Abstract: A refractory system of the type having a refractory material attached to a wall by anchoring studs has a plurality of improved anchoring studs. These studs have grooves extending from the top toward the bottom of the stud and refractory material in at least some of the grooves. Preferably the grooves are parallel to one another and to a longitudinal centerline through the stud. The studs may have a smooth section on the side wall adjacent the bottom. The bottom may be conical. Spikes may be provided on the top of the stud.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulating panel (5) for the construction of external surfaces of buildings comprises two sheets of metal material (6, 7?), between which an insulating material (8?) is set, where at least one of the two sheets (6?, 7?) defines a plurality of substantially parallel longitudinal ribbings (10A?, 10B?). According to the invention, at least a first (10B?) and a second (10A?) of said ribbings are operative for supporting between them at least a photovoltaic module (14) in a plane of lie raised with respect to a general plane of the panel (5); between the two sheets (6?, 7?) there is moreover present at least one pipe (13) for the passage of cables (18) for electrical connection of the photovoltaic module (14).

Abstract: A window assembly includes a glazing, a frame encircling a periphery of the glazing and securable about an opening in a support structure, and at least one retaining bracket secured to the glazing. The retaining bracket can be secured to the glazing with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The retaining bracket has at least one tab forming an interlock with the frame to secure the glazing to the frame so that the glazing is selectively removable from the frame without removing the frame from the support structure. Preferably, the retaining bracket extends through an opening in the frame and the tab engages an edge of the opening to form the interlock.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: A masonry coupling system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes an anchor channel mounted on a structure. The masonry coupling system further includes a key that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor channel mounted on a structure.

Abstract: A fabricated wall system employs a plurality of modular wall sections that may be coupled to laboratory benches, cabinets or the like, within the laboratory environment. Each modular wall section comprises a frame including an upper frame portion having one or more slots formed therein for receiving demising panels. The demising panels provide a wall surface within the upper frame portion for demising or separating the laboratory environment into distinct areas. The lower frame portion includes a slot for receiving demising panels removed from the upper frame portions, thereby providing for self-storage of the panels behind the laboratory bench.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes latching features that hold the truss member in a deployed configuration. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar clip has a pair of arms oriented at an angle of approximately 90°. Each arm has a clamp mounted at each of its ends, thus allowing a worker to push in one direction to attach all four clamps onto two crossed concrete reinforcing bars. The length of the arms adds some stability to the temporary intersection of the concrete reinforcing bars before the concrete is poured. The concrete reinforcing bars may have physical contact in the clamp, also adding to the stability of the joint. One embodiment uses a single tube as one arm.

Abstract: A staircase structure, representatively at least partially curved, is constructed from longitudinal modules each having tread, riser and stringer portions. In one embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are longitudinally telescoped with one another and then intersecured so that the interfitted modules form successive longitudinal portions of the assembled staircase structure. In another embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are vertically stacked and then intersecured. Illustratively, the riser and stringer portions of each module are of a laminated wooden construction shaped in situ on the underside of module tread portion by a CNC milling machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring closures. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring a closure from a first station, preferably a closure chute to a second station, preferably a closure chuck, through the use of a button with a lobe.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: A process for producing a substance with a water-soluble packaging. The process comprises the following steps: a) a water-soluble material is deformed so as to embody a vessel; b) the vessel is filled with a filling material selected among the group comprising detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, body care products, auxiliary agricultural agents, adhesives, surface-treating agents, construction materials, dyes or food items; c) a water-soluble film web is applied to the filled container; d) the filled container and film web are sealed; and e) the sealed and filled container is finished. The inventive methods are characterized in that a negative pressure is generated in the filled container in the course of the process. In order to generate the negative pressure, the air located between the filling material and the water-soluble film web applied in step c) escapes at least in part through openings in the water-soluble film web applied in step c).

Abstract: A heat sealing device for sealing layers of plastic film together is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sealing device is incorporated into a stretch wrapping apparatus for wrapping a load. The heat sealing device includes a heater element, an air compressor or blower, and a sealing head in fluid communication with the heater element to distribute the heated air. The sealing head is preferably flexible and includes a plurality of convection ports configured to apply heated air to a portion of the packaging material without being completely covered by the packaging material. At least one insulated film contact portion is provided to distance the convection ports from the plastic film.

