| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07950356B2 |
Opposed piston electromagnetic engine
In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder having a first piston and a second piston slidably disposed therein, an intake port arranged to admit a reactant into the first cylinder between the first and second pistons, and an exhaust port axially spaced from the intake port and arranged to exhaust a reaction product from the first cylinder. First and second converters are provided, which are operable with the corresponding first and second pistons, to convert mechanical energy of the first and second pistons to electrical energy and electrical energy to mechanical energy. A control system is provided that is coupled to the first and second converters. The control system is configured to control the application of electrical energy to the first and second converters to selectively position the first and second pistons during specific strokes of the engine cycle. |
| US07950354B2 |
Oil-cooled engine
An oil-release space (18) is formed along a lower side portion (17) of a cylinder lateral and peripheral wall (3) below an oil-cooling jacket (4). A reinforcing plate (19) spans between the lower side portion (17) of the cylinder lateral and peripheral wall (3) and a bottom wall (10) of a push-rod chamber (8) below the oil-release space (18). The oil-release space (18) is communicated with an oil outlet (20) of an oil-return passage (7). Engine oil that has passed through the oil-return passage (7) is released from the oil outlet (20) into the oil-release space (18). The engine oil released into the oil-release space (18) is guided by an upper surface of the reinforcing plate (19) to drop from a led-out end (25) on a rear side of the reinforcing plate (19) onto a rear side space (24). |
| US07950353B2 |
Pet chew with rigid hollow base and fabric elements
The present invention relates to a base including fabric elements extending from the base. The fabric elements may be positioned in a channel within the base. A locking relationship may be formed between the base and the fabric. Furthermore, the base may be provided so that the fabric elements may be removable from the base. |
| US07950352B2 |
Pet toy
A pet toy may include an outer covering and a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly may include a bladder and a squeaker assembly. The squeaker assembly may include one or more ribs. The bladder may include a body and a neck. The neck may have one or more grooves. A rib may engage a groove. The engagement of the rib with the groove may prevent the squeaker assembly from exiting the opening of the bladder when the bladder is compressed. The body of the bladder may have a shape which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed. The body may be made of a material which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed. |
| US07950351B2 |
Combined applicator and feeder for livestock
A combined applicator and feeder for livestock includes an applicator for livestock treatment compositions, such as insecticide, and a feeder assembly. An optional liquid applicator assembly includes a cover with a weather-impervious upper layer and a liquid-permeable, absorbent lower layer. An optional liquid reservoir communicates with the cover lower layer for saturating same with liquid, such as pesticide. The feeder assembly provides a support for the cover. |
| US07950346B2 |
Module, nozzle and method for dispensing controlled patterns of liquid material
A liquid dispensing module and nozzle or die tip for discharging at least one liquid filament. The nozzle includes a strand guide for guiding a substrate past the nozzle and a frustoconical protrusion disposed on a surface of the nozzle adjacent the notch. A liquid discharge passage extends along an axis through the frustoconical protrusion and forms an acute angle with a machine direction corresponding to movement of the strand past the nozzle. Four air discharge passages are positioned at the base of the frustoconical protrusion. Each of the air discharge passages is angled in a compound manner generally toward the liquid discharge passage and offset from the axis of the liquid discharge passage to create the controlled pattern of liquid material on the strand. |
| US07950341B2 |
Ship with a special lower level
The ship body of the present invention comprises at least two levels. One is an upper level that comprises a floatable body. The other is a lower level. The lower level is intended to be submerged under water in normal use. The lower level comprises at least two parallel, essentially vertical walls, a floor, and a ceiling connecting the at least two parallel essentially vertical walls. The front end and a rear end of the lower level are open to allow water to enter through the front end and exit through the rear end of the lower level. |
| US07950337B2 |
Foldable frame structure for foldable table or bed
A foldable frame structure of the foldable table or bed comprises main frames, secondary frames, L-shaped folding hinges and connecting members. An adjacent side of each main frame and the secondary frame is formed a foldable joint which is connected by the connecting members and the L-shaped folding hinges. The size of the secondary frames is smaller than the main frames, wherein each of the secondary frames is able to be folded in the main frames. |
| US07950334B2 |
Ground coil device for magnetic levitation railway and method for manufacture thereof
A ground coil device for a magnetic levitation railway that can be manufactured with a high productivity and exhibit less fluctuation in strength, reduced weight, and good recyclability, and a process for manufacturing the device. The ground coil device includes a coil conductor covered with a thermoplastic resin molding material containing 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin, from 20 to 200 parts by mass of an inorganic filler, and from 0 to 25 parts by mass of an elastomer. A process for producing the ground coil device for magnetic levitation railway includes filling the thermoplastic resin molding material into a cavity of a metal mold into which the coil conductor is previously inserted, by an injection molding method, to obtain an integrally molded product. |
| US07950333B2 |
Passive magnetic levitation ride for amusement parks
A track and vehicle assembly for amusement park ride. The assembly includes a track with an arcuate contact surface and banked corners. A levitation circuit is placed along a length of the track with passive electric coils. The assembly includes a vehicle with a body for receiving passengers. The vehicle body includes a bottom surface that is adjacent to the contact surface of the track when the vehicle is positioned on the track. To utilize passive magnetic levitation, the vehicle includes arrays of permanent magnets positioned proximate to the bottom surface of the body. The magnet arrays are arranged, such as Halbach arrays, to produce a substantially one-sided magnetic flux distribution directed outward from the vehicle body. The vehicle is levitated above the track contact surface and allowed to move side-to-side by interaction of the permanent magnets and the coils when the vehicle travels above a minimum velocity. |
| US07950330B2 |
Tungsten-iron projectile
