Abstract: A free-standing wall includes concrete base blocks adjacent to each other forming a base course; a first set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a first wall face; and a second set of concrete wall blocks stacked on the base course and on each other to form a second wall face that faces the opposite direction from the first wall face and that has the same number of courses as the first plurality of wall blocks. Methods of constructing the wall arrangement include laying the base blocks next to each other end to end; stacking individual blocks of a first set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a first wall face; stacking individual blocks of the second set of blocks on the base course and then on each other to form a second wall face that faces a direction opposite of the first wall face.

Abstract: A system having a beam having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction, and wherein the second end is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A splice plate for joining and aligning extruded trim strips used in suspended ceiling islands and fascias of the type having a pair of opposed flanged channels on its rear face, the splice plate having upper and lower flanges proportioned to slide into the pair of channels and a pair of clamping elements, each of the clamping elements being disposed in a rearwardly horizontally spaced relation to a respective one of said splice plate flanges, a machine screw associated with each clamping element and arranged when turned to draw the respective clamping element forcibly towards an associated plate flange to thereby clamp an intervening portion of a trim channel flange, said plate being sufficiently long to span between a pair of end abutted trim strips.

Abstract: A clip having a first leg for attaching to a trim strip and a second leg for attaching to a grid runner, the first leg having a backer plate attached with a screw through a slot, a head of the screw on a side of the first leg facing the second leg, the backer plate on the other side of the first leg, an upper edge of the first leg in a downwardly facing groove on a backside of the trim strip, the backer plate fitting between a depending free edge of the upper groove and an upstanding edge of a lower upwardly facing groove when the screw is up in the slot, and being received in the lower groove when the screw is down in the slot and clamping between the upstanding edge and a rear face of the trim strip when the screw is tightened.

Abstract: A roofing repair system including a multi-part primer and a water-activated overcoat composition. The multi-part primer includes a first part including a hydroxyl-functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, and a second part including a mixture of a hydrophilic polyfunctional aliphatic polyisocyanate and a hydrophobic polyfunctional aliphatic polyisocyanate, wherein a molar ratio of hydroxyl functionality in the first part to isocyanate functionality in the second part is less than 1. The water-activated overcoat composition includes at least one compound selected from polyketimines having amino groups attached to secondary carbon atoms, polyenamines, and oxazolidines. In some exemplary embodiments, the volume ratio of the multi-part primer to the water-activated composition is from 5:1 to 7:1. In certain exemplary embodiments, the multi-part primer is substantially free of organic solvents.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and installing a textured cementitious tile flooring product, wherein sodium bicarbonate is used to texture the tile surface and a polyurethane caulking material provides flexible joints between tiles.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: Loading caps suitable to mount to product chutes for rucking sleeves of covering material onto a chute body include a conical or frustoconical upper portion.

Abstract: A length-adjustable wrap film dispenser includes an outer tube member having a sleeve connection portion and a first engagement portion, and an inner tube member having an insertion portion axially movably and rotatably inserted into the sleeve connection portion of the outer tube member and a second engagement portion for engagement with the first engagement portion. When rotating the inner tube member relative to the outer tube member to disengage the second engagement portion from the first engagement portion, the inner tube member can be moved axially relative to the outer tube member to adjust the length of the length-adjustable wrap film dispenser. After adjustment, the inner tube member is rotated again to force the second engagement portion into engagement with the first engagement portion, locking the inner tube member and the outer tube member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer comprising a sealing station for sealing trays with a cover film, and a conveyor system for conveying the trays along a conveying path, wherein the conveyor system includes a plurality of pushers each configured for carrying along at least one tray and movable along an endless pusher path. The invention is characterized in that the pushers are movable independently of one another along the pusher path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of packing leaf tobacco preserve the integrity of tobacco, help retain freshness and moisture content of tobacco, and also help eliminate insect infestation. A method of packing tobacco includes supplying a quantity of tobacco into a plurality of open containers; closing the opening containers; inserting the closed containers within a flexible, non-porous bag having a closeable opening; closing the opening of the bag; and extracting air from the bag so as to create a sub-atmospheric pressure therein. The bag is configured to hold one or more tobacco containers, such as C48 or A48 cartons. In some embodiments the bag may be configured to hold up to six containers, such as C48 or A48 cartons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging device, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method. The device comprises a dispensing apparatus where a plastic film is stored, a bin where a fusion seal apparatus is located, and a fusion seal apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible bag assembly includes a body which has a first end and a second end; a closure system for opening or closing of the body between the first end and the second end along a seam; and at least one tubular section on at least one end of the body. The tubular section is configured to wrap around a pipe portion connected to a container. Systems and methods of using such flexible bag assembly for environmental process containment are disclosed herein.