Abstract: A container and a method of making the container are disclosed. The process consists of arranging two sheets of material in face-to-face relationship with mating fastening elements carried by the sheets being disposed adjacent one another. Three sides of the sheets are sealed together to form an enclosure, a product is placed in the enclosure, the fastening elements are engaged to seal the fourth side of the sheets, the sealed enclosure is folded over on itself and a second product is placed between the now facing sides of the enclosure, and the folded over enclosure is sealed with a breakable seal disposed outside of the first seal such that the first and second products are captured and sealed within the so-formed container. An embodiment of the container is disclosed which comprises a diaper changing kit enclosing a diaper and at least one of a variety of baby changing accessories.

Abstract: A flexible container forming and filling apparatus comprising a flexible container forming assembly, a flexible container filling assembly and a transfer assembly. The flexible container forming assembly is configured for forming at least two side by side flexible containers which define at least a first output and a second output. The flexible container filling assembly is associated with the flexible container forming assembly and has a receiving region configured for receipt of sequential flexible containers for filling. The transfer assembly is configured for sequentially transferring flexible containers from the first output to the receiving region of the flexible container filling assembly and from the second output to the receiving region of the flexible container filling assembly.

Abstract: Until recently, stirrups have not provided adequate support for a rider allowing for ease of balance when riding, and especially while racing. The super stirrup described herein provides a stable platform or base accompanied by a number of support bars that allow the rider to rest and reposition his or her weight easily. Thus, the super stirrup improves the performance of a rider in both leisure and sport riding.

Abstract: A stalk roll for a harvester includes a cast elongate body formed integral with a plurality of elongate cast cutting edges.

Abstract: A flexible guard to protect and to block contact with a plurality of moveable parts of a machine, such as a riding mower or the like may include a piece of flexible material. The flexible guard may also include a first support to attach the piece of flexible material to a first member of the machine or to a chassis of the riding mower. The flexible guard may further include a second support to attach the piece of flexible material to a second member of the machine or a mower deck of the riding mower. The first member or chassis may be moveable relative to the second member or mower deck. The first support provides substantially complete contact between the piece of flexible material and a contour of the first member or chassis and the second support provides substantially complete contact between the piece of flexible material and a contour of the second member or mower deck to protect and to substantially completely block contact with the plurality of moveable parts within the flexible guard.

Abstract: A heat and flame resistant sewing thread having a core strand formed of glass material filaments is wrapped with a sheath of staple fibers spun about the core strand A lubricant is applied along the core strand to assist in the wrapping of the core strand with the sheath fibers. The sheath fibers include a series of microdenier fibers and generally will be ring spun about the core strand.

Abstract: An engine uses a top dead center piston stop device. It is fed by compressed air, via a working capacity, which, in the bi-energy version, includes a device for heating the air supplied by additional energy. The active expansion chamber consists of a variable volume or charge piston sliding in a cylinder, coupled to a space above the engine piston via a passage. When stoped at upper dead center, the pressurized air is admitted into the expansion chamber with the smallest volume thereof and, under the effect of thrust, increases the volume thereof by producing work; the expansion chamber is then kept at a maximum volume during expansion of the engine cylinder driving back the engine piston in its downward stroke, providing work of its own. During exhaust, the two pistons travel in an upward stroke and simultaneously reach top dead center in order to resume a new cycle.

Abstract: The braking method for an aircraft propelled by at least one ducted fan jet engine, the latter comprising a fan, a jet engine core in which the primary flow circulates, a secondary flow exhaust nozzle, encased in a nacelle, comprises the step, in low-power operation, of unloading at least part of the secondary flow so as to reduce the residual thrust of the jet engine without producing any thrust. With the method of the invention, aircraft braking can be achieved without any thrust reverser device using the braking force generated by the drag of the jet engine or engines completed by reduction of residual thrust by unloading the secondary flow.