A projectile includes a compacted and sintered mixture of a plurality of tungsten particles that are from about 8 microns to about 30 microns in size; a plurality of iron particles that are from about 40 microns to about 200 microns in size; and a material additive. At least a portion of the plurality of iron particles are bonded together. There are no intermetallic compounds or alloys of the tungsten particles and the iron particles formed due, in part, to the size of the tungsten particles and the size of the iron particles utilized. The final density of the projectile is from about 8.0 grams per cubic centimeter to about 12.2 grams per cubic centimeter and the final hardness of the projectile is from about 10 HB to about 50 HB. The ratio of the mixture of tungsten particles to iron particles is, by weight, from about 30:70 to about 65:35. |
| US07950324B2 |
Strap exchanger for a strapping system
A strapping system includes a strap exchanger that is capable of delivering one or more straps to a component of the strapping system. The strap exchanger feeds a strap to a downstream component of the strapping system. A track assembly receives the strap and uses that strap to bundle product. The strap exchanger is capable of repeatedly delivering straps to the strapping system to reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate downtime associated with manually loading straps into the strapping system. |
| US07950323B2 |
Shifting device for shifting a motor vehicle gear box
A shifting device (1) for shifting a motor vehicle transmission with a shift selector shaft on which a plurality of shift elements (2) such as shift forks or shift rockers (3) are arranged and can be displaced to carry out a shifting operation. The shifting device (1) includes one hydraulic shift cylinder (5, 11, 18, 25), that can be actuated from both sides, with a piston (9, 15, 16, 19, 26) that can be displaced within a cylinder housing (6) and which is actively connected with a shift element (2) to be actuated. To simplify a shifting device (1) of this type, the piston (9, 15, 16, 19, 26) has a piston rod (10, 17, 23, 29) that follows the movement of the piston (9, 15, 16, 19, 26) and can be connected directly to the shift element (2) in a detachable manner. |
| US07950321B2 |
Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system includes a master cylinder having a housing, a piston axially movably disposed in the housing, and a piston rod, the piston bounding a pressure chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid, the piston upon actuation of the master cylinder being axially moved by the piston rod to pressurize the hydraulic fluid; an actuating device for moving the piston rod; a slave cylinder; a pressure-medium line connecting the master cylinder and slave cylinder; and at least one damping element arranged between the actuating device and the slave cylinder. |
| US07950311B2 |
Screwdriver kit
A screwdriver kit includes a main body which has a first end adapted for connecting to a tool and a second end. A column projects from the second end and has an opening formed therein longitudinally. A linkage has a first end and a second end, with the second end of the linkage slideably received in the opening. A cap member, which has the second end of the linkage installed therein, is movable between a first position and a second position. The cap member is coupled to the main body when the cap member is in the first position. The cap member is detached from the main body along the linkage when the cap member is moved toward the second position. |
| US07950310B2 |
Magnetic structure for a socket
A magnetic structure for a socket includes a containing body made of a soft material. The containing body has an embedding hole defined therein. A magnetic element is received in the embedding hole. The containing body has a plurality of ribs disposed around an outer periphery of the containing body. When the containing body is embedded into the socket, the rib abuts an inner wall of the socket for appropriately adjusting a compression level of the containing body with respect to the inner wall of the socket to securely couple the containing body with the socket. |
| US07950302B2 |
Step variable transmission for a motor vehicle
A step variable transmission for a motor vehicle has a plurality of forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. The transmission comprising: a drive input shaft arrangement, a drive output shaft arrangement, and a plurality of wheel sets which have loose wheels and shift wheels, wherein the shift wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft arrangement and can be rotationally fixedly connected to the associated shaft arrangement by means of respective shift clutches. |
| US07950301B2 |
Feed screw mechanism
A feed screw mechanism includes internally threaded member fixed within an output rod. The internally threaded member is threadedly engaged with an externally threaded member connected at axially one end in the direction of an axis thereof to a drive source, so that the output rod is moved in a direction of the axis relative to the externally threaded member by the relative rotation of the externally threaded member and the internally threaded member. The internally threaded member is coupled to the output rod at the axially other end in the direction of the axis by a threadedly coupling portion. Therefore, when pulling loads in directions away from each other are applied to the output rod and the externally threaded member, a compression load can be prevented from being applied from the output rod to the internally threaded member. |
| US07950296B2 |
Continuous flow sample introduction apparatus and method
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sample analysis. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for continuous, constant, flow sample introduction of fluid samples of varying viscosity and composition. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being associated with at least one fluid analyzer system. A temperature controlled environment may also be provided for the processing and analysis of a fluid sample. |
| US07950287B2 |
Pressure-sensor system
A pressure-sensor system having a sensor element and a hermetic housing for the sensor element has a particularly uncomplicated installation, in particular even under aggressive ambient conditions. The housing of this pressure-sensor system includes a first housing part having a housing bottom, and at least one additional housing part. The sensor element is installed on the housing bottom, and the pressure is supplied via an opening in the housing bottom. The at least one additional housing part is disposed above the sensor element and is connected to the first housing part. Apart from this, connecting pins for the electrical contacting of the sensor element are provided. The connecting pins are guided through the additional housing part. |
| US07950286B2 |
Multi-range pressure sensor apparatus and method utilizing a single sense die and multiple signal paths
A multi-range pressure sensor apparatus and method that provide multiple signal paths for detecting a broad range of pressures with a high accuracy. A pressure transducer can be configured to include the use of a pressure sense die with piezoresistive elements integrated into the sensor die and in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A sensed output signal from the sense die can be transferred to one or more amplifier circuits. A programmable compensation circuit can be utilized to multiplex different amplified output signals from each of the amplifier circuits and to provide a digital output. A memory associated with the programmable compensation circuit provides separate compensations, which are stored for each of the different signal paths and removes errors due to amplifier gain and offset. |
