffle plate comprises: an upstream-side cutting blade plate portion and a downstream-side cutting blade plate portion having a concave curved guide surface wherein the front baffle plate is configured such that the distance between a rotation zone of the upstream-side cutting blade and a boundary between the upstream-side cutting blade plate portion and the downstream-side cutting blade plate portion in the baffle plates is greater than the distance between the boundary and a rotation zone of the downstream-side cutting blade.

Abstract: A spindle (10) for an airjet spinning machine is proposed, which, for guiding back (B) the yarn end after an interruption in a spinning process, contains: an injector duct (1) which issues in the immediate vicinity of the spindle orifice (8). For guiding back, compressed air is admitted through the injector duct (1) and generates a suction action at the spindle end (11). After the yarn end has been guided back (B) level with the entrance of the injector duct (1) into the yarn guide duct (5), the yarn end is blown out of the spindle orifice (8) by the compressed air.

Abstract: A method or producing rollers and sleeves for chains, particularly for roller chains or sleeve-type chains. The rollers and sleeves are of cylindrical form and they are deep-drawn from a sheet metal material. The drawn components can remain attached to the sheet metal for convenience in transporting them and later separated from the sheet as they are needed. Alternatively, the drawn components can be separated from the sheet metal material and can be pressed into the openings that remain in the sheet metal, again for convenient transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint element for an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses or cables, with a number of chain links displaying opposite side straps, where upper and lower cross-members are provided on at least some of the side straps, where the joint element displays at least two mounting areas that can be connected to adjacent or spaced chain links in order to connect them to each other in articulated fashion, so that the energy guiding chain can be deposited to form a lower strand, a deflection zone and an upper strand. The joint element is developed in that an element is provided on it that is made of a material having greater conductivity than the joint element material and continuously bridges the at least two mounting areas. The bridging element displays at least two contact areas located on the surface of the joint element, each of which can be connected in electrically contacting fashion to the two chain links associated with the two mounting areas.

Abstract: A modular propulsion system includes an array of micromachined field effect electrostatic propulsion devices, each of which is an assembled micromachined device including an array of field effect electrostatic propulsion thrusters, a fuel container of propellant using passive plumbing, electronic power and command controls, with the array of devices disposed about and on a surface of a spacecraft for providing diverse propulsion needs.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a compressor assembly and a turbine assembly rotationally mounted on a shaft, the turbine assembly being driven by hot gases discharged from a combustion chamber disposed between the compressor and turbine assemblies and an engine case encasing a portion of the engine, the case having an oblong bleed hole having a major axis parallel to a gaspath direction and a minor axis perpendicular to the gaspath direction.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine assembly includes coupling a fan assembly to a core gas turbine engine such that the fan assembly is upstream from the core gas turbine engine, coupling a low-pressure turbine downstream from the core gas turbine engine such, wherein the low-pressure turbine includes a disk and a plurality of splines formed in the disk, providing a shaft that includes a first end and a second end that includes a plurality of splines, coupling the shaft first end to the fan assembly, and coupling the shaft second end to the low-pressure turbine such that the shaft splines mesh with the disk splines such that torque is transmitted from the low-pressure turbine to the fan assembly via the shaft during engine operation.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including a core gas turbine engine, a low-pressure turbine, a starter, and a generator is provided. The method includes coupling a starter to the core gas turbine engine, and coupling a generator to the low-pressure turbine.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a gas turbine engine outlet guide vane includes fabricating an airfoil that includes a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion each fabricated from a first material, and installing a filler portion between the leading and trailing edge portions, the filler portion is fabricated from a second material that is lighter than the first material.

Abstract: The thrust reverser comprises a first reverser door and a second reverser door asymmetrically pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, one having a pivot axis closer to the central axis than the other.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a core engine a fan and a fan casing surrounding the fan and extending rearwardly to attach to an array of outlet guide vanes characterised in that a cascade is rigidly attached to the fan casing and is connected to the core engine via a second support.

