Abstract: A wrapper assembly is disclosed that can be used, for example, to wrap a label around a wire. In the wrapper assembly, a pair of supports are spaced apart from one another and a plurality of rollers are disposed there between. The wrapper assembly further includes at least one yoke. Both the pair of supports and the yoke have positioning slots formed therein that support the rollers. By moving the yoke or yokes relative to the supports, the positioning slots in the yoke or yokes shifts relative to the positioning slots in the supports and thereby adjusting the positions of rollers relative to one another.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and containing a blade from a round scalpel handle comprising a sharps container having a wall portion that defines one side of a containment volume; a slot of a first type having a length and width dimensioned to receive a blade mounted around scalpel handle and prevent its rotation, the slot of the first type formed through the wall portion of the sharps container which slot allows rotation of the handle so the blade becomes disengaged from the handle and disposed in the containment volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging system, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged dressing involves coating a pattern of detachable high tack pressure sensitive adhesive on a cover material such that the cover material includes a tackless area; forming a release island on a backing material; and sandwiching a dressing between the cover material and the backing material such that the adhesive on the dressing abuts the release island, and the pattern of adhesive on the cover material adheres to and supports the dressing along its extent except for the portion overlying the tackless area and hermetically seals the dressing within the package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming and filling containers, such as water bottles. The apparatus has a plurality of workstations and a conveyer comprising container carriers. The workstations comprise an insertion station, a container foiming station, a filling station, a closing station, and an ejection station. The insertion station feeds a container preform into a container carrier. The container forming station forms a container from the container preform. The filling station fills the formed container with a fluid. The closing station closes the filled container with a lid. The conveyer moves the container preform and the container from the insertion station via the container forming station, the filling station and the closing station to the ejection station. The container preform and the container formed from the preform may continuously reside in the container carrier along the whole process beginning with the insertion station and ending with the ejection station.

Abstract: Bandoliers of serially-connected four-seam pouches are received, opened and filled in continuous motion on a rotating parallel land high capacity filler wheel with a tucker finger engaging the bottom seam of each pouch to facilitate the opening process, and where the pouches are held solely by the lands without other pouch engaging or holding clips or other structures.

Abstract: Described is a system for the stabilization, conservation and storage of a nucleic acid, wherein the system comprises a test tube and a preferably freeze-dried stabilization mixture. Upon addition of a viscous bodily fluid to the mixture, the mixture dissolves and stabilizes the nucleic acid present in the bodily fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing a personalized promotional item. The apparatus and system utilizes a confectionary to be sent, distributed or received whereby the confectionary may be personalized for each individual receiving party. Moreover, the system has a plurality of cavities to receive the promotional and personalized confectionary and whereby the confectionary may be visible to the receiving party. Additionally, the visible portion may be attachment attached to different devices including greeting cards, promotional cards, business cards, magnetic devices and the like. Further, the visible portion interchangeable between different adaptable devices, whereby the cavity may be open when the product is attached to any adaptable device such that confectionary may be retrieved and/or replaced as desired.

Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: A horse hoof boot for supporting a horse's hoof in a position above the ground but open to air circulation to protect an afflicted frog of a horse's hoof while promoting healing of the affliction.

Abstract: A filter cartridge, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly are described. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The filter cartridge generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration. Preferred cartridges include a seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Preferred features are described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: In one example, we discuss the capture of the gases as byproducts, for future/other purposes, coming from conventional power generators or factories or from algae biofuel production facility (or any other similar sources). This increases the energy production, saves the environment, conserves the resources, improves the air quality, reduces the global warming, increases water supply, reduces the cost, and improves agriculture and food resources, around the globe. In one example, we discuss the biofuel production, method, and system.

