Abstract: A food processing system having a slicer/former for food preparations having a feed conveyor, a stacker for stacking food preparations, and n interleaver for inserting a substrate under a food preparation from the food slicer/former as it transitions to the stacker. The interleaver is arranged such that a portion of the interleaver is located beneath the feed conveyor of the slicer/former. The interleaver includes an interleaver conveyor which extends from the feed conveyor to the stacker in-feed conveyor, and an overall length of the interleaver conveyor is less than a length of the interleaver in order to provide a reduced footprint interleaver for new and retro-fit applications having a limited length for the food processing system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Abstract: A method for producing containers filled with liquids, wherein the containers are filled with the liquid and closed with a keg fitting, includes supplying the keg fitting to the container by means of a relative movement between the container and the keg fitting and connecting the keg fitting with the container. A cleaning treatment of the keg fitting is carrier out at least prior to or during the supply process or the connection process.

Abstract: A device for detection and determination of a composition of a bulk material has an image recording unit, a control unit, a memory unit and a selection unit to enable a qualified determination to be made, during a transfer of a crop material flow into a container of an agricultural harvesting machine, of a composition of a crop during processing of the crop material. The determination enables changing of adjustment parameters of working assemblies of the agricultural harvesting machine during the processing of the crop material. The image recording unit has at least two image detectors for recording images or image series of the crop material flow.

Abstract: To reduce the complexity, maintenance, and cost and increase reliability of a riding lawnmower employing a center rear discharge deck, the riding lawn mowers may be configured with a cutter engagement system which allows for a cutting system to be engaged and disengaged by a user without a motor clutching system. A riding lawn mower may comprise a center rear discharge deck having a single sided belt and a cutter engagement system. The cutter engagement system may be configured to interface with the belt to provide power and opposing rotation movement through one or more cutter engagements and/or gear boxes.

Abstract: A row crop header for a harvester having a subframe removably coupleable to a feeder housing of the harvester. A pivot assembly is supported by the subframe permitting first and second header sections to pivotably move between raised and lowered positions together or independently of the other. A cross-auger center suspension assembly rotatably supports one end of the first cross-auger section and one end of the second cross-auger section as the first and second header sections pivotally move between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks, comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configured for traversing along a field of row crops; a hollow arm mounted adjacent an upper section of the front portion of the frame, the hollow arm comprising a first section disposed along an incline formed by the upper section of the front portion of the frame and the ground, the first section having a first end and a second end; an inlet positioned adjacent the first end of the first section of the hollow arm, the inlet for receiving stalks of row crops; device for cutting stalks of row crops, the device for cutting stalks mounted within the first section of the hollow arm; device for engaging and conveying the stalks along the hollow arm; and a biased guide assembly for accommodating stalks of varied diameters.

Abstract: A method for harvesting bast plants that have stalks, husks, and seeds. The method includes cutting the bast stalks from the bast plants and receiving the bast stalks onto a first belt. The method then orients at least a portion of the bast stalks on the first belt by moving a bar back and forth across the first belt in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction the first belt is moving, the bar elevated above the first belt and having spaced tines extending toward the first belt, the longitudinal axis of the at least a portion of the bast stalks being generally oriented in the direction the first belt is moving. The husks and seeds may be removed from the bast stalks. The bast stalks may be packaged.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: A fire retardant fabric is manufactured from oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers having a fineness of about 0.5 to about 1.5 denier per fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus (5) for twisting a first string (10) of wrapped and spun tobacco leaves into a second string (20) of twisted tobacco leaves defines a first axis (30) extending substantially in the direction of the first string. The apparatus (5) includes a set of rollers (40, 50, 60) each defining a respective circumferential twisting surface (41, 51, 61) for contacting the first string, the circumferential twisting surfaces (41, 51, 61) being arranged so as to substantially confine the first string (10) therebetween so as to rotate the first string (10) and to cause the first string (10) to rotate and be twisted by means of the twisting surfaces (41, 51, 61), and simultaneously to cause the second string (20) to be conveyed along the first axis (30) and out of the apparatus (5).

Abstract: A stranding apparatus including a preformer attached to a preformer shaft; an adjustable core guide attached to the preformer shaft; and a ring positioned away from the preformer and centered on a longitudinal axis of the preformer shaft; wherein a gap is formed between the ring and the adjustable core guide, through which a stranding element can pass.