| US07950285B2 |
Pressure sensor for measurements in hot, dynamic processes
The invention relates to a pressure sensor for measurements in hot, dynamic processes. The pressure sensor comprises a cylindrical housing in which a measuring element is located, and a round or annular membrane having at least one outer support. The outer support is arranged on the housing, offset behind a housing extension. The measuring element is adapted to acquire measurement data as a result of an axial displacement of the membrane. The housing extension is provided with a heat shield which is arranged, except on its edges, interspaced behind a gap. |
| US07950283B2 |
Ultrasound prediction of workpiece deformation
A method of predicting workpiece deformation prior to machining that causes the workpiece to deform through release of residual stresses. The method includes emitting a beam of ultrasound waves onto the workpiece surface in such a way that a longitudinal wave is propagated in a given direction under and substantially parallel to the surface, positioning at least one transducer in receive mode on the surface to receive a subsurface longitudinal wave that has been propagated, and measuring the propagation velocity of the subsurface longitudinal wave. The method further includes performing these steps in two workpiece regions, a first region sensitive to residual stresses and a second region somewhat insensitive to residual stresses, then calculating a difference in propagation velocity between the velocity measured in the first region and the velocity measured in the second region and from the difference, deducing the deformation that will result from machining the first region. |
| US07950281B2 |
Sensor and method for sensing linear acceleration and angular velocity
A sensor has a suspended mechanical resonator being responsive to one of a linear acceleration and an angular velocity of the sensor such that a first area and a second area are subjected to opposite elongation movements and responsive to the other such that the first area and the second area are subjected to a common elongation movement, a first mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the first area, a second mechanical-electrical interface interacting with the second area, a common mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a common mode signal output, a differential mode signal generator coupled to the mechanical-electrical interfaces with a differential mode signal output, a first processing circuit coupled to the differential mode output, with an output for a first processed signal, and a second processing circuit coupled to the common mode output with an output for a second processed signal. |
| US07950279B2 |
Solid state fluid level sensor
A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.” |
| US07950276B1 |
System and method of forming vehicle test road by joining pre-fabricated pavement modules
A modular vehicle test road construction system and associated installation method. The system includes pre-fabricated pavement modules adapted to be transportable. The pre-fabricated modules are formed so that an upper driving surface thereof includes one or more vehicle testing profiles. The modules are preferably placed adjacent to one another on an engineered surface (e.g., road bed). Adjacent modules may be bonded together using a grout key. A number of modules may be arranged to create a test road of a desired shape and length, and having one or more desired vehicle testing profiles. Use of the modules allows for the creation of an adaptive test road that can be easily reconfigured. Modules of the present invention may also be inserted into an existing test road to impart a particular testing profile thereto. |
| US07950275B2 |
Manipulation simulator
A manipulation simulator including an input member which moves in response to a driver's braking operation; a reaction force generation device which generates a reaction force according to an amount of deformation; an output member which deforms the reaction force generation device; and a transmission device between the input member and the output member, which transmits a reaction force of the reaction force generation device to the input member via the output member. The input member moves rectilinearly; the reaction force generation device generates a reaction force linearly according to its deformation amount; the transmission device converts the input member rectilinear motion to a rotary motion that is transmitted to the output member; and the ratio of the amount of output member motion to the amount of input member motion is varied continuously and nonlinearly according to the amount of input member motion. |
| US07950267B2 |
Liquid propane gas injector testing system and methods
Methods and systems for determining an LPG fuel output characteristic of an LPG injector. The output characteristic of the LPG can be determined by calculating a total mass of LPG injected into a canister of known volume by the injector during a plurality of open/closed cycles of the injector. The pressure differential and temperature in the canister can be used in the calculation of total LPG mass along with a gas constant of the LPG and the volume of the canister. The total LPG mass can then be used to determine the mass of LPG injected by the injector during each open/closed cycle. |
| US07950241B2 |
Vapor compression and expansion air conditioner
The present invention is drawn to a method for creating a refrigeration system comprising a piston device for the compressor and expander functions normally provided by a Carnot cycle. Solutions for modifying the overall system to utilize the pulsed nature of the piston action are provided. |
| US07950240B2 |
Gas turbine plant and method of operation
In a method for operating a gas turbine plant (10) with a compressor (11) for the compression of combustion air sucked in from the surroundings, with a combustion chamber (15) for generating hot gas by the combustion of a fuel with compressed combustion air, and with a turbine (12), in which the hot gas from the combustion chamber (15) is expanded so as to perform work, temperatures and pressures are measured at various points in the gas turbine plant (10), and a combustion chamber exit temperature is derived from the measured temperatures and pressures and used for controlling the gas turbine plant (10). Improved temperature determination is achieved in that the composition of the gas, in particular the water content in the exhaust gas of the turbine (12), is determined, and in that the specific water content in the exhaust gas of the turbine (12) is taken into account in deriving the combustion chamber exit temperature. |
| US07950238B2 |
Method for detecting onset of uncontrolled fuel in a gas turbine combustor
A method is provided for performing a transfer from gas fuel operation to liquid fuel operation in a gas turbine with a dual fuel system. The method includes initiating a predetermined uncontrolled liquid fuel prefill flow rate through the liquid fuel system, sensing an onset of the uncontrolled liquid fuel flow to the combustor nozzles, and initiating transfer from gas fuel operation to liquid fuel operation when the flow of uncontrolled liquid fuel at the combustor nozzles is sensed. The onset of uncontrolled liquid fuel flow to the combustor nozzles is determined by monitoring changes of Fuel Normalized Power (FNP), a parameter sensitive to uncontrolled liquid fuel flow, and determining when FNP exceeds a threshold algorithm value. |
