Abstract: A system and related methods of enhanced distribution of pharmaceuticals in long-term care facilities are provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, one or more items are arranged. The one or more items are then measured using a measurement device. The measurement device includes, in some aspects, a bracket that engages the arranged one or more items. The bracket may, in some embodiments, elevate a measurement component relative to the arranged one or more items so as to provide clear line of sight unobstructed by the arranged one or more items. Measurements in three dimensions may be obtained and used to create a custom, on-demand package.

Abstract: The reliability of backwashing valves constituted of first backwashing valves and second backwashing valves is ensured. A first backwashing valve (backwashing-gas rear valve) (7) that controls gas for backwashing and a second backwashing valve (backwashing-gas front valve) (6) that operates at slower speed than the first backwashing valve (7) are disposed, in a series including two or more thereof, at backwashing-gas introducing pipes individually provided for each of the filter blocks.

Abstract: A dust separator includes: a partitioner mounted in a shell and including an upper cup part; and a multi-cone unit supported on the upper cup part and including a plurality of cones, each of which has an upper end portion formed with a tangent channel-forming notch and having a circumferentially-extending segment and a tangentially-extending segment. The circumferentially-extending segment has an end face disposed at one side of the tangent channel-forming notch. The tangentially-extending segment has an inner face that confines the other side of the tangent channel-forming notch. The tangentially-extending segment of each of the cones sidewisely joins an end section of the circumferentially-extending segment of an adjacent one of the cones.

Abstract: There is provided a filter device for gas including: a cylindrical filter case formed to be airtight; a hollow filter which is formed with an opening in a bottom part thereof, a top part of which is obstructed, and which is placed inside the filter case in such a manner that a central axis thereof substantially aligns with a central axis of the filter case; and a flow controlling plate which is attached roundly between an outlet in the top part of the filter case and the top part of the hollow filter on an inner peripheral wall of the filter case, wherein gas introduced through an inlet in a bottom part of the filter case is introduced into a hollow part of the hollow filter, and also passes through a space between an outer periphery of the hollow filter and the inner peripheral wall of the filter case, and then is discharged through the outlet.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator has a housing having an inlet for receiving a gas-liquid stream and an outlet for discharging a gas stream. A nozzle structure in the housing has a plurality of nozzles that receive the gas-liquid stream and accelerate the gas-liquid stream therethrough to create a plurality of gas-liquid jets. An inertial collector in the housing causes a sharp directional change of the gas-liquid jets, causing separation of liquid particles from the gas-liquid stream to produce the gas stream. The inertial collector has a porous collection substrate. According to the present disclosure, at least one of the following three conditions is met: (a) the porous collection substrate comprises fibers of small diameter and has low packing density: (b) the porous collection substrate comprises oleophobic fibers; and (c) the nozzle structure and the inertial collector are configured to allow for full expansion of the plurality of gas-liquid jets.

Abstract: A filter arrangement has a filter receptacle and a round filter element arranged in the filter receptacle. The filter receptacle has a substantially cylindrical housing part with a cylindrical wall. An inflow opening is arranged in the cylindrical wall. An inflow socket is connected to the inflow opening and adapted to couple a fluid supply line. An axial outflow opening is connected to the cylindrical housing part. The inflow socket has a flow cross-section that widens in a flow direction into an interior of the cylindrical housing part.

Abstract: A plugged honeycomb structure including a honeycomb structure body, outflow side plugged portions, and inflow side plugged portions. A shape of cells in a cross section is a hexagonal shape. Among six corner portions of each of the hexagonal cells, the corner portion between two partition walls at least one of which is the partition wall separating inflow cells or outflow cells from each other is a specific corner portion, and the corner portion between the two partition walls each of which is the partition wall separating the inflow cell and the outflow cell is an unspecific corner portion. At least one of the specific corner portions is provided with a reinforcing portion so that a shape of the specific corner portion is rounded, and the unspecific corner portions are not provided with the reinforcing portions.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine includes an intake assembly configured to pick up crop from a field and conveying the crop, a processing assembly for receiving the conveyed by the intake assembly, means for estimating the crop throughput of the intake assembly and a ground drive. The forward speed (V) of the ground drive and a drive speed (C) of the intake assembly can vary depending on the crop throughput.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower includes left and right wheels, at least one caster wheel, a lawnmower blade or reel, and a control section. The left and right wheels are independently driven by electric rotary machines to travel. The lawnmower blade or reel is driven for mowing. The control section, in response to turn instruction input by a turn operator, controls the left and right wheels according to preset standard setting conditions, or according to deceleration setting conditions which differ from the standard setting conditions, under which at least one of a vehicle movement speed and vehicle turning speed is decelerated more than under standard setting conditions. The riding lawnmower includes a section designating either standard setting conditions or deceleration setting conditions. In a riding lawnmower, left and right wheels are caused to turn around a turn center position corresponding to a turn instruction according to designated setting conditions.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes wheels and a mower unit that are driven by power from an engine, and a mower driving detecting section for detecting power transmission condition to the mower unit. An isochronous controlling section controls the engine in an isochronous control mode for maintaining an engine rotational speed at a predetermined fixed value, independently of an engine load. A droop controlling section controls the engine in a droop control mode for varying the engine rotational speed in dependence on the engine load. If power is transmitted to the mower unit, the isochronous control mode is selected.

