Abstract: In an example, a system for harvesting nut and fruit trees includes an electro-mechanical shaker head, a transport mechanism, and a control system. The electro-mechanical shaker head is configured to dislodge fruit or nuts from a target tree using a linear energy system. The transport mechanism is configured to position the electro-mechanical shaker head on the target tree. The control system is communicatively coupled to the shaker head and configured to dynamically control shaker head operation.

Abstract: Multi-station textile machine, in particular two-for-one-twisting or cabling machine, produces a high degree of flexibility with a simple structure by a respective double spindle unit (1) having a centrally arranged carrier (2), with a carrier (2) having a cross-member (20), which extends from one workstation to the other of the double spindle unit (1), supported by means of adjustable feet (26) on the ground, the carrier (2) furthermore having a centrally arranged hollow profile (21), which extends vertically from the cross-member (20), the hollow profile (21) being at least configured to receive a bobbin removal device (31, 33) and for fastening a winding device (3).

Abstract: A yarn feed device for the workstations of twisting or cabling machines wherein the yarn feed device (13) is a component of a retrofittable supplementary assembly set (12).

Abstract: In a multi-strand steel cable, at least three layers are present. An inner layer includes from 1 to 4 wires. An intermediate layer surrounds the inner layer and includes from 3 to 12 wires wound together in a helix at a pitch p2. An outer layer surrounds the intermediate layer and includes from 8 to 20 wires wound together in a helix at a pitch p3. A rubber sheath covers at least the intermediate layer and is formed of a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition that includes at least one diene elastomer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fuel flow within a machine are provided. A plurality of fuel types provided to the machine and a plurality of fuel circuits associated with the machine may be identified, each of the plurality of fuel circuits adapted to be provided with one or more of the plurality of fuel types. A fuel flow parameter for calculating fuel flow may be identified, and a respective fuel flow for each of the one or more fuel types provided to each of the plurality of fuel circuits may be calculated based at least in part on the identified fuel flow parameter. Based at least in part on the calculation of the respective fuel flows, operation of one or more fuel flow control devices providing fuel to the plurality of fuel circuits may be controlled.

Abstract: A support assembly for a turbine system is disclosed. The support assembly includes a transition duct extending between a fuel nozzle and a turbine section. The transition duct has an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet and defining a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and a tangential axis. The outlet of the transition duct is offset from the inlet along the longitudinal axis. The support assembly further includes an annular contact member extending from the transition duct. The contact member is configured to allow movement of the transition duct about at least one axis.

Abstract: A noise reduction assembly located at a junction plane between an air intake structure and a fan casing of an aircraft turbojet has improved acoustic properties since the alternation of acoustic and non-acoustic zones is displaced or eliminated. In particular, the inner wall of the air intake structure includes a projecting part that extends towards the aft direction beyond the junction plane, in other words the flange of the fan casing. The projecting part may be sufficiently long so that its inner skin is continuous as far as the limit between the acoustic zone and the non-acoustic zone of the nacelle.

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a core nacelle housing a spool having a turbine. A turbofan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is coupled to the spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle. A bifurcation supports the core nacelle relative to the fan nacelle and extends radially between the nacelles. The core and fan nacelles provide a bypass flow path receiving bypass flow from the turbofan. In the example, the nacelles provide a fixed nozzle exit area. The bifurcation includes an inlet that is in communication with a passage. The passage is selectively opened and closed by a valve to provide air from the inlet to a vent opening near the nozzle exit area. By opening the valve, the nozzle exit area is effectively increased to provide increased bypass flow through the turbine engine.

Abstract: The control system of the invention includes at least one actuator (6) for a cowling (2), driven by at least one electric motor (7), and a control means (9) for the electric motor (7). The electric motor control means (9) includes a means for determining and/or estimating the outside temperature of the turbojet engine, the electric motor control means being adapted for adjusting the driving torque supplied by the electric motor on the basis of said outer temperature.