Abstract: A preferred of operating a gas turbine engine having an inlet for receiving a stream of air to be compressed includes providing a first and a second set of interchangeable spray nozzles. Each of the nozzles in the first set is capable of discharging fluid supplied to the nozzle at a first pressure at a first flow rate. Each of the nozzles in the second set is capable of discharging fluid supplied to the nozzle at the first pressure at a flow rate that is different from the first flow rate.

Abstract: An electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thruster is disclosed having a plasma chamber which is electrically biased with a positive voltage. The chamber bias serves to efficiently accelerate and expel the positive ions from the chamber. Electrons follow the exiting ions, serving to provide an electrically neutral exhaust plume. In a further embodiment, a downstream shaping magnetic field serves to further accelerate and/or shape the exhaust plume.

Abstract: This grid thrust reverser cover comprises a seal support and a seal mounted in this support by means of two fastening lugs, this seal being capable of interacting with a diversion edge of this thrust reverser. At least one of the said lugs is turned up and the said support has a section matching that defined by the said lugs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an exhaust treatment system coupled to an engine exhaust, the exhaust treatment system further coupled to an engine intake via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. One example method comprises, operating in a first mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an exhaust tailpipe; operating in a second mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an engine intake via the EGR system, and operating in a third mode including routing exhaust gas to an engine intake through the EGR system while bypassing the exhaust treatment system.

Abstract: An exhaust system for use with an engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have a first treatment device situated to receive a flow of exhaust and convert a first constituent of the exhaust to a second constituent, and a second treatment device located downstream of the first treatment device to reduce the first and second constituents. The exhaust system may also have a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of one of a temperature and an oxygen concentration of the exhaust, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to vary the other of the temperature and the oxygen concentration based on the signal such that a desired amount of the first constituent is converted to the second constituent by the first treatment device prior to reduction by the second treatment device.

Abstract: A control system for reducing nitrogen oxides in an engine exhaust of an engine includes an emissions catalyst having an inlet adapted to receive an exhaust from the engine. A reductant tank stores a reductant. An injector is in fluid communication with the reductant tank and is operable to inject the reductant into the exhaust upstream of the catalyst. A reductant pump pumps the reductant from the reductant tank to the injector. A controller determines a target pressure of the reductant based on an engine operating condition and operates the reductant pump based on the target pressure.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for a diesel engine is disclosed. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a lean NOX trap (LNT) in fluid communication with a diesel engine to receive an exhaust gas flow therefrom. The system also includes a two-way catalyst in fluid communication with the LNT to receive the exhaust gas flow therefrom, the two-way catalyst comprising a urea selective catalytic reduction catalyst and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Abstract: A regeneration disable control system (22) of a vehicle having a power take off device (10) that is run off a motor (12) which is powered by at least one battery (14), and an engine (16) for recharging the at least one battery and for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (20), includes a hybrid controller (18). The hybrid controller (18) sends a signal to an engine controller (21) to indicate whether hybrid-PTO mode is enabled. If the hybrid-PTO mode is enabled, the engine controller (21) determines whether regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (20) is required. If regeneration is required, the engine controller (21) sends a signal to a regeneration inhibitor (30) to disable the engine (16) from initiating a regeneration event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing overstress of a DPF are provided herein. One example of such a method is based on a radial temperature gradient near the exit face of the diesel particulate filter. In this way, it becomes possible to more closely correlate radial stresses to actual risk of DPF fracture.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a catalyst, and injector positioned upstream from the catalyst, and a fluid-spray atomizer positioned between the catalyst and the injector. The fluid-spray atomizer includes a plurality of horizontal slats, wherein each horizontal slat is a different size and a smaller horizontal slat is nested at least partially inside a larger horizontal slat.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided, having an exhaust gas conduit, a reductant source, a temperature sensor, an intake mass air flow sensor, and a control module. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas contains oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”). The reductant source is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured for injecting an amount of reductant that is released into the exhaust gas conduit. The temperature sensor is situated in the exhaust stream for determining a temperature of the exhaust gas at the reductant source. The intake mass air flow sensor measures an air mass flow entering the internal combustion engine. The control module is in communication with the reductant source, the temperature sensor, and the intake mass air flow sensor.