Abstract: The invention provides a hitch-mounted side mower attachment including an integral hydraulic system and adjustable angle mower deck for a tractor to facilitate mowing angled ground terrain, such as the side of hills, ditches, and/or other declining and/or inclining embankments not easily reached by conventional mowers.

Abstract: A two-stage harvesting system including a first stage harvesting apparatus and a second stage harvesting apparatus. The first stage harvesting apparatus takes a first crop portion from an agricultural crop leaving a second crop portion in a field. The second stage harvesting apparatus takes the second crop portion. The first stage harvesting apparatus and the second stage harvesting apparatus are connected together.

Abstract: A row unit for a cotton harvester is disclosed. The cotton harvester is adapted for forward movement through a field to harvest cotton planted in rows in the field. The row unit includes a unit housing defining a row receiving area and a cotton exiting area. A moistener column door is pivotally coupled to the unit housing. A compression structure is coupled to the unit housing and configured to exert a pre-load on the moistener column door, placing the moistener column door in a closed position. The compression structure is configured to yield to a cotton plug pressure that exceeds the pre-load, which pivots the moistener column door to an open position. When the pre-load exceeds the cotton plug pressure, the compression structure is configured to return the moistener column door to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment device (2) for harvesting stalky stem material (6), comprising: stem dividers (4); cutting devices (8) for cutting off the stalky stem material (6); conveying devices (10) for conveying the cut stalky stem material (6) away; a number of picking units (12) distributed over the working width of the attachment device (2) for separating crops from the stalks, each picking unit having at least one picking roller (14) and a picking gap (16) associated with the picking roller (14); a milling device (18) associated with each picking unit (12) for the stalks; and a device (20) for collecting and bringing together removed crops.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is co-extruded to form a constant cross-sectional shape along the full length and to define a first portion of a stiffer plastics material attached to the cutter bar and a second blade portion of a more flexible plastics material which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.

Abstract: A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending forwardly in front of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the side of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a rear discharge and a bagging attachment. The rear discharge may be disposed at a rear of the riding lawn care vehicle. The bagging attachment may be configured to attach to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle to receive debris discharged via the rear discharge. The bagging attachment may include an adjustable member that is accessible by an operator external to the bagging attachment to enable adjustment of a pivot point of the bagging attachment relative to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rectangular base plate having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper surface, and having a set of teeth extending horizontally from the forward end of the plate. The teeth rake debris from lawn onto the upper surface of the plate. A handle having a U-shaped yoke is pivotally attached at the sides of the forward end of the plate and extend upwardly from the plate, forming an opening for receiving the debris that is raked onto the plate. A flexible collection bag having an open front end and an enclosed rear end is positioned on the plate. The front end of the bag is secured around the opening formed by the plate and the yoke of the handle, for collecting the debris that is received through the opening.

Abstract: An industrial gas turbine engine (10), including: a can annular combustion assembly (80), having a plurality of discrete flow ducts configured to receive combustion gas from respective combustors (82) and deliver the combustion gas along a straight flow path at a speed and orientation appropriate for delivery directly onto the first row (56) of turbine blades (62); and a compressor diffuser (32) having a redirecting surface (130, 140) configured to receive an axial flow of compressed air and redirect the axial flow of compressed air radially outward.

Abstract: An industrial gas turbine engine (10) rated for at least 75 MW maximum output, including: a can annular combustion assembly (80); and a single rotor shaft (114); wherein a combustion section length (112) between a trailing edge (28) of a last row of compressor airfoils (20, 22) and a leading edge (54) of first row of turbine blades (56) is less than 20% of an engine length (154) between a leading edge (26) of a first row of compressor airfoils and a trailing edge (66) of a last row of turbine airfoils (60, 62).

