Abstract: A floor panel is bounded in a horizontal plane by a top side, which is provided with a decorative layer, and an underside, which is provided for bearing on an underlying surface. The floor panel is provided with connecting structure for the releasable connection of at least two panels. The connecting structure is formed on at least one first side edge such that locking takes place in the transverse direction and vertical direction. A form-fitting element for locking in the vertical direction with a further panel is formed on a second side edge, which runs at an angle to the first side edge. A tongue is formed on the first side edge, the tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge, and a recess, corresponding to the tongue, is formed on an opposite side edge.

Abstract: A set comprising a construction element and a masonry tool, said construction element comprising a first face and a second face substantially oriented in planes parallel to the axes of the length l and width d and separated from each other by a height h, said first face comprising at least two ribs oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the length l and separated in each case from each other in the axis of the width d by a first so hollow, and a third face and a fourth face, substantially oriented in planes parallel to the axes of the width d and height h, and separated by a length l, said first hollow is open at least on said third face, said masonry tool comprises at least two sections sized so as to be able to be placed straddling in each case on one of the ribs and each arranged so as to be is able to slide on said rib on which it is placed.

Abstract: To avoid the rotation of a sleeve, providing an enhanced joint force. A reinforcing bar joint 1 according to the present invention includes an elliptic-sectioned sleeve 2, a load transfer rod 3 to be inserted through the sleeve, and wedging means 4. The sleeve 2 is configured so that end portions of reinforcing bars 5a, 5b can be inserted into openings 6a, 6b formed in respective ends of the sleeve 2 so that the reinforcing bars are arranged in series along an identical line. The load transfer rod 3 can also be inserted therethrough in parallel with the end portions of the reinforcing bars 5a, 5b which are inserted into the sleeve 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: A connector for connecting wall studs of two adjacent floors in a light frame building structure, the connector having a first attachment tab, a seat member, a diagonally slanted support leg, and a second attachment tab, all substantially planar. The connector is intended to be paired and the paired connectors joined by an elongated tie member that pierces the sill plates of the intervening floor structure.

Abstract: Insulation is partially divided into segments (200a), wherein each of the segments (200a) has an R-value and thickness and has length and width dimensions of, at least somewhat greater than 9.5 inches by at least somewhat greater than 14.5 inches to fill band joist cavities between spaced apart joists (106); and the batt (200) is either three segments (200a) in length or four segments (200a) in length, or is folded at intervals of the three segments (200a) in length or four segments in length (200a), and the batt (200) has a width of either one segment (200a) or two segments (200a), and the segments (200a) of the same batt (200) are partially divided from one another and remain in the batt (200) until separated at the point of use or installation.

Abstract: An article, system and method for flattening a three dimensional depression within a substrate floor. A straight edge is applied in a progressive X and Y grid fashion across the depression, with varying levels of shims defining contact locations, thereby establishing a floor template identifying common depths of depression at overlapping perimeter defined boundaries. One or more thermo-polymer sheets is resized to define an outer perimeter matching that of a perimeter boundary. A subset thickness of the sheet is incised around its outer perimeter to establish a feathering effect upon the sheet prior to it overlaying the boundary perimeter and prior to sizing and application of additional overlapping sheets up to an outermost boundary corresponding to a shallowest depression.

Abstract: A method of assembling a hanger assembly for mounting to a fan housing in a building includes, providing a first bracket having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first flange and a second flange, providing a second bracket having a first end and a second end, the second end having a first flange and a second flange. The method further includes inserting the second end of the first bracket in a first direction into a first end of a third bracket, inserting the first end of the second bracket in a second direction, opposite the first direction, into a second end of the third bracket, and coupling at least one spacer to the third bracket, the spacer extends from the third bracket in a third direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about ?0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: A capping chuck for a bottle capping machine is capable of applying a pre-defined torque to a cap and reducing top load during application. The capping chuck includes a drive gear mechanically connected to a clutch. The clutch controls the torque transmitted to a gripper head through a driveshaft. The gripper head secures the cap to the bottle, and includes a substantially continuous perimeter wall surrounding a plunger that moves under load in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft. The extent of movement can be controlled by a resistance element such as, for example, a spring. An engagement device affects the contact the drive gear has with the bull gear of the capping mechanism. The engagement device can rotate the capping chuck relative to the bull gear to ensure positive engagement of the drive gear with the bull gear. The engagement device can include a slotted opening and an adjustment screw.