Abstract: A primary exhaust nozzle for a turbofan engine of the double, separated air-flow type for aircraft comprises: an inner coat, within which there circulates a primary air flow (FP), comprising chevrons at an external end and an outer coat at least partially surrounding the inner coat and along which there flows a secondary air flow (FS), the outer coat being mobile along the inner coat. Also disclosed is an aircraft comprising such an exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: The exhaust gas purifying catalysts sometimes generate H2S which emits exhaust odor under reducing atmosphere. However, in the ordinary air-fuel ratio control, it takes much time to establish sufficient oxygen atmosphere for suppressing H2S emission when the maximum oxygen storage amount which the exhaust gas purifying catalyst can store is large. Thus, the fuel cut control apparatus of an internal combustion engine executes fuel cut to bring oxygen in the exhaust gas into an excessive state when the maximum oxygen storage amount is a predetermined amount or more. As a result, sufficient oxygen can be stored in the exhaust gas purifying catalyst. Even when the maximum oxygen storage amount of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is smaller than the predetermined amount, if the temperature of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is lower than predetermined temperature, fuel cut is executed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control injection of a reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine adapted to operate in a lean air/fuel ratio region upstream of a catalytic reactor device is provided. A control module is operatively connected to the reductant metering device, and, adapted to effect flow of reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream. The method includes determining a preferred dosing ratio based upon parameters of the exhaust gas feedstream and the catalytic reactor device, and adjusting the preferred dosing ratio. A preferred reductant feed rate is determined, and the reductant is selectively dispensed at the preferred reductant feed rate.

Abstract: An exhaust system that processes exhaust generated by an engine includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that is disposed downstream of the engine and that filters particulates from the exhaust. An electrical heater is integrally formed in an upstream end of the DPF and selectively heats the exhaust to initiate combustion of the particulates within the exhaust as it passes therethrough. Heat generated by combustion of the particulates induces combustion of particulates within the DPF.

Abstract: A method of regeneration of an emission control device in a diesel engine of a vehicle having a wheel brake comprises receiving a generation request by an operator of the vehicle; activating the wheel brake; increasing engine torque; and regenerating the emission control device.

Abstract: A load control structure for a work vehicle comprises: a device for detecting operating position of a manually operated speed change operating element; an engine load detection device for detecting load on an engine of the work vehicle; a swash plate position detecting device for detecting an operating position of a swash plate of a variable displacement pump of a hydrostatic continuously variable speed change device; a pump operating device for steplessly operating the swash plate of the variable displacement pump; a motor operating device for operating a swash plate of a variable displacement motor of the hydrostatic continuously variable speed change device between at least two speed change positions including a higher speed position and a lower speed position; a control device for controlling the operations of the pump operating device and the motor operating device.

Abstract: A hydraulic operation controlling unit where the engine can be driven stably at a target output torque point and reduction in the work speed can be prevented at the time of light load, includes an engine control unit controlling the output of an engine, so that the output properties of the engine become equi-horsepower properties or approximately equi-horsepower properties in a predetermined engine speed range (N2 to N6) that includes engine speed N3, which corresponds to a matching point M3. A controlling unit increases or reduces the absorbing torque of a hydraulic pump in response to an increase or decrease in the engine speed, and thus, controls the absorbing torque of the hydraulic pump so as to make the output torque T3 of the engine, which corresponds to matching point M3, and the absorbing torque of the hydraulic pump coincide with each other.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an improved hydraulic transmission system is provided which includes a fluid supply adapted to supply hydraulic working fluid and having a hydraulic adjustment device for adjusting the flow rate of the hydraulic working fluid. A hydraulic control has an actuated condition in which the hydraulic control generates a hydraulic control fluid having a control pressure, which is adjustable between first and second control pressures. A first connection control operable by the hydraulic control fluid supplied from the hydraulic control is adapted to direct, upon actuation of the hydraulic control, the hydraulic control fluid to the hydraulic adjustment device. The first connection control includes a distributor having a control position in which it directs the hydraulic fluid to the adjustment device and a neutral position in which it connects the adjustment device to a tank.