Abstract: Various examples of the inventive subject matter include a method and corresponding system for fabricating a combination paint arrestance filter for use in the painting industry. Embodiments of the system include a single-stage combination filter having a number of first layer media pockets and a number of second layer media pockets arranged downstream of the first layer pockets. An opening of each of the first layer media pockets is arranged in parallel with one another to receive an incoming airflow into the single-stage combination filter. Each of the second layer media pockets is at least 99.97% efficient at removing 0.3 micron and larger particles at a face velocity on the filter of about 37 meters per minute.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a ceramic honeycomb structure having large numbers of flow paths partitioned by porous cell walls, and plugs disposed in the flow paths alternately on the exhaust gas inlet or outlet side, to remove particulate matter from an exhaust gas passing through the porous cell walls; the porous cell walls having porosity of 45-75%, the median pore diameter A (?m) of the cell walls measured by mercury porosimetry, and the median pore diameter B (?m) of the cell walls measured by a bubble point method meeting the formula of 35<(A?B)/B×100?70, and the maximum pore diameter of the cell walls measured by a bubble point method being 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: A bidirectional material source vehicle including a base unit and at least one material gathering device. The base unit is movable in a first travel direction and a generally opposite second travel direction. The at least one material gathering device is carried by the base unit. The at least one material gathering device is positioned at a first end of the base unit when the base unit is traveling in the first travel direction, and is positioned at a second end of the base unit when the base unit is traveling in the second travel direction.

Abstract: A stem deflector is provided. The stem deflector includes an arm and a shoe having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shoe is coupled to the arm with a suitable fastener. At least one torsion spring is active between the arm and the shoe.

Abstract: The device, which is intended to connect a shackle (1) to the links (2) of a chain using a bolt (8), comprises two parts (3) and (4), part 3 being a cylindrical body that guides the insertion/extraction of the bolt (8). A lever (7), which is joined to the bolt (8), extends from the side of the cylindrical body (5) and can be displaced in order to move the bolt (8). Part 4 comprises a nut (9) screwed to the end of the bolt (8) in order to secure such bolt (8). The invention also includes a handle (10) that can be attached to the nut (9) to allow the bolt (8) to be tightened by a robot. Parts 3 and 4 include brackets (11) and (12) between which through-rods (13) are screw-mounted at the ends thereof in order to secure said parts (3) and (4) to one another.

Abstract: A diffuser (30) expanding a gas flow (F) upstream of a heat recovery steam generator (32) of a combined cycle power plant (34). An outer wall (44) of the diffuser includes a smoothly lofted backward facing step (46) effective to fix a location of a flow recirculation bubble (56) under conditions conducive to flow separation. The step has a varying step height (Hpeak, HvaIley) about a circumference of the step edge (62). The varying step height segments the recirculation bubble into small cells (66) located downstream of each peak (58) of the step height and reducing a reattachment length (L) of the bubble, thereby facilitating a reduction of the overall length of the diffuser.

Abstract: In a burner for injecting mixed gas fuel containing at least one of hydrogen and carbon monoxide into a combustion chamber of a gas turbine combustor, the burner includes a fuel nozzle for startup from which liquid fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, and a mixed fuel nozzle disposed around the fuel nozzle for injecting the mixed gas fuel. An air swirler is disposed at a downstream end of the mixed fuel nozzle and has a plurality of flow passages from which compressed air is injected into the combustion chamber, and the mixed fuel nozzle has injection ports disposed in the inner peripheral side of the flow passages of the air swirler. Cooling holes formed in the nozzle surface and positioned to face the combustion chamber introduce a part of the mixed gas fuel injected from the mixed fuel nozzle into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor arranged in fluid-receiving communication with the compressor section, a turbine section arranged in fluid-receiving communication with the combustor and a gearbox assembly coupled to be driven by the turbine section. The gearbox assembly is located at an axial position that is aft of the compressor section.

