Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A caliper includes a first leg and a second leg pivotably connected together at first ends thereof. First and second abutting portions are respectively formed on second ends of the first and second legs. First and second slots are respectively defined in the first and second legs and between the first and second ends thereof. An indicator is slideably received in the first and second slots. The indicator is slideable along the first and second slots to move the first and second abutting portions toward each other until the first and the second abutting portions respectively abut against two opposite sides of an object to be gauged by the caliper. The size of the object is indicated by an indicating portion of the indicator that points to a scale on one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and massaging feet, comprising a plate (2) whereon the feet are set, defining a plurality of holes (3) through which air escapes towards the feet, at a pressure of at least 0.5 bar, such as to produce not only the drying but also a massaging effect on the feet. The holes (3) are distributed at greater concentration in the regions where the toes and the front part of the feet bear. The plate (2) comprises a plurality of interchangeable templates (8) to adapt the apparatus to different foot sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having an outsole, an upper having a notch, a brace having at least one localized area placed in the notch, and the brace being in contact with and secured to both the upper and the outsole. The invention also relates to a method for providing the shoe.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch directed, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: A hitch structure for mounting attachments to a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is disclosed herein. The hitch structure includes a universal, reversible hitch structure. The hitch structure includes a first end positioned opposite a second end, a fixed locking structure located adjacent each of the first end and the second end, the fixed locking structure constructed for receiving a toe end of an attachment carrier of a loader vehicle. The hitch structure also includes a removable locking structure with a slot for receiving a locking wedge positioned adjacent a heel end of the attachment carrier. The removable locking structure is removably engageable with the hitch structure alternatively adjacent either the first end or the second end of the hitch structure to form a clamping structure with the fixed locking structure located at the opposite end from the removable locking structure for mounting the attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering dredge spoils includes a floating barge having a planar upper surface or deck. One end of the barge, such as the stern, is partially flooded or otherwise ballasted so that the deck slopes downwardly from the bow toward the stem. Dredge spoils removed from a waterway are deposited onto the bow where they flow down toward the stem. A plurality of concrete blocks on the deck form an attenuator that, in turn, defines one or more settling ponds on the surface of the barge. A weir across the stem of the barge forms an additional settling pond at the rear of the barge. Solids suspended in the water removed from the waterway settle out onto the deck when the dredge spoils are deposited onto the bow. Remaining solids suspended in the water deposit onto the deck as the water flows through the settling ponds. The relatively clear water that remains then flows back into the waterway off the stem of the sloped barge after passing through the settling ponds.

Abstract: A money display vault has at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display to allow cash reserves of an establishment to be displayed to the public, yet remained secured from possible theft. A device is coupled to the at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display to move the money around the at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a number of display images comprises a first rotating element provided with a plurality of mounting means, each of said mounting means rotatably carrying one or more second rotating elements each provided with a number of display surfaces in which the mounting means are arranged such that they define a shape with substantially straight edges, and in which two or more second rotating elements can combine to create a changeable display surface substantially parallel to each substantially straight edge of said shape, and in which in use each second rotating element is rotated independently of all other second rotating elements.

Abstract: A display sign apparatus includes a stationary frame and a movable frame mounted therein for reciprocal lateral movement. One drive system is provided for moving the movable frame. Each of the stationary and movable frames has a plurality of elongated display sign elements mounted in a spaced relationship. Another drive system is provided for rotating each element about its longitudinal axis. The elongated display sign elements are movable between a first position wherein the elements are interposed with a side-by-side arrangement and a second position wherein the elements in the movable frame are laterally spaced from the elements mounted on the stationary frame.

Abstract: An interrelated form apparatus and method includes a three dimensional first piece with an image or partial image, with a front and a side. A three dimensional second piece with an image or partial image, with a front and a side is also provided. A first surface joined with a second surface at an angle is provided and the first piece is located on the first surface and the second piece is located on the second surface such that the image or partial image, on the front of one piece combines with the image or partial image, on the side of another piece to create a unified image. An unlimited number of pieces as well as surfaces as well as varying angles can be used to create the unified image.