Abstract: A detonation chamber and a pulse detonation combustor including a detonation chamber, wherein the detonation chamber includes a plurality of aerodynamic jets disposed adjacent an exterior of a sidewall of the detonation chamber. The detonation chamber further includes a plurality of openings formed in the sidewall of the detonation chamber, wherein each of the plurality of openings is in fluidic communication with one of the plurality of aerodynamic jets. The plurality of aerodynamic jets are adapted to create a plurality of jet flows of a fluid within the detonation chamber during a combustion cycle defining a plurality of initiation obstacles within the detonation chamber to enhance a turbulence of a fluid flow and flame acceleration through the detonation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas particulate treatment system and may include a gas filter and a gas filter performance monitor downstream of the gas filter. The gas filter performance monitor includes a particulate trap operable to collect particulates passing through the gas filter, and a sensing apparatus associated with the gas filter performance monitor that operates to sense particulate collection in the gas filter performance monitor.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: an exhaust gas purification catalyst arranged in an exhaust gas passage of the internal combustion engine; an air/fuel ratio sensor installed on an upstream side of the exhaust gas purification catalyst and detects an air/fuel ratio of an exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine; air/fuel ratio feedback control means that performs feedback control of the air/fuel ratio based on an output of the air/fuel ratio sensor; and sensor output correcting means that corrects a shift in the output of the air/fuel ratio sensor. The sensor output correcting means is configured so as to correct a shift in the output of the air/fuel ratio sensor using a lean shift amount of the air/fuel ratio sensor output in accordance with a quantity and/or a proportion of an aldehyde included in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A reducing agent addition valve is arranged in a position in which at least part of a reducing agent added to an exhaust gas in an exhaust passage at a location upstream of a precatalyst reaches the precatalyst in the state of liquid, and the reducing agent is supplied in a more suitable state to an exhaust gas purification device which is arranged in the exhaust passage at a downstream side of the precatalyst. When the addition of the reducing agent is performed by the reducing agent addition valve, the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the precatalyst is decreased so that at least part of the reducing agent, which has reached the precatalyst and has vaporized in the precatalyst, is caused to flow back.

