Abstract: A structural insulated panel includes a rigid foam core without thermal bridging. A particular embodiment includes a rigid foam core having first and second faces, a plurality of stud channels being formed on the first and second faces of the rigid foam core, each of the stud channels being formed in the rigid foam core in an L-shape in cross-section. The particular embodiment includes a plurality of studs being insertable into the plurality of stud channels such that one face of each of the plurality of studs being external to the first and second faces of the rigid foam core and substantially flush with a face of the rigid foam core, each of the plurality of studs being fabricated using no more than four bends to produce a stud with a hat channel shape in cross-section.

Abstract: A frame construction for a low rise building. In the construction, a wall frame panel is made of thin light-gauge section steel by bonding together a surface member, a lower frame member, vertical frame members and an upper frame member. Roof or floor support girders are made of heavyweight section steel having H-shape or channel shape. The girders are coupled to frame construction panels by bolts or hold-down fasteners.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel includes a rigid foam core without thermal bridging. A particular embodiment includes a rigid foam core having first and second faces, a plurality of stud channels being formed on the first and second faces of the rigid foam core, each of the stud channels being formed in the rigid foam core in an L-shape in cross-section. The particular embodiment includes a plurality of studs being insertable into the plurality of stud channels such that one face of each of the plurality of studs being external to the first and second faces of the rigid foam core and substantially flush with a face of the rigid foam core, each of the plurality of studs being fabricated using no more than four bends to produce a stud with a hat channel shape in cross-section.

Abstract: The multifunctional finishing set for a floor covering includes: a modular profile with at least one groove arranged therein for separation of the profile into two distinct modules, a decorative film which is applied to the profile and covers the separation groove and a fixed reinforcement means housed in the separation groove which permits a reinforcement of the modular profile in the region of the separation groove.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter for protectively covering building portals, windows and the like from hurricane damage. A corrugated polycarbonate panel is formed having lengthwise corrugations, each of which preferably has radiused side margins and a generally flattened central portion offset from a neutral axis of the panel. A central corrugation extending along the centerline of the panel, preferably has a depth in a range of at lest 10% greater than that of the edge corrugations, the central corrugations also preferably have a width in a range of at least 4% less than that of the edge corrugation wherein impact and wind resistance of the panel are enhanced. Impact resistant film bonded to one panel surface preferably adds impact strength and sputter coating one panel surface with a transparent metallic or ceramic material enhances solar and UV rejection.

Abstract: A tower part for a wind turbine includes at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The tower part further includes an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine, including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, where the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: An envelope sealing apparatus for sealing an envelope having a main body and a sealable flap foldable about a hinge between the flap and main body, and sealable thereto. The apparatus comprises a feed path along which an envelope can be fed; a driving means associated with the feed path for feeding an envelope along the feed path; a flap securing means cooperative with the driving means to secure an open envelope flap in contact with the driving means; and a flap sealing means cooperative with the driving means to seal the flap to the main body when the driving means drives the envelope in a flap sealing direction along the feed path. A mail piece creation device incorporating such an envelope sealer is further provided, along with corresponding methods.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a contact lens includes at least partially sterilizing the contact lens with an application of electrolyzed brine. A system for at least partially sterilizing a contact lens in initial packaging includes a generator for producing electrolyzed brine with biocidal activity, and a dispenser for dispensing a quantity of electrolyzed brine from the generator into the initial packaging with the contact lens.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap.

Abstract: In a mail production system comprising at least one user workstation on which a document is generated, printer means for printing the pages of said document, and folding and insertion means for folding the pages once they have been printed and for inserting them into an envelope, a method is provided in which, in order to control insertion into the envelope of each of the pages of the document, a unique marking code is generated, for each page of said document, on the basis of a predetermined combination of characters on each of said pages.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a base unit and a header coupled with the base unit. The header includes a frame; at least one draper belt; a header lift detector providing an output signal indicating a lift state of the header; and a draper belt accelerator receiving the output signal from the header lift detector and accelerating each of the draper belts upon receipt of the output signal.