Abstract: A plant identification marker has a leaf-shaped body with a pointed stem depending from the body for insertion in the ground. The lower portion of the leaf is covered by a mating front cover that is ultrasonic welded to it on the sides only, thereby creating a confining pocket having upper open slot, and a lower open slot enabling water drainage from the pocket. The top and bottom of a conventional thin plastic plant marker tag are cut off the middle portion. The upper slot in the plant identification marker is wide enough to receive a middle portion of the plant I.D. tag or a portion of a seed packet for partial storage in the pocket, while allowing a small upper portion bearing plant identification to be displayed.

Abstract: A clip has an inner convolution, an outer convolution, a connecting element, a stem and a label. The inner convolution generally includes a first leg and a second leg. The inner convolution legs have a distal end and a proximal end and the legs are connected at their proximal ends. The outer convolution generally includes a first leg and a second leg. The outer convolution legs have a distal end and a proximal end and the legs are connected at their proximal ends. The connecting element generally connects the inner convolution to the outer convolution such that the inner and outer convolutions are disposed in a substantially common plane, with the inner convolution within the outer convolution, and such that the connected proximal end of the inner convolution legs may be flexibly moved transversely or away from the connected proximal end of the outer convolution legs.

Abstract: This invention refers to a compact monitoring system for firearms, including a detecting and tracking structure and a method for confirming ammunition has been discharged from said weapon, more specifically, to a weapon usage detecting and tracking device and a method that utilizes battery operated microcontroller circuitry, and could be used in combination either with a load depletion process warning system which in turn comprises a method for signalizing the user of the depletion process using luminous indicators, and a time and date event recorder or in combination with both, sharing substantially the same structure. Provisions are made in the time recording structure to securely retrieve use information at a further date in a way that may include secure handshaking and a serial number.

Abstract: An improved base pad for a firearm magazine that more securely attaches to the bottom of a magazine tube in a manner which is easier and faster to attach or remove therefrom when cleaning the magazine. The improved base pad has a body member with a pair of ends and a pair of sides. The sides each have a groove configured to slidably receive, preferably snugly, the lips at the bottom of a standard magazine tube. One end of the base pad has an outwardly extending section with an upwardly facing, generally planar face. A securing mechanism at the outwardly extending section has an upwardly disposed projection that selectively engages one wall of the magazine tube to secure the base pad thereto when in its engaged position and allows removal of the base pad when in a disengaged position. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism is a detent device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for fishing rods and methods of assembling fishing rods utilizing novel techniques including microscopic inspection and acoustic analysis to assess construction component as well as assembled fishing rods. As such, the present invention utilizes these techniques for measuring the quality and density of the bamboo fibers, which can be a basis for the selection of culms, strips of bamboo, and assembled rod blanks. The present invention also provides construction methods used to remove cell and fiber material combined with the application of epoxy reinforcements. Further, the present invention provides a method of connecting bamboo splines together using a combination of epoxy-based adhesive, vacuum pressure, and heat. Fishing rods according the present invention may also include a carbon fiber or fiberglass ferrule.

Abstract: A holder for an outrigger is disclosed which has a housing for mounting the holder on top of a structural part of a boat. The holder can be rotated in a horizontal plane to various fixed positions by means of a rotatable, retractable handle positioned below the structural part of the boat. The weight of the holder is taken by in internal structure of the housing, such that, during rotation to another position, the holder weight is not transferred to the handle; thereby making it easier to rotate the holder.