Abstract: Machine for applying elastic bands onto objects comprising at least two band holding devices for receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism; stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and, disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects; an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band; and, a flip mechanism having the band holding devices and the actuator mounted thereto for moving the band holding devices from a band receiving position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially horizontal, to a band disengaging position, where the elastic band is disposed in a plane oriented substantially vertical, wherein in the disengaging position the band h

Abstract: A method for marking a pallet loaded with stacked goods includes fastening at least one marking element having information relevant to the marking to an intermediate layer, and disposing the intermediate layer between two layers of stacked goods during loading of the pallet. The marking element is fastened to the intermediate layer by a positive connection created by deforming the intermediate layer and the marking element.

Abstract: A dual layer packaging for shipping compressible items or goods includes an inner expandable layer and an outer non-expandable layer.

Abstract: A plant for heat-welding and blow moulding containers having feed apparatus for feeding a thermoformable and heat-weldable plastics material in a preferred direction and a plurality of stations for processing the plastics material to form the containers when in use. The stations, which are located in succession along the preferred direction comprise one or more filling stations to fill the containers with filling material when in use, and at least one station for welding an insert onto a container, each insert defining the opening of a corresponding container. The insert welding station is located upstream of the one or more filling stations in the preferred direction.

Abstract: A method of treating the inside surfaces of a clean room and treating a rotary beverage bottle blow-molding arrangement and blow-molding beverage bottles from preforms and an arrangement for performing the method. 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 plastic or nylon wrap gripper to pull the wrap off its roll in such a way that the lose ends of wrap material will not fold back on itself and stick to itself. Hand held gripping device made to grip the plastic wrap by a hand and wrist movement and thereby pull the wrap off its roll.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: A case sealing system comprising an integrated hot melt processing, dispensing and application system whereby the bottom and the top of a filled box are both substantially simultaneously sealed with a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A manually operated bale wrapping apparatus for a round baler having a wrapping apparatus position indicator device which is visually observable by an operator that enables the operator to manually monitor and manipulate the wrapping apparatus, thereby reducing the need for an electronic control system on the baler to manage the operations of the bale wrapping process.

Abstract: It is provided in the present invention with a cyclonic separation device for vacuum cleaner comprising a external barrel having a main wind inlet and a main wind outlet; a primary separator and a secondary separator in communication with each other both of which are located in the external barrel, and the primary separator is connected to the main wind inlet when the secondary separator is connected to the main wind outlet. Both filter and cyclonic separators are integrated in present invention: cyclonic filter device works as the primary separator and cyclonic separation device works as the secondary separator; which increases separation efficiency and reduces the volume of whole machine.

Abstract: A dust remover includes a small container disposed above a work, an aperture provided on the small container. Air is supplied through the aperture to generate high-speed cyclone within the small container. A big container is formed with a suction opening through which dust containing air is sucked out and disposed above the small container to form a flow passage between the small container and the big container. A suction equipment is provided to suck dust containing air through the suction opening of the big container.

Abstract: An aquatic weed harvester includes an open frame and a tubular mesh harvesting material that is secured to the open frame via a series of hooks disposed about the harvesting frame. The frame can be secured to a bow of a floatable structure or vessel via a variety of configurations, such as a pair of mounting channels or a rotating frame assembly. The rotating frame assembly allows the user to rotate the harvester between an in use orientation and a stored orientation. When placed in a stored orientation, the harvester opening is rotated upwards aiding the user in sealing the harvesting bag. The vessel preferably is designed having a split bow, where the weed harvester is positioned between the two bow extensions.

