Abstract: A bulkhead floor drain for positioning in the basement floor at the base of bulkhead stairs, such bulkhead floor drain extending beyond each side of the width of such bulkhead stair opening. The bulkhead floor drain has a top cover member and a lower channel duct positioned thereunder, such top cover member having a plurality of diagonal slots defined therein for passage therethrough of water and debris coming down said bulkhead stairs and falling into the lower channel duct, such bulkhead floor drain to direct such water to drainage areas to prevent water from flowing further onto the basement floor.

Abstract: A gutter shield for separating debris from water entering a gutter, the shield being intended for installation over a conventional longitudinally extending gutter that is mounted outboard from and below a longitudinally extending roof edge. The gutter shield includes a longitudinally extending length of planar stock material that is perforated by a plurality of intermittent, longitudinally extending slots, each slot being at the outboard edge of a tab that ramps downward and outward from a top surface of the stock material; and a longitudinally extending ridge extending downward from an underside of the shield for the purpose of breaking up water sheeting along the underside of the shield. The tab is elongated in ways that discourage sheeting while encouraging flow rate by entraining. Capillary action in opposition to water sheeting on the top surface of the shield is encouraging by gradually and smoothly curving the bend at an inboard bent edge of the tab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container that may have, in combination, an interior panel covering a layer of thermal insulation that has an air-impermeable layer thereon. The thermal insulation is attached to the exterior panel of the container, which may have structural supports on its interior surface. In one embodiment, the insulated cargo container is an insulated railroad boxcar.

Abstract: A roof edging system includes an anchor bar, an extension cleat attachable to the anchor bar, and a cover plate applied over the anchor bar and extension cleat. The anchor bar may be of a generally uniform size and shape and the extension cleat may be of varying sizes. The anchor bar and extension cleat are secured to the exterior of the building using fasteners inserted through a number of apertures in each member. The engagement of the anchor bar with the roof provides a waterproof seal between a roofing membrane placed on the roof and the anchor bar. The extension cleat provides a means to vary the overall length of the assembly. A durable cover plate may then be attached over the anchor bar and extension cleat to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the periphery of the roof of the building.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket is secured to a substructure and projects over siding that covers the substructure. The bracket comprises a base member attached to the substructure and has at least one elongated wall projecting laterally outward from the substructure. A trim member has an outer flange with the siding disposed between the substructure and the outer flange. First and second side partitions project laterally inward with respect to the substructure and from the outer flange for snap fitting to the at least one elongated wall. A water diversion device has a trough located above the first and second side partitions supported by the outer flange and projecting laterally toward the substructure for receiving and diverting water run-off away from the substructure. At least one drainage tube of the water diversion device projects unitarily downward from the trough.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a plurality of elongate members (1) secured together along adjacent longitudinal side edges by means of co-operating male and female formations (2, 3). The female formation (3) is a channel with relatively convergent sidewalls and the male formation comprises a hollow rail of complementary shape. An outer sidewall of the channel is resilient to allow the rail to be snapped into the channel in a direction transverse to the length of the members (1) and to return to its original shape to resist removal of the rail. The formations (2, 3) are arranged so that upper surfaces of adjacent members (1) form a panel having a planar support surface (21) and relative rotation of the members (1) about an axis parallel to the longitudinal side edges is resisted. Two panels may be joined together to provide upper and lower planar support surfaces (21, 22).

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: The device which serves for the adjustable mounting of a panel (1) to a frame element (5) provided with a lower assembly profile (51) comprises an anchoring bolt (4) serving to hold the panel (1) which comprises anchoring pins (42) on both sides which are held in grooves which lie opposite each other within the assembly profile (51). The panel consists of two glass panels (1a, 1b) connected to each other which comprise at least two recesses (11a, 11b) corresponding to each other, in which preferably cylindrical, outer eccentric elements (2a, 2b) are held preferably in a clearance-free way, which comprise eccentrically arranged, preferably cylindrical openings (21a, 21b) which are orientated concentrically with each other after assembly and preferably hold the introduced shaft (31) of an inner eccentric element (3) in a clearance-free way, which shaft (31) comprises an eccentrically arranged, preferably cylindrical opening (311), in which the anchoring bolt (4) is held.

Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).

Abstract: A system for stiffening members such as joists, beams, trusses, and other like supporting members, the system affected by pre-tensioning. The system is offered in a plurality of embodiments for various applications provided little or no clearance below members. A corner brace embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A building envelope system for providing a continuous air, water, vapor and thermal barrier about a building structure is provided. The building envelope system includes framing structurally connected to the building structure and at least one barrier panel attached to an outer face of the framing and providing an air, water, vapor and thermal barrier about the building structure. The at least one barrier panel includes a structural foam core and inner and outer facing sheets provided about the structural foam core. The at least one barrier panel provides structural support for an exterior facade system. The exterior façade system is attachable to the outer facing sheet of the at least one barrier panel such that the air, water, vapor and thermal barrier defined by the at least one barrier panel is maintained.