Abstract: There is described a forming member for controlling the volume of packs of pourable food products formed from a tube of packaging material and sealed at a number of sections of tube crosswise to an axis of tube, comprising: a wall comprising, in turn, a first surface which is adapted to interact with a first portion of tube; and a pair of sidewalls protruding from wall on the same side of wall, and comprising respective second surfaces which are adapted to interact with relative second portions of tube; first surface is at least partially concave.

Abstract: A carriage for a stretch wrap assembly including a threading assembly for moving a front end of the stretch wrap through the housing. The threading assembly includes a manually movable system moving the front end of the stretch wrap, the manually movable system comprising an endless link moving about a plurality of rotating members and being located at a bottom surface of the top of the housing. The threading assembly includes a handle extending through the top of the housing. Roller axes and thread axes are parallel and spaced from each other such that none of the roller axes are collinear with the thread axes.

Abstract: An improved saddle pad placed between the saddle and a horse that suspends the areas of highest pressure points from saddle bars. The improved saddle pad redistributes surrounding pressure evenly 360 degrees, not allowing highest pressure point areas from saddle bars to touch the shoulders of the horse. In a preferred embodiment, a circle cutout is reinforced with silicone rubber to prevent wear and redistributes surrounding pressure and allows the saddle bars to settle within circle cut out area pad closer to the horse reducing roll from side to side.

Abstract: A filter support cage for a baghouse filter comprises a first filter cage segment comprising elongated body portion having a top end and a bottom end, a second filter cage segment comprising a second elongated body portion having a top end and a bottom end, and a coupling member positioned between and connecting the bottom end of the first filter cage segment and the top end of the second filter cage segment.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic transfer of agricultural crops from a harvesting machine to a transport vehicle has an image capture device, which optically detects one or more features of the transport vehicle. A computer controls an actuator to adjust a transfer device relative to the harvesting machine and/or to change the position of the loading container relative to the harvesting machine based on signals of the image capture device. The computer continually sets up, with the aid of the signals of the image capture device, a virtual movement model of the loading container and controls the actuator with the aid of extrapolated data for an expected position of the loading container derived from the movement model, if the signals of the image capture device are no longer sufficient to recognize the transport vehicle because of an impairment of the visibility conditions.

Abstract: To achieve a particular price point and/or to utilize a particular engine, riding lawn mowers may be configured with reduced size, weight, and/or power requirements, in order. A riding lawn mower may comprise a cutting deck coupled to a cutting blade, and an internal combustion engine having a displacement of less than 225 cubic centimeters. The internal combustion engine may be coupled to the cutting blade via a friction drive, wherein the friction drive is configured with a neutral bearing in order to reduce flat spotting of components of the friction drive.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a multi-layer metal cord having a plurality of concentric layers of wires, comprising one or more inner layer(s) and an outer layer, of the type “rubberized in situ.” The method includes the following steps: at least one step of sheathing at least one inner layer with the rubber or the rubber composition by passing through at least one extrusion head; and an assembling step in which the wires of the outer layer are assembled around the inner layer adjacent to it, in order to form the multi-layer cord thus rubberized from the inside. The rubber is an unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer extruded in the molten state, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer of the thermoplastic stirene (TPS) elastomer type such as an SBS, SBBS, SIS or SBIS block copolymer for example.

Abstract: The inventions relates to the method of yarn braking especially at renewal of spinning in a working position of an air jet spinning machine by means of attending a device provided with a vacuum tube (2), into which before commencement of braking there is the end of the yarn (100) sucked in, which at drawing off from the vacuum tube (2) is braked between the braking surfaces of a stationary brake friction member (50) and a moving brake friction member (30), which are arranged on the attending device displaceably to the track of the yarn (100), while for generating the braking force the moving brake friction member (30) moves towards the stationary brake friction member (50) and it fits against it at a contact abscissa (301) or a contact surface (302).