Abstract: A composite yarn for technical or industrial use, particularly suitable for textile webs, is uniformly coated with a polymer and exhibits improved fir behaviour and improved resistance to sheath stripping. The yarn may be obtained by a process where a continuous yarn, obtained by spinning a large number of fibers, such as about 100 to 600 fibers made of an organic or inorganic material, of a suitable yarn diameter, such as between about 1 to 10 micrometers, is subjected to a process for mechanically opening the yarn by splaying, to uniformly spread out and separate the fibers, including inner layers of the fibers, without impairing functional properties of the yarn, simultaneously with or prior to coating of the fibers by a polymer material having a viscosity between 1000 and 10,000 mPa·s, and formed to have a circular cross-section and uniformly distributed fibers throughout the cross-section of the polymer material to limit desheathing of the yarn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing deposit forming of superabsorbent material and/or oil onto guide rollers during the process of applying a superabsorbent water-in-oil emulsion onto a yarn wherein the oil is a mixture comprising saturated hydrocarbons, characterized in that the at least 70 wt % of the hydrocarbons have 20 to 32 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having three shafts connecting respective high, intermediate and low-pressure turbines and compressors is characterised by an intermediate pressure turbine that includes two rotor stages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one baffle hole. A circumferentially adjustable collar is located at the at least one baffle hole between the baffle plate and the at least one fuel nozzle. A plurality of openings at the collar are configured to meter a flow of diluent between the baffle hole and the at least one fuel nozzle. Further disclosed is a method for providing diluent to a combustor including providing a plurality of openings disposed at a circumferentially adjustable collar between a baffle plate and at least one fuel nozzle extending through a through hole in the baffle plate. The diluent is flowed through the plurality of openings toward at least one airflow hole in the at least one fuel nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one baffle hole. A plurality of injection holes extend through the at least one fuel nozzle and are configured to meter a flow of diluent into the combustor. Further disclosed is a method for providing diluent to a combustor including providing a plurality of openings located at at least one fuel nozzle extending through a through hole in a baffle plate. The diluent is flowed through the plurality of openings toward at least one airflow opening in the at least one fuel nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one baffle hole. A shroud is disposed between the baffle plate and the at least one fuel nozzle and is affixed to the baffle plate. A plurality of openings in the shroud are configured to meter a flow of diluent between the baffle hole and the at least one fuel nozzle. Further disclosed is a method for providing diluent to a combustor including providing a plurality of openings disposed in a shroud affixed to a baffle plate and disposed between the baffle plate and at least one fuel nozzle extending through a through hole in the baffle plate. The diluent is flowed through the plurality of openings toward at least one airflow opening in the at least one fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A gas turbine 2 is driven by a combustion gas produced when BFG compressed by a gas compressor 5 and air compressed by a compressor 1 are burned in a combustor 7. Steam is generated from a waste heat boiler 8 by utilization of heat of an exhaust gas from the gas turbine 2, and a steam turbine 4 is driven by this steam. An electric generator 3 generates electricity upon driving of the turbines 2 and 4. A condensing heat exchanger 20 is disposed in an air intake duct 6, and part of steam from the waste heat boiler 8 is flowed through the heat exchanger 20 to heat intake air. The amount of steam flowed through the heat exchanger 20 is adjusted by the adjustment of the degree of opening of a steam control valve 22 by a control device 40. By so doing, the ignition performance of the gas turbine in a BFG-fired gas turbine combined cycle plant is enhanced even in an extremely cold district.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas and steam turbine plant is provided. In the plant, the flue gas that escapes from a gas turbine is routed through a waste gas steam generator and where a flow medium that is used to drive a steam turbine is conducted in a flow medium circuit that includes several pressure stages. At least one of the pressure stages has an evaporator circuit with a steam collection drum that has a plurality of downpipes connected to the steam collection drum and a plurality of rising pipes downstream of the downpipes that are likewise connected to the steam collection drum and are heated by the flue gas in the waste heat steam generator. The height of the fluid column formed by the flow medium in the downpipes is monitored and a transient dry operation of the evaporator circuit can thus be detected and safeguarded against.

Abstract: A fuel delivery and control system is provided including a dual pump fluid circuit configuration comprising a fixed positive displacement pump sized to supply the main engine burn flow ranging from above windmill through cruise, a positive displacement actuation pump including a variable pressure regulator, wherein the actuation pump is sized to supply fluid to engine actuators, valves and other hydraulically operated engine components and a pump flow sharing system interconnecting the two pumps. The combined flow from the two pumps is sufficient to meet the engine flow demand for windmill relight and maximum flow conditions. During cruise or normal operating conditions, the pumps operate in completely isolated flow circuits, minimizing recirculation and therefore heat input into the fuel supply system.

Abstract: A fuel delivery and control system is provided including a dual pump fluid circuit configuration comprising a fixed positive displacement pump sized to supply the main engine burn flow ranging from above windmill through cruise and a variable displacement pump sized to supply fluid to engine actuators, valves and other hydraulically operated engine components with a pump flow sharing system interconnecting the two pumps. The combined flow from the two pumps is sufficient to meet the engine flow demand for windmill relight and maximum flow conditions. During cruise or normal operating conditions, the pumps operate in completely isolated flow circuits, minimizing recirculation and therefore heat input into the fuel supply system.