Abstract: A modular wall system is described that includes a plurality of wall panels, a horizontal main bracket having a length; and a plurality of wall panel brackets. Each wall panel bracket is configured for attachment to a corresponding one of the wall panels. Each wall panel bracket is configured to engage the horizontal main bracket so as to hang the corresponding the wall panel while allowing movement of the wall panels in substantially horizontal directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system, methods and compositions for attaching architectural panels to a building surface, such as a wall. In certain embodiments, the system comprises panels, each with upper, lower and side interlocking members. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower interlocking members form a modified tongue and groove joint, with a 45 degree angle interface, while the side interlocking members form a ship lap joint. The upper and lower interlocking members may be designed to press the panels against the building surface and to hide the locations of screws or other attachment devices when the interlocking members are engaged. The system provides a stronger and more secure attachment of panels to a building surface, while eliminating the problem of having to disguise the location of the attachment devices where such devices are inserted directly through the surface of the panel.

Abstract: A damping system includes a base substrate, a constraining substrate and a non-foam damping layer between them. The base substrate has greater lateral dimensions than the constraining substrate. Consequently, the damping system is provided in a localized region of the base substrate. The damping system can be provided, for example, at a region of the base substrate where a longitudinal projection or moving linkage extends through an opening in the base substrate, such as a steering column through a dashboard panel. In this embodiment, a composite opening is provided through the damping system to accommodate the extending projection or linkage, and the damping system is effective to provide localized damping against vibrations due to the through-the-panel linkage. The damping system provides these benefits without increasing the overall thickness of the body part, and without providing damping and constraining layers across its entire lateral expanse, saving cost and weight.

Abstract: A grid simulating muntins for a multi-sheet unit includes a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal elongated members. The ends of the elongated members are shaped to engage interior surface of a spacer frame to position the grid within the spacer frame. Shaping the ends of the elongated members eliminates the need for muntin clips.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.

Abstract: A bracket for joining at least two spanning members, such as a board and a supporting member, includes a generally planar unitary body having front and rear sections, and a mid-section. The front and rear sections include locking members, which interlock when two brackets are aligned to each other. The bracket allows building of a structure, such as a deck, from top, where the nail or screw heads are hidden.

Abstract: The present invention is a fastening member formed of a single steel plate for fastening exterior panels to a building frame and a structure using the fastening member. The fastening member includes, a base plate portion functioning as a fastening portion to a building frame side, a central supporting portion to be in contact with the rear surface of an upper exterior panel at the time of the fastening, and an engaging portion extended from a lower end of the central supporting portion, the engaging portion being configured to be engaged with upper and lower ends of exterior panels at the time of the fastening. Between an upwardly extended portion and a downwardly extended portion constituting the engaging portion, a cutout for decreasing the rigidity of the engaging portion is formed.

Abstract: A tile having a self-interlocking mechanism urges rain water running on the surface of the tile to run downward thus making it for rain water to leak less through a joint. The tile includes a tile base, an underlap portion on each of an upper side area and one of a left-hand side area and a right-hand side area of the tile base, and an overlap portion on each of a lower side area and the other of the left-hand side area and the right-hand side area of the tile base. The tile may be arranged horizontally and vertically in a plain in a self-interlocking manner. The tile includes a tilt portion tapered thinner toward the lower end of the tile base.

Abstract: A cleat for tying together two or more structural elements in either one or both of a horizontal and a vertical plane. The cleat comprises a first set of protrusions located on a first half of a plate, and a second set of protrusions located on a second half of the plate, wherein the first set of protrusions are mirror images of the second set of protrusions. Additionally, both the first and second set of protrusions are arranged in rows, wherein each successive row comprises protrusions having a height less than the height of the protrusions located in the immediately preceding row. Furthermore, the protrusions in the various rows are staggered in position relative to the protrusions located in the other rows.

Abstract: There is provided a roof cladding consisting of elements (10) of recycled plastics, material comprising a body portion (11), a batten engagement portion (12) located at the leading edge (14) of the body portion (11) and a batten back stop (13) being a transverse rib located on the underside of the body portion (11) at a spacing from the batten engagement means (12) determined by the pitch or spacing of the roofing battens (15). The batten engagement portion (12) comprises a downward depending web (16) adapted to bear on the up-slope face of the roofing batten (15), and a lower web (17) extending therefrom to lay adjacent the under surface of the batten (15) in use. The edge of the lower web (17) toward the leading edge (14) is provided with a locking lug (20) in the form of a ridge adapted to pass the batten (15) against the resilient bias of the downward depending web (16) and the lower web (17), to engage the leading face of the roof batten (15).