Abstract: A temperature control system is provided for use with a hybrid engine. The system includes a controller configured to receive a signal representative of a temperature associated with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst configured to receive an exhaust gas stream produced by a hybrid engine. The controller is also configured to transmit a first signal to a generator operably coupled to a battery and the hybrid engine, and transmit a second signal to a heater configured to heat the SCR catalyst, wherein the first and second signals are configured to regulate the temperature associated with the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: A method for inducing the regeneration of a particulate filter associated with an exhaust gas emitting engine while being operated in a vehicle in variable driving conditions. The method includes turning on, for a time period, a heating device in physical contact with the filter subject to the following conditions: i) an average pressure of the exhaust gas at the entrance of the filter is greater than a predetermined value; and ii) an instantaneous pressure of the exhaust gas at the entrance of the filter is at a high improbable value. The time period for such heating device to stay turned on is sufficiently long to reach the particulate ignition temperature and for such instantaneous pressure to get from such high improbable value to a significantly lower value. The average pressure is obtained by averaging a plurality of pressure data sensed at the entrance of the filter.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has an internal combustion engine, a particulate filter disposed in an exhaust-system branch of the internal combustion engine, and an engine control unit designed to control the internal combustion engine in a regeneration phase in such a manner that a temperature is reached in the particulate filter that is required for the regeneration thereof, and to abort an on-going regeneration if at least one operating parameter of the machine that influences the regeneration deviates from a setpoint value. A control device of the machine is provided to predict a time period in which it is likely possible to hold the operating parameter to the setpoint value thereof, and to start regeneration when this time period begins.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve a SOx reduction rate which is a ratio of an amount of SOx reduction with respect to an amount of SOx occlusion in SOx poisoning recovery processing. In the present invention, in the SOx poisoning recovery processing in which the SOx occluded in an NOx storage reduction catalyst is reduced by decreasing the air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas flowing into the NOx storage reduction catalyst to a predetermined air fuel ratio in a repeated manner, the length of a period in which the air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas flowing into the NOx storage reduction catalyst is decreased is made longer in a relatively early time during the processing than in a relatively late time during the processing.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a marine engine comprising liquid-cooled manifold and catalytic converter assemblies. Each assembly uses a separate cooling system to cool either the exhaust manifold or a shell inside which resides the catalytic converter. The housing or shell containing the catalytic converter uses water to cool an exterior surface of a water jacket to an acceptable temperature conforming to federal regulations. The liquid-cooled manifold assembly may use either water or glycol to cool outer cooling tubes surrounding exhaust tubes extending from the engine block to the catalytic converter assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust gas routing device for an internal-combustion engine having a thermoelectric generator is fluidically connected with an exhaust gas line and a pipe guiding a coolant. The generator has a plurality of thermoelectric yoke pairs which are arranged between a first surface heated by the exhaust gas and a second surface cooled by the coolant. The exhaust gas routing device has a device guiding the exhaust gas along the first surface at a flow velocity that increases in the flow direction of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust insert for use with an internal combustion engine transfers heat from exhaust gases to a liquid-cooled exhaust manifold. One end of the exhaust insert extends into the exhaust port of a cylinder head, and the other end of the exhaust insert extends into an exhaust manifold. Exhaust gases are received from the cylinder head by the exhaust manifold through the exhaust insert. The exhaust insert is in contact with a surface of the exhaust manifold so as to transfer heat from the exhaust gases away from the cylinder head to the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold including a manifold body made of a first material and at least one heat shield insert provided inside the manifold body and made of a second material. The first material is a low cost material and the second material is a higher grade, temperature-resistant material. The manifold body includes a plurality of runners, collector and an outlet. The shield insert is preferably provided in the collector region adjacent to the outlet. The heat shield insert may have a curved sheet configuration or a tubular configuration depending on applications. The heat shield properly insulates the manifold body from the exhaust gas to protect the manifold body. The exhaust manifold, which is made from a combination of different materials, provides a more cost-effective solution in high temperature applications.

Abstract: There is provided an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an output measurement unit is abnormal, in order to determine abnormality of the output measurement unit. When the output measurement unit is abnormal, the operation of an elastic actuator is controlled not in accordance with a measurement result of the output measurement unit but in accordance with an internal state model.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a piston/rod assembly comprising a piston and a housing. The piston is translatable within the housing. The housing comprises a housing power side and a housing filler side. The housing power side comprises a housing power side intake/exhaust tap. The housing filler side comprises a housing filler side intake/exhaust tap. The apparatus also includes a flow rectifier comprising a flow rectifier power side and a flow rectifier filler side. The flow rectifier power side comprises a flow rectifier power side intake/exhaust tap communicating with the housing power side intake/exhaust tap. The flow rectifier filler side intake/exhaust tap communicates with the housing tiller side intake/exhaust tap.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wave actuated devices for converting wave energy from waves passing through water into mechanical work, the wave actuated devices including primary buoys floating in the water and configured to rise and fall with the waves as they pass through the water between lower position and upper positions, carriages coupled to the primary buoy by a linkage and moving between first and second positions, carriage magnetically interactive materials mounted to the carriages, a support structure extending from a support surface and including a pivot spaced from the support surface, and an arm pivotally supported on the pivot and extending from the pivot to a first end proximate the carriage magnetically interactive material. Some examples of wave actuated devices implement buoy force to return the system to a state of potential energy as a wave triggers the device.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprising a drive shaft, a first cylinder kinematically connected to the drive shaft, a second cylinder kinematically connected to the drive shaft, and a thermodynamic circuit fluidly connected to both the cylinders, and having at least an expansion chamber and a compression chamber for a heat-carrying fluid, in order to determine the cyclic movement of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The first cylinder is mounted on a first support frame and the second cylinder is mounted on a second support frame, distinct from and constrained in a mobile manner to the first support frame. Movement means are mechanically connected to the first support frame and/or the second support frame, in order to determine the desired relative movement of the first support frame and the second support frame and to vary the reciprocal kinematic connection phasing of the two cylinders with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A control unit of a hydraulic brake apparatus for a vehicle including a housing, a switching control valve, pressure increase control valves, pressure decrease control valves, a reservoir, a pump driven by a motor, a first passage, a second passage, an inner bore and a passage forming member being liquid-tightly fitted into the inner bore in order to form an extended ring-shaped passage, wherein the extended ring-shaped passage forms a part of the first passage, and the switching control valve, the pressure increase control valves and the outlet valve are connected to the extended ring-shaped passage, and a part of the second passage is formed within the passage forming member, and end portions of the part of the second passage are connected to the switching control valve and the switching valve.