Abstract: The present subject matter overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art by introducing or generating charged particles in an air stream and manipulating the air stream with magnetic fields operating on the charged particles. Embodiments of the present subject mater compress the air stream by accelerating charged particles with a moving magnetic field, where the magnetic field has a velocity perpendicular to its flux lines. The increased velocity of the charged particles increases the statistical mean particle velocity and thereby increases the pressure in the air stream. The compressed air stream is then heated and expanded through a second magnetic field. The expansion of the air stream substantially increases the velocity of the air stream and the charged particles therein. The interaction of the high velocity charged particles and the magnetic field imparts a force perpendicular to the flux lines, this force powers the movement of the magnetic field and can also be extracted in the form of mechanical work.

Abstract: An example core nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes a core cowl positioned adjacent to an inner duct boundary of a fan bypass passage having an associated cross-sectional area. The core cowl includes at least one groove that is selectively exposed to change the cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a screw shaft, a nut translatable along the screw shaft upon relative rotation occurring therebetween, and articulated connection means securing an output member to the nut, the output member being of elongate form and extending substantially parallel to or coaxial with the screw shaft when the actuator is in a retracted position.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine (10) having aerodynamic drag that retards movement. The gas turbine engine has an active state and a shutdown state. A fan bypass passage (30) associated with the gas turbine engine conveys a bypass airflow (D) that influences the aerodynamic drag. A nozzle (40) associated with the fan bypass passage has a plurality of different positions that influences the bypass air flow to thereby influence the aerodynamic drag. The nozzle is operative to move between the plurality of different positions in response to the shutdown state to control the aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A vectoring nozzle with external actuation generates thrust vectoring by applying mechanical or fluidic actuation, or both, on the nozzle deck, external sidewalls, and/or air vehicle aft body to produce changes in the aft body flowfield and/or exhaust plume. An external mechanical sidewall may be integrated into a nozzle deck or side walls without the need for engine bleed to supply fluid injectors. An external fluidic vectoring system uses injectors or plasma devices located aft of the nozzle exit to vector the exhaust plume with no external moving parts. Elements of both mechanical and fluidic systems may be combined for a given application.

Abstract: In case of emergency regeneration, i.e. any one of forced regeneration after a judgment is made that purification is insufficient in purification judgment after ending forced regeneration, forced regeneration after time has expired before completing of forced regeneration, or forced regeneration when the pressure difference across a DPF exceeds a predetermined first judging pressure difference under a state where traveling distance of a vehicle is shorter than a predetermined distance for judgment an alarm for urging manual regeneration is issued, and wherein when manual regeneration is designated thereafter manual regeneration is performed and when predetermined conditions are satisfied without the reception of a designation of manual regeneration, automatic regeneration is performed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas catalyst, a first exhaust gas sensor that is arranged in such a manner that it can be used in lambda control, and a second exhaust gas sensor that is arranged in such a manner that it can be used in trim control. A HC quality value (EFF_CAT_HC) which is representative of an oxygen storage capacity of the exhaust gas catalyst is determined depending on a measuring signal (VLS_DOWN) of the second exhaust gas sensor. A NOx correction factor (COR_NOX) is determined depending on the measuring signal (VLS_DOWN) of the second exhaust gas sensor, namely depending on signal portions that are representative of the residual oxygen. A NOx quality value (EFF_CAT_DIAL_NOX) is determined depending on the HC quality value (EFF_CAT_HC) and the NOx correction factor (COR_NOX).

Abstract: The description relates to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system for exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine or a direct injection gasoline engine, said exhaust-gas aftertreatment system being arranged in an exhaust system and having a filter element and a catalyst element as exhaust-gas aftertreatment element. A portion of the engine exhaust gases goes to the particulate filter and the other portion of engine exhaust gases goes to the catalyst element. The outlet of the filter element is directed to the inlet of the catalyst element and the outlet of the catalyst element is directed to the inlet of the filter element. Thus, the engine exhaust gases are filtered and processed by a catalyst.