Abstract: A hydraulic transaxle comprises: an axle; a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover; a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump so as to drive the axle; a bypass fluid circuit bypassing between suction and delivery ports of the hydraulic motor; a bypass valve provided in the bypass fluid circuit; a bypass operation device for selectively opening or closing the bypass valve; and a reset mechanism for closing the opened bypass valve.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy material may be incorporated in an assembly structure.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for a combustion engine and method of installing a turbocharger system includes a turbocharger having an oil inlet and an oil outlet configured for being coupled to an oiling system. An oil pump is connected to the oil outlet of the turbocharger and is further connected to the oiling system. The turbocharger system also includes mounting hardware for mounting the turbocharger to an exhaust pipe away from the engine at or below the oil level of the oiling system. In one embodiment, the method of installing the turbocharger system includes removing an existing muffler from the vehicle and mounting the turbocharger at or near the location of the existing muffler.

Abstract: In some embodiments, three integrated phases may be used to reduce emissions, convert thermal energy into electricity, and cool inlet combustion air. An ammonia injection system may be designed to eliminate extraneous equipment and hazardous re-circulation lines by directly vaporizing, injecting, and mixing ammonia using a specially designed nozzle. The second phase may include using a preheat/vaporizer/superheater exchanger to convert ammonia liquid into a superheated vapor that is then passed through a turbo-expander/generator to produce power. In some embodiments, the third phase may include inlet combustion air chilling.

Abstract: A remote and portable, hybrid power system comprising one or more of the following components: a solar system, batteries, a back-up generator, a wind energy system, and a communications system. The components are disposed on a platform that is portable and transportable to the remote location by a truck or other transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A cascade power system and a method are disclosed for using a high temperature flue gas stream to directly or indirectly vaporize a lean and rich stream derived from an incoming, multi-component, working fluid stream, extract energy from these streams, condensing a spent stream and repeating the vaporization, extraction and condensation cycle.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a rich catalytic injector, a combustor, and a turbine. The rich catalytic injector includes a rich catalytic device, a mixing zone, and an injection assembly. The injection assembly provides an interface between the mixing zone and the combustor. The injection assembly can inject diffusion fuel into the combustor, provides flame aerodynamic stabilization in the combustor, and may include an ignition device.

Abstract: A combustor assembly including an injector element able to inject and substantially mix a fuel with a vitiated air stream, so that the substantially all of the fuel injected into the vitiated air stream reaches an auto ignition temperature before it combusts. Generally, the injector element expels the fuel from the injector orifice at a rate, a velocity, a trajectory, or a flow geometry able to mix the fuel with the vitiated air. Generally, the fuel is able to mix with the vitiated air in such a manner that the fuel is substantially mixed and no substantially high or substantially low concentrations of fuel exist in the air stream at the time that the fuel reaches the auto ignition temperature.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a controller that controls the position of an APU inlet door, and thus ram air flow to the APU, to ensure optimal starting conditions are attained and maintained in the APU during APU startup operations. The controller receives a signal representative of an APU operational parameter and, in response, to supplies APU inlet door position commands. An APU inlet door actuator is coupled to the APU inlet door and, in response to the APU inlet door position commands, moves the APU inlet door to the commanded position.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a damper frame, at least one damper blade, an actuator and a sensor module. The damper blade(s) is/are movably attached to the damper frame to at least partially regulate air flow proximate the damper frame. The actuator is configured to control a position of the at least one damper blade. The sensor module is coupled to a first damper blade and includes a sensor device operable to determine position information regarding the position of the damper blade. The sensor module further includes a wireless communication circuit that is operable to communicate the position information to a second wireless communication circuit disposed off of or away from the damper blade.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus is provided in which a refrigeration cycle is used to produce ice inside an evaporator that is generally horizontally disposed, with a hollow auger being provided with a helical flight thereon, for scraping ice from the inner wall of the evaporator and pushing the ice toward one end of the auger, by which it is compressed and moved by a paddle toward a flange, in which it is delivered to an ice breakup device, by which the ice is diverted into a compression zone, with water being squeezed from the ice and the ice delivered to a transport tube and then to an ice retainer. Filling the retainer or jamming of ice nuggets inside the transport will effect a shut-down of the apparatus. Various water level controls for a water reservoir are provided, whereby the auger is flooded inside and outside, for enhancing ice formation. Nugget-type ice is provided by the ice making apparatus. The apparatus allows for changing the nugget size/shape without negative ice hardness consequences.