Abstract: A rope (20) comprising a core element (22) surrounded by a plurality of helically twisted and compacted steel strands (24) comprising steel wires (25, 26, 27) having a nominal tensile strength of at least 1960 N/mm2. The core element (22) comprises natural fibres having a linear density of at least 50 g/m.

Abstract: A coupling link for connecting two parts together includes link components (which each form a partial link) that are joined together with a removable support. The support and link components are coupled together to withstand high loads and/or adverse wear conditions. The inventive construction is strong, durable, efficient, cost effective and easy to use. Wear caps are provided to facilitate extended usable chain life.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle for use with a turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a housing coupled to a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber. The housing is at least partially positioned within an air plenum and comprises an endwall that at least partially defines the air plenum. The fuel nozzle includes a plurality of mixing tubes extending through the housing for channeling a fuel to the combustion chamber, a cooling fluid plenum at least partially defined within the housing by the housing endwall, and a plurality of apertures defined within the housing endwall for channeling a cooling fluid from the cooling fluid plenum to the air plenum.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a system and device for measuring corrosive components suspended in air flowing to a turbo-machine. The device comprises a fluid circuit with a detection module having a sensing element disposed in a manifold. The manifold surrounds the sensing element to prevent mixing of the flow of sample air in the manifold with air from the surrounding environment. In one example, the fluid circuit also comprises a fluid flow module with elements to monitor flow characteristics of the flow of sample air. Operation of the fluid flow module can effectuate changes in flow characteristics of the flow of sample air to optimize detection of the corrosive components.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine frames are disclosed. An example gas turbine engine frame may include a generally annular outer casing disposed coaxially about a hub; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts joined to the hub and the outer casing, individual struts extending radially outwardly from the hub to the outer casing; and a stiffening rail monolithically formed with the outer casing circumferentially between two of the struts. The stiffening rail may extend radially inward beyond the inner surface of the outer casing between the struts.

Abstract: A turbopump for feeding a low-thrust rocket engine comprises a pump, a turbine, and a common rotary shaft connected to the pump and to the turbine. First and second bearings closer respectively to the pump and to the turbine serve to support the common shaft. The second bearing is a hydrodynamic bearing connected to a gas supply source, and the turbopump also includes at least one dynamic sealing gasket around the shaft and interposed between the first and second bearings.

Abstract: An intake system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine and a method for controlling warm-up of a turbocharged internal combustion engine are provided. The intake system includes an intake manifold defining a plenum chamber connectable to a plurality of engine cylinders, an intake duct opening into the plenum chamber and supplying a gaseous fluid thereto, an electric heater provided for heating the gaseous fluid, and a cooler supplied with a cooling fluid, provided for cooling the gaseous fluid. The heater and the cooler cooperate to form a conditioning module positioned within the plenum chamber in such a way as to intercept at least a substantial part of the gaseous fluid entering the plenum chamber from the intake duct, wherein the cooler is arranged in series with the heater.

Abstract: An engine command override may occur when a diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires regeneration. The need for regeneration may be indicated by regeneration level. The engine may be operated in a normal mode when the DPF regeneration level is below a regeneration level threshold, wherein the engine command is based on the throttle input. Additionally, the engine may be operated in an override mode when the DPF regeneration level is above a regeneration level threshold and the engine is operating in the idle state, wherein the engine command is based on a predetermined throttle regeneration setting.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient regeneration of a diesel particulate filter used in the exhaust system of a diesel engine, is disclosed. In various systems, a burner is incorporated into the exhaust stream, and prior to the diesel particulate filter. Because the burner requires precise amounts of fuel and air to operate properly, an air flow delivery device, such as a positive displacement pump or blower is incorporated into the system to channel boost air to the burner. Alternatively, a bypass line may be used in conjunction with a pressure regulator, wherein the bypass line diverts the boost air from the pump or blower, while the pressure regulator controls the final pressure to the burner.