Abstract: Turbomachine fan duct comprising two coaxial cylindrical walls (60, 68), these being an internal wall and an external wall, respectively, the internal wall (68) consisting of a framework (70) to which panels (72) are removably attached, and the external wall (60) consisting of a single support structure (62) comprising openings (64) closed by removable panels (66), the openings (64) in the external wall having dimensions that allow the panels (72) of the internal wall to pass and allow these panels to be fitted onto and removed from the framework (70) of the internal wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a honeycomb monolithic element for the filtration of particles, characterized in that the peripheral channels forming part of the outer wall of said element are configured to help in the formation of an outer wall whose inner face is substantially flat over the whole length of the element and in that said flat wall also has an increased thickness at the corners, so that, on a cross section, the ratio R of the thickness Ec of the wall, measured along the bisecting line of the angle at a corner of the element, over the minimal thickness Emin of said wall is greater than 1.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma reactor which can suppress deactivation of components (active components) activated by plasma when causing exhaust gas to flow through a plasma generating space to ensure efficient reaction between the active components and particulate matter, whereby the particulate matter can be efficiently purified via reaction. The plasma reactor includes a plasma reactor main body 1, a positive electrode 11 disposed on an inlet side 2 of the plasma reactor main body 1, a conductive honeycomb filter 21 disposed so that a filter inlet side 22 faces an outlet side 3 of the plasma reactor main body 1, and a pulse power supply 31 which is connected with the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 and is capable of applying a pulse voltage between the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 as plasma generating electrodes to generate plasma.

Abstract: A low temperature lean NOx catalyst is configured in a diesel exhaust treatment system upstream of a fuel reformer-LNT system to provide low temperature performance. During system warm-up and anytime the LNT falls below an effective operating temperature, the exhaust aftertreatment system is provided with hydrocarbons at a rate proportional to the exhaust NOx flow rate, whereby NOx is reduced over the lean NOx catalyst. Optionally, the lean NOx catalyst is also adapted for use warming up the fuel reformer and or catalyzing NO to NO2 conversion. These concepts allow the reformer and LNT to be designed for high temperature performance and durability without also having to be adapted for NOx mitigation at the exhaust system's lowest temperatures.

Abstract: A reduction catalyst is disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine. A reducing agent added to the exhaust gas is urged to react with NOx in the exhaust gas, catalyzed by the reduction catalyst. A member for distributing the exhaust gas to which the reducing agent has been added is provided. This member is formed by applying of an axial welding and is disposed in the exhaust passage such that the internal surface of its joining portion is disposed to overhang from the topmost position of the joining portion.

Abstract: Environmental concerns have resulted in consideration of the effects of condensation trails from gas turbine engines. By provision of a condensation stage in a heat exchanger arrangement for a gas turbine engine the level of condensation within a final exhaust gas flow G from an engine is reduced. Furthermore, by cooling of the exhaust gas flows for mixing with by-pass air flows a water partial pressure at an exhaust gas exit temperature can be provided which is below the eutectic liquid to vapour phase transition and therefore avoid condensation (contrail) formation.

Abstract: Emissions treatment systems and methods are disclosed, which reduce the carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides content in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine adjusted to a rich combustion ratio. One embodiment of a system comprises an ammonia oxidation catalyst, a supplemental air supply for providing a lean combustion ratio, and at least one three-way catalyst. Another embodiment further comprises a second three-way catalyst located in the exhaust stream.

Abstract: A low emissions 2-stroke natural gas fueled engine includes at least one cylinder with an exhaust port in communication with a silencer/catalytic converter unit. The unit has first and second volumes in communication with each other. The first volume dampens spurious exhaust pressure excursions and removes particulates in the exhaust. The second volume houses an oxidation catalyst for treating exhaust to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine oil has at most 10 ppm zinc content to reduce metal poisons contained in the exhaust prior to contact with the oxidation catalyst. The engine oil preferably has a very low ash content to minimize sulfur combustion components in the exhaust to reduce masking of the oxidation catalyst. The first volume preferably has a pressure relief valve set to relieve at a pressure greater than the maximum normal operating pressure of the engine to avoid excessive pressure excursions of the engine exhaust from damaging the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A guide structure for guiding exhaust gas flow to an exhaust gas sensor (55) in exhaust gas purification devices (50A to 50F) installed in an exhaust passage, wherein a plurality of exhaust gas purification units (52, 53) are disposed in series in the containers of the devices (50A to 50F), and the exhaust gas sensor (55) is installed between the exhaust gas purification units (52, 53). Thus, in the devices in which the plurality of exhaust gas purification units (52, 53) are disposed in series in the catalyst container installed in the exhaust passage, the responsibility of the exhaust gas sensor installed between the exhaust gas purification units (52, 53) can be increased.