Abstract: Disclosed is a power generation system and method. The system includes a combustor, and a turbine driven by products of the combustor. The turbine includes at least one disk supporting a plurality of airfoils, and the airfoils each have an internal passage formed therein. The system further includes a passage for routing a coolant within the system. A portion of the passage is provided by the internal passages of the airfoils, and another portion of the passage is provided between the airfoils and the combustor. The system also includes a generator driven by the turbine to generate electric power.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a turbine portion having a housing enclosing one or more turbine stages. Each of the one or more turbine stages includes a plurality of turbine buckets. The plurality of turbine buckets include an upstream portion and a downstream portion. A first sensor is mounted in the turbine portion at the upstream portion of plurality of turbine buckets and a second sensor is mounted in the turbine portion at the downstream portion of the plurality of turbine buckets. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The controller is configured and disposed to detect a change in flow between the upstream portion and the downstream portion and signal an alarm if the change in flow falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The exhaust system is located on each nacelle of a tiltrotor aircraft. The exhaust system includes a vector nozzle that is selectively rotatable in relation to each nacelle in order to achieve certain performance objectives. The vector nozzle can be oriented to provide maximum flight performance, reduce infrared (IR) signature, or even to reduce/prevent ground heating.

Abstract: Supersonic Magnetic Advanced Generation Jet Electric Turbine (S-MAGJET) described herein, and a subsonic derivative, MAGJET, integrate a gas power turbine, superconducting electric power and propulsion generation, and magnetic power flux field systems along with an ion plasma annular injection combustor which utilizes alternative petroleum-based fuel and combustion cycles to create a hybrid turbine turbomachine for aerospace propulsion. The propulsion unit is able to achieve a dramatic increase in horsepower, combustion and propulsion efficiency, and weight reduction. In addition, the turbomachinery structures may be disposed within an exoskeleton architecture that achieves an increase in thrust to weight ratio with a concomitant increase in fuel efficiency and power generation. The engine continuously adjusts the temperature, pressure and mass airflow requirements using an electromagnetic power management system architecture.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system is disclosed that can diagnose the performance of an exhaust treatment oxidation catalyst in converting NO to NO2. The exhaust treatment system is fluidly coupled to an internal combustion engine, and includes an oxidation catalyst disposed in an engine exhaust stream; a reductant source for injecting a reductant into the exhaust stream downstream of the oxidation catalyst; an SCR catalyst disposed in the exhaust stream downstream of the reductant source; and a gas sensor, disposed in the exhaust stream downstream of the oxidation catalyst and upstream of the reductant source, comprising a plurality of sensing or pumping cells that measures NO concentration in the exhaust gas and NO2 concentration in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle internal combustion engine with an exhaust system branch in which a wall-flow exhaust particle filter is arranged. An amount of ash and an amount of soot accumulated in the exhaust particle filter are continuously determined. An ash increase value characterizing an increase in the amount of ash is determined and if pre-set conditions are present, the operation of the internal combustion engine is changed over to a special operating mode for performing an ash detachment and transportation operation, in which operating variables of the internal combustion engine are set such that, on the exhaust entry side in the exhaust particle filter, a pre-settable minimum exhaust flow speed results at which detachment of ash attached to the channel walls of the exhaust particle filter and transportation of detached ash in the direction of the respective inlet channel end is made possible.

Abstract: A vehicle system operation method is provided. The method comprises, during a first operating condition, increasing back pressure in a first exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a turbine and downstream of a first emission control device and during a second operating condition, reducing back pressure in the first exhaust conduit and flowing boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a second exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a second emission control device and downstream of the turbine.

Abstract: Method for the regeneration of a carbon particulate filter 5 in a combustion engine arrangement 1 with a combustion engine 2 and an exhaust-gas aftertreatment device 3, wherein the combustion engine arrangement 1 is switched to a heating operation for increasing the exhaust-gas temperature, which is suitable, to heat the exhaust-gas to a carbon particulate ignition temperature. By means of the operation conditions of the combustion engine arrangement 1, the necessary energy input per carbon particulate mass (specific energy input) is determined and monitored for the regeneration. When falling below a threshold value for the specific energy input, the heating operation for the regeneration of the carbon particulate filter 5 is started.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses methods and systems for decontaminating polluted gas using heated volcanic rock.