Abstract: One subject of the present invention is a propulsion method comprising: the injection, into at least one combustion chamber (1), of at least one liquid oxidizer (OX) and of hydrogen (H2); the combustion of said at least one liquid oxidizer (OX) and hydrogen (H2), in said at least one combustion chamber (1), for the generation of combustion gases; and expulsion of said combustion gases. Said process comprises, upstream of said injection: the generation of at least one portion of said hydrogen (H2), advantageously of all said hydrogen (H2), from at least one solid compound (5?); said generation from said at least one solid compound (5?) comprising a combustion reaction between said at least one solid compound (5?) chosen from alkali metal borohydrides, alkaline-earth metal borohydrides, borazane, polyaminoboranes and mixtures thereof and an oxidizing charge (5?). Another subject of the present invention is a propulsion device suitable for the implementation of said method.

Abstract: Thruster devices for use with a lateral thrust module and/or a flight body are adapted to achieve short action times with relatively slow burning propellant materials. Such thruster devices include a combustion chamber with a plurality of propellant grains disposed therein. At least some of the plurality of propellant grains are formed into a selected shape. Methods of making thruster devices include forming a housing comprising a first longitudinal end and an opposing second longitudinal end. The housing is formed to define a combustion chamber. A plurality of propellant grains are disposed in the combustion chamber of the housing, where each propellant grain comprises a selected shape. An igniter is coupled to the housing, which igniter is adapted to initiate a combustion of the plurality of propellant grains during deployment of the thruster device.

Abstract: A method controls a direct-injection gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine system to improve the conversion efficiency of an SCR converter that is operative to reduce levels of NOx. The method comprises detecting when the internal combustion engine is idling and timing the injection of a first quantity of fuel to begin injection when the engine's piston is near top dead center; and controlling the temperature of exhaust gas to be above a predetermined temperature that is defined by an operating temperature range that achieves a desired conversion efficiency for the selective catalytic reduction converter, by: (a) timing injection of the gaseous fuel to begin after timing for injection the first quantity of fuel, and (b) increasing exhaust gas temperature by increasing a delay in timing for injecting the gaseous fuel, while limiting the delay to keep concentration of unburned fuel exiting the combustion chamber below a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine configured to operate in a compression-ignition combustion mode includes an exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a catalyst device fluidly coupled upstream of an ammonia-selective catalytic reduction device. The, catalyst device includes first, second, and third elements fluidly coupled in series. The first element includes a three-way catalytic element, the second element includes a NOx adsorber, and the third element includes an oxidation catalytic element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for adjusting an exhaust, having an at least one body element with a housing member having an at least one exhaust outlet. An at least one exhaust element is contained within the at least one body element with an at least one slip section and an at least one spring member. An at least one pressure regulating member extends and is slidingly held between the at least one body element and the at least one exhaust element. The pressure regulating member separates a pressure chamber section within the housing, wherein the pressure regulating member is pressed against the at least one spring member by pressures built up by exiting exhaust gasses in the pressure chamber resulting in a variation in the length of the exhaust system.

Abstract: An offshore floating wind farm producing compressed air in varying quantities depending on the wind speed, the compressed air being delivered to a large-volume, thin-walled, underwater storage bladder or tank, the compressed air then being delivered to an electricity-generating power plant to power generators as needed. The system may also include an onshore wind farm that produces compressed air in varying quantities depending on wind speed, the compressed air being delivered directly to the power plant. When compressed air production exceeds the needs of the power plant, the excess compressed air is delivered to the underwater storage tank. When onshore production is inadequate, compressed air is brought from the underwater storage tank to the power plant.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compressor housing for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The compressor housing includes a compressor inlet passage in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel, the compressor inlet passage comprising a wall that is shared with the compressor volute. The compressor also includes a compressor outlet in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the compressor outlet being configured to direct a compressed gas to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an internal combustion engine includes a first exhaust port in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, a first one way valve coupled to a secondary air system, the first one way valve configured to restrict fluid communication from the first exhaust port to the secondary air system. The engine also includes a second exhaust port in the cylinder head and a second one way valve coupled to the secondary air system, the second one way valve configured to restrict fluid communication from the second exhaust port to the secondary air system, wherein the first and second exhaust ports are in fluid communication with a turbocharger.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a first turbocharger having a first compressor and a second turbocharger having a second compressor. An EGR differential between the first compressor and the second compressor may be increased under a condensation condition, and decreased under a surge condition. The EGR differential may also be decreased when a compressor outlet temperature exceeds an outlet temperature threshold.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a Stirling engine that uses exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine as a high-temperature heat source and is provided with a starter that drives an output shaft, includes a control unit that drives the starter in starting up the Stirling engine, stops driving the starter when a rotational speed of the Stirling engine reaches a target rotational speed, and then drives the starter again when the rotational speed of the Stirling engine becomes lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%.