Abstract: A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure and an intake assembly. The engine structure defines a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a first intake port in communication with the first cylinder, and a second intake port in communication with the second cylinder. The intake assembly includes a first throttle valve, a second throttle valve and a boost mechanism. The first throttle valve is in communication with the first and second intake ports. The second throttle valve is in communication with an air source and the first throttle valve and located in a series flow arrangement between the air source and the first throttle valve. The boost mechanism is in communication with the air source and the first throttle valve and located in a series flow arrangement between the air source and the first throttle valve.

Abstract: A single closed loop direct exchange geothermal power production system that utilizes a refrigerant working fluid in at least one of three primary designs to generate electrical power from deep wells: with a first version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on refrigerant vapor pressure; with a second version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on liquid refrigerant gravitational pressure; and with a third version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on both liquid refrigerant gravitational pressure and refrigerant phase change/expansion from a liquid to a vapor state.

Abstract: Ammonia sometimes present in geothermal steam increases the solubility of hydrogen sulfide in the steam condensate produced by the surface condenser in a steam cycle geothermal power generating unit by reacting with the hydrogen sulfide to produce nonvolatile ammonium bisulfide. The condenser vent gas also produced contains carbon dioxide. Contacting the steam condensate with the condenser vent gas at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric causes carbon dioxide to dissolve in the condensate, decreasing pH and converting bisulfide ion back to hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently exposing the acidified condensate to condenser vacuum strips the hydrogen sulfide from the condensate, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment of the condensate to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide partitioning performance is further improved by converting the hydrogen sulfide in the vent gas to sulfur dioxide before contacting it with the condensate.

Abstract: The present invention is a solar panel that generates electricity and extracts heat. A set of such panels may be assembled into a blind. The blind may have a frame that can be retrofit on an existing window. Fluid in the panel is heated by incoming solar radiation, causing it to move, constrained by a one-way valve, in one direction. A Tesla Valve may be used as the one-way valve. The moving fluid may pass through a generator, generating electricity. Heat may be extracted from the fluid by a heat exchanger. The heat may be used to heat a building.

Abstract: A turbine system includes a valve coupled to a leak off line from a leak packing of a first turbine, the valve controlling a first steam flow used to maintain a constant self-sustaining sealing pressure to a second turbine across numerous loading conditions. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a waste heat recovery system. The waste heat recovery system may include a first organic rankine cycle system, a second organic rankine cycle system, and one or more preheaters. The preheaters may be one or more charge air coolers. The charge air coolers may be in communication with the first organic rankine cycle system, the second organic rankine cycle system, or both the first organic rankine cycle system and the second rankine cycle system.