| US07950237B2 |
Managing spool bearing load using variable area flow nozzle
A turbine engine provides a spool supporting a turbine. The spool is arranged in a core nacelle and includes a thrust bearing. A fan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is coupled to the spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the fan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path that includes a fan nozzle exit area. A flow control device is adapted to effectively change the fan nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to monitor the thrust bearing and command the flow control device in response to an undesired load on the thrust bearing. Effectively changing the fan nozzle exit area with the flow control device actively manages the bearing thrust load to desired levels. |
| US07950236B2 |
Exhaust duct and tail cone attachment of aircraft engines
An annular exhaust duct of a gas turbine engine includes inner and outer cases co-axially disposed, and radially spaced apart by a plurality of airfoils radially extending therebetween. The outer case includes a connection apparatus for supportably connecting the exhaust duct to the gas turbine engine and the inner case includes an axial end portion at a rear end thereof for connection with a tail cone. The axial end portion bends radially and inwardly at a rear extremity thereof to stiffen the rear end of the inner ease. |
| US07950229B2 |
Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust system has first and second exhaust gas turbochargers for a V-8 internal combustion engine having an ignition sequence of a 90° crank angle from one cylinder to the next in each of two cylinder banks. The exhaust system includes a first-through-fourth exhaust lines from the cylinders to the two exhaust gas turbochargers, with two cylinders respectively being assigned to an exhaust line. One exhaust turbocharger is respectively assigned to two exhaust lines. The two cylinders assigned to an exhaust line having an ignition interval of a 360° crank angle. The first and the second exhaust lines assigned to an exhaust gas turbocharger having an ignition sequence displaced with respect to one another by a 180° crank angle. As a result, the opening phase of the charge cycle intake valves can be prolonged, which leads to a significantly higher power of the internal combustion engine. |
| US07950227B2 |
High response compact turbocharger
An exemplary compressor for a turbocharger includes a compressor wheel that includes first and second compressor faces oriented back-to-back and a bore for mounting the compressor wheel to a shaft along a rotational axis of the compressor wheel; and a compressor housing that includes a first air inlet oriented to pass inlet air in an axial direction along the rotational axis to the first compressor face, a second air inlet positioned a distance radially from the rotational axis and oriented to pass inlet air in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis and radially toward the rotational axis to the second compressor face, and a single volute that receives compressed air from the first and second compressor faces. |
| US07950224B2 |
Method for controlling exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system (1) comprises a DPF device (13) and a selective catalytic reduction type catalytic device (SCR catalytic device) (14) provided, in that order, from the upstream side of an exhaust passage (12) of an internal combustion engine (11). During ordinary operation, a NOx emission amount is calculated from a NOx emission map for ordinary operation, while during forced regeneration of the DPF device (13), a NOx emission amount is calculated from a NOx emission map for forced regeneration. A supply amount of aqueous ammonia solution (S) corresponding to the calculated NOx emission amount is then calculated. The aqueous ammonia solution (S) is then supplied into an exhaust gas (G) at the upstream side of the selective catalytic reduction type catalytic device (14) such that the amount supplied is brought to the calculated supply amount. As a result of this configuration, appropriate amounts of reducing agent can be supplied not only during ordinary operation but also during the forced regeneration of the DPF device (13), and the emission of NOx and ammonia downstream to the selective catalytic reduction type catalytic device (14) can be suppressed. |
| US07950223B2 |
Method and apparatus for temperature management in an exhaust gas posttreatment system
A method of and apparatus for controlling the reducing agent in an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas duct in which an SCR catalyst is provided in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas. A reducing agent-generating system (RGS) comprising an NOx and CO/H2 production unit as well as a combined NOx storage/ammonia production unit in the standard gas path of the reducing agent-generating system. Ammonia is delivered upstream from the SCR catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxides, starting materials for producing the ammonia being fed at least in part to the NOx and CO/H2 production unit via a fuel inlet and an air inlet. An AGC matrix of the combined NOx storage/ammonia production unit is cooled at least intermittently by means of an inner and/or outer cooling device. Cooling results in the longest possible section of the running length (L) and thus the largest possible volume percent of the AGX matrix within the combined NOx storage/ammonia production unit having an optimum temperature range regarding the highest possible ammonia yield, which overall contributes to a great ammonia production rate. |
| US07950222B2 |
System and method for cleaning combustion soot from exhaust gas treatment sensors
A system and method are provided for cleaning combustion soot from an exhaust gas aftertreatment sensor. The system and method determine whether to conduct a sensor desoot event, and if it is determined that a sensor desoot event is to be conducted, the exhaust gas temperature is increased such that the temperature of the sensor correspondingly increases to or above a desoot temperature, the exhaust gas temperature is then controlled to maintain the temperature of the sensor at or above the desoot temperature for a predefined time period, and the exhaust gas temperature is then decreased after the temperature of the sensor has been at or above the desoot temperature for the predefined time period. |
| US07950221B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst. |
| US07950219B2 |
Dual mode combustion operation of a pulse detonation combustor in a hybrid engine
A dual mode combustor of a gas turbine engine contains at least one dual mode combustor device having a combustion chamber, a fuel air mixing element, a high frequency solenoid valve and a fuel injector. During a first mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a steady, constant pressure deflagration mode, receiving its fuel from the fuel injector. In a second mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a pulse detonation mode, receiving its fuel from the high frequency solenoid valve. |
| US07950218B2 |
Bypass turbomachine with artificial variation of its throat section