Abstract: A system for reversing heat transfer from an exhaust system assembly on a vehicle comprising an engine block assembly and transaxle assembly operatively connected and located in an engine compartment of an automobile. The system comprises a number one exhaust manifold stay mount, a number two exhaust manifold stay mount, and a front exhaust collector pipe bracket and stay mount. The system comprises an exhaust system with a front exhaust collector pipe located beneath the engine block assembly. The system comprises an engine block assembly heat shield with a cross-section generally comprising the shape of a “U” that is located next to the surface of the engine block assembly. The engine block assembly heat shield is located over and overlays the front exhaust collector pipe bracket and stay mount, the number one exhaust manifold stay mount, and the number two exhaust manifold stay mount.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system including an exhaust flow area, a first bank of one or more exhaust treatment devices in fluid communication with the exhaust flow area and a second bank of one or more exhaust treatment devices in fluid communication with the exhaust flow area. The first bank may be arranged in parallel with the second bank and inlet of the first bank is configured to provide greater flow resistance to the exhaust than the inlet of the second bank.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided having an exhaust gas conduit, an oxidation catalyst (“OC”) device, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The internal combustion engine has at least one operating parameter. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas contains oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) and hydrocarbons. The exhaust gas has an exhaust gas temperature. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit, and is activated to induce oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. The OC device has an oxidation catalyst compound disposed thereon that is selectively activated at a specified temperature range for converting nitrogen oxide (“NO”) to nitrogen dioxide (“NO2”) at a specified percentage.

Abstract: A particulate filter for a vehicle exhaust system includes a primary filter surrounded by a secondary filter and a quenching agent injection nozzle arranged upstream of the primary filter. In a normal mode, exhaust flows through the primary filter, and in a fail-safe mode or a mixed mode, at least some exhaust flows through the secondary filter and quenching agent is injected via the nozzle to cool the primary filter. The fail-safe or mixed modes may be enacted during an overload of the primary filter, for example. If engine shutdown is initiated during regeneration of the primary filter, a rate of quenching agent injection may be adjusted so that the regeneration may be completed at a safe temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device includes a first case housing a soot filter for purifying exhaust gas, second and third cases that are respectively placed on an upstream side and a downstream side of the first case in an exhaust gas flowing direction, and a differential pressure sensor that detects pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the soot filter. Pipes are respectively attached to the first case and one of the second and third cases placed on the upstream side or the downstream side of the first case, the pipes introducing pressures inside the first case and the one of the second and third cases to the differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: An after treatment device includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The after treatment device also includes a core positioned substantially within the housing. The core is configured to treat a fluid. The after treatment device further includes a heat exchanger positioned substantially within the housing and about at least a portion of the core. The heat exchanger includes a first passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct untreated fluid from the inlet toward the core, and a second passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct treated fluid from the core toward the outlet.

Abstract: A hydraulic system, especially in a high-pressure application, comprises a pressurized-fluid tank, a pressurized-fluid pump driven by a drive unit, at least one hydraulic load that can be pressurized thereby and a control and/or distribution unit connected fluidically between the pressurized-fluid pump and the load. This unit is provided with a housing and a core received therein and connected rigidly with the housing, which core bears with part of its surface in the region of a common, closed, especially cylindrical joint face with the housing on a corresponding inside face of a housing opening. Surface groove-like flow ducts are provided on the core and/or the housing in the region of the joint face, and the pressurized-fluid pump is directly built onto the control and/or distribution unit in the region of a free end face of the core.

Abstract: A compact, integrated hydrostatic transmission without reduction gearing wherein the pump and motor are contained within a single housing, and an output shaft extends from the housing inline with a shaft of the motor. The output shaft is directly connectable to a wheel of a vehicle. The pump and motor share a common sump within the housing in which pump and/or motor leakage is collected.

Abstract: A self-aligning memory alloy wire actuator has a memory alloy wire having first and second ends with at least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire. The terminal includes two wings and an extended piece connected in the shape of a T. The two wings are disposed on opposite sides of the extended piece and perpendicular to the extended piece. Each wing comprises top and bottom surfaces, a front surface, and an outside end. The top surfaces of the two wings lie on a common top plane and the front surfaces of the two wings lie on a common front plane. The memory alloy wire is coupled to the extended piece of the terminal.