Abstract: An active combustion control device provides modulated fuel flow to the combustor of a turbine engine to mitigate combustion instability. The device includes a valve unit and an electronic valve driver controlling translation and rotation components in the valve unit that drive a metering member having a modulating end. The axial position and rotation of the end geometries relative to static flow ports inside the valve unit modulate the fuel flowing from the valve unit to the combustor atomizer. The amplitude and frequency of the modulated fuel flow match that of the instable combustor fuel flow and the phase is offset by 180 degrees so that the resultant fuel flow is at or near a stable state.

Abstract: A method for controlling a gas turbine combustion system includes supplying an ultra low calorific fuel to a combustor of the combustion system through a first fuel circuit, controlling a supply of the ultra low calorific fuel through a second fuel circuit as required to control the volumetric flow of the ultra low calorific fuel through the combustor, and combusting the ultra low calorific fuel in the combustor.

Abstract: A wall element of a gas turbine engine having an inner hot surface, and an outer cooler surface, during use. A plurality of projections is provided on the outer surface to facilitate heat transfer to a coolant flow during use. The projections are arranged in a first density pattern and in a second higher density pattern for increased cooling. The second higher density pattern is positioned adjacent a hotter region of the tile than the first density pattern to reduce the thermal gradient throughout the wall element.

Abstract: A system for operating a gas turbine includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The combustor and turbine define a hot gas path. A sensor disposed outside the hot gas path measures internal thermal emissions from the combustor or turbine and generates a first signal reflective of the internal thermal emissions. The internal thermal emissions are infrared or ultraviolet emissions. A controller connected to the sensor receives the first signal and adjusts the compressor, combustor, or turbine in response to the first signal from the sensor. A method for operating a gas turbine includes measuring internal thermal emissions from inside a combustor or turbine using a sensor disposed outside the hot gas path. The method further includes generating a first signal reflective of the internal thermal emissions and adjusting the operation of the compressor, combustor, or turbine in response to the first signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly includes a rotor shaft having a threaded portion, a rotor stack support positioned radially outward from the rotor shaft, and a locking nut. The locking nut includes a body portion, a threaded portion located on a radially inner surface of the body portion, and a lug portion extending from the body portion. The rotor stack support radially rests upon the body portion of the locking nut, and the rotor stack support axially rests against the lug portion of the locking nut. The threaded portion of the locking nut and the threaded portion of the rotor shaft are engaged together.

Abstract: A flexible cooling loop for providing a thermal path between a heat source and a heat sink includes a plurality of mechanically rigid tubing sections configured for being in thermal contact with the heat source and the heat sink. The cooling loop further includes a plurality if mechanically flexible tubing sections configured for connecting the mechanically rigid tubing sections to form the loop. The loop is configured for containing a liquid. The liquid is configured for being circulated within the loop for promoting transfer of thermal energy from the heat source to the heat sink via the loop.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank comprises a partition that divides a cryogen space into a main storage space and an auxiliary space. A valve disposed inside the cryogen space is associated with a first fluid passage through the partition. The valve comprises a valve member that is actuatable by fluid forces within the cryogen space. A second fluid passage through the partition comprises a restricted flow area that is dimensioned to have a cross-sectional flow area that is smaller than that of a fill conduit such that there is a detectable increase in back-pressure when the main storage space is filled with liquefied gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryostat having a service neck for access to a superconducting magnet. In many cryogenic applications components, e.g. superconducting coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superconducting transformers, generators, electronics, are cooled by keeping them in contact with a volume of liquefied, the whole cryogenic assembly being known as a cryostat. In order to operate a superconducting magnet, it must be kept at a temperature below its superconducting transition temperature. A cryostat must provide access to the vessel containing the liquefied helium for the initial cooling of the magnet to its low operating temperature, for periodic refilling of systems where there is a loss of helium, and provide sufficient access whereby to enable operation and maintenance of the magnet.

Abstract: A turret subassembly for use as part of a cryostat, the turret subassembly comprising a vent tube (32) housing an auxiliary vent (40); a refrigerator sock (34) for housing a refrigerator; a termination box (30) linking the vent tube and the refrigerator sock, and having an opening (52) in one wall (54); and means (38) for attachment of the turret subassembly to a cryogen vessel (12).

