Abstract: An agricultural system including: at least one seed; a growing media in communication with the one seed; a biodegradable outer retainer surrounding a portion of the one seed and the growing media, and; at least one growing media additive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grain germinating system comprising a temperature controlling device, an incubation device, a drying device and a monitoring device. The temperature controlling device comprises a heat pump module, an air conditioning module and a piping module. The heat pump module can output a high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid. The temperature of a culture medium of a grain is adjusted by the incubation device. The incubated grain is dried by the drying device. The air conditioning module is for a plant building. The piping module is connected with the heat pump module, and is provided for the high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid to flow. The incubation device and the drying device are heated by the high temperature heat exchanging liquid. The drying device is cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging liquid provided for the air condition of the plant building to use.

Abstract: A power-saving flowerpots capable of serial connecting with other flowerpot includes a planting tank having a horizontal plane and an inclined plane at an upper side thereof for planting; a water tank connected to a lower side of the planting tank; the connection of the planting tank and the water tank being formed as an L shape; an interior of the water tank being formed with a water draining channel; an upper side of the water draining channel being formed with a communication hole so that when the water level in the water tank is over a lower edge of the communication hole; water will flow into the communication hole from the water tank. A plurality of flowerpot can be installed as a first row by a retaining rod to pass through all hooks of the flowerpots; and the water tubes of the flowerpot are connected one by one.

Abstract: A door assembly that includes a single glass unit having at least first, second and third panels, a front surface, a rear surface, and an outside edge. At least one of the first, second or third panels is a transparent LCD panel on which media can be displayed. The single glass unit also includes a frame that at least partially surrounds the outside edge of the single glass unit, and electronic components in electrical communication with the LCD panel.

Abstract: An awning window unit which includes a fixed frame (2); a movable frame (3) connected to the fixed frame by a pair of hinged members (4, 5) joined to respective members of the fixed frame and of the movable frame so as to allow the movable frame to move between a closed position, where the fixed and movable frames are in contact with each other, and an open position, where at least one lower rail (3c) of the movable frame is at a certain distance from the fixed frame towards the outside of the room where the window unit (1) is installed, and vice versa; and a movement arm (7) configured to move the movable frame from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-to-construct window apparatus including to assure easy construction and superior drainage ability. The window apparatus includes a window frame fixing unit including a bottom plate, vertical plates formed at lateral ends of the bottom plate and a rack plate formed at each vertical plate, a window frame support unit including a seat plate on the rack plate, a support plate configured to be supported on the bottom plate, fastening pieces protruding from the seat plate, and a holding groove formed in each fastening piece, a rail unit including a horizontal plate provided with a rail and a coupling piece, and a holding ridge formed at the coupling piece so as to be coupled with the holding groove, a window drive unit including a press-fit structure to be press-fitted into a window, and water discharge holes perforated in the aforementioned units.

Abstract: A wind mitigation system is disclosed, including a panel engageable with a drain channel of a roof, the panel dimensioned to extend above a top edge defined by the drain channel, wherein the panel defines a plurality of openings; and a structural support member coupled to the panel, the structural support member providing increased rigidity of the panel.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly is provided that includes a front left base support, a front left lower elongated support and a front left upper elongated support. Also included are a front right base support, a front right lower elongated support, and a front right upper elongated support. Such supports are designed to be placed in a structural wall, particularly the structural wall of the cooling tower, wherein an opening would be cut in the wall to receive an entry door. The support assembly provides structural integrity from the lower section of the cooling tower to the upper section of the cooling tower, and allows the door opening to be cut out without loss of such structural integrity.

Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.

Abstract: A roof attachment assembly to be mounted on a roof substrate. The assembly comprises a plate having a substantially frustoconical protrusion, the plate defining a first surface and a second surface and including an aperture. The assembly further comprises a first membrane positioned adjacent to the first surface of the plate, a second membrane positioned adjacent to the second surface of the plate, a bracket positioned proximate the second membrane and the second surface of the plate, the bracket operable to support one or more roof-mounted fixtures, and a fastener extending through the bracket, the membranes, and the plate, the fastener operable to couple the bracket, the membranes and the plate. The assembly also comprises a second fastener that substantially mates with the bracket, wherein at least one of the fastener, the plate, the first membrane, and the second fastener includes at least one pre-determined breaking point.