Abstract: This invention provides a method involving the use of a non-ammonia-based deNOx catalyst for reducing the amount of NOx in exhaust combustion gas discharged from a boiler and an internal-combustion engine, wherein NOx and CO contained in exhaust gas are allowed to selectively react to reduce and remove NOx. This method involves the use of a catalyst comprising a cerium-zirconium composite oxide with Au supported thereon or a catalyst comprising a cerium-oxide-containing porous carrier with zirconium and Au supported thereon. Use of such catalyst enables purification of NOx and CO in exhaust gas and also enables generation of hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention concerns an exhaust gas cooler employed with a tailpipe of a vehicle exhaust system and a method of cooling exhaust gasses before being emitted from the exhaust system into the atmosphere. The exhaust gas cooler may include a cooler housing having a substantially cylindrical shape with an open forward edge, an open rearward edge, and an internal diameter that is larger than the external diameter of the tailpipe, and a cooler support attached to and supporting the cooler housing such that the rearward edge of the tailpipe is located within the cooler housing between the forward and rearward edges of the cooler housing.

Abstract: The fluid heating system includes an on-board fluid heater subsystem mounted on an automobile, and a land-side heated fluid receiving subsystem installed in a land side facility. The on-board fluid heater subsystem includes a fluid tank that contains at least one heat exchanger, a heat exchanger embedded in the automobile's each exhaust system, an on-board computer, an on-board guidance means, an on-board docking means, and a front-end air flow control system. The land-side heated fluid receiving subsystem includes a land-side docking means, a land-side guidance means, a land-side docking means, and a land-side computer. The fluid heated and stored in the fluid tank, and sent to the land-side heated fluid receiving subsystem is water substance.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system is provided that includes a first exhaust member having an end that includes an enlarged section. A second exhaust member is sized to receive a portion of the first exhaust member. The enlarged section of the first exhaust member has an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of at least one section of the second exhaust member for creating an interference condition between the first and second exhaust member to prevent axial movement of the first exhaust member in at least one axial direction. The first exhaust member is secured to the second exhaust member by magnetic pulse welding.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes: an exhaust pressure controller interposed in an exhaust passage and including: a pipe body including a side peripheral wall in which at least one port is formed; and a gas introduction wall for introducing an exhaust gas flowing from an upstream side of the pipe body so that the exhaust gas flows downstream without coming into direct contact with the port and vicinity thereof, one face of the gas introduction wall forming a pressure control path together with an inner face of the side peripheral wall while another face of the gas introduction wall forming an exhaust gas path along which the exhaust gas flows. The port communicates with the pressure control path, and the pressure control path communicates with the exhaust gas path at part downstream of the port.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electric power source in a transmission includes a transmission housing, and an electric machine including a rotor and a stator secured to the housing. A first member is secured to the rotor, extends radially toward an axis of rotation, and is formed with a first pilot surface. A second member, secured to the rotor and the housing, extends from the housing toward the axis and is formed with a second pilot surface that is aligned axially with the first pilot surface. An anti-friction bearing, located at an axial rearward side or axially frontward side of a torque converter, is engaged with the first pilot surface and the second pilot surface. A second balanced bearing is located either in the driving engine or the driven transmission.

Abstract: There is provided a pump unit including a plurality of hydraulic pump bodies disposed in parallel to each other, a plurality of pump shafts respectively supporting the plurality of hydraulic pump bodies in a relatively non-rotatable manner and a pump housing accommodating the plurality of pump bodies and supporting the plurality of pump shafts in a rotatable manner around respective axis lines, wherein each of the plurality of pump shafts has at least one end extending outward from the pump housing so as to form an input end.