Abstract: A method of determining a malfunction in a hydrocarbon injection system for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system with a diesel particulate filter and a diesel oxidation catalyst, is provided. An efficiency of a diesel oxidation catalyst to convert hydrocarbons injected for regeneration of a diesel particulate filter into heat is estimated based upon an input temperature of the diesel oxidation catalyst, an output temperature of the diesel oxidation catalyst, and an output temperature of a diesel particulate filter. The estimated efficiency is compared to a predetermined stored efficiency value. An indication of a malfunction is generated when the comparison of the estimated efficiency to the predetermined stored efficiency exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system executing load sensing control is capable of efficiently combusting and removing filter deposits inside an exhaust gas purification device by pump output power increasing control when there is no actuator operation, eliminating interference between the actuator operation and the pump output power increasing control. A first solenoid selector valve selects between tank pressure and delivery pressure of a pilot pump. A second solenoid selector valve is arranged in a line leading the output pressure of a differential pressure reducing valve to an LS control valve for selecting between enabling and disabling of the load sensing control. When the exhaust gas purification device needs regeneration, a controller executes switching to make the first solenoid selector valve output the delivery pressure of the pilot pump as dummy load pressure and to make the second solenoid selector valve disable the load sensing control.

Abstract: A ride control system and method where the system includes first hydraulics for equalizing pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side, and second hydraulics for providing low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. When ride control is engaged, the first hydraulics equalizes pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side to within a pressure threshold, then the second hydraulics provides the low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. Ride control system can include third hydraulics for providing fluid connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank; where after first hydraulics equalizes pressure to within pressure threshold, then third hydraulics provides connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank. The ride control system can also monitor the condition of the ride control accumulators.

Abstract: A drive includes a hydraulic machine configured to convert kinetic energy into hydraulic energy and a hydrostatic energy store configured to be charged by the hydraulic machine. The drive further includes a control device configured to control the preloading of the store as a function of an operating state of a device driven by the drive. A hydrostatic energy store for a drive of a device includes a hydraulic machine which converts kinetic energy into hydraulic energy and charges the store. The store further includes a control device configured to vary a preloading of the store as a function of an operating state of the device. A method for adapting a preloading of a hydrostatic energy store includes determining an operating state of the device, determining the optimum preloading as a function of the determined operating state, and setting the preloading. A control device controls the setting of the preloading.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a self-propelled agricultural working machine includes a variable displacement pump driven by an internal combustion engine (1) and supplies a plurality of hydraulic circuits, a swept volume of which is changeable via an adjustment mechanism, and supplies pressure medium via at least one pressure line to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives a radiator fan. An output of the radiator fan is reduced, at least temporarily, in the event of a drop in pressure for which the variable displacement pump cannot compensate.

Abstract: A device for use in extracting energy from an incoming fluid flow is presented.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for ejecting fluid at a constant flow rate includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a supply channel, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The hydraulic pump pumps an introduced fluid to eject the fluid through an ejection channel. The hydraulic motor is driven by the introduced fluid and drives the hydraulic pump to cause the fluid ejected by the hydraulic pump to be intensified. The supply channel allows the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor to be supplied with the fluid. The first control unit opens or closes the supply channel, and the second control unit operates the first control unit to cause the first control unit to close the supply channel if the fluid ejected through the ejection channel is larger than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tidal adjustment arrangement for a wave energy recovery system where the wave energy recovery system comprising at least a body (2), a wing (3a) hinged at its lower edge onto the body (2) to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents and a power-take-off (PTO) means (3b). The arrangement comprises at least a support means (6) capable to change the vertical position of the wing (3a).

Abstract: Methods of applying sensible coatings with at least one spatially-varying characteristic to shape memory alloy actuators, particularly actuators comprising linear elements such as wires strips or cables, are disclosed. Such coatings enable the positions of the linear shape memory alloy elements to be sensed using magnetic, capacitive and optical sensors and so, in conjunction with a controller, enable operation of such actuators under proportional control.

Abstract: A method of operating a generator arrangement comprises selecting an operating mode as a function of at least one of: a speed of an engine, a temperature of at least a portion of the engine, a property of an exhaust fluid of the engine, and whether an engine braking command signal is received by the controller; controlling the flow of fluid from a first engine outlet to a first turbine by setting, based on the selected operating mode, an operating condition of a first flow control mechanism, the first turbine being part of a turbocharger having a compressor in fluid flow communication with an engine inlet; and controlling the flow of fluid from a second engine outlet to a second turbine by setting, based on the selected operating mode, an operating condition of a second flow control mechanism, the second turbine being parallel to the first turbine and being part of an electrical generator.

Abstract: A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube bundle heat exchanger having a plurality of tube windings (1) through which a heat transfer medium flows in parallel. The tube windings start from a common inlet chamber (2) for the heat transfer medium and open into a common outlet chamber (3). Each tube winding comprises an alternating sequence of tube sections (6) running alternately in two planes parallel to each other, and tube bends (7) connecting same, wherein within each of the two planes four or more pipe sections extend disposed side by side or parallel to each other, and wherein the pipe bends are designed to have a change of direction through 180° with respect to an associated bend axis and have the same bend radii.