Abstract: Before a large amount of PM is deposited in a filter 32, an exhaust gas cleaning system for a construction machine regenerates the filter to avoid a decrease in output due to the exhaust gas pressure rise occurring immediately before the filter is regenerated, and to reduce the likelihood of unusual increases in the internal temperature of the filter due to the combustion of the PM, associated with the execution of the regeneration, and consequential thermal damage to the filter. If a value of a differential pressure across the filter 32 is greater than a predetermined pressure, a controller 4 conducts engine speed control to a predetermined rotating speed Na suitable for the regeneration, then enters forced regeneration automatically, and burns off the PM. When the sensed differential pressure decreases below a predetermined pressure, the regeneration is terminated automatically and the engine 1 is stopped.

Abstract: A device for exhaust-gas treatment includes at least one housing with an inner surface and at least one sensor foil disposed in the housing. The sensor foil is formed at least with a sensor element and a conductor element. The sensor foil is also provided with an edge up to which the conductor element extends and which bears against the inner surface of the housing. The housing also has an opening for contacting of the conductor element. The opening is surrounded on the inner surface by an electrical insulating layer.

Abstract: An example emissions-control system of a vehicle includes a reservoir configured to contain a reductant solution, and an SCR device disposed in the exhaust system and configured to consume the reductant solution. The example emissions-control system further includes a base sensor responsive to whether a volume of the reductant solution exceeds a base volume, wherein the base volume is a sum of a dead volume of the reservoir plus a standard volume, and one or more elevated sensors corresponding to one or more elevated volumes. The example emissions-control system further includes an emissions sensor responsive to a NOX level in the exhaust system, and a misformulation indicator operatively coupled to the emissions sensor and to at least one of the base sensor and an elevated sensor, and configured to indicate when an excess NOX emission follows, within an interval, an increase in the volume of the reductant solution above the base volume or an elevated volume.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein an HC treatment catalyst (12) having the function of adsorbing the HC in the exhaust gas is arranged upstream of the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14), an urea aqueous solution fed from the reducing agent feed valve (15) is arranged upstream of the HC treatment catalyst (12), urea, and NOx contained in the exhaust gas, and HC adsorbed on the HC treatment catalyst 12 are reacted with each other to form intermediate products having cyano groups, oximes, and amino groups, and these intermediate products are sent to the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14).

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an NOx selective reduction catalyst (14) is arranged in an engine exhaust passage, and an NOx storage catalyst (12) is arranged in the engine exhaust passage upstream of the NOx selective reduction catalyst (14). When the amount of NOx stored in the NOx storage catalyst (12) exceeds a predetermined allowable value, the NOx storage catalyst (12) is raised in temperature to make the NOx storage catalyst (12) release the NOx. The amount of urea feed is decreased by exactly the amount of reduction of the calculated stored NOx amount with respect to the amount of urea feed determined from the engine operating state, and the amount of urea feed is increased by exactly the amount of reduction of the calculated released NOx amount with respect to the amount of urea feed determined from the engine operating state.

Abstract: An electronic control unit 6 estimates the amount of sulfur accumulated in a filter 35 for purifying PM and NOx based on the operating state of an engine. On condition that an estimated value Sx is equal to or greater than a determination value Smax, a first regeneration procedure is executed, in which sulfur is released from the filter 35 by raising the temperature of the filter 35 up to a temperature ? and lowering the exhaust air-fuel ratio is executed. When the number of times N of the execution of the first regeneration procedure after the execution of a second regeneration procedure is a determination number of times A or more, the second regeneration procedure is executed separately from the first regeneration procedure. In the second regeneration procedure, sulfur is completely released from the filter 35 by raising the temperature of the filter 35 up to a temperature ?(>?) and lowering the exhaust air-fuel ratio. The estimated value Sx is reset upon completion of the second regeneration procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is provided. A pressure drop across the DPF is measured and an initial estimate of soot loading in the DPF is provided to a recursive filter. Using the recursive filter, the initial estimate of soot loading is updated in view of the measured pressure drop to provide an updated estimate of soot loading in the DPF. Active regeneration of the DPF is triggered when an earliest one of at least one triggering condition occurs, the updated estimate of soot loading reaching a predetermined value being one of the at least one triggering condition.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods for regeneration of a filter, particularly a diesel particulate filter. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of regeneration of a particulate matter filter is provided. The method includes providing a heat source for regeneration of a particulate matter filter. The heat source is disposed proximate or upstream from the particulate matter filter. The method also includes activating the heat source to generate a first temperature profile of the heat source, the first temperature profile including a first temperature average. The method further includes increasing the temperature of the heat source to generate a second temperature profile of the heat source, the second temperature profile including a second temperature average, wherein the second temperature average is greater than the first temperature average.