Abstract: A modular shelter assembly is presented. In particular, the shelter assembly comprises a mounting member structured to be secured to a predetermined support, a support beam outwardly spaced from the mounting member and the predetermined support, a plurality of track beams each disposed in interconnecting, supported relation to the mounting member and the support beam, the mounting member, the support beam and the plurality of track beams collectively comprising a modular construction, and the modular construction at least partially defined by an at least initially adjustable interconnecting relation of the plurality of track beams to both the mounting member and the support beam.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an enclosure for secondary distribution modular switchgears, applicable in protecting switchgears both against adverse weather conditions and against unauthorized inspections of high, medium and low voltage switch gear, and also against accidental access by unauthorized persons, or by wild animals and birds. The inventive enclosure containing a base-frame (3) to which the enclosure walls are attached and which is provided with a roof cover is characterized in that the base frame (3) is formed by a metal truss and contains two extreme base-frame modules, the left one (20) and the right one (23,) and at least one middle module (21 and/or (22) which are connected with one another by means of a pair of permanent connections formed by a socket (27a) and a prong (27b) and fastening and earthing plates (28a, 28b).

Abstract: An insulating member is disposed between the top of a wall and the underside of a roof to more effectively insulate the structure and prevent condensation fostering growth of mold and mildew occurring along the surfaces of the wall, ceiling and roof. A first surface of the insulating member overlies the top plate of the wall extending inward between the ceiling joists a distance of at least 1.5 feet. A second surface overlies the outside surface of the wall extending downward along the exterior of the wall a distance of at least 0.5 feet. A third surface is shaped to substantially conform to the opposing underside of the roof deck such that the space between the roof deck and the wall top plate is sealed off by the insulating member. Multiple air flow pathways extend through the insulating member providing continuous air flow from soffit area into the attic space.

Abstract: A directionally-controlled roll-out elastically deployable solar array structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or more longitudinal elastic roll out booms that may be closed section or open section to allow for efficient rolled packaging onto a lateral mandrel. A flexible photovoltaic blanket is attached to a tip structure and to a lateral base support structure, but remains uncoupled from the longitudinal booms. The solar array system may be stowed simultaneously into a rolled package comprised of the roll out booms and the flexible planar blanket together, or onto independent rolls. Alternatively, the system may be stowed by rolling the booms, and accordion Z-folding the hinged flexible photovoltaic blanket into a flat stack. Structural deployment is motivated by the elastic strain energy of the roll out booms, and several methods of deployment direction control are provided to ensure a known, controlled, and unidirectional deployment path of the elastically unrolling booms.

Abstract: A screw foundation system for aligning and fastening a rod- or post-like object in the ground includes a sleeve-like plastic receiving part which can be screwed into the ground and which, in the fastened state, accommodates an end region of the rod- or post-like, object and surrounds their periphery of the object with a distance at least in certain portions; and a curable filling compound which, in the fastened state, fills the space between the end region of the rod- or post-like object and the inner contour of the receiving part, wherein the inner contour has undercuts for anchoring the cured filling compound. The screw foundation system can include a screwing-in tool having a dimensionally stable fitting core which can be inserted into the receiving part in order to screw in the latter.

Abstract: A protection cell having an upper wall and a lower wall spaced with respect to each other through a plurality of side walls integrally connected to each other, to form an open box-like container with an entrance opening. The container defines inside a shelter space arranged to accommodate a user. In particular, the container is produced as a single block that reproduces the open box-like container. The anti-seismic cell has a movable wall portion mounted slidingly on the box-like container, by means of a sliding cooperating element, in particular a plane sliding board that slidingly engages between at least two slide paths, which are arranged at opposite sides with respect to each other. The plane sliding boards allows movable wall portion to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, where the movable wall portion blocks the opening defining the protection cell.

Abstract: A yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.

Abstract: A pre-cast housing shelter unit includes: a polygonal floor surface; a plurality of pre-cast wall panels arranged in a polygonal shape adjacent the floor surface; a plurality of pre-made connectors positioned between each of the wall panels at corners of the polygonal floor surface, wherein the connectors are attached in place on the floor surface on-site; and at least one ceiling panel attached to the wall panels, wherein the housing shelter is sealed, in which the building structure is configured to support life and provide protection from disasters.