Abstract: When a mode selection command selects an economy mode, a mode selector 700e is turned on and outputs an engine revolution speed modification value ?N0 (?N1=?N0) computed by an engine-revolution-speed modification value computing section 700d. A subtracter 700f subtracts the engine revolution speed modification value ?N1 from a rated target revolution speed Nmax, thereby computing a target engine revolution speed NR2. The computing section 700d computes the engine revolution speed modification value ?N0 depending on a pump delivery pressure mean value Pm. In a table stored in a memory, the relationship between Pm and ?N0 is set such that when Pm is not higher than PA near a midpoint pressure, ?N0 is 0 and when Pm exceeds PA, ?N0 is increased with an increase of Pm. Thus, the revolution speed of a prime mover is reduced by mode selection so as to improve fuel economy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic drive, comprising a hydraulic cylinder (1), divided into a first operating pressure chamber (4) and a second operating pressure chamber (5), by an operating piston (3). The hydraulic drive further comprises a closed hydraulic circuit (39), with a first hydraulic pump (43), connected to the first operating pressure chamber (4) via a first working line (7), by means of a first connector (10) and to the second operating pressure chamber (5) via a second working line (13), by means of a second connector (12). In addition, an open hydraulic circuit (40) is provided, with a second hydraulic pump (8), connected to the first operating pressure chamber (4), by means of a third connector (11). A fourth connector (14) on the second hydraulic pump (8) is connected to a hydraulic reservoir element (75).

Abstract: A differential piston (1), designed as an annular piston, having pressure chambers (8, 9) with at least one of the pressure chambers (8, 9) being pressurized from radially inside the differential piston (1), via a hollow shaft (29) or another radially inner element (16), such as, part of a (cylinder) housing element (20) and a radial pressure medium-guiding channel (13) arranged directly within the differential piston (1), such that only a single additional sealing element (18) is required.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive axle has two hydrostatic axial piston motors utilizing a swashplate design located coaxially next to each other, the control sides of which face each other. Tubular terminal segments (1a) of the drive axle are in the form of axial piston motors (2) and are shaped and fitted on a center segment (1b), in which there is a control base seat (3) that is common to the two axial piston motors (2). To make possible easy assembly and disassembly, the control base seat (3) is shaped and fitted in the center segment.

Abstract: An intermediate duct (108) is connected between first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106). An inlet duct (107) is connected to the first positive displacement machine (104). An outlet duct (109) is connected to the second positive displacement machine (106). A heater (102) raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous working fluid in the intermediate duct (108). There is a kinematic connection (111) between the first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106) and the arrangement is such that, in operation, the first positive displacement machine (104) causes the working fluid to flow through the intermediate duct (108) to the second positive displacement machine (106), the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine (106), and the second positive displacement machine (106) drives the first positive displacement machine (104) via the kinematic connection (111). The positive displacement machines include at least one orbiting piston.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for achieving high work output per unit volume in micro-robotic actuators, and in particular TiNi actuators. Such actuators are attractive as a means of powering nano-robotic movement, and are being developed for manipulation of structures at near the molecular scale. In these very small devices (one micron scale), one means of delivery of energy is by electron beams. Movement of mechanical structures a few microns in extent has been demonstrated in a scanning electron microscope. Results of these and subsequent experiments will be described, with a description of potential structures for fabricating moving a microscopic x-y stage.

Abstract: A flame trap housing 36 for a flame trap 34 of a compression ignition engine has an inlet 38 configured to engage an air outlet of a turbocharger and an outlet 40 configured to engage an inlet of an inlet after-cooler. The housing 36 is double skinned, having an inner skin 46 defining a flame trap compartment 35 and an outer skin 48 arranged in a spaced relationship relative to the inner skin 46, to define a fluid flow path 52 for the flow of a cooling fluid about the inner skin 46 of the housing 36.

Abstract: A fresh gas supply device for a turbocharged piston internal combustion engine having fresh gas conduction elements is described. The device includes a compressed air connection operatively connected to a tubular interior chamber of the fresh gas conduction elements, and a quantity regulating device for regulating additional compressed air into the interior chamber. An adjustable flap arranged in the interior chamber is used for regulating a flow from an exhaust gas turbocharger through the interior. The housing of the fresh gas conduction elements forms a separate modular unit defining the first and second end connections also usable as supporting elements for the module.

Abstract: Steam engine operable in all temperature environments without constant heating of the water, working as a self-contained steam generator and condenser, using liquid alcohol and explosive gas to increase power, and internally air cooled to reduce noise pollution.

Abstract: A liquid piston engine utilizing an electronically or electrically conductive liquid medium. A method is provided for utilizing the electrically conductive liquid piston engine.