Abstract: A building block (2) comprising two side panels (6, 8) with at least one open side, the side panels spaced apart by two bridging parts (10, 12), a removable section (17) on at least one bridging part (10, 12), and a pair of recessed or protruding formations (20) on opposite inner faces of the open end of the side panels (6, 8) to enable building blocks to be interconnected. A location device (40) comprising two members (44) spaced apart by cross members (42), where the two members (44) extend beyond the cross members (42) to engage with formations (26) of one or more building blocks (2) is also disclosed. A wall constructed from building blocks (2) and utilising location devices (40) and a method of constructing such a wall are similarly disclosed.

Abstract: A support system is provided for supportably securing a vertically movable support structure having a boom attached thereto to a floor structure of a building. The support structure extends through an opening formed in the floor structure. The support system includes a set of support brackets pivotably mounted relative to vertical support members of the support structure. The support brackets are supportably engageable with a portion of the support structure and a first floor structure in a first supporting position. The support brackets are freely swingable and movably engageable with a second floor structure as the support structure is moved relative to the second floor structure enabling the support brackets to be supportably engageable with the portion of the support structure and the second floor structure in a second supporting position.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a frame having at least one hollow end rail and a pair of side rails coupled in butt joints to opposed ends of the end rail. The butt joints include a core extending through the hollow end rail and from opposed ends of the end rail through openings in the side rails into the interiors of the side rails. A saddle within each side rail interior straddles a corresponding end of the core. A fastener extends through each of the saddles into engagement with a corresponding end of the core firmly to clamp to side rails against opposed ends of the end rail. The core preferably is of uniform cross-section throughout its length, having edges that internally engage the hollow end rail against lateral movement of the core within the end rail. A resilient washer preferably is captured in compression between each saddle and the opposing end of the core. One of the saddles preferably has an integrally formed extension within one of the side rails for securement of a hinge to the side rail.

Abstract: A support or jack that hangs from the tabs of a poured concrete wall. The support may include a hook that engages in an opening in the tab, to connect the support to the wall. The support may include a slot in which the tab is received, to connect the support to the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable panel having numerous favorable characteristics. The panel comprises a core having a length, a width, a first side and a second side. A first fiber layer is attached to the first side while a second fiber layer is attached to the second side. A first polyurethane layer is impregnated in the first fiber layer while a second polyurethane layer is impregnated into the second fiber layer. A first skin is attached to the first polyurethane layer while a second skin is attached to the second polyurethane layer. The panel can be used in the manufacture of tables, flooring, risers, stages, bleachers, and the like.

Abstract: A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method for applying to a palletized load protective corner elements having first and second sides designed to protect contiguous sides of at least one corner of the load. The apparatus comprises a transfer system for conveying at least one corner element from an initial position to a position where the sides of the corner element are close to the corresponding edges of the corner to be protected, this transfer system comprising an actuating system for transferring the corner element by a rotational movement through predetermined angles ? and ? from the initial position to a position where at least a first side of the corner element is substantially aligned with a first side of the corner of the load.

Abstract: A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database.

Abstract: A reclosable, tamper-proof, fillable package includes a first side panel and a second side panel joined to each other along a pair of spaced side seals. A bottom wall extends between the first and second side panels with the bottom wall and the first and second side panels defining a package interior. A tamper-evident structure having opposite sides connected to each other extends above a combined zipper closure and slider device, and is connected to the zipper closure. Only one side of the tamper-evident structure is initially connected to one of the first and second side panels so that a fill opening adapted to receive a product is created between the other side of the tamper-evident structure and the other of the first and second side panels.

Abstract: A form-and-seal unit for producing aseptic sealed packages from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable food product. The unit comprises a fixed structure and two forming assemblies which interact alternately and cyclically with the tube of packaging material, and have respective pairs of jaws movable between an open position and a closed position in which they grip the packaging material tube between respective sealing means, and respective forming flaps selectable from different types of forming flaps for producing different types of packages, and having respective half shell forming portions which surround the tube of packaging material to determine the volume and shape of the packages. The approach movement of the forming flaps towards the packaging material tube is controlled by a fixed cam mechanism having different work profiles selectively engaged by cam-follower rollers of the forming flaps depending on the type of forming flaps used.