The invention relates to a bypass turbomachine comprising a gas turbine engine provided with a fan disposed on a longitudinal axis of the turbomachine, and an annular nacelle surrounding the engine so as to define a cold stream flow channel, the nacelle having an upstream end surrounding the fan of the engine and a stationary downstream end forming a gas exhaust nozzle, the nozzle having a throat section that corresponds to its smallest cross-section. The turbomachine further comprises means for taking in air from the cold stream flow channel upstream from the nozzle throat section, and means for injecting the taken-in air downstream from the nozzle throat section so as to open the throat section artificially. |
| US07950217B2 |
Oxygen-enriched air assisting system for improving the efficiency of cogeneration system
Systems and methods for exhaust gas recirculation in which at least a desired effective oxygen concentration is maintained for stable combustion at increased recirculation rates. Oxygen-enriched gas is injected into the recirculated exhaust gas to achieve the desired effective oxygen concentration. |
| US07950209B2 |
Drive arrangement for an agricultural machine
A drive arrangement for an agricultural machine, especially a field chopper, has a motor driven gearbox (3) that is connectable at a drive-end to at least one drive motor (1). At least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8′) is provided to feed at least one hydraulic motor (14), (17) to drive a working mechanism of a machine. A belt pulley (4) of a belt drive (5), especially for driving a chopper drum (10), is coupled with the gearbox (3). A release clutch (7), with an input-side first clutch element (36) and an output-side second clutch element (37), is also coupled with the gearbox (3). The first clutch element (36) is drivingly connected to the motor driven gearbox (3). The second clutch element (37) is drivingly connected to the belt pulley (4). The second clutch element (37) is non-rotationally connected to a drive shaft (38) to drive the at least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8′). |
| US07950207B2 |
Packaging machine
A packaging machine for producing packs from packagings filled with items, by means of which the shelf life of items that need to breathe can be improved is proposed. This is achieved according to the invention by means for influencing the atmosphere in the space inside the packs (26) in a way dependent on the breathing rate of the item (4). |
| US07950204B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating foil layers as well as line for insert welding
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating foil layers in a foil processing line, the foil layers being caused to move relative to each other, and to a method and an apparatus for further processing the separated foils for manufacturing a product in which an insert is interposed between two foils. |
| US07950202B2 |
Medicine packing device
There is provided a medicine packing device, which prevents a free end of a bottom plate of a tablet dispensing measure from tilting due to its own weight. A bottom plate 43 is provided at a lower opening of a tablet dispensing measure 42. The bottom plate 43 includes a pin 44 at its base end. A leading end of the bottom plate is a free end. When the tablet dispensing measure 42 reaches corresponding stepped portions 37a to 37d by a movement of a tablet dispensing member 36, an opening protrusion 144b of a fixed plate 37 is fitted to an opening recess 43c of the bottom plate 43 and thus the bottom plate 43 pivots about the pin 44 from a closed position to an open position. If the bottom plate 43 moves to the open position, then tablets in the tablet dispensing measure 42 drop. |
| US07950197B1 |
Shrinkage-preventing apparatus for the sheathing of a tendon
An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body that has a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity that has a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and has a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is of a generally constant thickness and has an end adjacent the pair of wedges. The second portion has a first end and a second end, the second portion being of a decreasing thickness from the first end to the second end. |
| US07950196B1 |
Sealing trumpet for a post-tension anchorage system
An anchorage for post-tension system has an anchor body with an interior passageway, a polymeric encapsulation extending over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly on one side of the anchor body, and an annular seal formed so as to extend inwardly relative to a wall of the trumpet. The annular seal is in liquid-tight sealing relation with an outer surface of a tendon extending through the interior passageway. A fixing element is formed within the interior passageway so as to fix a position of the sheathing on the tendon. |
| US07950191B2 |
Continuous flexible support structure assembly
A surface support structure is provided with at least one cell having a plurality of upright walls. A first wall of the plurality of upright walls has a recessed portion forming at least a portion to allow extension and contraction in multiple directions of the at least one cell. The plurality of upright walls of the at least one cell define a perimeter such that the recessed portion extends towards a second wall of the plurality of upright walls and is within the perimeter. |
| US07950190B2 |
Concrete panel lifting insert assembly
A concrete panel lifting insert assembly that includes an X-shaped foot and an insert, which is generally pear-shaped or triangular-shaped, having a bottom side which is elongated. The insert's bottom side is secured to a cross-member of the X-shaped foot such that the insert stands in a vertical orientation. The other cross-member of the X-shaped foot is in a transverse tangential orientation to that of an opening formed by the pear-shaped or triangular-shaped insert. This other cross-member optionally includes elevated C-shaped clips for engaging rebar material to provide additional strength. |
| US07950188B1 |
Gutter protector
A gutter protector formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has at least one undulated bottom surface. The undulations of the bottom surface may be ridges defining generally parallel channels to direct water through the gutter passageway. Optionally, undulations may be provided on one side surface. Such undulations on the side surface may be ridges or other convolute cut projections that are compressible and help to secure the gutter protector under compression within the gutter passageway. |
| US07950187B2 |
Roof gutter cover section with water draining upper surface
A top portion (12) of the gutter section (10) is formed with a pair of longitudinally extending, relatively spaced apart ridges (20) and with a plurality of openings (22) disposed on, in front of, in between and behind the ridges (20) for draining rainwater into the gutter (10). A front wall (13) extends downwardly from the top portion (12) and a ledge (14) extends generally horizontally form a lower portion 13B of the front wall (13). The distance D between an upper edge (17) of the front wall (13) and the horizontal ledge (14) is relatively short to improve the versatility and appearance of the cover section 10. The aluminum alloy from which the cover section (10) is formed is relatively thin and the openings (22) in the on the cover section top portion (12) are large enough to facilitate drainage, yet small enough to keep debris from accumulating on the cover section (10). |
| US07950185B2 |
Window regulator and method of assembly of a window regulator