Abstract: Fixing system for solar panels for use on principally flat roofs, consisting of a base and a roof penetration, which base can be anchored to the existing steel structure of the roof, which base is further suitable to be connected to the specified roof penetration, which roof penetration is equipped above with fixings for the attachment of the further structure of the solar panels, where the roof penetration includes an inner tube and an outer tube formed from principally rectangular tubes fitting one inside the other without contacting one another, at an angle of 45° so that rubber profiles can be pressed into the spaces between the inner tube and the outer tube, serving to provide thermal gaps and functioning as a mechanical connection between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A mounting system for a solar array can include a plurality of couplers that are designed to engage and disengage all modules without the use of rails that are greater than the maximum dimension of a solar module. The couplers can be configured to cooperate with height adjuster mechanisms. Additionally, the couplers can be configured to accommodate the engagement and disengagement of solar modules without the need to loosen or remove fasteners, for example, through a hook and tilt movement.

Abstract: A barrier element for forming a component of a floor covering of a floor in a data center includes a substantially laminar part, the laminar part having a cross member attached to one surface. The cross member mounts a plurality of filaments which can form a layer impervious to air flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wall structure of a building, including a first plate-shaped support body made of a solid foam material, the surface of which to be directed toward the inside of the building adjoins an insulation layer, a first wavelike metal wire grille, which is foamed at least partially into a surface of the first support body to be directed toward the outside of the building, and first fastening elements, which penetrate both the first metal wire grille and the first support body in order to fasten support elements, between which the insulation layer is accommodated.

Abstract: A channel screed comprises a first member having an internal channel defined by opposed walls extending from a base. The first member includes ribs within the internal channel that accommodate placement of a second member thereon. The first member having surface features that cooperate with surface features of the second member to provide an attachment therebetween. The first member includes fins projecting outwardly from the opposed walls to provide both an indication of building material thickness, and a mechanical attachment therewith. The second member covers the first member internal channel to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the installed channel screed. The second member comprises a base with opposed walls, and includes flanges projecting from top edges of the opposed wall surfaces. When attached to the first member, the flanges cover up the internal channel, and the interface between the first member and the building material.

Abstract: An energy barrier is made of adjustable width insulating rails, reflective insulation panels and a gasketing element to create a single layer or multi-layer stack of reflective dead air spaces within cavity spaces of framing members of a building envelope where an efficient energy barrier is desired.

Abstract: A ceiling panel clip with improved characteristics includes a torsion spring retaining loop that has a free end captured beneath a frame member of the ceiling panel. The retaining loop at one end thereof is integral with a base portion of the clip and the free end extends downwardly to the base portion. The base portion and retaining loop preferably cooperate to capture a coiled portion of a torsion spring used to suspend the ceiling panel. Preferably, securing legs of the torsion spring are biased inwardly to allow the coiled portion to be inserted on the retaining loop. Release of the securing legs captures the coiled portion on the clip.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable frame assembly for supporting a fenestration article includes the steps of sliding sections of each rail member along adjustment splices to adjust a width of the adjustable frame assembly and/or sliding sections of stile members along adjustment splices to adjust a height of the adjustable frame assembly. The fenestration article is disposed along a wall and at least partially within a groove of the rail member and stile member. A plurality of rail clips are inserted into the groove of each rail member to secure the fenestration article to each rail member. A plurality of stile clips are inserted into the groove of each stile member to secure the fenestration article to each stile member. The rail clips are disposed adjacent the stile clips to prevent adjustment of the width and/or height of the adjustable frame assembly resulting from compression forces.

Abstract: A truss mounting brace (1) for use during installation of trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) may also be used as a permanent spacer between two trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) comprises a mounting section (4) arranged to be mounted on a truss (19, 21, 22), a gripping section (3) and an oblong body section (5) connecting the mounting section (4) and the gripping section (3). The gripping section (3) has a gripping mechanism (6) arranged to receive and to engage another element interlockingly. The present invention also relates to a method of installing two or more trusses, use of the truss mounting brace, and a method of manufacturing the truss mounting brace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a concrete crack repair system that is capable of providing a pressurized seal that continues to resist the ingress of water even as the crack continues to open and close over time. A compressible seal is provided that may be inserted into and adhesively joined to a machined groove that follows the contour of the crack in the concrete surface. After its installation in the machined groove, grout may be injected into the machined groove below the compressible seal so as to fill the space between the compressible seal and the bottom of the machined groove, which grout may also flow into the groove that is adjacent the bottom of the machined groove, thus allowing pressurized grouting of the crack itself. The compressible seal may also include an interior, hollow chamber that may allow inflation of the compressible seal within the machined groove, thus forming a permanent pressurized seal above the crack.