Abstract: A reporting system collects, communicates and analyzes information from a plurality of pest monitoring locations. The monitored locations include activity sensing pest devices. These devices can include traps and/or passive and active monitoring devices not having a trapping or killing functionality. The system includes automatic reporting from the plurality of activity sensing pest devices and also includes physical inspection data. Preferably an automatic real-time communication system is used, with the preferred communication system being a radio-frequency (RF) or other over-the-air system. However, hardwired systems, use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as an interim data carrier, and other technologies may also be employed. Manual input devices for providing the additional physical inspection data on the activity sensing pest device parameters and a computer based report generator (of the resulting combined data) provide for a robust and efficient pest monitoring and/or trapping tool.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: A controller controls, based upon a manual operation signal from a first operating means and the automatic operation signal from a second operating means, a driving of a driving power source for generating a driving force for an opening/closing operation of a vehicle door. The controller switches control for driving the driving power source. An automatic operation mode is selected when the automatic operation signal is inputted to the controller, in which the driving power source is driven to output a predetermined first driving output value. A manual operation mode is selected when the manual operation signal is inputted to the controller in which the driving power source is driven to output a second driving output value which is higher than the first driving output value.

Abstract: A sliding window for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises a fixed component and a moving component. To provide a drivable sliding window, a drivable pinion (3) is rotatably supported at the fixed component and a rack (2) is provided at the moving component and the pinion (3) engages into it.

Abstract: For an inflatable structure having a flexible outer shell or wall structure having a flexible restraint layer comprising interwoven, load-bearing straps, apparatus for integrating one or more substantially rigid members into the flexible shell. For each rigid member, a corresponding opening is formed through the flexible shell for receiving the rigid member. A plurality of connection devices are mounted on the rigid member for receiving respective ones of the load-bearing straps.

Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module comprises a base having a plurality of curved crests and curved pans. The crests and pans have contours sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the contours and pans of conventional clay or concrete S-tiles to enable the base to interlock with the conventional clay or concrete S-tiles. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. Each crest of the base includes a depressed portion. A photovoltaic panel is positioned in the depressed portions of at least two curved crests and span across at least one curved pan between the at least two curved crests.

Abstract: A modular storage shed system is provided, including an upper frame assembly having a plurality of vertically oriented posts, each post defining an elongated slot extending axially along at least a portion of a length thereof, a plurality of external wall panels each defining a pair of side edges, each wall panel including a lip extending orthogonally from at least a portion of each side edge thereof and defining at least one aperture formed therein. There is provided a plurality of panel locks having a lock member. The lock member may snap-fit engage the apertures in the lips of the wall panels when the lips of adjacent wall panels are positioned within the slot of a common vertical post and when the lock member of the panel lock is pressed between the adjacent wall panels into the slot of the vertical post.

Abstract: A base connection is provided for supporting a concrete wall panel on an underlying support structure. The base connection comprises a generally vertical mounting plate, a wall plate, a pair of slips, and a cover plate secured to and extending upwardly from the support structure. The mounting plate includes one or more generally vertically-elongated slots. The wall plate is embedded within the concrete wall panel toward a lower end defined by the concrete wall panel. The cover plate is located outwardly of the mounting plate. An inner slip plate is located between the mounting plate and the wall plate, and an outer slip plate is located between the cover plate and the mounting plate. Threaded connectors extend interconnect the cover plate and the embedded wall plate, extending through openings in the slip plates and through one of the generally vertically aligned slots in the mounting plate.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through and is compressively loaded between the fastening member and the resisting member by operation of the fastening member on the elongated tension member. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve. At least one of the bearing members is threadably connected to the sleeve. This bearing member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: A building block for construction of a structure, such as house, is provided that is lightweight and portable. The building block has a first or lightweight portion that can be made from a thermally insulative material. The building block also has a second or rigid portion that can be made from a material having a high compressive strength. The first and second portions are affixed to each other to provide a preformed building block with a high compressive strength. The rigid portion can be a number of rigid sheets substantially embedded in the lightweight portion.