A window regulator device includes a rail having at least one projecting lug, a plate having at least one lug, a drive cable, and a cable drum placed in a recess of the plate. The plate is fixed to the rail by a joint action of a tensioned drive cable and the mutual imbrication of the lugs of the plate and the rail. The assembly of the window regulator device is simplified, and the drum can be fixed independently of the mounting and removal of an actuation motor. |
| US07950182B2 |
Harvesting method and apparatus for leafy vegetables or legumes
A harvesting apparatus comprising a first conveyor (30) for conveying seedling trays (10), a cutting station (40) adjacent the first conveyor (30) to cut the leaves of the seedlings and a second conveyor (41) for taking cut leaves away from the cutting station (40). A stationary plate or grill (82) is placed in the gap (82A) between the first conveyor (30) and the cutting station (40) for supporting the trays (10). The cutting mechanism at the cutting station (40) may be adjustable in height above the plate or grill (82). A method of harvesting leafy vegetables and legumes using this apparatus is also described. |
| US07950176B1 |
Handheld multiple-charge weapon for remote impact on targets with electric current
A handheld multiple-charge weapon for remote impact on a target with an electric current includes a housing including a launch power supply, a power source, a voltage converter, and a high voltage generator and triggered by a firing element. A clip on the housing carries a plurality of unitary cartridges. Each of said cartridges carries an electrode for contact action on the target and delivering the electric current thereto. The cartridge includes a wire connected to an electrode launched from each of at least two of said cartridges by the power source toward the target when the firing element is actuated in a firing position. The clip moves two cartridges to the firing position and after the firing element is actuated extracts the cartridges and associated wires. The wires are connected to the high voltage generator subsequent to the firing element being actuated after which the cycle of firing and extraction of spent cartridges can be repeated multiple times in manual, semiautomatic or automatic mode. |
| US07950173B2 |
Portable information sign device
A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs. |
| US07950170B2 |
Skewed roller on an excavator
In one aspect of the invention, a trenching machine has at least one roller assembly comprising a body rotationally supported by an axle exteriorly mounted to a trenching chain or wheel. At least a portion of the body comprises a substantially conical shape. |
| US07950163B2 |
Foot type and plantar pressure measuring device
A foot type and plantar pressure measuring device is provided. The device includes a color pad and a foggy film on the color pad. The device further includes a mesh pad on the foggy film and/or a resilient pad under the color pad, the resilient pad having protrusions. When a patient stands still on the device for a few seconds and then steps off, the patient's foot type and plantar pressure is shown by color pattern displayed on surface areas of the foggy film. The color pattern corresponds to the plantar pressure exerted on the device, and tones of the color pattern represent the plantar pressure exerted on the surface areas. |
| US07950160B2 |
Mobile electronic apparatus and bearing display method of same
A mobile electronic apparatus capable of effectively preventing erroneous recognition of a bearing (azimuth oz compass direction) by a user, as a correct display of the bearing is correct when the reliability of the display of the bearing is lowered by a change of the usage environment, and a bearing display method of the same, are provided. If a mobile electronic apparatus (100) is mounted on a charger (200) having a speaker (201), while information on a bearing calculated according to geomagnetism detected by a geomagnetic sensor (108) is displayed on a display part (107), updating of the information on the bearing repeated up to them is stopped, and information on a predetermined bearing is continuously displayed on the display part (107). This enables a user to correctly recognize that the information on the bearing displayed on the display part (107) is incorrect, thereby preventing the user from being misled by the unreliable information on the display part (107). |
| US07950157B2 |
Router plane
A router plane having a collar maintained in snug engagement with a blade shank during blade height adjustment to facilitate accurate adjustment with a threaded adjustment nut that travels on an adjustment post. The collar is retained on a post secured to the router plane body so that the collar can rotate between blade in-board and blade out-board positions without removal from the post. |
| US07950155B2 |
Slitting tool
A tool for slitting an elongate sheath from about an elongate member that is disposed within a longitudinally extending lumen of the sheath includes a longitudinally extending tail portion projecting rearward of a slitting edge and a nose portion of the tool; a lower surface of the nose portion is disposed beneath the slitting edge for engaging a portion of the elongate member. The tail portion of the tool, approximately aligned with the sheath lumen when the lower surface engages the elongate member and a leading edge of the nose portion is within the sheath lumen, is sized to fit within the sheath lumen after the sheath is slit by the slitting edge. A passageway between the nose portion and the tail portion allows a proximal segment of the elongate member to bend away from the tail portion when the elongate member is engaged by the nose portion. |
| US07950153B2 |
Method of manufacturing a steering rack
A method of manufacturing a steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system. The rack comprises gear teeth and a shank that has a constant outside diameter and constant wall thickness over the majority of its length. The method comprises performing a forging operation on a tubular member with an elongate member positioned in the bore of a thickened region of the tubular member. The forging operation forms the gear teeth on the thickened region, and the elongate member is retained within the tubular member. The tubular member is made by performing a forming operation on a length of tube stock such that the outside diameter of the thickened region is smaller than the outside diameter of the shank, and the wall thickness of the thickened region is larger than the wall thickness of the shank. |
| US07950150B2 |
Method of manufacturing inkjet head
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an inkjet head discharging ink. The method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include: heating the inkjet head to a temperature over a melting point of a filler; filling the inkjet head with the filler such that a gap inside the inkjet head is filled with the filler; and discharging the filler out of the inkjet head such that the filler in the gap of the inkjet head remains. |
| US07950149B2 |
Microchannel heat exchanger fabricated by wire electro-discharge machining
The present invention provides panels for a microchannel heat exchanger core wherein the panels may have greater than about 36 fins per inch of the panel. The microchannels of the panels may have an aspect ratio of at least about 10. Panels are also provided having microchannels and fins on one side of the panel or on opposite sides of the panel. Methods are also provided for machining the panels of the present invention. |