Abstract: A proportional counterbalance system comprises an electronic controller operatively connected to a proportional hydraulic control valve to substantially continuously and infinitely adjust the backpressure in a fluid return circuit from the lift and lower cylinders of a plurality of cutting units on a mower. The backpressure is infinitely adjusted within a band between a minimum and a maximum backpressure in concert with a varying input parameter to the controller to transfer desired amounts of weight of the cutting units from the ground to the traction vehicle of the mower to enhance traction as needed. A wide variety of input parameters can be used, including a selected operating condition of the mower, a selected environmental condition of the turf surface being mowed, the actual, real time location of the mower on the turf surface, altitude above sea level, and manual input from the operator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus for selectively inverting one or more windrows of crop material on the ground as the apparatus is moved in a forward direction, each of the windrows having a lower surface and a generally defined width, the apparatus comprising, a frame for attachment to a vehicle, a first transport mechanism for picking up the crop material of a windrow, moving the crop material in a rearward direction, turning the crop material through a generally horizontal arc and depositing the turned crop material in an inverted condition, the first transport mechanism being movable between a raised non-operating position and a lowered operating position, a second transport mechanism having substantially the same structure and functionality as the first transport mechanism, and a hydraulic control system selectively moving the transport mechanisms between the raised and lowered positions and for driving the transport mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a line structure for use as a mud line assembly. In this case, the line structure comprises a plurality of strands, and each of the strands comprises a core portion, a jacket portion, and a barrier portion. The barrier portion is arranged between the core portion and the jacket portion to inhibit movement of contaminate material into the core portion.

Abstract: A rope structure comprising a plurality of rope subcomponents, a plurality of bundles combined to form the rope subcomponents, a plurality of first yarns and a plurality of second yarns combined to form the bundles. In one embodiment, the first yarns have a tenacity of approximately 25-45 gpd and the second yarns have a tenacity of approximately 6-22 gpd. In another embodiment, the first yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-5% and the second yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-12%.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsive technique includes providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to a torque. The hybrid propulsive technique also comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable compressor stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to the torque.

Abstract: An engine system comprises at least a first volumetric device, and a second volumetric device in which said second volumetric device is larger in volume than said first volumetric device, in which, during continuous flow of a compressible fluid from said first to said second volumetric device work is performed.

Abstract: A high voltage propellant isolator includes at least two different types of isolator rings or segments, in alternating lateral arrangement, that direct the flow of propellant, such as xenon gas, in a tortuous path through the isolator.

Abstract: A method and a device for purging an injector in a fuel injector system of use in regeneration of a particle filter. The aging of fuel is determined and compared with a fuel aging threshold value, and a purge request is activated if the threshold value is exceeded. On activating the purge request the satisfaction of the conditions of purge activation are verified and, if satisfied, the purge is activated. The purge is continued while the conditions are satisfied until the quantity of fuel purged reaches a quantity of fuel to be purged.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. More particularly, the present invention provides a dual-injector system for diesel emissions control and corresponding methods.

Abstract: A method of operating a syngas generator within a desired temperature range, despite a need for intermittent syngas output, involves switching between operating the syngas generator in a rich mode and a lean mode. Operation of the syngas generator in both the rich mode and the lean mode sustains the operating temperature of the syngas generator within that desired temperature range, particularly for non-catalytic reactors. The method of switching from the lean mode to the rich mode of operation can include decreasing the oxygen-to-carbon ratio of reactants supplied to the syngas generator. The flow rate of one or more of the reactant streams supplied to the syngas generator can be actively controlled in order to switch operation of the syngas generator between the rich and lean modes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reducing NOx emissions on an SCR catalyst. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for reducing NOx emissions in an engine exhaust includes a NOx reduction target module that is configured to determine a NOx reduction requirement that includes an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas stream to be reduced on a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. The apparatus also includes an ammonia target module that is configured to determine an ammonia addition requirement that includes an amount of ammonia added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the NOx reduction requirement. The apparatus also includes a reductant target module that is configured to determine a reductant injection requirement that includes an amount of reductant added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the ammonia addition requirement.

Abstract: In a NOx purification system 1 provided with a NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20 and a control unit 30 which executes a NOx regeneration control and a sulfur poisoning regeneration control, a binary ? sensor 26 and a reducing agent concentration sensor 25 for detecting a concentration of the reducing agent are disposed downstream of the NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20. The level of deterioration of the NOx occlusion reduction catalyst 20 caused by sulfur poisoning is estimated on the basis of a time period Ta from a time point T3 at which a marked decrease of oxygen concentration is detected by the binary ? sensor 26 to the time point T2 at which the marked increase of the oxygen concentration is detected by the reducing agent concentration sensor 25 under the NOx regeneration control.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydrocarbon delivery to a hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine includes monitoring measurable variable terms including factors affecting a conversion efficiency in the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device, determining classifications of the measurable variable terms based upon measurable variable ranges, determining a desired hydrocarbon delivery value range based upon the classifications; and utilizing the desired hydrocarbon delivery value range to control the hydrocarbon delivery to the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for assisting regeneration of a particulate filter (6) arranged in an exhaust line (3) of a diesel engine (1) associated with a oxidizing catalyst (7), the engine (1) being equipped with feeding means (8) for injecting into the cylinders thereof at least one post-injection. Said system comprises means (17) for controlling the feeding means (8) in accordance with a strategy for regenerating the filter (6) wherein the feeding means (8) are switched between a first operating mode with post-injection for priming the catalyst (7) and a second operating mode with post-injection for producing an exothermic reaction by the primed catalyst (7). Said system comprises a temperature sensor (18) arranged in the exhaust line (3) upstream of the catalyst (7), and the control means (8) are capable of switching the feeding means (8) between the first and second operating modes based on said sensed temperature.