Abstract: A deterioration diagnosis device for an oxidation catalyst includes: a multi-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage downstream of an oxidation catalyst, the multi-gas sensor including a NO2 sensor unit and a NOX sensor unit, the NO2 sensor unit directly detecting a NO2 concentration in exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst, and the NOX sensor unit directly detecting a NOX concentration in the exhaust gas; an NO concentration calculation unit configured to calculate an NO concentration in the exhaust gas after passing through the oxidation catalyst based on the NO2 concentration and the NOX concentration; and a deterioration judgment unit configured to determine a deterioration degree of the oxidation catalyst from an evaluation value based on the NO concentration calculated by the NO concentration calculation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cycle piston engine power system in which a compression ignition or spark ignition reciprocating piston engine is made non-emissive via a semi-closed cycle, in a manner which produces saleable CO2 product at pressure. The cycle piston engine power system can includes, among other elements, a piston engine for generating power and exhaust gas; a water cooling and separation unit which receives the exhaust gas and cools and removes water from the exhaust gas to create CO2 gas supply; a mixing pressure vessel which receives at least a portion of the CO2 gas supply from the water cooling and separation unit and mixes the CO2 gas supply with oxygen to create a working fluid to be provided to the piston engine; and an oxygen generator for providing oxygen to the mixing pressure vessel.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided and includes an exhaust gas conduit, a generator, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, 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 generator operates at a generator speed to produce electrical power. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The EHC device includes a monolith structure that is divided into a plurality of segments that define discrete resistive paths. The resistive paths are selectively connected to the generator for receiving electrical power. The control module is in communication with the EHC device, the generator, and the internal combustion engine. The control module includes control logic for determining the generator speed.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus with a flow sensing means for delivering a first fluid into a second fluid. In a fluid delivery apparatus using a common rail method, which produces a pulsated flow, the flow sensing means generates sensing signals indicative of the flow rate and the temperature of the second fluid, the delivery rate of the first fluid, and the evaporating rate of the first fluid, while in a fluid delivery apparatus using a pump metering method, the flow sensing means is able to provide a sensing signal indicative of the delivery rate of the first fluid. The sensing signals can be used in a feedback control for controlling delivery rate, in limiting delivery rate according to the evaporation capability of the first fluid, and in a diagnostic system detecting failures and abnormalities in the fluid delivery apparatus.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification control device for an internal combustion engine is provided with: a detection unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio or rich/lean state of exhaust gas that flows out of a first catalyst disposed at upstream side; estimating unit for estimating the oxygen adsorption amount on the first catalyst and a second catalyst; and an enrichment control unit for enriching or set the degree of richness temporarily by varying the degree of richness of injected fuel when the amount of the oxygen adsorption on the first catalyst and the second catalyst is estimated to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The enrichment control unit sets the degree of richness of the injected fuel to a first degree of richness that is greater than stoichiometry from the start of the enrichment process, and maintains the first degree of richness even after the output of the detection unit has reached a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or rich/lean value.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems that use a variable displacement motor-pump (VDMP) to control the position of a hose of an aerial refueling system are disclosed. At VDMP displacements greater than required to hold a position of the hose, the VDMP operates in a motor mode to retract the hose. For lesser VDMP displacements, the VDMP operates in a pump mode to control extension of the hose. In accordance with some embodiments, a dual orifice conveys hydraulic fluid at varying rates depending upon the VDMP operational mode.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an implement movable to perform an excavation cycle having a plurality of segments, a variable displacement motor configured to swing the implement at a desired speed during the excavation cycle, and a pump configured to pressurize fluid directed to drive the motor. The system further includes an accumulator configured to selectively receive fluid discharged from the motor via a charge valve, and to discharge fluid to the motor via a discharge valve. The system includes a selector valve fluidly connected to the charge valve and the discharge valve. The system also includes a controller configured to vary displacement of the motor, resulting in the desired speed.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system including a hydraulic power system for a hybrid powered vehicle which includes a transmission, and a combustion engine and an electric motor both mechanically coupled to the transmission to provide engine and/or motor drive power for the vehicle. A plurality of hydraulic circuits communicate with an electrically driven hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is configured to provide fluid circulation to the plurality of hydraulic circuits. The hydraulic circuits are each connected to the transmission and other corresponding vehicle components. An electrical power supply is configured to power the electrically driven hydraulic pump, and the electrical power supply is electrically communicating with a rechargeable high voltage (HV) battery system. The electrically driven hydraulic pump communicates with the plurality of hydraulic circuits to provide fluid pressure in the hydraulic circuits.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, an actuator, and a control valve configured to direct fluid from the pump to the actuator and from the actuator to the tank to move the actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a main relief valve movable away from a closed position to pass pressurized fluid to the tank when a pressure of the fluid directed to the actuator exceeds a first threshold pressure, and a controller in communication with the pump. The controller may be configured to selectively reduce a displacement of the pump after the main relief valve has moved away from the closed position when the pressure of the fluid directed to the actuator exceeds a second threshold pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have an input device to generate a first signal indicative of a desired swing motor movement, and a control valve configured to selectively pass fluid to the swing motor and drain from the swing motor to drive the swing motor based on the first signal. The hydraulic control system may also have a pressure sensor to generate a second signal indicative of a swing motor pressure, a speed sensor configured to a third signal indicative of a swing motor speed, and a controller configured to make a comparison of at least one of the swing motor speed and the swing motor pressure with a threshold speed and a threshold pressure, and open the control valve to drain fluid from the swing motor to the tank based on the comparison when the input device is in a neutral condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, a swing motor, and at least one control. The hydraulic control system may further have an accumulator configured to receive fluid from and supply fluid to the swing motor, a charge valve movable to allow fluid flow from the swing motor into the accumulator, and a discharge valve movable to allow fluid flow from the accumulator to the swing motor. The hydraulic control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the at least one control valve, the charge valve, and the discharge valve. The controller may be configured to detect an acceleration of the swing motor, selectively cause the discharge valve to assist the acceleration, and selectively move the charge valve to an open position to recover energy associated with pressure spikes occurring during the acceleration.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use in a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a work tool, a motor configured to swing the work tool, a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, and a control valve operable to control fluid flow from the pump to the motor and from the motor to the tank via first and second chamber passages to affect motion of the motor. The hydraulic control system may also have an accumulator, and an accumulator circuit configured to selectively direct fluid discharged from the motor to the accumulator for storage and to direct stored fluid from the accumulator to the motor to assist the motor. The hydraulic control system may further have a selector valve configured to selectively connect a higher pressure one of the first and second chamber passages with the accumulator, and a single pressure relief valve disposed within the accumulator circuit and configured to relief pressure from opposing sides of the motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, a swing motor, and at least one control valve configured to control fluid flow between the pump, the swing motor, and the tank. The hydraulic system may also have an accumulator configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid discharged from the swing motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the swing motor, at least one accumulator valve, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive input indicative of a difference between desired and actual speeds of the swing motor, and determine if the swing motor is accelerating or decelerating based on the difference. The controller may also be configured to control the at least one accumulator valve to cause the accumulator to selectively receive or supply pressurized fluid only when the swing motor is accelerating or decelerating.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, an actuator, and a control valve configured to direct fluid from the pump to the actuator and from the actuator to the tank. The hydraulic control system may also have a pressure sensor to generate a first signal indicative of a pressure differential across the control valve, an operator input device to generate a second signal indicative of a desired movement of the actuator, and a controller. The controller may be configured to make a first determination of an opening amount of the control valve based on the second signal, and to make a second determination based on the first signal of whether the opening amount will result in overspeeding of the actuator. The controller may also be configured to reduce the opening amount based on the second determination.