| US07950144B2 |
Method for controlling warpage in redistributed chip packaging panels
A method is disclosed for controlling warpage in an integrated electronic panel assembly including a plurality of die embedded within an encapsulant. The method comprises determining a number of build-up layers required for the integrated panel assembly. Each build-up layer contributes an amount of concavity to the integrated electronic panel assembly. A level of global convex warpage on the integrated panel assembly is then predicted, wherein the global convex warpage is provided by the presence of an embedded ground plane (EGP) alone within the integrated panel assembly and in the absence of any build-up layers. The embedded ground plane includes openings therein for accepting at least one die within a corresponding opening and it contributes a fixed amount of global convex warpage. An amount of local convex warpage to be introduced into the integrated electronic panel assembly is then determined, which together with the fixed amount of global convex warpage provides a combined convex warpage to the integrated electronic panel assembly. Accordingly, the global and local convex warpage counteract the concavity to be introduced subsequently by a build-up layer processing and is sufficient to enable subsequent planar processing of a completed integrated electronic panel assembly. |
| US07950143B2 |
Method for creating micro/nano wind energy gathering devices
Method for manufacturing small wind energy gathering devices, for example, of geometrical dimensions tip to ⅛th of an inch (microdevices), employing micro-fabrication techniques. For example, three-dimensional single chemical composition parts of a small wind energy gathering device are manufactured using two-photon three dimensional lithography. Preferably, a plurality of such parts are manufactured in parallel, thereby optimizing the production process. The plurality of parts may be handled and assembled using precision instruments such as micro-tweezers, micro-scissors, and holographic lasers. Nanowires may be used to interconnect a plurality of the microdevices together, or to connect components of a particular microdevice. These nanowires are produced in nanowire arrays and are attached to a common base structure. Additionally, a form of injection molding and polymer materials may be utilized in the manufacturing of the small wind energy gathering devices (microdevices), which provide protective coatings and surfaces of reduced friction. |
| US07950141B2 |
Apparatus for the reworking of a microwave module
A specialized tool is provided for the removal of components in a microwave module in which a fixed tool having a channeled tip is positioned adjacent the component to be removed, with a hot stream of gas, forced through the channel to the top of the component which serves to heat the component, the component being removed through shearing when the component is forced against the tip. |
| US07950132B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal device
Disclosed is an integrated device which can peel a protective film from a board assembly and mount the board assembly on a backlight unit. The integrated peeling and mounting device includes: an index rotary unit having a shaft for rotating heads facing in different directions; an alignment calibration unit for calibrating an aligned state of the board assembly and the backlight unit; and a mounting unit for mounting a board assembly adsorbed to a first head of the index rotary unit on the backlight unit. |
| US07950131B2 |
Robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners
A robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners includes a control system, a platen for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner, a heating station for selectively heating a small region of the aligner, and a thermoforming station for manipulating the heated region to form a desired feature in the aligner. Optionally, a laser cutting and trimming station can also be included to trim excess material from the aligner or to cut features into the aligner. The control system can include a processor with CAD software to enable a user to design features for aligners. |
| US07950130B2 |
Method for making an inspection fixture, and mold assembly used in the method
In a method for making an inspection fixture, a detachable mold assembly (20) and a hardenable fluid are firstly prepared. Secondly, the hardenable fluid is poured into the mold assembly, and a plurality of molding pins (23) are inserted into the mold assembly. Thirdly, a main body (21) with a plurality of positioning holes (2122) corresponding to the molding pins (i.e., the locations thereof) are formed in the mold after the hardenable fluid hardens. Fourthly, the mold assembly is detached, and the part is removed from the mold. Finally, a plurality of positioning pins is mounted into the positioning holes of the molded part, the positioning holes having remained upon removal of the molding pins. |
| US07950129B2 |
Method for joining two objects and corresponding joining element
A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces. |
| US07950128B2 |
Method for assembling a pneumatic booster
A device (100) for assembling a pneumatic booster (200) wherein a cover (203) of the booster is housed in a support (101) and a cylindrical cap (104) whose internal volume (107) is greater than a volume of a cylinder (206) of the booster, covers the cylinder placed on the cover. A gearing element (110) of the device rotates two sets of rollers (109A and 109B) about the booster and an eccentric (118) controlled by the gearing element allows an oscillating movement of the rollers against a wall of the booster. The swaging is achieved by alternately applying the rollers (109A) and (109B) and an angle of attack (114A) of the first rollers is greater than an angle of attack (114B) of the second rollers. |
| US07950125B2 |
Cell for automated assembling operations
A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of components and accessories of multi-cylinder internal-combustion engines, includes a device for referencing the piece and clamping it in position, which includes a plate, provided with reference elements that are to engage, said plate being raisable vertically to take up the engine, setting the engine at a distance from the conveying device. The raisable plate is carried by a slide, which is mounted mobile in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the line. The aforesaid slide is mounted so that it can slide on a supporting structure, which is in turn mounted oscillating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying line on a structure that is rigidly connected to the fixed frame of the cell. |
| US07950110B2 |
Apparatus for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing
In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, for removal of the combed fiber material at least one take-off device with a sliver-forming element is present, downstream of which is a drafting system. To increase productivity and obtain an improved combed sliver, downstream of the supply device there are at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, which are provided with the clamping devices for the fiber bundle, and between the sliver-forming element and the drafting system at least one conveyor element for a formed combed sliver is present. |
| US07950109B2 |