Abstract: For increasing power plant efficiency during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads, a motive fluid is cycled through a Rankine cycle power plant having a vaporizer and a superheater such that the motive fluid is delivered to a turbine at a selected inlet temperature at full admission. A percentage of a superheated portion of the motive fluid is adjusted during periods of variable heat input or at partial loads while virtually maintaining the inlet temperature and power plant thermal efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a system for converting thermal power delivered from a variable temperature heat source into mechanical power by means of a closed thermodynamic cycle. The cycle is characterized in that it operates between a higher temperature (Thigh) and a temperature substantially equal to ambient temperature (Tamb), wherein said higher temperature (Thigh) is much higher than ambient temperature (Tamb), said closed thermodynamic cycle comprising an adiabatic compression process for changing the temperature of a two-phase mixture from said ambient temperature (Tamb) to a lower temperature (Tlow) and to change the specific entropy value of one phase of said two-phase mixture from a first specific entropy value (si, s3) to a second specific entropy value (s2), said second specific entropy value (s2) being lower than said first specific entropy value (s1, s3) and said ambient temperature value (Tamb) being lower than the value of said lower temperature (Tlow).

Abstract: A self-contained energy converter, suitable for powering a vehicle for example, includes an assembly for gasification of a liquid fuel to produce a combustible gas. A number of burners are provided burn the combustible gas in order to heat a heat exchanger for heating water from a tank to produce wet steam. A superheated steam generator is provided in communication with the heat exchanger and includes a number of heating assemblies arranged to heat cylindrical surfaces for converting the wet steam into a superheated steam. Nozzles are provided to direct the superheated steam to a turbine to produce mechanical motion.

Abstract: A propeller driven aircraft powered by either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The parallel system hybrid aircraft can takeoff with the internal combustion engine and climb to a cruising altitude. The internal combustion engine then can be turned off and the electric motor turned on to power the aircraft's propeller. The aircraft is capable of alternating operation between the electric motor and internal combustion engine as often as required at altitude. The aircraft can be landed using either the internal combustion engine or the electric motor. The transition of power from the internal combustion engine to the electric motor and back is performed through a hybrid clutch and pulley assembly that interconnects the internal combustion engine propeller flange to the propeller driveshaft. The electric motor is connected to the hybrid assembly through belts and sheaves. The electric motor throttle is controlled in the cockpit.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine may include a center body disposed about a longitudinal axis, and a premix barrel positioned radially outwardly from the center body to define an annular passageway between the center body and the premix barrel. The annular passageway may extend from an upstream end that is configured to be fluidly coupled to a compressor to a downstream end that is configured to be fluidly coupled to a combustor. The premix barrel may include a first portion at the upstream end and a second portion at the downstream end. The first portion may include a stainless steel material, and the second portion may include a nickel based superalloy material. The second portion may be coupled to the first portion by a laser clad coupling.

Abstract: A sandwich structure includes a first skin, a second skin, a first hinge member, and a second hinge member. The first hinge member may be movably coupled to the first skin and a first skin joint. The second hinge member may be movably coupled to the second skin and second skin joint. The first hinge member and the second member may be movably coupled to one another and a member joint located between the first and second skin joint.

Abstract: A system for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes an end cap having an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface, and tube bundles extend from the upstream surface through the downstream surface. A divider inside a tube bundle defines a diluent passage that extends axially through the downstream surface, and a diluent supply in fluid communication with the divider provides diluent flow to the diluent passage. A method for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes flowing a fuel through tube bundles, flowing a diluent through a diluent passage inside a tube bundle, wherein the diluent passage extends axially through at least a portion of the end cap into a combustion chamber, and forming a diluent barrier in the combustion chamber between the tube bundle and at least one other adjacent tube bundle.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine and method of controlling the gas turbine engine that may be utilized in a power grid having a plurality of additional power generation sources. The gas turbine engine is configured with a compressor having an enlarged mass flow volume. The gas turbine engine may be operated at a base load for supplying power to the power grid at a part load and optimum efficiency for the engine, and may be ramped up to a higher output to supply a peak load output to the power grid.