Abstract: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam generator capable of greatly improving energy efficiency, and an energy supply system that uses the steam generator. The steam generator of the present invention includes a high-temperature chamber to which heat of 250° C. to 800° C. is supplied; a low-temperature chamber arranged adjacent to the high-temperature chamber and configured to produce low-temperature steam of 50° C. to 185° C. from water using the heat of the high-temperature chamber; and at least one thermoelectric element arranged between the high-temperature chamber and the low-temperature chamber.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation is provided. The solar power plant includes a primary circuit having a heat transfer medium conduction system and at least one solar thermal subassembly for heating the heat transfer medium by means of solar energy, a steam secondary circuit having a steam turbine system, and a generator coupled to the steam turbine system. The system includes a specific interconnection in the heat exchanger in order to improve the overall efficiency of the power plant. A method for operating such a solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust arrangement for a turbine is provided having an inner turbine casing, a condenser, an exhaust arrangement structure, and a bearing cone. The inner turbine casing includes a plurality of last stage buckets. A steam flow passes through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets. The condenser for receives the steam flow. The exhaust arrangement structure has a diffuser, a lower section and an upper section. The lower section has an exhaust section. The lower section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guides the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser. The upper section has a receiving section and a guiding section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power and/or propulsion system comprising an external combustor, a steam generator, and a radial piston engine. In one embodiment, an undersea vehicle is powered by a propulsion system including a steam generator having a series of coiled tubes in which water is heated to generate steam by combustion of a monopropellant fuel ignited in the external combustor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a resonator for the head end of a turbine combustor. The resonator is partially defined by first and second plates disposed about a fuel nozzle in the head end of the turbine combustor. The resonator is further configured to receive an air flow which extends through the resonator and into the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a heat shield panel mounted to a support shell and an insert adjacent to the support shell and the heat shield panel.

Abstract: A multi-stage vortex mixer for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes a vortex amplifier stage in communication with a first stage amplifier, the vortex amplifier stage in communication with a dilution hole.

Abstract: A method for operating a firing plant with at least one combustion chamber and at least one burner, especially a gas turbine, includes an operating characteristic for operating the combustion chamber close to the lean extinction limit defined as a burner group staging ratio (BGVRich). Pressure pulsations (PulsActual) measured in the combustion chamber are processed by a filter device (2) and converted into corresponding signals (PulsActual,Filter(t)). An exceeding/falling short of at least one pulsation limiting value (PulsLimit) is monitored by a monitoring device (3) and adapts a pulsation reference value (PulsRef) in dependence upon the monitoring. The processed pressure pulsations (PulsActual,Filter(t)) are then compared with the adapted pulsation reference value (PulsRef,adapt), and, from this, a correction value ?BGV is determined, by which the burner group staging ratio (BGVRich) is corrected, and as a result operation of the firing plant close to the lean extinction limit is realized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selectively controlling the rotational speed of a gas turbine engine that drives a load compressor having movable inlet guide vanes and that is coupled to receive fuel at a fuel flow rate up to a maximum fuel flow rate. The rotational speed of the gas turbine engine, and the fuel flow rate to the gas turbine engine, are both sensed. If the sensed rotational speed of the gas turbine engine is less than a predetermined value and the sensed fuel flow rate to the gas turbine engine equals or exceeds the maximum fuel flow rate, the position of the inlet guide vanes is controlled to reduce load compressor mechanical load on the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Gas turbine, software and method for controlling an operating point of the gas turbine that includes a compressor, a combustor and at least a turbine is provided. The method includes determining a turbine exhaust pressure at an exhaust of the turbine; measuring a compressor pressure discharge at the compressor; determining a turbine pressure ratio based on the turbine exhaust pressure and the compressor pressure discharge; calculating an exhaust temperature at the exhaust of the turbine as a function of the turbine pressure ratio; identifying a reference exhaust temperature curve in a plane defined by the exhaust temperature and the turbine pressure ratio; and controlling the gas turbine to maintain the operating point on the reference exhaust temperature curve.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting ice accretion within a turbine engine 4, 6, comprising the steps: (a) operating the turbine engine 4, 6 at a predetermined engine speed; and (b) driving the compressor 8, 10 of the turbine engine 4, 6 at an elevated speed which is greater than the nominal speed of the compressor 8, 10 at the predetermined engine speed so as to inhibit ice accretion within the compressor 8, 10.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving I-beam struts are provided. In this regard, a representative strut assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first I-beam strut having first and second flanges spaced from each other and interconnected by a web, the first strut exhibiting a twist along a length of the web.