Abstract: The angular joint of the invention comprises a slide base portion (1) and a sheet metal mobile portion (2) superimposed thereupon, the sheet metal portion (2) including upwardly extending legs (2e) with indenting edges (2g), a bolt (3) being employed in the tightening process of the joint, wherein after the joint has been inserted into the hollow profile members being brought together for connection, the bolt (3) acts so as to exert an upwardly raising force onto the sheet metal mobile portion (2), whilst maintaining base portion (1) at a fixed position, and subsequently leading the sharp indenting edges (2g) of the sheet metal portion (1) to producing an indentation effect into the walls of the corresponding chambers (13a, 13b) of the hollow profiles being angularly connected with the joint, as the joint is being tightened, thereby resulting in a robust, self aligned connection of the hollow profile members.

Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord spaced from the lower chord and a laminated panel structure joining the chords. This panel structure defines an uninterrupted surface from one end of the joist to an opposite end thereof and has opposite upper and lower edges joined to the lower and upper chords respectively. The laminated panel structure is formed of a series of elongated planks adhesively secured edgewise to one another and extending vertically between the lower and upper chords.

Abstract: An access floor assembly is provided that comprises a plurality of abutting access floor panels that are attached to a plurality of pedestals. A resilient and flexible gasket is provided between the abutting floor panels to provide an effective seal between the panels. The effective seal allows a pre-determined pressure to be maintained in a plenum located between the access floor panels and a sub-floor. Air under pressure in the plenum may be delivered in a controlled and consistent manner from the plenum to a space above the access floor assembly.

Abstract: A reinforcing rod includes a rectilinear and elongated shaft that has a centrally disposed longitudinal axis and includes a monolithically formed spine extending along an entire length of the shaft and parallel to the axis. The spine includes monolithically formed coextensive rings equidistantly spaced and juxtaposed along a length of the shaft. The spine bifurcates the rings. The rings form a generally spiral pattern about the shaft. The shaft is formed from steel. A mechanism is included for providing a smooth surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of a pre-filled plastic syringe, and preferably the preparation of a plastic syringe pre-filled with a diagnostic contrast agent wherein said syringe comprises as components a barrel, a tip seal capable of sealing the nozzle of the barrel and a piston capable of sliding in the barrel and sealing the open end of the barrel opposite the nozzle, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one component of said syringe which is molded under conditions which are substantially free of pyrogens and viable and non-viable particulates; and (b) filling and assembling said syringe.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a roll-baler of a construction, in which the rotational movement of its rear chamber of the bale chamber for its opening and closing is done smoothly, while its lock mechanism is designed to be simple, so that the bale-shaping material of a short length may be fed into the bale chamber 4 through its inlet port “a”. In this type of the roll-baler, the bale chamber 4 is mounted on the machine body 1 at its position, where the inlet port “a” of the bale chamber 4 is open frontward, and the terminal end part 3a of the transporting conveyor 3 is so made as to its conveying surface forming an inclined surface “c” which is downwardly slanted, the inclined surface “c” being disposed at a position to constitute a part of the peripheral wall of the bale chamber 4, in opposition to the lower half side of the peripheral surface of the roll bale R to be formed within the bale chamber at the place where the inlet port “a” of the bale chamber 4 is present.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid filling material with an adjustable labeling mechanism for labeling bottles, a and a method of operating a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of editorial products (11) in plastic film comprising the phases of unwinding a plastic film (12) from a bobbin (13) and feeding it in a longitudinal direction (F), applying preprinted self-adhesive labels (16) to the film (12) transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction (F) and distanced between each other by a pre-established length greater than the length of the editorial products (11), positioning the editorial products (11) on the film (12) in the space between two subsequent labels (16), folding the plastic film (12) over the editorial products (11), welding the plastic film (12) longitudinally and transversally with a first transversal welding line (22) to form two containment areas (100a, 100b) of the label (16) and editorial product (11) respectively, and also with a second transversal welding line (23) forming a head of a finished packaging (100, 100?) separated by the second transversal welding.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for insulation material has a compression chamber and a surge hopper vertically mounted above the compression chamber. An air drawing assembly positioned beneath the compression chamber draws air through the surge hopper and the compression chamber.