Vehicle 180 degree rear door articulating mechanism
A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally U-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door check engageable with a stop on the hinge arm, for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door to a first intermediate open position from the rear door closed position, upon pivotal movement of the door check relative to the hinge arm. |
| US07950104B2 |
Vacuum cleaner having dust-separating apparatus with shutter unit
A vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a dust-separating apparatus, a shutter unit, and a dust receptacle. The dust-separating apparatus can be fixed to a cleaner body and includes a dust outlet. The shutter unit is formed on the dust-separating apparatus to selectively open and close the dust outlet. The dust receptacle is detachably attached to a lower portion of the dust-separating apparatus. The dust receptacle opens the shutter unit when attached to the dust-separating apparatus and closes the shutter unit when detached from the dust-separating apparatus. |
| US07950101B2 |
Adaptor of wiper blade
The present invention relates to an adaptor of a wiper blade with an improved structure for allowing the wiper blade to be easily coupled to wiper arms with a variety of shapes and sizes upon exchange of the wiper blade. There is provided an adaptor coupled to a bracket of a wiper blade for coupling the wiper blade to a wiper arm, which includes a base body formed with a coupling groove portion to be coupled to the bracket, and a pair of base sidewalls coupled integrally with each other by the base body. Further, the base body includes a first elastic support extending from the coupling groove portion in one direction and a second elastic support spaced apart from the first support by a certain distance, and each of the pair of base sidewalls is formed with a through hole therein. |
| US07950096B2 |
Fluid flow system bridge with walkway
A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area. |
| US07950092B2 |
Access method between marine structures and apparatus
Access means are provided for accessing a fixed offshore structure such as a wind turbine (70), larger vessel or the like form a smaller transfer vessel (50), or for providing for transfer between vessels One or more guide wires (12) are connected from the vessel (50) to the fixed structure (70) or second vessel and placed in tension such as by directing the transfer vessel away from the fixed structure. In one embodiment, inflatable, members are suspendable from the guide wires and inflation of the inflatable members causes them to extend along the guide wires to form an access surface (56) across which personnel may walk to access the fixed structure or second vessel from the first vessel Mounting means are also provided which accommodate relative rotational, translational and pitching movement of the apparatus and vessel, caused by wave motion. In another embodiment, a bridge member is retained on a runway of the first vessel and deployed using said guide wires (12). |
| US07950090B2 |
Article and method for distress-washing fabric
An article for distress-washing fabric comprising a hollow float and at least one distressing feature projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the float, wherein the article is substantially wear resistant and does not produce residue as a result of impact with fabric, internal surfaces of a washing machine and additional articles for distress-washing fabric. A method for distress-washing fabric utilizing an article described herein. |
| US07950089B2 |
Method of controlling washing machine and washing machine
A method of controlling a washing machine and a washing machine, in which the energy efficiency of a washing machine can be optimized without incurring additional costs are provided. The method includes heating wash water contained in a washing tub; and supplying steam into the washing tub, wherein a time frame during which the heating the wash water is performed at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the supplying steam is performed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet; a wash water heating unit; and a steam supply unit, wherein a time frame during which the wash water heating unit heats the wash water in the washing tub at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the steam supply unit supplies steam into the washing tub. |
| US07950087B2 |
Commercial laundry system and method for controlling the same
A commercial laundry system is disclosed. The commercial laundry system includes a plurality of laundry machines that independently perform washing and/or drying, a plurality of receiving devices provided at the respective laundry machines for receiving a signal, and a single payment device for transmitting a signal for use permission to the receiving device of any one of the laundry machines and separately controlling authorities to use the laundry machines. |
| US07950085B2 |
Enhanced shovel systems
A system addressing the problem of storing and supporting outdoor items used while camping without transporting any additional equipment. The system provides a plurality of camp tools that are integral to a shovel, so as to provide the intended function without interfering with the normal usage of the shovel. |
| US07950081B2 |
Changing table for playard
This invention relates to a folding mechanism for a playard, which comprises first and second joints substantially cylindrical in shape. The joints have arcuate plates and stops that cooperative with each other to effect the rotation between the joints, so that the changing table can be moved between an operation position and a storage position. This invention may avoid accidental collapse of the changing table, and enable the users to conveniently fold/unfold the changing table single handed. |
| US07950080B2 |
Patient transfer mechanism and gurney equipped therewith
A patient transfer mechanism includes a horizontal frame positionable along the side of a bed; a support plate substantially coextensive with and fixedly mounted to the frame; and a movable transfer plate nominally resting on the support plate and being capable of being extended and retracted therealong while resting also partly on the bed; the transfer plate being covered throughout its movement by an adjustable length of fabric extending therearound, the length of fabric being adjusted proportional to and in synchronism with movement of the transfer plate in such manner that a variable upper planar extent of the length of fabric is fixedly positioned relative to an upper planar surface of the transfer plate, the transfer plate and the fabric being configured to transfer a patient from or to the bed. A gurney mounting such a patient transfer mechanism also is described. |
| US07950079B2 |
Method and apparatus for disposable spa chair pedicure basin sanitation
A spa chair pedicure basin sanitation liner that allows a user to enjoy the water agitation benefits of a water based pedicure foot massage while preventing infection from reused basin water. The liner includes a bottom portion and a plurality of sidewalls attached to the bottom portion. The bottom portion and the plurality of sidewalls define an inner volume, which is capable of containing a liquid, such as water, filled up to a particular liquid level. Disposed within the inner volume, is gas piping that defines a gas-carrying conduit. The gas piping includes a plurality of openings through which gas can pass into the inner volume. |