Abstract: A method of producing a light steel structural member includes the steps of: forming surface treatment in a piece of sheet material; forming a plurality of embosses in the sheet material; and shaping the sheet material into a predetermined shape to form a light steel structural member. A light steel structural member includes a web portion, and a pair of flange portions. The web portion has a web face. The pair of flange portions each extend generally orthogonally from each side of the web portion. Each flange portion is in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the other flange portion. Each of the flange portions has a flange face. At least one of the web face and the flange face has a plurality of embosses formed therein; and at least one of the web face and the flange face has a surface treatment formed therein.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit installation configuration and method for installing a VIG window unit in a window frame that was designed to accommodate at least a thicker IG (insulating glass/integrated glass) window unit(s). The VIG window unit may be supported on a first side by a first stop portion of the frame and on a second side by a second stop portion of the frame. A spacer structure is provided along at least one side of the VIG window unit between the VIG window unit and at least one of the first and second stop portions, the spacer structure including at least one hollow area surrounded by a solid portion when viewed cross sectionally.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory control and productivity monitoring.

Abstract: Powered turf conditioning brushes having increased efficiency, improved lift, and which minimize the introduction of grain, and their method of use with reel mower cutting units such as those used for precision mowing of golf course greens. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural piston bale press includes a pressing piston, a main driving mechanism, an intake device to take in crop material, and a stuffing device. The stuffing device includes a feed passage and a stuffing mechanism that has a tine arm supporting tines that can be moved along a stuffing trajectory, and a drive mechanism for driving the tine arm. The drive mechanism is configured to move the tine arm in a cyclic movement along a constant trajectory, and that the tines are movably supported on the tine arm so that the tines can be arranged in different positions with respect to the tine arm to follow different trajectories.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique pulse detonation combustion system. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine including a unique pulse detonation combustion system. In some embodiments, the pulse detonation combustion system includes an inlet section, a vortex generator and at least one flame accelerator. The inlet section, vortex generator and the at least one flame accelerator may be operative to initiate a deflagration to detonation transition. In some embodiments, the pulse detonation combustion system may include a flame accelerator configured with a directionally-dependent drag coefficient. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for pulse detonation combustion systems, gas turbine engines, and other machines and engines. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a vehicle hybrid drive is provided. The method comprises operating the hybrid drive only by a combustion engine, only by a non-combustion motor, or by both, as a function of a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and conducting exhaust gas of the hybrid drive at least partially through the exhaust aftertreatment device, the engine and motor each providing output to power the vehicle. In this way, the aftertreatment device may be operated at an optimal temperature for conversion performance.

Abstract: Supply system for a liquid comprising a liquid tank, a supply line, a pump, a filter and a device that makes it possible to purge the line, pump and filter and that comprises a non-return device preventing liquid from entering into these elements once they have been purged. In this system, the pump, filter and non-return device are combined in a compact module, the filter at least partly surrounding the pump and the non-return device being an integral part of a common housing that surrounds the filter and at least one part of the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust purification device for an internal combustion engine provided with a venturi-shaped mixing chamber (13) upstream of a NOx catalyst (16), said mixing chamber (13) formed continuously from a tapering part (13a) along which the radius decreases in the downstream direction, a waist part (13b) at which the radius is at smallest, and a widening part (13c) along which the radius increases in the downstream direction. A vane plate (18) and an aqueous urea solution spray nozzle (19) are arranged inside the tapering part (13a). The ratio (a/b) of the distance (a) between the vane plate (18) and the center of the waist part (13b) and the distance (b) between the center of the waist part (13b) and the mouth of the NOx catalyst (16) is set between 0.5 and 1.0.