Abstract: An electronic device controlling available energy consumption during time by its communication with another electronic device measuring deviations between set up information and indicative information. The electronic devices, as a part of a physical system, includes but is not limited to control, measure, record, verify and report the operation of the physical system. The physical system create the environment for the packaged product, controls the environment of the packaged product, enable distribution of the packaged product, monitor and log the data from the environment and of the packaged product. The physical system can be defined as a packaging system but may also be cold storage rooms, refrigerators, transportation vessels, machinery and line of production, hospitals or laboratories.

Abstract: An energy saving control for appliances via an intelligent thermostat is provided. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system, and provides coordinated control over the appliances. This control over the appliances is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the appliances. The appliances include occupancy sensors and transmit usage and occupancy information to the intelligent thermostat. The intelligent thermostat processes this information to determine the occupancy of the dwelling. The thermostat controls the HVAC system and the appliances according to the determined occupancy of the dwelling.

Abstract: A globally cooled computer system for providing liquid cooling to a plurality of electrical components. The globally cooled computer system includes an electronics unit having a plurality of electronics components attached to a plurality of cards and a card cage for providing structural support to the cards, a fluid management unit for pressurizing fluid within the electronics unit, a reservoir for collecting fluid from the electronics unit, a tubing system for distributing the fluid between the electronics unit and the fluid management unit, and a pressure equalization system connecting the electronics unit and the reservoir to equalize internal pressures between them.

Abstract: Apparatus transports rod(s) of ice of flaked or chipped ice through a tube to a remote ice bin, in which the ice is broken into nuggets. A method of cleaning the transport tube is also provided in which ice pushes a dry conformable article and a wet conformable articles carrying sanitizing solution through the tube, with the conformable articles preferable being sponges, and with the wet article sanitizing algae, bacteria, etc. during movement through the tube, and with the dry conformable article scraping debris from wall(s) of the tube during transport.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an insulated cabinet and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet having an exterior face including a dispenser cavity. An ice maker in the refrigerated storage space is arranged to make and harvest ice pieces. An ice delivery system on the inside of the door dispenses ice pieces into a dispenser cavity in the exterior face of the door. The ice delivery system can include an ice bin including a generally open top and having a bottom opening pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis below the ice maker. The ice can receive ice pieces harvested by the ice maker and discharge ice pieces through the bottom opening and the ice delivery system in a first position. The ice bin can tilt out to permit access to ice pieces, and can be removed from the ice delivery system, in a second position when the door is open.

Abstract: The invention concerns a condenser consisting of stacked plates (2) provided each with a raised peripheral edge (3) in sealed assembly to define flow channels between the plates for a refrigerating fluid (F1) and a cooling fluid (F2). The plates comprise communicating passageways (124) for the passage of the refrigerating fluid and the cooling fluid from one flow channel to the other. Annular ducts (122) are provided opposite the communicating passageways to prevent the fluids from being mixed. A bottle (100) is interposed between a cooling section (94) and sub-cooling section (96). The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A tandem compressor system is utilized that receives refrigerant from a common suction manifold, and from a common evaporator. From the compressors, the refrigerant passes to a plurality of condensers, with each of the condensers being associated with a separate zone for heat rejection, preferably at different temperature levels. Each of the condensers is associated with at least one of the plurality of compressors. A reheat coil is associated with the evaporator to improve comfort level in the environment to be conditioned. Multiple reheat circuits associated with separate condensers are employed to provide various stages of reheat or to condition separate environments. By utilizing the common evaporator, a plurality of condensers, and the reheat coils, the ability to independently control temperature, humidity and amount of heat rejection to a number of zones is achieved without the requirement of having dedicated circuits with multiple additional components.

Abstract: A method for producing liquefied natural gas wherein high pressure liquid natural gas is subcooled and then flashed to form flash vapor and liquefied natural gas product, and the flash vapor is employed in a refrigeration cycle to generate refrigeration for subcooling the liquid natural gas.