Abstract: A machine (1) for erecting open topped cartons or trays from a substantially flat blank of varying height and footprint dimensions, comprising a magazine 3 adapted to support a supply of flat blanks of predetermined dimensions, a vacuum transfer means for transferring blanks one at a time from the supply to adjustable transfer rails (4)(62)(63) for transferring the blanks to a tray forming section 5, means G for applying glue to the blanks at predetermined locations, the tray forming section 5 including a variable well 6 defined by wall means 11 to 18 which are moveable in two directions to adjust the size of the well and a mandrel 7 having portions 40 to 43 which are moveable in two directions to adjust the size of the mandrel, and a cylinder 45 for pushing the mandrel into the well to fold the blank into a tray, the well being open at the bottom to allow the formed tray to be pushed through the well and onto a conveyor 8 for conveying the formed tray away from the machine.

Abstract: A random case former accepts an opened-up flat corrugated material representing an unformed box with open bottoms and tops. The random case former automatically adjusts to the dimensions of the box by closing in on the unformed box with flap folders from one or more sides. As the flap folders close in on the box, they first fold the minor-flaps and then the major-flaps on the bottom of the unformed box, thereby forming a box with a closed bottom and an open top into which items can then be placed. The automatic adjustment of the random case former to the box size avoids time-consuming manual adjustment and provides efficiency and speed.

Abstract: A top sealer for a gable top package having a sealed top fin includes an arm support and a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the arm support. The arms each have a sealing jaw at about an end thereof. The arms are pivotal to move the sealing jaws toward and away from one another through an arc. The arm support is linearly movable toward and away from the package, as the arms pivot, to move the sealing jaws downward, toward the package, to alter the arc of the pivoting sealing jaws.

Abstract: A device for opening flexible containers, comprising a first gripping assembly (3, 4) active on a first portion of a container and second gripping assembly (5) active on a second portion of the container which faces the first portion and co-operating with the first gripping assembly (3, 4) to move the first and second portion away from each other. In operative conditions, the container is interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5). The second gripping assembly (5) is movable between at least one operative configuration in which the container is interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5) and at least one resting configuration in which the container is not interposed between the first and second gripping assemblies (3, 4; 5), as a consequence of a movement of the second gripping assemblies (5). In particular, the first and second gripping assemblies comprise suction cups (3, 4; 5).

Abstract: In a fluid system for a gas turbine engine, oil is supplied from an oil tank (10) by a constant displacement pump (12) to lubricate engine components (18). The oil is supplied to the components (18) via a heat exchanger (16) in which oil and fuel are placed in direct heat exchange relationship. The flow of oil to the components (18) is controlled by recirculating a proportion of the oil flow through a bypass (20). The bypass (20) regulates the flow of oil to the components (18) so that the amount of heat transferred to the fuel in the heat exchanger (16) is controlled. At low engine powers a greater proportion of the oil flows through the bypass (20) to reduce the oil flow to the components (18). This reduces the heat transferred to the fuel in the heat exchanger (16) and so prevents overheating of the fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste heat steam generator of a gas fired and steam powered generator. Said generator comprises a waste heat boiler to which exhaust gas of a gas turbine can be supplied. Said steam generator also comprises at least one evaporator which is located in the waste heat boiler and is used to produce process steam for a steam turbine. According to the invention, flue gas from a heating device can be supplied to the waste heat boiler and at least part of said flue gas can be extracted at at least one point of the waste heat boiler and redirected back to the inlet of said waste heat boiler.

Abstract: A plasma propulsion system for aerospace and other applications is disclosed in which an ionized fluid is accelerated through the system by an electric field. The electrons separated from the ionized fluid are accelerated in a direction opposite the ionized flow. A magnetic field decelerates the electrons. The decelerated electrons are collected, conducted downstream, and re-inserted into the ionized flow.