Abstract: A two-stage turbo system provided with an internal combustion engine includes, two turbo-superchargers driven by exhaust gas from the engine, control valves for switching between the flow path of intake gas sucked into the engine and the flow path of exhaust gas, and a control device for controlling the control valves and the turbo-superchargers. The two turbo-superchargers have the same turbine capacity, function respectively as the high-pressure side turbo-supercharger on the exhaust path upstream side and the low-pressure side turbo-supercharger on the exhaust path downstream side, and have, by switching between the flow paths by using the control valves, a series mode in which the two turbo-superchargers are serially connected to each other, a one-stage supercharging mode in which gas flows only to the high-pressure-side turbo-supercharger or only to the low-pressure-side turbo-supercharger, and a parallel mode in which the two turbo-superchargers are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A waste heat utilization device recovering waste heat produced by an internal combustion engine from a heat medium includes a Rankine cycle circuit including an evaporator, an expander, a condenser and a pump serially arranged in a circulation line along which a combustible working fluid circulates. A casing air-tightly encloses the Rankine cycle circuit to chemically inactivate the Rankine cycle circuit.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator with a housing (1) in which a piston (2) with a pin (3) is inserted in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and with an igniting element (4) with contact pins (5), wherein the contact pins (5) project out of the housing (1) on the connecting side (6) thereof, and, when the igniting element (4) is ignited by the propellants generated, the piston (2) is displaced in the direction of the actuating side (7) until the pin (3) projects out of the housing (1) on the actuating side (7). For production to be more cost-effective, it is proposed that the housing (1) is designed as a single part and in the form of a cylinder, and the connecting side (6) is injection moulded or bonded around the end surface (9) of the housing (1) with a cylindrical cover (10) fitting thereover.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a system and method which employ a compressed gas-driven device with a passive thermodynamic composition. Certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring a persistently-maintained, active (e.g., electrically-powered) heating. Further, certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring an ignition heat source (e.g., electrically-powered or pyrotechnic as generator) for heating the device.

Abstract: An exemplary combustor includes at least a portion having an inner liner and an outer cover plate, which together form an interposed cooling chamber. A plurality of hollow elements extend from the liner and protrude into the cooling chamber. Each hollow element defines a damping volume connected to an inner volume of the combustion chamber via a calibrated duct. During operation, the hollow elements damp pressure pulsations and, in addition, also transfer heat.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine exhaust mixer has a plurality of circumferentially distributed alternating inner and outer lobes. The outer lobes protrude into the annular bypass passage of the engine, whereas the inner lobes protrude into the main gas path passage of the engine. The inner and outer lobes respectively define alternating troughs and crest with radial interconnecting walls therebetween. The mixer has a jagged trailing edge including a plurality of tabs extending from each radial wall between the troughs and the crests.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine for a thermal power plant, especially a gas turbine, comprising a rotatable rotor and a duct which can be penetrated by a gas and in which turbine blades for driving the rotor are disposed. The inventive gas turbine is characterized by a blocking device which at least partially prevents the gas from penetrating the duct in a closed position.

Abstract: An ice detecting apparatus for a refrigerator having an ice maker includes an ice detecting sensor which determines whether or not an ice storage container which receives and stores ice made by the ice maker is full or nearly full of ice based on pulses transmitted from and received by transmitting and receiving units. The ice detecting sensor includes a transmitting unit to transmit one or more pulses and a receiving unit to detect the pulses transmitted from the transmitting unit. A controller is operably coupled to the transmitting and receiving units to determine whether the storage container is full or nearly full based on pulses detected by the receiving unit among one or more pulses transmitted by the transmitting unit. The controller also determines whether or not external light has been introduced into the ice maker based on the pulses detected by the receiving unit.