Abstract: Inside an engine exhaust passage, in order from the upstream side, a hydrocarbon feed valve, oxidation catalyst, and exhaust purification catalyst are arranged. A first NOx purification method which lowers the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst by a predetermined period while maintaining it lean so as to remove NOx without causing NOx to be stored in the form of nitrates and a second NOx purification method which switches the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst from lean to rich by a period longer than the above period so as to remove NOx are selectively used in accordance with an operating state of the engine.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an open particle separator includes at least determining at least one parameter, as a characteristic variable of a regeneration capability of the open particle separator. The at least one parameter is compared with a first threshold value. At least one portion of a comparison period during which the parameter has reached the first threshold value is determined. The portion is compared with a first minimum portion corresponding to a minimum regeneration time in the comparison time period. Measures are initiated to influence the parameter so that the parameter lies at least according to the first minimum portion and the first threshold value is reached and/or the open particle separator is regenerated. A motor vehicle having at least one open particle separator is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition engine having a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter downstream thereof, comprising: oscillating an exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter to generate air-fuel ratio oscillations downstream of the particulate filter, while increasing exhaust temperature; when the downstream oscillations are sufficiently dissipated, enleaning the exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter; and reducing the enleanment when an exhaust operating parameter is beyond a threshold amount.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying catalyst (1) of the present invention includes anchor/promoter simultaneous enclosure particles (5) including catalyst units (13) which contain: noble metal particles (8); and anchor particles (9) as an anchor material of the noble metal particles (8) supporting the noble metal particles (8); promoter units (14) which are provided not in contact with the noble metal particles (8) and contain first promoter particles (11) having an oxygen storage and release capacity; and an enclosure material (12) which encloses both the catalyst units (13) and the promoter units (14), and separates the noble metal particles (8) and the anchor particles (9) in the catalyst units (13) from the first promoter particles (11) in the promoter units (14). The exhaust gas purifying catalyst (1) further includes second promoter particles (6) which have the oxygen storage and release capacity, and are not enclosed in the anchor/promoter simultaneous enclosure particles (5) by the enclosure material (12).

Abstract: A general purpose property of an exhaust gas purifying device for mounting is improved by increasing the attaching pattern of an exhaust gas purifying device, in the case that the exhaust gas purifying device is attached to a diesel engine. An exhaust gas purifying device is provided with gas purifying filters purifying an exhaust gas discharged from a diesel engine, inner cases internally provided with the gas purifying filters, and outer cases internally provided with the inner cases. An exhaust gas inlet pipe having an exhaust gas inlet side is provided in the midstream portion in a longitudinal direction of the outer case. An exhaust gas inflow port is provided in one end side in a longitudinal direction of the catalyst outer case. An exhaust gas outlet side of the exhaust gas inlet pipe is structured such as to be connected to the exhaust gas inflow port of the catalyst outer case.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a flapper valve that is mounted on a shaft for rotation within an exhaust component housing between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. An electric actuator is coupled to the shaft to control movement of the flapper valve. The electric actuator moves the flapper valve to the open position for high speed engine conditions. When engine speeds are lowered, and while all engine cylinders remain active, the electric actuator moves the flapper valve to the intermediate position. Once the flapper valve is in the intermediate position, if an engine cylinder is subsequently deactivated, the electric actuator quickly and quietly moves the flapper valve from the intermediate position to the closed position.

Abstract: A diffuser for aiding in the vaporization and mixing of an injected reactant with the exhaust gas feed stream of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system is disclosed. The diffuser is disposed within an exhaust gas conduit of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and has an impingement surface and a baffle plate disposed downstream of and adjacent thereto. The baffle plate extends outwardly from the diffuser, to terminate at a baffle plate tip that is located intermediate of the diffuser and an inner wall of the exhaust gas conduit. The baffle plate is operable to trap a portion of an exhaust gas feed stream, and a reactant resident therein, to increase the vaporization and residence time of the reactant in the exhaust gas feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for homogenizing exhaust from an engine. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an automobile. The automobile can include a fuel delivery unit, an engine, an exhaust system, and a control unit. The exhaust system can include a swirl inducement unit, multiple sensors, and multiple catalytic converters. The swirl inducement unit can homogenize an exhaust from the engine. The swirl inducement unit can include a plurality of vanes and/or a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions can be a plurality of bumps and/or a plurality of semi-circular rings. The plurality of vanes can be rotatable with the rotation of the vanes being controlled by the control unit. The rotation of the vanes can be based on an operating condition of the engine.