Abstract: An aspirator includes converging and diverging cones, and singular support tube structure concentrically surrounding and mounting both the converging cone and the diverging cone and maintaining predetermined axial spacing and alignment of the cones in a cost-effective manufacturing assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust throttle valve protected from disturbance due to stones scattered during operation of a vehicle. Front side exhaust pipes and rear side exhaust pipes are connected to a catalyst chamber disposed below a crankcase. The catalyst chamber and an exhaust chamber disposed to the rear thereof are connected to each other via a rear exhaust pipe. The diameter of the rear exhaust pipe is smaller than the lateral width of each of the catalyst chamber and the exhaust chamber, so that a recessed space is externally formed so as to recede inside of the vehicle. An exhaust throttle valve is received in the space. The exhaust throttle valve is partially exposed to the outside of the rear exhaust pipe and a throttle valve is received in the rear exhaust pipe to throttle-control the passage-sectional area of the rear exhaust pipe according to the rotation of the engine.

Abstract: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.

Abstract: An external combustion engine provided with a main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowable in a liquid phase state, a heater heating part of the liquid phase state working fluid in the main container to make it vaporize, a cooler cooling steam of the working fluid heated and vaporized by the heater so as to make it liquefy, an output part converting displacement of the liquid part of the working fluid caused by a change of volume of the steam into mechanical energy and outputting the energy, an auxiliary container communicated with the main container through a venturi means and having a liquid sealed inside it, an auxiliary heater heating the liquid in the auxiliary container to make it vaporize, a storage container communicated with the auxiliary container and storing the liquid, and a liquid draining means for draining liquid in the auxiliary container into the storage container when the internal pressure of the auxiliary container becomes a first predetermined pressure or more.

Abstract: An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.

Abstract: Our problem relates to a master cylinder with a U-shaped seal. Our goal is to avoid defective bleeding of hydraulic braking systems. The defects arise out of the fact that the vacuum causes the lips of the seal (21) to stick together and to stick against the wall (41). To achieve this, reliefs (42) will be created on one wall (44) of one lip (28) facing the other lip (27) and on the edge face (50) of this same lip. These reliefs will prevent the lips from sticking tightly to one another and to the wall facing the edge face of the lips. This lack of sticking will prevent a vacuum from being created between the two lips and between the edge face of the lips and the wall (41). As a result, the seal will be able to return to a position in which bleeding can be performed effectively.

Abstract: A waste gate actuator for an exhaust gas turbocharger, including an actuator housing and an actuator cover, an element for actuating the waste gate valve and electronic components for controlling the element to actuate the waste gate valve being arranged in the waste gate actuator. Provided is a simple and inexpensive revolution counting system on the turbocharger which allows the number of revolutions of the rotating parts (turbine wheel, compressor wheel, turboshaft) to be detected without substantial constructional alterations to the design of existing turbochargers. A sensor for detecting the variations in a magnetic field that are produced by the rotation of the rotating parts is arranged in or on the actuator housing or in or on the actuator cover.

Abstract: Provided are a variable geometry turbocharger in which a drain pipe from a hydraulic servo drive device can be omitted and in which a member for transmitting power of the hydraulic servo drive device can be efficiently lubricated, and a method of returning oil from the hydraulic servo drive device. The variable geometry turbocharger includes a slide mechanism for changing an opening degree of a nozzle, the hydraulic servo drive device for driving the slide mechanism by hydraulic pressure, and drain flow paths for delivering oil exhausted from the hydraulic servo drive device into an oil return chamber adjacent to a turbocharger body.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system comprises a pressure condition evaluation module and a protection module. The pressure condition evaluation module evaluates at least one of vane movement of a turbocharger and engine pressure. The protection module selectively controls an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on the at least one of the vane movement of the turbocharger and the engine pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in connection with a piston engine provided with a turbocompressor. In the method, combustion air from the engine is pressurized by the compressor of the turbocompressor, pressurized combustion air is humidified, fuel is combusted in the cylinder of the engine by means of combustion air and the exhaust gases generated during the combustion are conveyed by means of combustion air to the turbine of the turbocompressor. A partial flow is separated from the pressurized combustion air flow, conveyed past the engine and combined with the exhaust gas flow going to the turbine.