Abstract: A propulsion system with a pintle for variable thrust is constructed such that the pintle contains a shaft at its fore end which passes through an opening in the thrust chamber wall and extends into a boss on the outside surface of the thrust chamber. A dynamic seal that maintains the pressurization of the thrust chamber while allowing movement of the pintle is positioned inside the boss, between the pintle shaft and the boss, and actuation of the pintle is achieved by a rack affixed to the fore end of the pintle and a gear that engages the rack. The dynamic seal, rack and gear are thus external to the thrust chamber, providing the thrust chamber with a compact external envelope, a greater thermal standoff, or both.

Abstract: A turbojet engine includes a core engine, an afterburner, and a converging-diverging exhaust nozzle in serial flow communication. A thrust vectoring system is joined between a compressor and the nozzle. A controller is operatively joined to the thrust vectoring system for selectively varying distribution of air bled from the compressor into the exhaust nozzle for vectoring propulsion thrust.

Abstract: A method and system for more safely operating a diesel engine in a methane-rich environment, such as a mine. The method includes providing a diesel engine having an air intake, a combustion chamber, and an exhaust. Methane-rich air is introduced into the engine through the air intake and mixed with diesel fuel, which is combusted. The exhaust gases are introduced into a converter comprising a bed of silica. The converter generates highly reactive hydroxyl radicals that are attracted to the combustion temperature at the cylinders. The hydroxyl radicals form supercritical water in the cylinders, and eliminate soot formation, increases engine efficiency, and reduce top combustion temperature. The disclosed methods and systems significantly reduce pollutants and the risk of explosions within or near the diesel engine. The methods and systems also result in single phase emissions, whether or not operated in a methane-rich environment.

Abstract: To provide an engine exhaust gas treatment system that can efficiently reduce and remove NOx using easy-to-handle urea as the reducing agent, regardless of the engine operating conditions. An exhaust gas denitration system in which an exhaust gas is introduced into the denitration catalyst reactor 5 provided in the exhaust gas flue 3, where NOx is reduced and removed in the presence of the denitrati on catalyst, wherein a diversion means provided in the exhaust gas flue 3 introduces part or all of the exhaust gas into a urea solution injection evaporator having a heating means by the heater 30, and the heat from the exhaust gas and the heat from the heater serve to generate ammonia that is then circled and mixed with the exhaust gas and introduced into the denitration catalyst reactor 4.

Abstract: An exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder comprises a main exhaust passage connected to the cylinder; a main catalytic converter disposed in the main exhaust passage; a bypass exhaust passage that diverges from the main exhaust passage, the bypass exhaust passage having a gas flow resistance larger than that of the main exhaust passage and having a downstream end connected to the main exhaust passage at a position upstream of the main catalytic converter; an auxiliary catalytic converter disposed in the bypass exhaust passage; and a gas flow switching device that is capable of forcing exhaust gas from the cylinder of the engine to flow toward the bypass exhaust passage when assuming a given operation position.

Abstract: There are provided a NOx storage reduction catalyst which is provided in an exhaust passage for an engine, and a sulfur concentration sensor which can detect a total concentration of SOx and H2S in exhaust gas that has passed through the NOx catalyst, and a concentration of SOx in the exhaust gas. An operating state of the engine is controlled such that SOx is released from the NOx catalyst (sulfur poisoning recovery process). When a concentration of the hydrogen sulfide obtained based on the total concentration and the concentration of SOx that are detected by the sulfur concentration sensor during the sulfur poisoning recovery process exceeds a permissible limit, an operating state of the engine is controlled such that the sulfur oxide is released from the NOx catalyst, an amount of the released sulfur oxide is in a predetermined range, and the concentration of the hydrogen sulfide is reduced.

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.