Abstract: A heat shield for a fuel member of a gas turbine engine having at least one heat shield segment having a connection edge with at least one joint receiving portion defined therealong for receiving a welded joint attaching the heat shield segment to a fuel member, each joint receiving portion including a stress relieving feature defined along at least one end thereof.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gas turbine engine having a manifold ring, a plurality of spray tip assemblies and a heat shield including at least two heat shield segments cooperating to at least substantially surround a cross-section of the manifold ring around a circumference of the manifold ring, and detachably retained around the manifold ring through a plurality of removable fasteners.

Abstract: An internal fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a fuel manifold ring and a fuel inlet assembly fastened thereto. The fuel inlet assembly providing fluid flow communication with the fuel manifold ring and being joined to the fuel manifold ring at an inlet region thereon. The inlet region of the fuel manifold ring is reinforced relative to the remainder of the circumference of the fuel manifold ring.

Abstract: A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold disposed within a gas turbine engine includes a fuel inlet assembly having a heat shield extending about at least a portion of an inner fuel inlet tube. The heat shield has a distal end engaged with the fuel manifold and has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder proximate an opposed proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the heat shield is received within a bushing disposed within a corresponding opening of a supporting casing. The shoulder of the heat shield retains the bushing in place.

Abstract: A gas sleeve (120) for a combustor (408) of gas turbine engine (400) attaches to a support housing (100) of the combustor (408) to convey a fuel gas and to fit within a fuel rocket (110). The gas sleeve (120) comprises a plurality of apertures (128) formed to provide impingement cooling. The apertures (128) comprise a tilt angle directed toward a structure in need of impingement cooling, for instance a weld joint (114) that attaches the fuel rocket (110) to the support housing (100). The apertures (128) additionally may comprise a rotational angle effective to create a rotationally swirling flow of the portion of fuel gas that passes through the apertures (128). A method of operation using this structure also is provided.

Abstract: An annular turbomachine combustion chamber comprising an inner wall, an outer wall, and a chamber end wall disposed between said inner and outer walls in the upstream region of said chamber, the chamber end wall presenting a central portion and an outer assembly flange, and the outer wall presenting an upstream assembly flange, the chamber end wall and the outer wall being assembled together by their assembly flanges, in which the free edge of said outer assembly flange is curved inwards. In addition, the outer face of the outer assembly flange presents a shoulder.

Abstract: A balance pressure control is provided for flaps which pivot in a rear of a gas turbine engine nozzle to change the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. An actuator drives a sync ring to move the flaps through a linkage. A supply of pressurized air is also provided to the sync ring to assist the actuator in resisting forces from high pressure gases within the nozzle. When those forces are lower than normal the flow of air to the rear of the sync ring is reduced or blocked.

Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature distribution within a combustor having a plurality of chamber sections comprising controlling a fuel-to-air ratio in the chamber sections. At least two chamber sections have different fuel-to-air ratios to create a non-uniform temperature distribution within the combustor to reduce thermoacoustic instabilities.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a compressor is provided. The method includes defining a predetermined concentration, placing at least one sensor in an inlet of the gas turbine engine, detecting a sand and dust concentration value using the at least one sensor; and deploying a boot to facilitate preventing particles from entering the compressor when the sand and dust concentration value equals or exceeds the predetermined concentration. The boot includes a plurality of fluid exit slots such that clean air is facilitated to be adhered to a flow path surface downstream from the boot.

Abstract: A densifier is provided which in one embodiment can simultaneously densify two cryogenic liquids at different temperatures. The densifier has an oscillatory power source for generating oscillatory power and a two stage pulse tube refrigerator. The oscillatory power source can be a thermoacoustic heat engine or a mechanical oscillatory power source such as a linear flexure bearing compressor. The first stage densifies a first cryogenic liquid to a first cryogenic temperature, and the second stage densifies a second cryogenic liquid to a second, lower cryogenic temperature. A densified propellant management system also is provided which has a densifier for simultaneously densifying two cryogenic liquids at different temperatures, and a cryogenic temperature probe for measuring the temperature gradient in a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Method of controlling a pulse tube cryocooler in which the power input to the acoustic source is varied to maintain temperature of a refrigeration load or a temperature that is at least referable to the temperature of the refrigeration load, at a set point temperature. Additionally, the impedance of an inertance network of the pulse tube cryocooler is also adjusted to obtain a maximum cooling power to the refrigeration load at the particular temperature as sensed and the particular power that is being supplied to the acoustic source.