Abstract: A computer-controlled method of controlling the speed of an agricultural harvester load that is coupled to an agricultural harvester engine by a power transmitting arrangement having various output speeds. The method includes the steps of electronically receiving a desired new load speed from an operator when the engine is operating at an initial engine speed, and electronically driving the power transmitting arrangement through a sequence of the various output speeds until the actual speed of the agricultural harvester load and the actual speed of the agricultural harvester engine are in the same ratio to each other as the desired new load speed and the initial engine speed.

Abstract: An implement for negotiating sloped hillsides having a front carriage with a rigid axle that stays oriented to the slope of the ground being traversed. The front axle and drive assembly has two opposing tilt connections which allow hydraulic or other operators on the opposite side of the implement to extend and tilt the implement body to maintain a level condition. This arrangement keeps the center of gravity lower and positions the points of load application to the axle assembly nearer the ends of the axle and adjacent to the wheels and tires or other ground contacting drive. The operator on one side is contracted when the opposing operator is to be extended. One operator is used to tilt in one direction and the opposing tilt operator is used to tilt in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A crop harvesting machine configured to separate crop, particularly pomegranates, from a tree by straddling the tree as the machine moves along a row of trees. The machine has an inverted u-shaped main frame that supports a sub-frame that defines a harvesting area configured to receive the canopy of a tree therein. A motor supported by the main frame propels the machine along the row of trees. A pair of picking assemblies supported by the sub-frame each comprise a crop separating mechanism having a plurality of rods configured to engage the tree canopy and separate the crop from the tree, a motion inducing mechanism to impart a short duration, snap-like whipping motion to the rods and a canopy engaging mechanism to move the rods in and out of the canopy. An operator area allows the operator to drive the machine along the row of trees and operate the various mechanisms.

Abstract: The harvester incorporates a system and method for detecting rigid standing objects such as reinforced posts in the harvester's path and responsively reducing forces exerted by harvesting apparatus of the harvester against the object. The harvesting apparatus including at least one member movable in contact with the plants by a drive for exerting forces for detaching the fruit. At least one sensor is disposed and operable for sensing a rigid object in advance of being contacted by the member or members. In response, the movements of the member or members will be reduced or altered at an appropriate time and duration for reducing forces exerted against the object while protecting harvest yield.

Abstract: Yarn draw-off device for a textile machine producing cross-wound bobbins with a yarn draw-off roller that can be driven by a single motor and an associated pressure roller which is driven via frictional engagement, characterised in that the yarn draw-off roller (10) has a rotationally symmetrical basic member (15) with devices (33), which, during the rotation of the yarn draw-off roller (10) produce an air flow which cools the yarn draw-off roller drive (13).

Abstract: A recirculating bearing lubrication system for a gas turbine engine that comprises a housing for the engine that serves as a primary static structural support, a rotor shaft for mounting rotational components of the engine, at least two bearings for supporting the rotor shaft within the housing and an air intake for supplying engine air comprises a generally annular lubricant source mounted about the engine intake to cool lubricant for the bearings; a solenoid that seals the lubricant from air contamination during storage of the engine and unseals it upon starting the engine; a lubricant pump that circulates the lubricant; at least one lubricant spray jet that receives circulating lubricant and sprays lubricant onto the bearings; and a sump for collecting excess lubricant sprayed on the bearings.

Abstract: A small single use gas turbine engine with a twin spool rotor shaft and a bypass fan, the rotor shafts being supported for rotation by bearings in the front and rear compartments of the engine. A portion of the bypass fan air is diverted to flow through the bearings in order to provide for cooling of the high speed bearings. Because a large amount of cooling air is required to cool the bearings, an air in tube is positioned in each of the guide vanes in the turbine section to provide for a cooling air passage leading into the rear bearings. In the front bearings, cooling air from the bypass fan is bled off from a location just upstream from the entrance to the centrifugal compressor. A fuel mist tube supplies fuel mist to the cooling air before passing through the bearings to provide extra cooling for the bearings and to provide lubrication to improve the service life of the engine.

Abstract: A system is provided and includes a first condenser configured to fluidly receive a first steam supply and tower water and to output a first water supply, a second condenser configured to fluidly receive a first portion of a second steam supply and the first water supply and to output a second water supply, and a vapor-absorption-machine (VAM) configured to fluidly receive a second portion of the second steam supply and the second water supply by which a refrigeration cycle is conducted to thereby cool at least one of the tower water and a third water supply used to cool the tower water.