Abstract: A geo-cooling system of specified cooling capacity for cooling a known heat load is disclosed. The system includes a cool water aquifer, a cool water production well and a heated water injection well. The cool water production well is open to the cool water aquifer and in hydrologic communication with a subterranean heat exchange area that provides requisite cooling capacity to a known heat load. The heated water injection well is in hydrologic communication with the subterranean heat exchange area and open to the cool water aquifer at a prescribed distance from the cool water production well. The prescribed distance between the cool water production well and the heated water injection well is at least based on the available size of a subterranean heat exchange area including a portion of the cool water aquifer that hydrologically communicates between the heated water injection well and the cool water production well.

Abstract: A method of producing electrical power for delivery on an electrical power supply grid includes (a) providing a combined heat and power plant generating heat and electrical power from one or more of biomass, fossil fuel, and nuclear fuel; (b) providing a fuel producing plant for generating a carbon-based fuel and/or a nitrogen-based fuel using electrical power from the combined heat and power plant and a combination of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbonaceous gasses, carbonaceous liquids, and nitrogen; (c) determining the need for electrical power on the electrical power supply grid and delivering needed electrical power on the grid; and (d) delivering any excess electrical power to the fuel producing plant.

Abstract: Method for production of mixed vapors at low temperatures. The thermal energy stored in the mixed vapors is intended to be converted to mechanical energy in a thermal power machine, in order to operate an electrical generator.

Abstract: A high efficiency combined cycle internal combustion and steam engine includes a cylinder with a combustion chamber outward of a piston, a cylinder cap slideably mounted within the piston and a steam expansion chamber inside the piston. The cap can be heated to reduce condensation of steam. Steam remaining when a steam exhaust valve closes can be recompressed prior to admitting the next charge of steam. One valve or a pair of steam inlet valves connected in series act in cooperation to help maximize efficiency. The amount of steam admitted each stroke is regulated by shifting the phase of one steam admission valve of a pair to vary their overlap for determining the steam mass admitted each cycle. Other valves balance steam displacement with the steam generator output to use steam more efficiently.

Abstract: A combustor liner (230) for a gas turbine engine combustor (200) comprises an inner wall (232), an outer wall (238), a cooling air flow channel (244) formed there between, and a flow control ring (246). The flow control ring (246) is sealingly attached to the downstream ends of the inner wall (232) and the outer wall (238), and comprises a plurality of holes (250) that, during gas turbine engine operation, may regulate a flow of cooling air that passes through the cooling air flow channel (244). One or more surfaces may be coated with a thermal barrier coating (237) to provide additional protection from thermal damage.

Abstract: A combustion duct for a gas turbine engine has a combustion liner to receive products of combustion, and deliver the products of combustion downstream toward a turbine rotor. An outer housing is positioned radially outwardly of the combustion liner. A flow sleeve is positioned radially intermediate the outer housing and the combustion liner. A chamber radially outwardly of the flow sleeve receives cooling air. A plurality of holes through the flow sleeve deliver cooling air from the chamber against an outer periphery of the combustion liner. A plurality of tabs are associated with at least some of the holes in the flow sleeve. The tabs are positioned to extend radially inwardly on a downstream side of the holes.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of a material of general formula (I): [(AyCo1-y)]u(Mn1-zCz)[(Si1-xBx)]v??(I) as a magnetocaloric material, wherein the material is orthorhombic and wherein: A is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; B is selected from Ge, Sn, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; C is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; x, y and z are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0 to 0.2; and u and v are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0.5 to 1.5. The invention also provides a method of making materials of formula (I) and a magnetocaloric refrigeration device comprising such materials.

Abstract: A multi-zone HVAC&R system has its control programmed to provide diagnostic testing of air handling components and refrigerant components associated with each climate controlled zone in sequence. The control changes the original position of the corresponding component and a resultant change in a relevant operational parameter is sensed. If the actual change is outside of the tolerance band associated with the expected change, then the determination is made that the component under consideration is malfunctioning. The periodicity of a diagnostic procedure for a particular component is typically defined by its criticality and reliability level. If the change in the corresponding operation parameter is recorded and stored in the database, the component degradation can be observed over time and a prognostic prediction can be made when a particular component requires preventive maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A refrigerant system includes a compressor that has safe operating limits that are also built into a refrigerant system control to protect the compressor. Under certain conditions, these safe operational limits may be changed to allow the compressor to operate beyond the safety limits at least for a period of time.

Abstract: After the power source to the control substrate is turned on, power is supplied to the compressor driver and the fan driver. Then, when it is determined that an indoor unit is in operation, the compressor driver and the fan driver are operated. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the indoor unit is not in operation, after the lapse of ten minutes or twenty minutes under a predetermined setting, the power to the compressor driver and the fan driver is cut. When the operation of the indoor unit is started again, power is supplied to the compressor driver and the fan driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting performance degradation in a refrigeration system. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for detecting, at a very early stage, a low refrigerant charge and degradation in condenser performance of a refrigeration system.