Abstract: Chilled water is produced by an evaporative cooling process. The chilled water is then circulated through a liquid-air heat exchanger to produce a primary air supply of cool-dry air wherein no water is introduced into the cool dry air stream. The primary air supply can be used to cool a space, such as an office, where low humidly is desirable. Additionally, the cool, wet air which is a byproduct of the water-cooling phase can be used as a secondary air supply. The secondary air supply can be used to cool a space where higher humidity is tolerated, such as a warehouse, a garage, a barn, etc. The indirect evaporative cooling system can also be used in conjunction with an air conditioning system to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.

Abstract: A heat pump and a method of controlling a heat pump are provided. The heat pump may perform gas injection through a plurality of coolant injection circuits formed in a compressor, such as a scroll compressor, to increase a corresponding flow rate. The heat pump may control the plurality of coolant injection circuits based on one or more operation conditions by selecting an appropriate optimal middle pressure from a high-and-low pressure difference, a pressure ratio, and a compression ratio of the compressor to enhance cooling/heating performance.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a valve to control the supply of a refrigerant to a plurality of storage chambers and a control method of the same. An opening time rate of the valve is changed based on modes of the storage chambers to control the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the storage chambers, thereby avoiding concentration of the refrigerant in one of the storage chambers and thus preventing refrigerant shortage in the other storage chambers. Also, left and right temperature deviation of each storage chamber is reduced, thereby achieving uniform temperature distribution of each storage chamber.

Abstract: A system for providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes a data center having electronic equipment in operation, a plurality of on-floor cooling units, and a cooling water source. The on-floor cooling units cool air warmed by the electronic equipment. The cooling water source is configured to supply cooling water that reduces a temperature of the on-floor cooling units. The power usage effectiveness (“PUE”) of the system is less than 1.3, wherein the PUE is defined by energy used to operate the data center divided by energy used to run the electronic equipment.

Abstract: One examples provides an automotive air-conditioning system provided with: a thermal unit having a condenser and an evaporator configured to be traversed by a refrigerant fluid and a hydraulic circuit, which is configured to be traversed by a carrier fluid and has a first portion provided with a first heat exchanger, a second portion provided with a second heat exchanger, a hot portion extending through the condenser, and a cold portion extending through the evaporator, a valve device being configured to connect selectively either the hot portion or the cold portion to the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: An evaporator assembly through which a refrigerant is circulated to transfer heat out of a volume of air in a housing in which the evaporator assembly is at least partially disposed. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator in fluid communication with a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a solenoid valve subassembly for controlling circulation of the refrigerant, a thermostat electrically connectable to the solenoid valve subassembly via a solenoid control circuit, one or more fans for circulating the air in the housing, and one or more fan motors for rotating the fans. Drive voltage supplied to the fan motors is controlled by a fan controller. The fan controller provides a first predetermined drive voltage to the motor drive when refrigerant is circulatable and a second predetermined drive voltage to the motor drive when refrigerant is non-circulatable.

Abstract: A compression mechanism units include cylinder chambers into which a low-pressure gas is introduced, vanes contained in a vane groove, and a spring body that always causes compression operation in the cylinder chambers by providing an elastic force to a rear-end portion of one of the vanes, includes a pressure switching mechanism that switches to perform compression operation by guiding a high-pressure gas/not to perform the compression operation by guiding a low-pressure gas, is provided with a lubricating oil communication path communicatively connecting a oiling groove and a oil stagnant portion, and opposing the oiling groove to a portion other than the lubricating oil communication path when the vanes are in a top dead center position.

Abstract: NGL recovery from natural gas is achieved by processing the natural gas in a scrub column that operates at high pressure. A C3+ depleted vapor stream is generated from the vapor portion of partially condensed scrub column overhead and expanded to provide refrigeration for the vapor portion to so form a second reflux stream and the C3+ depleted vapor stream. The C3+ depleted vapor stream is then combined with another vapor portion of partially condensed column overhead to produce a lean liquefaction feed stream.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a copper-containing silica glass which emits fluorescence having a peak in a wavelength range of from 520 nm to 580 nm under irradiation of ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less, and which is excellent in long term stability even in the high output use. The copper-containing silica glass is made to have copper of from 5 wtppm to 200 wtppm, which emits fluorescence having a peak in a wavelength range of from 520 nm to 580 nm under irradiation of ultraviolet light with a wavelength ranging from 160 nm to 400 nm, and in which an internal transmittance per 2.5 mm thickness at a wavelength of 530 nm is 95% or more.