Abstract: An engine cooling system includes a combustion chamber assembly configured to generate detonation waves and a first vapor cooling assembly. The combustion chamber assembly defines a flowpath between an inner liner and an outer liner. The first vapor cooling assembly includes a vaporization section located adjacent to the flowpath and a condenser section spaced from the flowpath, and is configured to transport thermal energy from the vaporization section to the condenser section through cyclical evaporation and condensation of a working medium sealed within the first vapor cooling assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system has a side inlet flow diffuser and provides even flow exhaust distribution to an aftertreatment element.

Abstract: An exhaust gas passageway of an internal combustion engine is basically provided with a main exhaust passageway, a bypass exhaust passageway, a bypass catalytic converter provided in the bypass exhaust passageway, a bypass control valve, an upstream air-fuel ratio sensor and a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor. The bypass exhaust passageway bypasses a portion of the main exhaust passageway between an upstream junction and a downstream junction. The bypass control valve opens or closes a portion of the main exhaust passageway. The upstream air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed upstream of the bypass catalytic converter to sense air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas flowing into the bypass catalytic converter. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed downstream of the bypass catalytic converter to sense air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing out of the bypass catalytic converter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. An internal combustion engine and an electric motor are each arranged for providing power output for the vehicle. An exhaust gas purification device is provided in an exhaust gas passage of the engine to treat exhaust gas components contained in the exhaust gas from the engine. A controller is arranged and configured to selectively perform a regeneration operation of the exhaust gas purification device to burn and remove deposits accumulated in the exhaust gas purification device. The controller is further arranged and configured to control the internal combustion engine and the electric motor such that the exhaust gas purification device is restrained from reaching an excessive temperature during the regeneration operation of the exhaust gas purification device.

Abstract: An improved anti-cavitation hydraulic manifold for hydraulically coupling the hydraulic input and output of two, drive coupled, reversible hydraulic motors and a reversible source of hydraulic power for winding and unwinding systems is described wherein a stop confines a shuttle ball within each of two input/output (I/O) chambers receiving driving hydraulic input liquid from the reversible source of hydraulic power between an annular valve seat around a bypass passage communicating between the bases of the input/output (I/O) chambers and any ports penetrating into the respective input/output (I/O) chambers supplying high pressure or driving hydraulic input from the reversible source of hydraulic power where, responsive to supplied high pressure or driving hydraulic input to a particular I/O chamber, the shuttle ball in the chamber seats upon the particular annular valve seat translating a shuttle rod in the bypass passage unseating the particular shuttle ball from the annular valve seat around the passageway

Abstract: A turbine of a turbocharger is disposed on an exhaust passage. An air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed downstream of and in proximity to the turbine. An element of the air-fuel ratio sensor is positioned on or near the axis of an exhaust port of the turbine. A whirling flow of an exhaust gas in the same direction as a turbine wheel rotates is produced immediately after the exhaust port of the turbine, so that the whirling flow of the exhaust gas can centrifuge condensed water in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas contacts the element near the axis of the exhaust port where there is substantially no condensed water, thus preventing the element from being wetted with water or cracked.

Abstract: A real-time system for modeling a turbo-charged engine includes a model configured to estimate various exhaust states such as turbine inlet pressure, turbine outlet pressure, turbine outlet temperature, turbine mass flow rate and waste-gate valve mass flow rate. The model is dependent only on the availability of normal operating values available in a conventionally-configured automotive controller and one or more measured intake side parameters such as ambient pressure, boost pressure, ambient temperature and compressor mass flow rate. The model is constructed to reflect a high-level application of energy conservation between the turbine (generated power) and compressor (absorbed power). A method for the indirect measurement of turbine and waste-gate flow uses turbine inlet and outlet pressure, inlet temperature and engine mass air flow rate measurements. A method for the indirect measurement of turbine efficiency avoids the need for manufacturer's turbine data.

Abstract: A control system for operating vanes of a turbocharger turbine (16T) and for operating a turbine-shunting bypass valve (22) according to a strategy wherein a processor executes an algorithm for selectively unenabling the control system to operate the bypass valve when the control system is operating the vanes to adjust exhaust back-pressure on the engine within a range of effectiveness for the vanes to control the exhaust back-pressure and enabling the control system to operate the bypass valve when the control system has operated the mechanism to a limit of the range of effectiveness.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to convert low temperature thermal energy to electricity. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an electrical generating unit to receive heat energy to produce electricity, a concentrator including a heat engine, a liquid piston operatively coupled to the heat engine, and a heat pump operatively coupled to the liquid piston, the heat engine adapted to collect thermal energy, and the heat pump operatively coupled to the electrical generating unit to provide heat to the electrical generating unit. The example apparatus disclosed herein also includes a heat engine floating piston disposed in the heat engine, a heat pump floating piston disposed in the heat pump, and wherein the heat engine floating piston and the heat pump floating piston oscillate.