Abstract: A closed space forming unit (41-48) forms a closed space (37, 38) around an adsorption member (51, 52) supporting thereon an adsorbent for desorbing and adsorbing moisture. An active species generating unit (101, 102) supplies active species, for decomposing odorous components, into the closed space (37, 38).

Abstract: A heat transfer arrangement (100) comprises a refrigerant circuit (102), which refrigerant circuit (102) comprises an evaporator (104) adapted to be arranged inside an electronic component housing (112), a condenser (108) adapted to be arranged outside the electronic component housing (112), a first conduit (106) and a second conduit (110). A refrigerant is present in the refrigerant circuit (102) and in use is arranged to self-circulate by evaporating in the evaporator (104), rising as a gas through the first conduit (106), condensing in the condenser (108) and flowing through the second conduit (110) to the evaporator (104). The heat transfer arrangement (100) further comprises a reservoir (124) for liquid refrigerant connected to the refrigerant circuit (102).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to extract water moisture from the atmosphere, highly purify and condition the extracted water, and provide beverages for human consumption. In one embodiment, the device collects water-vapor condensation from filtered intake air, and then subjects the condensate to a series of purification filters and to a sterilization process in order to produce drinking water. The system may then use the water produced to provide carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, coffee drinks, or ice. The system may also play music and charge a portable electronic device. The disclosed system may incorporate the variations in different combinations.

Abstract: A vapor-compression air conditioning system comprising a blower positioned in a return air flow path from a conditioned space, a reheat heat exchanger positioned in the return air flow path and downstream from the blower, a system reversing valve fluidly coupled to the reheat heat exchanger, and a refrigerant flow sequencer interposed the system reversing valve and the reheat heat exchanger. A method of manufacturing an air conditioning system is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to control and operate a compressor to have two or more discrete output capacities in response to an outdoor temperature measurement. During operation of the compressor in an air conditioning or cooling mode, the compressor has a first output capacity in response to the outdoor temperature being greater than a first temperature setpoint and the compressor has a second output capacity in response to the outdoor temperature being less than a second temperature setpoint. During operation of the compressor in a heating mode, the compressor has different output capacities based on the outdoor ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method of constructing modular air conditioning systems for vehicles includes providing identical universal base units that can be built out into a variety of different types of air conditioning systems. Each base unit includes a frame, a condenser, an evaporator coil, and a blower, and has open-circuit refrigerant connection lines so as to be non-operational without a completion kit. Completion kits are provided in a variety of configurations, including at least two of a simple connection kit, a front box kit, and a compressor kit, each of which is connectable with a universal base unit to form a unique type of air conditioning system.

Abstract: A system, configured to be disposed in a information technology equipment rack for providing ice thermal storage, includes a tank configured to hold water, a heat exchanger disposed in water in the tank and configured to convey a two-phase liquid and vapor refrigerant and to transfer heat between the water and the refrigerant, a first valve connected to a liquid and a vapor refrigerant line and configured to selectively connect the liquid refrigerant line to a first port and the vapor refrigerant line to a second port in a first mode and to connect the liquid refrigerant line to the second port and the vapor refrigerant line to the first port in a second mode, a thermostatic expansion valve connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger, and a liquid/vapor pump connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and to the second port of the first valve.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a first usage unit operable to perform a hot-water supply operation to heat an aqueous medium and a second usage unit operable to perform air-cooling and air-warming operations to cool or heat an air medium. The first and second usage units are both connected to a heat source unit in such a manner that the first and second usage units are incapable of individually selecting and performing a hot-water supply operation, an air-cooling operation, or an air-warming operation. The heat pump system is capable of switching operation to a thermoregulation mode different from the switched state of a heat-source-side switching mechanism in response to a thermoregulation mode command issued by a first usage-side controller, a second usage side controller or a centralized controller.