Abstract: A method includes identifying at least partial degradation of a magnetocaloric material in a magnetic cooling system, wherein the magnetiocaloric material has a Curie temperature. The method also includes regenerating the magnetocaloric material by maintaining the magnetocaloric material at a regenerating temperature, wherein the regenerating temperature is different from the Curie temperature of the magnetocaloric material.

Abstract: A personal temperature control system includes an article having flexible tubing through it for circulating a heat transfer fluid and an article coupling affixed to distal ends of the flexible tubing. The article coupling releasably couples to a heat exchanger having a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit having one or more TEC plates, an aluminum heat sink, a fan and a controller in electrical communication with the TEC plates, a heat exchanger coupling adapted to releasably connect to the article coupling, an outlet line fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit and the heat exchanger coupling, a return line fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit and the heat exchanger coupling, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet and return lines, the fluid reservoir forming a housing for the TEC plates, a pump in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet and return lines, and a power supply in electrical communication with the controller and the pump.

Abstract: An expansion device having a passageway formed orderly by a tubular inlet portion, a tubular throat portion and a tubular outlet portion, with a closing element arranged in the throat portion, the closing element adapted to cause a Joule-Thomson expansion and cooling of an at least partially gaseous fluid that is supplied at a predetermined pressure (P1), where in the inlet portion a direction means is provided for directing the fluid according to a flow direction that is generally at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inlet portion, in order to reduce the friction of the at least partially gaseous fluid when flowing through the throat portion at the closing element, in order to approximate the transformation to a reversible isentropic transformation more closely than what is possible with the known lamination valves.

Abstract: A multi-type air conditioner includes an outdoor unit disposed at an exterior space, a plurality of indoor units disposed at interior spaces, and a mode conversion unit connected to the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units through refrigerant pipes to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units. The mode conversion unit includes a plurality of supercooling units which are configured to supercool a refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced to the plurality of indoor units, using a supercooling refrigerant pipe which sequentially passes through at least one of the plurality of supercooling units, so that a refrigerant after having passed through the supercooling unit, is in a state of pure gas while ensuring a desired supercooling degree that is suitable for each indoor unit.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a local cooling station, which has a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and ducting for directing a cooling airflow across the heat exchanger. A cooling subsystem is associated with the electronic subsystem of the rack, and includes either a housing facilitating immersion cooling of electronic components of the electronic subsystem, or one or more liquid-cooled structures providing conductive cooling to the electronic components of the electronic subsystem. A coolant loop couples the cooling subsystem to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station. In operation, heat is transferred via circulating coolant from the electronic subsystem and rejected in the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station to the cooling airflow passing across the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the cooling airflow is outdoor air.