Abstract: A lock valve switching section switches a lock valve from a locked state to a released state when a lock member is switched from a locked position to a release position. An erroneous operation monitoring section maintains the lock valve in the released state when the pilot pressure is equal to or more than a predetermined pressure when elapsed time, which is from a point in time where the lock member is switched from the locked position to the release position, is equal to or more than the predetermined time. The erroneous operation monitoring section switches the lock valve to the locked state when the pilot pressure is equal to or more than the predetermined pressure when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time.

Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air.

Abstract: A pumped storage power plant for a temporary reversible storage of energy, such as the energy available from wind power stations and/or photovoltaic systems that is fluctuating over time. The pumped storage power plant is designed as an underwater pumped storage power plant, wherein the ocean assumes the function of an upper storage basin and a pressure tank placed on the ocean floor serves as a lower storage basin. The storage of the electric energy takes place through pumping water out of the inside of the pressure tank against the hydrostatic water pressure on the ocean floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electropneumatic position controller having a controllable valve group (9, 10, 13) arranged in the position controller and having at least one valve (9, 10), by means of which in normal operation either compressed air supplied by means of a compressed air supply line (6) can be fed to an exhaust connection (8) or air fed by means of the exhaust connection (8) can be discharged to the outside, depending on the actuation of the valve group. In order for the valve group to be brought in a safe position, even in the event of a leak in one of the components thereof, said group is arranged in a gas-tight housing (14) within the position controller and means (15) are provided for monitoring the pressure in the housing (14) and for actuating the valve group (9, 10, 13) such that if the pressure in the housing (14) exceeds a predefined threshold value, said group is brought in the predefined safe position.